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06/09/1992
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Mayor — Jay C. Kim Mayor Pro Tem — Phyllis E. Papen Councilman —John A. Forbing Councilman -- Gary H. Werner Councilman — Gary G. Miller City Council Chambers are located at: South COastAir Quality Management DistrictAuditorium 21865 East Copley Drive MEETING DATE: June 9, 1992 Terrence L. Acting City Andrew V. Arczr nski THIS MEETING IS BEING BROADCAST LIVE BY JONES INTERCABLE FOR AIRING ON CHANNEL 51, AND BY REMAINING IN THE ROOM, YOU ARE GIVING YOUR PERMISSION TO BE TELEVISED. 1. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: MAYOR KIM ROLL CALL: Councilmen Forbing, Miller, Wermer, Mayor Pro Tem Papen, Mayor Kim 2. PUBLIC HEARING: 2.1 DRAFT GENERAL PLAN: The Diamond Bar General Plan is a statement by the local citizenry of what they feel is. in the best interest of their community. It serves as a blueprint for the type of community they desire for the future, and provides the means by which that future can be obtained. The General Plan expresses, in the form of text, maps and illustrations, the policies and programs necessary to create and maintain a functional, healthful and desirable environment in which to work and live. The Diamond Bar General Plan will serve as a comprehensive strategy for the management of growth and change in our commuity throughout the next twenty years. The Proposed General Plan addresses both the inc rp- orated city limits and its adopted sphere of influence. The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) prepared for the Diamond Bar General Plan addresses the environme tal impacts created by the Plan as well as mitigation measures for the impacts. The Draft Diamond Bar General Plan incorporates the s4Even required general plan elements (land use, housing, cpen space, conservation, safety, noise, and circulation) into five major sections: * Plan for Public Services and Facilities * Plan for Public Health and Safety - (Noise and .Safety Elements) * Plan for Community Development - (Land Use, Housing Elements) * Pian for Resource Management - Conservation and Open Space Elements) * Plan for Physical Mobility - (Circulation Element) a. The General Plan expresses a comprehensive strategy for the management of growth and change within the community throughout the next twenty years. A citizens' committee began in late 1989 to study the choices for the future of Diamond Bar. The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) concluded its JUNE 9, 1992 PAGE 2 activities in April 1992. The Planning Commission has 'studied the recommendations of GPAC and conducted ten (10) public hearings. The Commission has revised the General Plan and is forwarding its recommendations to the City Council for adopti n. Recommended Action: Begin the Public Hearing process on the General Plan, receive testim ny, forward comments to staff, review the Plan for Public Facilities, and continue the Hearing to June 16, 1992. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 4. ADJOURNMENT: CITY OF DIAMOND BAR NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING AND AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ) The Diamond Bar City Council will hold an Adjourned Reg lar Meeting at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, located at 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, California at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 1992. Items for consideration are listed on the attached agen4a. I, LYNDA BURGESS, declare as follows: I am the City Clerk in the City of Diamond Bar; that aopy of the Notice for the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Diamo d Bar City Council, to be held on June 9, 1992 was posted at teir proper locations. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of th State of California that the foregoing is true and correct a d that this Notice and Affidavit was executed this 5th day of une, 1992, at Diamond Bar, California. /s/ Lynda Burgess LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk City of Diamond Bar _ - p _vyl C�_ hlf - LC���;_�� ak .1st, � s Ca1� r�'�_c✓� ��e G(.rCt�I�•k�_�7 �. ����_ �'�� �r�[s�.��'_�t �1�1(1�ry . �,d S�Yf f y� 1:ro u., � _ fIr luz.� '1l k�l C46fl F Pr CCQ-Com- 7000, e G ..... c res ? -- tte._ - !� Aye rl1 �� Vis_ �- ��,��,�✓�� � Sr �� C���s �- �l� Gf�;� ���� -Q3 T3J J �t f ry �z (-Oil - _ w .. .. i fyc-2 �..-..... �-� ...:. )����-�K. b o /I ! j _ too")_ .......... 2o, Ice- Py, Gu m✓ccc� l �� S��Ci��C v"`���✓C�.�-� ��.X::�-LAS-- �' jC_,�-�1l1F'3 - 5'�`Y ��L� r � n 4F,, ' afP l .. �� J Imo. �\ Ccv- ,ti .. .. elu - . _f. .. /.. r..... _. ._ _... ZIP f v _�jj s - ��•:'� -—��z�c_��� CGS �`� C-C�zG � -- lJj `.- �1. ff lolf f n i -es -t 5 t S' !�C � , O � VOLUNTARY REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL TO: FROM: ADDRESS: ORGANIZATION: AGENDA #/SUBJECT: IN FAVOR OF/AGAINST? CITY CLERK DATE: Ct l Z1(o PHONE: I expect to address the Council on the subject agenda item. Please have the Council Min tes reflect my name and address as written above. Signature D TO: FROM: ADDRESS: ORGANIZATION: AGENDA #/SUBJECT: VOLUNTARY REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL IN FAVOR OF/AGAINST? CITY CLERK Sr- W n f DATE: — q -Z e`I n 1A3 C1e'%n FC] ® PHONE: -S .5 �1 I expect to address the Council on the subject agenda item. Please have the Council Mir1utes reflect my name and address as written above. r Signature CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AGENDA REPORT AGENDA NO. TO: Terrence L. Belanger, Acting City Manager MEETING DATE: June 9, 1992 REPORT DATE: June 5, 1992 FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development Director TITLE: General Plan SUMMARY: The General Plan expresses a comprehensive strategy for the m growth and changes within the community throughout the next twe citizen's committee began in late 1989 to study the choices for Diamond Bar. ,ement of years_ A future of The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) concluded its activity in April 1992. The Planning Commission has studied the recommendations f GPAC and conducted ten (14) public hearings. The Commission has revised the General Plan and is forwarding its recommendations to the City Council for adoption. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council begin the Public Hearing process on the General Plan, receive testimony, forward comments to staff, review the Plan for Public Facilities and continue the Hearing to June 16, 1992, LIST OF ATTACHMENTS: X Staff Report X Public Hearing Notification _ Resolution(s) Bid Specification (on file in City Clerk's Office) _ Ordinances(s) _ Agreement(s) X Other EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION: Library SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST: 1. Has the resolution, ordinance or agreement been reviewed Yes X No by the City Attorney? 2. Does the report require a majority or 415 vote? Majority 3. Has environmental impact been assessed? X Yes No 4. Has the report been reviewed by a Commission? X Yes ` No Which Commission? Planning 5. Are other departments affected by the report? X Yes No Report discussers with the following affected departments: _ Rg(IEWED BY: Terrence L. Belanger Assistant City Manager kes DeStefano Community Developipent Director ., CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AGENDA REPORT AGENDA NO, TO: Terrence L. Belanger, Acting City Manager MEETING DATE: June 9, 1992 REPORT DATE: June 5, 1992 FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development Director TITLE: General Plan SUMMARY: The General Plan expresses a comprehensive strategy for the n growth and changes. within the community throughout the next two citizen's committee began in late 1989 to study the choices for Diamond Bar. ,ement of years. A future of The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) concluded its activity in April 1992. The Planning Commission has studied the recommendations of GPAC and conducted ten (10) public hearings. The Commission has revised the General Plan and is forwarding its recommendations to the City Council for adoption. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council begin the Public Hearing process on the General Plan, receive testimony, forward comments to staff, review the Plan for Public Facilities and continue the Hearing to June 16, 1992. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:X Staff Report X Public Hearing Notification — Resolution(s) _ Bid Specification (on file in City Clark's Office) _ Ordinances(s) _ Agreement(s) X Other EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION: Library SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST: 1. Has the resolution, ordinance or agreement been reviewed Yes X No by the City Attorney? 2. Does the report require a majority or 4l5 vote? Majority 3. Has environmental impact been assessed? X Yes No 4. Has the report been reviewed by a Commission? X Yes No Which Commission? plane 5. Are other departments affected by the report? X Yes No Report discussed with the following affected departments: REYIEWED BY: 4A 1, c Terrence L. Belanger Saines DeStefano Assistant City Manager Community Develop ent Director MEETING DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL REPORT AGENDA NO. � June 9, 1992 Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Terrance L. Belanger Diamond Bar General Plan ISSUE STATEMENT: June 9, 1992 is the first of several public hearings to be held before the City Council as it prepares to adopt the City's first General Plan. The following presents background regarding General Plan requirements, the process of preparing the Diamond Bar General Plan, and specific issues discussed by the Planning Commission in their public hearings. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council begin the Public Hearing process on the General Plan, receive testimony, forward comments to staff, review the Plan for Public Facilities, and continue the Hearing to June 16, 1992. BACKGROUND: Throughout the last two and one-half years, a committee of dedicated and concerned residents (the General Plan Advisory Committee or GPAC) has studied the choices for the future of Diamond Bar. This GPAC has derived a course of action for future planning, and has shared its recommendations with the City of Diamond Bar's Planning Commission. The Planning Commission has conducted a series of public hearings so that residents could voice their opinions about the polidies outlined in the General Plan. The Commission has used the public input to revise the General Plan it is recommending to the Gity Council for adoption. DISCUSSION: The Diamond Bar General Plan is a statement by local citizens of what they feel is in the best interest of their community. it serves as a blueprint for the type of community they desire for the future, and provides the means by which that future can be obtained. Honorable Mayor & Members of the City Council June 9, 1992 Page Two The General Plan expresses, in the form of text, maps illustrations, the policies and programs necessary to creatE maintain a functional, healthful and desirable environment inti to work and .live. The Diamond Bar General Plan will serve comprehensive strategy for the management of growth and chant our community throughout the next twenty years. State Requirements for the General Plan and and rhich as a re in Local governments have the primary responsibility for the planning and regulation of land uses. State law requires that each city and county prepare and adopt a "comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development" of the community. This general plan must cover all incorporated territory and should go beyond the city limits to include "any land outside its boundaries which ears relation to its planning." (Sec. 65300) According to State guidelines for the preparation, of general plans, the role of the General Plan is to . act as a (constitution) for development, the foundation upon which all land use decisions are to be based. It expresses community development goals and embodies public policy relative to the distribution of future land use, both public and private." Thus the General Plan serves to: identify land use, circulation, environmental, fiscal and social goals and policies for the City and its surroun ing planning area as they relate to land use and development Provide a framework within which the Planning Commission and City Council can make land use decisions. Provide citizens the opportunity to participate in the planning and decision making process affecting the City and its planning area. Inform citizens, developers, decision makers and other agencies, as appropriate, of the City's basic rules which Jrili guide development within the City and provide a similar no ice as to how the City envisions development in the surrounding unincorporated portions of the planning area. State law requires that the General Plan include seven mandaory elements, each addressing a particular area of planning: The Land Use Element designates the general distribution intensity of uses of the land for housing, business, indus open space, education, public buildings and other catego of public and private uses. I es Honorable Mayor & Members of the City Council June 9, 1992 Page Three The Circulation Element is correlated with the land element and identifies the general location, exten- existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transports routes, terminals, and other local public utilities facilities. use of tion and The Housing Element is a comprehensive assessment of current and projected housing needs for all segments of the community and all economic groups. In addition, it embodies policies for providing adequate housing, and includes action pro rams for this purpose. The Conservation Element addresses the conserva ion, development and use of natural resources. The Open Space Element preserving open space for production of resources recreational needs. details plans and measures natural resources, and ma-. and outdoor passive and a, for ged ive The Noise Element identifies and apprises noise prob ems within the community and forms the basis for land use distribution. • The Safety Element establishes policies and programs to protect the community from risk associated with seismic, geologic, flood and fire hazards. General Plan Format The Diamond Bar General Plan incorporates the seven required elements into six major sections: Land Use, Housing, ResOlLrce Management, Public Health and Safety, Public Services and Facilities, and Physical Mobility. As part of the preparation of the Diamond Bar General Plan, several documents were prepared. The General Plan document, which is the subject of the public hearings to be undertaken by the City Council, consists of the goals, objectives, and strategies that the City Council will pursue to manage future growth and change. Pursuant to State law, a draft of the proposed Housing element forwarded to the California Department of Housing and Commun Development (HCD) for their review. HCD forwarded numex comments to the City. The Planning Commission reviewed the GPA housing recommendations, as well as HCD's comments, and m certain revisions to the housing portion of the General P1 Primary among the Planning Commissions housing recommendations the establishment of a locally supported housing improvement fur as ty 's is Honorable Mayor & Members of the City Council June 9, 1992 Page Four Mayor Issues Discussed by the Planning Commission 1, Disposition of Existing Open Space Lands: As part of the General Plan program, Planning Nei prepared an "Open hand Survey" to identify restrict: if any, that may have been created by Los Angeles Cc on the use of existing vacant lands within the Cit Diamond Bar as part of earlier subdivision activity reviewing subdivisions, Los Angeles County plat{ number of types of notes and use restriction! subdivision maps within what was to become the Cit Diamond Bar. These notes and restrictions ranged frc ambiguous "Parcel is not accepted as a public park.' clear prohibitions on future development. In reviewing these notes and restrictions, the Gen Plan Advisory Committee recommended that all lands such notes and restrictions be designated as "Open Sp on the General Plan Land Use map. The Planning Commis found, however, that many of the "restrictions" ambiguous, while others were not intended by the Co to be permanent, but were intended to require fur' hearings in front of the Board of Supervisors. I result, the Planning Commission eliminated the GP. policy, and made land use determinations on open land a case by case basis. In general, only lands that , clearly committed to open space, such as the hill: area behind the Gateway project, were designated as "t Space." 2. Tonner Canyon Road Extension: The General Plan Advisory Committee recommended t Tonner Canyon be preserved in its natural state, and t a regional roadway not be developed in the canyon transportation corridor for an acceptable alternat mode of transportation could, however, be permitt Following extensive discussion with the Traffic Transportation Commission, the Planning Commiss concluded that adequate policy direction could be ad to the General Plan to ensure that the construction c regional roadway through Tonner Canyon could oc provided that environmental impacts were mitigated, that a demonstration was made by the agencies propos the roadway that there would be significant, long -t traffic benefits to the City of Diamond Bar. 3. Specific Plan Designations for Tanner Canyon: ons, unty y of In !d a on of in an To ral Ith ce" ion my her s a C's on ere ide hat hat ; a ive ed. and f a ng rm Honorable Mayor & Members of the City Council June 9, 1992 Page Five Closely related to the issue of a regional ro through Tonner Canyon was the Planning Commiss. requirement that a Specific Plan designation be app to the entire existing sphere of influence area. Str; 1.6.2 of the Land Use Element reads: a. Encourage development of a specific plan pur! to the provisions of Government Code Section i for the Tonner Canyon area that will protect unique biological and open space resources, cl fiscal benefits for the City and enhance infrastructure, while minimizing future adi impacts to both the human and natural en.viroi of the City, as well as the region. Develol which would be appropriate and which coup designed to be compatible with the environme objectives for the area might include recreatic residential, and commercial uses. In addition, Tonner Canyon Specific Pian should make provi for a regional transportation corridor. Within specific Plan area, development at an equivalea 1.0 dwelling units per acre may be permitted. 4. Closure of Sunset Crossing: Significant testimony was received from residents of residential neighborhood north of Sunset Crossing weE the 57 freeway. This testimony uniformly supported General Plan's recommendation that Sunset Crossing nc connected through into the City of Industry. testimony also uniformly supported the recommenda included in the plan that Beaverhead not be tonne through to the City of Industry. These recommendat are included in the General Plan as recommended by Planning Commission. Administration of the General Plan Once adopted, the General Plan does not remain static. State Permits up to four amendments per year (Government Code sec away on's lied tegy uant 5450 its este its erse ment I be ntai the s ion this .t of the of the be The ion the law 1V11 65358) the most common amendment proposed is the land use designation of a particular property. From time to time portion of the plan may need revision in order to remain current. State law requires each City's planning agency to prepare an an ual report identitying progress in its implementation of the Gen ral Plan. Honorable Mayor & Members of the City Council June 9, 1992 Page Six The General Plan is not the same as zoning. Although both designate how land may be developed, they do so in different ways. The General Plan and its diagrams have a long-term outlook, identifying the types of development that will be allowed, the spatial relationships among land uses, and the general patten of future development. Zoning regulates present development th ough specific standards such as lot size, building setback, and a list of allowable uses. Review Process A series of public hearing dates have been established to rdview the various elements of the General Plan. I The schedule of review (subject to adjustments by the Council} is as follows: 1. Plan for Public Services and Facilities June 9, 1992 2. Plan for Public Health and Safety - (Noise and Sa Elements) June 16, 1992 3. Plan for Community Development - (Land Use Element) June 23, 1992 4. Plan for Community Development - (Housing Element) Plan for Resource Management -- (Conservation and Open S1 Elements) June 30, 1992 5. Plan for Physical Mobility - (Circulation Element) July 7, 1992 6. Final Review July 14, 1992 sessinent. anri Vwmi The General Plan document is accompanied and supported by a MaE Environmental Assessment which provides the factual basis for General Plan. In addition, an Environmental Impact Report (E was prepared for the General Pian. An Environmental Impact ReF is required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) address the impacts of the General Plan. The ETR has h developed as a "Program ETR" under the Guidelines of CE Therefore, it addresses the macro -scale environmental imps (please refer to Section I of the EIR). to ;ts Honorable Mayor & Members of the City Council June 9, 1992 Page Seven The Draft EIR on the General Plan was distributed by the City of Diamond Bar in late 1991. Comments that were received on the Draft EIR were reviewed by the General Plan consultant and City s aff, and responses to those comments were prepared. The Response to Comments document will be made part of the Final EIR. Public Hearingr Notification Public hearing notices were published within the San Gabriel valley Tribune and the Daily Bulletin in accordance with State law. In addition, public notices were published within the Diamond Bar Highlander and the Los Angeles Times. Public displays on the General Pian appear at the Diamond Bar Branch of the C unty Library, Security Pacific Bank, Bank of America and City all. Posters announcing the General Plan public hearing have een circulated within the community. General Plan documents have been Library and City Hall. Copies of the Hall. Additionally, a "loan" prop review of the plan at City Hall. PREPARED BY: available for review at Plan may be purchased at ram has been established the ,ity for Lloyd Zola, James DeStefano, Commui.ty Planning Network Development Director CITY OF DIAMOND BAR DRAFT GENERAL PLAN 1 . STAFF REPORT 2. GENERAL PLAN dated JUNE 1, 1992 3. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4. IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING 5. RESPONSE TO COMMENTS HOUSING ELEMENT 6. RESPONSE TO COMMENTS EIR 7. GPAC COMMENTS & REVISIONS 8. DEVELOPERS REQUESTS 9. LAND USE MAP dated June 1, 1992 JUNE S, 1992 2 ll -B The General Plan f. Noise. Identifies and appraises noise problems in the ccmmuni and possible solutions to any existing or foreseeable noise problems. Noise must be considered when establishing the pattern of land uses in the land use element. g. Safety. Plans for protecting community from fires, seismic and geologi- cal hazards. The general plan with its mandatory elements must meet the requirements contained in the state law or a court may deem it legally inadequate and prohibit issuance of any land use approvals until the defects are corrected. Thus, it is imperative that a city make sure that the mandatory elements follow all statutory criteria. Camp v. Mendocino, 123 Cal. App, 3d 334 (1981); Twain riartle Homeowners Association, Inc, v. Tuolumne, 138 Cal. App. 3d 664 (1 82); Concerned Citizens of Calaveras Co. v. County cf Calaveras, 166 Cal. Ap D. 3d 90 (1985); and Buena Vista Gardens Apartments Assn. v. City of San Dieg , 175 Cal. App. 3d 289 (1985). For example, the court in the Camp case invalidated Mendocino CoL nty's noise element because it did not include all the required information. In Iwain Harte, the court ruled that the land use and circulation elements were i ade- quate. It stated the land use element failedto include standards of popu ation density and building intensity as required by Governme:it Code §65302(a). Also, Government Code § 65302(b) requires the circulation element to be correlated with the land use element. The court could not determine from the evidence whether, in fact, the circulation element was correlated with the !and use elerrent, and thus concluded that itwas not. Similarly, in Concerned Citizens of Cala eras County, the court invalidated a general plan because the circulation e!ementWas not correlated with the land use element. Alt. ouch the land use e€ ent projected rapid population growth, the circulation e!ement's only proposed solution for anticipated traffic deficiencies was to ask other govern ental agencies for money. In Buena Vista, the court held that a permit for a planned resid ntial development code not be approved until the city demonstrated actual c mpli- ance with the housing element law, which requires programs to conserve and improve the condition of existing affordable housing stock_ In addition to the seven mandatory elements: tinle general plan may in lude any other elements or address any other subjects ;,vhich, in the judgment f the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the city. (Government Code § 65303.) However, once a permissive elerrent has been adopted, ii is as important andl Jegally binding as a mandatory one. Some cities have adopted their elements individually, one at a time, a practice that may create a number of problems, particularly if the elements have been prepared and adopted over many years. Ai the very least, it makes in ernal consistency difficult to maintain, results in needless duplication and bulk, and makes review and use difficult Some cities have combined two or more state -mandated elemer ts, a procedure authorized in Government Code §§ 65301 and 65302. Wher ele- ments are combined, the document ought to include an explicit statement of how its contents relate to state planning requirements. Further, all elements have equal legal status; in Sierra Club v. Kern Co., 126 Cal. App. 3d 698 (1981), the court voided the "precedence clause," giving one element priority over an ther. In certain circurnstances, a city need only address a mandatory e!e ent if it is necessary to address it in that area (Government Code § 65302.1). Also, the general plan and specific plan must be consistent with adapted 11-B The General Plan 1 THE GENERAL PLAN Before 1971, a city's general plan was usually considered just a guideline for growth. In fact, prior to 1971, Government Code Section 65860 read in'full: "No county or city shall be required to adopt a general plan prior to the adoption of a zoning ordinance." The major change in California planning law practice since 1971 is the growing importance of general plans. State laws now require that land use approvals be consistent with a city's general plan. The general plan has taken on a very important legal meaning. As the Attorney General stated in 58 Ops. Cal. Atty. Gen. 21, 23 (1975): A study of the 1971 and subsequent statutory changes makes it clear that the Legislature intended that local government engage in the discipline of setting forth their development policies, objectives and standards in a general plan composed of various elements of land use. ...The general plans and their constituent elements are now the local constitutions to which all local development in its many and varied phases shall repair. The appellate courts also have discussed the importance of the general plan. In City of Santa Ana v. City of Garden Grove, 100 Cal. App. 3d 521, 532 (1979), the court of appeal, in explaining the general plan legislation of 1971, stated it has "... transformed the general plan from just an 'interesting study' to the basic land use charter governing the direction of future land use in the local jurisdiction... , As a result, general plans now embody fundamental land use decisions that guide the future growth and development of cities." In Friends of "B Street, et. al. v. City of Hayward, et al., 106 Cal. App. 3d 988 (1980), the court held that the construction of public improvements must be consistent with the general plan and stated that the plans is, in short, a constitution for all future development within the city. General Plan Elements Under the state planning law, each city must adopt a comprehensive, long- term general plan for the physical development of a city and of any land outside its boundaries which, in its judgment, bears relation to its planning. (Government Code § 65300.) The general plan and its elements should comprise an inte- grated, internally consistent and compatible statement of policy for the adopting agency. The general plan not only includes a text, but also a diagram or map. Under state law, each city's general plan must contain the following seven mandatory elements: a. Land Use. Designates proposed general location and distribution of land uses; includes standards of population dens€ty and building intensity. b. Circulation. Consists of general location and extent of transportation facilities and public utilities all correlated with the land use element. c. Housing. Provides for housing development for all economic segments of the community. d. Conservation. Provides for the conservation, development and utilization of all natural resources. e. Open Space. Regulates open space for preservation and managed production of natural resources, outdoor recreation and public health and safety. 4 11-B The General Plan In Friends of "B" Street v. City of Hayward, 106 Cal. App. 3d 988 (1980, the appellate court stated that the City of Hayward could not proceed with a p iblic works project because it was missing its noise element and therefore the pr Dject could not conform to a valid general plan. Further, if a general plan is legally inadequate, an environmental impact report on a project is "prepared in a vacuum." In Guardians of Turlock's Integrity v. Turlock City Council, 149 Cal. App. 3d 584 (1983), the court stated, "The lack of a noise element in the general plan resulted in a subversion of CEQA, because the lack of a necessary foundation as to the level of acceptable noise mad the EIR deficient." It is important to note that if a challenge to a land use action is based on an illegal general plan, it must be shown that the illegal aspect of the general Plan is relevant to the use sought, Neighborhood Action Group, supra. In summary, zoning (with the possible exception of charter cities other han Los Angeles) , subdivisions, use permits and other land use approvals muAt be consistent with the entire general plan, and the general plan must contain NI of the mandatory elements, unless an element is found not necessary pursua t to Government Code 65302,1. Otherwise, the city's action is subject to legal attack. Consistency By law,censistency exists between the city's land -use action and the ger era) plan when a city has officially adopted such a pian and the various land qses approved are compatible with the objectives, Policies, general land uses and programs specified in the plan. The following is an excellent rule for consistsicy: "An action, program or project is consistent with the general plan if, considE ring all its -aspects, it will further the objectives and policies of the general plan and not obstruct their attainment." General Plan Guidelines, pg. 217 (Gover or's Office of Planning and Research, Sacramento, June 1987). Charter cities, except for Los Angeles, appear to be exempt from the consistency mandate because of Government Code Section 65803, w ich state sthat thezoninglaw does not applytochartercities.Howeverthisexce tion is only for zoning and is not an exception for consistency in subdivisional rnap approval, public works construction, or other land use approvals. Even though charter cities are statutorily exempt from the zoning cor sis- tency requirements, the court in Cityof Del Marv. Cityof San Diego, 133 Cal. pp. 401, 414 (1982), implied that zoning consistency may be constitutional) re- quired: I I While the trial court was correct in concluding that charter cities such as San Diego are statutorily exempt from the technical zone consistency requirement contained in Government Code section 65860, Del Mar persuasively argues that a city's general plan may be viewed in many ways as the city's articulated perceptions of what constitutes the locale's 'general welfare.' Thus, to the extent that a city approves a zoning ordinance which is inconsistent with the city's general plan, the inconsis- tency must at least give rise to a presumption that the zoning ordinance does not reasonably relate to the community's general welfare, and therefore constitutes an abuse of the city's police power. Whether or not a specific plan is consistent with the general plan is left u to the judgement of the city council. Since this is a legislative decision ,judicial review will be limited to whether the council acted arbitrarily, capricious) or without any evidentiary support, or whether it failed to follow proper proced res 11-B The General Plan 3 airport land use plans as required by Public Utilities Code § 21675, unless specific findings are made regarding any inconsistencies (Government Code § 65302.3). Effect of a Deficient General Plan Since the mid-1970s every city has been required to have a general plan with all of the seven mandatory elements, unless it has received an extension from the Director of the Office of Planning and Research (Government Code § 65361). An OPR extension prevents lawsuits pending completion of a general plan update, but it does not validate previously approved land use permits from the require- ment of conformity to a valid general plan. Resource Defense Fund v. Co.. of Santa Cruz, 133 Cal. App. 3d 800, 803 (1982). What happens if a city does not have a completed and updated general plan? The Attorney General commented on this in 58 Ops. Cal. Atty. Gen. 21, 24 (1975): ... Consequently, it is our opinion that a county or general law city must have had a general plan in effect at the latest by January 1, 1974, with the elements which were then and are now required, in order that the local legislative body in adopting a zoning ordinance may comply with the consistency requirements. Obviously, as the section itself states, such consistency with a general plan cannot be found unless ' the city or county has officially adopted such a plan. '(Government Code § 65860). Suppose a city lacks a noise, safety, or housing element, or an element does not meet mandatory statutory criteria, or its general plan is internally inconsistent. " Even though -a city finds that a proposed rezoning is consistent with existing ;? r general plan elements, the rezoning is nonetheless invalid. In Sierra Club v. Kern County, 126 Cal. App. 3d 698, 704 (1981), the court stated in part: "Since the general plan was internally inconsistent, the zoning ordinance.. . could -not be consistent with such plan (Government Code § 64860) and was invalid when passed." In Resource Defense Fund, supra, at 806, the court stated: "Since consistency with the general pian is required, absence of a valid general plan or relevant elements thereof, precludes any enactment of zoning ordinances and the like." In CityofCarmel v. Monterey County, 137 Gal. App. 3d 964 (1982), the court upheld the trial court's decision that a use permit was necessarily void because the general plan was inadequate. Conditional use permits must also be ccnlsistent with the general plan. In Neighborhood Action Group v. County of Calaveras, 156 Cal. App. 3d 1176 (1984), the court stated that a conditional use permit was invalid since the county's general plan, and its noise element in particular, did not conform to the relevant statutory criteria. This case criticized and superseded an earlier contrary ruling in Hawkins v. County of Marin, 54 Cal. App. 3d 586 (1976). Subdivision approval can also be hampered by an inadequate general plan. It is quite clear from case law that if one of the elements is missing, or if an element is inadequate, there cannot be a legal consistency finding with the general plan. in Save El Toro Assn. v. Days, et al., 74 Cal, App. 3d 64 (1977), the court stated that the city's ordinances were not sufficient to constitute a comprehensive and long-range open space plan, as required by Government Cede Section 65563. The city failed to formulate inventory maps to be used in conducting an inventory of the open space resources available. Because the city had not adopted a valid open space,plan, it could not approve any subdivisions. In Camp v. Mendocino, 123 Cal. App. 3d 334 (1981), the court held that the county could not approve a subdivision when some of the general plan elements were inadequate. 6 Y -B The General Plan (Government Code § 65352). These agencies have 45 days to comment. This referral is directory, not mandatory, and failure to comply does not inva€idat a the adoption of the general plan or any amendment. Also, the planning agency shall render an annual report to the city council on the status of the plan and the progress in its implementation (Government Code § 65400). Further, before adopting a general plan or any amendment, the Calif rnia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) must be addressed. CEQA applies to a op- tion or amendment of a general plan (see Section II -E of this handboo for specific CEQA applications), The Housing Project One of the most detailed and sometimes controversial elements 4 the housing element. State law (Government Code § 65580 et seq.) detail the contents of housing elements_ An assessment must be undertaken of the housing needs of al! econ mic segments of the community, and a program must be formulated to meet t i6se needs. Housing need is determined by calculating the community's fair shz re of the regional housing needs. That share is initially determined by the appropriate council of governments (COG), or by the Department of Housing and Commu- nity Development in those areas where a COG does not exist. If a comm n4y disagrees with the COG's determination, it may include its own determinati n in its housing element, with all data justifying its conclusion. In addition to the assessment of housing need and the development of a housing program, a housing element must include; (1) An analysis of exi 3ting household characteristics; (2) An inventory of land suitable for resid ntial development; (3) An analysis of governmental constraints on the cleve€oprrient of housing; (4) An analysis of non-governmental constraints on the development of housing; and (5) An analysis of special housing needs, such as thosef the elderly or handicapped. The housing program is developed by identifying adequate sites foravriety of types of housing for all income levels, by addressing governmental constraints on the development of housing, by conserving and improving the conditi n of existing affordable housing stock, and by promoting housing opportunities forall persons in the community. The following provisions of the housing element law should be noted: ■ The Department of Housing and Community Development's Housing Ele ment Guidelines must be considered by the city, even though they ar advisory (Government Code § 65585). • All comments made by the Department in its review of local housing elements are advisory. t The burden of proving that a city's determination of its fair share i reasonable does not rest with the city. The law further provides that a city is not required to expend local revs ues for the construction of housing, housing subsidies, or land acquisition; For to disapprove any residential development which is consistent with the ge eral plan. With certain limited exceptions, each city must have brought its ho sing element into compliance by October 1, 1981 (Government Code § 65586) The element must be revised periodically, not less than every five years. For cities within the regional jurisdiction of the Southern California Association of Govern- it -B The General Plan 5 and give the notice required by law. Mitchell v. County of Orange, 165 Cal. App. 3d 1185 (1985); Environmental Council v. Board of Supervisors, 135 Cal. App. 3d 428 (1982). Referenda must also comply with the consistency requirement. In deBottari v. Norco City Council, 171 Cal. App. 3d 1204, 1214 (1985), the court upheld the city's refusal to put a properly certified zoning referendum on the ballot, because the repeal of the ordinances would cause an inconsistency with the general plan. The court stated that since "the requirement of consistency is the linchpin of California's land use law and development laws.... We are not persuaded that the principle must now be sacrificed on the altar of an invalid referendum." The courts have also ruled on the consistency of subdivisions with general plan. In Greenebaum v. City of Los Angeles, 153 Cal, App, 3d 391 (1984), the court stated that the Map Act does not require an exact match between the tentative map and the general plan or specific plan. The requirement is only that the tentative map be in agreement or harmony. For a good discussion on consistency see "The Consistency Doctrine: Continuing Controversy" Chapter 6, page 77, Zoning and Planning Law Hand- book, Storm, 1982, Clark Boardman Co., Ltd. In 1982 the Legislature added comprehensive and specific provisions (Government Code § 65750 et. seq.), for challenging the adequacy of a general plan. The action must be brought pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1085 (traditional mandamus) and must be brought within the statute of limitations period set forth in Government Code Section 65009 (basically a 120 -day limitation). If the plan is judicially determined to be inadequate, the law specifies which actions of the city are affected, including rezonings and subdivision approvals, It also specifies time limits for correcting the general plan defects. The - - law also details other relief the court can grant during the life of the suit. A detailed reading of those sections and Government Code Section 65009 are needed if a lawsuit is brought on this issue. Procedure for Adoption The adoption of a general plan or any amendments must follow the proce- dures specified in Government Code Section 65350, et seq. The adoption is by resolution, and if a city has a planning commission, it must conduct at least one public hearing followed by a city council hearing. The planning commission approval must be done by an affirmative vote of not less than a majority of its total voting members (Government Code §§ 65354 no 65356). This last point is quite important. State law restricts amendments to any one of the mandatory elements of the general plan to four per year. However, the restriction does not apply to amendments for affordable housing projects. Also, many changes can be made in any one of the elements at the same time and they will be considered together as only one amendment. 66 Ops. Cal. Atty. Gen. 258 (1985)_ This requirement eliminates the necessity of making continual general plan amendments every time an inconsistency between a proposed zoning action and the general plan surfaces. This limitation tends to further focus attention upon basic land use questions rather than the all -too -frequent, narrow inquiry, "How good is this particular project?" When a city considers a general pfan or an amendment, the law directs that it be referred to the planning agency of the county, every county and city which `= N, the city abuts, the local agency formation commission, any affected area -wide planning agency, the state clearinghouse, and affected federal agencies 11-B The G$neral Plan 7 ments the first two revisions shall be accomplished on a staggered time basis depending on locality beginning on July 1, 1984 (Government Code § 65588). In the latest case reviewing housing element law, Buena Vista Gardens Apartments Assn. v. City of San Diego, 175 Cal. App. 3d 289 (1985), the court held that a permit for planned residential development in San Diego could not be approved until the city demonstrated substantial compliance with Government Code Section 65583(c)(4), requiring housing development programs to con- serve and improve the condition of existing affordable housing stock. The court noted that the substantial compliance standard for housing elements enunciated in Bownds v. Cityof Glendale, 113 Cal. App. 3d 875 (1980), is no longer accurate. The issue of substantial compliance now involves an inquiry into whether there has been "actual compliance." Specific Plans The specific plans can be an effective tool for the implementation of general plan policies and priorities. (See "Specific Plans in the Golden State," office of Planning and Research, August 1988.) To encourage its use, cities are allowed to impose a specific plan fee for governmental approvals which are required to be consistent with the specific plan (Government Code § 65456). These fees defray the cost of preparation of the specific plan. To assist and encourage cities and developers to use specific plans, Government Code § 65457 exempts, with certain exceptions, residential devel- opment projects from further California Environmental Quality Act requirements if they are consistent with a specific plan. The authority for specific plans is contained in Government Code Sections _ 65450 et seq. The procedure for adoption of a specific plan is basically the same as for a general plan except that it may be amended as often as necessary. Zoning, subdivisions, public works projects and development agreements must be consistent with the adopted specific plan. Also, land projects (second home recreational use) must be consistent with a specific plan and, in fact, one must be adopted prior to a land project approval (Government Code §66474.5). CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION DRAFT GENERAL PLAN Goals, Objectives & Strategies as of June 1, 1992 1. LAND USE W---�- ... INTRODUCTION Planning for the long-range use of land in the City is akin to fitting together the pieces of a three-dimensional jiKsaw puzzle. each "piece" of land has unique opportunities and constraints, but may also have many needs er conditions that are shared by surrounding pieces, such as utilities, fire protection, and noise. Each piece must be weighed individually, as well as together with surrounding pieces as an integrated whole. finally, all pieces must be weighed together to assure that their combined pattern best fulfills the short- and long-term needs of the community. The Plan for Community Development of the General Plan provides a framework to unify and organize these "pieces" around several central themes, so that development of remaining open land Nvill enhance these themes and strengthen Diamond Bar's community identity. B. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS California law requires that each city and county prepare and adopt a comprehensive, long term general plan for its physical development. Government Code Section 65302(a) requires that local general plans include a land use element as part of the required general plan. This requirement is intended to ensure that communities achieve and maintain a logical land use pattern, as well as standards for population density and development intensity which is consistent with community goals and objectives. Thus, the land use element I:as the broadest scope of the general plan elements required by State law. y C. EXISTING CONDITIONS Diamond Bar is located at the junction of two major southern California freeways (57 and 60) in the southeastern corner of Los Angeles County. AIthough touted as one of the first planned communities in the west, it developed mainly as individual detached single family residential tracts, with a minimal amount of commercial and other non-residential uses. The City incorporated in 1989, after developing under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County for almost 30 years. historical patterns of development under the County have created isolated multi -family areas, small commercial centers with limited access, and a general fragmentation of uses in the City. RESIDENTIAL USES Diamond Bar is comprised of rolling hills and valleys between rapidly urbanizing freeway corridors (west and north) and the undisturbed .Toaner Canyon (east and south). According to the California Department of Finance, the City has aw4otal of 17,664 dwelling units that presently house a population of 53,672 residents (1990). The City is primarily residential, with 4,952 acres (52 percent) of the land developed for housing. Single family detached units represent the majority of the City's housing stock (12,589 units or 71.3 percent). The remaining 5,060 units are attached (multi -family) units with 4,132 condominiums (23.3 percent), 649 apartments (3.7 percent), and 294 mobile homes (1.7 percent). Approximately 616 of the single family units (5 percent) are on large, "rural" residential lots (one acre or more). In general, development densities are greater in the flatter portions of the City (west), while larger lots predominate in the upland areas (east). Along the 57 and 60 freeway corridors, single family lots are generally under 10,000 square feet. Detached single family development in these areas have been built at 5-8 dwelling units per acre, which represents over half of the City's entire housing stock. While single family development predominates, multi -family projects DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE I-1 June 1, 1992 can be found along Diamond Bar Boulevard, south of Grand, and on Golden Spring Drive, north of D amond Bar Boulevard. These developments usually occupy small sites along major roadways, and are built at 10-20 units per acre. 14e Wre dense multi-farnily projects (16 units per acre) are usually older condominiums approved by Los Angeles County prior to incorporation. This western half of the City generally cant ins the older housing, built in the 1960's and early 70's. The City also has four apartment complexes of m derate density (10.9-16.7 units per acre), with most located on major arterials such as Diamond Bar Boulevard. Typical of most affluent suburban communitic;s in hillside areas, lot size, unit size, and unit price in D amoral Bar generally increase with the degree of slope. East of Diamond Bar Boulevard, development Jensity (units/acre) decreases as lot size increases. "The Country", a private gate -guarded community, contains 616 homes and occupies 855.5 acres along and just west of the ridge separating the City from Tonner Canyon. Here, lots may be several acres or more, depending on the severity of the slope. 2. NON-RESIDENTIAL USES Non-residential uses comprise 1,867 acres or 19.5 percent of the City's land area. Commercial uses Occupy 182 acres (1.9 percent of total), mainly located along Diamond Bar Boulevard and portions of Golden 5prings Drive/Colima Road. Office uses occupy approximately 140 acres, with a major I10 -acre corporate office complex located just east of the southern intersection of the 57 and 60 freeways; this Gateway Co rate Center is presently less than half completed. Approximately 84 acres of industrial/business park u es are located along Brea Canyon Road, north of Lycoming Avenue. Parks, public facilities, open space, an roads occupy the remaining 1,463 acres (18.4 percent). The building areas shown in 'Fables 1-1 and I-2 are for existing commercial, office, and light industrial uses and were calculated based on representative samples of shopping centers, office parks, and industrial parks within Diamond Bar. Building area can be estimated based on Floor Area Ratio (FAR), or the rutio of building area in square feet divided by the total area of the site (in square feet). For example, a buildin z with 17,500 square feet on a 1 acre site (43,560 square feet) has an FAR of 0.40 (17,500 divided by 43,560). ?.ocal leasing companies were contacted to obtain total site and building square footages. Detailed d ita on local FARs was not available, because most shopping centers support a variety of commercial, office, ;ind/or business park uses. However, a selective but representative survey of local centers indicates the foli wing FARs are most applicable to Diamond Bar uses, and can be considered representative for planning pu ses: Commercial 0.24, Office = 0.38, and Business Park = 0.32. Other major non-residential land uses include the Diamond Bar Golf Course (178 acres), schools (158 e cres), and parks (109 acres). At present, there are 2,764 acres of vacant open land potentially available for development and/or preservation. The largest parcel of vacant land is the Tres Hermanos property, at the northeast corner of the City, between Grand Avenue and the Pomona (60) Freeway. Figure I-1 shows the location of existing land uses within Diamond Bar. 3. SPHLaRE OF INFLUENCE The City of Diamond Bar's sphere of influence, as presently approved by the Los Angeles County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), encompasses 3,591 acres immediately south of the City limits to the Los Angeles/Orange County border. This sphere area represents the middle portion of Tonner Ca iyon, an undeveloped northeastisouthwest trending wooded canyon. This portion of the canyon is presently ewned by the Boy Scouts of America and utilized for their Firestone Boy Scout Reservation. The Scout Reservation is an unimproved camping facility, and the only improved uses in the canyon are scattered campg ound support buildings, a water tower on the southern ridge, and a commercial radio tower on the northern fidge. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN; LAND USE June 1, 1992 I-2. i • • Table I-1 City -'.Vide Land Use (1990) Residential Subtotal 4,952.4 17,664 100.0 51.7 RESIDENTIAL EXISTING USES PERCENT OF PERCENT OF LAND USES ACRES UNITS RESIDEN'T'IAL TOTAL ACRES Rural/Hillside 855.5 616 17.3 8.9 Single Family 3656.8 11,973 73.3 38.2 Multi -Family 440.1 5,075 8.9 4.6 Condominiums 350.2 4,132 7.1 3.7 Apartments 67.8 649 1.4 0.7 Mobile Homes 22.1 294 0.5 0.2 Residential Subtotal 4,952.4 17,664 100.0 51.7 EXISTING USES PERCENT OF : NON-RESIDENTIALACRES SQ. FI. NON- PERCENT Off' LAND USES RESIDENTIAL TOTAL ACRES Commercial 181.8 1,901,000 9.7 1.9 Office 138.5 2,293,000 7.4 1.4 Business Park 83.6 1,165,000 4.5 0.9 Public Facilities 211.7 11.3 2.2 Parks/Rec/Open Land 464.2 24.9 0.5 Fwys/Major Roads 787.1 42.2 8.2 Non -Residential Subtotal 1,866.9 5,359,000 100.0 19.5 Vacant Land 2,763.7 0 28.9 TOTAL 9,583.0 100.0 DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE I-3 Ione 1, 1992 Table I-2 Sphere of Influence Land Use (1990) EXISTING USESRESIDENTIAL, PERCENT OF PERCENT OF LAND USES ACMES UNITS RESIDENTIAL TOTAL ACRES Rural/Hillside Single Family Multi -Family Condominiums Apartments Mobile Homes Residential Subtotal EXISTING USES . PERCENT OF. NON-RESIDENTIAL , . ACRES SQFTNON- PER ENT OF LAND USES RESIDENTIAL TOTAI ACRES Commercial Office Business Park Public Facilities 1.7 0.05 0.05 Parks/Rec/Open Land 3,589.3 99.95 99.95 Fwys/Major Roads Non -Residential Subtotal 3,591.0 100.0 Vacant Land TOTAL 3,591.0 1 100.0 DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June 1, 1992 I.4 • • • 60 C, C- z CL In 17% o 200 Z U < 0 S 5j-,VololN C) �o 9 LU cn D CX z Uj L� U QD F,�7� x 60 C, C- z CL In 17% o 200 Z U < 0 S 5j-,VololN C) �o 9 D. C)MMUNT11TY DEVELOPMENT ISSLTTS 1 -he four major lWsd We issues identified in the Master Environmental Assessment are: 1) land use mix (including open space and economic implications); 2) capacities of the natural and man-made environment to accommodate growth (infrastructure and service costs); 3) City image, including community design and land use Compatibility); and 4) local versus regional needs and short-term versus long-term solutions (especially concerning circulation). 1. LAM? USE MIX a. open Space The preservation of open spaces, especially hillside areas, is a major policy decision facing the City of Diamond Bar. There are several significant open or hillside areas Ieft in the City, but they are under increasing pressure to develop. A major issue that must be addressed involves the status of restrictions against buildings previously approved by the County. Some of these open space areas were precluded from development as a condition of approval for an adjacent tract. Often, these areas were calculated as the open space requirement for the adjacent development, even though the County did not accept dedication. In some instances, additional density was granted to the adjacent development in exchange for retaining these areas as open space. These areas were often dedicated for environmental reasons or because they had physical constraints, and would create high maintenance costs to the County or high development costs to the owner, As land becomes more valuable (more costly) in Diamond Bar, these higher costs become less of a restriction to development. It can be expected that the City will be asked to reconsider development of some of these lands previously designated as open space. Whether or not these open space areas are allowed to develop is thus a policy issue for the City rather than a property right. Individual property owners with large, hillside lots may also wish to re -subdivide their lots and increase the number of allowable units. The individual property owner would reap an economic benefit, and more individuals would have access to hillside lots. However, there would be a decrease in the actual, and perceived, amount of open space that characterizes the community. There are also different forms of open space. For example, a tract might grade a slope to create a pad of homes and a recreation area. While the natural, passive open space area is lost, a man-made, active open space is created. In each case, the City must decide what type of open space best captures the community vision it wishes to create, while recognizing the interdependency of such factors as maintenance and fire Protection costs. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should preserve a majority of its remaining open land. b. Economics The City presently has a modest budget with a small operating reserve. However, municipal costs generally tend to increase faster than revenues, and service needs can be expected to increase faster Than services can be provided. Therefore, the City should control service costs while seeking ways to increase City revenues. City governments have only two ultimate sources of revenue: local residents and businesses. From these sources, cities derive property taxes from both but sales tax revenues from only local businesses. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE 1-6 June I, 199' The City could attempt to increase property tax revenues. While resale and new houses in the City command fairly high prices (slightly over $300,000), market research shows that home prices must exceed half a million dollars before prc*art ax revenues approach municipal costs for service. In addition, after the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, cities receive a much lower proportion of their revenues from local property taxes. Available data also indicates that lower priced single family, condominiums, and other attached multi -family housing cost proportionately more for services than they generate revenues. A second source, of additional revenue to the City would be in sales taxes generated by expanded or new local businesses. In general, market research shows that retail commercial uses generate significantly positive municipal revenues compared to costs. By comparison, business park uses generally "break even", while office uses cost more to serve than the revenues they produce for a City. The third source of additional revenues for the City would be a new or higher user fees, taxes, or service assessments. There are a variety of such charges available to cities that can be applied to either residents and/or businesses. For these reasons, economic factors are closely tied to land use decisions; the amount and variety of non-residential (especially commercial) uses allowed in the City will largely define its revenue options as it determines the types of services it can provide. Aside from property taxes and per capita subventions, sales taxes are often the largest source of municipal revenues. However, the post Proposition 13 pendulum may swing some other way in the future, and it is important for the City to make sound land use decisions based on the long-term quality of the living environment, rather than solely on the economic benefits o� unpredictable market trends. There are four fundamental marketing strategies that cities typically employ, relative to commercial land, to generate positive municipal revenues/costs. Cities can choose attract low to middle range shoppers, or they may decide to focus on upper or high-end buyers. Depending on location, cities can also choose between attracting local buyers, or exploit more regional shoppers. Fortunately, Diamond Bar can take advantage of all of these marketing strategies to maximize its economic diversity. The City could develop an area with good freeway visibility and access for high-end specialty commercial and office uses. These uses could attract local but also a considerable amount of regional shoppers as well. High end office uses could also be located nearby to support these commercial uses. There are also several large shopping centers in the City with good freeway visibility and access which can support regional, freeway -serving, or community commercial uses. Smaller shopping centers located on major streets within the developed portions of Diamond Bar should be oriented mainly for local use. The City also has the potential to take advantage of regional mid-range shopping opportunities in the undeveloped northeastern portion of the City, along the Pomona freeway. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to encourage a variety of new or expanded commercial uses and other non-residential development, as well as investigate other funding mechanisms, to help finance City sen ices. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE 1-7 June 1, 1992 2. CAPABILITIES OF THE NATURAL AND 1NIAN-MADE ENVIRON Natural Resources Events of this decade have highlighted our limited regional resources, such as air quality, water, ad solid waste disposal. As a new city, Diamond Bar needs to establish its own position on these environmental issues. Although the City is largely built out, additional growth could place unacceptable limits on sensitive o scarce resources. ISSUE ANALYSIS: 77iere is a need for the Ciry to plan for growth in ways that protet and conserve natural resources and the environment. b. Infrastructure Capabilities At present, the City has a fairly new infrastructure system and operates its services with a slight su lus of revenues_ However, as the City ages, maintenance and service costs go up faster than municipal revenues increase at a similar ratio. The current mix of land uses within the City is insufficient to adequately fund long-range capital and operating needs. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to plan now for the maintenance of existing faciliti , fund newfacilities, and supportfuture services to continue the high quality of Life in Diamond Bar. 3. CITY IMAGE a. Master Planned Community A major land use issue in Diamond Bar's vision of the future is the overall image the community wis es to achieve. In certain respects, Diamond Bac presents opportunities similar to those of a Mediterranean s port village. Earth -tone walls, red -tiled roofs, and green landscaping seem to terrace up and away from a Iow vantage point. For Diamond Bar, the main vantage points are along the 57 and 60 freeways, instead of the ocean. The views from the freeway are the City's signature, and the open spaces visible from the fr ways represent an opportunity to enhance and define the image Diamond wishes to project. Although touted as the first master -planned community in the west, Diamond Bar is essentially a series of individual residential tracts, with local commercial and multiple family projects located at arterial intersections. As such, it lacks certain unifying features that provide a focus for the City, and which serve to reinforze the sense of community. However, the City has a reputation as a "good community", and thus has many options as to the image it can project in the future. The vision of the General Plan offers the opportunity to unify these elements into a mire cohesive community. ISSUE ANALYSIS: 77iere is a need to foster a City image that reflects and comtrtunity's high quality of life. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN; LAND USE June 1, 1992 the W.; • • b. Land Use Compatibility A major goal of thWc nunity is to protect existing neighborhoods that represent a benefit to the community. At the same time there are outside pressures on the City to help solve regional traffic problems. in general, housing densities, types of units, and lot sizes should be maintained in established residential areas. The desire to maintain existing uses must be weighed against eliminating uses that arc not compatible, or that are not appropriate for a specific area. Remedial action may range from eliminating or minirnizing conflicts (walls to block freeway noise), to designating areas for more appropriate uses. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to maintain existing uses in neighbor;^oads except where they are inappropriate or incompatible with surrounding uses. 4. LOCAL VS. REGIONAL NEEDSISHORT-TERM VS. LONG TERM SOLUTIONS a. Circulation Diamond Bar presently provides a number of "short cuts" for regional commuters daring periods of freeway congestion. The City may choose to continue to absorb through traffic, and depend on other agencies, such as the State, to take appropriate treasures to relieve regional congestion which would ultimately free up local roads for predominately local use. However, the City's vision or goal is to reserve most of its streets for local traffic, and it should explore the opportunities. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a strong desire to prevent regional commuter trafficfrom impacting Wal traffic. E. LAND USE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND INIPLEVIENTATION STRATEGIES "ITIS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS OF DIAMOND BAR ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ITS RESIDENTS. " GOAL 2 "Maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the quality of life of Diamond Isar residents, consistent with its desire to maintain its quality and distinctiveness as a planned community." Objective LI Establish a land use classification system and development to guide the public and private use of land within the City and its sphere of influence. Strategies: 1.1.1 Identify residential land use categories to provide an appropriate range of housing types for residential development within the City and its sphere of influence. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE I-9 June 1, 1992 a. Identify hillside areas with an average slope greater than 25 per ent as Rural Residential (RR) on the Land Use map. The maximum gross ensity . of Rural Residential will be 1.0 dwelling unit per gross acre (I du/ c). b. Identify established master planned single family neighborhoods Low Density Residential (RL) on the land Use map. The maximum de sity of Low Density Residential areas will be 3.0 dwelling units per gross ere (3 du/ac). C. Identify existing single family detached residential. subdivisions ar Density Residential (RLNI) on the Land Use map. The maximum `Lotwy of Low Medium Density Residential areas will be 6.0 dwelling un is per gross acre. (6 du/ac). d. Identify townhome, condominium, apartment, mobilehome, and other multiple family residential properties as Medium Densitv Residential (RM) on the Land Use map. Maintain a maximum density of 16.0 dwelling units per gross acre (16 du/ac) within these areas. 1.1.2 Identify commercial land use categories to provide for a range of retail and 4,-rvice uses to serve City needs and to guide development within the City and its spi ere of influence. a. Establish General Commercial (C) areas to provide for res ional, freeway -oriented, and/or community retail and service commercial uses: Development of General Commercial areas will maintain a floor ar ratio • (FAR) between 0.25 and 1.00. b. Identify Commercial Office (CO) land use areas on diverse, mWd use commercial retail, office, and service properties. Development ithin Commercial Office areas will maintain an FAR between 0.25 and 1.00. C. Identify Professional Office (OP) areas to provide for the establishm nt of office -based working environments for general, professional, and administrative offices, as well as support uses. 1.1.3 Areas designated Light Industrial (1) on the General Plan Land Use map e to provide for light industrial, research and development, and office -based industrial firms seeking a pleasant and attractive working environment, as well as for business support services, and commercial uses requiring more land areas than is available in General Commercial or Commercial Office areas. These areas will main • 'n a maximum floor area ratio of 0.25 to 1.00. 1.1.4 The Public Facilities (PF) designation is designed to identify existing or pot mial (future) sites for necessary public facilities or infrastructure improvements. The primary purpose of Iand designated as Public Facilities, is to provide areas fc r the conduct of public and institutional activities, including but not necessarily limittJ to, local, State, and federal agencies, special districts, and both public and p 'vase utilities. These uses maintain development standards which do not exceed thatf the most restrictive adjacent designation. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June 1, 1992 10 1.1.5 Areas designated as Open Space (OS) provide recreational opportunities, preservation of scenic and environmental values, protection of resources (water av .reclamation and conservation), and protection of public safety. This designation carries with it a maximum development potential of one single family unit per parcel, unless building was previously restricted or prohibited on such properties by the County. 1.1.6 Provide Park (PK) designations for existing and future public parks. Objective 1.2 Preserve and maintain the quality of existing residential neighborhoods while offering a variety of suburban, urban, and rural housing opportunities. Strategies: 1.2.1 Where feasible and practical within residential developments, encourage a range of housing types, which will appeal to a variety of household income groups. 1.2.2 Maintain a systemm of identifiable, complementary neighborhoods, providing, where appropriate, neighborhood identity signage, and ensuring that such signage is well maintained over time. 1.2.3 Maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods by discouraging through traffic and preventing the creation of new major roadway connections through existing residential neighborhoods. 1.2.4 Maintain residential areas which provide for and protect suburban lifestyles, as well as protect natural resources and hillsides. a. Development in hillside areas should be designed to be: compatible with surrounding natural areas; compatible to the extent practical with surrounding development; aesthetically pleasing and provide views from the development, but not at the expense of views of the development. b. Earthwork in hillside areas should utilize contour or landform grading to be compatible with the surrounding natural topography. 1.2.5 Maintain residential areas which provide for a suburban lifestyle, including ownership of single family housing. a. Within areas designated for Low Density and Low -Medium Residential uses, limit land uses to single family detached residential. b. New development shall be compatible with the prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood. 1.2.6 Broaden the range of, and encourage innovation in, housing types. Require developments within Medium Density areas to provide amenities such as common usable, active open space and recreational areas. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June 1, 1992 1.2.7 Where consistent with the other provisions of the Diamond Bar GeneI Plan, encourage the provision of low and moderate cost housing (see also Hous- Goals, . Objectives, and Strategies in this document). 1.2.8 Provide density bonuses of 25 percent or more for projects which provide: a. a minimum of 10 percent of its units at rates affordable to housing low and moderate income households, or b. exemplary design and significant amenities beyond minimum requir6ents 1.2.9 Density calculations for development proposals that offer significant community amenities may include land previously designated as open space if clustering and/or the transfer of development rights are utilized to protect those open spacer sources determined to be. significant by the City. This process would allow a propert owner to "transfer" all or part the development potential of an entire site (either units or buildings) to a smaller portion of the site, thus preserving the remaining lan . Objective 1.3 Designate adequate land for retail and service commercial, professional services, a other employment -generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City's needs. z Strategies: 1.3.1 Identify such lands for commercial use as are necessary to minimize sales tax I age out of Diamond Bar and to capture the City's fair share of sales tax revenu • a. Identify retail needs which are not being met in the community. b. Define and implement an economic development program to attract commercial uses to the City. 1.3.2 Encourage the development of businesses that take advantage of locations isFble from the freeway. a. Within the General Commercial designation, appropriate land uses i a broad range of retail commercial and service uses. 1.3.3 Encourage neighborhood serving retail and service commercial uses. tea. Typical uses in the Commercial Office category include general -etail, specialty retail, markets, food and drug stores, commercial services, restaurants, automotive repair and service, hardware and home improv meat centers, recreation, professional and business offices, financial institu ions, medical offices, and real estate offices. 1.3.4 Encourage the rehabilitation, refurbishment, and/or expansion of existing usthat generate sales tax revenues to the City, where consistent with other provisions f the General Plan and Development Code, 0 DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June 1, 1992 IL �2 1.3.5 Encourage employment -generating uses in locations that serve the city's needs. -a. Professional Office areas are to provide for the establishment of office -based working environments for general, professional, and administrative offices, as well as necessary support uses. The Gateway Corporate Center in particular offers large lots with a capacity for multi -story buildings, and is designed to take advantage of unique locations with good freeway access, as well as access to misceilaneous support uses. Buildings adjacent to the freeways along Gateway and Bridgegate should have a maximum of six (6) stories). Buildings along Copley and Valley Vista should have a maximum of eight (8) stories. 'frees native to the area should be used to obstruct unsightly views. Maintain an overall FAR of 0.50. c. Within the Professional Office designation, appropriate uses include administrative and professional offices; business related retail and service functions, restaurants, health clubs, financial institutions, medical and health care facilities, service stations, vocational and trade schools, corporate offices, financial institutions, brokerage firms, and multi -tenant offices. Commercial uses allowed in areas that support office uses include limited convenience commercial, specialty retail, hotel/conference facilities, and restaurants. d. Within the Light Industrial designation, allowable uses include light manufacturing, assembly, wholesaling, and warehousing conducted within an enclosed building; small scale warehousing and distribution; administrative and professional uses; business support uses; eating and drinking establishments; personal services; retail sales of durable goods (in support of primary activities); and research and development. In addition, administrative offices supporting the primary industrial use of the property maybe permitted. Objective 1.4 Designate adequate land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. Strategies: 1.4.1 Ensure that land owned and purchased for public use by public agencies are _.. ,designated on the Land Use map for public purposes. a. Specific uses within the Public Facilities category, as shown on the Land Use map include water facilities, fire stations, schools, paries, libraries, and similar facilities. 1.4.2 Promote joint development and use of parks and open space facilities with adjacent jurisdictions; promote development of joint school/park sites. 1.4.3 When a public agency determines that land it owns is no longer needed, ensure that the property is offered to other agencies, including the City of Diamond Bar, for public uses, prior to conversion to private sector use. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE 1-13 June 1, 1492 1.4.4 Designate and pursue acquisition of a centralized site for us: as a ivic/multi- community center. Objective 1.5 Maintain a feeling of open space within the conununity by iclenufying and adequate amount of open land. Strategies: 1.5.1 Maintain an inventory of previous dedications, designations; or decisions open space made by the County of Los .Angeles and the City. a. The City shall require developers of vacant land to provide or other ownership documents to identify any development the property. an e title ns on 1.5.2 Coordinate the protection of open land by the identification and funding of a w City parks, natural or landscaped slopes, or maintenance agreements for private land in exchange for preservation of natural areas. a. Investigate the need for a bond issuance to purchase open space aas not already protected by open space restrictions. b. Investigate the need for establishment of one or more Landst and Lighting Districts to provide for open space improvements and maint nance. C. Investigate the potential for establishment of a maintenance dist ict for various privately -owned, landscaped slope areas along or visible fromajor roadways. Objective 1.6 Provide flexibility in the planning of new development as a means of encouraging design. 1.6.1 Encourage the innovative use of land resources and development of a vadety of housing and other development types, provide a means to coordinate the pub is and private provision of services and facilities, and address the unique needs of ertain lands by recognizing a Planned Development (PD) designation, in which resic ential, commercial, recreational, public facilities, and other land uses may be perm tted. a_ . Within the Planned Development classification, all residential lani uses - � considered to be appropriate within the City of Diamond Bar, as well as support uses (e.g. open space and recreation, public facilities, commercial, limited employment -generating uses), may be appropriate, as determined in the development review process. b. Require that Planned Development projects provide a greater Ie el of community amenities and cohesiveness, achieve superior design, and create a more desirable living environment than could be achieved t1rough conventional subdivision design and requirements. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June t, 1992 -14 • • • 1.6.2 Encourage the innovative use of land resources and development of a variety of housing and other development types, provide a means to coordinate the public and private provision of services and facilities, and address the unique needs of certain lands by recognizing a Specific Plan (SP) designation for large scale development areas in which residential, commercial, recreational, public facilities, and other land uses may be permitted. Encourage development of a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450 for the Tonner Canyon area that will protect its unique biological and open space resourc,s, create fiscal benefits for the City and enhance its infrastructure, while minimizing future adverse impacts to both the human and natural environment of the City, as well as the region. Development which would be appropriate and which could be designed to be compatible with the environmental objectives for the area might include recreational, residential, and commercial uses. In addition, the Tonner Canyon Specific Plan should make provision for a regional transportation corridor. Within this specific Plan area, development at an equivalent of 1.0 dwelling units per acre may be permitted. Encourage formulation of a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450 for the 800 acres in the northeast segment of the City known as Tres Hermanos. This area represents a unique opportunity to provide facilities of a type and in a manner which take advantage of the site. Facilities appropriate for this site should be designed. based upon a vision for the future, and not merely extend the patterns of th6 past. Such facilities may include a high school, reservoir for practical and aesthetic purposes, commercial developments which are not typical of those found in the area, and a variety of residential and other uses which are complementary to the overall objective of having a master planned area. Development within the Tres Hermanos area should be designed so as to be a part of the Diamond Bar community, as well as compatible with the adjacent lands. 1.6.3 Establish a process to allow the transfer of density or development rights from land with important open space (or other resources), to land that is more suitable for development. 1.6.4 Encourage hillside development to be clustered within the most developable portions of project sites to preserve common open space and/or other natural resources. Such development should be located to coordinate with long-term plans for active parks, passive (open space) parks, and preserve natural open space areas. w a. Carefially review offers to dedicate additional open space land to the City. Consideration will be given to soil conditions, funding of maintenance as well as the actual dedication. b. Carefully review, development in areas designated as Rural Residential to ensure that large lots with undisturbed open spaces are maintained privately. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE I-15 June 1, 1992 Objective 1.7 Stimulate opporrunitiesfora population Which is diverse in terms of age, occupation, i come, race, interests, and religion to interact, exchange ideas, and establish and realize c rrunon • Strategies: 1.7.1 Retain and provide a hierarchy of community social gathering places, in lading active and natural park lands, one or more community centers, and pi areas within new commercial and office complexes. 1.7.2 Maintain a public information program to inform residents of community a. Whenever possible, establish permanent locations and regular las for community events to improve attendance and firmly fix the event(s) in the mind of the public. b. Encourage a "Community Calendar" as part of the local cable programming to inform residents about the times and locations of community events. 1.7.3 Where feasible within new developments, encourage a mixture of complem ntary development types (e.g. residential, recreational, sales tax- anq employment -generating uses) which can be provided in an integrated manner 1.7.4 Within new residential developments, encourage organization of neighborh s into. smaller units and discourage through traffic on local streets while maintaining • pedestrian and bicycle continuity and encouraging neighborhood improvement programs and social events. GOAL 2 "Manage land use with respect to the location, density and intensity, and quality of development in order to maintain consistency with the capabilities of the City and special districts to provide essential services, and to achieve sustainable use of environmental and manmade resources. Objective 2.1 Promote land use patterns and intensities which are consistent with the Plan for Management. Strategies: 2.1.1 Ensure that planning programs and individual development projects within and affecting the City recognize, and are sensitive to, environmental resource limitat ons. a. Prior to approving new development or the intensification of exi ting development within the City of Diamond Bar, ensure that the environm ntal consequences of the proposed action have been recognized. b. When reviewing plans and development projects referred to the Cit by adjacent jurisdictions, insist that there be a recognition and approp 'ate mitigation of the environmental consequences of the proposed action. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE .tune 1, 1992 � � 6 2.1.2 Ensure that new development utilizes feasible contemporary technologies to reduce energy and water consumption, generation of solid and hazardous wastes, and air and water pollutant emissions. 2.1.3 Ensure that time -specific issues are evaluated as part of the review of new development and intensification of existing development. For example, where appropriate, require prior to approval, that biological assessments be prepared through the seasonal cycle of plants or the seasonal migration of animals. Objective 2.2 Maintain an organized pattern of land use which minimizes conflicts between adjacent land uses. Strategies: 2.2.1 Require that new developments be compatible with surrounding land uses. 2.2.2 Prohibit the development of adjacent land uses with significantly different intensities, or that have operating characteristics which could create nuisances along a common boundary, unless an effective buffer can be created. 2.2.3 Where land uses of significantly different intensity or use are planned adjacent to each other, ensure that individual site designs and operations are managed in such a manner as to avoid the creation of nuisances and hazards. 2.2.4 Require that new developments be designed so as to respect the views of existing developments; provide view corridors which are oriented toward existing or proposed community amenities, such as a park, open space, or natural features. a. As part of the Development Code, adopt clear standards to identify the extent to which views can, and will, be protected from impacts by new development and intensification of existing development. Objective 2.3 Ensure that future development occurs only when consistent with the availability and adequacy of public services and facilities. Strategies: 2.3.1 Through the environmental and development review processes that adequate services and facilities are available to support each development. 2.3.2 Require new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and offsite improvements needed to serve the proposed use. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June t, 199'_' 1-17 GOAL 3 'Maintain recognition within Diamond Bar and the surrounding region as]wing a • community with a well planned and aesthetically pleasing physical environmen . Objective 3.1 Develop and promote a unique and positive comrnulnity image. Strategies 3.1.1 Establish a communitywide design theme for incorporation into new develo went. 3.1.2 Encourage "quality design" of new projects within the City consistent ith the citywide design theme, and establish clear guidelines which allow for diver ity and creativity in its development and review. 3.1.3 Encourage the modification of existing poor quality projects, either in buil ing or landscape design, through aggressive code enforcement, redevelopment, r other appropriate mechanisms. Objective 3.2 Create visual points of reference, both within the community and on its boundari , as a means of highlighting community identity. Strategies: 3.2.1 Develop and Iocate City entry monuments, highlighting key community ent points and open space areas to identify Diamond Bar to local and commuter traffic. • 3.2.2 Where feasible and appropriate, add areas for landscaping, such as in median3 or by widening parkways within the primary arterial roadway system, as a means of traffic control, providing pedestrian amenities, and as an aesthetic feature fbt the community. 3.2.3 Pursue the establishment and expansion of landscape maintenance districts as a means of ensuring the ongoing maintenance of medians and communit entry statements, as well as maintenance of landscaping of hillsides along major roadways. 3.2.4 Consider a program to place public art at prominent locations throughout the City of Diamond Bar. 3.2.5 Encourage the provision and maintenance of neighborhood identification Objective 3.3 Ensure that new development, and intensiflcation of existing development, yields a pi easant living, working, or shopping environment, and attracts interest of residents, rkers, shoppers, and visitors as the result of consistent exemplary design. Strategies: 3.3.1 Within the urban residential portions of the City, require the incorporation of open space and recreational areas into the design of new projects. Within topograp ically • rugged and rural areas, emphasize the preservation of natural landfor s and vegetation. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June 1, 1992 rIm• 3.3.2 Require in the Development Code that setbacks from streets and adjacent properties relate to the scale of the structure as well as the size of the street right-of-way. Require that building setbacks along roadways to be varied so as to avoid a monotonous street scene. 3.3.3 Minimize the use of block walls unless they are needed for a specific screening, safety, or sound attenuation purpose. Where feasible, provide instead a wide open area with informal clusters of trees, defined by split rail, wrought iron, or similar open fencing. a. Where construction of a solid wall which will be visible along a public street is necessary, provide landscaping such as trees, shrubs, or vines to break the visual monotony, and soften the appearance of the wall, and to reduce glare, heat, or reflection. Where solid walls currently exist along the primary roadway system, and it is possible to retrofit landscape screens, establish a funding mechanism for the construction of such screens. 3.3.4 Enhance pedestrian activity within residential, commercial, office, and I i g h t industrial areas. a. Ensure that non-residential facilities are oriented to the pedestrian, by the incorporation of seating areas, courtyards, landscaping, and similar measures. b. Utilize "sti-eet furniture" (decorative planters, bike racks, benches) to create and enhance urban open spaces. C. Design commercial and office projects so as to have a central place, main focus, or feature. d. Utilize varied building setbacks and staggered elevations to create plaza -like areas which attract pedestrians, whenever possible. 3.3.5 Require that automobile service facilities and commercial loading areas be oriented away from the street frontage and from residential edges wherever possible to minimize sight and sound impacts. 3.3.6 Where the rear or sides of commercial, office, or other non-residential buildings will be visible within a residential neighborhood, ensure that the visible elevations will be treated in such a manner as to provide a pleasing appearance. 3.3.7 Ensure that commercial developments are designed with a precise concept for adequate signage, including provisions for sign placement and number, as well as sign scale in relationship to the building, landscaping, and readability as an integral part of the signage concept. a. Ensure that signs are integrated into the overall site and architectural design theme of commercial developments. 3.3.8 In conjunction with area utility companies, pursue a program of undergrounding overhead utility lines. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE 1-19 T June 1, 1992 - 1 9 3.3.9 Include within the Development Code requirements for the size and quantity qf trees to be planted within new development and intensification of existing develo ment. i qr—_ Objective 3.4 Protect the visual quality and character of remaining natural areas, and ensure that illsirle development not create unsafe conditions. Strategies: 3.4.1 Balance the retention of the natural environment with its conversion to urban forms. 3.4.2 Require that existing hillside features be incorporated into project designs; 1where removal of natural elements is unavoidable, require the reintroduction of natualized elements into the project. 3.4.3 As part of the Development Code, maintain hillside development regulationsthat are sensitive to natural contours and land forms. 3.4.4 Limit grading to the minimum necessary. 3.4.5 Require that all manufactured slopes be landscaped and that, where p +tical, landform grading and planting techniques be implemented in the construe ion ar manufactured slopes. a. Foliage used in planting plans should be drought tolerant, fire resistt, and have colors similar those of native materials in the surrounding area • b. Within landform graded slopes, plants should be grouped within swab areas to more closely reflect natural conditions. GOAT. 4 "Encourage long-term and regional perspectives in local land use decisions, but not at the expense of the quality of life for Diamond Bar residents." Objective 4.1 Promote and cooperate in efforts to provide reasonable regional land use and planning programs. Strategies: 4.1.1 Take a proactive role in the SCAG Regional Comprehensive Plan to diamond Bar's land use plan with those of surrounding communities. 4.1.2 Consider the potential impacts of proposed Diamond Bar developments on neighboring jurisdictions as part of the development review process. a. Notify neighboring jurisdictions when considering changes to the City's existing land use pattern. 4.1.3 Take a proactive role to maintain communications with local, regional, Stat-,, and federal, and other agencies whose planning programs may affect Diamond Bar.• DIAmoND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June 1, 1992 -20 Objective 4.2 Maintain City boundaries which are reasonable in tenns of existing service capabilities, social and economic interdependencies, cuizen desires, and City costs and revenues. Strategies: iw _ 4.2.1 Seek annexation of those areas which have primary access through Diamond Bar and whose residents and businesses are most logically served by the City. 4.2.2 Consider annexation of additional areas including expansion of the adopted Sphere of Influence, where the following findings can be made: a. Compatibility exists with the goals and desires of the people and the City of Diamond Bar as a whole; b. The proposed annexation is consistent with goals and objectives of the General Plan, particularly in regard to protection of open space land and natural resources; C. Significant benefits will be derived by the City and affected property owners/residents upon annexation; d. There exists a significant social and economic interdependence and interaction between the City of Diamond Bar and the area proposed for annexation. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE Jane 1. 1992 1 T —21 Figure 1-2 Proposed Land Use To be inserted following City Council adoption of General Plan. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: LAND USE June 1, 1992 I -22 �J • H. HOUSING jK- A. INTRODUC'T'ION The purpose of the Plan for Housing is to identify local housing problems and needs, relate those needs to the City's proportionate share of regional housing needs, and to identify measures necessary to mitigate and alleviate these needs and problems for all economic segments of the community. The key purpose of this section is to contribute to meeting the State housing goals as staled below; "The availability of housing is of vital statewide importance, and the early attainment of decent housing and a suitable living environment for every California family is a priority of the highest order." (Government Code Section 65581). The Plan for Housing is intended to provide residents of the community and local government officials with a greater understanding of the housing needs in Diamond Bar and to provide guidance to the decision-making process in all matters relating to housing. In 1967, housing elements became the third mandated part of general plans. During the ensuing 15 years, numerous revisions were made to the requited contents of community housing elements. In 1981, Article 10.6 of the Government Code, commonly referred to as the Roos Bill, was enacted and now describes the content requirements of local housing elements. The Housing Element, in complying with the letter and spirit of Article 10.6, must respond to the three major issues which are listed below: • An assessment of local housing needs and an inventory of local resources and constraints relevant to meeting these Iocal needs. A statement(s) of community's goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the maintenance, improvement and development of housing. A program which sets forth a Five-year schedule of actions the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the Housing Element. In 1977, "Housing Element Guidelines" were published by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The guidelines spelled out not only the detailed content requirements of housing elements but also gave the HCD a "review and approval" function over this element of the General Plan. In 1981, the Roos Bill placed the guidelines into statutory language and changed the HCD's role from "review and approval" to one of "review and comment" on local housing elements. State law requires art uWate of local housing elements every five years, so that they contain the most current version of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), developed by the local Council of Governments. The RHNA report estimates the total projected need for housing in the region, then provides the proportionate share each city must provide. For this six -county region, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the local Council of Governments for Us Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. SCAG currently reviews local housing elements for their consistency with the most recent (1987) RHNA figures. In early 1989, SCAG also provided an update for newly incorporated cities; however, Diamond Bar incorporated only a few months after the deadline for the update, so there are no current RHNA figures available for the City. It is therefore difficult to quantify local housing needs with no framework to calculate relevant figures. When detailed data is available from the next revised RHNA DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 11-1 (1991), the City will be able to provide a quantified analysis to the level of detail required for the fousing • section of the Plan for Community Development. W_- - Local housing elements generally use population and housing data based either on the regular decennial federal census, or on updated figures from SCAG or other regional planning groups (such as Los Angeles County). While the City was not incorporated during the 1980 census data, the Citv incorporated just p for to enumeration of the 1990 census. After adoption of the General Plan by the City Council, a revised housing section of the Plan for Com nunity Development will be required by 1996, as well as annual updates. Starting in 1992, data and statistics from the 1990 Federal Census of Population and Housing will be utilized in updates and revisions. The 1996 Housing section of the Plan for Community Development will be able to utilize the entire 1990 census and RHNA data for Diamond Bar, and will be able to monitor progress towards achievi g the established five-year goals, policies, and programs of the Housing Element, to determine how well thy have met the housing needs of the community. The Plan for Housing is organized to present information according to the following four principal tor ics, as outlined in the state housing element guidelines: • Housing Needs Assessment • Inventory of Resources and Constraints • Statement of Goals, Objectives and Policies • Five -Year Housing Plan P. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Elected officials appointed a General Plan Advisory Committee to identify housing issues in the City This committee met on a regular basis for over a year. All committee meetings were open to the public, and representatives were selected based on their interests or knowledge on particular local issues, including housing. In addition, the Land Use and Housing sections of the Pian for Community Development underwent various workshops and hearings, including presentations on housing data and goals, policies, and obj tives for housing within Diamond Bar. C. HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT The Housing Needs Assessment encompasses the following factors: + Analysis of population and employment trends and documentation of projections and a quantification of the locality's existing and projected housing needs for all income levels. Such existing and projected needs include the locality's share of the regional housing need. (Section 65583(x)(1) of the Government Code). Analysis and documentation of household characteristics including level of payment compared to ability -to -pay, housing characteristics, including overcrowding, and housing stock condition. (Section 65583(a)(2)). • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 II -2 • Analysis of special housing needs, such as those of the handicapped, elderly, large families, farm workers, and families with female heads of household, and families and persons in need olemer ency shelter. (Section 65583(x)(6)). • Analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to residential development. (Section 65583(x)(7)). 1. EXISTING AND PROJECTED HOUSING NEEDS a. Introduction This section of the Plan for Housing discusses the various factors which induce a demand for housing. The factors include a review of population and employment trends as well as the City's "share of regional housing need". b. Housing Stock Condition The term "condition" refers to the physical quality of the housing stock. The quality of individual housing units or structures may be defined as either sound, deteriorating or dilapidated. Sound housing is defined as a structure with no major deficiencies, although the structure may require minor maintenance, painting, and general clean-up. A deteriorated structure is one that contains several deficiencies such as patched, loose, or missing roofing material, missing or broken windows, wood trim or siding worn, weathered or broken, paint cracking or peeling, loose or worn wiring, etc. Lastly, dilapidated structures contain one or more major structural deficiencies such as loose protective surface (brick, plaster, wood, siding, etc.), settled porch or roof, weakened structure or inadequate foundation, obvious deviation from plumbing, extensive damage due to fire, etc. The term housing "improvements" refer to the "remedial" actions necessary to correct defects in the housing condition such as demolition, minor repairs, major repairs, and rehabilitation. According to 1990 census figures, Diamond Bar had a total of 17,664 dwelling units and a population of 53,672 residents. The majority (70.5 percent) of Diamond Bar's housing units are single-family detached dwellings. A complete breakdown of housing for the City in 1990 is shown in Table II -1. According to the 1990 census, median home value in Diamond Bar was $272,900. A review of resale house price data from the California Market Data Cooperative (CMDC) over the past two years in Diamond Bar indicates an average resale value of $312,324 for 1991 which was up 2.7 percent from a value of $304,000 for 1990. These figures were compiled from over 500 individual home sales per year for an average four-bedroom house with approximately 2,000 square feet that was built in 1975. A recent housing survey of Diamond Bar indicates there are a total of 5,075 multi -family units in the City. Of these, 4,132 are condominiums or townhomes, distributed among 26 developments, and 649 apartments in four complexes. No local data was available on average sales prices of condominiums or townhomes. The 1990 census indicates -that median rent for the City is $888. A recent survey showed rental rates in the City from $745 to $795 for ane -bedroom units, from $750 to $915 for two-bedroom units, and from $960 to $1120 for larger units (Planning Network 1991). There are also 148 apartments in the City that are restricted to seniors only. The City also has 268 mobile home units in two trailer parks near Lycoming and Brea Canyon Road. According to Table II -1, Diamond Bar has a smaller percentage of its housing stock in attached multi -family housing and fewer mobile homes than the County as a whole. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 II_3 Table II -1 Diamond Bar Housing Stock (1990) Los Angeles County City of Cif y County' Percent Diamond Bar Per nt Single Family 234,970 76.3% 15,167 87 (Detached & Duplex) Multiple Units (3-t-) 64,386 20.9% 1,976 11 Mobile Homes 8,711 2.8% 268 2 TOTAL 308,067 100.0% 17,41 I2 100% Source: "Estimated Housing Units by Type% Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, Bulletin No. 154, Pa Ft 5 (July 1988) and 1990 U.S. Census, Unincorporated area in 1988. i 2 Does not add up to 17,664, due to 253 classified by the 1990 U.S. Census as 'other'. C. Substandard Units Diamond Bar's housing sock is considerably younger than most of the County, with all of its housin being built after 1960. By comparison, the Los Angeles County General Plan (Housing Element 1987) in licates that 11.5 percent of units in unincorporated areas were built prior to 1940, and 52.6 percent were bui t prior to 1960. Both the City's Code Enforcement Officer and the Building Official indicate that Diamond far has no units that are considered substandard. There is no Census data on substandard units and units in need of rehabilitation or replacement. However, the Census documents that of the 763 vacant housing units in the City, only 3, or Iess than half of one percent, were boarded up. d. Housing Assistance Needs California housing law requires regional planning agencies to identity existing and future housing n for all income levels every five years. In addition to the distribution of housing need, regional planning a encies must seek to avoid further "impaction" of jurisdictions with relatively high proportions of lower income households. SCAG issued the housing assessment for Los Angeles County in the 1988 RHNA report. Existing need is defineTas the number of resident lower income households paying 30 percent or irore of their income for housing. Although SCAG published a supplement to the RHNA documenting exist i g and future need figures for new cities on February 16, 1989, it did not include Diamond Bar since it was incorporated after this date. According to SCAG, future need is defined as the number of additional housing units by income le el that will have to be added to each jurisdiction's housing stock from July 1, 1989 to June 30, 1994 in o der to accommodate household growth, compensate for demolitions and other inventory losses, and to achieve 1994 vacancy rate that will allow the market to operate efficiently. In addition, the State Department of H using DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING Juste 1, 1992 II -4 and Community Development has required that localities must account in their Housing Elements for future needs that will have already occurred during the 1-112 year "gap" period from January 1, 1988, to June 30, 1989. The following four income Ievel groups are used to define need for a particular jurisdiction. • "Very Low" -Less than 50 percent of the median income • "Low" -50 to 80 percent of the median income • "Moderate" -80 to 120 percent of the median income • "High" -mare than 120 percent of the median income State housing laws require that, in allocating future housing need by income level, further "impaction", or concentration of lower income households, be avoided. Cities with a percentage of lower income households higher than the regional average are called "impacted" jurisdictions. The I988 RHNA addresses the "avoidance of impaction" criteria by allocating reduced percentages of lower income and increased percentages of middle and upper income units to impacted jurisdictions while reversing the allocation to non -impacted titles. According to the 1988 RHNA, the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County had 33,492 households in the Very Low category, 15,826 households in the Low category, and 100,658 households in the Medium category. Housing element guidelines indicate that households that pay more than 30 percent of its income towards housing are termed 'overpayment". This means that 50,318 households in the County were considered to be overpaying for housing. Assuming that Diamond Bar supports a proportionate share of the unincorporated County housing need, there are 2,466 Iower income households in the City paying 30 percent or more of their income for housing (50,318 times 4.9 percent City vs. County housing). This number equals 15.9 percent of Diamond Bar's total resident households (based on an estimated 15,500 households in 1988). This figure may be somewhat high, given local income levels and house prices, however, there are many seniors or retired persons with fixed incomes in the City, as well as residents that bought houses up to 15 years ago. Because the cost of housing in this area, as throughout southern California, has risen faster than income, much of Diamond Bar's housing wealth is not reflected in personal income figures. At present, Diamond Bar not considered an impacted jurisdiction (Trumbell-SCAG 1991). According to Urban Decision Systems, Inc., Diamond Bar is expected to grow by 3,619 households over the next five years. With no adjustments for vacancy or demolition, Diamond Bar will have an additional 575 households over the next five years that will be overpaying for housing (93,619 times 15.9 percent). However, it should be noted that application of County -wide figures gives an inaccurate picture of housing affordability in Diamond Bar. According to the 1987--bos Angeles County Housing Element (page H-5), the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County will need 6,700 new units affordable in the Very Low category and 9,250 units in the Low category. For Diamond Bar, this equates to 328 units in the Very Low category and 453 units in the Low category.. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 11_5 2. HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS An important facer ig&determining existing housing need is the affordability of housing. One in ure of housing affordability is the percentage of a household's gross income needed to meet monthly mortgage payments. A criterion used by the State, SCAG, and HUD to define affordable housing is that costs should not exceed 30 percent of gross income on housing (either owner -occupied or rental). The median household income in Diamond Bar for 1990 has been estimated at $58,051 (Urban Decision Systems, Inc. 1990). Assuming constant change from 1980, the 1988 median household income is estimated at $52,671. Ho sehold income values in the Low income category (50-80 percent) would be $26,336 to $42,137. The lowe figure ($26,336) also represents the upper end of the Very Law category. The population of Diamond Bar is a diverse population represented by various minorities.The largest minority group is Asian at 25 percent, while Latinos represent 21 percent. Demographic data sugg is that the City will remain heterogeneous with similar proportions of minorities. Now, and in the future, th re will be a need to ensure that minorities are not victims of housing discrimination. The age -sex distribution for 1990 in Diamond Bar was very even with 26,663 males and 27,009 femal . By age -group, 28.6 percent of the City's residents are under the age of 18, while 9.9 percent are within the 18-24 age bracket. People between the ages of 25-44 make up 38.2 percent, while 10.5 percent of the City's residents are over 55 years of age (as shown in Table II -2). It is important for planning social services and housing in the City over the next two decades to anal ze thib population of these four age groups. The substantial percentage of persons under the age of 18 and tween the ages of 25-44 suggest the presence of many young families with children in the City. The 25 age group is also the range in which most households are formed. It is also important to note the percentage of the City's population that is within the 18-24 age gr( represents a component of the population of child bearing age which will require housing in the fut age group, coupled with the 25-44 age group, indicates that a combined 48.1 percent of the City's l is either in, or near to, the household formation age. The City will need to ensure a future housing will be sufficient to accommodate their needs. In Diamond Bar as throughout Southern California, there are more females than males in both the 5` 65+ age groups. This preponderance of females in the elderly population indicates that females tend longer than males, and is identical to the national trends. In 1990 there were 1,963 households in tl with one person. DIAMOND BAIT GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 This • This .dation �k that + and to live e City II -6 • Table II -2 Diamond Bar Age Distribution Total 31,482 100.0% 53,672 100.0% Median Age 27.5 31.9 Source -1980 Census and 3990 Census. 3. SPECIAL HOUSING NEEDS Under present law, a housing element must include an analysis of special housing needs. These needs refer to households having a typical characteristics -- the handicapped, elderly, overcrowded households and large families, persons in need of emergency shelter (homeless), and farm workers_ a. Households with Handicapped Members Households with one or more members who have physical handicaps sometimes require special design features in the housing they occupy. Some, but certainly not all, handicapped households also have housing assistance needs. The focus of handicapped households as a special need segment is primarily on their number and economic situation. The needs and problems of the disabled and handicapped population have been described as follows: • The major housing problems of disabled people are the lack of affordable accommodations and inadequate accessibility to newly built or existing housing. These basic problems are caused by a variety of factors: a) subtle, or not so subtle discrimination; b) lack of understanding and sensitivity to the needs of the disabled; c) lack of financial resources and incentives available to those who want to make their buildings accessible and; d) lack of knowledge as to how accessibility can be improved. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HoUSING June 1, 1992 H-7 1990 1980 AGE Number Percent Number Percent 0- 5 3,421 10.9% 5,056 9.49o' 6- 13 5,154 16.4% 6,912 12.9% 14- 17 2,532 8.0% 3,357 6.3% 18-20 1,459 4.6% 2,471 4.6% 21 -24 1,666 5.3% 2,870 5.3% 25-34 7,014 22.3% 9,352 17.4% 35-44 5,381 17.1% 11,121 20.8% 45-54 2,853 9.1% 6,895 12.8% 55-64 1,378 4.4% 3,367 6.3% 65 + 624 2.0% 2,271 4.2% Total 31,482 100.0% 53,672 100.0% Median Age 27.5 31.9 Source -1980 Census and 3990 Census. 3. SPECIAL HOUSING NEEDS Under present law, a housing element must include an analysis of special housing needs. These needs refer to households having a typical characteristics -- the handicapped, elderly, overcrowded households and large families, persons in need of emergency shelter (homeless), and farm workers_ a. Households with Handicapped Members Households with one or more members who have physical handicaps sometimes require special design features in the housing they occupy. Some, but certainly not all, handicapped households also have housing assistance needs. The focus of handicapped households as a special need segment is primarily on their number and economic situation. The needs and problems of the disabled and handicapped population have been described as follows: • The major housing problems of disabled people are the lack of affordable accommodations and inadequate accessibility to newly built or existing housing. These basic problems are caused by a variety of factors: a) subtle, or not so subtle discrimination; b) lack of understanding and sensitivity to the needs of the disabled; c) lack of financial resources and incentives available to those who want to make their buildings accessible and; d) lack of knowledge as to how accessibility can be improved. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HoUSING June 1, 1992 H-7 • General solutions include: a) public recognition and commitment to correcting the problems; b) education of and dissemination of information to the public and building n yners; c) modifications to existing codes and regulations; d) enforcement of existing laws and r&IW6ns; .and e) increased financial assistance for housing programs. ' About 7 percent of Los Angeles County's unincorporated households were considered "handica ped", according to the 1980 Census. If this same rate were applied locally, Diamond Bar would have an est mated 1,189 handicapped households. However, 1990 Census data for persons with physical disabilities is not yet available. Therefore, it is not possible to estimate the number of lower income householders with a handicapped condition that reside in Diamond Bar. b. Households Headed by the Elderly Many senior citizens have fixed incomes and experience financial difficulty in coping with rising h using costs. The financial capacity for coping with increased housing costs depends heavily on tenure; that is, the owner or renter status of the elderly households. With infrequent and small increases in incorr a and potentially large increases in housing and maintenance costs, both the senior renter and owner aw at a continuing disadvantage. In addition, seniors often need specially designed types and locations for housing due to physical and other constraints. The 1990 Census indicates that in Diamond Bar there were 687 households headed by an elderly C. Overcrowded Households Overcrowding is defined as housing units with 1.01 or more persons per room. According to the Los geles County Housing Element (1987), 11.9 percent of households in the unincorporated portion of the Cou ty are overcrowded (page H-37). The 1990 Census indicates 992 housing units or 6 percent of the tota were overcrowded. d. Large Families Large families are defined as households with five (5) or more persons. The 1990 Census indicat4s that 17 percent of households in the City consisted of five or more persons. e. Persons in Need of Emergency Shelter: Homeless There are many social, economic, and physical conditions which have combined to increase the homeless population throughout the State of California. In September 1984, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 2579, adding "families and persons in the need of emergency shelter" to the special needs groups to be cons dered in each jurisdiction's housing element. -_ At present, no homeless shelters are located within the City of Diamond Bar, and there are only two Sl Leiters in the immediate area. The Pomona Valley Shelter Program ("Our House") is located in Pomona and I ias 22 year-round spaces. According to the director, it is considered an emergency shelter and provides six ce on a first-come, first-served basis. They do not maintain a waiting list and are always fall (Joyce Ewing 991). They are also one of the few shelters in the region that takes families. The second shelter s the "Neighborhood Center", which utilizes the National Guard Armory in Pomona and is opened during c ld or The Center for Independent Living Inc., Berkeley and Northern Section, Cal Chapter of the American Planning Associ tion, A Guidebook on the General Plan and Disabled, June 1981. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 3992 I_$ 0 • inclement weather, usually during November to February. The closest shelter in Los Angeles County is operated by the Gospel Mission of America in Rowland Heights. This facility is for single men only and has 30 spaces; it also is full year-round. The County also provides funds for "vouchers" for homeless persons to utilize hotel rooms on a temporary basis; this program is presently being administered by the Salvation Army. No records are kept as to the number of homeless people turned away from local churches or public institutions, which makes estimating the number of homeless persons in and around Diamond Bar very difficult. There is general agreement among service providers that the number of homeless is increasing, and that the greatest increase is among families with children. In 1987, the SCAG conducted a survey of homelessness in the region. Table II -3 provides a breakdown of estimated ranges for cities responding to the survey questionnaire. Respondents were asked to break down their homeless population by subgroup where possible. In more than half the cases, the respondents did not provide estimates of sub -populations. Table II -4 shows the average percentage reported by jurisdictions for each of the subgroups named. Table H-3 SCAG Homeless Survey Response No. of Homeless No, of Cities 0 10 1-25 31 26-100 15 101-250 14 251-500 3 501-1,000 0 1,001+ 6 Source: SCAG, 1987. -- DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HORSING lune 1, 1992 H-9 Table 11-4 Homeless Sub -Group Characteristics Average Percent No. Responses Veterans 16.2% 19 Elderly 10.1% 23 Single Persons 63.3% 37 Persons in Families 21.8% 38 Mentally Ill 29.1% 29 Alcohol Abusers 413.8% 33 Substance Abusers 26.9% 28 Children 16.4% 30 Source_ SCAG, 1987. 4. ENERGY CONSERVATION The availability of energy resources is a growing societal concern. The General Plan presents opporl to begin resolving the issue of scarce energy resources. New development can be designed to be effi served by public transportation systems and to allow people to work and shop in close proximity t homes. The Energy section of the Plan for Resource Conservation should be referred to for more det for relevant objectives and implementation strategies. D. HOUSING AVAILABILITY This section provides an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to addressing Diamond Bar's needs. Under present law, the element must include an inventory of resources and constraints as fo cities Z;miy their . and • An inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites ano sites having potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and ublic facilities and services to these sites. • An analysis of potential and actual governmental constraints upon the mainle ance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including land use co trots, building codes and their enforcement, site improvements, fees and other exactionsr uired of developers, and local processing and permit procedures. • An analysis of potential and actual non-governmental constraints upon the mai improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including the avai financing, the price of land and cost of construction. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HouSING June 1, 1992 of -10 • • 1. INVENTORY OF LAND SUITABLE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT State housing law.,patains several provisions that pertain to the adequacy of sites to accommodate housing needs: "The housing element shall identify adequate sites for housing, including rental housing, factory -built housing, and mobilehomes, and shall make adequate provision for the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community." "An inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites." "Identification of adequate sites which will be made available through appropriate zoning and development standards and with public services and facilities needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all income levels, including rental housing, factory -built housing, mobilehomes, emergency shelters, and transitional housing in order to meet the community's housing goals." The Plan for Land Use contains the inventory of land suitable for residential development, including both vacant and underutilized sites by residential density category. Areas with sites having a realistic potential of residential development include: 1) the Tres Hermanos property, occupying almost 1,000 acres at the northeast corner of the City; 2) the vacant property in the north -central portion of the City, occupying several hundred acres; and 3) several parcels of moderate size (10 acres or more) found scattered in the southern and western section of the City. Although there is other available land within the City, much of it is very steep or has other physical constraints that would generally preclude its use for moderate density residential development. The land within the current City limits that is available for general residential development could yield an additional 3,500 units. However, the land could support up to 5,000 additional housing units if the density of development was increased. This potential supply exceeds the projected local need figure of 781 dwellings for the 1989 - 1994 time period, based on a proportionate share of County -wide housing need as estimated in the 1987 RHNA report (Trumbell-SCAG 1991). a. Residential Land Use Categories RURAL RESIDENTIAL (0.0 - 1.0 DU/AC Areas designated for Rural Residential including hillside areas that are suitable for low density residential areas, These areas are appropriate for rural residential development with a modest �anount of open space. The maximum residential density is up to one dwelling unit per acre (I du/ac). Low DENSI'T'Y RESIDENTIAL (1.1 - 3.0 DU/AC) The Low Density category limits land uses to single family detached residential. The maximum density within Low Density areas is up to three dwelling units per gross acre (3 du/ac). In Diamond Bar, the development of second units and attached dwellings behind the primary residential structure is allowed with the following subject to the provisions of the City's zoning ordinance. In addition, second units and attached dwellings, which were constructed pursuant to valid permits issued prior to the effective date of this element are permitted, even if the resulting density of a site would be greater than 3 du/ac. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 II -11 i.pw-MED"i DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (3.1 - 6.0 DU/AC) The Low -Medium Density category limits land uses to smaller lot single family detached residentia . The maximum density M.US Low -Medium Density areas is up to six dwelling units per gross acre (6 du! c). In Diamond Bar, the development of second units and attached dwellings behind the primary residential structure is allowed subject to the provisions of the City's zoning ordinance. In addition, second units and attached dwellings, which were constructed pursuant to valid permits issued prior to the effective date of this lement are permitted, even if the resulting density of a site would be greater than 6 du/ac. MFniUM DENSrry(6.1 - 16.0 DU/AC) The areas designated Medium Density are committed to multiple family and mobilehome use. Wit in the Medium Density category, land uses are limited to attached residential development and mobile home . The maximum allowable density within Medium Density areas is up to sixteen dwelling units per gros acre (16 du/ac). SPECIFIC PLAN AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT Within the Specific Plan and PIanned Development classifications, all residential land uses consider to be appropriate within the City of Diamond Bar, as well as support uses (e.g. open space and recreation, public facilities, support commercial, employment -generating uses), may be appropriate subject to applicable General Plan policies and ordinances. Development within areas designated Specific Plan or Planned Devel pment are processed through use of a specific plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65450, a plana unit development, or similar mechanism. Development intensities within Specific Plan and Planned Develc pment areas must be consistent with the provisions of the Diamond Bar General Plan. Specific Plan and Planned Development projects must provide a greater level of community amenities and cohesiveness, achievesuperior • design, and create a more desirable living environment than could be achieved through conve tional subdivision design and requirements. 2. GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS The State Housing Element Guidelines require that the Housing Element address those public actions which might constrain the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing. The major constraints imposed by government are decreasing federal and State commitments to housing, combined with increasing demands by federal and State agencies that local government solve existing and projected housing problems. In addition, due to reductions in federal and State support for other programs, there is an increasing demand on local government to take over funding of programs traditionally funded by others. Local develpment standards, fees, and processing time constitute other potential governmental constraints. a. Decreasing Federal and State Commitment to Housing Prog The emphasis placed by the federal and State governments on housing policies and funding has traditionally shifted with changing administrations and priorities. However, there has been a clear trend to deemphasize federal and State housing programs over the past decade. During this time, federal funding for housing programs has been sharply reduced. A concurrent reduction in State funding for housing occurred over the same time. This leaves local governments in California with a mandate to provide programs to facilitate housing for all economic segments of the community and without access to the funds to maintain such programs. Given the budgetary problems being experienced by both the federal and State govemment , it is unlikely that increased funding for housing programs will be forthcoming in the near to mid-term future. It is possible, however, that remaining housing programs will face further reductions in funding. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN; HOUSING June 1, 1992 4- b. Conflicting Responsibilities of Local Government The mandate thatt iovernments provide for housing for all economic segments of the community is but one of many, often conflicting, responsibilities they face. In addition to dealing with issues of affordable housing and housing rehabilitation, cities must provide municipal services and facilities, protect the natural environment, ensure a high quality of development and urban design, reflect the concerns of City residents, and facilitate increases in local employment- and sales tax -generating uses. These responsibilities must be met in an era of increasingly tight budgets. As a result of State laws relating to municipal finance, reductions in federal and State funds for infrastructure and other programs, and changing public attitudes toward growth, local agencies have had to require that development internalize many costs which were once subsidized by various public funds. As a result, the cost of development inevitably increases and the American dream of owning a home becomes more difficult for those who are not fortunate to already own a home. Along within the mandate for local governments to provide housing for all economic segments of the community is the democratic principle that government respect the desires of the governed. In many affluent communities such as Diamond Bar, "low and moderate income housing" is perceived as a problem to be avoided, rather than as a public responsibility. Diamond Bar's incorporation was largely due to a backlash of local concern over the "proliferation" of high density development ("no more apartments"). The result is that there is very little community acceptance of multi -family development or low and moderate income housing in Diamond Bar, although many residents complain that there is no place for their own children to buy or even rent within the City. C. Development Standards and Land Use Controls Development standards include zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and building code requirements. The most far-reaching constraints are those contained in the city's zoning ordinance which is the moss traditional tool used by a local jurisdiction to regulate the use of private land. Zoning regulates the use; density; floor area; setbacks; parking; and placement and mix of residential, commercial, and industrial projects to reflect the community's development goals and objectives. Zoning can reduce the supply of land available for residential development by placing land in open space or buffer zones, or by rezoning residential land for other uses. Zoning also regulates the intensity of residential land use through minimum lot size requirements. It is important that the minimum lot size not be too large because this would (a) reduce the potential supply of housing by limiting the number of units that can be built on a parcel of land, and would (b) increase the land cost per unit. High land costs may lead to increased construction cost for the developers. In Diamond Bar, much of the remaining vacant land is steep or has other physical limitations to development. While careful engineering and construction can overcome many of these limitations, they result in higher unit costs and subsequently reduce the affordability of housing built in hillside areas. Subdivision regulations which govern the division of a parcel of Iand into two or more smaller parcels can increase housing consaction costs. The requirement that site improvements and amenities such as landscaping, underground utilities, and landscape maintenance districts be required in a subdivision can also escalate housing prices. When analyzing development constraints, it is important to distinguish between those constraints that are excessive and unreasonable, and those designed for a particular purpose. The City, while encouraging housing, is also concerned about the living environment that is created. Standards for density, height, setbacks, undergrounding of utilities, and aesthetics are designed to create residential projects and areas that are functional and aesthetic. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 11-13 Building codes regulate new construction and substantial rehabilitation. They are designed to ensue that adequate standards are met to protect against fire, collapse, unsanitary conditions, and safety hazards. Building costs do not appear to be unduly increased through local building codes. However, State regulations with respect to e!erfirconservation, though perhaps cost effective in the long run, may add to initial construction costs. d. Fees There are two basic types of fees, those for the processing of development applications (subdivisions, conditional use permits), and those to pay for the costs associated with new development (dwelling unit, traffic signals, sewer connections). The City also requires dedication and/or improvements of streets, drainage channels, when new development occurs. Fees for plan check and building permits are determined bas upon the valuation of the structure. The role that fees play in constraining the production of housing is difficult to measure, although th affect housing prices in certain markets. The theory behind fees is that new development should bear i costs, and that these costs should be spread as equitably as possible. State law requires that fees mu: a reasonable relationship to the actual costs incurred by the City, so that they do not becomes excessive. so, fees may add significantly to the cost of a housing unit, especially in those areas of the City tl largely undeveloped and require new infrastructure and services to be developed. Preliminary results of a fee survey conducted by the City of La Puente indicate that Diamond development fees are fairly average for cities of similar size (Jacobson 1991). e. Processing Time Before development can occur, it is necessary that certain permits, inspections, and approvals be obt These procedures, although necessary to insure the development is safe and in compliance with regulations and building code requirements, can sometimes lead to delays in projects and subsequently in costs. Moreover, excessive processing time may act as a constraint on the production of affordable ho because it increases carrying costs to the developer for land, financing, etc. Processing time for projE Diamond Bar is considered average for cities of similar size and would be less than that for similar pi processed through the County (Ciercy 1991). However, it should be remembered that the City h, recently incorporated, and processing time would shrink as procedures and personnel became established. f. Public Housing Article 34 of the California Constitution was adopted as an initiative by the voters in 1951, prir, response to the increasing number of federally -funded, tax-exempt public housing projects. These were perceived to have negative social, economic, and aesthetic effects on local communities. A states that before a "state public body" can "develop, construct, or acquire in any manner" a "low -rent project", the local voters must approve the endeavor. All three "factors" must be present for the ref to be required. can own bear Even t are ained. • local grease using, acts in •ojects Ls just more -ily in •ojects :le 34 The Article 34 referendum requirement has often proved to be a psychological or actual barrier o the development of many forms of assisted low rent housing, particularly those intended for low income far lilies. Because of the Article's vague language, communities have been reluctant to risk litigation by entering into the development of public housing for low and moderate income families. While there have been many successful referendums, failures have not been uncommon. As such, there is a tendency for local governments • to avoid possible controversy with this type of ballot measure. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 -14 3. NON-GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS Various factors not under the control of government also affect the cost, supply and distribution of housing, These factors include cl cost, construction costs, financing costs, speculation, and miscellaneous costs. a. Land and Construction Costs The costs of improved land as a percentage of new home cost rose steadily in California during the, 1970's, increasing from 21 percent to almost 28 percent in 1980. Land costs include the costs of raw land, site improvements, and all costs associated with obtaining government approvals. According to the City of Los Angeles's Housing Element, this proportion held true in 1987. It is important to note that the price of residentially -zoned raw land is driven by the local housing costs. That is, the price of land does not drive the price of finished dwelling units, but in fact the price of comparable finished units drive the price of land. A typical breakdown of line item costs per unit is found in Table 11-5. The example assumes a 40 acre site zoned for single family residential on 7,200 square foot lots. Table 1I-5 Cost Estimate for New Single Family Housing in Diamond Bar (1988) Cost Item Amount . Percent of Total;' Raw Land (7,200 s.f.) $30,000 22.2 s Land Preparation and Infrastructure $30,000 22.2 Fees (incl. off-site & schools)$12,000 8.9 Materials & Labor $48,000 35.5 Marketing $2,000 1.5 Soft Costs (arch. & eng.) $2,000 1.5 "Other" $11,000 8.2 TOTAL $135,000 100.0 Source: Coldwell Banker, Los Angeles County. Building Departments of City of Diamond Bar and County of Los Angeles. b:- 'Financing Costs The cost of permanent mortgage financing for new and existing homes, as well as cost of new residential construction financing, play a significant role in the affordability of housing. General inflation in the economy directly and indirectly causes housing prices to increase, which in turn raises finance costs. As the absolute price of a home increases, it adds to the mortgage amount which result in increases in the principal, interest, insurance, and taxes a home buyer must pay. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HousING June t, IM 11-15 C. Speculation Speculation in real estate occurs when real estate investors buy housing or land at "low prices" and the it at a much high4roVaffi within a short period of time. The problem is particularly acute if property changes hands from speculator to speculator. The price the eventual long term owner or consumer v could be highly inflated. Speculation affects not only the individual property, but the market climate area as a whole. resell apidly I pay in the Because there are few statistics available on the rate of property turnover and the profit receivl from transactions, the amount of speculative activity and its impact on the City's rising housing costs is not learly known at this time. d. Housing Discrimination As a characteristic of the housing market, discrimination may often present a barrier to providing an a choice of housing for all groups. Discrimination, which may be defined as prejudicial treatment categorically and not on the merit of the individual, takes many forms. Most forms of housing discrit are a violation of State and federal laws, which prohibit discrimination against homeseekers for re: race, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, sex, or marital status. Some of the types of discril encountered are refusal to rent or sell, inflated rents, higher prices, excessive deposits, unre: occupancy standards, limited choice among available units, and poor maintenance and repair. Th populations subject to discrimination are not limited to racial and ethnic minorities, but also include re of welfare and public assistance, families with young children, young unmarried persons, and the hand Redlining is also a form of discrimination, wherein home improvement and mortgage loans are r available by a lending institution in lower-income or minority neighborhoods. Redlining involves ti varying criteria for home financing based upon geographical differences. Often referred to as "neige disinvestment", redlining practices include outright refusal by a lending institution to approve home and rehabilitation loans, making loan conditions stricter (e.g., higher down payment, higher intere higher closing cost), or appraising property below market value or with more rigid standards than comparable property in other neighborhoods. Older declining neighborhoods with high concentrations were often targets of redlining practices in the past. Redlining results in deterioi neighborhoods, real estate speculation, and housing abandonment. Most frequently affected are n and low income persons in general. Despite the fact that redlining is now illegal, this practice is still reported across the country. The Cc Reinvestment Act (CRA) was passed by Congress in 1977 to help eliminate redlining. The CRA e; a Congressional mandate that private, federally -chartered lending institutions must serve the convey credit needs of their surrounding communities. While the enforcement and sanction provisions of are relatively weak, it does provide for public disclosure of a lender's performance in meeting cc credit needs through requirements for an annual CRA statement. ons of .nation unable target ipients apped. made use of • )rhood rchase rates, sed on inority ion of e and CRA Where redlining practices are discovered, a sanction available and suggested for use by SCAG in the gional Housing Element is the deposit of municipal funds in local lending institutions contingent upon acceptable. loan performance in older, declining neighborhoods. Complaints of housing discrimination are handled by the Long Beach Fair Housing Council. The Cou it also handles local landlord -tenant disputes within Diamond Bar, and indicates that there are approximat Iy 1-2 discrimination complaints per month from residents in Diamond Bar. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 Rr • E. PROGRESS REPORT California Government Section 65588(a) provides that each local government shall review its housing element annually, or as frequey as appropriate, to evaluate the following: • The appropriateness of the housing goals, objectives, and policies in contributing to the attainment of the State housing goals. • The effectiveness of the housing element in attainment of the community's housing goals and objectives. • The progress of the city, county, or city and county, in implementation of the housing element. At present, the City of Diamond Bar does not have a record of implementing housing programs, and can not, therefore, report on their progress. These guidelines will be used when the housing element is updated. At present, neither the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) nor the Los Angeles County Housing Authority has information on the number or type of federal or State housing subsidies in Diamond Bar. The City will prepare the new Comprehensive Housing Assistance Strategy (CHAS) report by the end of the year which will detail the extent of assistance in the City. Since Diamond Bar's population is over 50,00€3 it will be eligible to use Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for housing programs'. F. HOUSING GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES s "IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TIM THERE BE ADEQUATE HOUSING IN THE CITY, BOTH IN QUALITY AND QUANTITY, TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELTER FOR ALL WITTIOUT DISCRIMINATION. " GOAL 1 "The City will provide opportunities for development of housing suitable to meet the diverse needs of present and future residents, and to support healthy economic development." Objective L I Development of an adequate supply of housing to meet the existing acrd future housing needs of persons who wish to live in Diamond Bar. Strategies: 1.1.1 , Where feasible within residential developments, encourage a range of housing types. 1.1.2 Encourage commercial/office developments to provide a residential component as part of an overall mixed use concept, where feasible. 1.1.3 Ensure that residential development requirements do not needlessly restrict residential development or unreasonably increase the cost of housing. 1.1.4 Prepare a public .information packet summarizing the City's zoning and development requirements for residential construction. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HoUSiNG 1�7 June 1, 1992 TI -1 I 1.1.5 Establish a monitoring program which identifies the type and cost of h using being produced within Diamond Bar, as well as the availability of vacant land • which can be used in the short-term to accommodate a variety of housin types throughout the City; produce required reports to accomplish the programs o itlined in this plan for housing that is affordable to "very low," "low," and "moderate" income households. 1.1.6 To ensure well planned residential growth while meeting the City's housing responsibilities, review proposed residential projects, general plan amendments, and changes of zone for their effects on the neighborhood, the City, and regional housing needs. 1.1.7 Provide timely review of development requests.with fees sufficient only tclcover the actual costs (direct and overhead) incurred by the City. In order to do so, consider changes in case processing such as: • Computerize case records to allow for automated case track ng. • Schedule case processing timetables to provide reasonable expectations in processing applications based upon available resources. • Hold public and agency review of EIR's concurrently so than processing time can be reduced. 1.1-8 Encourage use of innovative site development and construction materk is and techniques that both meet the intent of City ordinances and reduce the cost of site preparation and/or construction. 1.1.9 Comply with California Government Code Section 55915 by provi ing -a minimum 25 percent density bonus, or equivalent financial incentive, to residential developers who agree to make a minimum of 20 percent of th units within the project affordable to households with an income of 80 percent of the County median income, or make 10 percent of the units within the project affordable to households with an income of 50 percent of the County nedian income, or make 50 percent of the units available exclusively to senior citizens. 1.1.10 Assure that the zoning ordinance provides requirements for diversifica ion of residential development. Developments which include more than five (5 urban residential units will be required to: • provide a mix of dwelling unit types (e.g. single and multi-f�mily); • contribute to the City's balance of affordable housing at all Income levels with the intent that up to ten percent (10%) of 41 new housing within the project be affordable to very low, 1w, or moderate income households; or • pay an "in lieu fee to be used by the City for the provi ion of housing affordable to very low, low, or moderate ncome households. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 W 1.1.11 Establish parking requirements for housing to a level consistent with the occupant's transportation needs. 11•.1 Facilitate the provision of single and multiple family dwelling units available to very low, low, and moderate income households through participation in the Mortgage Revenue Bond Program, issuance of Mortgage Credit Certificates, and use of other viable economic resources, Encourage private sector participation in the provision of very low, low, and moderate cost housing by offering such programs to developers who provide at Ieast 20 percent of the housing units within prices which are affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households. GOAT, 2 "Provide adequate housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community, regardIess of age, race, ethnic background, national origin, religion, family size, sex, marital status, physical conditions, or any other arbitrary factors". Objective 2.1 Ensure that the existing supply of low and moderate cost housing within Diamond Bar does not diminish. Strategies: 2.1.1 Maintain existing number of subsidized units. Where proposed development projects or other discretionary actions of the City of Diamond Bar would reduce the number of existing subsidized dwelling units, ensure that appropriate offsets are provided as part of the proposed action. a. To avoid potential reduction in the supply of rental housing, prepare a condominium conversion ordinance which would limit the conversion of rental apartments to condominiums or cooperatives. b. Require that ail successful conversion applicants provide a relocation assistance program for displaced tenants, encouraging relocation within the community. C. Based on the provisions of Government Code Section 65863.7, consider requiring the submission of a report detailing the impacts of any proposed mobilehome park conversion to a nonresidential use concurrent with the filing of any discretionary permit on such property. - -At d. Annually assess all affordable or assisted housing units that are considered "at risk" as delineated in the "Inventory of Federally Subsidized Low -Income Rental Units at Risk of Conversion (1989)" or other appropriate federal or State documents. e. Investigate the feasibility of programs to ensure that "for sale" housing which is subsidized so as to be affordable to very low, Iow, and moderate income households remain affordable to those income groups after sale to the first buyer. DIAMOND 13AR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 II -19 Objective 2.2 Prevent housing discrimination in Diamond Bar. Strategies: 49— Mr 2.2.1 Distribute information regarding the activities of the City to assist resolution of housing discrimination cases. 2.2.2 Participate in the activities of the Long Beach Fair Housing Council as they the City of Diamond Bar. Objective 2.3 Cooperate with regional agencies to provide housing for the elderly, handicapped, and other special needs groups. Strategies: • the ,ffect ,less, 2.3.1 Promote housing accessibility for elderly, handicapped, and disabled pers ns. 2.3.2 Specifically encourage development of assisted rental housing for the elderly, handicapped, and disabled. Specifically encourage development of such lousing through the use of density bonuses, tax-exempt bonds, and land write-downs, combined with federal and State housing subsidies. 2.3.3 Provide information regarding the availability of emergency shelter. 2.3.4 Pursue State, federal, and private programs designed to expand housing opportunities for all segments of society including the elderly and the handicapped. Determine the extent to which such programs are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Diamond Bar General Plan, and the extent to which such programs can be incorporated into future development within the City. Programs include but are not limited to: FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMML NITY DEVELOPMENT (HUD) • Federal Community Development Block Grant monies for senior citizen and handicapped housing projects. • Section 242 funding for financing of rental housing projects. • Section 203 insurance for acquisition and rehabilitation fi ancing - for single family homes. • Section 207 rental housing funding. • Section 213 cooperative housing funding. • Section 221 rental and cooperative housing for moderate ncome families. • Section 223 purchase and refinance of existing rental units. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING Tune 1, 1992 t-20 • Section 234 insurance for condominiums. •Amk Section 241 supplemental loan insurance for existing multi -family rental housing. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • Self -Help Housing Program: technical assistance grants and mortgage assistance for owner -builder organizations. • Mobilehome Park Assistance Program. Financial and technical assistance to residents to purchase mobilehome parks. • California Homeownership Assistance Program. Shared appreciation loans for manufactured housing or for renters in projects converting to cooperative or condominium ownership. • California Housing Rehabilitation Program. Rehabilitation loans from Proposition 77 to owner occupants of substandard housing, including low income and rental housing. • Family Housing Demonstration Program. Loan funds for construction or purchase and rehabilitation of housing that includes support services such as child care, job training, etc. • Rental Housing Construction Program. Loan funds to government agencies for profit and non-profit sponsors of new rental housing projects. • Predeveiopment Loan Program. Loans to local government agencies and nonprofit corporations to pay predevelopment costs incurred in developing low income housing. • Senior Citizens Shared Housing Program. Funds technical assistance to, matching services for, and development costs of, shared housing for senior citizens. CALIFORNIA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY • Resale Program. Below market interest rate mortgage financing for first-time homebuyers earning less than $40-45,000, depending on family size. The sales price maximum is presently $113,000. • Home Purchase Assistance Program. Up to $15,000 deferred payment with 3 percent simple interest second mortgage loans to lower income first-time homebuyers. + Matching Down Payment Program. Matches first-time homebuyer's down payment up to $5,000. Loans only to CHFA first-time borrowers. Loans are due on sale and carry 3 percent simple interest. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1492 I1-21 2.3.5 Ait LOS ANGELES COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY • Section 8 Existing Certificates. Rental subsidies. • Home Improvement Loan Program. Below market intere4 t rate loans up to $15,1700 for eligible homeowners. Eligible improvements include new roof, exterior paint, etc. All health and safety violations must be corrected. • Repair Service Program for Senior Homeowners. One time grant of labor and materials for eligible homeowners for minor epairs and weatherization and insulation. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR • Requirements for provision of "in lieu" funds for development of housing affordable to low and moderate income households. PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS • Savings Associations Mortgage Company (SAMCO). A sta ewide organization supported by stockholder savings institutions torovide financing for affordable housing projects. • California Community Reinvestment Corporation (CCR C . A resource pool supported by the State's banks to assist in financing affordable housing. Work with the Los Angeles County Housing Authority and nearby ei les to establish a continuous emergency shelter program serving the eastern poi ion of the County. Funds for homeless shelters available through the McKinn y Act include: • Emergency Shelter Grants for building acquisition and rehabilitation, rental assistance, and payment of security deposits. • Section 8 Mod Rehab Assistance for Single Room Occupancy Housing can be used to rehabilitate a single room occupancy hotel. • Supplemental Assistance for Facilities to Assist the Homeless. • Supportive Housing: The 'Transitional Housing Program p avides funds for both building rehabilitation and five years of op, -rating funds for transitional housing programs (3 months to 2 years). • Permanent Housing for the Handicapped Homeless. • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program can provide short-term rental subsidies to prevent eviction, payment of mortgage to prevent forec osure, and utility assistance to families or individuals. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING June 1, 1992 I-22 u • GOAL 3 Preservation and conservation of existing housing stock and maintenance of property values and residents' quality of life. Objective 3.1 Maintain and encourage the improvement of the quality and integrity of existing residential neighborhoods. Strategies: 3.1.1 Adopt a housing/neighborhood preservation program, including incentive programs to ensure ongoing maintenance. 3.1.2 Permit sorority/fraternity and other group housing only to the extent that associated nuisance factors are mitigated and to the extent that the quiet, suburban or rural character of the existing residential neighborhood is preserved. 3.1.3 Enact Development Code provisions which would permit the development of second units on a single family parcel only to the extent that the single family character of the neighborhood is protected, and to the extent that road, water, and sewer systems are capable of supporting such development. 3.1.4 Determine the feasibility of establishing a Craftsman and Tool bending Prograrq, utilizing State funding if necessary. Objective 3.2 Eliminate substandard housing by establishing a program to investigate and encourage the rehabilitation of substandard housing units within Diamond Bar. Strategies: 3.2.1 Investigate the availability of funds, including City "in lieu" funds, for establishing a housing rehabilitation program. 3.2.2 Establish a program of public information and technical assistance to encourage the continued maintenance of currently sound housing as neighborhoods age within the City of Diamond Bar. 3.2.3 Utilize available housing rehabilitation/conservation funds to establish a fund to assist low and moderate households with painting, minor repairs, and general maintenance. 3.2.4 Work with the State Franchise Tax Board in order to enforce the provisions of California Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 17299 and 24435.5 which prohibit owners of substandard housing from claiming depreciation, amortization, mortgage interest, and property tax deductions on State income tax. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: HOUSING T June 1, IM 11-23 III. PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAG A. INTRODUCTION Open Space Elements and Conservation Elements were first required to be a part of city and county neral Plans in 1970. Within Diamond Bar, many issues dealing with conservation also overlap issues rel ted to open space, such as "open space for the preservation of natural resources" and "open space for the managed production of resources" (State of California General Plan Guidelines). As a result of this overt p and interdependency, these two general plan requirements have been combined into a Plan for Re ource Management, which is permitted under State law. Diamond Bar recognizes its role as a responsible steward of all lands within its jurisdiction. As a consequence, the City intends to take an active role in the management of its natural and open space res urces for the benefit of the community now, and in the future. The Pian for Resource Management deals with "open -space land" issues, defined by Section 65560(b) of the Government Code as "any parcel or area of land or water which is essentially unimproved and devoted t open space use..." Open space uses encompass four principal categories: natural resources; managed pro< uction of resources; outdoor recreation; and public health and safety. The first part of this Plan addresses opei space and visual resources, biological resources, and parks and recreation. 0 The Plan for Resource Management also establishes strategies for effectively managing local natural resources to prevent waste, destruction, or neglect. This portion of the General Plan is concerned with the consertation, development, and utilization of natural resources such as water (including reclaimed wastewater), energy, and • the disposal and reuse of solid wastes. As recommended in state law, agriculture and mineral resourl= are two other natural resources that are analyzed. It is the intent of the Plan for Resource Management to: Create and retain an open space system which will conserve natural resources, scenic beauty, promote a healthy community atmosphere, provide open space for recreation, and protect the public safety. Identify limits on the natural resources needed to support urban and rural development within the City and its sphere of influence, and ensure that those resources are used wisely and not abused. Provide a park, recreation and open space system which enhances the livability of url an and suburb areas by providing parks for residential neighborhoods; preserving sig 'ficant natural, scenic, and other open space resources; and meeting the open space and recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents. The Plan for Resource Management is closely related to the Land Use portion of the Plan for Com unity Development since areas designated for open space must be consistent with designations on the Land Use map. Areas designated as open space for public health and safety reasons in the Plan for Resource Management are similarly addressed in the Plan for Public Health and Safety. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL, PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1992 I1I-1 B. EXISTING CONDITIONS 1. OPW SPACE AND VISUAL RESOURCES Diamond Bar is well known as a master -planned hillside residential community with outstanding views of natural slopes and ridgelines. There are a number of undeveloped areas in the City that constitute potential open space resources such as: Sandstone Canyon, located west of Brea Canyon and north of Pathfinder; Canyons and slopes west of the 57 Freeway, south of Pathfinder Road and south of Brea Cutoff Road; hillsides east of the 57 Freeway; Upper Sycamore Canyon area between Leyland and Diamond Bar Boulevard; Tres Hermanos area. The portion of Tanner Canyon that is within the City's sphere of influence offers tremendous open space opportunities and visual resources. The natural slopes and ridges have provided a distinctive visual identity to the community's natural and developed areas. 2. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES While Diamond Bar still contains several areas that support native plants and animals, these resources have undergone considerable transition over the years. The native flora and fauna which once inhabited the City have been largely eliminated in developed areas. Historical agricultural and recent urban development have removed large areas of natural vegetative cover. Animals that once inhabited the valley floor have been forced into nearby undisturbed areas to the southwest, south, southeast, and east of the City limits. Within the City, the following areas still support significant biological habitats and plant species: Sandstone Canyon - Located west of the 57 Freeway, north of Pathfinder Road. This area encompassing over 100 acres (with three smaller canyons), contains stands of mature riparian vegetation along a meandering stream channel. Major plant species include coast live oak, western sycamore, California black walnut, and willow. This area also supports a variety of wildlife including small and large mammals that can tolerate proximity to humans such as mice, squirrels, raccoon, coyote and, occasionally, mule deer. Upper Sycamore Canyon - This 400 -acre area encompasses the upper section of Sycamore Canyon (the lower section is already a natural City park), and is referred to as the Bramalea property. Tres Hermans - The largest "vacant" or open area in the City is the Tres Hermanos property at the northeastern corner of Diamond Bar. This 800+ acre area has been grazed extensively, and contains a few small canyons with remnant oak woodlands. • Tonner Canyon - The City's sphere of influence, encompassing the middle 3,600 acres of Tonner�Canyon, which is considered a "Significant Ecological Area" (SEA) by Los Angeles County due to its wealth of biological resources. This portion of the canyon contains extensive stands of riparian, oak, and walnut woodland plants, which are considered sensitive and important native plant habitats by the California Department of Fish and Game. Tonner Canyon supports a diverse population of native animals, including the California ground squirrel, cottontail rabbit, coyote, the Pacific as well as possibly the endangered Stephen's kangaroo rat, and several species of mice. Numerous birds also utilize this area, including several species of hawks and owls, which are all protected under California Fish and Game laws. A sensitive species of pond turtle was also observed in the upper portion of the canyon, although it was just outside the City limits and sphere of influence. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT rT June 1, 1942 111-2 There is a potential for sensitive plant species to occur within the City limits of Diamond Bar, due amount of previous disturbance. However, undisturbed areas such as Sandstone Canyon are in the h range of sensitive -plants such as Dudleya multicaulis, among others. Rare or endangered animal spec. not generally found rwi -lin the City. Sandy soils, especially in the previously identified natural area, harbor the endangered Stephen's kangaroo rat. 3. PARKS AND RECREATION There are several existing park and recreation facilities within the City's boundaries that provide acti passive recreational opportunities to City residents. The City has seven developed parks ranging in sit 2 acres to 26 acres. The City also has two undeveloped parks and one joint park facility with Walnut Unified School District. Small athletic fields and playgrounds are available at the 8 elementary intermediate schools in the City. More extensive fields and a gymnasium are available at Diamond School. There are also several quasi -public and private recreational facilities, including the Diamond E course, "The Country" park, YMCA and Little League fields on Sunset Crossing. to the istoric es are , may and from and 2 High it golf The State and National recreation agencies recommend a minimum of 2 acres of developed active public parkland and 0.5 acres of undeveloped or passive parklands. The City ratio of 1.1 acres of developed public parkland per 1000 residents is under the State and National recreation agencies recommendation, which will need to be addressed. The City will need to provide adequate park acreage and recreation facilities to serve the need of present and future residents. Currently, within the City there is a total of 470.8 acres of recreational facilities. The City also owns 54:4 acres of developed parkland and an additional 75.5 acres of undeveloped parkland. Within the City there are quasi -public parkland and/or facilities that may require user fees; these include the Diamond Bar Golf Course, YMCA and Little league fields. There is also a private parkland and facility which consists of "The Country" park. Only residents or "The th Country" can use e park which consists of 16.4 developed acres and 133.5 undeveloped acres. The City is located within an hour of several regional recreation and national forest areas such as a San Gabriel and San Bernardino National Forests to the north and northeast, which include the summer and winter resort areas of Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead. The forests provide outdoor activities as diverse as swimming, boating, hiking, camping, downhill skiing, and cross country skiing. There are also County recreation facilities available at Schabarum Regional Park to the west and Bonelli Regional Park to the north (which contains Puddingstone Lake). - DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAIN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1992 -3 0 1� Is U CO r LL Lu .� J 4- Q � f... U G] c9 0 O J C O E a a a Q C O .q O O � q O a c m o E C q q m 1 CLO z W LLI C� a Q LL U cc D O 0 Lu cc Within the City, the 57 Freeway is designated as a State Scenic Highway with views of the mountains to the north and east. Local roadways such as Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Grand venue offer a variety of suburban and open views within the City. 4. WATER RESOURCES One of the fundamental long-term constraints for both urban and rural development is the availabili y and quality of water. As throughout Southern California, water availability has become, and will remain, a major resource constraint facing Diamond Bar. The strategies for this section focus on the actions which rr ust be taken to ensure the continuing supply of water needed to support Diamond Bar's future. Water is provided to the area by the Three Valleys Municipal Water District but locally distributed t rough the Walnut Valley Municipal Water District. Ultimately, almost all local water districts receive most of their imported water (other than groundwater) from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD). As a result of the ongoing State-wide drought, now in its sixth year, the MWD has restricted local water supplies by 25 lercent through the imposition of surcharges on water that is supplied in excess of these levels. A Master lan of Water is being prepared by the Walnut Valley Water Municipal District which estimates a buildout pop cation for Diamond Bar on the order of approximately 75,000 residents, which is higher than the estimated buildout of the City. The degree to which the modest amount of growth projected by the General. Plan can be accommodated by the local water districts will depend on the regional availability of water. 5. ENERGY RESOURCES The availability of energy resources is a growing societal concern. Urban and suburban land uses wi in the City all rely on the availability of a continuing supply of affordable energy resources. However, recent experience has been that unless society's awareness of the critical nature of energy availability is ins eased, significant dislocations in the economy and local quality of life can result. Energy conservation is not only necessary to the continued functioning of modern society, but provides immediate benefits to individu s and businesses to utility bill savings and improved air quality. The strategies provided in this section propose energy efficient building and land use practices. Many other actions needed to conserve energy squire cooperation with federal and State agencies, as well as with public utilities, which have indicated their i aterest in promoting energy conservation. (. SOLID WASTE Landfill disposal of solid wastes and the conservation of recyclable materials have become important public concerns by reason of the diminishing capacity of landfill space and growing environmental problems facing our State. For this reason, the State Legislature passed the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB939). The Act, also known as Public Resources Code Section 41000 et. seq., requires each city to prepare, adopt, and implement a Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE) which identifies how that jurisdiction will divert through a combination of source reduction, recycling, and composting progra s, 25 percent of solid wastes from landfill disposal by 1995, and 50 percent or the maximum amount fess ble by the year 2000. Since the improper disposal of hazardous wastes poses a more serious risk to the public's health and threaten the environment in which we live, the Legislature passed AB 2707 (Public Resource Code Section 47 500 et. seq.) which requires each city to prepare a Household Hazardous Waste Element (HHWE). The describes how the City will dispose of hazardous substances like household cleaners, paints, pesticid , and motor oil. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1992��� • 7. AGRICULTURE The City of Diagndar presently has no important agricultural farmlands according to the California Department of Conservation, -Division of Land Resource Protection, and the Soil Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These agencies classify important farmland into six categories according to soil type: prime; potential prime, statewide important; locally important; and unique farmlands. While none of these classifications have been applied to soils in Diamond Bar, the area did at one time support extensive walnut groves and cattle ranches. Over the last 30 years, the farm and ranchlands that once typified Diamond Bar have been converted to urban and suburban uses. Prior to 1900, the production of walnuts and cattle grazing were the primary agricultural activities within the City. Today, only scattered grazing remains, primarily on the Tres Hermanos property in the northeastern corner of the City. This area contains the "headwaters" of Tonner Canyon, and the upper portions of this canyon, just south of Tres Hermanos and west of Diamond Bar, are also grazed periodically. The middle portio of Tonner Canyon, within the City's sphere of influence, supports oil production, as well as the Firestone Boy Scout Camp, and is not grazed on a regular basis. The entire Southern California regio is experiencing a strong demand for housing and urban development. Because of this demand and the inevitable conflicts between urbanization and agriculture, previously extensive agricultural land in the City has already been systematically removed from production. Therefore, the remaining agricultural (grazing land) within the City will eventually be phased out. S. MINERAL RESOURCES The City of Diamond Bar does not contain any identified (significant) mineral resources. The State of California has established four categories of Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs). Most of Diamond Bar is considered in MRZ-1, which identifies areas where adequate information indicates no significant aggregate deposits are present. However, a particular bedrock formation (Puente) underlies scattered portions of the City. This formation is classified as MRZ-3, which identifies areas that may contain aggregate mineral deposits but whose significance cannot be evaluated from available data. Based on available data, development in Diamond Bar will have to import substantial quantities of aggregate materials anyway, since none of the surrounding areas contain extensive deposits. C. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ISSUES 1. OPEN SPACE AND VISUAL RESOURCES There are several major vacant hillside or open space areas remaining in the City, which are under various pressures to develop. Many currently open lands were previously restricted from development by the County. The City has the option continue to apply restrictions or to allow additional development. The City needs to determine which areas will be preserved and what means to use to best assure their protection. These areas should be incorporated into the planning process for (new) active and passive parks. This is especially true for the future new development such as Tres Hermans, upper Sycamore Canyon and Sandstone Canyon properties. In addition, planning for Tonner Canyon should be done in conjunction with property owners and representatives from the various jurisdictions that overlap Tonner Canyon. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to provide a balanced open space preservation and recreation plan which responds to existing and future developments, within the City and the sphere of influence. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: REsoURCE MANAGEMENT T June 1, 1992 111-6 2. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The City and its shef influence contains several areas with significant biological resources. Thesc areas should be considered for preservation in conjunction with important open space and visual resource areas. Areas should be selected for preservation to support the maximum amount of biological resources for the longest period of time. This includes wildlife corridors to prevent isolation and loss of diversity in biological "islands" if they are cut off from larger and more diverse areas. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to protect areas with important biological resource , both within the City and the sphere of influence. 3. PARKS AND RECREATION The City has a variety of recreational facilities presently available for local residents. While th re are numerous facilities in the area, some local parks are small or isolated. There are few additional parks p anned for the future. As the City grows, there will be additional demands placed on existing facilities. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to plan for adequate parks and recreational facil ies to serve the growing needs of local residents through the utilization of eristing facilities within City boundaries and throughout the area, additional recreation parklands are necessary to meet the community needs. 4. WATER Water is a scarce, and expensive, natural resource. The City already makes use of reclaimed water, and this source will probably be depended on more in the future to "free up" potable water for additional domestic use. The level of additional population growth in the City will be modest, but water may continue to be a limiting factor in long-range planning. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should work with local water purveyors and the commutry to encourage water conservation and use of reciaitned water. 5. ENERGY While water is the current resource shortage, there have also been short-term energy (fossil fuel) sho ges. In times of increasing population, consumption, and environmental awareness, the efficient use of energy will continue to be an important aspect of responsible community life. There are many educational, governmental, and private institutions nearby that are on the cutting edge of energy technology. The City should ava 1 itself of environmentally safe methods of resource conservation and encourage testing of new technologies. ISSUE ANALY�J[S: The City should encourage energy conservation and innovation in nergy systems. 6. SOLID WASTE While the disposal of solid waste is a significant problem, recent legislation has several immediate and sific implications for Diamond Bar. Cities are now required to reduce their production of solid was a and implement recycling programs, as well as arrange for the disposal of hazardous household materials. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The Ciry should outline an integrated waste management strate and identify programs that will assist the City in minimizing the environmental impacts of landfill disposal of solid wastes as mandated by State Law. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1992 II -7 • a r 1 U 7. AGRICULTURE Although Diamo�egan as an agricultural community, it has become a residential suburban community. Cattle grazing is the only agricultural activity that remains as a reminder of this heritage. The lands that presently support grazing are already planned for various types of development. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should develop policies dealing with the conversion of grazing agricultural land to other land uses. 8. MINERAL RESOURCES There are no significant, concentrated mineral resources in Diamond Bar. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is no identified issue. D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES "ITIS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAINADEQUATE OPEN SPACES IN THE CITY TO SERVE THE DIVERSE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF ITS RESIDENTS, WHILE FOSTERING THE WISE USE OF LIMITED NATURAL_ RESOURCES. " GOAL 1 "Create and maintain an open space system which will preserve scenic beauty, protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and protect public health and safety." Objective 1.1 Preserve significant visual features which are within, or are visible from the City of Diamond Bar, with an emphasis on the preservation of remaining natural hillside areas. Strategies: 1.1.1 Develop consistent regulations for the protection of ridgelines, slope areas, and hilltops. Require contour or landform grading, clustering of development, or other means to minimize visual impacts to ridgelines or prominent slopes. 1.1.2 Require that all excess excavated and waste materials be properly removed and disposed of, or otherwise placed so as to become an integral part of the site development. 1.1.3 Require that dwelling units and structures within hillside areas be sited in such a manner as to utilize ridgelines and Iandscape plant materials as a backdrop for the structures and the structures themselves to provide maximum concealment of cut slopes. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAIN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1 M III -8 1.1,4 Preserve to the maximum extent possible existing vegetation within hillside development areas not designated for construction. i I= Require that significant vegetation which cannot be preserved in place, but is suitable for transplanting, be relocated if feasible. 1.1.5 Require that dwelling units, structures and landscaping be sited in a mannerwhich: • Protects views for existing development • Retains opportunities for views from dwellings • Preserves or enhances vistas, particularly those seen from public places • Preserves mature trees, natural hydrology, native plant merials, and areas of visual interest. • Vegetation may be removed as part of a City or Fire approved fuel modification program. 1.1.7 Utilize grading permit procedures to ensure that site designs for devel pment proposals for hillside areas conform to the natural terrain, and consider the visual aspects. 1.1.8 Work with the appropriate jurisdictions to protect prominent ridges, slo , and . hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its sphere of influence, such as the ills in the City of Industry, west of the 57 Freeway at Grand Avenue, the hills witfin the County of Los Angeles (Rowland Heights), west of the 57 Freeway, south f Brea Canyon Cutoff, the portion of Tonmer Canyon within the Chino Hills Specific Plan, and the portion of Tonner Canyon within the City of Brea (Orange County) 1.1.9 Enact provisions and techniques that enhance groundwater recharge and Iaca� water recovery. Objective 1.2 Where ecologically feasible, maintain, protect, and preserve biologically significant itats, including riparian areas, oak and walnut woodlands, and other areas of natural signi cance, providing only such recreational and cultural opportunities as can be developed in a iwnner sensitive to the environment. Strategies: - 1.2.1 Ensure that all development, including roads, proposed adjacent to riparian anP other biologically sensitive habitats avoid significant impacts to such areas. Requre that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: • Minimize or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitivel areas; • Create buffer areas adjacent to the sensitive area, incorporating the • most passive uses of the adjacent property; DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1492 H-7 • Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; • Provide wildlife movement linkages to water, food and nesting; • Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; and • Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems. • Avoid blocking of wildlife corridors and migration paths by fences or other obstructions. • Replace fresh drinking water for wildlife when natural water areas are removed or blocked. 1.2.2 Preserve existing mature trees and vegetation within existing natural and naturalized areas to the extent feasible. a. Natural vegetation is to be removed only as is necessary to locate approved development and the construction of needed infrastructure. b. Prepare a tree preservation ordinance that requires developers and residents to protect, maintain, or otherwise preserve healthy mature oak, walnut, pepper and sycamore trees. The ordinance should emphasize preservation of these species in place whenever feasible, should provide a replacement mitigation plan for trees of 6 inches or greater in diameter when removal is necessary. C. Incorporate, where feasible, the input of a certified arborist, landscape architect, and/or qualified horticulturist into the review and approval of landscape proposals through a design review process. 1.2.3 In conjunction with local schools and volunteers, the City will participate in an environment education program, for the use of open space lands. 1.2.4 Pursue preservation of canyon areas in their natural state should be pursued. 1.2.5 Incorporate, where feasible, the input of a certified arborist, landscape architect, and/or qualified horticulturist into the review and approval of landscape proposals 'through the design review process. Objective 1.3 Maintain a system ofpublic and private park and recreation facilities which meets the active and passive recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents of all ages. Strategies: 1.3.1 Develop Recreation facilities emphasizing active and passive recreation areas. The development of a community center, the acquisition of traditional neighborhood parkland including community athletic fields should be pursued. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT rrr June 1, IM 111-10 • Improve and enhance existing recreation areas. • Pursue joint public/private development of recreation facilil • Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of recreation facilities and update the facilities to ensure that the City's needs are being met. • Actively pursue Iand acquisition for parks. • Pursue preservation of various hillside areas and other scenic resources which are important to the City's image. • Initiate a program of identifying environmentally sigaifi areas in the City and the sphere of influence, and analyze the possibility of protecting any unique or significant environmental features of such areas. • Pursue protection of environmentally significant areas such as, but not limited to: Sandstone Canyon, portions of Upper Sy more Canyon, the canyons along Brea Canyon Cutoff, and Tonner Canyon. • Pursue development of an integrated trails system wid in the community. • Investigate the possibility of integrating this trail system into the golf course property to the west and the open space canyon south of Grand Avenue along the eastern City boundary (which would eventually connect to the LA County Schabarum Equestrian Trail). 1.3.2 Unless there is an overriding public recreation need, require that open space areas, other than those described above which are set aside as part of a development' roject be maintained privately. Require that open space easements be granted over rtions of development sites which are set aside for open space. 1.3.3 Prepare and maintain an inventory of open lands which were set aside for opei i space uses as part of previous development approvals through the County, and designate such lands as non -developable open space. In preparing this inventory, deem that lands set aside in previous development projects which were not clearly reserved for future development, were to be preserved as natural open space. 1.3.4 As part of the Development Review process, require verification as to the existence of any potential open space restrictions previously approved on the subject pr perty, prior to accepting development proposals. 1.3.5 Recreational Open Space shall be preserved as recreational open space including, but not limited to, the Diamond Bar Golf Course. 1.3.6 Plan for the development of a system of greenbelts within the community. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1992 HI_ • • 1.3.7 Provide sufficient neighborhood and community park facilities such that a rate of 5.0 acres of public parkland per 1,000 residents is achieved and distributed throughout -W— the City in locations convenient to residents. 1.3.8 Develop a Needs Analysis to determine the present and future recreation and park needs. 1.3.9 Prepare a comprehensive Master Plan of Parks which analyzes present and future recreation and park needs. • Develop design standards for park size, location, relationship and impact to adjacent properties and community facilities. • Provide list of existing park sites to be improved or expanded. • Target locations for park acquisition and type of park required. • List timing and phasing of acquisition and improvements of parkland. • Provide costs of acquisition and improvements, including funding sources and implementation priorities. GOAL 2 "Identify limits on the resources needed to support existing and future uses within the City of Diamond Bar and its sphere of influence, and ensure that resources are used wisely." Objective 2.1 Minimsze the consumption of water through a combination of water conservation and use of reclaimed water. Strategises: 2.1.1 Coordinate with the local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed wastewater, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation. a. In cooperation with adjacent communities and area water purveyors, develop a plan to initiate the use of reclaimed water; require new development and intensification of existing development to include dual water systems in appropriate locations. b. Work with the local schools and establish a public education program providing information to City residents regarding the potential and advantages for reuse of water. C. Where feasible, direct storm waters collected in streets and drainage systems to settling basins or small lakes within parks or open space areas, as long as it benefits and does not adversely disrupt local plants or wildlife. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: REsOURCE MANAGEMENT June t, IM III -12 2.1.2 Encourage the installation of contemporary and feasible water conse anon • technologies into new developments, or retrofitted into existing developments, where intensification is proposed. Such measures may include but are not limited o. • Pressure reducing valves that would reduce supply line press ires in excess of 50 psi to 50 psi or less. • FIush valve operated water closets which are limited to three gallons per flush. • Drinking fountains equipped with self-closing valves. • The insulation of all hot water lines for the purpose of providing hot water faster with less water waste, and keeping hot wate pipes from heating cold water pipes. • Thermostatically controlled mixing valves for baths and sh wers, and water conserving models of washers and dishwashers. • Low flow faucets and shower heads. 2.1.3 Encourage the use of primarily drought -tolerant plants and efficient de,, ign ib landscape application, even if reclaimed water is being used at present for i gation purposes. a. As part of the City development review of landscaping plans, disc urage • installation of large areas of lawn or turf, or limit installations to areas that require the use of grass where feasible. b. Replace and maintain City medians with drought tolerant plants and round cover. C. Where domestic water supplies are used in the irrigation of turf areas, encourage the use of drought tolerant vegetation. d. To the extent possible, require the preservation of existing native trtes and shrubs, as established plants are often adapted to low water consum tion. e. Require residential builders to provide information to prospective bu ers of new homes within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought-lolerant planting concepts. f. Require non-residential builders to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting concepts. g. Where possible, require the extensive use of mulch in landscape areas to improve the water -holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction. 2.1.4 Require irrigation efficiency within the City. Encourage and upgrade irrigation • systems to the most efficient system available. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 1 June TF 1, 1992 T T-13 2.1.5 Be prepared for rationing or supplies of water being limited in case of extended drought. a. Prepare Water Management Regulations that can be implemented should water supplies become severely limited. Potential actions could include restrictions against watering of sidewalks, excessive runoff from irrigation, yard watering on alternate days, etc. 2.1.5 Review existing landscaping standards and encourage modification of certain land -use practices through xeriscaping and other drought -tolerant plants for new developments. Objective 2.2 Encourage efwient use of energy by minimizing the consumption of energy resources to the minimal amount needed to support existing and planned land uses, through a combination of efficient land use patterns and passive and active energy conservation systems. Strategies: 2.2.1 As a general principle, replace total dependence on nonrenewable, imported energy resources with a greater reliance on locally available renewable resources to a degree which is feasible and in accord with current technology. 2.2.2 In conjunction with review of development applications, require the incorporation, where feasible, of the following: + Provide for clusters of buildings with protected indoor or plaza/open areas within multiple family residential, commercial, and office projects to promote protection from the wind and sun. • Construct internal roadways of the minimum widths necessary for safe circulation in order to minimize solar reflection and heat radiation from impervious material. • Where possible, locate reflective surfaces (i.e. parking lots) on the north and east side of buildings; alternatively, where parking areas must be located to the south or west of buildings, provide additional landscaping to reduce heat gain. • Orient the maximum amount of glass possible toward the south, the side with the greatest amount of solar collection (heat gain potential), in combination with other measures for shading to mitigate against summer heat. • Use appropriate building shapes and locations in order to promote maximum feasible solar access of individual units. • Design individual buildings to maximize natural internal lighting through interior court wells, interior court areas, skylights, clerestory windows, and energy efficient building shapes. IJ1AMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN; RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, IM III -14 • Use canopies and overhangs to provide shade to windows during summer months, while allowing for reflection of directs alight through the windows during winter months (care should be t2ken to assure that overhangs and canopies do not prevent sufficie t light for daytime purposes). • Incorporate the use of drought tolerant deciduous tnes in landscaping plans,. especially near buildings and around expanses of paved areas. • Incorporate drought tolerant deciduous vines, trellises, and canopies to shade south and westward facing walls, to cool t. iem in summer months. • Locate trees and hedges planted close to buildings so as to beneficial cooling breezes through openings. 2.2.3 Ensure that sufficient shading of parking surfaces is provided within commercial, and office projects to reduce heat gain. 2.2.4 Investigate the feasibility of adopting an Energy Ordinance that will inco rate retrofit provisions for the installation of energy conservation measures on isting structures, solar pool and hot tub provisions that will prohibit natural gas heaters as the primary energy source. v 2.2.5 Implement, through the subdivision ordinance or through other appr priate • mechanisms, the Solar Rights Act of 1978 which addresses structural orientat on for solar access, and includes such concepts as solar easements, functional lands ping, street layout, and architectural designs that reduce energy costs. 2.2.5 Maintain in the Development Code provisions to require solar energy systems for the heating of swimming pools in all new multi -family residential developments 2.2.7 Take fall advantage of the CEQA process as a tool for evaluating energya and potential energy impacts, and for implementing appropriate energy copse ation measures. 2.2.8 Require the inclusion, where feasible, of provisions for energy efficient modes of transportation and fixed facilities which establish public mass transit, bicycle, equestrian, and pedestrian modes as desirable alternatives. 2.2.9 Work with appropriate federal, State, and private utility agencies to identify and facilitate appropriate Iegislation for utility rate revisions that would 4rovide incentives for the conservation of energy by the shifting of energy usage to n -peak hours. 2.2.117 Increase public awareness of energy conservation technology and practices by the dissemination of information that describes energy conservation practices for community members. This will encourage ongoing communication and the generation of ideas, plans, and programs for the future development of Diamond • Bar as an energy efficient city. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1992 111-15 Objective 2.3 Reduce overall local energy consumption by promoting efficient land use patterns which reduce the amount of vehicular travel. dw- Strategies: 2.3.1 Land uses in the City will be planned to reduce vehicle miles traveled between compatible and related uses, such as home -shopping, home -office, home-school, etc. a. This will apply to mixed-use Planned Developments in particular when planning and reviewing new land uses. 2.3.2 Design and implement a citywide system of bikeways and pedestrian trails as non-polluting circulation alternatives. Objective 2.4 Cooperate with and encourage local educational, governmental, and private organizations in the development and use of new energy technologies that are deemed environmentally safe. Strategies: 2.4.1 Maintain open communication with other local, regional, state or federal agencies regarding the evaluation of current energy problems and state-of-the-art technologies and practices. 2.4.2 Emphasize fuel efficiency and the use of alternative fuels in the acquisition and use of City -owned vehicles and fleet vehicles of City franchisees; support programs which would serve to enhance or encourage the use of public transit systems. a. Cooperate with the South Coast Air Quality Management Agency in the development and local testing of new alternative fuels or other energy programs. 2.4.3 Participate with local organizations on research and/or the development of alternate energy sources, including cogeneration, photovoltaic, biomass, waste to energy, wind, etc. 2.4.4 Investigate the potential for adding provisions in the Development Code to require industrial and/or commercial projects to be sited to facilitate photovoltaic and/or cogeneration units. Objective 2.5 Minimize the environmental impacts of landfill disposal of solid wastes through an aggressive public education and information campaign designed to promote a comprehensive program of source reduction, recycling, composting, and household hazardous waste reduction activities. Strategies: 2.5.1 Develop and implement a Source Reduction and Recycling Element according to the guidelines established by State law and the California Integrated Waste Management Board. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1"2 III -I6 2.5.2- Develop and implement a Household Hazardous Waste Element according guidelines of the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Incorpo" _ �_ element into the Plan for Resource Management of the General Plan. 2.5.3 Reduce wasteful packaging of products sold in the City through educa technical assistance which emphasizes the reduction of non -recyclable replacement of disposable materials with reusable materials, and the p repairable products. 2.5.4 Implement a mandatory Citywide recycling program including residential collection and voluntary on-site programs serving mufti -family, comme industrial generators. 2.5.5 Educate residential, commercial and industrial generators about source redu recycling programs and encourage their participation by developing a pre campaign which informs them about diversion programs, identifies opportu participation in such programs, and provides motivational incentives to participation. 2.5.6 Require commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement a reduction and recycling plan tailored to their individual waste streams. 2.5.7 Reduce the amount of yard wastes generated by public and private through ongoing promotion of "grasseycling" and on-site composting of other organic materials. to the • to this at and ducts, ase of rbside ►1 and an and )tional ies for crease source fences es and 2.5.8 Designate City held open space and public facilities as "green zones" and nduct an aggressive pursuit of existing and potential City uses for compost produoei from locally generated yardwaste such as park and median sites. 2.5.9 Increase public understanding of methods to reuse materials in their everyday lives. Encourage the provision of educational materials environmental damage of disposable products and materials. 2.5.10 Reduce the disposal of household hazardous wastes in landfills through c cooperation with the County Sanitation Districts and the Los Angeles Department of Public Works on implementation of a Countywide h, hazardous waste management program. - _-W DIAMOND BAIL GENERAL PLAN: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT June 1, 1992 the -17 • IV. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY A. INTRODUCTION The Plan for Public Health and Safety contains provisions that relate to the protection of life, health, and property from natural hazards and man-made hazards. It is designed to identify areas where public and private decisions on land use need to be sensitive to hazardous conditions caused by slope instability, seismic activity, flood, fire, and wind. State planning law requires cities and counties to identify hazardous conditions and to prepare and implement policies to assure public health and safety. Section 65302(g) of the Government Code describes these requirements (Safety Element) in the following tests: "A safety element is for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body; flooding; and wildland and urban fires. The safety element shall include mapping of known seismic and other geologic hazards. It shall also address evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, and minimum road widths and clearances around structures, as those items relate to identified fire and geologic hazards." In addition, adoption of a Noise Element has been a requirement of local General Plans since 1971. Section 65302 (h) of the California Government Code requires: "A noise element which shall identify and appraise noise problems in the community. The noise element shall recognize the guidelines established by the Office of Noise Control in the State Department of Health Services and shall analyze and quantify, to the extent practicable, as determined by the legislative body, current and projected noise Ievels..." The Plan for Public Health and Safety provides the goals and strategies necessary to protect Diamond Bar residents from the hazards associated with natural and man-made environments. The purpose of these goals and strategies in this section is to incorporate safety considerations into the City's planning and decision making process to reduce identifiable risks. The City of Diamond Bar and its citizens must decide the degree of risk that is acceptable for various natural and man-made hazards. Risks identified in existing development may be lowered to an acceptable level by physical alteration, relocation or demolition, or a change in the use altogether. For new development, the emphasis is to regulate-eonstruction so as to minimize identifiable risks to the extent possible. The Plan for Public Health and Safety addresses the following issues: • GeoIogy and Seismicity • Flooding • Fire Protection Services • Crime and Protection Services DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 7�T y June 1, 1992 I Y — L • Emergency Services and Facilities • 1 Um.99—us Materials • Air Quality • Noise B. EXISTING CONDITIONS The following summarizes information presented in the City of Diamond Bar Master Enviro Assessment. 1. GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY The Diamond Bar region is part of a dynamic geological region. It is underlain by marine sediments thousands of feet thick which were laid down over the last 25 million years. Bedrock materials are r consolidated and consist of various sandstones, shales, and siltstones of the Puente formation, w represented by three major components or members: La Vida; Soquel; and Yorba. Stream -carried (a materials are present in natural canyons while man-made fill is found in previously developed areas. soils are mainly derived from weathering of the bedrock units, and are not considered prime in to agricultural activities. Southern California is seismically active, and the region contains a number of major active faults. T Andreas Fault Tone, located 26 miles northeast of the City, is considered to have the greatest potei cause regional 'damage. However, the Los Angeles County Engineer has estimated that four potentially local faults (Whittier, San Jose, Sierra Madre, and San Gabriel) have a higher potential for eausin; damage. Several major faults are located adjacent to the City. The Whittier Fault Zone passes just s( Tonner Canyon, the City's sphere of influence, while the Chino Fault passes within a mile of the eastern boundary. In addition., there are three small inactive local faults within Diamond Bar: the Reservoir Fault (near Grand Avenue in the northeast portion of the City; the Spadra Fault, located in northern portion of the City; and the Diamond Bar Fault, located in the south-central portion of the C. small inactive fault, the Tonner Canyon Fault, is located in the City's sphere of influence. 2. FLOODING at are I well ich is avial) Local ns of e San ial to • active local ith of 'ity's rnold ie far v. A Runoff in the City is accommodated by three major natural drainages: San Jose Creek to the west, Di and Bar Creek to the southwest, and Brea Canyon Creek to the southwest. The only area of the City with flooding problems, as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Program, is along the Reed Canyon Chanel at Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming. However, the lands within the City of Industry adjacent to Diamond Bar, generally located west of the 57 freeway from Temple to Lemon, also have potential flooding problems. While most of the backbone drainage system has already been installed by the County of Los Angeles, there are still a few links and improvements that have not been constructed. Th City presently lacks a master plan of drainage. The sphere of influence is drained by Tonner Canyon Creek. This area presently has no major flood control improvements and flooding can occur along the entire length of this natural stream channel. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY June 1. 1992 -2 • 3. FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES Diamond Bar fades nificant potential threat from wiidland fires for the following reasons: it is adjacent to large undisturbed natural areas. to the east and south; it has many undeveloped hillsides and canyons covered with native vegetation; many older homes have wood shingle or shake roofs; the state-wide drought has killed, damaged, or dried out much of the otherwise healthy natural, as well as introduced, vegetation; and the area periodically experiences strong dry "Santa Ana" winds when other fire conditions are high. Despite these conditions, the Insurance Service Organization (ISO) gives the developed portions of the City a rating of 3, which is considered good for urbanized areas. The sphere of influence and the undeveloped hillsides in the City that are adjacent to Tonner Canyon do not presently have (or need) these same levels of protection. Fire protection services for the area are presently provided by the Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire Protection District, which maintains three stations in or adjacent to the City. County stations 119, 120, and 121 are fully equipped and staffed. Analysis of available service level data indicates that the City will probably not need an additional fire station, although any significant development in the sphere of influence area might require additional protection. 4. CRIME AND PROTECTION SERVICES The level of major crime in Diamond Bar is presently half of that experienced in communities of comparable size. The types of local crimes are typical of suburban communities in the Los Angeles region, including vandalism, traffic accidents, and theft. Protection services are provided under contract to the City by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department out of the Walnut -San Dimas Regional Station. The City is presently served by 29 deputies and 18 patrol vehicles. The County maintains an average emergency response time of 4.5 minutes within the City. Diamond Bar will need additional protective services as it grows, although it may not need additional facilities within the City limits. 'lire Firestone Boy Scout Ranch within the sphere of influence presently has private security. 5. EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FACILITIES The Diamond Bar area is served by a number of hospitals and related medical facilities within Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange counties. Although there is no major treatment facility within Diamond Bar, there are seventeen hospitals or major treatment centers within a I5 mile drive. The Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire Protection District maintains paramedic service at station 119 just west of the City, as well as at stations 61 and I18 in nearby Walnut. The County also contracts with several local companies for ambulance service, and can also provide airborne evacuation. The region could also face major emergencies or disasters, such as earthquakes, hazardous material spills, train accidents, high winds, etc. The City has recently begun developing a response plan for major emergencies. 6. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Hazardous materials presently create a potential threat to the City. The primary threat facing the City would come from a major traffic or train accident involving spillage of hazardous or toxic materials. There are industrial or other businesses within the City or in the nearby City of Industry that treat, handle, or store hazardous materials. As the area continues to grow, the likelihood of an accident or the potential for illegal dumping increases. The Los Angeles County consolidated Fire Protection District maintains "Hazmat" Response Teams to handle emergencies involving these materials, but the City must deal with the local implications of hazardous wastes. According to State law, the City is required to develop a "Household Hazardous Waste Element." DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND 992 SAFETY June 1, 1IV-33 7. AIR QUALITY The entire south tastm-1r basin, within which Diamond Bar is located, suffers from some of the wo quality in the nation. Pollutants are not only generated locally within the east San Gabriel Valley, but aj transported downwind from the Los Angeles basin. The primary pollutants of concern are ozone (oxi and aitrogen dioxide, which are mostly generated by vehicular exhaust. The number of first stage smog has decreased dramatically from the early part of the decade. However, local ozone levels have still exc state standards on over 100 days during each of the past three years. Local topography, climate, win air movement patterns tend to concentrate air pollutants along the freeway corridors and especially Diamond Bar area. Several local intersections, including Grand Avenue/Diamond Bar Boulevard and Avenue/Golden Springs Drive, experience significantly elevated levels of air pollutants during peak c hours. 8. NOISE The City of Diamond Bar is relatively quiet except for noise corridors created by traffic on major n and freeways. Noise is typically measured in decibels on the A -weighted scale db(A) which most resembles the range of human hearing. Community noise levels are often measured on the Communil Equivalent Level (CNEL) scale, with 65 db(A) considered to be the threshold for urban and suburl planning and compatibility with residential areas. Noise levels have been estimated along major rc within Diamond Bar based on traffic volumes and the physical configuration of streets. The combine freeway corridor generates the most noise, producing a 65 CNEL contour onto adjacent [a: approximately 1,379 feet wide. The 57 Freeway by itself, north of the 60 Freeway, has a much s¢ CNEL corridor of only 759 feet. However, the 60 Freeway alone, both east and west of the 57 F generates a 65 CNEL noise corridor 1,015 feet wide. These figures mean that daily outdoor noise l areas adjacent or proximate to the local freeways reach or exceed acceptable planning noise standar, n LJ st air also lants) alerts ceded 1, and in the Noise i land lways 57/6(1 uses ler 65 'way; els in • There are several major local roadways that generate (maximum) 65 CNEL levels beyond the right-of-way. These include Brea Canyon Road (144'), Colima Road (125'), Diamond Bar Boulevard (121'), Grand Avenue (107'), Pathfinder Road (89'), Lemon Avenue (78'), Golden Springs Drive (77% and Sunset Crossing (35'). The only other major sources of local noise are the railroad lines along the western boundary of the City and infrequent urban sources (dogs barking, airplane overflights). C. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES 1. GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY Because of the diverse geological conditions, there are moderate to high geological constraints for in Diamond Bar, especially in hillside areas. _ --K-- ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies to adequately protect existing and future from local geologic and seismic -related threats. 2. FLOODING There are no major identified threats from flooding within the City. However, there is no schedule at resent for the remaining improvements needed to complete the local drainage and flood control network. In addition, the existing planned improvements are based on County pians for the area, and may not reflect durrent projects or timing on the development of open land. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY June 1, 1992 0 ISSUE ANALYSIS: Tire City needs policies to minimize the threat to its citizens from flooding, and establish a schedule of improvements based on an updated master plan of drainage. As part of these policies, specific standards for protection from various size storms (10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, and 500 -year) are needed. 3. FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES A major fire represents a significant potential threat to local residents. In addition to the loss of structures and life, a major fire could destroy valuable biological resources within the City or its sphere of influence. As development continues in the interface between natural and developed areas, the threat of fire also increases. The Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire Protection District currently provides adequate service to the residents of Diamond Bar in terms of protection from the threat of fire. However, the City may wish to pursue other administrative arrangements for financial or other reasons. As the City grows, it may be necessary to provide additional equipment, personnel, or stations to continue adequate service levels. ISSUE ANALYSIS. The City needs policies emphasizing the importance of fire prevention and protection in the Diamond Bar area. 4. CRIME AND PROTECTION SERVICES Although crime rates in the City are presently low, the threat of gang or other criminal activity creeping into the community from neighboring urban areas could become a major issue. The City should take appropriate action now to reduce and/or avoid the increase in local crime, such as urban design concepts which help protect property and residents, The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department presently provides an adequate level of service to the community, as evidenced by the currently low crime rate. As the City's population increases, there will be an increased need for protective services. Additional services may also be needed as urban crime may continue to spread to suburban areas. To combat this, local community and neighborhood involvement will be needed to help prevent or observe and report various criminal activities. Any significant development in the sphere of influence would also require additional protective services. ISSUE ANALYSIS The City needs policies to emphasize the importance of careful design and community action to minimize criminal activity in Diamond Bar. S. EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FACILITIES At present, there appears to be an adequate number and variety of medical facilities and programs available to City residents. However, as a new city, Diamond Bar must assess its own desires regarding the convenience of medical services and determine if or how it will encourage certain medical uses into the City. Paramedic and ambulance services likewise appear to be adequate, although additional services may be needed as the community grows. Development in the sphere of influence may require additional medical or other emergency facilities. The provision of daily emergency services must also be coordinated with a local plan for responding to regional disasters. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs to decide if any additional medical facilities are needed, and if so, where and how should they be located to best serve local residents. The City also needs a disaster preparedness plan to respond to regional emergencies. HIAMoND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 7 CC June 1, 1942 IV -5 (. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Hazardous wastes=fflhqpntinue to be an important community concern. The potential for accidents inlving hazardous materials is of concern to local residents. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should develop policies to clearly idents potential souices of hazardous materials and how accidents or emergencies involvinS such materials will be handled. 7. AIR QUALITY Air quality is still considered a major detractor to the quality of life in Diamond Bar, even though d a vast majority of it is generated elsewhere. While the City has tittle control over regional pollutants, it an take a proactive position on this issue by stating its intent to minimize the generation of local air pollution. It can also take advantage of the location of the South Coast Air. Quality Management District (SCAQMD) office in Diamond Bar to offer itself as a "testing laboratory" for programs to reduce air pollution, whe such programs could be safely undertaken, thus establishing Diamond Bar as a model city for innovaion in Southern California. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should work cooperatively with local agencies to develop in vative policies for reducing regional air pollution, in addition to implement ng the current programs of the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. 8. NOISE I - Noise is presently a problem for local residents along freeways and major roadways, generally only during peak hours. However, noise problems will increase as traffic and population increase, especially where development is built in areas that previously acted as buffers or barriers to local noise. As the population of the City and region increases, there will also be an increase in infrequent urban noise sources. Whilf noise may be not be a significant problem compared to other cities, a quiet environment is typically a major factor in rural living, and more than likely contributes to the high quality of life perceived in Diamond Bar ISSUE ANALYSIS: Emphasizing its importance to a rural lifestyle, the City needs clear on how it will keep noise, primarily from major roadways, from LL existing as well as future residents. D. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY GOALS, O AND STRATEGIES "IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY TO A SAFE AND HEALTTD' ENVIRONMENT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF DIAMOND BAR. " GOAL 1 "Create a secure public environment which minimizes potential loss of life and 1 damage, as well as social, economic, or environmental disruption resulting from and manmade disasters." DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY June 1, 1992 IM • 0 Objective 1.1 Minimize the potential for loss of life, physical injury, and property damage from seismic groundshaking and other geologic events. Strategies: 1.1.1 Ensure that new facilities which will be required for provision of emergency services following a seismic or geologic event are designed so as to withstand the maximum credible event, and to remain functional after the event. 1.1.2 As part of the development review process, require site-specific analysis of soils and other conditions which might effect the severity of onsite impacts from maximum credible seismic and geologic events. Objective 1.2 Eliminate the potential for loss of life, and minimize physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from the effects of a 100 -year storm and associated flooding. Strategies: 1.2.1 As a prerequisite to new development or the intensification of existing development, ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer, certifying that the proposed development will be adequately protected, and that implementatiop of the development proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards. 1.2.2 The City will develop a master plan of drainage, including an inventory of existing facilities, based on previous work by the Los Angeles County Public Works Department and present development plans, to adequately assess existing and future flood control needs and improvements within Diamond Bar. 1.2.3 The City will prepare a capital improvement program for flood control improvements needed to complete a master plan of drainage. This schedule will be coordinated with improvement plans by the County and address funding and timing of prioritized improvements. Objective 1.3 Ensure that properties in and adjacent to wildland areas are reasonably protected from wildland fire hazards without degrading the viability of natural ecosystems, providing a balance between removal of fianunable vegetation, introduction of fire resistant vegetation, and preservation of natural vegetation. Strategies: . .. 1.3.1 Where development is proposed within areas potentially subject to wildland fire hazards, ensure that the Consolidated Fire District has the opportunities to review the proposal in terms of its vulnerability to fire hazard and its potential source as a source of fire. Ensure that Fire Department recommendations regarding mitigation of fire hazard risks are addressed. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY June t, 1992 IV -7 1.3.2 Ensure that new development in areas subject to wildland fire is adequately pr tected in a manner which minimizes the destruction of natural vegetation. Priont' this • balance as follows: • Protection of existing developed areas and areas currently for development. • Preservation of significant biological resources to the feasible. • Approval of new development or intensification of development. Objective 1.4 Ensure an adequate distribution of fire stations, equipment, and manpower such hat a maximum five minute response time to all areas other than wildland areas where i a six minute response time capability can be maintained. Strategies: 1.4.1 Work with the Fire District to establish a funding mechanism which would ensure that cost of providing new facilities and equipment, including paramedic seivi=q, to support new development is assessed against the developments creating that need. 1.4.2 Where appropriate, support increased protection levels from that provided y the minimum fire standards included in the Uniform Building and Fire Codes ( C and • UFC). Objective 1.5 Minimize the risk and fear of crime through physical planning strategies that willimize surveillance opportunities, minimize opportunities for crimes, and by creating a hig level of public awareness and support for crime prevention. Strategies: 1.5.1 Require that proposals for new development and for the intensification of a isting development are reviewed by the Sheriffs Department prior to approval. 1.5.2 Promote the establishment of neighborhood watch and business watch programs to encourage community participation in the patrol of neighborhood and business areas, and to facilitate increased awareness of potential criminal activities. Objective 1.6 Promote the provision of adequate medical and emergency services to Diamond Bar Strategies: 1.6.1 Coordinate with appropriate agencies for the provision of evacuation and am services within acceptable service levels and response times. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY June 1, 1992 _8p Objective 1.7 Prepare and maintain effective emergency preparedness and response programs. Strategies: 1.7.1 Coordinate the City's disaster preparedness plans with the State Office of Emergency Management, County, schools, and other neighboring jurisdictions, and participate in the development of a regional system to respond to daily emergencies and major catastrophes. 1.7.2 The City's disaster plan shall integrate community resources into municipal emergency management, including a list of local resources such as personnel, equipment, material, specialized medical and other training, and auxiliary communications. 1.7.3 Provide areawide mutual aid agreements and communication links with adjacent governmental authorities and other participating jurisdictions. 1.7.4 Disseminate public information regarding actions which residents and businesses should take to minimize damage in a natural disaster, as well as actions which would be taken to facilitate recovery from a natural disaster. Objective 1.8 Protect life and property from the potential detrimental effects (short and longterm) of the transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes in the City. Strategies: 1.8.1 Pursue establishment of a regular citywide program of household hazardous waste collection according to the provisions of Section 41500 of the Public Resources Code (see also the solid waste section of the Plan for Resource Management for additional policies). 1.8.2 Coordinate emergency response personnel to respond to hazardous materials incidents. Objective 1.9 The City shall seek to improve local and regional air quality by encouraging ride sharing, use of public transit, and other transportation demand management techniques. Strategies: 1.9.1 Design and implement a citywide system of bikeways and pedestrian trails. 1.9.2 Work with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to establish a program of District review and comment on major proposed development projects within the City. 1.9.3 Implement the provisions of the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan; review projects for consistency with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY June t, IM IV -9 1.9.4 Include trip reduction requirements consistent with SCAQMD Regulation XV and • the requirements of the Los Angeles County Congestion Management Plan in the development code with the goal of reducing home -to -work trips by facilitating and participating in the following programs: • Incorporate design measures into new development and, where feasible, into existing developments proposed for intensifi tion, including preferential parking areas for car and van pools, employee- drop m loyee- drop off areas, secure bicycle parking areas, bus turnout areas, etc. • Disseminate information to Diamond Bar residents regard' g the advantages of, and procedures involved in, ride sharing and public transit. 1.9.5 Ensure that site designs facilitate rather than discourage pedestrian between nearby uses. 1.9.6 Require grading plans to include appropriate and feasible measures to mrami fugitive dust. 1.9.7 The City will cooperate with the South Coast Air Quality Management Distri t to be a "test facility" or a laboratory for testing new air pollution control programs where such programs can be safely conducted at no expense to the City or its residents. 1.9.8 The City will offer to local governmental agencies, educational institutio s, and businesses the opportunity to test new technologies andlor programs desined to • reduce air pollution, either directly or indirectly. Objective 1.10 Consider noise issues in land use planning and development permit processing to ens re that noise generated by one use or facility does not adversely affect adjacent uses or fact ities. Strategies: 1.10.1 Within identified 65 dB CNEL noise contours, require that site-specific noise studies be prepared to verify site-specific noise conditions and to ensure thaJ noise considerations are included in project review. 1.10.2 Within identified 65dB CNEL noise corridors, ensure that necessary atte uation measures are applied to meet adopted interior and exterior noise standards. 1.10.3'w-1hrough the CEQA process, analyze projects which might have a significant impact on noise sensitive uses (projects are defined as actions having the pote tial to increase projected CNEL noise levels by more than 1 dB). Require app prate mitigation measures to ensure that adopted noise standards within sensitive Ind use areas are not exceeded as the result of the proposed project. 1. 10.4 As part of the Development Code, adopt noise -related development 1.10.5 Where possible, encourage attenuation of existing noise problems within fxisting development where adopted noise standards are being reached or exceeded 1• DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY June 1, 1992 —10 V. PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MO�ILI"TY A. IN'T'RODUCTION . The purpose of the Diamond Bar Plan for Physical Mobility is to evaluate the transportation needs of the City and present a comprehensive transportation plan to accommodate those needs. Located at the convergence of Route 57 and Route 60, at Los Angeles County's borders with San Bernardino and Orange Counties, Diamond Bar's traffic circulation has been si nificantly impacted, in fact dominated, by regional traffic needs. The focus of this plan is the identification and evaluation of local circulation needs cf the City of Diamond Bar, balancing those needs with regional demands and mandates. It has been developed to guide the orderly improvement of the circulation system within the City in a manner which will protect the quality of life which is Diamond Bar and in direct rcsponsc to the City's Land Use Element. The overall intent of the Circulation Element is to pr vide safe and efficient movement between homes and jobs, stores, schools or parks within th City. Under State planning law, each city must develop and adopt a comprehensive long -tem general plan for the physical development of that city. The following is a mandatory re uirement relating to city transportation planning: Government Code Section 65302(b): A circulation element consisting of the ggperal location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan. This is the first circulation element prepared for the City of Diamond Bar. Although city, it is not a newly developing city, but rather one that is largely built out. Mar decisions related to transportation facilities (e.g., locations of roadways) were m; County level, prior to its incorporation. This circulation element provides the first c to evaluate how best to utilize these facilities, from the perspective of the City of Di; its residents, businesses, and other users of City services. The Plan for Physical Mobility addresses the following issues: . Streets and Highways . Transit and Paratransit Services • Railroad Lines . Bicycle and Equestrian Trails • Aviation . Goods Movement is a new strategic at the rortunity and Bar, CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FO -R PHYSICAL ;MOBILITY 6-1-92 33645! DBPoVcy.Dac I 1 0 49 1. 10.6 As part of the General Plan review, determine whether: (1) roadway and freeway traffic levels have increased; (2) new noise generation sources have been created; and (3) if update of the noise contour map is warranted. ML 1.10.7 Apply mitigation measures as needed to noise generators and receptors to ensure that adopted noise standards are met and to protect land uses from excessive noise impacts. 1.10.8 Ensure that land uses are located so as to meet the following standards; Table IV -1 Noise Standards Land Ilse Maximum Exterior CNEL Maximum Interior CNEL Rural, Single Family, Multiple Family Residential 65 dBA 45 dBA Schools: Classrooms 65 dBA 45 dBA Playgrounds 70 dBA - Libraries -- 50 dBA Hospitals/Convalescent Facilities: Living Areas -- 50 dBA Sleeping Areas -- 40 dBA Recreation: Quiet, Passive Areas 65 dBA -- Noisy, Active Areas 70 dBA -- Commercial and Industrial 70 dBA -- Office Areas -- 50 dBA DIAMOND BAIT GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY June 1, 1992 N-11 . Local Residential Streets Figure 2-1 displays the City's existing freeway and arterial networks. w —ne following section describes the geometric and operational characteristics do freeways, arterial streets, collector streets and local residential streets in the C descriptions are generally grouped by facility type and include the number of lane: curb pavement width, presence of on -street parking, median, bike lanes or truck restric average daily traffic volume. fined for ty. The curb -to - :ions. and Freeways generally provide inter -regional access. Their primary function is to move vehicles through the City, thus, there is not access to adjacent land, and limited access to arterial streets. Freeways contain anywhere from 4 to 12 lanes with recommended design volumes from 55,000 to 205,000 depending on geometric designs which permit high travel speeds. Arterial streets are generally the commercial arteries. They carry the majority of traffi entering or traveling through the City. A major arterial would contain either four or six lanes of through traffic, plus left -turn lanes. Minor arterials serve the same function as major arterials but have four lanes of through traffic and may or may not have separate left -turn lanes. Recommended design volumes on arterials range from 30,000 to 60,000 depending on number of lanes and left - turn movements. Arterials serve two primary functions: to move vehicles into and through the City, ani to serve adjacent commercial land uses. Driveways and other curb cots along arterials are generally limited to minimize disruption to traffic flow. Collector Streets are intended to carry traffic between the arterial street network and local streets or directly from the access drives of higher intensity land uses. Collector streets are not intended to carry significant amounts of through traffic. The category of collector street is further subdivided into major collector streets and minor collector street. Major collector streets serves business or higher density attached residential land u es. They are generally two and four lane roadways which serve a mixture of residential and more intense land uses and may carry traffic from minor collectors to the arterial street network as well. The average daily traffic volume on a major collector street can be up to 20,000 vehicle -c, per day. A minor collector street generally carries traffic between residential neighborhood arterial street network. They are generally two-lane roadways which have reside mixture of residential and commercial land uses along them. Average daily traffic w minor collectoi-streets are generally less than 10,000 vehicles per day. Higher density land uses or side yards of single family homes may be located adjacent to collect Higher traffic volumes may be acceptable on certain collector streets such as those wit commerical development or extra wide cross sections. and the ❑tial or a )lumes on -esidential )r streets. h fronting CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M O B I LI T Y 6.1-92 336W.D8P0UCy.D- 3 • n U B. EXISTING CONDITIONS This section documents the circulation system infrastructure and its operating conditions within the City o1= Irmrond Bar as of late 1990/early 1991. It also provides an evaluation of the adequacy of the system to accommodate existing travel demand. The components of the circulation system in the City of Diamond Bar include the following: • Streets and Highways • Transit and Paratransit Services • Railroads • Bicycle and Equestrian Facilities • Aviation • Goods Movement The basic components of the Diamond Bar circulation system are described below. 1. STREETS AND HIGHWAYS Functional Classification r-, The two major considerations in classifying the City's street network functionally are access to adjacent properties and movement of persons and goods into and through the City. City streets are classified by the relative importance of these two functions assigned to them. The classification of streets is essentially a determination of the degree to which access functions are to be emphasized at the cost of the efficiency of movement or discouraged to improve the movement function. The design and operation of each street, therefore, depends upon the importance placed on each of these functions. For example, streets designed to carry large volumes of vehicles into and through the City have more lanes, higher speed Iimits. and fewer driveways, while residential streets have fewer lanes, lower speed limits, and more driveways to provide access to fronting properties. The functional classification system allows the residents and elected officials to identify preferred characteristics of each street. If observed characteristics of any street change from the functional classification, then actions can be taken to return the street to its originally intended use or to change the designated classification. For example, if traffic volumes and speeds on a residential street exceed expected levels, then measures can be implemented which are designed to lower traffic volumes and reduce speeds. .-dr Under the Circulation Element of the County of Los Angeles, roadways within Diamond Bar were categorized into four functional classification types: • Freeways • Arterial Streets • Collector Streets CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M 0 13 I L I T Y 6-1-92 336W DBPohc� Doc 2 i Local residential streets are designed to serve adjacent residential land uses only. ey allow access to residential driveways and often provide parking for the neighborhood. They are not • intended to serve through traffic traveling from one street to another, but solely local traffic. 1 Traffic voluriAon a residential street should not exceed about 2,500 vehicles per da and 200- 300 vehicles per hour. The maximum residential traffic volume which is acceptable t persons I living along a street may vary from one street to another depending upon roadway dth, type of dwelling units (i.e., high density apartments versus single-family homes), presence A schools and other factors. The maximum volume of 2,500 is, therefore, to be used as a guide only. Local residential streets include those streets predominantly residential in terms o adjacent property use, and are intended to retain a residential character. Existing Roadway Operations Roadway traffic operation is generally evaluated by the ratio of existing daily traffic -volumes to the daily roadway capacity. Capacity is measured in terms of the ability of the street system to meet and serve the demands placed on it. It is generally considered the most practicz I measure of how well the mobility needs of the City are being met. Average daily capacity is the theoretical maximum number of vehicles that can pass over a segment of roadway in 24 hours. The capacity of a roadway is affected by a number of factors including roadway type, street and lane widths, the number of travel lanes, the r umber of crossing roadways, signal cycle length, the absence or presence of on -street parking, the number of driveways, pavement conditions and roadway design. Level of service C volurrics are used s to define the maximum desirable volumes as the evaluation criteria for this study. Table 2-1 • presents the maximum desirable service volumes of various roadway configurations fo different levels of service. Table 2-1 Daily Roadway Capacity Values Functional Maximum Average Daily Volumes by Level of ery Type of Roadway Classification A $ C D E 6 Lanes Divided Major Arterial 33,900 39,400 45,000 50,600 r6,3 4 Lanes Divided Minor Arterial 22,500 4 Lanes (Undivided) Major Collector 15,000 2 Lanes (Undivided) Minor Collector 7,500 2 Lanes (Undivided) Local Road 3,000 26,300 30,000 33,800 37,500 17,500 20,000 22,500 P5,Doo 8,800 10,000 11.300 112,500 1/ 111 11 111 n LJ CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY 6-1-92 33699.DHP09q-D0c 5 DKS Associates MNOR ARTERIAL AAA.JOR COLLECTOR Figure 2-1 DIAMOND BAR EXISTING ROADWAY SYSTEM Table 2-2 City of Diamond Bar Arterials Average Daily Traffic and Voluma-to-Capacity Ratios Daily Volume -to L.oc:tion Capacity (a) Volume Capacity Ratio Diamond Bar Boulevard: elo Brea Canyon Road 30,000 17,400 0.58 s/o Fountain Springs Road 30,000 20,700 (b) 0.69 s/o Pathfinder Road 30,000 27,000 (b) 0.90 n/o Pathfinder Road 30,000 28,200 0.94 s/o Grand Avenue 30,000 31,000 1.03 n/o Grand Avenue 30,000 24,400 0.81 n/o Steep Canyon Road 30,000 25,000 (b) 0.83 slo Golden Springs Drive 30,000 29,300 0.98 n10 Golden Springs Drive 30,000 32,800 1.09 s/o Sunset Crossing Road 30,000 31,300 1.04 No Highland Valley Road 30,000 18,600 (b) 0.62 s/o Temple Avenue 30,000 I6,700 0.56 Colima Road: w/o Calbourne Drive 30,000 17,700 0.59 w/o Lemon Avenue 30,000 19,800 0.66 elo Lemon Avenue 30,000 19,900 0.66 w/o Pomona Freeway 30,000 22,100 0.74 w/o Brea Canyon Road 30,000 29,200 0.97 Golden Springs Road. elo Brea Canyon Road 30,000 19,300 0.64 w/o Copley Drive 3000 18,000 (b) 0.60 w/o Grand Avenue 30,000 19,700 0.66 elo Grand Avenue- 30,000 20,700 0.69 W/o Prospectors Road 20,000 16,500 (b) 0.83 W/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 20,000 16,600 (b) 0.83 elo Diamond Bar Boulevard 20,000 16,400 (b) 0.82 w/o Sunset Crossing Road 20,000 10,400 (b) 0.52 s/o Temple Avenue 20,000 10,600 0.53 Grand Avenue: w/o Golden Springs Drive 30,00(1 27,400 0.91 E(a) Capacity represents level of service C traffic flow conditions. (b) 1989 count adjusted by 2`.6 growth factor. 33699.Table2-2 • 0 • Table 2-2 lists existing average daily volumes and volume -to -capacity ratios along arterials while Figure 2-2 displays these daily traffic volumes graphically. Most values shown are based either upon single day counts or an average of multiple daily counts for typical days, generally accepted to be Tuesc&y---5Fhrough Thursday with traffic unaffected by holidays, inclement weather, or other impediments to normal traffic conditions. Average daily volumes obtained prior to 1990 have been modified by an annual growth factor of 2Ce. Intersection Operations Operating conditions have been analyzed at 31 key signalized intersections and three unsignalizaed intersections. Traffic volumes for each intersection were collected on a typical weekday during AM and PM peak traffic periods. Morning: peak hour counts were taken between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and evening peak hour counts were taken between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The Intersection Capacity Utilization (ICU) was the methodology used to determine operating levels of service at signalized intersections. Level of service values were assumed, as shown in Table 2-3. Within urban areas, LOS D is typically assumed to be the maximum acceptable LOS during peak hour traffic. At LOS E, congestion begins to occur in quantities and for durations beyond acceptable limits. Although it is theoretically impossible to observe LOS F, it serves to indicate that the travel demand for the intersection exceeds the capacity. Wikhout mitigation measures to increase the capacity of the intersection during LOS E and LOS F, congestion will occur during the peak hour. The duration of the congestion is dependent upon many operational considerations which can be evaluated during the actual operation oT the intersection. Hourly lane capacities of 1,600 vehicles per lane per hour were assumed with 0.10 additional increment for yellow or loss time. This is consistent with the most recent recommendations included in the Los Angeles County Congestion Management Plan. Table 2-4 displays the results of the level of service analysis for the 33 signalized intersections for both AM and PM peak traffic periods. Figure 2-3 displays these signalized intersections, in addition to AM and PM peak LOS for those intersections with deficient levels of service. During the AM peak period, five signalized intersections in the City operate at level of service E or F and experience very poor operating conditions and significant delay. The intersections at level of service E or F are: • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Brea Canyon Road . Diamond Bar Boulevard/Mounlain Laurel Way . Pathfinder Road/SB SR -57 ramps ff The remaining 31 signalized intersections are currently operating at levels of service A through D during the morning peak periods which indicate acceptable operating conditions. CITY OF D IAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOB 1 LIT Y 6-1-42 336W-DBP0h,7.D3c 6 Table 2--2 City of Diamond Bar Arterials Average Daily Traffic and Volume -to -Capacity Rstios Daily Volume -to Location Capacity (a) Volume Capacity Ratio Chino Hills Parkway: talo Chino Avenue 30,000 8,100 027 Chino Avenue: e/o Chino Hills Parkway 10,000 4,500 0.45 (a) Capacity represents level of service C traffic flow conditions. (b) 1989 count adjusted by 2% growth factor. 33699.Tablc2-2 40 Table 2-2 City of Diamond Bar Arterials Average Daily Traffic and Volume -to -Capacity Ratios Daily Volume -to Locatioa Capacity (.) Volume Capacity Ratio e/o Golden Springs Drive 30,000 24,700 0.82 w/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 30,000 23,600 0.79 e/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 30,000 19,700 0.66 elo Longview 30,000 16,600 .0.55 Pathfinder Road: w/o Peaceful Hills Road 30,000 4,300 0.14 w/o Orange Freeway (SB) 25,000 I4,600 0.58 e/o Orange Freeway (NB) 30,000 20,200 0.67 w/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 30,000 13,000 0.43 Brea Canyon Road: s/o Silver Bullet Drive 10,000 8,000 0.80 n/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 10,000 4,400 0.44 slo Pathfinder Road 10,000 7,600 0.76 n/o Pathfinder Road 10,000 10,100 1.01 No Via Sorella 25,000 10,200 0.41 s/o Colima Road 30,000 15,500 (b) 0.52 n/o Colima Road 30,000 28,300 (b) 0.94 No Pomona Freeway 30,000 32,700 CE)) I.09 n/o Lycoming Street 30.000 26,500 0.88 n10 Washington Street 30,000 20,500 0.68 Brea Canyon Cut -Off Road: s/o Pathfinder Road 10,000 10,500 1.05 Sunset Crossing Road: w/o Orange Fre-e-'F,?ay 20,000 5,800 (b) 0.29 Lemon Avenue: n/o Colima Road 30,000 12,100 0.40 Walnut Drive: w/o Lemon Avenue 20,000 5,200 0.26 (a) Capacity represents level of service C traffic Clow conditions. (b) 1989 count adjusted by 2% growth factor. 33699.Table2-2 F Forced flow. Represents jammed conditions. Backups Over 1.00 from locations downstream or on the cross street may restrict or prevent movement of vehicles out of the intersection approach lanes; therefore, volumes carried are not predictable. Potential for stop and go type traffic flow. source: Based—as National Academy of 5cieners. Highway Capacir_v_Manual. 1965 and 1936. • CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBIL TY 6-1-92 33699.DBPv1icr.Drx 1) Table 2-3 Level of S_errice Interpretation Volume-to Level of Capacity Service Descril Ratio • A Excellent operation. All approaches to the intersection 0-.60 appear quite open, turning movements are easily made, and nearly all drivers find freedom of operation. B Very good operation. Many drivers begin to feel .61-.70 somewhat restricted within platoons of vehicles. "Rtis represents stable flow. An approach to an intersection may occasionally be fully utilized and traffic queues start to form. C Good operation. Occasionally drivers may have to .71-.80 wait more than 60 seconds, and back-ups may develop behind turning vehicles. Most drivers feel somewhat restricted. D Fair operation. Cars are sometimes required to wait 81-.90 more than 60 seconds during short peaks. There are no long-standing traffic queues. This level is ically associated with design practice for peak periods . E Poor operation. Some long-standing vehicular •91-1.00 queues develop on critical approaches to intersections. Delays may be up to several. minutes. F Forced flow. Represents jammed conditions. Backups Over 1.00 from locations downstream or on the cross street may restrict or prevent movement of vehicles out of the intersection approach lanes; therefore, volumes carried are not predictable. Potential for stop and go type traffic flow. source: Based—as National Academy of 5cieners. Highway Capacir_v_Manual. 1965 and 1936. • CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBIL TY 6-1-92 33699.DBPv1icr.Drx 1) DKS Associates Figure 2-2 EXISTING DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES DKS Associates t NOT TO SCALE 0 W 60 DIAMQ� BAR_ _ t ,kvE v 11 J , F LEGEND D o UhiSED !� S�l�Lr/La CrED AFTER E ATA • COLLECTED LOS Figure 2-3 DIAMOND BAR MAJOR INTERSECTION L CATIONS AND DEFICIENT PEAK HOUR LEVELS 0 SERVICE Table 2-4 AM " PM Peak Hour Level of Service ;at Signxlizt Intersec600s AM Peak Hour PAI Peak Hour Intersection Diamond Bar Blvd./Brea Canyon Rd. Diamond Bar Blvd./Cold Springs Ln. Diamond Bar Blvd./Sugar Pine Place Diamond Bar Blvd. /Pathfinder Rd. Diamond Bar Blvd./Mountain Laurel Way Diamond Bar BIvd./Grand Ave. Diamond Bar Blvd./Golden Springs Dr. Diamond Bar Blvd. /Vons/K-mart Entrance Diamond Bar Blvd./EB 60 Ramp Diamond Bar Blvd./WB 60 Ramp Diamond Bar Blvd./Sunset Crossing Rd. Diamond Bar Blvd./Highland Valley Rd. Diamond Bar Blvd./Temple Ave. Colima Ra./Lemon Ave. Colima Rd./EB 60 Ramp Golden Springs Dr./Colima Rd. & Brea Canyon Rd. Golden Springs Dr./Gateway Center Dr. Golden Springs Dr./Copley Dr. Golden Springs Dr./Grand Ave. Golden Springs Dr./Ballena Dr. Golden Springs Dr./Temple Ave. (Grand Ave.IEB 60 Ramp JJGrand Ave./Montefino Ave. jGrand Ave./Summitridge Dr. ilGrand Ave./Longview Dr. (Pathfinder Rd./SB 57 Ramp Pathfinder RUNB 57 Ramp Pathfinder Rd./Brea Canyon Rd. & Fern Hollow Dr. Pathfinder Rd./Evergreen Springs Dr. Brea Canyon Rd./WB 60 Ramp Brea Canyon Rd./Lycoming St. Brea Canyon Rd./Washington St. Chino Hills Pkwy./Chino Ave. 33699.Table2-4.wkl Volume -to- Level of Capacity Service 1.32 F 0.66' B 0.61 B 0.78 C 0.94 E 0.80 C 0.46 A 0.49 A 0.73 C 0.80 C 0.76 C 0.43 A 0.90 D 0.59 A 0.66 B 0.42 A 0.36 A 0.39 A 0.74 C 0.43 A 0.63 B 0.58 A 0.64 B 0.80 C 0.56 A 1.24 F 0.84 D 0.52 A 0.54 A 0.86 D 0.49 A 0.50 A 0.33 A Volume -to- Level of Capacity Service 0.88 D 0.74 C 0.69 B 0.95 E 0.94 E 1.26 F 0.73 C 0.86 D 0.75 C 0.64 B 0.82 D 0.54 A 0.97 E 0.72 C 0.73 T. C 0.88 D 0.78 C 0.64 B 0.93 E 0.82 D 0.63 B 0.75 C 0.82 D 0.73 C 0.60 A 0.76 C 0.73 C 0.85 D 0.60 A 1.02 F 0.59 A 0.60 A 0.28 A During the PM peak period, eight signalized intersections experience level of service E or F. Those intersections which experience significant delay are: • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Pathfinder Road • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Mountain Laurel Way • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Grand Avenue • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Temple Avenue • Golden Springs Road/Grand Avenue • Brea Canyon Road/WB SR -60 ramps Acceptable levels of service exist at the remaining 30 signalized intersections during PM peak periods. Three unsignalized intersections which exist at Orange Freeway ramps were also chosen for analysis. Both the northbound and southbound Orange Freeway ramps at the Diamond Bar Boulevard/Brea Canyon Cut-off Road are currently controlled by stop signs on the ramp approaches only. The southbound Orange Freeway ramp at Sunset Crossing Road is a "7 type intersection containing a stop sign on all three approaches. Analysis of unsignalized intersections is conducted differently from signalized intersections due to different operating characteristics. At signalized locations, all approaches to the intersection are subject to delay by a red signal intersection. Delay at unsignalized intersections is dependent upon the approach, its requirement to stop, and the distribution of traffic between approaches. Minor Street Stop Controlled Intersections - For intersections where only the minor street is required to stop, only the minor street traffic and left turning traffic from the major street are subject to delay. The major street through movement is never forced to stop to accommodate traffic. A level of service is, therefore, calculated for the minor street traffic movements and the major street left turns only. Major street traffic is not constrained and measurement of a level of service is not possible. The traffic performing constrained movements at such an intersection must wait for gaps in major street traffic before proceeding through the intersection. The level of service for any traffic movement is based on reserve, or unused, capacity of the lanes involved. The 1955 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) procedure for unsignalized intersections was used to evaluate the -operating conditions of stop controlled intersections. All -Way Stop Controlled Intersections - The capacity of multi -way stop controlled intersections is a function of the number of approach lanes and of the departure headways of vehicles crossing from a stopped position. At capacity, operations are relatively predictable, with queues developing along each approach and vehicles discharging in a regular manner. The capacity is greatest when the demand volume is evenly split between the crossing facilities. A characteristic of intersections with a 50150 demand is that vehicle delay tends to be uniform, and because of CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL 'MOBILITY 6.1.92 3369RDBPcv cxDoc 14 the regular discharge pattern, is tolerated by most drivers. Lesser capacities and more variable • distribution of delay occurs where demand is not as evenly split among the approach . Although detailed level of service techniques for this type of intersection are not in luded in the Highway Capacity Manual, estimated capacities for various geometric configura ions and . traffic volume characteristics are presented. Table 2-5 shows the results of capacity anal}5is for the three unsignalized intersections studied. Figure 2-3 displays the locations of the unsignalized intersections which were analyzed, in addition to AM and PM peak levels of service. Intersections with minor street stop control displays the LOS for the movement found to have the lowest level of service. Through Traffic Traffic on the streets of Diamond Bar consist of motorists who live, work and shop iii the City of Diamond Bar plus motorists who are passing through the City but do not stop foray reason. The alignment of the City's three most significant arterials, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Colima Road/Golden Springs Drive, and Grand Avenue results in large volumes of through traffic. r The three principal arterial routes within the City of Diamond Bar were found to #lave significant percentages of their total traffic volumes comprised of vehicles making through trips. Most of the through trips found along the PM peak flow direction travel lanes of Diamond Bar Boulevard, Colima Road/Golden Springs Drive, and Grand Avenue were observed mciting the 40 City into San Bernardino County along Grand Avenue, 2. TRANSIT AND PARATRANSIT SERVICES Public bus transit service is provided to the City of Diamond Bar by the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD) and Foothill Transit. Both fixed route transit and paratransit service operate: within the City of Diamond Bar. Fixed route transit services are typically bus lines which operate on regular schedules along a set route, stopping at predefined bus stops. Fixed route service can be either local (intracity) or regional (intercity). Paratrans t services, more commonly referred to as Dial -a -Aide, are demand responsive services which provide rides to passengers upon an individual request basis. Although they operate within a defined service area, they do not operate on fixed routes or schedules. Paratransit service typically serve transit dependent persons such as the elderly and handicapped. They often serve major destinations such as hospiM and medical facilities but may also take passengers to local destinations such as neighborhood shopping centers. • CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY 6-1-92 15 336KD8P0iiq-D0t Table 2-5 AM and PM Peak Hour Level of Service ,at Unsignalized lnterscctions Intersection Sunset Crossing Rd./SB 57 Ramp Diamond Bar Blvd./SB 57 Ramps Diamond Bar Blvd./NB 57 Ramps 'All -way stop controlled interswion. 33699.Table2-5 Movement All Movements* WB Diamond Bar Blvd. Left Turn SB 57 Off -ramp Left Turn SB 57 Off -ramp Through SB 57 Off -ramp Right Turn EB Diamond Bar Blvd. Left Turn NB 57 Off -ramp Left Turn NB 57 Off -ramp Through NB 57 Off -ramp Right Turn AM Peak LOS E F F F A C F E A PM Peak LOS A A E D A A iF D F 3. RAILROAD LINES There are cvntly. no passenger rail facilities in operation within the City of Diar The nearest Amtrak facilities are located in Pomona and Fullerton. The Pomon station, which serves the Southwest Chief line, is located at 2701 Geary Avent approximately nine miles north of Diamond Bar. The Fullerton Amtrak station, wh the San Diegans line, is located at the corner of Sante Fe and Harbor Bouleva approximately 13 miles to the south. nd Bar. Amtrak a nd is I serves and is The Union Pacific Railroad is the only freight rail line which serves the City of Diamond Bar. The line lies along the City's northwestern boundary with the City of Industry, and serves the ] industrial areas north of Walnut Drive and Lycoming Street. 4. BICYCLE AND EQUESTRIAN TRAILS There are three different classes of bikeways which are commonly recognized. A de inition of each bikeway class is presented below: CIass I Bikeway (Bike Path) - A completely separated right-of-way for the exclusive use of bicycles (and sometimes pedestrians). Cross-flow is minimized by limiting access to desigilated points. • Class II Bikeway (Bike Lane) - Routes designated by separately striped lanes and s gns along I& streets or highways. They provide restricted one-way travel for bicycles, although mot r vehicles are sometimes permitted to use the bike lane to make turns and to park. Class III Bikeway (Bike Route) - Roadways in which the travel lanes are shared by motor vehicles and bicycles whose route is designated by. This type of bikeway does n t provide cyclists with increased privileges, but rather, informs motorists of the cycling route. The City currently has two marked bikeways along both sides of the entire lengths of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Spr ngs Drive west of Diamond Bar Boulevard contain Class II bike lanes. The width of the bike lanes vary from 12 feet throughout most of the roadway to three feet at a few locations with narrower curb -to -curb widths. Most signalized intersection bike lane approaches are striped to permit right turns by motor vehicles. Parking is not permitted within the bike lanes except on Golden Springs near Brea Canyon Road and the northbound lane of Diamond Bar Boulevard between Montefino Avenue and Grand Avenue. Golden Springs Drive north of Diamond Bar Boulevard is designated a Class III bike route on both sides of the roadway. An additional ikewa- is proposed for Brea Canyon Road between Pathfinder Road and Colima Road. There are currently no Class I bikeways within the City of Diamond Bar. The County plans to have bicycle routes serving the region that will connect with local bicycle trails. The county system proposes bicycle trails to enter Diamond Bar at the east rn end of CITY OF DIAMOND BAR FLAN FOR PHYSICAL N1013IL TY 6-1-92 336W.DBP0Iiry.D0c 17 • Grand Avenue, and north into the Tres Hermanos property along Tonner Canyon. Surrounding cities have also planned bicycle routes to connect into Diamond Bar north along Mission Boulevard- (CWy of .Pomona), west along Grand Avenue and Brea Canyon Road (the Cities of Walnut and Industry), and west along Colima Road (into Rowland Heights). There are currently no official equestrian trails available to the public within the City of Diamond Bar, although a series of trails are proposed by the County of Los Angeles. Once completed, these trails will be owned and maintained by the County. S. AVIATION ' There are no aviation facilities located within the City of Diamond Bar. Passenger air carrier and air cargo facilities are located at Ontario International Airport located 15 miles to the east. The closest general aviation airports are Brackett Feld in La Verne, approximately nine miles to the north; and Chino Airport in the City of Chino, approximately 11 miles to the east. 6. GOODS MOVEMENTS 7 Goods movements within the City of Diamond Bar occur primarily through the use of trucks. The City has established a designated truck route plan. Truck routes direct heavy truck traffic onto arterial and collector facilities and away from local (residential) streets. This plan Phelps " control noise and air pollution in residential areas of the City and protects local streets from significant surface damage that might result from heavy truck traffic. North of the combined section of the Orange/Pomona Freeway, it is necessary for freeway traffic to exit onto Diamond Bar Boulevard when traveling southbound on the Orange Freeway en route to the eastbound Pomona Freeway; and westbound Pomona Freeway traffic bound for the northbound Orange Freeway. The section of Diamond Bar Boulevard between the eastbound Pomona Freeway r ramps and the northbound Orange Freeway ramps to the north, and Sunset Crossing Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the southbound Orange Freeway ramps are designated truck routes. To enable access to the heavy industrial areas of the City of Industry and the City s of Diamond Bar north of Lycoming Street, truck routes are designated in western Diamond Bar along Colima Road between Lemon Avenue and Brea Canyon Road, along both Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue north of Colima Road, and along Walnut Drive. Entrances into the City notify drivers of a live -ton weight restriction for trucks within the City (except for designated truck routes), in addition to parking restrictions which limit commercial vehicles over five tons to 30 minutes. C. PHYSICAL MOBILITY ISSUES 1. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN DIAMOND BAR The levels of development which would be permissible under the proposed General Plan would result in approximately 2,764 additional dwelling units, 1,010,000 square feet of commercial CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY 6-1-92 33699.DBP0licv.Doc 18 uses and 4,819,000 square feet of office and business park uses. These estimated additional development opportunities within the City will result in corresponding increases n traffic. Estimated--Aripmaking within the City is projected to increase from 345,632 average daily trips in 1991 to 465,107 average daily trips in 2010. This represents an increase of 33 percent. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies to address impacts to all streets in Dia nond Bar and establish roadway level -of service standards. 2. PROJECTED GROWTH IN THE REGION In addition to increases in traffic attributable to growth and development within the City of Diamond Bar itself, the City will be impacted by future growth and development in su rounding communities and the region. Increased traffic in the region will impact Diamond Bar through increased traffic volumes along the regional transportation facilities including Routes 57 and 60 and Grand Avenue. Estimates of future through traffic along these facilities were obtained from SCAG model data and incorporated into. the City's travel demand model. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies to address impacts to all streets in Dia rnond Bar and establish roadway level -of -service standards. r 3. FUTURE ROADWAY SYSTEM WITHIN DIAMOND BAR Many of the roadway facilities within Diamond Bar are projected to carry volumes of traffic at or in excess of recommended daily capacity. Diamond Bar Boulevard - Average daily traffic volumes along Diamond Bar oulevard immediately south of Grand Avenue are projected to be double the carrying capacity of a four - lane roadway. South of Grand Avenue to Brea Canyon Road, forecast daily VOIL me along Diamond Bar Boulevard exceed recommended carrying capacity. North of Sunset Crossing, traffic volumes along Diamond Bar Boulevard are projected to be within the carryin capacity of a four -lane roadway. Colima Road - Year 2010 traffic volumes along Colima Road west of Brea Canyon Road are projected to exceed carrying capacity of. this four -lane roadway. From east of Lem n Avenue to the City of Diamond Bar boundary, Colima Road is forecast to carry traffic at or slightly below the recommended carrying capacity for a four -lane roadway. Art Golden Springs Road - Golden Springs Road is forecast to carry traffic volumes within carrying capacity for a four -lane divided roadway. The portion of Golden springs Road east of Grand Avenue is not a divided roadway and forecast traffic volumes along this segment watild exceed capacity. Grand Avenue - Year 2010 traffic volume forecasts along the entire length of Grad Avenue within the City of Diamond Bar are estimated to be in excess of the capacity of I four -lane CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBIL TY 6-1-92 33699.DBPofic"Doc 19 is • divided roadway. As presently occurs, a significant amount of this traffic is estimated to be through traffic with neither origin nor destination within the City. Brea Canyon Road - The section of Brea Canyon Road from Colima Road to Washington Street is projected to carry traffic volumes requiring the capacity of a six -lane divided arterial. Routes 57 and 60 - Both the Pomona Freeway (SR -60) and the Orange Freeway (SR -57) are forecast to carry traffic volumes significantly in excess of their capacity. This will result in continued congestion along these facilities with spillover onto City streets as motorists seek less congested alternatives. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs to establish roadway classifications and standards for dedication and roadway improvement for the principal streets in the City (see Table 3-3). 4. THE DEVELOPMENT OF TONNER CANYON AS AN ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL CORRIDOR AROUND THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR With significant development planned for the Chino Hills area, both Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue are expected to carry larger through traffic volumes from SR -57 th6n at i present into San Bernardino County. Alternative routes to the south would help relieve future congestion along these and other arterials within the City of Diamond Bar. a ISSUE ANALYSIS: Future traffic volumes for selected arterials in Diamond Bar have been studied for a scenario with possible extensions of Soquel Canyon Road and Tonner Canyon Road and a scenario without either of these roadways extended 5. MAINTAINING GRAND AVENUE'S CURRENT TRAFFIC CARRYING CAPACITY With the completion of the extension of Grand Avenue in the City of Industry, Grand Avenue provides an even more significant role as a regional arterial, carrying traffic to/from Routes 57/60. ISSUE ANALYSIS: 4feasures to enhance Grand Avenue within Diamond Bar while maintaining its current traffic -carrying capacity could include: - Grand Avenue maintained as four lanes with increased capacity allowed only for development within the City of Diamond Bar - Optimize signal coordination - Reconstruction to improve interchange at Route 57160 - Provide bus turnouts out of travel lanes - Provide acceleration and deceleration lanes at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard CITY OF D i A M O N D BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY 6-t-42 33699-DBPb&q.Doe 20 Ar • CITY OF D IAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL \JOBILITY 6-t-92 33699.DBP01icxD0C 21 Table 3-3 City of DiaWond Bar Roadway Classification Roa way Existing Proposed Width Dedication Impraxment Roadway Classircation' Classification1ft.) Stds. (fQ Sids ft. Diamond Bar Blvd. Major Secondary too 100 83 Colima Rd. Major 100 100 1 03 Golden Springs Dr. Secondary 80 so 80 Grand Ave. Major 100 100 1 03 Pathfinder Rd. (e% Brea Canyon Rd. -west leg) Major 100 100 1 00 Pathfinder Rd. (w/o Brea Canyon Rd. -west leg) Secondary 80 so so Brea Canyon Rd. (sib Colima Rd.) Secondary 80 so so Brea Canyon Rd. (No Colima Rd.) Major 100 100 1 Lemon Ave. Major Secondary 100 100 1 (s. of Colima) Sunset Crossing Rd./ Washington/Beaverhead Secondary Cul-de-sac 80 So 64 Brea Canyon Cut -Off Rd. Ltd Secondary 64-80 64-W 64 -EO Chino Hills Pkwy. (referred to as Dudley St.) Major 100 100 1 'Los Angeles County Highway Ptan (November 1980) Ar • CITY OF D IAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL \JOBILITY 6-t-92 33699.DBP01icxD0C 21 6. EMPHASIZE DIA.,ti1OND BAR BOULEVARD AS A LOCAL ARTERIAL Diamond 1BatmBoolevard presently provides an attractive alternative to the freeway during congested peak hours for commuters. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City could implement measures to reduce the attractiveness of Diamond Bar Boulevard as a speedy through route during peak commute hours Measures would include: - Signal coordination to increase through travel time along Diamond Bar Boulevard - Peak hour turn prohibitions to eliminate the dominant through traffic movements Special street treatments (e.g., landmarks, entry features, landscaping, pavement treatment, etc.) that convey the special function of Diamond Bar Boulevard as a local street - Where appropriate, emphasize access to adjacent land uses (i.e., Diamond Bar as a locally serving commercial corridor) i t 1 7. THE WIDENING OF THE PATHFINDER ROAD BRIDGE OVER ROUTE 57 On its own, the widening of the bridge would provide additional needed capacity to accommodate existing peak hour travel demand and improve freeway access. When considered in combination with modifications to Grand Avenue and to Diamond Bar Boulevard, the Pathfinder bridge widening would significantly improve freeway access for existing and future residents in the southern portion of the City. ISSUE ANALYSIS: This project is a committed improvement wuhin the City. .j S. CUL-DE-SACING OF SUNSET CROSSING ROAD AT THE CITY'S WESTERN LIMITS AND MAINTAINING WASHINGTON STREET CUL-DE-SAC Sunset Crossing is presently a four -lane roadway providing access to/from a residential area of northwest Diamond Bar. Sunset Crossing west of Route 57 has an interchange with southbound Route 57, extends westerly and terminates east of the City limits adjacent to a park and Little League fieldd#The County of Los Angeles Highway Plan assumes Sunset Crossing is to be extended southwesterly, through the City of Industry to a connection with Washington Street or in the vicinity. The area through which Sunset Crossing is to extend is presently substantially undeveloped. However, the City of Industry is considering development of the area with industrial uses to make maximum advantage of its proximity to freight rail lines. The extension of Sunset Crossing and the proposed development of industrial uses adjacent to this arterial would significantly increase the volume of traffic along Sunset Crossing and introduce a significant number of trucks into this residential area. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY 6-1-92 33699.DSPofiry.Doc '71) ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies to maintain the integrity of neighborhoods. D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES Circulation goals, objectives and strategies have been assembled for the City of Diamond Bar to guide policy makers and City staff in the implementation of the Circulation Element. Goals describe the overall direction for circulation planning within the City, while objectives and implementation strategies were defined in response to each of those goals. Objectives are statements of accomplishments that the City will strive to achieve as part of the circulation planning process, while implementation strategies are actions used to actually achieve the objectives. The goals and objectives are presented in priority rank beginning with the most important, based on direction provided by the City. GOAL 1 Enhance the Environment of the City's Street Network. Work Towards Improving the Problems Presented by the Intrusion of Regionally Oriented Commuter Traffic Through the City and Into Residential Neighborh6ods. Consider Programs to Reinforce the Regional Transportation and Circulation System to Adequately Accommodate Regional Needs. r Objective 1.1 Assume responsibility for local and participate in regional 1ratsportation related planning and decisionmaldng. Strategies: 1.1.1 Prior to permitting connection of roadways from adjacent t jurisdictions into the City of Diamond Bar, ensure th it regional } benefits are not achieved at the expense of Diamond Bar residents and businesses. 1.1.2 In reviewing transportation improvements, mainta n a clear distinction between local and regional objectives. 1.13 Ensure the opportunity for public comment on major changes in operational characteristics of the circulation system. 1.1.4 Identify a transportation corridor through Tanner Canyon to relieve congestion on other roadways within the City c f Diamond Bar. The environmental impacts of the corrida must be minimized and the corridor must demonstrably bene It the City of Diamond Bar. The City will further require that any CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL %JOB IL d-1-92 33699-DBPolicy.Dot I T Y 23 • • GOAL 2 Provide a Balanced Transportation System for the Safe and Efficient Movement of People, Goods. and Services Throughout the City in a Manner Which Will Protect, Maintain and Improve the Quality of Life Which is Diamond Bar. --,W- Objective 2.1 Vfa-rimize the use of alternative transportation modes within and through the City, and decrease reliance on single passenger automobiles. Strategies: 2.1.1 Maximize the availability and use of public transit service. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL \JOBILITY 6-1-92 '214 33699 DBP6Uq.Doc proposed transportation facilities be explicitly demonstrated as acceptable to the City of Diamond Bar. 1.1.5 Solicit federal and state funds to improve area freeways to eliminate use of local streets as part of the freeway system. Objective 1.2 Balance the need for free traffic flow on City anerials within econornic realities, environmental and aesthetic considerations. Strategies: 1.2.1 Prepare programs for traffic control measures. 1.2.2 Maintain flexibility in the cross sections and configuration of streets within topographically rugged or environmentally sensitive areas. Within these areas maintain flexibility in street light requirements. Objective 1.3 Maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods. Discourage through traffu. t Strategies: 13.1 Prevent the creation of new roadway connections which adversely impact the character of existing neighborhoods. Implement neighborhood traffic control programs to reduce and divert through traffic. 13.2 Through the roadway system, ensure that new development within the Tres Hermanos Ranch property is integrated into the community of Diamond Bar. 13.3 Design new developments and their access points in such a way that the capacity of local residential streets is not exceeded. GOAL 2 Provide a Balanced Transportation System for the Safe and Efficient Movement of People, Goods. and Services Throughout the City in a Manner Which Will Protect, Maintain and Improve the Quality of Life Which is Diamond Bar. --,W- Objective 2.1 Vfa-rimize the use of alternative transportation modes within and through the City, and decrease reliance on single passenger automobiles. Strategies: 2.1.1 Maximize the availability and use of public transit service. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL \JOBILITY 6-1-92 '214 33699 DBP6Uq.Doc 2.1.2 Investigate the feasibility of establishing a local traasit system. Support privately funded local transit systems for seniors and youths. 2.13 Support mixed-use urban village developments, to maximize transportation efficiency. 2.1.4 Pursue a cooperative effort with Caltrans and regional transit providers to develop a major bus transportation facility near or in the City of Diamond Bar adjacent to the 57 F eeway and Grand Avenue. 2.1.5 Encourage participation in carpools. 2.1.6 Coordinate to the extent possible with neighboring cities in the development of a Transportation Demand Management {TDM} plan. 2.1.7 Investigate the potential of using vacant Iand as pa k-and-ride sites. 2.1.8 Seek to expand existing park-and-ride facilities at the i iterch.ange of SR -57 and SR -60. 2.1.9 Expand and maintain the system of bicycle routes connecting residential areas to major community attractions. 2.1.10 Pursue a cooperative program to provide access f6i, Diamond Bar residents to a regional light rail system. 2.1.11 Pursue a program to improve local freeways to provi e carpool lanes. 2.1.12 Develop and promote interconnected equestrian Ira Is. Objective 2.2 Maximize connection of all areas within the City through the irculation system. Strategy: 2.2.1 Work to ensure that any new development is pro lded with adequate access from within the City of Diamond Bor. CITY OF DIAMOND 13AR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOB IL1 6.1-92 33699 DBPO&V Doc T Y 25 40 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL :x108 [LITY 6-1-92 26 336W.DBPofiry.Doc GOAL 3 Maintain an Adequate Level of Service on Area Roadways. objective 3.1 - Establish a functional classification system for roadways in the City. Strategies: 3.1.1 Maintain level of service C or better at arterial mid -block segments (average daily) and D or better during peak hours at signalized intersections to the extent passible. 3.1.2 Improve arterial mid -block segments to provide average daily service levels of "C or better to prevent use of local and collector streets as alternate routes 3.1.3 Improve intersections in the City which currently provide peak hour traffic service levels worse than "D" where feasible within existing right-of-way and where no significant environmental i impact would result. 3.1.4 Develop a pavement management system and maintenance program for all public roadways throughout the City. 3.1.5 Develop a program to expand and maintain pedestrian access routes throughout the City. Objective 3.2 Improve the safety and utilization of existing transportation facilities. Strategies: 3.2.1 Correct identified street and intersection operating problems in a timely manner. 3.2.2 improve off-street parking and loading facilities for public schools to minimize the impact on the circulation system. 3.23 Consider the addition of lanes to existing streets only as a last resort to correct traffic conditions or hazards. 3.2.4 Encourage consolidation of commercial drive approaches and prohibition of turning movements where warranted. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL :x108 [LITY 6-1-92 26 336W.DBPofiry.Doc Objective 3.3 Explore all available opportunities and mechanisms for funding tr nsportation improvements. Strategy: s_ I—P- - 33.1 All new development shall be required to provide reasonable mitigation measures or pay traffic impact fees. GOAL 4 Provide or Regulate the Provision of the Supply of Parking to Meet the Needs for Both Residents and Commercial Businesses. Objective 4.1 Ensure compliance with the Southern California Air Qualitynagement District Regulation IS trip reduction requirements Strategies: Objective 4.2 Strategy: 4.1.1 Regulate the provision of preferential parking for high occupancy vehicles wherever possible. 4.1.2 Allow reductions in parking in exchange for tra sportation demand management programs. Provide adequate parking for all types of land use within the Cityo Diamond Bar. • 4.2.1 Use existing parking demand data sources to update ity Code requirements pertaining to parking, particularly the provision of sufficient parking for land uses generating a hig 1 demand for parking. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOB ILI 6-1-92 33699.DBPoticy.Doc T Y 27 • VI. PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES A. INTRODUCTION State law does not require the preparation of a general plan element dealing specifically with public services and facilities. However, it does state that... "The general plan may include any other elements or address any other subjects which, in the judgement of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the county or city" (Government Code Section 65303). Diamond Bar, as a new City, faces many decisions as how to best provide services to the public, and what types of facilities it needs to build to support those services. Therefore, a local General Plan element dealing with the long-term provision of municipal services and facilities is appropriate for Diamond Bar. The actual provision of various public services has already been addressed in the following sections of the Diamond Bar General Plan: I. Plan for Community Development Land Use (for all services & utilities) Plan for Resource Management Parks and Recreation Water (and Reclaimed Wastewater) Energy Systems Solid Waste IV. Plan for Public Health and Safety Flood Control Police Fire Emergency Services Disaster Preparedness The Plan for Public Services and Facilities seeks to tie the provision of these various services and facilities together into an integrated strategy for municipal management. The Plan focuses on: • Identifying City facilities and services needed to sustain the community's high quality of life • Long-range planning to fund City services and buildings • Coordinating and cooperating with various local agencies to provide those services not provided by the City. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES VI -1 June 1, 1992 B. EXISTING CONDITIONS The City presently has a minimum of in-house staff, and contracts out much of the actual service to local public and private agencies. In-house City services include administration, engineering, parks and recreation, and maintenance of public facilities. The City is also arranging for local co solid waste. These daily functions are housed in City Hall, which currently consists of office sp, in the Gateway Corporate Center. ion of leased The major physical assets of the City are its streets and parks, which were originally built by the ounty. The existing street system is also in good condition at present. Park maintenance is presently handled y City staff, although maintenance of -the local landscape districts is contracted to private firms. The County of Los Angeles provides a number of services under contract to the City. Wastewater conveyance and treatment is provided by County Sanitation District No. 21. Although much of the physical wage infrastructure (pipelines) appear in generally good condition, there have been repeated failures of the pump stations needed to lift flows to the regional collectors. Flood control is provided by the County Flood Control District. Its facilities are in fairly good conditi�n with a small amount of seasonal flooding near the intersection of Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming. Solid waste disposal is handled by the County Solid Waste Management Department using several Iandfills. However, landfill space could run out before the end of the decade. is Law enforcement in handled by the County"Sheriffs Department out of the Walnut -San Dimas Statio Fizz protection, emergency evacuation, and response to accidents involving hazardous materials all . accommodated by the County Fire Department with three stations in and around Diamond Bar. The Los Angeles County Library System also maintains a very small community library on Grand t venue near Diamond Bar Boulevard. II Other services and facilities are provided within Diamond Bar by a variety of public and private agencies. Domestic water service is provided by the Walnut Valley Water District, which is in turn supplied by Three Valleys Municipal Water District and ultimately by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern Calilornia. Water facilities are generally adequate, although the statewide drought makes the Iong-term supply of water to this area questionable. In terms of energy utilities, electricity is supplied by the Southern California Edison Company, while natural gas is supplied by the Southern California Gas Company. Energy facilities are generally adequate to accommodate existing and planned uses. Comprehensive K-12 exrucational facilities and programs are provided by the Walnut Valley Unified District and the Pomona Unified School District. Other services within Diamond Bar include branch office postal services administered in Pomona, system, Walnut -Diamond Bar YMCA, and Seniors organization. bus is DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITITI-2 June 1, 1992 C, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES ISSUES If the City decides to provide more local services, services that are now contracted out, or decides to increase the levels of existing services, there may be a future need for a larger civic center in a more centralized location. This long-term facility need would have to be balanced against a community desire for no increases in local costs. The most cost effective way to provide such a facility would be through a joint public/private arrangement to build a civic center for the City, most likely in exchange for some kind of development arrangement. This facility could also house a number of other social programs for City residents, such as a senior center or a community center. The City may wish to plan its own long-range program of wastewater conveyance and treatment separate from Los Angeles County plans. Discussions with Orange County would be needed to determine if a separate sewage system were feasible. A larger problem would likely be the funding and timing of construction for some type of new system. Although most of the backbone system is already in place and designed to flow toward the Los Angeles system, a detailed alternative service plan could be prepared to address a change in flow direction. The costs and timing of such a new system would have to be weighed against potential failures of the existing system. The existing flood control system is presently adequate, but the City should establish if or how any local casts might accrue as the system ages, so that there are no "surprises" in future budgets. A master drainage plan will need to be developed for the City and its sphere of influence. The City may decide its wants to take a proactive role in developing long-term solutions to regional solid waste problems, such as rail haul systems. At a minimum, the City will participate in the mandated planning requirements for source reduction, recycling, and hazardous waste issues. Police and fire services are presently adequate. However, the City may wish to study providing its own protective services, or joining a more local association (non -County) to provide them. In the future, the sphere of influence may require additional police and fire protection as development occurs. The County's library is not presently adequate for local residents, although there are many other community libraries in the area that can provide additional resources. The City may want to consider providing for its own library, possibly as part of a centralized civic center complex in the future. Although local water purveyors can adequately serve the area in terms of facilities, a continuation of the State- wide drought could put severe restrictions on the availability of water. The City may wish to take a proactive stance on securing additional water supplies for itself, or at least keeping current on potential new sources or limitations. Energy facilities and systems presently appear adequate, although there may be supply shortages in the future. The City may wish to 'Me a more active role in energy conservation and the development of new energy technologies. There are numerous governmental and private organizations in the area that might wish to use City resources to test new programs or devices. The City may wish to take a more proactive role in planning for its energy future. Local schools are presently experiencing overcrowding at all levels. The State funding mechanism for constructing new schools will probably not be sufficient to build local schools. Year-round school or other programs or building modifications may be necessary to continue providing quality education to local students. The City may choose to work closely with the local districts on site selection, funding mechanisms, and joint use of facilities. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES VI -3 June 1, 1992 D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ITIS THE OVERALL GOAT, OF THE PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FA L—ILI77ES 77 CITY ACQUIRE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS RESIDENTS. " GOAL 1 "Provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services to support and planned growth." T THE �F ITS Objective 1.1 Maintain adequate systems for water supply and distribution; wastewater col! ction, treatment, and disposal; solid waste collection and disposal; and energy distribution which are capable of meeting the needs of the residents of Diamond Bar. Strategies: 1.1.1 Prior to permitting a major extension of services or utilities to facilitate charges in land use, conduct a thorough review of all social, economic, and envim ental factors associated with that extension; require the implementation of appropriati mitigation measures. 1.1.2 Ensure that existing residents and businesses are not burdened with r are reimbursed for the cost of financing infrastructure aimed at supportin new development or the intensification of existing development which does not nefit them. 1.1.3 Unless otherwise approved by the City, ensure that public water, sewer, nage and other backbone facilities needed for a project phase are constructed prio to or concurrent with initial development within that phase. 1.1.4 Place the responsibility with the project sponsor for ensuring that all n sary infrastructure improvements (including a pro -rata share system -wide improvements) needed to support a project development are available at the time that they are needed. 1. 1.5 Coordinate the long-term provision of utility services, including water, was electricity, natural gas, solid waste, etc. to assure adequate future levels of _,for City residents. a. Investigate plans by the Metropolitan Water District to locate a upper Tonner Canyon. in DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES June 1, 1992 _ 4 G u Objective 1.2 Establish and implement comprehensive and equitable solutions to the financing of public facilities and services. Strategies: 1.2.1 Establish a development fee structure which ensures that costs for new capital facilities and expansion of existing facilities necessitated by proposals for new development and intensification of existing development are internalized by those projects, to the percentage appropriate to the development. 1.2.2 Investigate the establishment of proven financing techniques and mechanisms in combination with programmed capital improvements to facilitate the provision of desired community facilities. Objective 1.3 Ensure that all Diamond Bar residents have access to high quality local educational facilities, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location within the City. Strategies: 1.3.1 Pursue a cooperative program with the City of Industry and the Pomona Unified School district to secure land and construct a high school in the Pomona Unifiea School District in the City of Diamond Bar such as within the Tres Hermanos Ranch. As part of high school development, pursue development of a major joint use recreational facility (e.g. pool, ball fields, stadium, gymnasium). 1.3.2 Work closely with the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified ,School Districts on an ongoing basis to resolve issues such as joint use of facilities, location of new facilities, and alternative use of vacant or unused sites. Objective 1.4 Ensure the provision of cultural facilities, such as educational institutions, museums, and per arts facilities, to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. Strategies: 1.4.1 Pursue the acquisition of a site and development of a civic center, including a multi -use community center. 1.4.2 Work with surrounding jurisdictions to establish joint development of cultural facilities of regional significance, such as a performing arts center and a natural and cultural museum. 1.4.3 Explore the possibility of locating a major institution of higher learning in Diamond Bar. 1.4.4 Work with Los Angeles County to insure adequate library services are provided. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES June 1, 1992 VI -5 GOAL 2 "Achieve a fiscally solvent, financially stable community." Objective 2.1 Provide sufficient opportunities far retail and other nonresidential commercial and af'U Acessary to ensure adequate municipal income to finance desired community Strategies: uses 2.1.1 Promote the intensification of the sales tax -generating potential of xisting commercial and office areas within the City (also see provisions in the Itcl Use section of the Plan for Community Development). 2.1.2 Work with State officials and local elected representatives to make a d effort to promote legislation for distribution of sales taxes to local agencies a combination of the location where the sales tax was collected and an distribution based on population. • 2.1.3 Pursue the expansion of municipal boundaries to areas which can be utilized t a assist in the provision of sufficient municipal income to provide the high level of ervices and facilities demanded by Diamond Bar residents. 2.1.4 Prepare and maintain a municipal cost/benefit model. Objective 2.2 Promote efficiency in the provision of public services and facilities. Strategies: • 2.2.1 Conduct an annual review of user charges, development fees, and public cilities impact mitigation fees in accordance with California Government Code Section 56000 et al, (AB1600) to ensure that the charges are consistent with the sts of improvement and maintenance, and that public services and facilities arc being expanded in a cost-efficient manner. Objective 2.3 Promote a balance of public and private provision of services and amenities�to the comnruniry. Strategies: 2.3.1 Identify and pursue opportunities for private provision of services and Hities within the City of Diamond Bar, including joint public/private efforts. 2.3.2 Explore joint or cooperative use of facilities owned or constructed by other public agencies. Potential locations include, but are not limited to, the Pomona Unified School District high school site in the Tres Hermans area; Site "D" owned y the Walnut Valley Unified School District off of Diamond Bar Boulevard east of the 57 Freeway; South Pointe Middle School; and the Walnut Valley Unified hoot District school/office site on Lemon Avenue just north of the 60 Freeway. 2.3.3 Provide regular information to citizens regarding current issues, public safety information, resource management information, city services, publicting schedules, hazardous material collection programs, etc. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN: PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIE June 1, 1992 1-6 • MINUTES OF DIAMOND B PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARINGS ON DRAFT GENERAL PL CALL TO ORDER: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: CONSENT CALENDAR: Minutes of Mar. 23, 1992 NEW BUSINESS: Discussz n of Developme t Review Ordinance ITY OF DIAMOND B MINA S OF THE PLANNING cO SSION APRIL 13, 1992 Chairman a the meeting to o der at 7:11 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board. Meeting Room, 2185.5 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar; California. The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by C/Meyer. Commissioner Li, Commissioner Flamenbaum, Commissioner Meyer, Vice Chairman MacBride, and Chairman Grothe. Also present were Community Director James DeStefano, Associate Planner Robert Searcy, Planning Technician Ann Lungu, Deputy City Attorney Bill Curley, Lloyd Zola of the Planning Network, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. Motion was made by C/Meyer, s conded by C/Flamenbaum and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to pprove the Minutes of March 23, 1992 of the Con to Calendar. CD/DeStefano reported that diSCUSsicon of the Development Review Ordinance is placed on the agenda per the request of the Commission on the March 9th meeting. The issues rested on the following concerns: The review of buildings, specifically single family homes that seem to be getting larger and larger; the massing on the side of residential structures; and architectural style. It was further suggested that a subcommittee? of the Commission, be formed to review s me of the issues of concern. , air/Grothe suggested that the Commis ion send a 1 t of the issues, with the goals and bjectives, re rding architectural review, to the City Cau Mi. C/FlaMN nbaum proposed to recommend tc the City Council that the issue of large buildi gs, of any nature, should be part of the C mmission's developme review. Specifics could be discussed at a later ate. C/Li statedt at he is opposed to creating another level of gave ent. The Commission can exchange ideas during public hearing, an receive recommendations om staff. Chair/Grothe state that the intent of forming a sub -committee would a to review the development review process, to de lop guidelines, and to make appropriate adjustment to the process. The sub- committee would not be permanent. April 13, 1992 Page 2 CD/DeStefano, in response to C/Li, explained that he issue is being brought back, per direction of e Planning Commission, after the review of 'a 7, 00 sq. ft. home that came before the Commission on because it involved an oak tree removal per 't. One of the issues being raised is to dete ine if homes of such scale should be reviewed on a gular basis, versus the authority contained in the rdinance which precludes Commission review. The co unity is expressing a desire to see these homes, a d provide guidelines to make sure they are architec rally and physically compatible with the setting t at they are being placed within. Staff has the f lowing additional issues regarding the Ordinance; it is not clear when review begins or ends; there needs to be clarity of the Public Hearing proc ss; and there needs to be further direction to taff on issues of heighth, bulk, shape, mass, si a and compatibility. Staff desires to clean up the ey areas of the ordinance, modify the ordinance pur uant to the direction received by the Planning C fission, incorporating staff thoughts and, if ppropriate, the wording of a subcommittee of the ommission, and then bring the package back to the mmission for full review, and forward the recomme ed changes to the City Council. C/Meyer, noting that a Development Code is supposed to be consfisten with the General Plan, suggested that the issue f whether or not the Commission should review the construction of mansions could be reviewed with respect to the public hearing process on th General Plan. Once that is concluded, the Commiss on could take a look at a Development Code that wou d implement, and be consistent, with the General P1 n. Motion was made by VC/MacBrided seconded by C/Meyer to table the matter untilN�e completion of the General Plan review. Chair/Grothe suggested that staff receive some direction for their design review, rom a sub- committee of the Commission, regardi side yard setbacks and architectural style, with the understanding that it will be rewri ten upon completion of the General Plan review. C/Flamenbaum stated that the purpose f the Development Review Ordinance is to outli the procedures for a review of a part cular developmeiit, and. describe those applications that falls under the purview and jurisdiction of the April 13, 1992 Page 3 • Reorganization Planning Commission. It is not intended to do much in terms of specifics. He once again suggested that the Commission express their concerns to the City Council that the purview of the Commission should include buildings of, a "Yet to be determined" size or larger. C/Meyer stated that development criteria, such as etbacks, are in the zoning criteria. The dinance indicates that whatever findin s of facts M e by the Planning Commission on 5 uni s or more, st f would make the same findings of facts on few than that. Furthermore, any "size" dete ined would be arbitrary and capri ious. Chair/ othe received a request to speak from a member the audience. Martha Br que, residing at 600 S. Greal Bend Dr., referencin the development that occurr d on Kiowa Crest on p erty once considered and velopable, stated her ncern that there are no levels of government in iamond Bar, and not much lanning. C/Flamenbaum quired why the Commission is required to re 'ew a 2,000 sq. ft. commercial structure, but y a 15,000 sq. ft. home does not come under the Co ission's jurisdiction. The Commission vo d on the Motion made by VC/MacBride and seco ed by C/Meyer to table the matter. The Motion IED. AYES: COMMISSIONER Li, Meyer, VC MacBride, nd Chair/Groth . NOES: COMMISSIONERS: amenbaum. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: e. Chair/Grothe inquired how t Commissio would go about making a change to the 'de yard s tback. C/Meyer, with CD/DeStefano\be irmation, explained that the item would hplaced on the Commission's agenda, whereasus would have to be received to give distaff to modify the zoning ordinance.ould then modify the ordinance, per of the Commission, come back with an en1 review,and a draft ordinance, to bed to theCommission in a public hearing Chair/Grothe requested staff to place thekatter on the agenda as a discussion item. II `t VC/MacBride suggested that the reorganilzation of April 13,,1992 Page 4 the Planning Commission item be moved top the last item of the agenda. The Commission concurred. CONTINUED D/DeStefano reported that, at the conclusion of PUBLIC HEARING: t e public testimony on the March 23rd meeting, the C ission directed the applicant and staff to TT Map 31977 in estigate the possibility of incorporating re 'sions to the tentative map, permitting 16 units on 2 acres, located at Highcrest Ave. near Gold sh, in order to bring the map closer to curren development standards. The applicant and staff h ve met to discuss potential alterations to the map. However, because the tentative revisions were subm tted to the City for review on April 8th, staff has not had an adequate review period to comment, n r discuss the ramifications of the revisions wi h the City Attorney and City Engineer. However, sta was able to review the map briefly, from a plan ing perspective, and noted the following: it incorporates land form grading to the extent that 't provides undulation in the 2:1 slopes being p posed; and the map has been modified to prow a independent access from the street for each to The issues were reviewed with the City Attorney' office, and the issues are generalized in thes various areas: if the map were to be continued, he existing map would remain alive allowing the deve oper to modify the project, if in agreement, and p ovide the staff with the appropriate fees based on the fee schedule to pursue the modificatio to the document; continuing the project ke s the map alive and, therefore, the developer cou submit the final map to the City Council; if co tinued, and all the conditions of the tentative ma have been met, the City Council has to approve a final map; the extension of time can be appro d; the extension of time could be denied; and if denied, the developer could revise the map to eet the current standards, or to appeal the deni to the City Council. After a brief review, at his point in time, staff is not convinced that it s a map that should move forward in the system. DCA/Curley, in response to C/Flamenba , stated that since it is a vesting map, any ch ges and ordinances, that have occurred since 19 , that require health and safety modifications, an be imposed on the map as a condition of an exte ion. The applicant can also consent to acce a continuance based on certain amendments. There is a risk factor with the second option in that if there is a proposition, along the way, that the consent was coerced, the action could be challenged. April 13, 1992 Page 5 C/Meyer suggested that the Commission recommend, to the City Council, a one year extension of the vesting map, subject to modification of the grading plan to substantially comply with the Hillside Grading Ordinance, as determined by the Community Development Director and the City Engi eer. The Commission can make a finding that the old grading plan is a condition that is dangerous to the health or safety of the residents of the community. The Public Hearing was declared open. Wes Lind, 13801 Roswell, Chino, applicant, explained that not everything can be done conclusively to meet the new Hillside Ordinance because of certain constraints, such as the streets in the tract are already'existing, and some of the grading has already been done. Revisions have been ade to try to meet the intent of the map. He resented that what the Commission is proposing is a eptable to them. And w King, residing at 1595 S. McFarre , Monterey Park stated that they do not disagree with any propo 1 the Commission has put forth. owever, he Pointe out that since receiving approlral of the tentati a map in 1990' they have no . received definiti a direction from the City, of Diamond Bar as how to roceed with this. Donald Rob tson, residing at 309 N. Pa tado Dr., member of t GPAC, inquired if the project falls within the p ameters' set up by GPAC at his time. CD/DeStefano tated that the General plan is designating tha site as RL, which is law density residential wit 3 dwelling units per a re. That three dwelling u its per acre is consistent with all of the proper 'es surrounding it. Gary. Neely, a GPAC member, stated that, from an audience standpoint, t would be helpful to have a picture of the projec Andrew King explained that they had presented pictures at the time of a application. Martha Brusque stated th she hopes there was consideration made for a t affic signal with two left turn lanes at Goldrush/ iamond Bar Slvd. The Public Hearing was declare% closed. April 13, 1992 Page 6 CD/DeStefa in response to C/Meyer, confirmed that there s a resolution that sets forth, the conditions fo the vesting map. Motion was madekc/Meyer, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIEDU�TANI USLY to recommend to the City Council a one yea continuance to the project subject to the \ding being modified to substantially comply Hillside Development Ordinance, that isly in existence, as interpreted by the CDevelopment Director and the City Engineer CD/DeStefano stated that State law requires each city and county to prepare and adopt a "comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development" of the community. The General Plan incorporates seven required elements, mandated by State law, into five major sections. The Planning Commission will review The Plan for Public Services and Facilities, and the Plan for Resource Management at tonights meeting. GPAC has made further changes, at their April 9th meeting, to The Plan for Public Services and Facilities, The Plan for Resource Management, and The Plan for Physical Mobility which outlines the Circulation Element. Staff will outline these changes to the Planning Commission, and will be providing GPAC with the final changes to these sections for their perusal at their next meeting. Various methods were used to advertise this document and the Chair/Grothe called a recess�t 8:12 p.m. The meeting was called back to orde at.8:29 p.m. Jan CD/DeStefano explained that the GPAC, General Plan Advisory Committee, is comprised of dedicated and concerned residents that have studied the choices for the future of Diamond Bar for the last two and one-half years. The General Plan serves as a blue for the print type of community we desire for the future and the means by which it can be obtained. The General Plan will serve as a comprehensive strategy for the management of growth and change in our community throughout the next twenty years. The Planning Commission will conduct six to eight public hearings to give the residents an opportunity to voice their opinions about the Policies outlined in the General Plan. The Commission will use public input to revise the document before it submits it to the City Council for adoption. It is anticipated that the City Council will begin it's review in the months of June and July of 1992. CD/DeStefano stated that State law requires each city and county to prepare and adopt a "comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development" of the community. The General Plan incorporates seven required elements, mandated by State law, into five major sections. The Planning Commission will review The Plan for Public Services and Facilities, and the Plan for Resource Management at tonights meeting. GPAC has made further changes, at their April 9th meeting, to The Plan for Public Services and Facilities, The Plan for Resource Management, and The Plan for Physical Mobility which outlines the Circulation Element. Staff will outline these changes to the Planning Commission, and will be providing GPAC with the final changes to these sections for their perusal at their next meeting. Various methods were used to advertise this document and the April 13, 1992 page 7 upcoming scheduled public hearings, as indicated in the staff report. The General Plan, o ce adopted will not remain static. State law permits up to four amendments per year. He stated that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) had been developed as a "Program EIR", as is required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CE A). It is recommended that the Commission beginthe Public Hearing process on- the General Pla , receive testimony, forward comments to staff, review the Plan for Public Facilities and the Plan for Resource Management and continuethe Baring to April 20, 1992. The changes made by the Commission tonight will be brought back for theAril 27th meeting. Lloyd Zola, of the Planning Network, exp ained that the General Plan is to "act as a constitution for development, the foundation upon which all land use decisions are to be based". This plan, upon it's adoption, will govern the zoning designations throughout the City, and the subdivision regulation. All public improvements need to be consistent with the City's General Plan, as well. The General Plan is to address all of the issues related to development, regulation, and management of land use. He reviewed the seven mandatory elements mandated by State law: The Land Use Element; The Circulation Element; The Housing Element; The Conservation Element; The Open Space Element; The Noise Element; and The Safety Element. The Diamond Bar General Plan will also include a Public. Services and Facilities Element. The General Plan incorporates these elements into five major sections; The Plan for Community Development; The Plan for Resource Manag ent; The Plan for Public Health; The Plan f r Public Services and Facilities; and The Plan fo Physical Mobility. In addition to the Gen ral Plan document, the Commission will be dealinc with the Master Environmental Assessment, and the EIR. It is requested that the Commission review t e General Plan in the following order: Public Services and Facilities; Resource Management; Public Health and Safety; Mobility; and Community Development. Following the Planning Commission's reco endations to the General Plan, the document will go to the City Council for review. State law provides that any changes that the Council wishes to make in the General Plan, that has not been review d by the Planning Commission, will be referred back to this Commission for a report prior to final Council action. Mr. Zola noted that, in regards to the land use element of the Plan for Community April 13f 1992 Page 8 Development, the GPAC has recommended the following: The triangular area bounded by Brea Canyon, Colima, and the 57 is to be retained as residential use; and the Diamond Bar golf course be kept as a golf course. CD/DeStefano explained that there are sections of the document that have been stricken out. GPAC has recommended that a public information document, outlining a variety of these issues, be created, and provided to the community. Also, those statements repeating what is already code, have been stricken to avoid repetitiveness. CD/DeStefano explained that in some cases, the recommendations of the GPAC may be different than the Parks and Recreation Commission, which reviewed the Plan for Resource Management in February of 1992, and the Traffic and Transportation Commission (TTC), which reviewed the Circulation Element of the Plan for Physical Mobility. Staff has forwarded, to the Commission, the recommendations of GPAC. GPAC, and the general public, has been invited .to every meeting. The TTC has been specifically invited to the meeting of May 4, 1992 in order to review the Plan for Physical Mobility. The Commission concurred to first open the public hearing to allow public comment, close the public hearing to allow the Commission to review the document, with staff, section by section, and then reopen the public hearing for further public comment. I The Public Hearing was declared open for comment on any portion of the General Plan not on the agenda. Dan Buffington, residing at 2605 Indian Creek, concerned that GPAC began with 34 members and dwindled down to 6 members, stated that he does not feel the document is representative of the community. He argued that the idea of preserving Tonner Canyon is unrealistic because development is coming into Tonner Canyon from LA, San Bernardino, and Orange County. Something must be done to direct the traffic out of the City of Diamond Bar. Gary Neely, residing at 344 Canoe Cove Dr., a GPAC member, thanked the Commission for sending the draft General Plan back to GPAC for further review. He complimented CD/DeStefano and staff for expediting the process. He stated that, though he has a basic philosophical difference with the idea of not building Tonner Canyon Road, he feels that 98% of the document is a good document. April 13, 1992 Page 9 Chair/Grothe inquired if there was any comment on the Plan for Public Resources and Facilities. Gary Neely made the following observations: page 2, section B, second line - Inhouse services do not include parks and recreation. The org nizational structure for the City is parks and maintenance; page 3, section C, third paragraph, last sentence - The statement "sphere of influence" should read for "the entire City"; page 5, subsection D.1.1.6a - This section was put back in by GPAC and reads, "Discuss plans by the Metropolitan Water District to locate a reservoir in upper Tanner Canyon.". He requested that the word "Discuss" be changed to "Encourage". He offered to provide a st tus of the Tres Hermanos Water Resource Project; and page 6, Strategy 1.3.2 - He stated that it is not a good idea to encourage this City to prom a benefit assessment districts, and would like to see it removed. CD/DeStefano stated that other than the change to page 5, subsection D.1.1.6a, as referenced by Mr. Neely, the only other change to the Plan for Public Resources and Facilities, made by GPAC is on page 8, whereas GPAC added a new strategy 2.3.3 which reads, "Provide a regular City bulletin to inform citizens of current issues, public safety information, resource management inform tion, city services, public meeting schedule, hazardous material collection programs, etc." The Public Hearing was declared closed. VC/MacBride made the following comments: page 7, strategy 2.1.1 - He is uncomfortable with the use of the word "node"; page 8, strategy 2.1.5 - He indicated that he liked the strategy and feels it should not have been deleted; and page 2 section B - He suggested there be reference ma e, in the menu, of the postal service, the sch of system (with special reference to a High SchIcility. f in the north end of Diamond Bar), a bus systema comment to the existing YMCA in Diamond Bar, ana comment if there is or is not a Senior Citizen C/Flamenbaum concurred with Mr. Neely if the City is going to do a Master Drainage Plan for the "sphere of influence" or the "entireCity". He made the following comments: page 4, section D - There is no mention of the need for a fire station in Tres Hermanos, and one should be mentioned; page 4, section D, Goal 1 - There should be relference to Senior Citizen facilities, as well Os Youth April 13, 1992 page 10 facilities; Page 7, strategy 1.5.2 - He questioned if an ecological musO.Um pertaining to Diamond Bar's botanical heritage" needs to be in the document. He suggested that it may be more appropriate to say "a museum pertaining to Diamond Bar's heritage"; and page 8, strategy 2.2.1 - He is uncomfortable referring to California legislation by it's associated Assembly Bill, and suggested that we cite the appropriate public resources civil code or whatever it evolved into. C/Meyer, referring to page 7, strategy 2.1.5, concurred with VC/MacBride that there should be mentioned, as often as possible, that every service needed and demanded has a cost associated with it. C/Li suggested that, page 2, Existing Conditions, mention the need for a larger Public Library System. C/Flamenbaum suggested that, page 6, Objective 1.3, strike the wording "legally defensible". He once again questioned the need for a "botanical heritage" museum. CD/DeStefano explained that there is an interest to create some sort of a heritage, historical type of museum for our residents, or a specifically identified facility, or aspect, involving the issues with the open space, land use, and the circulation element .dealing with the botanical, biological resources in the community. C/Meyer suggested that the idea of a museum be indicated generically in the Plan for Public Services and Facilities, but be more specific regarding the botanical heritage of the community in the other elements of the plan. Lloyd Zola suggested changing the wording to "a museum related to Diamond Bar's natural and cultural heritage". Chair/Grothe made the following comments: page 8, strategy 2.1.5 - He concurred that there should be some mention of revenue; page 8, strategy 2.3.3 - He stated that the method of delivery in providing citizen with information is too specific. C/Flamenbaum inquired of the Commission's consensus to the wording of strategy 1.1.6a on page 4. C/Meyer indicated that the term "Investigate" may be more appropriate. _,, April 13, 1992 Page 11 CD/DeStefano outlined the changes identified: page 2 - Review the issue of the Master Drainage Plan and deal with the conflicting languag ; add and expand discussion, on page 2, regarding the school facilities, the post office, the bus YMCA, senior citizen facilities and em, the facilities. youth Lloyd Zola stated that the youth and senior citizen's facility should be added o section C, because it is not an existing condigtlon, but rather an issue that needs to be discussed. Also, on page 2, section B, first paragraph should read "parks and maintenance", as suggested by Mr. Neely. The correct phrase, on page. 3, is that a Master Plan will need to be developed "for the City and it's sphere of influence'+. C/Meyer, objecting to the changes mac a to the recreation, stated that, ultimately, there is still a City staff person that is responsible recreational activitiesfor through a contract. , whether they are provided CD/DeStefano, concurring with C/Meyer, r that Page 2commended , section B, first paragraph not be changed. Additionally, the issue of whet er or not additional fire station(s) are necessar for Tres Hermanos needs to be addressed. C/Meyer suggested that the issue be tie in with Development Activity as opposed to being site specific. CD/DeStefano continued outlining the changes made: pians 5, strategy 1.1.6a, would read, "Investigate by • , page 6, objective 1.3 should read, "Establish and implement comprehensive solutions to the financing"suitable 1.5.2. should read ��„ • " c; Page 7, strategy .art enter and a museum Pertaining to Diamond Bar's natural and cultural heritage"; page 7, strategy 2.1.1 change the term "nodes" to "areas"; page 8, strategy 2.1 .5 should read, "Prepare and maintain a municipal cost benefit model.',; page 8, strategy 2.2.1 to reference specific assembly bill identifications to the proper civil or government code se tion of State law; and add on page 8, strategy 2.3.3 to read, "Provide regular information to citizens of current issues of importance.,' C/Flamenbaum proposed that a new strategy a added to Page 5, to become strategy 1.1.71 to read, "Promote the addition of larger library facilities, April 13, 1992 Page 12 improve senior citizen and youth facilities within the City." Lloyd Zola suggested that the library be added to strategy 1.4.3 on page 7, and the senior citizen and youth facilities be added to the strategies in the Land Use Element or under recreation. Chair/Grothe recommended that the senior citizens and youth facilities be put in the Plan for Public service and Facilities as an issue, since it is mentioned in strategy 1.3.1 of the Resource Management Plan, as referenced by Mr. Zola. C/Meyer suggested that the senior citizen's and youth facilities to be added to page 7, strategy 1.5.1. The Commission concurred. The Commission also concurred to move the library from strategy 1.4.3 to strategy 1.5.4. The Public Hearing was declared reopened. Gary Neely stated that he is concerned that the Commission only wants to "investigate" the Metro Water District plan to locate a reservoir in upper Tonner Canyon. Also, he is concerned that the Commission never dealt with the assessment district issues. Ken Anderson, residing at 2628 Rising Star, referring to page 7, strategy 2.1.1, stated that the strategy is very general. Lloyd Zola explained that the strategy aims at the intensification of the sales tax generating from existing business, not necessarily the uses themselves, by promoting "Shop Diamond Bar". Martha Brusque informed the Commission that a tremendous amount of the parking space in the shopping areas are taken by commuters from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to amend the document as corrected, and to return it to the meeting of April 27, 1992. Due to the late hour, and in accordance to the policy of the Planning Commission, C/Flamenbaum proposed that the next section of the General Plan be tabled to the April 20th meeting at 7:00 p.m. April 13, 1992 Page 13 Chair/Grothe suggested that the public hearing be opened to allow anyone, who had anti ipated the item, an opportunity to comment. The Commission concurred. The Public Hearing was declared opened for the Plan for Resource Management. Chair/Grothe called a recess at 10:27 meeting was called back to order at 10:34.p.m. The NEW BUSINESS: CD/DeStefano reported that Ordinance amendment by they City sCou Counursuant cil, the Reorganization each Commission should handle the annual reo tion in March of each year, or the first ava lableadate following April 7th of this year, Staff recommended that the Commission c nsider to recommend and elect a Chairman and a Vice Chairman. Motion was made by C/Meyer and seconded by C/Li to nominate C/Flamenbaum for Chairman. Motion was made by C/MacBride and seconded by C/Flamenbaum to nominate C/Grothe for Chairman. Motion was made by C/Grothe and seconded by C/Flamenbaum to nominate C/MacBride for Chairman. Motion was made by C/MacBride and sconded by C/Grothe to close the nomination. The Commission voted on the Motion for CJ lamenbaum for Chairman. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: M e y e r, L a n d Flamenbaum. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: MacBride and Gr the. The Motion CARRIED. Motion was made by C/Meyer and seconded bC/Grothe to nominate C/MacBride for Vice Chairman Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum to nominaa C/Meyer for Vice Chairman. The Motion failed for lack of a second. Motion was made by C/Meyer and seconded b C/Grothe to close the nomination. The Commission voted.on the Motion for /MacBride for Vice Chairman. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Meyer, Li, Gr the and Chair/Flamenbau . April -13, 1992 Page 14 NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: MacBride. The Motion CARRIED. VC/MacBride suggested that the Commission recommend to the City Council that, in order to maximize efficiency in processing proposed projects, and to assure as broad a review continuum as possible, the Council consider fixed terms for all. the Commissions. The Commission concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum requested staff to place the item on the agenda for discussion at some future meeting. INFORMATION CD/DeStefano recommended that the Claremont's ITEMS: informational statement, regarding the Commission meetings, be attached as the last page of the Planning Commission agenda. The Commission concurred. CD/DeStefano informed the Commission that City Manager VanNort has accepted the City Manager position in Chino Hills, City Engineer Sid Mousavi has accepted a position in Baldwin Park, and Parks And Maintenance Director Charlie Janiels has accepted a position in Fresno. . ADJOURNMENT., Motion was made C/Meyer, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m. to April 20th at 7:00 p.m. Respectively, James DeStefano Secretary/Planning Commission Attest: Bruce Flamenbaum Chairman CIT OF DIAMOND B MINiJTES OF THE PLANNING C MM ISSION APRIL 20,1992 CALL To ORDER: The meeti g was called t order at 7:05 p. . at the South Coa Air Quality anagement District 21865 E. Copley a Di d Bar, California. , PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Liz Myers. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Grothe, Li, Meyer, Vice Chairman MacBride, and Chairman Flamenbaum. Also present were Community Development Director James DeStefano, Associate Planner Robert Searcy, Lloyd Zola, of the Planning Network, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. MATTERS FROM Ken Anderson, residing at 2628 Rising Star Dr., THE AUDIENCE: stated his concern of the traffic ituation resulting from the development within the Country Hills Towne Center, and the existing development in the immediate area. He presented pictures to the Commission of a traffic accident that occurred recently in the area. He also stated that the signs, placed by the Wolff Company, ara not to code. CO CD/DeStefano reported that the Plan for Resource P LIC NG: Management incorporates the open space el went and the conservation element of the General P an. The raft Genera Plan for Resource Management has been developed to lan create and retain an open space system which will conserve our natural resources, preserve o r scenic beauty, promote a healthy community atmosphere, provide open space for outdoor passi a/active recreation, and protect the public safe y. The document was first reviewed and drafted b GPAC in the middle of 1991, and returned to PAC for further review the fall of 1991. The Plan for Resource Management was reviewed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission in the latter part of January and the first part of February of 1992. The GPAC proposed and approved he final changes, contained in the document, on April 9, 1992. The Public Hearing was declared opened. The Public Hearing was declared closed. The Commission concurred to review the document page by page. A. Introduction VC/MacBride suggested that bullet three, page 2, of the Introduction, omit the first word "To'. B. Existing Conditions April 20, 1992 Page 2 1. Open Space and Visual Resources C/Meyer suggested inserting the word "opportunity" to the third line from the bottom so that it reads "...open space opportunities and visual resources". VC/MacBride stated that the last line of Open Space and Visual Resources is awkward and needs to be reworded. He suggested that it be phrased to read, "The natural slopes and ridges enrich and identify our City.". The Commission concurred. 2. Biological Resources VC/MacBride suggested that the syntax in bullet one, page 3, last sentence, be corrected to read 11—raccoon, coyote and, occasionally, mule deer."; and that the word "of" be deleted from the last sentence of bullet four. Chair/Grothe suggested that the word "plants" be deleted from the last sentence of bullet three.. f Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the last paragraph be worded more strongly. Lloyd Zola suggested the following wording, "There is a potential for sensitive plants.... Undisturbed areas such as Sandstone Canyon are in the historic range of sensitive plants such as.....Rare or endangered animal species are not generally found within the City, although sandy soils, especially in the previously identified natural areas...". The Commission concurred. 3. Parks and Recreation CD/DeStefano explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission, concerned with the potential misunderstanding of a previously prepared matrix regarding usable and unusable, developed and undeveloped, City parkland, suggested the changes in the statement, on the top of page four, that increased the minimum requirement for parklands base upon 1,000 residents. If adopted, it will lead to specific changes to our Quimby fee structure, as well as the requirements for cash contribution, or acreage, for future park development. VC/MacBride suggested that the end of the last sentence, second paragraph, as indicated on page four, be amended to read, "...the need of residents". In regards to the following sentence, April 20, 1992 Page 3 he questioned the use of the phrase 11470. acres of recreational facilities". Lloyd Zola suggested the wording "...470. acres of recreational land, including 59.4 cres of developed park land". CD/DeStefano explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission tried to identify that although there is 470 acres of land, there is actually substantially less acres per 1,0oo residents because of the 133 acres of "The Country's" private parkland, and the 75 dditional acres of undeveloped parkland. C/Meyer suggested that the section identify and clarify the parkland available, and the parkland privately held. The actual numbers sshould be summarized, as indicated in table II.N, , within the Master Environmental Assessment. The Commission concurred that the numbs s should justify that there is a severe s e tags of parkland. VC/MacBride suggested that the statement, referring to quasi -public parkland, be amended to 11 ..may require user fees; ... Upon C/Meyer's suggestion, the Commission concurred that the second paragraph from the bottom of page four should be changed to indicate the "distance", that the City is located within regional recreation areas, rather than the "time". 4. Water Resources C/Li requested that the first sentence, second paragraph, be changed to indicate, "Thre Valleys Municipal Water District". He also requested that a statement be added about the existing reclaimed water situation. 5. Energy Resources Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the Gas Company and Southern California Edison be changed to refer to public utilities, and the word "its" be changed to "their". VC/MacBride suggested that the seventh line be changed to read, "The strategies provided in this section...'1 . 6. Solid Waste April 20, 1992 gage 4 CD/DeStefano explained that this section was rewritten by Troy Butzlaff, the City's Solid Waste expert, before the Parks and Recreation Commission or GPACrs final reviews. VC/MacBride stated that the words "pose" and threaten", in the last paragraph, should be corrected to "poses" and "threatens". 7. Agriculture C/Meyer suggested that it should be spelled out clearly, in the existing conditions, that there isn't any prime soil types in Diamond Bar. Lloyd Zola stated that the last sentence in the first paragraph indicates that none of these classifications are in Diamond Bar. However, the last sentence of paragraph three should be amended to read, "Therefore, the remaining agricultural (grazing land) within the City will eventually be phased out." a. Mineral Resources Chair/Flamenbaum inquired why oil is not mentioned as one of Diamond Bar's significant mineral resources. Lloyd Zola explained that there is a specific law that this is done by. It will be added in order to clarify this section. VC/MacBride suggested that the second to the last line omit the word "anyway'f. The Public Hearing was declared opened. The Public Hearing was declared closed. C. Resource Management Issues CD/DeStefano explained that the existing setting is summarized, and then the issue, that needs to be addressed, is identified. 1. Open Space and Visual Resources C/Meyer suggested that the second line to bottom omit the word "local". C/Flamenbaum suggested that the sentence, "This is especially true for the future development on the Tres Hermanos,...11, be deleted because the locations of these properties are not identified. April 20, 1992 C/Meyer explained that the Park and Recreation Commission included these properties to serve as examples of the intent. The location is identified elsewhere in the document. CD/De'Stefano suggested the wording, This is especially true for the future new deve opment in canyons such as...". The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride inquired why the deleted se tion, of the Issue Analysis, refers to protectingtefers en space lands, yet the rewritten portion now to providing a balanced open space plan. C/Meyer explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission changed the concept because the term "protect" is somewhat ambiguous. "Protect" could mean that a fence is built around the property to keep the public from using it. The ark and Recreation Commission determined that open space should be used to meet the recreational needs of the community. They are trying to balance active recreational activities with the need to preserve certain areas in a more natural state. CD/DeStefano stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission recognized that there are a variety of pressures upon the open space resources within the community. The statement was to address all the different issues in terms of pr tection, recognizing future development, and a meed for additional recreational space. Lloyd Zola suggested the following wordin, "There is a need to provide a balanced opegr space, preservation, and recreation plan...11. The Commission concurred. 2. Biological Resources VC/MacBride suggested that the stateme t, '"In addition to the sphere of influence (Tonner Canyon)", be deleted because it may lock the City out of potential sphere of influences. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the sentence be reworded to read, "The City, and it's s here of influence, contains...". The Commission cn curred. Following discussion, the Commission alsoc recurred to delete the last sentence, "There is n trail system linking these facilities..,1,, fr m this section, 3 -Parks and Recreation April 20, 1992 Page 5 VC/MacBride suggested that the word "actively" be omitted from the Issue Analysis. C/Meyer stated that there should be some verbiage that plans for a trail system that would link our open spaces and recreational facilities. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the sentence, deleted from the Biological Resources, could be added here stating, "There is also no trail system linking these facilities together - and to plan for a trail system linking these facilities." 4. Water VC/MacBride suggested that the word "additional" be deleted from the Issue Analysis. He also suggested that the first sentence be amended to read, "Water is a scarce, expensive, and natural resource." 5. Energy VC/MacBride stated that he preferred the deleted sentence, "The City could make itself a laboratory for testing new energy technologies.", over the new sentence added. CD/DeStefano explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission was specifically concerned with opening the door to any technology, especially unknown technology of the future, being testing within our community. VC/MacBride, upon hearing the explanation, accepted the statement as written. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the statement, "work with local utility companies, schools, etc. to", be omitted from the Issue Analysis. 6. Solid Waste VC/MacBride noted that solid waste is not just a regional problem but one of national,state, local, and regional concern. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested amending the first sentence to 'read, "Disposal of solid waste is a significant problem. Recent legislation has...". He further suggested that the first sentence be deleted from the Issue Analysis and be amended to read, "The City should outline an integrated waste management—solid wastes, and household hazardous wastes as mandated by State law." .y April 20, 1992 Page 7 7. Agriculture Chair/Flamenbaum, noting that earlier in the document it was indicated that the City did not have any prime agricultural land, suggested that the Issue Analysis be changed to state, "...to deal with'the conversion of grazing lands to other land uses." Chair/Flamenbaum called a recess at 8:25 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:34 p.m. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Greg Hummel, a member of GPAC, residing at23239 Iron Horse Canyon, referring to page 8 Energy, stated that the intent, of the sentence deleted, was to encourage the City to be progressive and to open the door to the possibility for being a laboratory to alternate energy resources or sources. He requested that the item be r worded to incorporate this concept into the new concept added by the Parks and Recreation. C/Grothe suggested that the item be amended to read, . "The City should avail itself of environmentally safe methods of resource conservation, and encourage testing of new technologies." The Commission concurred. The Public Hearing was declared closed. D. Goals, Objectives, and Implehentation Strategies Goal 1: VC/MacBride suggested that the word "cons rues" be changed to "conserve". Objective 1.1: VC/MacBride stated his concern that the City is assuming the responsibility of preservi g visual features visible from the City. We do not have the ability to preserve something beyond our sphere of influence and the City limit.. C/Meyer stated that the City does have a responsibility to respond to environmental notification supplied by the County and by adjoining cities. Our response would be couched under the preservation of the hillsides. It is not under our direct control but we do ave the obligation to provide input. April. 20, 1992 Page 8 Strategy 1.1.1; Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that "within the State Route 57 Scenic Highway corridor" be deleted. Lloyd suggested that the statement be included to the end of subsection 1.1.1.a, to read " ..Tres Hermanos property; Upper Sycamore Canyon; SandEtone Canyon; the south end of "The Country" and the State Route 57..." CD/DeStefano stated that statement in striking subsection 1.1.1.a to be 1.1.1.b. GPAC made a specific Sandstone Canyon .from replaced by subsection Chair/Flamenbaum stated that subsection 1.1.1.b does not fit within strategy 1.1.1 which deals with grading ordinances, and land form contours. He proposed that "a." be eliminated and that strategy 1.1.1 read, "...and hilltops. Require contour or landform grading... prominent slopes, but this applies, and that this applies, but is not necessarily limited to the Tres Hermanos property, upper Sycamore Canyon, Sandstone. Canyon, and Tanner Canyon.". The last sentence, "Such requirements should also ... Tanner Canyon (sphere of influence)", should be deleted because it is just another example. Strategy 1.1.4 Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that "Retain existing vegetation" be changed to "Preserve to the maximum extent possible, existing vegetation within hillside..."; and add the name of the approving agency to the end of the sentence, "....approved fuel modification program, as approved by...". He further stated that he does not like the way the whole paragraph is written. CD/DeStefano stated that staff will reword it, if the Commission agrees with the overall concept to preserve in the maximum amount possible. The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride requested that the paragraph also designate who approves the fuel modification program. Strategy 1.1.5: Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the words "existing vegetation" be changed to "existing significant vegetation". AV April 20, 1992 Page 9 Strategy 1.1.8: Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the first sentence be changed to read, " ..and hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its sphere of inf luence.". The remaining sentence, indicating examples, should be deleted, otherwise, all the examples in 1.1.8 should be put in 1.1.1, for consistency. VC/MacBride inquired if there is a putting in examples. CD/DeStefano stated that using example document is helpful in terms of unde exactly what the legislators had in mind. Chair/Flamenbaum indicated that he will the professional planners. Strategy 1.1.9: Chair/ Flamenbaum. inquired why this s deleted. for in the standing defer to ttegy was Lloyd Zola explained that because it is p rt of the grading ordinance, it is not necessary to repeat it in the Plan. Chair/Flamenbaum, referring back to the statement regarding the preservation of Sandstone Canyon, stated that he is unsure where it should be placed, but that it should be deleted from this section. CD/DeStefano stated that the statement on top of page 11-12, "Replacement of fresh drinking water...", is now Strategy 1.1.9, which replaces the strategy before it. However, after reviewing it again, it should perhaps be relocated. Lloyd Zola suggested that the statement might be better relocated as the eighth bullet in Strategy 1.2.1. The Commission concurred. CD/DeStefano stated that Strategy 1.1-10 now becomes Strategy 1.1.9. C/Meyer suggested that Strategy 1.1.9 should be amended to state, "Enact provisions and techniques that enhance ground water recharge and 1 cal water recovery.". The paragraph (a), under i , should then be deleted. C/Grothe, referring to the statement in Strategy 1.1.4, "retaining or preserving existing vegetation within hillside development", stated that any open April 20, 1992 Page 10 space left in a tract development would be better turned into green hillsides then leaving it in it's natural brown dead state. Lloyd Zola noted that the fourth bullet in Strategy 1.1.6 covers ,the intent of Strategy 1.1.4. Therefore, Strategy 1.1.4 may not be needed. The Commission concurred to delete Strategy 1.1.41 with the exception of the last sentence, "Vegetation may be removed as ...", which should become the fourth bullet of Strategy 1.1.6. Strategy 1.1.7: VC/MacBride suggested that "from within and without the project area" be deleted from 'the end of the sentence. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Greg Hummel stated that the intent of the statement, "Sandstone Canyon shall be preserved in its present natural state", is to fulfill Goal 1. He suggested that the statement be added as another strategy in itself. Martha Brusque, residing at 600 S. Great Bend, noted that people could choose not to maintain their slopes, under the pretense that they are being kept in its natural state, and thus creating a fire hazard. Don Robertson, a member of GPAC, residing at 309 N. Pantero Dr., stated that Sandstone Canyon must be included as one of the strategies in order to satisfy Goal 1. Gary Neely, referring to the statement regarding Sandstone Canyon, stated that since the City doesn't own the property, it will be difficult to preserve it if the developer chooses to develop it. The Public Hearing was declared closed. Lloyd Zola, in response to Chair/Flamenbaum's inquiry, suggested that the Sandstone Canyon statement can be revised to indicate that "significant and environmental features within Sandstone Canyon shall be preserved in their natural state", and placed as a separate strategy. The Commission discussed whether there should be a specific statement, within the goals or strategies of the Plan, of preserving only Sandstone Canyon. April 20, 1992 Page 11 The Commission concurred with the statement, suggested by VC/MacBride, "Preservation of canyon areas in their natural state shall be pursued." The statement should be placed as Strategy 1.2.5, under Objective 1.2. Strategy 1.2.1: C/Meyer suggested that the words "'`entified sensitive areas" be added to bullet six. Chair/Grothe suggested that the last two bullets be reworded to flow better when reading thein. Strategy 1,2,2: C/Meyer suggested that the words "to the xtent feasible within Itbe added after "Preserve existing mature trees and vegetation". VC/MacBride inquired if 1.2.2.d is too s ecific in regards to the size of the replacement t ee. .C/Meyer noted that the strategy seems to ke written in ordinance form. He concurred that the strategy is too specific. The Commission concurred to direct staff to rewrite the strategy, preserving the intent but -osing as much of the specifics as possible, Lloyd Zola stated that the concept ,Of allowing removal of vegetation for fuel modification" should be added to strategy 1.2.2.a, in the interest of consistency. Strategy 1.2.3: Chair/Flamenbaum " suggested that coordinate" be replaced by "partici p th word ate 'n", Strategy 1.2.4: Chair/Fl.amenbaum requested that it be del ted and placed under Strategy 1,2,2. He noted that part of the strategy does not relate to trees at all, and should be reworded. The Commission concurred. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Greg Hummel stated that the General Plans ould be specific enough to specify exactly the coditions and goals that the City wants preserved, without exceptions. He suggested that the Commiss on move April 20, 1992 Page 12 away from being general and get back to being specif is . The Public Hearing was declared closed. Objective 1.3: Following discussion, C/Meyer suggested the wording, "Maintain a system of public/private recreational facilities...". The Commission concurred. Strategy 1.3.1 In response to VC/MacBridefs concern, Lloyd Zola suggested that the strategy be reworded to stated, "The development of a community center, traditional neighborhood parks, and community athletic fields should be pursued." The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride suggested that the word "actively" be deleted from bullet 5, and the word "through" be replaced with "within" in bullet S. Strategy 1.3.4 C/Meyer stated that the statement is not written as a strategy, and it does not belong as part of the General Plan. It is asking the applicant to submit data that he may or may not have under his control, or have knowledge of. Lloyd Zola suggested the wording "As part of the Development Review process, require verification as to the existence of any potential...". The Commission concurred. Strategy 1.3.7: Chair/Flamenbaum stated that this strategy needs to be reworded to reflect back to the previous statement defining the parkland. Strategy 1.3.9: VC/MacBride suggested that the sentence be amended to read "...which analyzes present and future recreation and park needs.". The first bullet should begin with the word "Develop" rather than "Development". The Public Hearing was declared opened: Martha Brusque stated her concern that though Objective 1.3 mentions facilities for residents of April 20, 1992 Palle 13 all ages, there is no mention of Senior Citizens as an entity. C/Meyer explained that the issue of senior citizens are addressed in the Parks Master Plan and the Needs Assessment. Don Robertson stated his concern that the concept, of having sufficient park facilities convenient to all areas in Diamond Bar, is being deleted from Strategy 1.3.7. Chair/Flamenbaum assured Mr. Robertson that the Commission requested staff to repair the sentence so that it is consistent with earlier st ntsl and that there is no intention of deleting ethat concept. The Public Hearing was declared closed. Goal, 2: C/Meyer suggested that the words, "and not abused", and the words, "that those", be deleted. Strategy 2,1,3; The Commission, upon Chair/Flamenbaum's si that there be a statement added. to subset encouraging the use of recycling lay concurred that such a statement would specific. Strategy 2.1.4: Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the second be amended to read, "Encourage upgrading.. Strategy 2.1.6 CD/Destefano stated that the first s "Develop and implement... the General Plane, intended to be placed in this section., an be deleted. Strategy 2.1.5: C/Meyer, concerned with the use of t] "ordinance", suggested a more generic term regulations',. The Commission concurred. The Public Hearing was declared opened. The Public Hearing was declared closed. gestion ion 'gn mowers, be too sentence lig antence, was not should le word such as April 20, 1992 Page 14 Strategy 2.2.2: Chair/Flamenbaum, referring to bullet 8, suggested that deciduous trees be better described as "drought tolerant deciduous trees". Lloyd Zola explained that as the reclamation program becomes on line, there will be some differs on the reclaimed water system on the planting plans. It will make no sense to continue the use of drought tolerant plantings when using water out of a treatment plant. The Public Hearing was declared opened. The Public Hearing was declared closed. Objective 2.3: C/Meyer suggested that there should be a statement referring to the Jobs/Housing Balance. Lloyd Zola explained that, given Diamond Barl's built out compared to the City of Industry, the intent was to purposely stay away from the Jobs/Housing Balance. Since the City has few jobs compared to the population, the statement refers to minimizing trips and getting them closer. VC/MacBride suggested that the comma after the word, "patterns" be deleted. Strategy 2.3.1 and 2.3.2: Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the statements within parentheses be deleted. Strategy 2.4.2.a: C/Meyer suggested that the verbiage be amended to be consistent with the concept amended earlier in the document. Lloyd Zola explained that it is not necessary to change the verbiage because the concept of the energy technology being environmentally safe is handled in the objective. VC/MacBride suggested that the sentence in Strategy 2.4.2.a. be amended to read, "Cooperate with...", and the sentence in Objective 2.4 be amended to read, "Cooperate with...". The Public Hearing was declared opened. April 200 1992 Page 15 Gary Neely, referring to Strategy 2.3,1, suggested that, as a precursor to the Plan for Physical Mobility, the statement should also make reference to reducing the length of time, and the ZmOunt, of vehicular trips. Lloyd Zola suggested that the correct terminology for Strategy 2.3.1 would be, "Land uses in the city Will be planned to reduce vehicular miles traveled... 11. The Commission concurred. Martha Brusque suggested that there s ould be mention of reducing the amount of noise created by cars, delivery trucks, and garbage true s. She also informed the Commission that the bus tops are littered and have graffiti all over them. The bus stop at Diamond Bar Blvd. and Sunset Crossing blocks visibility. The City shou d take responsibility for the action it encourag d. The Public Hearing was declared closed. Strategy 2.5.1: Chair/Flamenbaum stated that there should be some quantification as to how big that commercial or industrial generator might be. The Commission concurred to delete the word "all". VC/MacBride suggested that the last sentence, "Incorporate this element...", should be deleted. Strategy 2.5.9: CD/DeStefano stated that the word "medium' should be amended to "median". Strategy 2.5.1o: VC/MacBride suggested that the. second sentence be amended to read, "Encourage the Provision...,, Strategy 2.5.3: VC/MacBride suggested that the sentence be amended to read, "Reduce wasteful packagi g of products...,,. Strategy 2.5.2: VC/MacBride suggested that the last se tense, "Incorporate this element...", should be de eted. April 20, 1992 ANNOUNCEMENTS: Page 16 Strategy 2.5.5: VC/MacBride suggested that the words "a multilingual promotional" should be deleted. The Public Hearing was declared opened. The Public Hearing was declared closed. VC/MacBride suggested including another Goal that states that there is a cost factor in achieving our goals and objectives. He suggested the following wording: Goal Three - Identify the financial resources, and the planning methods, which the City will employ, to support the goals and strategies outlined herein. The resources and methods will include open space zoning, public and private acquisition of open space, preferential assessments, conditional use permit exactions, Quimby Act applications to subdivision approvals, provisions for open space and specific plans, Development Agreements, plan unit developments, and a performance zoning ordinance. The Commission, concurring with the intent of VC/MacBride's suggested Goal, discussed if it should be appropriately worded so that it applies to each and every segment, or if there should"be a general statement placed at the end of each issue. C/Meyer indicated that the issue of costs is adequately addressed in the Plan for Public Services and Facilities. CD/DeStefano suggested that, if the Commission concurs with the language suggested by VC/MacBride, it can be inserted in the Public Facilities Element. The Commission concurred. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Gary Neely stated that he objects to any references to increasing our taxes, and mention of such should not be encouraged within this document. Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to make the corrections, as directed, and to bring the document back, for the Commission's review, in two weeks. Chair/Flamenbaum stated that the Public Hearing is continued to April 27, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. to review the Plan for Public Health and Safety. CD/DeStefano reported that the Traffic and Transportation Commission (TTC) has been encouraged April 20, 1992 Page 17 to attend the public hearing on May 4that which time the Commission will be reviewing th'B Plan for Physical Mobility. He inquired how the ommission would prefer to receive i the TTC's comments regarding the Plan for Physical Mobility. Following discussion, the Commission concurred that the TTC should be invited to present their comments, and welcome one of their representatives to specifically summarize whatever data they may have. CD/DeStefano informed the Commission that the City has begun a recruitment process for anew City Engineer/Public Work Director. AWOURNMENT: Motion was made by VC/MacBride, seonded by Chair/Flamenbaum and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY o adjourn the meeting at 11:oo.p.m. Respectively, James DeStefano Secretary Attest: j Bruce Flamenbaum Chairman CITY .07- DIAMOND B CONSENT CALE CD/DeStefano stated that C/Meyer requestedthat the Minutes of April 13, 1992 be amended to indicate Minutes of that the motion to nominate him for Vice Chairman Apr. 13, 1992 died for lack of a .second. The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride requested that the minutes b amended on page 14 to read, "...that, in order to maximize fficiency in processing proposed projects, and to a sure as broad a review continuum as possible the C ncil consider...". Mots n was made by C/Grothe, seconded by C/Li and CARR1VD UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Consent Calenr, and the Minutes of April 13, 1992, as VC/MacBrkde requested that item 3, CUP 1-13, be discussed rior to item 2, the Draft General Plan. The Commis on concurred. PUBLIC HEARINGS: PT/Lunge re rted that the K -Mart Corpo ation is proposing terior improvements,. exterior CUP 91-13 improvements, nd new signage. This proposed project was ast reviewed by the Planning Commission to De tuber 9, 1992. Since the shopping center is two parate parcels, owned by two separate corporati s, K -mart needed to obtain the signatures of all p operty owners of the shopping center to continue he review of their project. The signatures were bmitted to staff after the packets had already been delivered to the Commission. Therefore, 't is recommended that the Commission continue this dvertised public hearing until the May 11, 1992 Pla ing Commission meeting. Steve Naman, an architect fo the firm C1mens and Clemens Architects, re esenting I K -Mart MINUTES OFULANNNG COMM ETON 992 CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairme called a meetin to order at 7:05 pe South Coast Ai Quality Managementoard M ting Room, 21865 E. Copley DrivBar, lifornia. PLEDGE of The audiencn the Pledge of A11 giance by ALLEGIANCE: ACA/Curley. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Li, Grothe, and Vice Chairman MacBride.' Commissioner Meyer arrived at 7:23 p.m. Chairman Flamenbaum arrived at 7:56 p.m. Also present were Community Development Director James DeStefano, Associate Planner Rot Searcy, Planning Technician Ann Lungu, City District Attorney Bill Curley, Lloyd Zola of the Planning Network, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. CONSENT CALE CD/DeStefano stated that C/Meyer requestedthat the Minutes of April 13, 1992 be amended to indicate Minutes of that the motion to nominate him for Vice Chairman Apr. 13, 1992 died for lack of a .second. The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride requested that the minutes b amended on page 14 to read, "...that, in order to maximize fficiency in processing proposed projects, and to a sure as broad a review continuum as possible the C ncil consider...". Mots n was made by C/Grothe, seconded by C/Li and CARR1VD UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Consent Calenr, and the Minutes of April 13, 1992, as VC/MacBrkde requested that item 3, CUP 1-13, be discussed rior to item 2, the Draft General Plan. The Commis on concurred. PUBLIC HEARINGS: PT/Lunge re rted that the K -Mart Corpo ation is proposing terior improvements,. exterior CUP 91-13 improvements, nd new signage. This proposed project was ast reviewed by the Planning Commission to De tuber 9, 1992. Since the shopping center is two parate parcels, owned by two separate corporati s, K -mart needed to obtain the signatures of all p operty owners of the shopping center to continue he review of their project. The signatures were bmitted to staff after the packets had already been delivered to the Commission. Therefore, 't is recommended that the Commission continue this dvertised public hearing until the May 11, 1992 Pla ing Commission meeting. Steve Naman, an architect fo the firm C1mens and Clemens Architects, re esenting I K -Mart April 27, 1992 page 2 Corporation, conveyed his client's concern for the progress of the processing of this project. it is \br intentions to comply with all the endations of the staff and the Commission. rley, in'response to VC/MacBride, explained he project has been renoticed. Originally plication was a design review, but now it is t back in the capacity of a CUP amendment. ld be appropriate for the Commission to open blic hearing if it is the Commission's desire tinue the meeting. The Pub\ic Hearing was declared opened. a Gary Neel\teria, g at 344 Canoe Cove, noting that Fury's Cwhich has economically priced meals, iion of theK-Mart Corporation, suggestede City suggest to the K -Mart Corporativestigate the possibility of bringing afeteria to Diamond Bar's K -Mart center. help our senior citizens, and the. econolopment of the City. Martha Brusque, r6sloing at 600 S. Great Bend Dr., stated that she doeszXt have any objections to the changes proposed by K art. The Public Hearing was dXclared closed. C/Grothe, concerned with the progress of the project, inquired why the pr `ect was advertised if it was not complete, and why he signatures could not be made a condition of the UP. CD/DeStefano explained that su\ed ent to the December 9th meeting, staff learnat there was a CUP over the entire property, at K -Mart's ownership could not be segrefrom the remaining ownership within the g center. Therefore, additional signatures wee ed by the other parties involved. over turs of the last couple of months, K -Mart Corpon an theirarchitects have been trying cure hosesignatures. Staff chanced that Signa reswould be at hand for this eveningreason bythe signature acquisition cannot ditioned 'sbecause we want to be sure the ant, Cleme and Clemens, is representing K -Mart and the other property owners. The staff is fully prepared to finalize the documents, the staff report, and the conditions for the May 11th meeting. 0 April 27, 1992 Page 3 C/Li, in regards to the Purr's Cafeteria suggestion stated that since the p oject is basically c mplete, all the City can do 's perhaps write to th K -Mart Corporation and su gest that they conside putting a Purr's in Diamon Bar. CD/DeStefano xplained that one of K -Mart's proposed revisa ns incorporates a Little Caesars Pizza facility, hich would have access Within the store. With res ct to Purr's, staff can contact K -Mart and try to et a response for the May 11th meeting. Fred Janz, residing at 2683 Shady Ridge, or owners of the property located at the s corner of Brea Canyon and Diamond Bar Blvd that the zone has been changed to resident inquired if the change was an oversight. I be zoned general commercial. of the )utheast noted .al. He : should VC/MacBride stated th t, it is the consensus Commission to of the request staff to contact explore the possibili of -Mart to a cafeteriasite Diamond Bar. in Motion was made by C/Mey r, seconded by CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to C/Li and co tinue the matt May 11, 1992 meeting. r to the CONTINUED CD/DeStefana reported that the Commission previously reviewed has the Plan for Public and Facilities and the Plan for Management. Services Resource Tonight's review is focused Noise and Safety Elements, which on the arecontainednthe within the overall Plan for Public Health Safety. This document. contains provisions relate to and that the protection of life, health, property from natural and and manmade hazards. specifically designed to identify ares It is Public and private decisions on land where use be sensitive to these possible hazardous c need to nditions caused by such things as slope instability hazards, flood, fire, seismic and wind. The specific for Public Health and Safety addresses a variety issues Plan incorporating geology and seismicity, protection of fire services, flooding, crime services, emergency services and facilities,l hazardous materials, noise, and air quality. The Public Hearing was declared opened on aspect of the General Plan. any Fred Janz, residing at 2683 Shady Ridge, or owners of the property located at the s corner of Brea Canyon and Diamond Bar Blvd that the zone has been changed to resident inquired if the change was an oversight. I be zoned general commercial. of the )utheast noted .al. He : should April 27, 1992 Page 4 C/Grothe explained that the Commission has not yet reviewed the Land Use Element. However, the comments will be noted. CD/DeStefano stated that Mr. Janz's land use classification request, in addition to others, will be presented to the Commission on the May lith or 18th meeting, with a recommendation from the City staff on the issue. Bob Buchanan, one of the owners of the property located on Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd., stated that he has been unable to obtain a copy of the report that states that the lot has been changed from the existing CPD to a minimum residential. CD/DeStefano stated that the overall Land Use Element is, and has been, available to the public. There won't be a specific reference to t1iis''"'-_ property contained within the General Plan, �. because- the document is a broadly based set of goals and policies. It would be more appropriate for staff to discuss the issue with the property owners. The Public Hearing was declared closed. The Commission concurred to review the revisions made for the Plan for Public services and-, Facilities. CD/DeStefano reported that the document contains the revisions requested by the Planning Commission on the April 13, 1992 meeting. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Gary Neely stated his opposition to Strategy 1.3.2 on page IV -6, "Promote the establishment of such proven techniques as benefit assessment districts, Mello -Roos districts,...". VC/MacBride explained that he had proposed that, in every segment of all these plans, that there be a provision to remind the citizens of this community that this document is not only one of philosophy, policy, and goals, of all the things hoped for this community, but in addition, there are costs involved to achieve these goals. Gary Neely, in concurrence with the statement made by VC/MacBride, stated that he is specifically concerned that the word, "Promote", sends a message N April 27, 1992 Page 5 to Council that the citizens want an i�cxease in taxes. C/Li inquired of Mr. Neelyfs approach to obtain funds for the proposed services and facilities. Gary'Neely stated that he is willing top Ovide the Commission with a copy of his plan for the economic development for Diamond Bar. There are other ways to raise money without raising taxes. Bob Buchanan inquired if the Commis ion ever considered presenting, to the genera public, various plans of generating additional r venues to support the City. CD/DeStefano stated that there were four iorkshops held with various members of the communit the months of May through June of 1991 ' during the issues of fiscal responsibility and inanciall stability. The following were the conclusions: to raise taxes to pay for the. services; to provide for various economic development types. of programs; or to reduce the services. The results of the workshop were formulated in a document that is available at City Hall. The General Plan oes have three separate alternatives dealing with ilicreasing the intensity of development. The City is also looking at the Tres Hermanos specific plan property, and the land use alternatives for that property. The Public Hearing was declared closed. C/Grothe stated that Objective 1.3 was to delete the words "and legally defensible". Also the words "city bulletin" was to be deleted from Strategy 2.3.31 and be replaced by the word "informational system". C/Meyer, in response to Mr. Neely,s comments regarding Strategy 1.3.2, suggested that, it be amended to read, "Investigate the establishment of proven financing techniques and mechanisms in combination with program capital improve ents to facilitate the provision of desired -Immunity facilities.". The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride, referring to page IV -2, stated that he would like the last statement to read, "...include branch office postal services administ red in Pomona...". The Commission concurred. April 27, 1992 Page 6 Motion was made by C/Grothe, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Plan for Public Services and Facilities, as amended. The Commission concurred to review the Plan for Public Health and Safety. Lloyd .Zola stated that the Plan for Public Health and Safety incorporates two different General Plan element requirements: Safety and Noise. The Commission has received also received a separate document which summarizes the noise background presented in detail in the Master Environmental Assessment and the EIR. The basic subjects addressed in the Plan for Public Health and Safety are geology, seismicity, flooding, fire and crime protection, emergency service, hazardous materials, air quality, and then noise. He then reviewed the issues, pertaining to Diamond Bar, that are addressed within these subjects. Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at 8:24 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:33 p.m. The Public Hearing was declared opened for any aspect of the Plan for Public Health and Safety. Martha Brusque, referring to objective 1.9, page III -13, informed the Commission that carpoolers are parking all day at the City's shopping centers, taking up a lot of the parking spaces. Don Gravdahl, a member of the Traffic and Transportation Commission (TTC), stated that there is a problem in the City because there is not enough public parking to take care of the park--n- ride circumstances. The TTC are finding carpoolers going into residential neighborhoods. There should be a statement indicating that there is a need to look at some sort of parking facility. He suggested that Strategy 1.9.4 and the following bullet be retained. The Public Hearing was.dtclared closed. The Commission concurred to review the Plan for Public Health and Safety by sections. Introduction• C/Meyer suggested that page 1, third lane, properly spell "caused". He stated that he did not recall finding the statement, "The safety element shall April 27, 1992 include mapping... minimum road widths and clearances around structures..." in the alement. Lloyd, Zola stated that "clearance around structures" will be handled as part of the Development Code. Some of the other apping is included as part of the Master Env'ronmental Assessment. CD/DeStefano explained that wi hin the Master Environmental Assessment there isa noise matrix of noise sources and proposed nois characteristics for the future. Lloyd Zola suggested that the int�oducti n include not only state law regarding thee afety element but include state law regarding thnoise element in the Introduction. The Commission concurred. Existing Conditions: C/Meyer, referring to the sentence, 'The City presently lacks a master plan of drainage...", under Flooding, pointed out that the City has certain responsibility for installing, mproving, and maintaining local drainage facilities. Lloyd Zola suggested that "at a mastel plan of drainage" be added to the end of the sentence. The Commission concurred. C/Meyer suggested the following: under Fire Protection Services, second paragraph, and throughout the document, properly indicate that it is the LA County Consolidated Fire District that is providing fire protection services; and that the sentence, "The City is presently investi ating the potential of forming a fire protection sevice... be deleted. The Commission concurred. C/Meyer, under Crime and Protection Services, suggested that the paragraph indicatethat the service is being provided by the City hrough a contract. CD/DeStefano stated that staff will re ord that paragraph to appropriately indicate tha it is a City provided service via a contract. Lloyd Zola, in response to VC/MacBridels concern regarding the continued statement references where additional information can be found, stated that staff can, throughout the General Plan, footnote existing conditions that the following is April 27, 1992 Page 8 summarized from the Master Environmental Assessment. The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride suggested the following: under Flooding, the seventh line should be amended to read "...few links and improvements not yet constructed."; and, under Emergency Service and Facilities, the third line should indicate the distance, rather than the time. The Commission concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum, under Crime and Protection services, noted the contradiction in the present service level and the need for additional protective service in the future. Lloyd Zola suggested that the fifth line be amended to read, "The County maintains an average emergency response time of 4.5 minutes." The following sentence, "The County currently considers 1.4 officers ... for suburban protective service.", be deleted. The Commission concurred. Don Gravdahl, noting. that Strategy 1.7.4, referring to establishing a working relationship with local amateur radio clubs, was deleted, suggested that reference to the radio clubs should be in the Plan because the radios, capabilities would be very useful in a times of emergencies. C/Meyer suggested the following: under Hazardous Materials, delete the statement, "...and environmental regulations become more strict... PI: and, under Noise, the word "local" should be replaced by the word "arterial" in the first line, and that the second to last line, "(dogs barking, airplane overflights, etc.), be deleted. VC/MacBride suggested the following: under Hazardous Materials, the third line should omit the word "many"; under Air Quality, the sixth line should omit the statement, 1{ ... both for the Pomona area as well as the entire basin"; the ninth line should omit the words "and especially"; and, under Noise, first paragraph, next to the last line, the word "may" should be deleted. Chair/Flamenbaum, under Noise, suggested that the specific measurements associated with each of these roads be deleted, or referenced back to the environmental report. C/Meyer stated that the information is pertinent, and should be left in. The Commission concurred. April 27, 1992 Page 9 Public Health and Safet issues: C/Meyer suggested the following: under Flooding, the statement should be elaborated to clefine the storm year, and to indicate that there are storm drain deficiencies; under Fire Protection Services, delete the last sentence, "Development of the sphere of influence... 11; and, under rime and Protection Services, the words "defensible space" should be deleted to make it consistent with the rest of the document; and the word "Count " last line, should be deleted. in the VC/MacBride suggested the following: under Flooding, replace the words "should develop", in the Issue Analysis, with "needs", to be donsistent with the format of the other issue analysis; under Crime Protection Services, the word 'relocate" should be replaced by "may continue to spread". Chair/Flamenbaum suggested the following; Crime and Protection Services, replace the word "can", in the third line, with "should". C/Meyer .suggested the following: under Hazardous Materials, delete the statement, "especially as regulations become more strict and illegal practices increase"; under Air Qual ty, the statement "testing laboratory" should be changed to be made consistent with the previously approved portion in the Plan for Public Services and Facilities; and the specific requirements for development, of the Air Quality M nagement District, be reiterated in this p rticular document. VC/MacBridesuggested the following: under Hazardous Materials, change the words "should develop" to "needs" in the Issue Analysis; and under Fire Protection Services, on page 11.1-3, the Insurance Rating Organization should be c anged to be consistent with the acronym (ISO). Lloyd Zola indicated that the correct name is Insurance Service Organization. Chair/Flamenbaum, under Hazardous Materials, suggested that the last sentence be amended to read, "Minor accidents involving hazardcus materials are of concern to residents.". Lloyd Zola suggested that perhaps it s ould be further amended to read, "The potential for April 27, 1992 Page 10 accidents is of concern."' The Commission concurred. Goals Objectives And Im lementation Strategies: C/Meyer suggested the following: Strategy 1.1.2 should be deleted since it is part of the UBC; under Objective 1.2, delete the word "nuisances"; and under Strategy 1.2.4, change the word "schedule" to "a CIP to include". C/Li, under Strategy 1.2.3, suggested that the statement, "including inventory of existing facilities", be added. C/Meyer suggested the following: further elaborate Objective 1.3 to better express what is meant; under Strategy 1.3.1; replace the words "are incorporated" with "are addressed"; and, under Strategy 1.3.2, add "to the extent feasible" to the end of bullet two. Chair/Flamenbaum, disagreeing with the suggested change .to bullet two, Strategy 1.3.2, noted that the strategy ends with, "Prioritize this balance as follows:", therefore, all three bullets are prioritized "to the extent feasible". C/Meyer concurred to retain it as is. C/Meyer, in regards to Objective 1.4, inquired if the six minute response time is the standard for the Fire District. Lloyd Zola explained that the basic standard is 5 minutes. However, there is not really a good response time standard in wildland areas. The six minute standard came from discussion with the Fire District. This is a reason why it is an objective and not a policy statement. Chair/Flamenbaum, in response to C/Meyer's concern on Strategy 1.4.2, suggested that it be reworded to indicate that the City of Diamond Bar will not have the existing residents pay the brunt for new services borne by new development areas. C/Grothe noted that the statement in Strategy 1.3.2, "...in a manner which balances... for preserving biological resources.", seems to be more of a goal. April 27, 1992 Page 11 CD/DeStefano explained that the intent of the statement is trying to say that Of of stripping an entire hill for the purposes of fire protection, strip only the portion that the Fire District recommends. C/Grothe stated that, in that intent, then the third bullet should be eliminated. Lloyd Zola suggested that, instead of eliminating bullet three, the strategy should be rewritten to indicate the intent explained by CD/DeSt fano. The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride suggested the following: replace the word "Eliminate" with "Minimize" in Obj ct�ve 1.1 and Objective 1.2; correct "Opportunities" with "opportunity" in Strategy 1.3.1, under Objective 1.4, the statement should be rewritten to read, 11 ... response time to all areas is m intained. Wildland areas..." "; and reword the statement ... encouraging the enhancement of the minimum fire standards...", in Strategy 1.4.3. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the document address the areas of rain run-off, as we1 as heat reflection characteristics, when talk ng about large surface areas. It is a part of env ronmental disruption. CD/DeStefano stated that staff will place the issue somewhere in the Goals, and Objectives in the Plan for Public Health and Safety. VC/MacBride suggested the following: re lace the word "suspicious" with "criminal"; and omit the words "all other" from Strategy 1.6.1. C/Meyer suggested the following: eliminate the word "all" from Strategy 1.7.2 and 1.7.3; it may be appropriate to mention plans for a Hazard us Waste Plan in the strategies of Objective 1.8 replace the statement, "...and by reducing energy use...,,, in Objective 1.9, with "promoting energy conservation"; retain Strategy 1.9.3 and Strategy 1.9.4; and delete the last statement, "(e. locate buildings adjacent... 111 in Strategy 1 9.5 and replace it with "(for example, provide clear pedestrian paths and connections.)" VC/MacBride made the following suggestions delete the word "develop", from the third line in Strategy 1.7.1, and add, "participate in the de elopment April 27, 1992 Page 12 of..."; and to reinsert the idea of supporting radio clubs. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested retaining Strategy 1. 7.4 to read, "Encourage the establishment of auxiliary emergency communication services." Lloyd Zola explained that the idea of deleting Strategy 1.7.4 was because it was largely covered under Strategy 1.7.3. He suggested that Strategy 1. 7.2 be amended to read, " ..such as personnel, equipment material, auxiliary communication services, specialized medical and other training.". The Commission concurred. C/Meyer made the following suggestions: keep the first sentence of Strategy 1.9.6; delete or rewrite Strategy 1.9.7; and retain Strategy 1.9.8. The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride suggested that Strategy 1.9.7 could be amended to read, "The City will cooperate with the South Coast Air Quality Management District in the analysis of and possible testing of new air pollution control programs." C/Meyer made the following suggestions: there should be a section for definitions in the Noise section; the statement" ... noise generated by one use of facility does not adversely affect adjacent uses.", in objective 1..10, should be better worded; Strategy 1 10.2 should be reworded; delete the section "Retrofits not required for:", and it's two bullets; eliminate Strategy 1.10.6; the first bullet, in Strategy 1.10.7, should be completed; and, bullet four of Strategy 1.10.7 should be reworded. C/Grothe, concerned that there are areas of the City that exceed acceptable noise levels, suggested that the fixed distance for the Sound Corridor come out of the other section. C/Meyer stated that he would support the fixed distances, in the document, as a bases, which is based on the roadway capacity, or the volumes measured to date, but then add a section that focuses on areas that exceed the norm. VC/MacBride suggested the following: stay with the threshold of 65 CNEL, in Strategy 1.10., so there is consistency within the document; and rework Strategy 1.10.3. T April 27, 1992 Page 13 Following discussion, the Commission con Strategy 1.10.3 should be include urred that. reworked to philosophy that if something is the built, adversely affects your neighbor, something done to mitigate the that will be problem. Also, indicate that some sort of environmental it should will be done on uses that could advers the ambient analysis ly affect noise level. VC/MacBride suggested that the word "R Placed in front airell be of bullet three, in 1.10.7. Strategy Chair/Flamenbaum noted that there definition for Noise Impact Corridor. s not a The Commission concurred that staff rewrite section 1.10. needs to ANNOUNCEMENTS: CD/DeStefano stated that the Commissi011 reviewing the Circulation Element on May The Commission will will be 4, 1992. be reviewing the Lard the Housing Element 'in the middle Use and of May. Commission needs to review not only the Environmental The Master Assessment Analysis, for these different each of components, but Environmental Impact Report. At the so the endlof meeting, the Commission will be asked t these not only the General Plan, but to approve certification of the EIR. recommend ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made b onded Chair/Flamenbaum and CARRIED/UNANIMOUSLYc by the meeting at 10:55 p.m. o adjourn Respectively, James DeStefan6 Secretary Attest • Bruce Flamenbaum Chairman 1 t CALL TO ORDER: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: TY OF DIAMOND MINUTES OF THE PLANNING MAY 4, 1992 Chair/F1 menbaum called 7:05 p.m. in the South Cc District rd Meeting R Diamond Bar, ION ie meeting to or Air Quality Manz 21865 E. Copley ter at ive, The audience was led in the Pledge of.Allegince by CD/DeStefano. Commissioners: Grothe, Meyer, Vice Chirman MacBride, and Chairman Flamenbaum. Commissio er Li arrived at 7:08 p.m. Also present were Community Development Director James DeStefano, Associate Planner Rob Searcy, Planning Technician Ann Lungu, Associate Engineer David Liu, District City Attorney Bill Oirley, Lloyd. Zola of the Planning Network, Paul Tay or, a principal of DKS, and Contract Secretary Liz ivers. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE: Marc Perrin, with Bramalea California Inc. Plaza Ste. 1100, Irvine, stated that Bramale owner of the property referred to in ,Park the the General Plan as either the upper Sycamore property, or the Bramalea property, upon review of the draft General Plan as it has been presented, object to designation the of a substantial portion of property as open space and park space. We consider the it a taking of that. property without just compensation. He submitted a letter, from Bramalea California, Inc., to the Commission. CD/DeStefano reported that this is the third in a series of public hearings regarding the new General Plan of Diamond DPlan Bar. The Commission has reviewed the Plan for Public Services and Facilities Plan for Resource Management, and the Pla the for Public Health and Safety. The Plan for P Services and Facilities has blit been finalized b Commission. The Commission will look to the finalization of the Plan for Resource Manag tonight. ards went The Commission concurred to review the Plar for Resource Management, as was amended, per Commission's direction, on April 20, 1992. The Public Hearing was declared opened for any comments regarding the Plan for Resurce Management. The Public Hearing was declared closed. C/Grothe made the following comments: page 3, last paragraph, should have been amended to read, 11—are in a historic area that may contain... 11; and page 6, last paragraph, second to the last May 4, 1992 Page 2 line, the word "anyway" should be deleted. The Commission concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at 7:18 p.m. to allow staff time to make additional copies of the Plan for Resource Management for the members of the audience. The meeting was reconvened at 7:30 p.m. CD/DeStefano, while waiting for further copies to be made, explained the components of the Plan for Resource Management to the audience. C/Grothe made the following comments: page 10, Strategy 1.1.1, the statement "State Route 57 Scenic Highway corridor" was to be relocated to follow the revision of the statement " ..the south end of The Country, Tonner Canyon, and state Route 57 Scenic Highway corridor."; and page 11, Strategy 1.1.8, second line, was to delete the comma following the words "adjacent to". The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride stated that the "m" from the word "feasible" on page 12, Objective 1.2, should be deleted. Chair/Flamenbaum; referring to page 13, Strategy 1.2.2.b, stated that he recalled that the Commission had concurred that it was to be reworded to indicate that there should be some mitigation plan for any tree, deleting the specific trees. CD/DeStefano, referring to his notes, stated that the Commission wished to eliminate many of the specifics, and deal with the general issues of tree preservation. Staff tried to eliminate most of the subsections and combine it all into a mitigation plan, for removal of trees of 61' or greater in diameter, under Strategy 1.2.2.b. Chair/Flamenbaum stated that his concern was calling out the requirement for an ordinance, then specifically mentioning trees that were clearly deleted from the ordinance, by the City Council. C/Meyer .stated that the Commission had wanted reference to an ordinance deleted, to be replaced with reference to plans and programs. Chair/Flamenbaum requested staff to rewrite the strategy to delete the specific tree and to delete reference to the ordinance. May 4, 1992 Page 3 C/Meyer suggested that the word "ordinance" be deleted, and the word "plan" be inserted. He also stated that the Commission was referring to a mitigation plan, not just a "replacement" mitigation plan. The Commission concurred. C/Grothe noted that Strategy 1.2.5, on page 14, should actually be numbered 1.2.4. T VC/MacBride made the following corrections: the "m" in Objective 1.3 should be deleted; the word "of" in Strategy 1.3.9, first bullet, sho ld be deleted; delete the word "a" from Strategy 2. .5.a; and delete the words "an aggressive" from Objective 2.5. CD/DeStefano reported that the purpose of the Plan for Physical Mobility is to examine Diamond Bar's overall circulation for the needs of the community. The plan is designed to provide basic coals, objectives, and programs to manage existing transportation . facilities and future growth. Diamond Bar's system is significantly affected by forces outside it's jurisdiction. The Circulation Element is designed to. account for those external forces and develop a strategy to implemen the choices that are before the City, and the decisions that the City makes. The circulation system needs involve a balancing of the demand for increased roadway capacity with a vision for our co unity image and our overall quality of life. He introduced Lloyd Zola, from the Planning Ne ork, Chair/Flamenbaum noted that references to Assembly Bills, such as AB939 and AB2707, were to be footnoted to the appropriate code section. VC/MacBride requested that the statement "conduct an aggressive" be deleted from Strategy 2.5.9. Chair/Flamenbaum .noted that the meaning to the abbreviation HHW, in Strategy 2.5.11, is not referenced in the document. Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by VC/Ma Bride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the revised Plan for Resource Management, as further amended. The Plan The Commission concurred to review the Plan for for Physical Physical Mobility. Mobility Chair/Flamenbaum informed the audience that c anges made, to this document, this evening, w4 l. be presented back to the Commission in two weekel. CD/DeStefano reported that the purpose of the Plan for Physical Mobility is to examine Diamond Bar's overall circulation for the needs of the community. The plan is designed to provide basic coals, objectives, and programs to manage existing transportation . facilities and future growth. Diamond Bar's system is significantly affected by forces outside it's jurisdiction. The Circulation Element is designed to. account for those external forces and develop a strategy to implemen the choices that are before the City, and the decisions that the City makes. The circulation system needs involve a balancing of the demand for increased roadway capacity with a vision for our co unity image and our overall quality of life. He introduced Lloyd Zola, from the Planning Ne ork, May 4, 1992 Page 4 and Paul Taylor, a principal of DKS. The Planning Network has been the principal consultant for preparation of the General Plan, advising the GPAC, Planning Commission, City Council, and City Staff. DKS is the consultant, that the City engaged in December of 1990, for preparation of the Plan for Physical Mobility. Lloyd Zola.explained that with the opening of Grand Ave., it became apparent that the City would have to take it's own route on preparing a circulation element. The City did a separate request for proposals, and retained DKS & Associates to prepare the Circulation Element. Therefore, there is the original preparation of the General Plan, occurring through the Planning Network, and the Circulation Element, occurring through DKS. The important factors to consider when looking at the Circulation Element is the basic requirement, under'State law, that the Circulation Element must be related to, and support, the Land Use Element. One of the important land use factors discussed by GPAC, that start affecting traffic, is the need to protect the integrity of residential neighborhoods within the community. The Commission will be asked to balance the importance of protecting the integrity of neighborhoods compared with the traffic benefits. Another factor discussed was that, though Tonner Canyon is to ultimately be a master plan development, the unique biological resources and open space characteristics of Tonner Canyon is to be preserved. The GPAC determined that, as part of protecting those resources, putting a roadway through the Canyon would not be appropriate. The Commission will be asked to balance the biological preservation, and the importance of the environmental aspects of Tonner Canyon, with the traffic needs or criteria to build that roadway. The Planning Commission's role is to define the internal consistencies of the Plan, to improve the traffic flow through the City, balancing it with the other Elements, plus the 'land use thrust of maintaining the quality of life we have in the community in the future. Paul Taylor explained that they are the experts who address the traffic impacts, of the land use desired by the City. As was indicated, DKS was engaged over a year ago to develop this element of the General Plan. At that point we began developing an early working dialogue with the TTC, and, eventually, with the GPAC. He then reviewed the figures and tables from the Plan for Physical Mobility: f 0 May 4, 1992 Page 5 Figure 2-1 - The existing roadway system. Figure 2-3 - Major intersection locatiorks and deficient peak hour levels of service. Figure 2-4 - PM peak percentage of through trip traffic. The surveys taken indicate that, on Diamod Bar Blvd., south of Grand Ave, 20 % or more f the traffic during the peak rush hour is through traffic, on Grand Ave., west of Diamond Bar Blvd., the through traffic is in excess of 20 %, and east of Diamond Bar Blvd., the through traffic i 40 or more. Figure 2-5 - Existing transit service routes. one of the ways to relieve and mitigate some of the traffic congestion is with public transit. Figure 2-6 - Existing designated bicycle route. The two bicycle routes, along Golden Springs and Diamond Bar Blvd., provide an alternate means of transportation. Figure 2-7 - Proposed equestrian trail. Figure 2-8 - Designated truck routes. This is an important aspect of theCity's transportation system that deal with the movement of heavy trucks, and where they must be. Table 3-3 - Roadway classification. The GPAC recommended that Diamond Bar Blvd. and Lemon Ave., south of Colima, be reclassified from a major arterial to a secondary arterial, and that Sunset Crossing/Washington/Beaverhead be reclassified from a secondary arterial to a C 1 - de -sac. Mr. Taylor corrected that the roadway improvement standard for Lemon Ave. should indicate 80 feet, which is consistent to the reclassification to a secondary street. Table 3-4 - Freeway arterials - Existing and estimated future average daily traffic (without. Tanner Canyon Road) . This table is representative of the result of the Travel Forecasting that was done with the regional and City model that was prepared for Diamond Bar. He explained that a street with a V/C ratio under May 4, 1992 Page 6 1.00, such as .94, can be viewed as 94% saturated. .A number over 1.00 is an indication of a theoretical over capacity, but factually a physical impossibility. The future forecast, for a number of the streets, are shown with a theoretical over capacity in 20 years from now, under the recommended future land use scenario. Table 3-5 - Future average daily traffic and volume -to -capacity ratios for selected arterials with and without Soquel Canyon Road/Tonner Canyon Road extensions. He noted that the addition of Soquel Canyon Road/Tanner Canyon Road has the effect of returning and retaining the traffic congestion on Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd. to the levels experienced today. Mr. Taylor pointed out the following key issues that resulted from the analysis, and are reflected in the goal, strategies, and objectives: regional through traffic is a significant problem in planning for physical mobility within the City; the addition of Tanner Canyon Road is not a solution for the traffic problem; and the extension of Sunset Crossing/Washington/Beaverhead would add additional traffic. Lloyd Zola, in response to C/Meyer's inquiry regarding the traffic numbers used in the open space areas, stated that the canyon area was done projecting future volumes forward, realizing that there is some traffic generated in and out of the boy scout area, and Tres Hermanos was estimated at a buildout of similar density to the balance of the City. Paul Taylor, in response to Chair/Flamenbaum's inquiries, stated that, because of the canyon's relative inaccessibility from the rest of Diamond Bar, the traffic on Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Ave. would be little affected by the extent of buildout in Tanner Canyon. If it were accessible, hypothetically, it could dump even more traffic into the area. He does not subscribe to the theory that at some point you can build enough capacity that you won't have any more problems, because traffic will fill what ever space is provided to it. Paul Taylor, in response to C/Meyer's inquiry as to what mitigation measures are used to reduce traffic May 4, 1992 page 7 volumes, stated that the single most effective measure that can be done is to encourag more people in fewer cars. Another approach is staggering work hours, which reduce traffic volumes because there a less people trying to use the same roadsat,the same time. One way streets can be an effective way of improving the traffic flow but it doesn't do anything to reduce the traffic. Traffic signals are very effective in improving the capacity of an intersection, if there is an unbalanced flow of traffic. If the trafficjr, low is balanced, a four way stop sign is most effctive. If the traffic signals are very close togeth and they are not coordinated, that route could trn out to be less desirable or attractive than thewould under other circumstances. The Public Hearing was declared open. Jelie Bordena, a resident, in opposition to the opening Sunset Crossing, stated that the City has a responsibility to meet the needs of the citizens. If more roads are built, there will be an in rease in traffic that will have a negative impact on the children of the community. John Beke, residing at 1248 S. Hern Dr., a member of the TTC, and a traffic engineer for 35 yearsf made the Following comments: the Circu ation Element is designed to thwart all tr ffic, therefore, according to the data, this Would mean that 20% of the regional traffic will be inconvenienced, but So% of our residents willalso be inconvenienced; Sunset Crossing has been designated to be opened for 52 years; if there is opposition to having trucks on Sunset Crossing, then all the City needs to do is post "No ruck" signs; according to table 3-5, the traffic on our roads will double if a Tonner Canyon Road ' s not built; and a road can be built in Tonner Canyon that is blends in naturally with it's enviro ment. Kim Chapman, residing at 22713 Happy Hallow R., in opposition to the opening of unset Crossing/ Beaverhead, noted that, if the roa were to be opened, the railroad could cause to rible back up congestion, especially with the thre ball fields, a YMCA, and 300 homes that surround that area of Sunset Crossing. Red Calkins, residing at 240 Eagle Nest Dr., made the following comments: the increase in t affic from opening Sunset Crossing would be chaos o the existing neighborhood; speaking from experi nce May 4, 1992 Page 8 posting "No Trucks" would have little or no effect; and since there are plans to build a MRF on the other side of Sunset Crossing, there would be a lot of garbage trucks using the road. Todd Chavers, residing at 23816 Chinook Pl., a member of the TTC, made the following comments: buildout refers to alternative land use and has nothing to do with homes; since four of the members picked with DKS are no longer with that firm, there is a lack of consistency in developing this element; the intent is to try to achieve a balance, yet Tonner Canyon is being ignored; to say that the City will not do something, sets us up for liability; there are so many inconsistencies within the element; and the TTC should be requested to be involved on a more formal bases. Clyde Hennesy, residing on Sunset Crossing, stated that opening Sunset Crossing is a temporary fix that will affect 3,000 people in the area. Don Gravdahl, residing at 2398 Minnequa, a member of the TTC, made the following comments: local streets are being referred to as collector streets; opening Sunset Crossing would create a traffic mess; if the roads are opened to regional traffic, how would we protect .existing neighborhoods; any reference to Sunset Crossing should be omitted; and the document should indicate that a public hearing will be held if these. roads (Sunset Crossing, Beaverhead, and Washington) are ever considered to be opened. Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at 9:11,p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:23 p.m. Deborah Carter, a resident, opposing the opening of Beaverhead, stated that the school in the area, and the safety of the children, should be a major consideration. Max Maxwell, residing at 3211 Bent Twig Lane, stated that the issue of environment was not fully addressed in Tonner Canyon. The, Planning Commission seems to have a "pro development" attitude. He would like the Commission to stand up and protect the environment in the General Plan. Gary Neely, residing at 344 Canoe Cove Dr., stated that Strategy 2.3.1, in the Plan for Resource Management, should refer to not only the vehicle miles traveled, but the amount of people in the cars, and the length of time it takes to travel. May 4, 1992 Page 9 He made the following co mments Plan for Physical Mobility: t in regards to the indicates that Sunset y• the document lready Cr Beaverhead are to ossing. Washingt n and should be kicked back cul-de-saced; the document Opportunityto the TTC to allow accordin lreview and amend hem an to g y; an access road to the d cument the new High School in Tres Hermanos needs to is, at best a sophomoric effort addressed; the Plan conclusions inconsistent with h the other; is and each Canyon .Road can be built in ; Tonner way; and he is a biologicall safe Oppos Grand Ave. in Opposition to a toll booth for Sylton Hurdle, residing at 105 N. stated his opposition to the o Palo Cedro rive, peninq of Beare head. Don Robertson, residing at 309 N. member of GPAC, stated the Pantado r., a GPAC traffic, in general is s feeli g on solve a traffic that there are two w traffic throe h problem: open the roads Ys to g , or restrict the roads and1 t the . the traffic go around Diamond Bar. AC to make it difficult for the outsiders to would like through Diamond Bar, and make it travel local residents. easier fo the Tonner Canyon, The GPAC is not against a road in throe y , but against a regional parkwa Beaverhead wouldanner Canyon -imppact thelschools put H stated that opening way. in a terrible The Public Hearing was declared closed. cha' it/Flamenbaum indicated ghat he would like the members of the Commission to Traffic and Transporta ion come forward, as individuals, to answer any questions that th,e Planning Commis ion may have regarding the Circulation Element. Commission concurred. The Chair/Flamenbaum, noting Tonner Canyon will be that sooner or 1 ter how, philosophicall part of Diamond Bar, inquired Tanner Canyon is a Y► one could say that opening is to be left closedPropriate, yet Sunset crossing Don Gravdahl stated that the two completely different. situations re residential area that has beenebuiltossing is a 30 years. Accordingut for about Sunset Crossing, east of Diamond Baconsur Blvd.flgur s be well over capacity today, and yet , sho id why it shouldn't be further Impacted. You're ask ng hand, there are no p On the of ter persons living in the Ton May 4, 1992 gage la Canyon area today. Tonner Canyon Road is a traffic reliever for Diamond Bar, and should, at least, be explored. He stated that he is in agreement, with the other individuals�h� that elopmentbers of TTC, of a Tonner that spoke regarding Canyon Road. The opinions on Sunset Crossing are not so different, and could probably be worked out. His concern is that there be adequate protection should one of those streets ever want to be open. There should be some safeguards in place assuring that there are hearings, by the City Council, to allow citizens to express their opinions to make it work. Chair/Flamenbaum inquired how the over pass for the 57/60 interchange, and the need to acc mm dauld a be High School in north Diamond Bar, addressed. Todd Chavers stated that, philosophically, one should question if the improvement will benefit Diamond Bar. opening Sunset Crossing will probably not benefit the City. In regard to Tonner Canyon, two situations have been projected: the traffic conditions with a Tonner Canyon Road; the traffic conditions without a Tonner Canyon these The question to ask is which one of conditions are we willing to accept, and if it is an either/or situation, or some balance of a combination. According to Caltrans, when the 71/60 interchange is resolved, the east bound 60 to northbound 57 movement is supposed to use that new interchange. Therefore, our need for the overpass is minuscule, and is not an acceptable solution. The question, regarding the road to good the ac ess High School, is determining how we provide for Diamond Bar, without providing good access to the rest of the world. That is a different question than Tonner Canyon, and Sunset Crossing. John Beke concurred that the issue of Tonner Canyon and Sunset Crossing is different. The benefits, to a the City, by opening Sunset Crossing, Y b but, it would improve regional i circulation. to. benefit Tonner Canyon, on the other hand, going Diamond Bar. The data, in Table 3-5, that without Tonner Canyon, the City will have traffic conditions that are unbearable. With Tanner Canyon Road, the traffic conditions will improve for the residents on Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Avenue. Todd Chavers pointed out that, as the document stands now, we have precluded ever opening up May 4, 1992 Page 11 Tonner Canyon. We have to be cautious how we frame this, philosophically, with what we really mean, and what we will accept. C/Meyer inquired why the TTC was never charge with holding a public hearing process to review the original proposal prepared by the GPAC. The Parks and Recreation Commission held hearings on tha Plan for Resource Management. Since this is an important element that has to ducktail very c osely with the Land Use Element, he stated that he would feel more comfortable if there was a recommendation from the TTC regarding the Circulation Element. He is also uncomfortable with reviewing the .Circulation Element without having the Land Use Element with it. CD/DeStefano explained that, to his understanding, the TTC has had an opportunity to particip to in shaping the direction of this particular element. The TTC, around the end of 1990,' began some discussion regarding the upcoming contract with a consultant for preparation of this element, which ultimately led to a conclusion of hiring KS & Associates. The TTC commented on the doctment, following a presentation given by Kathy Higley, of DKS. The documents were changed in order to reflect the philosophies of the TTC, and then forwarded to the GPAC. The GPAC, in 'it's psent state, has a different philosophical 'bent o the quality of life in Diamond Bar. The GPAC i not interested in improving the circulation ne work because they feel there is a greater be efit restricting traffic. The TTC feels we shoul try to provide a balance of transportation improve ents that service not only Diamond Bar, in the most positive way, but service the regional needs o the circulation networks. He stated that he does not know, why the TTC did not hold public hearings. However, based upon the minutes of their meet ngs, it seems clear that they have had an opportune y to participate and to promote their specific bei efs. City management requested that the GPAC be al owed to make their recommendations to the Pla ing Commission and the City Council. It is the G AC's recommendations that are being promoted. Staf has tried to indicate where the TTC and the Park and Recreation Commission has had difference of opinions. It is before the Planning Commissi n to decide how to proceed with the document b fore them. C/Grothe, noting that the Commission has recived the opinions of the GPAC and the TTC, proposed that May 4, 1992 Page 12 it would be appropriate for the Commission to first come up with a consensus of the major goals, and then develop a sub -committee, made up of 2 representatives for the Planning Commission and the TTC, and City staff, to edit the document line by line, to be brought back to the Commission for final review. Chair/Flamenbaum, unsure if he understands the data in the existing conditions as presented, questioned if the Commission is in the position to make philosophical decisions. John Beke explained that the TTC never intended to review the document line by line. The TTC has taken a very positive position on Tonner Canyon, as is indicated in their "White Paper", and has stated that Tonner Canyon should be preserved in some manner, shape, or form, in the General Plan. The TTC can also come up with an agreed upon position regarding Sunset Crossing. Todd Chavers stated that, as an individual, he would support the suggestion to form a sub- committee. There is the technical expertise, in the TTC, that would be beneficial in the Planning Commission's review. C/Li indicated that he concurs with C/Grothe's suggestion. VC/MacBride stated that he is disturbed that the thoughts of the TTC was not formulated on paper. He suggested that the Planning Commission and the TTC write down what goals, objectives, and strategies should be in the document, and that anything in the document that is unconstitutional and generic in nature be deleted. The Planning Commission can then review it in this simple format. C/Meyer, noting that there are two totally divergent views before the Commission, stated that after two and half years of gathering public input to create a draft document that is to go before the Planning Commission, there should have been some sort of consensus from the commissions and committees working for the City. Chair/Flamenbaum indicated that it has been suggested, by staff, that the TTC and the Planning Commission individually write down their comments during the week for a joint study session next Monday. May 4, 1992 Page 13 C/Grothe, pointing out that Commission is cliarged with getting the points of view and making a decision, stated that he feels that the GPAC and the TTC's points of views have been adecliately presented. He concurred that somebody from tie TTC should analyze the facts and figures o the document, but that the Planning Commission is charged with the general philosophy, and the goals and objectives. C/Meyer stated that there are three doc ents before the Commission: the General Plan, the MEI, and the EIR. The document contains facts and figures, and data that is critical. Motion was made by Chair/Flamenbaum, seconded by C/Meyer and CARRIED to hold a joint study session 6:00 p.m., Monday, May 11, 1992, with the TTC, to analyze the data. AXES; COMMISSIONERS: M e y e r, L i a n d Chair/Flamenbaum. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Grothe and VC/MacBrde. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Lloyd Zola stated that the following are the Issues raised tonight: Tonner Canyon; the issue of Sunset Crossing and Beaverhead; a concern of showing collector roadways which may function as local streets; identifying an access to the High School; mention to the 60/57 interchange; and a comment that there are a series of inconsistencies in the document. He noted that to have a successful workshop, the TTC should identify those elements that are believed to be inconsistent. CD/DeSte€ano suggested that the chairmans, 04 each Commission, communicate with each other and ecide on the appropriate agenda for Monday's me ting. The Commission concurred. VC/MacBride, referring to the Plan For Physical Mobility, page A-1, first sentence of the second paragraph, stated that the sentence could be written the following three different ways to correspond with the varying opinions stated in it's original form, "The focus of this pian is the identification and evaluation of local circulation needs of the City of Diamond Bar, balancing those needs with regional demands and mandates."; cr as, "The focus of this plan is the identification and evaluation of local circulation needs of the City of Diamond Bar.", or "The focus of this plan...,as a counterbalance to regional demandsl and mandates.". It is this philosophical issuel that May 4, 1992 Page 14 needs to be resolved. furthermore, the document contains statistical data that is difficult to analyze. It should not be a statistical document. The document ought to be so broad in vision, that others can come and apply data to it. C/Meyer stated that the data should not be ignored. The traffic generation numbers don't necessarily change, but can be interpreted differently in terms of it's acceptability. VC/MacBride, in regards to safety and traffic facility considerations, pointed out that Sunset Crossing, which is part of the truck route up to the entry lane of the 57 freeway, with 12 driveways within 600 feet, does not have a raised median, like the rest of Diamond Bar. C/Meyer suggested that if the Commission gets to a better comfort level with the Circulation Element, it can be folded in with the Land. Use Element, and the Commission could still conclude within the time schedule. Motion was made by VC/MacBride, seconded by C/Meyer and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to close .this portion of the plan until Monday, May 11, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by C/Li and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 10:52 p.m. to Monday, May 11, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. Respectively, James DeStefano Secretary Attest: Bruce Flamenbaum Chairman MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC !]kE JOINT SESSI-OF THE ENG COMMISSION D TRANSPORTATION OMMIsf MAY 11, 1992 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting �calledrder at 6:14 South Coast Management Building, r00M cc -2 21865 E. Copley Driv Bar. ROLL CALL: General Plan Circulation Element Planning Commissioners: Meyer, Li, Vi MacBride, and Chairman Flamenbaum. C Grothe was absent. Traffic and Transportation Commission Cheng, and Chairman Chavers. Commissi{ Vice Chairman Gravdahl were absent. ).m at the District t, Diamond Chairman issioner Beke, Ury and Also present were Community Development Director James DeStefano, Associate Planner Rob Searcy, Planning Technician Ann Lungu, Associate Engineer David Liu, Deputy City Attorney Bill Curley, Paul Taylor, of DKS, Lloyd Zola, of the Planning Network, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. Chair/Flamenbaum stated that the Chairman of the Planning. Commission and the Traffic and Transportation Commission (TTC) developed an agenda addressing the issues of concern regarding the Plan for Physical Mobility. The Commission then jointly began a discussion.of the agenda items. la. Road classifications Chair/Chavers noted that the classification of a number of the streets need to be further reviewed, such as Mountain Laurel and Valley Vista Drive. Since these definitions will be used by staff in improving, maintaining, and implementing cifferent strategies and plans for managing traffia in the future, the classification process should have a set of standards that we are all comforts le with. Paul Taylor, the traffic consultant representing DKS, explained that because DKS concurred that the definitions and classifications were unclear, they revisited the section and clarified the definitions. He distributed the revised section, pages B-2 through B-11, to the Commission rs. Chair/Chavers, referring to page B-3, of the revised section, pointed out that a minor collector is identified has having a daily traffic volume of generally less than 10,000 vehicles per day, yet the a local residential is identified as h ving up to 2,500 vehicle per day. He suggested th t there needs to be a residential collector ategory identified as having a daily traffic voluma with a May 11, 1992 Page 2 range of 2,500 to 10,000 vehicles per day. The residential collectors will have single family homes located fronting, with driveways, that collects residential traffic and accesses directly to an arterial. C/Meyer inquired why residential collectors are being mapped. Chair/Chavers explained that the benefit to mapping a residential collector is to avoid having that design used again, and to assure that it is built properly in the future. C/Li, noting that the data collected in the existing conditions was collected before the opening of Grand Ave., questioned if the ranges of 10,000 to 25,000 is appropriate as the functional definition. A DKS representative explained that the numbers used to define the different functional classifications are not based on the volume on the roadway, but based on roadway capacity and the cross sections of roadways. These numbers are valid today, and/or for forecasting in the future. The two Commissions concurred that a new definition category, Residential Collector, should be added on page B-3, of the revised section, and to adjust the definitions on B-9, B-10 and B-11, of the revised section, to reflect the new definition. Paul Taylor explained that table 2-1, on page B-11, is not intended to correspond to the functional classifications because it is strictly the geometrics of the physical cross section. Chair/Chavers, suggested that, for future interpretation, the table needs to be fairly specific. He suggested that it define the kind of capacity according to the type of function we want on the road. Paul Taylor stated that the table will be made to relate in terms of capacity by functional classification only, which would then tie into what is reflected in the next table 2-2. C/Meyer, again questioning the purpose of mapping residential collectors, suggested that since it doesn't mean anything, and it doesn't have any impact in terms of maintenance priorities, then it should not be mapped. Those specific streets can May 11, 1992 Page 3 be listed in the goal section to avoid su�Ch streets from ever being built again. C/Beke pointed out that a residential collector must be mapped, if it is in the goal section, so that you know what street is being referred to. VC/MacBride stated that the data would be more appropriately placed in an ancillary document, and not in the General Plan. The data makes the document awkward, unwieldy, and bulky. Chair/Flamenbaum indicated that the concern regarding the format of the Circulation Element will be discussed later in the session. Following further discussion regarding the mapping of residential collectors, the two Commissions concurred with Lloyd Zola's suggestion that the residential collectors not be mapped, but that we classify them as local streets_, and identify that these local streets function as colle tors, and that as policy, we are not going to allow new local streets to function as collectors. lb. Definition of build out Kathy Higley explained that build out, within the City, is the estimated translation, of the proposed General Plan, into land use quantity, if everything were developed as representative in the proposed General Plan Land Use Element.. It is the current existing roadway network located within the City, to the extent that most of'the roadways are built already to their ultimate standards. Shreviewed the some of the existing roadway net orks, as proposed in the Land Use Element. CD/DeStefano, in response to C/Meyer's inquiry if this definition of build out will have any impact on the land use designation, explained that if changes are made to the Land Use Element then the Circulation Element would be revised. Lloyd Zola explained that build out hould be defined, in the Circulation Element, thathe land use build out is the current land use mal. The two Commissions concurred that a specific definition of build out should be put into the document. 1.c. Affect of build out May 11, 1992 Page 4 Chair/Chavers pointed out that, since SLAG only projected build out of land use to the year 2010, based upon some market absorption rate, there may in fact be some more regionally generated traffic on the system. Kathy Higley stated that Diamond Bar is tremendously affected by the surrounding region, and since forecasting land use changes in the surrounding area is impossible, there is no way for us to say that traffic in the community. is done. However, SCAG gets it's information from the local jurisdictions, and their build out projection is reflected in Diamond Bar's forecast. 2. Establish Level of Service Standards Kathy Higley stated that the document presently identifies level of service "C" when evaluating average daily traffic conditions on roadway segments, and level of service "D" at intersections during peak hours. Level of service "D" is a fairly uniform and common standard in the Southern California urbanized area. It is futile to establish a standard that can't be achieved. In general, levels of service "D" seems to be a reasonable expectation, and also provide a reasonable level of service for the residents of the community. C/Meyer inquired if these levels of service are realistic, given the significant impact of development in the surrounding area. Kathy Higley explained that the future forecast indicate that the levels of service along Grand Ave. and probably Diamond Bar Blvd. will continue to deteriorate in the future without significantly improved alternatives. C/Meyer pointed out that if the contributory impact from development outside of our boundaries is not actively pursued, then the designated levels of service may not be appropriate. A developer in our community may be hindered because he may not be able to maintain a level of service "D", on an intersection impacted by his development, when in actuality, it may also be controlled or impacted by development outside of our boundaries. Chair/Chavers explained that a developer is only legally required to bring it back to a level of service that he found it at, provided that it is physically, economically, and environmentally possible. The two Commissions concurred that. the designated levels of service IIC'r and "D" are acceptable, recognizing that there will have to be exceptions. 3. Circulation Issues Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the TTC ba allowed to make their comments without the Planning Commission passing comments at this time. Chair/Chavers read a letter written by VC/ ravdahl. The following are his comments to regiona traffic concerns: regional roadway projects s ould be measured by the amount of benefits the City receives compared to what it. gives up in i pacts to the. neighborhood; he supports the bui ding of Tonner Canyon as one means of relieving the future traffic burden on Grand and Diamond BarBlvd.; if open ended streets are put through, the neighborhood should have it's environment left as close as possible to the previous cul-de-sac condition; explore the possible use ofsix lanes of traffic on some of the present facilities explore the use of traffic acceleration and deceleration lanes at shopping centers and commercia access points; and the Golden Springs and Grand Ave. intersection should be reworked to maximize it's full potential. C/Beke stated the following: Beaverhead is a local residential street which should remain se; it is the consensus of the Commission that the document should not preclude the extension of Sunset Crossing, but that it should be tied into a condition that would benefit the City; and the Commission agrees that something in a way of a highway facility must be developed through Tonner Canyon to give relief for Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd.. Chair/Chavers stated that the TTC has alwa s stated that the highway facility should be don in an environmentally sensitive manner. Kathy Higley, in response to Chair/Flaw nbaumIs inquiry, confirmed that Tonner Canyon would definitely provide relief for Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Boulevard. This document states that some type of additional facility like Tonner Canyon should be explored. Whether or not it is Tonner May 11, 1992 Page 5 physically, economically, and environmentally possible. The two Commissions concurred that. the designated levels of service IIC'r and "D" are acceptable, recognizing that there will have to be exceptions. 3. Circulation Issues Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the TTC ba allowed to make their comments without the Planning Commission passing comments at this time. Chair/Chavers read a letter written by VC/ ravdahl. The following are his comments to regiona traffic concerns: regional roadway projects s ould be measured by the amount of benefits the City receives compared to what it. gives up in i pacts to the. neighborhood; he supports the bui ding of Tonner Canyon as one means of relieving the future traffic burden on Grand and Diamond BarBlvd.; if open ended streets are put through, the neighborhood should have it's environment left as close as possible to the previous cul-de-sac condition; explore the possible use ofsix lanes of traffic on some of the present facilities explore the use of traffic acceleration and deceleration lanes at shopping centers and commercia access points; and the Golden Springs and Grand Ave. intersection should be reworked to maximize it's full potential. C/Beke stated the following: Beaverhead is a local residential street which should remain se; it is the consensus of the Commission that the document should not preclude the extension of Sunset Crossing, but that it should be tied into a condition that would benefit the City; and the Commission agrees that something in a way of a highway facility must be developed through Tonner Canyon to give relief for Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd.. Chair/Chavers stated that the TTC has alwa s stated that the highway facility should be don in an environmentally sensitive manner. Kathy Higley, in response to Chair/Flaw nbaumIs inquiry, confirmed that Tonner Canyon would definitely provide relief for Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Boulevard. This document states that some type of additional facility like Tonner Canyon should be explored. Whether or not it is Tonner May 11, 1992 ADJOURNMENT: Attest: Page 6 Chair/Chavers inquired if a Tres Hermanos access road connecting with the rest of Diamond Bar can be addressed in the specific plan. CD/DeStefano suggested that goals or policies be incorporated into the Plan to address the linkage, but leave the specific street to the actual plan that is forthcoming. Chair/Chavers stated that the intimation of down grading Diamond Bar Blvd. is foolish, and should be deleted. C/Beke stated that the suggestion of Grand Ave. as a toll road is also foolish. 4. Format of Circulation Element Lloyd Zola inquired if there is a consensus of the Commission to put the technical data into the MEA, and leave this, with the same level of detail in all the goals, objectives and strategies, the same way as the rest of the element. Some of the tables can and will be incorporated as part of the policy. The Commissions concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the joint study session at 7:45 p.m in order to reconvene the Planning Commission in the AQMD Auditorium. Chair/Chavers adjourned the Traffic Commission at 7:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., May21st in the AQMD Hearing Room. Bruce Flamenbaum Chairman/Planning Commission Respectively, James DeStefano, Secretary David Liu, Secretary Todd Chavers Chairman/Traffic & Transportation Commission CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 11, 1492 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Flamenbaum reconvened the mee ing at 8: p.m. at the South Coast 01 Air Qualit District Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Management p y Bar, California, followinga study' Diamond session with the Traffic and Transportation Co ssion. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Lloyd Zola. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Meyer, Li, Vice Chairman MacBride, and Chairman Flamenbaum. absent. Commissioner Grothe was Also present wereCommunity Developme t Director James DeStefano, Associate Planner Bob Searcy, Planning Technician Ann Lunge, Deputy Ci Attorne Bill Curley, Lloyd Zola, from the Planning Network, Kathy Higley, from DKS, Paul Taylor, from DKS, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. FROM F MATTERS FClaire Harmon THE ERS ROM y, residing at 24139 Alph mato Lane, suggested that the Planning Commission request, to the City Council, that their meetings be televised, via Jones Intercable. Don Schad, residing at 1824 Shaded Wood Rd., requested that the Planning Commission seriously consider.the impacts to the natural ecological area of Tonner Canyon, if a roadway is developed. Fred Janz'residing at 2683 Shady Ridge, concerned that the zoning, of his commercial prape ty on the southeast corner of. Diamond Bar and Br a Canyon, was changed to low density residential, requested that it be reconsidered and changed back o general commercial. Chair/Flamenbaum explained to Mr. Janz pthat his letter was received, however, the unz hearing for the Land Use Element is scheduld for next week. e Tom Teiss, residing at 17611 Yorba Linla Blvd., representing the owners of four parcels adjacent to The Country, requested that the Commissio consider the land use for those parcels and designate them rural residential. Chair/Flamenbaum informed Mr. Teiss that staff has not received his letter, as of yet. The Land Use Element will be discussed next week, however, he should check with staff later in the week to assure that his letter has been received. Gary Neely, residing at 244 Canoe Dr., equested that the Commission reconsider the wo ding to May 11, 1992 CONSENT Minutes: Page 2 Strategy 2.3.1, page 22, of the Plan for Resource Management. Upon the recommendation by Chair/Flamenbaum, he concurred that he will submit some suggested wording to staff at a later date. CALENDAR:VC/MacBride requested that the Minutes of April 20, 1992 be amended on page 13 to properly spell "analyzes", and the Minutes of April 27, 1992 be amended on page 12 to properly spell "concerned". Apr. 20, 1992 Apr. 27, 1992 Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of April 20th and 27th, as amended. CONTINUED PT/Lungu reported that this application includes a PUBLIC HEARING: request for CUP 91-13, to amend CUP No. 495 for property improvements located at 249 S. Diamond Bar CUP 91-13 Boulevard, Development Review No. 91-4, to ensure that the development. projects comply with all applicable local design guidelines, standards, and ordinances, and Sign Review No. 92-6, for new signage. She reviewed all areas of the application analysis, as indicated in the staff report. Staff recommended that the Commission approve Resolution 92 -XX with the Findings of Fact, Categorical Exemption and listed conditions. VC/MacBride inquired if K -Mart's proposed 426.37 square foot sign conforms to the Sign Ordinance, PT/Lungu stated that, since the maximum size permitted in the Sign Ordinance is 125 square feet, the signage will be exceeding the expressed guideline in the Sign Ordinance, if approved. CD/De5tefano noted that it does not exceed the. maximum guidelines because the guidelines provide the Commission with the ability to grant a user additional signage above and beyond the specifically identified maximums. It's a creation in the Ordinance for situations, such as K -Mart, where there is a very large box that has a need for identification, and a user that is substantially removed from the street and needs a larger identity on it's building in order to be seen from the street. Chair/Flamenbaum noted that the K -Mart sign,. itself, is 105.75 square feet. The Commission is not being asked to approve a single sign that is 426.37, but a series of smaller signs. He inquired if the surrounding businesses, and/or residents, have been given proper notification of the proposed pharmacy. MaY 11, 1992 Page 3 CD/DeStefano stated that, in accordance to the County Code, all properties within 5o0 iEeet of this site have received notice of this public hearing. However, a tenant within those properties may not have received such notice because we are not obligated to notify tenants, only property owners. PT/Lunge, in response to VC/MacBride s concern, stated that the statement in the Resolution will be made clearer to properly reflect that t1h a driveway Will be replaced, not merely repaired. The Public Hearing was declared open. Mike Tiseman, with the K -Mart Corporation of Covina, confirmed that they had intended to replace the driveway. The driveway will be res ri handicap stalls will be added. peed and C/Meyer suggested that since the parking lot is tc be reconstructed, it may be appropriate io include, as part of the review process, a redesign of the entry, to include an alley approach, and a redesign Of the main entrance so that it functi ns better. He also suggested that there be an additional address put on the property to assist emergency personnel. CD/DeStefano stated that the Fire Department requires an Bit minimum letter number size on the property. He suggested that 90 degree spaces also be explored in the hopes of enerating more parking spaces for future use. Chair/Flamenbaum, concerned that there is a reduction Of the number of doors yet no increase in the number of emergency doors, inquired iE the plan has been approved by the Fire Department He also inquired handicap. if the doors will accommodate the Steve Namon, with.Clemens and Clemens Architects, stated that the results of the exit analysis done for the building indicates that the plans do meet the current requirements in regards to the number of exits, and the width of the exits. Automatic entry and exit doors have been added to facilitate an easier ingress and egress into the building that will also accommodate the handicap. Martha Brusque, residing at 600 S. Great 3end Dr. stated the following: the City should can ider the, problem of the high number of commuter parking occurring in the parking lot; the entrance to the May 11, 1992 Page 4 parking lot needs to be redesigned to facilitate traffic; and the applicant should be required to supply more attractive litter containers. Gary Neely made the following comments: the concerns of the residents facing the back of the building should be considered; this exception to signage will have a ripple effect on other shopping centers; and a cafeteria for Senior Citizens would be more appropriate than having another pizza establishment. The Public Hearing was declared closed. C/Meyer suggested that the following be added to the conditions of approval: trash containers; fully exploring the redesigning of the parking lot; ensure that the loading area is properly designated so that it functions; and reiterate that minimum 8" address numbers must be put .on the face of the building. In response to the suggestion of requiring a cafeteria over a pizza establishment, he stated that it is beyond the Planning commissi-on's expertise and the City's land use controls to be selective on businesses that can be located in commercial. zones. VC/MacBride concurred with C/Met'er's statements. He also stated that, though he recognizes the notion for extra signage, he is concerned that allowing the extra signage may, establish a concept that every large parcel ought to have additional signage than was thought generically reasonable for the total business community. Chair/Flamenbaum pointed out that K -Mart is a unique situation because it is not the land owner but the tenant, and the tenant has various tenants that need signage as well. Chair/Flamenbaum, concurring with the suggestion that a redesign of the parking lot be explored, suggested that the traffic staff work towards coordinating or . improving our own traffic signalization at the entrance of K -Mart. He concurred with the statements made by C/Meyer, but noted that he is unsure there is a problem with the loading zone. DCA/Curley stated that, in regards to the issue of the cafeteria versus Little Ceasars Pizza, it is not within the Planning Commission's jurisdiction to dictate what be placed in K -Mart or any other center. May 11, 1992 Page 5 Mike Tiseman stated that they are willing to work with staff. to develop a scheme of parking would address the concerns as to the movement that of traffic in and out of the parking lot. Chair/Flamenbaum directed staff to address all the areas surrounding the parking lot, including McDonalds, when making the evaluation regarding the redesign of the parking lot, and toook at and investigate that traffic signal at that intersection to alleviate the traffic. VC/MacBride, in reference to the statement, in the Introduction which reads, "balancing t ose needs with regional demands and mandates", stated that our local needs should be so emphasized that they become a counterbalance to all the cond its going on. At present, it appears that our quality of life is the transition from one place tc another, and we are the conduits. This philosophy should be fully identified in the goals and strategies. C/Li requested that there also be a statement that indicates that the Diamond Bar's existing condition is generated by external forces which we have minimal control over. Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded byVC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve Resolution as amended to include trash 92 -XX containers redesign of the parking lot to ► the to the satisfaction of the Director mum use aCommunit o Development, the addition of building n y adding a new condition 6 to the Res stated by DCA/Curley, that ers, and lution, as any of those on CUP Resolution 495 not amended conditions or modified this Resolution shall remain in full by force effect as set forth in Resolution 495. and AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Meyer, Li, VC/MacBride, NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NooneChair/Flaw rsbaum. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at The meeting was 9:15 p.m. reconvened at 9:24 p.m. Draft General Plan: The Commission concurred to direct staff the Introduction, to redraft The Plan for the Existing Conditions, Future Conditions, and the Physical Mobility of the Plan for Mobility, in conformance with the Physical directions indicated by the Commission joint study session, and to bring t uringvarious e document back to the Commission for ra and ultimate amended ificaticn recommendation to the City ouncil. VC/MacBride, in reference to the statement, in the Introduction which reads, "balancing t ose needs with regional demands and mandates", stated that our local needs should be so emphasized that they become a counterbalance to all the cond its going on. At present, it appears that our quality of life is the transition from one place tc another, and we are the conduits. This philosophy should be fully identified in the goals and strategies. C/Li requested that there also be a statement that indicates that the Diamond Bar's existing condition is generated by external forces which we have minimal control over. May 11, 1992 Page 6 The Public Hearing was declared open. Gary Neely, in reference to the statement in the Introduction which indicates that Diamond Bar is dominated by regional traffic needs, concluded that if you help solve the regional traffic needs, then you help solve the local traffic needs as well. Richard Deel, residing at 615 S. Hoss, in regards to the suggested improvements of Grand Ave., as indicated on page C-12, recommended that the suggestion to maintain Grand Ave. as four lanes be omitted because limiting the roadway capacity would only enhance the traffic problem. The City should maintain the option to widen it to six lanes if needed at a later date. The Public Hearing was declared closed. The Commission began their review with the Goal, Objectives, and Strategies of the Plan for Physical Mobility. Goal 1 C/Meyer suggested that the goal be expanded to talk about a comprehensive type program to deal with congestion management, and to include alternative transportation routes. VC/MacBride suggested that the goal be reworded to state, "Enhance the environment of the city's street network. Study the problems presented by intrusion of regionally oriented commuter traffic through the City and into residential neighborhoods. Consider programs to reinforce the regional transportation and circulation system.to adequately accommodate regional needs." There is nothing wrong with having several different perspectives on the goal. C/Meyer stated that the goal should have a more proactive basis by supporting congestion management types of programs. He suggested that the second sentence read, '"Work towards improving the problems presented by the intrusion...". The Commission concurred with VC/MacBride's and C/Meyer's suggested changes. Objective 1.1 C/Meyer suggested that the objective be reworded to state, "Participate in local and regional May 11, 1992 Page 7 transportation related planning and making." The Commission concurred. Lloyd Zola suggested that the deleted "maintaining a clear distinction betwe4 and local objectives", be put into ti section. Chair/Flamenbaum stated that it might added in Strategy 1.1.2. Strategy 1.1.1 Chair/Flamenbaum requested that a st added which indicates that, prior to any the major use characteristics of any r City of Diamond Bar, a public hearing wi decision sentence, regional strategy be better itement be changes to oad in the Ll be held. Lloyd Zola suggested the wording, " nsure the opportunity for public comment on major improvements/revisions to the City's irculation system". Chair/Flamenbaum stated that the use of the word, "modification", would be more appropriate. The Commission concurred to allow staff an opportunity to come up with the appropriate wording, to be reviewed when the revised Plan comes back to the Commission. Stratecry 1. 1.2 Lloyd Zola suggested the following changes: the road would be shown on the circulation route as a regional transportation corridor; and the strategy be reworded to state, "The purpose of identifying the extension of Tonner Canyon Road as a regional transportation corridor is to recd nize the regional desire for this.route, but is not intended as an endorsement of this route by the City of Diamond Bar. Significant further environmental analysis of potential impacts of the tra sportation corridor will be necessary before the ity could endorse the route. This analysis, which must be prepared by the agencies proposing the transportation corridor should explore the balance between the need for the route and the resulting biological and growth inducing impacts. For the City of Diamond Bar to endorse the Ton er Canyon transportation corridor, a clear and long term benefit within the City of Diamond Bar needs to be demonstrated by: outweighs the environmental impacts which would be caused by the ro dway; and May 11, 1992 page 8 the environmental impacts of other development that might be induced to locate within the canyon due improve access. Specifically, if the regional roadway is to be constructed through Tonner Canyon, thereshould - be no net loss of repairing another biological habitat values including wildlife migration corridors. In addition, the existing ecological area needs to be protected, and Potential growth inducing impacts of the corridor must be mitigated." He explained that this wording recognizes the environmental protection of Tonner Canyon, recognizes the regional need for a roadway, and requests the long term benefits inside the City of Diamond Bar. A policy, in the General Pian, that establishes a specific level of environmental protection, would preclude the ability for other cities . to use overriding considerations to accept certain impacts. Chair/Flamenbaum, noting that roads built for local use can and up as a regional road three lanes wide, question if the strategy should even have the word "regional use,,. or even indicate any road. He suggested that it be reworded to state, "any significant improvements to the existing road". C/Mayer suggested that the strategy be worded to read, "Continue active participation in the tri county planning for alternate access routes from Diamond Bar. Encourage the preservation of Tonner Canyon. Prior to any development, encourage master Planned Development in the adopted Sphere of Influence area of Tonner Canyon that will protect its unique biological resources and open space characteristics." The remaining verbiage should be deleted, and, perhaps, some of the verbiage, suggested by Mr. Zola, can be added. He stated that he is not willing to believe that a road cant be put through there that can be sensitive to the area. The Commission concurred to request Mr. Zola to rewrite Strategy 1.1.2 to include the following items: a transportation corridor through Tonner Canyon is acceptable; minimize adverse impacts to the environment through the addition of this transportation corridor; a demonstration that the transportation corridor would benefit Diamond Bar; and a demonstration that the transportation corridor would he acceptable to us. Strateav 1.1 3 May 11, 1992 Page 9 VC/MacBride stated that he would like the strategy to include the statement, "Complete the construction of raised medians along Diamond Bar Blvd. northerly from Sunset Crossing to the freeway 57 on ramp". Chair/Flamenbaum pointed out that Completing an interchange system between the freeways implies that we are supporting a grade divide construction. He suggested that the strategy stat federal and state funds to improve are �freewaysit Lloyd Zola suggested the wording "to use of local use as part of the feliminate the "to system". C/Meyer, in regards 'to VC/Macgrid 's regarding raised medians, pointed out comment request should first have acost benef't analysissuch a and does not belong in the General Pla . CD/DeStefano suggested that VC/MacBriden may be more appropriately located un er Goal 's concern whereas staff would craft a strategy that more generally deal with the would issue of raised medians. Lloyd Zola suggested that the statement "Enc ourae consolidation of driveway access and r strictions of left turn movements where necess traffic safety.,, ary to improve 3.2. , could be added ands Objective Gary Neely suggested that the merchants n the area be talked to before putting in raised medians. He suggested that the Planning Commission should more actively pursue solutions to the Ton er Canyon Road, otherwise the City is losing developer fees. Obl ective_.2 VC/MacBride suggested that the end of the sentence, "...such that streets ... peak hours.„, bit deleted. The Commission concurred. Stratecry 1.2.1 VC/MacBride suggested that the statemen ,of the h use of throe p ” g be replaced with the w rd "for" and that the remaining statement, following the word "measures", be deleted. The c,ommission concurred. Strate 1,2,2 May 11, 1992 Page 10 C/Meyer suggested that the second sentence, "Where appropriate, require... City Engineer.", be deleted, and that the statement, "...as perceived by residents of these—Sycamore Canyon." be deleted. The Commission concurred. Ob'ective 1.3 C/.Meyer suggested that the statement, "within residential areas", be deleted. Strategy 1.3.1 Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the strategy be reworded to state, "Prevent the creation of new roadway connections which adversely impact the character of existing neighborhoods." The Commission concurred. Strategy 1,,;,3.2 C/Meyer suggested that everything be deleted following the first sentence. The Commission concurred. Strateay.1.3.3 C/Meyer, noting that tot lots have a history of being more trouble than they're worth, suggested that the strategy be deleted. The Commission concurred. Strate VC/MacBride suggested that the two examples be deleted from the strategy. Lloyd Zola noted that the encouraging the organization of neighborhoods into smaller units is more of a land use issue than a traffic issue. The Commission concurred to delete Strategy 1.3.4. Strategy 1.3.5 C/Meyer suggested that the statement following the word "street" be deleted. Lloyd Zola explained that the intent of the strategy is to indicate that the access points should be located so that traffic will not exceed the design capacity of local residential streets. He suggested that the word "Locate" be replaced by "Design". The Commission concurred. MmY 11, 1992 Page 11 Chair/Flamenbaum inquired if this appropriate area to mention that Tres ermanos,the as well as our spheres of influence, should bemade part of the City of Diamond Bar through its roadway system. Lloyd Zola suggested that a statement, "minimize the effects of the local transporta ion system dividing the City", would be better pl ced in Goal 2, under Objective 2.2. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested the wording "maximize contact between all areas of the integration of roadwa s.". City by concurred to add a statement under T bje tiveCommi2.2. 2241-2 C/Meyer suggested that the sentence be changed to state, "...protect and maintain the ality of life." The Commission concurred. Objective 2.1 Lloyd Zola suggested that the statement, passenger vehicle for transportation" deleted. The Commission concurred. eleted. Stra a 2. C/Meyer suggested that the sentence read, the use and availability of "Maximize service.,,. The Commission concurred. transit Strate 2.1.2 C/Meyer suggested that the senten e "Investigate the feasibility of estab ishingada local transit system.". The Comm'ssion concurred. St ate .3 C/Meyer suggested that the sentence read "Support privately funded local transit systems f r seniors and youths.". He suggested that staff be requested to include another strategy relating use urban village development. The e he mixed - concurred. p ommission Strate 2.1.4 Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the sentence read, "Pursue a cooperative effort with Caltrans and May 11, 1992 Page 12 regional transit providers." concurred. Strategy 2.,1.55 The Commission Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the sentence read, "Encourage participation in carpools.". The Commission concurred. Stratecry 2.1.6 Kathy Higley stated that this statement must"be in the Circulation Element to comply with the requirements of the Congestion Management Plan. Stratecry 2.1.7 C/Meyer suggested that the sentence read, "Investigate the potential of using vacant land areas as park-and-ride sites.". The Commission concurred. Stratecry 2.1.8 Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the strategy be amended to read, "Seek to expand existing park-and- ride facilities.". The Commission concurred. Strategy „2,.1.9 The commission concurred to delete the statement, "...such as the City's junior ... near Sunset Crossing Road.". The Commission concurred. Strategy 2.1.10 CD/DeStefano suggested that the strategy be amended to read, "Pursue a cooperative program to provide access to Diamond Bar residents to a regional light rail system.". The Commission concurred.. Strategy 2.1.11 Chair/Flamenbaum suggested the wording, "Pursue a program to improve local carpool lanes on local freeways.". The Commission concurred. Strategy 2.1.12 The Commission concurred to delete the statement "similar to that in the City of Walnut". Goal 3 May 11, 1992 Page 13 Lloyd Zola, per Chair/Flamenbaum s suggested that the Goal be restate, "Maintain an adequate level of request, oon state, area roadways." The Commission ice concurred. Ob'ective 3. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the reworded "Establish objective to state, be classification for roadways within the ity functional Che Commission concurred. " Strata ies 3.1.1 Chair/Flamenbaum questioned if a dev Loper will feel that they do not intersection that went from aaz yelt cf itigate an A to B because it states in the strategy tha.ervice a level of service (LOS) D or better must be main ained. He suggested that it be deleted. j Kathy Higley pointed out that if the strategy is deleted, then there will not state that a level of service E i s not acceptable. bleu She suggested that the first part of t1te sentence be deleted so that the strategy reads, " level of service ... to the extent possib Maintain e. . Lloyd Zola stated that there needs to be establishing a service level, even thou a policy control the generation of all the traffic you can t in to have a basis to comment on projects o curringdin surrounding cities. strategy He suggested tha 3.1.1 be made to specify the minimum sta dard of C for the average day on the roadway se for the peak hours at the intersection nt' and p The Commission concurred to combine this, strategy with strategy 3.1.3. AtrAto .1.2 C/Meyer suggested deleting the remaining statement following "...impact would„ Commission concurred. result. The Strata 3.1.3 � Lloyd Zola stated that the Commission h d!talked about combining this strategy with strata Strategy 3.1,1 would state the lev 1'1. el of service C or better on the average daily traffic level D at the intersection.". Strategy which talks about improving inters ctio 3'1.2, could May 11, 1992 Page 14 also improve roadway lengths that fall below a C on the link. VC/MacBride pointed out that the second and third sentence, in Strategy 3.1.2, can stand as separate ideas. They are quite different than the intersection concept, and seem worthy to consider as a new strategy. Lloyd Zola stated that if it is made as a strategy, then the individual streets would have to be listed. There are general policies that accomplish the same concept without having to indicate the particular street. VC/MacBride .concurred that those two sentences should be deleted. Strateav 3.1.4 Chair/Flamenbaum requested staff to reword the strategy to reference, "Develop a repaving program to minimize overall costs of road maintenance.", as a policy. The Commission concurred. Strategy 3.1.5 Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the strategy be reworded to read, "Develop a program to expand and maintain pedestrian access throughout the City.". Chair/Flamenbaum inquired if there should be a statement addressing improvements to existing streets and the criteria established for those improvements. (i.e. making Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd. into six lanes) Lloyd Zola suggested that Strategy 1.1.1 could be rewritten to state, "...prior to permitting the roadway connections, or prior to expanding Diamond Bar roadways,...". There could be a subsection that states the criteria to widening Diamond Bar Blvd.. VC/MacBride stated that it is already implicit as to what we are trying to achieve. The Commission concurred to leave the strategy as is. Ob'ective 3.2 C/Meyer suggested that the statement, "more efficient", be deleted. Strategy 3.2.1 May 11,.1992 Page 15 C/Meyer suggested that the strategy be rewritten to state, "Correct identified street and intersection operational problems in a timely mar ner.". Commission concurred. The Strati 3,2,2 C/Meyer suggested that the strategy be reworded to state, "Improve off street parkin g and facilities for public schools so as to ninimizeloading the impact on the circulation system.". Th Commission concurred. C/Meyer suggested that the strategy be "ewritten to state, "Consider the addition of lanesnlY as last resort to correct traffic hazards or traffic conditions.,,. The Commission concurred. "...incl dinbaum suggested that the statement, " ..including public and private soulrces. 1, deleted. be S r to 3. L.I The Commission concurred to delete the "...for traffic impacts identified by and/or traffic impact study reports.fe. StratRgyiL 3.2 Th��e Commission concurred to delete the Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the "both on -street and Off-street',, be del re/MacBride suggested that the word, "a p Y and regulate". The concurred. Strafe 4.I Chair/Falmenbaum suggested "Encourage" be replaced by Commission concurred. Strafe 4.2 statement, the City, tatement, ed. quate" be ommission that t* "Regulate v. word, The May 11, 1992 Page 16 Lloyd Zola stated that the strategy is a code requirement. He suggested that it can be reworded to state, "Allow a reduction in parking in exchange for transportation demand management programs.". The Commission concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum directed staff to make the appropriate changes to the Plan for Physical Mobility. He suggested that the Commission meet an hour earlier, at 6:00 p.m., on May 18th meeting. The Commission concurred. CD/DeStefano informed the Commission that there is a special Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th, and a Tres Hermanos Specific Plan meeting scheduled for June 1, 1992. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by Chair/Flamenbaum and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 12:00 a.m. James DeStefano Secretary Attest: Bruce Flamenbaum Chairman CIT OF OF DIAMOND B MINUTES H$ PLANNING CO CALLMAY 18, 1992 ISSICALLTO ORDER: Chairman F1 enbaum calle 6:12 P.M. at a the meetinc District Build. South st Air Qualm Bar, California. 65 E. Copley 1), ROLL CALL: TINUED LIC HEARING: raft General Ian: Housing Commissioners: Meyer, Li, Grothe, v MacBride, and Chairman Flamenbaum. Also present were Community Developm James DeStefano, Associate Planner Planning Technician Ann Lungu, Lloyd Zc Planning Network, and Contract Secretax CD/DeStefano stated that the City Coun hearing for the draft General Plan is begin June 9, 1992. The Planning co, want to schedule additional meetings complete the review of the General P date. Tonight's review will be on the Land Use Element. The Commission will a discussion on the Land Use issue so tl able to finalize the goals and objectiv4 be publicized in the Highlander. to order at Y Management .ve, Diamond Chairman t Director ib Searcy, L, from the Liz Myers. il's public cheduled to Mission may n order to an by that Sousing and sed to have It staff is s that will made by C/Meyer requested staff to eclarify the comments departmentHCDousinq of CommunityDevelopment Element. , regarding the drat Housing The Public Hearing was declared opened. The Public Hearing was declared closed. CD/DeStefano stated that, in his opf Housing Element is the only element in t Plan that is written to respond to the m State Law, and the guidelines of the HC1 statutorily responsible for reviewing dra Elements prepared by cities. They respon draft Housing Element, which we July/August of 1991, like they do communities, with a sense of displeasure, commented that our Housing Element neer forth a more specific program to respo� State wide housing issue. The State is 2 to implement state-wide housing needs require each local city to devise progran with their fair share of that state-wid need. The HCD basically wants Diamon increase density, rezone properties, that now high densities, into high densities, a or eliminate the bureaucratic process housing to be developed expeditiously, less costs associated with fees and perm: GPAC reviewed all the comments made by disagreed with most of it. They � pion, the le General :ndates of �. HCD is Et Housing led to our submitted to most The HCD Is to set id to the ttempting and to s to deal housing i Bar to are not ad reduce to allow and with ts. The HCD, and ere not May 18, 1992 Page 2 particularly interested in increasing densities or providing low to moderate income housing. Chair/Flamenbaum inquired if HCD would be content if the City simply increased the densities in all available land within the Plan. CD/DeStefano explained that the HCD would prefer that much more of the implementation aspect be in the document. They would want the City to identify means that would ensure that the higher densities would bring and maintain lower income housing. C/Meyer noted that the HCD would want the implementation strategy in the document because that is the only document by law that they have the authority to review and comment. DCA/Curley, , in response to C/Li's inquiry, explained that HCD is a recommending body, that reviews the document subjectively. Since any interested party could challenge the General Plan, particularly the Housing Element, having HCD's. approval adds to the weight that the City's document is satisfactory. How we respond to their comments is also subjective on our part. The key is how good faith is the city's action. CD/DeStefano, in response to C/Meyer's inquiry regarding the regional housing allocation number, stated that he feels that the allocation of 450 units of low to moderate income housing is very reasonable, and if we chose to, very achievable. C/Meyer stated his concern that the density bonuses, granted to developers by State housing law, would substantially increase the density established in the General Plan. CD/DeStefano stated that he would suggest that the Commission and the City Council establish either a range or some type of upper limit density that would be acceptable. Incentives could be created to get the developer to work towards achieving the maximum density established. In exchange we get affordable housing or some type of additional need that the City has. In response to Chair/Flamenbaum, CD/Destefano explained that, since HCD wants cities to generally identify sites, the Tres Hermanos site can be identified, in the document, as a candidate for up to "x" amount of units, and then that can be put MAY 18► 1992 Page 3 into the specific plan discussion for Tres Hermanos. C/Grothe stated that an attempt should be made to satisfy the State requirements, however, the residents of Diamond Bar should be kept happy first, and the character of Diamond Bar maintained. The document should indicate that the p rcentage of low to moderate housing should be Hermanos and other developed arebut in a t in Tres developments where it can't be met, a f e should be collected to buy land to build the h using at a later date. VC/MacBride suggested that staff be directed to determine what extent there have been changes in the document, correlate those changes with the Planning Commission's philosophy and critiques, and then determine how far along we are i terms of data and mandates. Philosophically, w must meet two massive criterias: take care of I he housing needs; and protect this City from the nandates of the State. He suggested that the first paragraph, in the Introduction, be amended to read,"The purpose of the housing section of the Community Development is; 1. Plan for housing problems and needs; 2. a iden ify local late theneeds to the City,s proportionate share the total projected need for housing in the region as determined by State law; and 3. IdentifY measures necessary to mitigate and alleviate thes needs and problems for all economic segments of the community." C/Li stated that he would like a statement included informing the public that there is money involved, in the future phases, if we don't meet State The Commission concurred that the first should be amended as suggested b paragraph They concurred to review of the Housin MacBride;Elementpage by page. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that footnote 1, on the bottom of page 37, be deleted. VC/MacBride stated that the (s) in "statement", in the second bullet on page 37, should be d leted. Chair/Flamenbaum requested that the statement on page 39, section G., Citizen Parti ipation, properly define that the appointed citizen May 18, 1992 Page 4 committee is the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). VC/MacBride suggested the following changes: page 39, bullet one, delete the word "shall"; page 39, bullet three, delete the third word "any"; page 39,. delete the last sentence; page 40, first line, place a period following the word "stock"; and page 40, line nine, delete the statement, "obvious deviation from plumbing". Chair/Flamenbaum requested that the names "Flores" and "Tarrago" be deleted from page 41, section c. Substandard Units. C/Meyer suggested that the last sentence in section c., Substandard units, page 41, be deleted, and that the word "healthy" be deleted from page 41, section d. Housing Assistance Needs, second paragraph, fourth line. Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at 7:07 p.m.. The meeting was reconvened in the AQMD Auditorium at 7:18 p.m. VC/MacBride suggested the following: second paragraph, third line, page 42, of Household characteristics, delete the word "the" following the word "similar"; page 43, second paragraph, delete the second sentence; page 43, third paragraph, second line, place a comma following the word "component" and "age", and replace "who" with "which"; page 44, first paragraph, first line, delete the word "also"; and page 44, first paragraph, the elements in the paragraph need to reflect the categories that follow. Chair/Flamenbaum requested that the data in table 1-3, page 43, be amended to reflect the 1990 census, and the paragraphs on page 44. and page 45 should also reflect the 1990 census, if available. C/Meyer suggested that the first bullet, third line, on page 44, delete the statement "subtle, or not so subtle". He noted that, in subsection a. Handicapped Households, last paragraph, the County's percentage rate is used, yet, earlier in the document we stated that we are dissimilar to the County's characteristics. CD/DeStefano explained that it was put in to respond to a question for the State's purposes. May 18, 1992 Page 5 The information will be updated when census data is available. the 1990 C/Meyer suggested that the word " deleted from page 45, second to then las Unfortunately" be fifth line. paragraph, VC/MacBride suggested that the second sentence on page 46, last paragraph, be deleted. Lloyd Zola explained that the Housin guidelines states that opportunities for Element conservation must be discussed. the sentence be rewritten to states su Bested that Opportunity to use alternative ever " here is an to reduce energy consumption 9Y ources and implementation of conservation measur s ugh the Commission concurred. The VC/MacBride made the following suggestions; 471. reward the first sentence to read " page addressing Diamond Bar's housingelative to proportionate share of needs, consider housing."; delete the last sente cemoderate just eforecthe three bullets on page 47- indicates" with "contains" ' replace the word Of the last paragraph. on ' �n the first sentence statement, "has the largest amount; a Mete the in the last paragraph, fifth line, page 7t land , Chair/Flamenbaum stated �' that the tatement, "Bramalea propert last propertyie, on page 47, fifth 1 ne of the paragraph, be deleted, and then identified. properly Lloyd Zola, in response to C/Meyer's concern that the wording in the first paragraph, page 48 awkward, suggested that it be rewritten "The land available within the current C'to states I's general residential development co City additional 3,0oo units. uld yiHowever, current City limits could support u land within the additional housing units if development de tsity'was to be increased.«. The remainder of the Paragraph can remain as it is written. The density numbers will be recalculated upon the final aper the City Council. oval from CD/DeStefano, in response to Chair/Fla enbaum's inquiry if the densities 49, are standard, exp , described on Pace 48 and lained that each of he land use categories reflect Diamond Bar's densities. Since many of the cities have their own classifications, and definitions nymo, r Zt7`0 nOt May is, 2992 Page 6 possible to set a standard for the purpose of consistency. The density numbers indicated are the densities recommended by GPAC. Lloyd Zola explained that the residential land use categories on page 48 and 49 are the categories recommended in the land use portion of the General Plan. He suggested that this discussion wait until the land use review. The Planning Commission concurred. VC/MacBride suggested that the second sentence, on page 49, section 2. Government Constraints, be rewritten to properly reflect, "Increasing demand to meet State mandates, with decreasing commitments to housing...". C/Li suggested that the fourth paragraph, first line, delete the word "very", and the statement "moderate to severe". C/Grothe suggested that the third paragraph, section d. Fees, delete all the "etc". C/Meyer made the following suggestions: it should be noted that a lot of the statements on page 50 conflict with the conclusions of density per 1 unit for. ,every 2 1/2 acres; paragraph one, page 51, delete the last sentence; page 52, second to the last line, should properly indicate Table 6; and verify the data indicated in Table 1-6 on page 53. VC/MacBride made the following suggestions: place a comma following the word "financing" in the first paragraph, on page 53; page 54, fifth paragraph, delete "under contract with the City" and change the numbers 112-3" with 111-211. Chair/Flamenbaum stated that the name "Barbara Mowrey" should be deleted form the fifth paragraph on page 54. C/Meyer suggested that the Government Code Section should be inserted in the section J. Progress Report on page 54. The word "However" should be deleted from page 55, second paragraph, first line. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that the Land Use Element be discussed prior to discussing the goals, objectives, and implementation strategies of the Housing Element. The Commission concurred. Land Use CD/DeStefano stated that the Land Use plan Element basically provides the City's intentions for the May is, 1992 Page 7 development, redevelopment, and preservation of its public and privatetproperty. The element should chart a course for the vision of our City. The GPAC has presented an overall land use plan that reflects a lowering of density and development intensity. As the documen is crafted, there will need to be a varietyr, of z ne changes, essentially down zoning, in order tO make the zoning consistent to the General Plan. The GPAC reviewed all remaining open/undeve loped land within the City, and recommended that al open/ undeveloped land be down zoned to thelning Open Space classification, regardlessof he present zoning. This document must be consist nt with all the other elements within the General Plan. The pian before the Planning Commission contain the recommendations of GPAC as of FebruarF 29, 1992. There were some changes. made at GPACCIs ast meeting held in April of 1992. Additionally,"there are approximately a dozen requests, for changes, from developers, as well as changesrec mmended by staff. It is recommended that the Commission open the public hearing, accept testimony, and then review the element based upon the broa goals and objectives presented. Chair/Flamenbaum read the list of correspondences received b the P. Janz, of Fred Janz Real EstatehInve t nts,r dated April 24, 1992; Eric R. Stone, dated Jul.r 15, 1991; Marc Perrin, of the Bramalea California :nc., dated May 4, 1992; Howard Mitzman, of the California Inc., dated Sept. $ramalea Frank Arciero, Jr., of Arciero Builders, dg ate Sept. 11, 1991; Frank Arciero, Jr., of Arciero Builders, dated Sept. 23 1991; Jerry K. Yeh, dated Jan. 21, 1992; Daniel Buffington, dated July 11, 1991; Manuel E. Nunes, dated Sept. 13, 1991; Thomas H. Tice, of T.H. Tice and Associates, dated May 4, 1992; Thomas H. Tice, dated May 4, 1992, addressed to Jim Gardner of the Diamond Bar Country Estates; Lyman K. Lokken, of TransAmerica Minerals Company, dated Aug. 7, 1991; warren Dolezal of DFL Partnership, dated January 7, 1992; Ronald J. Crowley, of R.J. Crowley, dated Sept. 11, 1991. Alice Truax, dated Sept. 4, 1991; Jan C. Dabney, cf J.C. Dabney and Associates, dated May 15, 1992; Eric R. Stone, dated May 18, 1992; and Warren Dolezal, dated May 18, 1992. CD/DeStefano stated that staff has provided the Commission with the following: I matrix summarizing all of aforementioned requests, as we13 as a graphic illustrating their locationwithin the May 18, 1992 Page 8 City; a graphic and table outlining the properties that have development restrictions; a graphic summarizing the properties within the community that would require down zoning as a result of the adoption of the presently configured General Plan; and a reduced copy of the GPAC land use map dated Feb. 29, 1992. Chair/.Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:20 p.m. Chair/Flamenbaum presented C/Grothe with a plaque in recognition of dedicated service as planning commission chairman from July of 1991 through April of 1992. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Ben Reiling, President of Zelman Development Co., the developers of the Gateway Corporate Center, in reference to page 1-24, in the Plan for Community Development, requested that bullet five be clarified. He noted that a portion of their property, located on Golden Springs between the Gateway property and the Church property, also known as lot "zero", is presently designated as open space. However, it is a moderate slope that can be graded to create about a 4 acre pad. CD/DeStefano stated that the language, in the fifth bullet on page 1-24, does not properly reflect what GPAC had recommended on April 22, 1992. GPAC's approved language was: "To ensure residential views, buildings should be stepped down from the southeast side of Gateway Corporate Center to the freeway. building adjacent to the freeway, along Gateway and Bridgegate should have a maximum height of 6 stories. Buildings along Copley and Valley Vista should have a maximum height of 8 stories. Trees natives to the area should be used to obstruct unsightly views. Maintain the overall FAR at .5:" Frank Piermarini, residing at 2559 Wagon Train, representing Jerria with Union Wide Developers, in regards to parcel lot #1528, parcel #14, #25 on the open land survey, objected to strategy 1.2.4(a), on page 1-12, of the Plan for Community Development. He noted that The Country exists today as one unit per acre, as is indicated on page 1-3. Furthermore, the term "steep" is ambiguous. Fred Janz, residing at 2683 Shady Ridge, stated that his property located on the southeast corner May is, 1992 Page 9 Of Diamond Bar Blvd. and Brea Canyon has been zoned residential, even though the other three corner lots are commercial. He requested that the property be zoned general commercial. Jan Dabney, with J.C. Dabney and Associates, located at 6.71 Brea Canyon Rd., representing Frank Arciero, Jr. and R&P Development Inc., referring to #17 (78 acres) and 03la-e (130 acres), of the open land survey map, stated that their roperty is being down zoned, and the developers are asking that the property be left as is. Addit onally, R&P Development is asking that the 130 acres have a PD designation, on the portionofthe 78 acres, for residential and commercial development. Chair/Flamenbaum inquired if there is onstruction prohibited recorded as part of the map. Jan Dabney explained that it was not u common for the County to put building restrictio s, or some kind of covenants, on the property s that the property would have to come back, Defore the supervisors, before any future developm nt could be done. We would request that parcel 1 7 be zoned RR, and that parcel 131 be zoned r sidential, allowing a large park, and the remaini be zoned commercial. 4 29 acres CD/DeStefano, in response to Chair/ lamenbaum, stated that the bulk of parcels f17 & development restrictions placed upon 31a a have subdivision map. The zoning for these properties allow for substantial developmen rights. Therefore, the zoning is not at all cons stentwiththe recorded maps. The language on th recorded maps requires the developer to come b ck to the City, request that the restrictive 1 ngu.age be removed, and that development rights be granted upon the property. This opens up the door for substantial negotiation between the City Y and the Jan Dabney explained that the restriction on the property is not a restriction in zoning, restriction in consideration. The it is a r zoned as R 10,000 with the Count p party was Y VC/MacBride, he explained that both d velopersQ through some guidance by the City, have been attempting to work with the school district to resolve the issues that the City has with the school district, and to allow these devel pments to proceed in a relatively timely manner. They are willing to spend the money to put in commercial to May 18, 1992 Page 10 get the tax increment into the community to offset and mitigate the financial problems that already exists in the City. Eric Stone, residing at 24401 Darrin Dr., referring to #4 on the open land survey, stated that the proposed OS zoning is inconsistent with GPAC's final resolve on that particular piece of property. He noted that the letter he presented to the Commission addresses a development concept for that lot. CD/DeStefano, confirming Mr. Stone's comment, stated that the map is dated February 29th, and GPAC did make a change at their April 22nd meeting. GPAC's final recommendation, on that specific parcel, was to retain the existing zoning classification, which would permit about 4 units per acre. C/Li suggested that staff to develop a summary table to cross reference these lots. Tom Tice, 17611 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, referring to #7, on the land use designation request, 125 on the open land survey, parcel 113 and #26, and a portion of #79 in the down zoning study, requested a consideration to the RR land use rather than the RH. From a zoning standpoint, R-1 40,000 would be more appropriate. Frank Piermarini, referring to parcel #18, item 155 in the down zoning study, the Diamond Knoll Estates, pointed out that it should not be zoned RH because it was approved by the City, in January of 1991, as RR, 1 unit per acre. He also noted that a portion of The Country is zoned R-1 20,000. CD/DeStefano stated that The Country is comprised of four different zoning classifications: 50% to 60% is zoned R-1 40,000 located mostly in the NE portion; 30 to 35% is zoned R-1 20,000, located mostly in the SW portion; about 50 acres are zoned A-1 or A-2; and there are some properties on the fringe of the formal Country area, but not part of it, with egress and ingress rights, that are zoned R-1 8,000. Warren Dolezal, general partner of the D.F.L. Partnership, referring to 2 1/2 acres zoned R-1 8,000, located on the north side of the extension of Steeplechase Dr., and adjacent to Las Brisas property, #9 on the land use designation request, stated that the master map displayed at City Hail May 18, 1992 properly indicates the property as being 2 1/2 acres, and designates it as RL, however, the maps being sold to the public designates it as RR, and indicates that the property is 4 acres. requested that it be designated RL. He CD/DeStefano, confirming the discrepancy between the two maps, noted that regardless of uhat the map says, it is incumbent upon the Commission to provide a recommendation to the City Council on this issue. Marc Perrin, with Bramalea California, Inc., 1 Park Plaza, suite 1100? Irvine, stated that item #13, of the open land survey, lots 4, 5, and 7 oE Tract Map #31479, are improperly listed as having prohibited construction. It should be listed as restricted -construction. He also pointed out that land previously restricted by LA County, nowowes under the discretion of Diamond Bar, and theCity can allow development on the land. Theref re, it is suggested that the statement in the Land Use Element, page 1-28, objective "S.", "It is the City's policy not to renegotiate these prior commitments.,,, be removed, and the decision, on whether restrictions should remain or not, should be made at a later date, preferably in the processing stage of the final Tract Map. Lloyd Zola explained that the LA Cou ty zoning code, adopted by the City, has density control development which allowed cluster units in exchange for open space. Unfortunately, since th County's records are unclear, it is difficult to determine if the open space restriction on the map is in exchange for density elsewhere, or if i was land just set aside. The decision as to how these open space land is designated on the map, and if the City chooses to renegotiate, is a policy issue. The GPAC chose to take all these restri tions and call them open space. Designating it as pen space on the map does not restrict the City to renegotiate. In response to C/Meyer's inquiry, he confirmed that regardless of what category the General Plan designates the land, a building permit would still not be issued until the restriction is dealt with. Gary Neely stated that, if the Commission desires to review the history of some of these developments, as discussed by the Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC), the files were given to the Historical Society. He stated his su port for May 18, 1992 page 12 Mr. Reiling's and Mr. Stone's requests for modification. Chair/Flamenbaum inquired if anyone in the audience wishes to address the Commission on any areas on the down zoning map that has not been previously addressed by letter or testimony. CD/DeStefano explained that there is an existing set of zoning classifications for all properties within the City. Existing land uses may be different than existing zoning, and the proposed General Plan may be different from existing zoning and/or different from existing land use. Therefore, in order for the proposed General Plan to be consistent with zoning, the areas represented on the map must be .down zoned. The Public Hearing was declared closed. C/Meyer questioned the purpose behind down zoning fully developed residential subdivisions, since nothing can be changed. Talking about down zoning can generate misunderstanding from the public. He suggested that there be a different way of doing it. C/Grothe stated that there is benefit in having some consistent zoning throughout the community. It would retain a similar character throughout the community - as large parcels get annexed into the community. CD/DeStefano explained that, as an exercise, it was necessary to do a study to determine how many areas would be affected by the proposed General Plan, which is basically designed to prevent higher densities from what presently exists. The Commission could change the designation from RL to RLM, or increase the density within the RL to the 5 to 6 unit per acre range. It is a major policy issue for the Commission to recommend to the City Council. C/Grothe pointed out that without consistent zoning, it is possible for an assemblage of very large lots, zoned with very small minimum lot sizes, to be replaced by a larger number of homes, or condominiums. This is very disruptive in older communities. Chair/Flamenbaum concurred. DCA/Curley, in response to Chair/Flamenbaum's inquiry if down zoning could take away a property owners right to develop, explained that changing i May 18, 1992 Page 13 land use designation and the zoning, in Plan, does not preclude the property coming back in and seeking a change of their development needs or expectat General Plan public hearings are be consistent with legal requirement. In when the consistency zoning change hal will be further notice to the public. Lloyd Zola summarized the different i general proposition that we will ident: developed properties, in the General P: existing densities; land with existii restrictions are shown as open spac general lowering of the densities, and a of potential multi family uses, or eli multi family zoning. C/Grothe, irf concurrence with the conce] laird use match zoning, stated that t benefit of keeping the community in form. If the community watts to .make it's zoning, the whole 'community gel rather than just those neighbors in t: mailing radius of some little develonme the General owner from one to meet ons. The ng noticed the future, )ens, there ;sues: the fy existing an at their g land use :; and the ntensities, aination of t of making a sees the t I s intact change in s involved e 500 foot it site. Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at, 10:07 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 10:24 p.m. CD/DeStefano suggested that the Commission may wish to schedule additional meeting dates Jn order to meet the scheduled June 1st date of col leting the review of the draft General Plan. The Commission concurred to meet on the following days: Thursday, May 21st; Tuesday, May 25th; Thursday, May 28th; and Monday June 1st Chair/Flamenbaum, returning back to the discussion regarding the down zoning map, stated that his purpose of discussing the map was to fliminate a large portion of the GPAC's recommendation, in the down zoning map, to make Diamond Bar's General Plan consistent with todays land usage. C/Meyer, in response to the suggestion to zone school property as "Schools'', stated t1at because schools do sell off their property, t ere is no harm created by keeping an underlying zone of R-1, with a public utility use on it, or zoning it POL. C/Meyer recommended that the Land Use esignation reflect the existing zoning, as opposed to GPAC's recommendation of having the Land Use esignation May 18, 1992 ADJOURNMENT: Page 14 reflect existing development. VC/MacBride and C/Li concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum recommended that the specific designations -to the areas defined as Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon be deleted from the map, and be made part of a specific plan. The Commission concurred. Lloyd Zola stated that, the limitation on taking out any reference to the density of development, is the State law requiring that the General Plan specify the intensity of use on parcels. CD/DeStefano stated that staff, Lloyd Zola, and the City Attorney will work out specific language on the two specific pian candidates. Lloyd Zola, in reference to C/Meyer's suggestion regarding the land use map, pointed out that there are situations where parcels are zoned manufacturing, but in the current community plan it is commercial, and situations where condominiums are located in commercial zones. C/Meyer stated that he was referring to existing residentially developed property. CD/DeStefano suggested that those areas designated RL, that would be required to undertake a down zoning, be designated RLM, which is consistent with the present zoning, allowing 6 units per acre. The Commission concurred. C/Meyer suggested that those land use categories, with potential development that surround The Country, and other large tracts of land, be debated on their merit. The Commission concurred. C/Grothe suggested that all public facilities remain designated as Public Facility on the map. The Commission concurred. C/Meyer suggested that The Country's land use designation be dealt with as a specific issue. The Commission concurred. Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by C/Grothe and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 10:58 p.m. to be continued to Thursday, May 21, 1992 at 7:40 p.m. May 18, 1992 Page 1s Respectively, James DeStefano Secretary . Attest: Bruce Flamenbaum Chairman X Candid O'Neil explained that pitch is the commonly used word, and frequency is the scientific term. If the Commission would like to char ge it suggested by C/Grothe, as , then it would i ieed to be done consistently throughout the oche bullets. The Commission concurred. C/Meyer stated that there needs to be adefinition section to identify not only the terms but the various terminology used thro n page 2, element. ghout the VC/MacBride requested that the letter "mr, in "march", first line, second ragraphbe capitalized, and the words, "very deleted. p Important,", be Chair/Flamenbaum stated that the Commission is assuming that the data in Tables 1, 2 nd 3 as presented in the document, are ccurately reflected. C/Meyer suggested that the abbreviations, on page 7, activity category D, table 2, be sp cifically spelled out, and dated. CD/DeStefano, in response to VC/MacBride that there is an Aeac, stated can be found in the Appendix the Existing lSet in which the General Plan. g, and CITY F DIO BAR MINUTES OF $E PLANNING COMMISSION Y 21, 1992 CALL TO ORDER: .The meetin was called o order at 7:0 South Coast Air Qual' Y Management District CC -2, 2186 P.M at the Room E. California. Pley Drive, Diamond Bar, ROLL CALLS Commissioners: Meyer, Li e, V MacBride, and Chairman Flame baum ce Chairman I Also present were Community Development James DeStefano, Associate Director Planner Rob Candid O'Neil, of the Planning Network. Searcy, and NT ED UBLIC SEARING Chair/Flamenbaum stated that the Commission review the will rOise Element revisions made to the Plan Health and Safety:Noise, as was recommended for Public Commission April 27, 1992. by the VC/MacBride suggested that the word deleted from the "Pitch" be second bullet on page 1. C/Grothe suggested that the term b Frequency/Pitch, e as but that the follo "Frequency is,,, be deleted. ingefwords Candid O'Neil explained that pitch is the commonly used word, and frequency is the scientific term. If the Commission would like to char ge it suggested by C/Grothe, as , then it would i ieed to be done consistently throughout the oche bullets. The Commission concurred. C/Meyer stated that there needs to be adefinition section to identify not only the terms but the various terminology used thro n page 2, element. ghout the VC/MacBride requested that the letter "mr, in "march", first line, second ragraphbe capitalized, and the words, "very deleted. p Important,", be Chair/Flamenbaum stated that the Commission is assuming that the data in Tables 1, 2 nd 3 as presented in the document, are ccurately reflected. C/Meyer suggested that the abbreviations, on page 7, activity category D, table 2, be sp cifically spelled out, and dated. CD/DeStefano, in response to VC/MacBride that there is an Aeac, stated can be found in the Appendix the Existing lSet in which the General Plan. g, and May 21, 1992 Page 2 VC/MacBride, referring to Figure G-4, page 11, questioning if the area of Sunset Crossing, westerly of the freeway should be shaded, stated that he finds it hard to believe that the area is experiencing a background noise level of over 60 dba, similar to Diamond Har Boulevard. Candid O'Neil explained that the graph indicates that the areas are potentially experiencing over 60 dba, and that some shaded areas may experience a' higher noise level than other shaded areas. The study was based on the existing conditions on those streets, and, not all streets were included in the study. C/Li, noting that the consultants used FHWA Analysis based on existing Average Daily Traffic, as footnoted on page 13, Table 4, questioned if DKS actually conducted a sound study. VC/MacBride stated that he is not convinced that the sound study was made most of the way west of the freeway. He informed the Commission that three people from the Sunset Crossing area have communicated to him that they feel the map is a set up in order to have a truck route through the neighborhood. He questioned if the study was conducted at the off ramp point, or midway between the YMCA and the off ramp. Chair/Flamenbaum noted that, regardless of how many residents speak out, the only way to refute the data is with data. He requested that staff check the location of where the traffic study was done. If it was done at the off ramp, then augment the study at the other end of Sunset Crossing. Take the shading out of the map, if appropriate. C/Li suggested that there be an additional footnote, on page 13, Table 4, to reflect that the ADT source is to be found in the traffic report. VC/MacBride suggested that the last sentence, in the last paragraph of subsection 3. Stationary Noise, page 14, be amended to read, "...there are no known significant sources of stationary noise.". The last sentence, in the last paragraph of subsection 4. Local Noise Conditions, page 14, should delete the words 'meed to". The Commission concurred. C/Meyer stated that the first sentence in subsection 5. Sensitive Receptors, page 15, should not use the word "discourage" but rather indicate May 21, 1992 Page 3 that incompatible noise intrusive land uses are carefully studied to affect mitigation. The Commission concurred. C/Li suggested that the first paragraph, on page 15, properly reflect that the Figure number is 11- G-5. All the figures, within the element, should be properly designated. VC/MacBride suggested adding the clause "and through formal interaction the tra sportation corridor representatives, who's faci ities are located within the City, with the Purpose of constructing sound barriers, such as U lls along the right of ways, where the Ln exceeds acceptable limits compatible with adjacent recepto s", to the second sentence of the last paragraph on page 15. C/Meyer, noting that the paragraph accurately describes the existing condition, suggested that such a statement may be more appropriately in the Goal section. The Commission concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that Figure 1 -G-5 note the potential site for an educational facility in the Tres Hermanos area. The Commission oncurred. C/Grothe suggested that the map also be dated in case the names of the facilities get changed. Commission concurred. The AP/Searcy noted that number 15, Figure 1-G-5, be amended to read Mount Calvary School. C/Meyer suggested that the map be ch cked for accuracy to assure that all the schools are included, with the proper names, and tie proper location. The Commission concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum, referring to page 18, figure 11- 6-7, questioned if footnote 4 is properly placed in the Existing Setting, or if it should be placed in the Goals section. Candid O'Neil explained that the 45 C14EL is a standard that is recommended by the.Stat e, and is neither a present standard nor a future standard. VC/MacBride suggested that the statement, 'although there will be ...are not considered signi icant.", be deleted from the last paragraph on page 19. The Commission concurred. May 21, 1992 Page 4 Chair/Flamenbaum stated that Table 5, page 20, needs to cite the future traffic study conditions, projected to the year 2010. CD/DeStefano stated that he put the definition discussion in the Existing Setting section, on page 22. Strategy 1.10.2 - Change 60 db CNEL to 65 db CNEL. Strategy 1.10.3 - Move the clause in parenthesis after the word "projects". Strategy 1.10.5 - Replace "or exceed" to "reached". Strategy 1.10.6 - Delete the word "annual". C/Meyer suggested that the Strategy be reworded to state, "As part of the General Pian review, determine: 1. whether traffic levels have increased; 2. if new stationary noise generation sources have been created; and 3. if the noise contour map needs to be updated.". The Commission concurred. Strategy 1.10.7 - Replace "proposed" with "identified". Gary Neely, residing at 344 Canoe Cove, noting that Golden Springs Road cannot run west of Sunset Crossing Road, as indicated on page 12, of the Noise Element, suggested that it be changed appropriately. Chair/Flamenbaum, in response to Gary Neely's concern, suggested that the last paragraph, on page 19, of the Noise Element, be deleted. The Commission concurred. Motion was made by C/Grothe, seconded VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to prepare the final draft of the Plan for Public Health and Safety: Noise, as amended. Plan For CD/DeStefano distributed the Plan For Physical Physical Mobility to the Commission. He suggested that the Mobility Commission may wish to review the Minutes, on the Plan for Physical Mobility, in conjunction with these goals and policies changes that have been provided by the consultants, and begin discussion on the Housing Element at this time. Housing The Commission concurred to begin review of the Goals, Objectives, and Implementation Strategies of the Housing Element. 4 Map 21, 1992 Page 5 DCA/Curley, in regards to the specific comments by the Housing of Community Development (HDC) to the Housing Element, stated that it is preferred that the philosophy of the General Plan be responsive to the HCD concerns. If there is a consci us decision to disregard the HDC's comments, then a rationale must be provided explaining why we are being nonresponsive. C/Meyer suggested that the word "Residents" be deleted from the overall goal to avoid being discriminatory. The Commission concurred. Objective 1.1 - Delete the words, "a reasonable Portion of the", and, "in the region". Strategy 1.1.1 - Delete the words "large scale", "that", and "be provided". Chair/F'lamenbaum, in regards to Strategy which had been deleted, stated that h .k s lthe idea of encouraging the mixed use conce t. Strategy 1.1.2 - The Commission co curred to reword the strateMr to read, "Encourage large scale commercial/office developments to provide a residential component as part of an overall mixed use conce t, where feasible." Strategy 1.1.3 - Delete the words, " ncluded in the Diamond Bar Levelopment Code", and replace the first "unreasonably with "needlessly". CD/DeStefano, in response to DCA/Curley s concern that there should be mention of how and when the City will accomplish Strategy 1.1.3, suggBsted that Strategy 1.1.4 be reworded to state, 'Prepare a public information packet summarizing he City's zoning and development requirements for r sidential construction.". The Commission concurred. Strategy 1.1.4 - Reword as previously indicated by CD/DeStefano. Strategy 1.1.5 - Delete the clause "(next five years)", replace the word, "produce an annual re ort which identifies the revs ues that are available" with "produce required repo is to May 21, 1992 Page 6 accomplish", and delete "and which sets production goals". Strategy 1.1.6 - Delete the words "quality,", "the development of", and "on". CD/DeStefano suggested that the deleted portion, of Strategy 1.1.7, should be put back in, except for the phrase "discretionary and nondiscretionary residential". In response to C/Li, he explained that the third bullet, in Strategy 1.1.71 is requesting that those agencies hold a joint public hearing on the EIR in order to expedite the process. Strategy 1.1.7 - The Commission concurred to put the strategy back in, as indicated by CD/DeStefano. Strategy 1.1.8 - Delete. Strategy 1.1.9 - Reword the statement to read, "Encourage use of innovative site development and construction materials and techniques.". Strategy 1.1.10 - Add the word "or" before "make 10 percent...", and change the second line to read, "providing a minimum of 25 percent...". Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that Strategy 1.1.11 delete the words "of large residential". CD/DeStefano explained that, because HDC had requested further classification, GPAC requested the first two bullets be deleted. However, the consultants suggested that the bullets be revised to read, "Developments with less than 250 units will be able to pay an in lieu affordable housing fee, assessed per unit, to help provide affordable housing in other locations, within the City, if they cannot be reasonably provided on site.", and also "Developments with more than 250 units will be required to provide at least 10 percent of their units to meet current affordability guidelines, or pay the in lieu fee.". Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that it read, "Developments of residential units are to provide a mix of dwelling units types.". It is unlikely that a 250 unit would ever be developed within the City, and that number should be lowered. Developers should be encouraged to put in affordable smaller homes so our young people can live in the same community as their parents, and local folks can afford to retire into these smaller homes. r May 21, 1992 Page 7 C/Meyer stated that low cost housing equated with financial assistance, should be the quality of rather construction. than with Strategy 1.1.11 - Delete the words "of large residential". Bullet one: The Commission co curred to reword bullet one to read, "Developments of units or more shall pay an in lieu affordable housing fee, assessed per unit to help provide affordable housing in other locations, ithin the City, if they cannot be Bullet two: reasonably provided The Commission on site.,, concurred l0% of all new housi that g is to be affordable units, is an Bullet three: acceptable standard The Commission concurred to reword it to read, "Establish parking requirements for senior citizen housing tc a level consistent with the residents transportation need 3.11. The sentence following b llet three is to be deleted. .Strategy 1.1.12 - Add to the first sentence, " ..and other -viabl economic alternatives.". Goal 2 - The Commission con urred to delete the word "gen ler". Objective 2.1 - Add the words, "very lows, before "low". Strategy 2.1.1a. - Change the word "participate" to "provide". and ad if encourage relocation , .and within the community.,,, to the end of the sentence. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that a new sub ection e. should be added indicating a requirement that those houses should always be maintained as low cost/moderate housing. Strategy 2.1.le. - The Commissionconcu red that staff is to wr'te this subsection as indi ated by Chair/Flamenbaum. May 21, 1992 Page 8 Strategy 2.1.1d. - Delete the word "Annually", and delete the last sentence. Strategy 2.2.1 - Either develop a new strategy 2.2.2 stating "Participate in the Fair Housing Programs" or reverse the strategy numbers. VC/MacBride suggested that, for continuity, Objective 2.3 should include mention of the disabled, and the strategies should include mention of the homeless. Strategy 2.3.2 - Chair/Flamenbaum that there are an to the disabled standards for the houses. Delete the word "rental". suggested that there be mention "x" number of housing available as well as the appropriate handicap in those "x" number of VC/MacBride noted that Strategy 2.3.1 indicates that housing is to be accessible to the handicap. The Commission concurred. CD/DeStefano stated that Objective 2.3 should also include large families and other groups in need of affordable housing. The Commission concurred. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that there should be a City program that refers individuals to emergency shelters if it is ever needed. The provision should state, "The City shall provide information regarding emergency shelter availability.". CD/DeStefano stated that he will insert "City" and "Housing Development Funds" just above "Private Organization", on page 61, and include information regarding emergency shelters, as well. C/Li suggested that mention of the funding program be included in Objective 3.2. CD/DeStefano stated that the HDC would prefer that the City identify potential location for the development of these kinds of housing. The Housing Element should talk about how the City will pursue affordable housing throughout the community, with these particular areas, and with these policies. Then, the Land Use Element can discuss the locations more specifically in terms of densities. Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that there be a fourth goal the states, "Identify potential location of i May 21, 1992 Page 9 affordable housing within the City", and then identify those sites, generically. CD/DeStefano stated that the Commissi n will also need to discuss the issue of determining what the highest density, in the community, should generally be. The GPAC has recommended a maximuIlt density of 12 units per acre. C/Meyer, in reference to the location of the affordable housing, suggested that HDC lie told that the affordable housing will be located in the vacant property through specific plan levelopment review, and in fill will be looked at bF a case by case basis. CD/DeStefano, in response to C/Meyer's inquiry, stated that the vacant land will be referred to in -it's broadest term, and not to the map. The Public Hearing was declared open. The Public Hearing was declared closed. Objective 3.1 - Add the words " the improvement of, encourage the word "Maintain!', . ��' after ADJOURNMENT.. The meeting was adjourned to 7:00 May, 26, 1992. p.m. Attest: Bruce Flame ba Chairman Respectively, James DeStefano Secretary Tuesday, IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MOAIITORING • • IMPLEMENTATION/MITIGATION MOTITOIgNG A. INTRODUCTION Adoption of a General Plan is not an end, but a milepost in an ongoing community planning process. The prupose of this section is to identify implementation actions, as well as to assign respoinsibilities to nsure General Plan implementation. B. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND INTERPRETATI 1. ZONING Following adoption of the Diamond Bar General Plan, the City's zoning map will be revised as ne to be consistent with the General Plan Land Use map. Zoning ordinance provisions will also be in order to maintain consistency with the updated General Plan. 2. SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS In addition to a comprehensive revision of zoning ordinance provisions, a comprehensive revieand revision of City subdivision regulations will be undertaken to maintain consistency with the u dated General Plan. 3. ANNTuAL GENERAL PLAN REvIEw California Government Code Section 65400(b) requires the planning agency of each city and county in the State to provide an "annual report to the legislative body on the status of the (general) plaa and progress in its implementation." Such a report will be prepared and delivered annually to the Diamond Bar City Council. In addition, AB 3180 (Ch. 1232, Stats. 1988), which amended the California Environmental Quali Act, requires every city and county to develop a monitoring or reporting plan in order to mitigate or avoid significant environmental effects. Because the strategies of the Diamond Bar General Plan were wed as environmental mitigation measures in the Plan's EIR, the annual report prepared for the City Council regarding implementation of the General Plan will also be used to satisfy AB 3180 requirements. 4. DEvELOPMEN-r REvIEW State law requires that zoning and subdivision actions undertaken by cities and counties be consisten# with the local general plan. To assist city staff and decisionmakers, as well as potential applicants and the pu is in understanding the General Plan criteria by which individual projects will be revieA ed in the City of Diamond Bar, a Development Review Checklist will be formulated. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROG�AM JUNE 1. 1992 M P-1 5. CAPrrAL FAcuzrIEs Among the statutory responsibilities of California cities and counties is to "annually review d improvement program of the city or county and the local public works projects of other local for their consistency with the general plan...." (Government Code Section 65103(c)). capital Also, pursuant to State law (Government Code Section 65401), all departments within the city and all other local government agencies (including the County school districts, and special districts) must submit a list of proposed projects to the City. The City is then responsible for reviewing these projects for conformity with the General Plan. Few agencies within the State of California are in complian a with these requirements. It is the City's intent to execute these requirements for General Plan con istency reporting and review to the best of its ability. The annual General Plan consistency report process will be used to comply with the provisions of Government Code Sections 65301 and 65401. 6. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT s Any amendment to the Plan text or maps must be reviewed by the Planning Commission and be by the City Council. By law, the General Plan may be amended a maximum of four times a year i changes may be grouped into each amendment). The City Council or any citizen may apply to the Plan text or maps. • Requests are reviewed by both the Planning Commission and Council at public he irings, and the impacts which would result from implementation are studied by staff to determine whether the proposal should be supported. • In order to ensure a compatible and consistent General Plan document any prposed change in the Land Use maps must be consistent with the criteria and conditions of the text. a. Processing of Amendments General Plan amendment requests will be processed in accordance with State Planning Law, CEQ , and City ordinances. There are three categories of GA's, with each type being of greater comple ity to review and process in accordance with state requirements. There will be a range of deposits that leflect the cost of processing each type of application. The three types of GPA's will be categorized as Major, Land Use, and Technical amendments. Major Amendments Major Amendments are any changes to the goals policies, or actions that would alter the basic poficy directions previously set forth within the Plan. A Major Amendment is also a change that would create substantial extension of urban services. Major amendments will be Council initiated. Requests for initiations will be heard twice a year. Any applicant requesting such an amendment will be required to first file a request for Council action to formally initiate the amendment. After Council initiation, an application may be filed wi the Planning Department by the applicant. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGI AM JUNE 1, 1992 M P-2 • • Land Use and Minor Amendments Land Use and Minor Amendments will be considered by the Planning Commission on an ongoin basis. Land Use and Minor Amendments are revisions to the land use designations of the General Plan, as well as text changes that do not create the need for extension or new urban services to an area. Technical Amendments Amendments of this nature are essentially changes to the data base and statistics used in prepar tion of the plan, changes to correct textual errors, and changes within the text to clarify the meaning of oiicies and actions as adopted. These will be processed on an ongoing basis. 7. INTERPRETATION OF TBE GENTERAL PLAN a. Map Boundaries and Symbols In any case where uncertainty exists regarding the location of boundaries of any land use ca egory, proposed public facility symbol, circulation alignment or other symbol or line found on the off maps, the following procedures will be used to resolve such uncertainty: • Boundaries shown as approximately following lot lines, shall be construed to be folowina such lot lines. • Where a land use category applied to a parcel is not mapped to include an adjacen street or alley, the category shall be considered to extend to the centerline of the right f -way. • Boundaries shown as following or approximately following the limits of any muicipal corporation shall be construed as following such limits. • Boundaries show as following or approximately following section lines, half -sectio c� lines, or quarter -section lines shall be construed as following such lines. • Boundaries shown as following or approximately following the centerlines of st eams, creeks, rivers, or other continuously flowing water courses shall be const ed as following the channel centerline of such water courses taken at mean low water, End, in the event of a natural change in the location of such streams, rivers, or other water courses, the zone boundary shall be construed as moving with the channel center ine. • Boundaries shown as separated from, and parallel or approximately parallel to, any of the features listed above shall be construed to be parallel to such features and a such distances therefrom as are shown on the map. • Symbols may be used that indicate appropriate locations for proposed public facilities are not property specific. They indicate only the general area within which specific f icility should be established. b. Specific Standards Where a specific numerical standard is set forth in this plan, that number is an interpretation of the underlying General Plan text, and may be varied in application, provided that the standard that is to be varied is found to achieve the same goal as the underlying policy. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PRO G AM JUNE 1, 1992 M P-3 C. Competing Objectives and Priorities It is the intent of the Diamond Bar General Plan to present straight forward goals, concepts, and strategies which present the necessary information to make future land use and policy decisions. Despite the requirements of State law requiring internal consistency of the General Plan, the inclusion o goals, concepts, and strategies which are based on competing issues, is inevitable. An example of such a case is the requirement for regular watering of areas being and the desire for water conservation. Where such competition between issues results in seemingly inconsistent strategies, City decision akers will be required to consider, the relative priority of such strategies at the time decisions are being made. C. CEQA REQUIREMENTS Adoption of the City of Diamond Bar General Plan constitutes a discretionary action by theCity. According to the CEQA Guidelines, all discretionary actions or projects must be reviewed by th Lead Agency (in this case, the City of Diamond Bar) to determine their potential effects on the environment. Pursuant to the City of Diamond Bar's guidelines to implement CEQA, an environmental checkl st was prepared for the General Plan (the "proposed project"). The checklist concluded that the updated C eneral PIan might have a significant effect on the environment. A Notice of Preparation (NOP) was iss ed by the City according to the requirements of the California Administrative Code, Title 14, Sections 15082(a), 15103, and 15375. The NOP indicated that an EIR was being prepared, and invited comments n the proposed project from public agencies and the public at large. Comments that were received were addressed during the preparation of the EIR. . The Diamond Bar General. Plan was prepared in accordance with current CEQA guidelines, as estat lished by the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR). The General Plan EIR addressed existing s tting, impacts, and mitigation measures in a general, or macro -scale, fashion. It was intended to addres City- wide, or regional, impacts of growth consistent with the City's goals, objectives, and policies. Due to this regional perspective, the General Plan EIR document fits the definition of a "Program EIR" under the guidelines of CEQA. As defined in Section 15168, program EIRs are intended to address macro -scale environmental impacts. One of the major advantages of a program EIR is that it allows the Lead A ency to examine the cumulative effects of a large-scale project, such as the proposed City of Diamond Bar General Plan. Section 15168(b) states: "... Use of a program EIR can... (1) provide an occasion for a more exhaustive consideration of effects and alternatives than would be practical in an EIR on an individual action, (2) ensure consideration of cumulative impacts that might be slighted in a case-by-case analysis, (3) allow the Lead Agency to consider broad policy alternatives and program -wide mitigation measures at an early time when the Agency has greater flexibility to deal with basic problems or cumulative impacts." I. RELATIONSHIP TO i' 1ruRE ENVM0Nl1LNTAL DOCUMENTATION As noted previously, the General Plan Environmental Impact Report was intended to be a prograrr EIR to address macro -scale impacts. It analyzed the macro-scaleimpacts expected to result from I iture growth consistent with the goals, objectives, policies, and land use designations set forth in the Dia nond Bar General Plan. This document did not directly examine environmental effects which could or would result from specific projects located on specific sites within the City. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROW AM JUNE 1, 1992 MTV P-4 Recognizing that a program EIR can adequately address macro -scale impacts, CEQA provides for its use in the environmental review of subsequent specific projects. In this way, this EIR would be consulted to determine whether a specific project is consistent with the General Plan, and is therefore wi bin the general limits of the projected land uses examined in this EIR. Individual projects propos within Diamond Bar will be reviewed by the City, as Lead Agency, to determine if additional environmental documentation is required. CEQA defines how a Program EIR relates to individual project EIRs in Section 15168(c) as "Use with Later Activities". Subsequent activities in the program must be examined in the light of the program EIR to determine whether an additional environmental document must be prepared. If a later activity would have effects that were not examined in the program EIR, a new Initial Study would need to be prepared, leading to either an EIR or a Negative Declaration. 2. If the agency finds that, pursuant to Section 15162, no new effects could occur or no new mitigation measures would be required, the agency can approve the activity as being within the scope of the project covered by the program EIR, and no new environmental documentation would be required. 3. An agency shall incorporate feasible mitigation measures and alternatives developed in the program EIR into subsequent actions in the program. 4. Where the subsequent activities involve site specific operation, the agency should use a written checklist or similar device to document the evaluation of the site and the activity to determine whether the environmental effects of the operation were covered in the program EIR." In addition, time and changed circumstances might change conditions, so that additional enviromnental review is required. CEQA also encourages the "tiering" of EIRs, which is defined in Section 15:185 as follows: "Tiering" refers to the coverage of general matters in broader EIRs (such as on general plans or policy statements), with subsequent narrower EIRs or, ultimately, site-specific EIRs incorporating by reference the general discussions and concentrating solely on the issues specific to the EIR subsequently prepared. Tiering is appropriate when the sequence of EIRs is from a general plan, policy, or program EIR to a program, plan, or policy EIR or lesser scope or to a site specific EIR. Therefore, a site-specific EIR need not examine environmental effects of a proposal if those effects have already been adequately addressed in the program EIR. 2. MITIGATION MONITORING In compliance with Public Resource Code Section 21081.6 (enacted by the passage of AB 3180), public agencies approving projects which may cause significant environmental impacts must monito the measures outlined in the EIR to mitigate the impacts of the project. For this General Plan (the "Proosed Project"), the goals, objectives, policies, and specific actions, are the proposed mitigation measums of the updated General Plan. The following Mitigation Monitoring Program is designed to monitor these goals, objectives, and strategies, and was approved by the City Council along with the General Plan and its EIR. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROG AM JUNE 1, 1992 M P-5 • • L LAND USE IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS OF DIAMOND BAR ENHANCE THE QTy OF LIFE FOR ITS RESIDENTS " GOAL L "Maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the duality of life of Diamonl Bar residents, consistent with its desire to maintain its duality and distinctivenes as a planned community." Objective 1.1 Establish a land use classiy7cation system and development to guide the public and rivate use of land within the City and its sphere of influence. Responsible Strategy Status Agency Timing Funding 1. I. I71dentify residentiallaad use categories to New program City Council, upon Ongoing General fund. e an appropriate range of housing Planning Commission developTient or residential develo ment within P recommendation reviewy and its sphere of influence. a. Identify hillside areas with an average slope greater than 25 percent as Rural Residential (RR) on the Land Use map. The maximum gross density of Rural Residential will be 1.0 dwelling unit per gross acre (1 du/ac). b. Identify established master planned single family neighborhoods as Low Density Residential (RL) on the Land Use map. The maximum density of Low Density Residential areas will be 3.0 dwelling units per gross acre (3 dulac). C. Identify existing single family detached residential subdivisions are Low Density Residential (RLM) on the Land Use mall. The maximum density of Low Medium Density Residential areas will be 6.0 dwelling units per gross acre. (6 du/ac). d. Identify townhome, condominium, apartment, mobilehome, and other multiple family residential Properties as Medittm Density Residential (RM) on the Land Use map. Maintain a maximum density of 16.0 dwelling units per gross acre (16 du/ac) within these areas. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM ANE 1, 1992 P -I-1 • • 1.1.2 Identify commercial land use categories to provide for a range of retail and service uses to serve City needs and to guide development within the City and its sphere of influence. a. EstablishGtmeral Commercial (C) areas to provide for regional, freeway -oriented, and/or community retail and service commercial uses. Development of General Commercial areas will maintain a floor area ratio (FAR) between 0.25 and 1.00. b. Identify Commercial Office (CO) land use areas on diverse, mixed use commercial retail, office, and service properties. Development within Commercial Office areas will maintain an FAR between 0.25 and 1.00. C. Identify Professional Office (OP) areas to provide for the establishment of office -based working environments for general, professional, and administrative offices, as well as support uses. 1.1.3 Areas designated Light Industrial(non the General Plan Land Use map are to provide for light industrial, research and development, and office -based industrial fume seeking a pleasant and attractive working environment, as well as for business support services, and commercial uses requiring more land areas than is available in General Commercial or Commercial Office areas. These areas will maintain a maximum floor area ratio of 0.25 to 1.00. 1.1.4 The Public Facilities (PF) designation is designed to identify existing or potential (future) sites for necessary public facilidesor infrastructureimprovements. The primary purpose of land designated as Public Facilities, is to provide areas for the conduct of public and institutional activities, including but not necessarily limited to, local, State, and federal agencies, special districts, and both public and private utilities. These uses maintain development standards which do not exceed that of the most restrictive adjacent designation. New Program City Council, upon Planning Commission recommendation Ongoing General review New Program City Council, upon Ongoing General Planning Commission develop recommendation review 1 New Program City Council, upon Ongoing General fu d; Planning Commission developm t recommendation review fees DIAMOND BAR GENERAL, PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 designated as Open Space (OS) New Program City Council, upon Ongoing General fu developmel develo me d; t ide recreational opportunities. Planning Department; Planning Commission Planning Commission review f residential developments, encourage a scenic and environmental traffic and preventing the creation of recommendation recommendation; review es, protection of resources (water new major roadway connections through bodies mation and conservation), and appeal to a variety of household income ction of public safety. This 1.2.4 Maintain residential areas which provide groups. Planning Department; Ongoing General develop p [5As gnation carries with it a maximum for and protect suburban lifestyles, as Program 1.2.2 Maintain a system of identifiable, Existing opmont potential of one single Ongoing General develop complementary neighborhoods, Program ily unit per parcel, unless building Planning Commission recommendation, review 1 providing, where appropriate, previously restricted or prohibited a. Development in hillside areas Planning Department uch properties by the County. should be designed to be: ide Paris (PK) designations for New Program City Council, upon Plannin Commission g Ongoing General fu developm d; nt ting and future public patios. natural areas; compatible to the recommendation review f Objective 1.2 preserve and maintain the quality of existing residential neighborhoods while offer variety of suburban, urban, and rural housing opportunities. City Council, upon 1.2.1 Wbcre feasible and practical within Existing Planning Department; Ongoing Planning Commission Develop review f residential developments, encourage a Program traffic and preventing the creation of development review recommendation; review range of housing types, which will new major roadway connections through bodies appeal to a variety of household income 1.2.4 Maintain residential areas which provide groups. Planning Department; Ongoing General develop p for and protect suburban lifestyles, as Program 1.2.2 Maintain a system of identifiable, Existing City Council, upon Ongoing General develop complementary neighborhoods, Program Planning Commission recommendation, review 1 providing, where appropriate, a. Development in hillside areas Planning Department neighborhood identity signage, and should be designed to be: ensuring that such signage is well natural areas; compatible to the maintained over time. extent practical with surrounding • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 a 1.2.3 Maintain the integrity of residential Existing City Council, upon Ongoing General develop. neighborboodsby discouraging through Program Planning Commission f traffic and preventing the creation of recommendation; review new major roadway connections through Planning Department existing residential neighborhoods. 1.2.4 Maintain residential areas which provide Existing Planning Department; Ongoing General develop p for and protect suburban lifestyles, as Program development review well as protect natural resources and bodies review hillsides. a. Development in hillside areas should be designed to be: compatible with surrounding natural areas; compatible to the extent practical with surrounding development; aesthetically pleasing and provide views from the development, but not at the expense of views of the development. b. Earthwork in hillside areas should utilize contour or landform grading to be compatible with the surrounding natural topography. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 a 0 b. exemplary design and significant amenities beyond minimum requirements. 1.2.9 Density calculations for development Existing Planning Department Ongoing Dcvclopn ant proposals that offer significant Program review few community amenities may include land previously designated as open space if clustering and/or the transfer of developmentrights are utilizedto protect those open space resources determined to be significant by the City. This process would allow a property owner to 'transfer" all or part the development potential of an entire site (either units or buildings) to a smaller portion of the site, thus preserving the remaining land. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 1.2.5 Maintain residential areas which provide Existing Planning Department; Ongoing General for a suburban lifestyle, including ownership of single family housing. Program development review bodies develop review I a. Within areas designated for Low Density and Low -Medium Residential uses, limit land uses to single family detached residential. b. New development shall be compatible with the prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood. 1.2.6 Broaden the range of, and encourage Existing Planning Dcpartment; Ongoing General innovation in, housing types: Program development review develops bodies review f a. Require developments within Medium Density areas to provide amenities such as common usable, active open space and recreational areas. 1.2.7 Where consistent with the other New Program Community Ongoing General provisions of the Diamond Bar General Development develops Plan, encourage the provision of low Director; review f and moderate cost housing (see also development review Sousing Goals, Objectives, and bodies Strategies in this document). 1.2.8 Provide density bonuses of 25 percent or Existing Community Ongoing General more for projects which provide: Program Development develops Director; review f a. a minimum of 10 percent of its development review units at rates affordable to housing bodies low and moderate income households; or 0 b. exemplary design and significant amenities beyond minimum requirements. 1.2.9 Density calculations for development Existing Planning Department Ongoing Dcvclopn ant proposals that offer significant Program review few community amenities may include land previously designated as open space if clustering and/or the transfer of developmentrights are utilizedto protect those open space resources determined to be significant by the City. This process would allow a property owner to 'transfer" all or part the development potential of an entire site (either units or buildings) to a smaller portion of the site, thus preserving the remaining land. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM AJNF 1, 1992 Objective 1.3 Designate adequate land for retail and service commercial, professional services, and other employment-generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City's needs. 1.3.1 Identify such lands for commercial use Existing City Manager's Complete General I und as am necessary to minimize sales tax Program Office determination leakage out of Diamond Bar and to within 1 year capture the City's fair share of sales tax of General revenue. Plan adoption, implement a. Identify retail needs which are not program being met in the community. within 90 days thereafter b. Define and implement an economic development program to attract needed commercial uses to the City. 1. 3.2 Emeourage the development of Existing Planning Department; Ongoing General I ind; businesses that take advantage of Program development review developir ent locations visible from the freeway. bodies review f a. Within the General Commercial designation, appropriate land uses include a broad range of retail commercial and service uses. 1.3.3 Encourage neighborhood serving retail Existing Planning Department; Ongoing General f nd; and service commercial uses. Program development review dcvclopm Mt bodies review f a. Typical uses in the Commercial Office category include general retail, specialty retail, markets; food and drug stores, commercial services, restaurants, automotive repair and service, hardware and home improvement centers, recreation, professional and business offices, financial institutions, medical offices, and real estate offices. 1.3.4 Encourage the rehabilitation, Existing Planning Department; Ongoing General f`1 Lnd; refurbishment, and/or expansion of Program development review developm nt existing uses that generate sales tax bodies review f s revenues to the City, where consistent with other provisions of the General Plan and Development Code. 1.3.5 Encourage employment-generating uses Existing Planning Department; Ongoing General f nd; in locations that serve the city's needs. Program development review developm t bodies review f a. Professional Office areas are to provide for the establishment of office-based working environments for general, professional, and administrative offices, as well as necessary support uses. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM AJNF 1, 1992 • • • b. The Gateway Corporate Center in particular offers large lots with a capacity for multi -story buildings, and is designed to take advantage of unique locations with good freeway access, as well as access to miscellaneous support uses. Buildings adjacent to the freeways along Gateway and Bridgegate should have a maximum of six (6) stories). Buildings along Copley and Valley Vista should have a maximum of eight (8) stories. Trees native to the area should be used to obstruct unsightly views. Maintain an overall FAR of 0.50. c. Within the Professional Office designation, appropriate uses include administrative and professional offices; business related retail and service functions, restaurants, health clubs, financial institutions, medical and health Care facilities, service stations, vocational and trade schools, corporate offices, financial institutions, brokerage firms, and multi -tenant offices. Commercial uses allowed in areas that support office uses include limited convenience commercial, specialty retail, hotel/conference facilities, and restaurants. d. Within the Light industrial designation, allowable uses include light manufacturing, assembly, wholesaling, and warehousing conducted within an enclosed building; small scale warehousing and distribution; administrativeand professional uses; business support uses; eating and drinking establishments; personal services; retail sales of durable goods (in support of primary activities); and research and development. in addition, administrative offices supporting the primary industrial use of the property may be permitted. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 Objective 1.4 Designate adequate land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public s activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. rvic und; s 1.4.1 Ensure that land owned and purchased New Program Community Ongoing for public use by public agencies are Development designated on the Land Use map for Director; City public purposes. manager's office General development review f a. Specific uses within the Public Facilities category, as shown on the Land Use map include water facilities, fire stations, schools, parks. libraries. and similar facilities. 1.4.2 Promote joint development and use of Existing perks and open space facilities with Program adjacent jurisdictions; promote development of joint school/park sites, Parks and Recreation Director; Parks Commission Ongoing General I park develop funds and; eat ind 1.4.3 When a public agency determines that Existing Community Ongoing land it owns is no longer needed, ensure Program Development that the property is offered to other Director; City agencies, including the City of Diamond Manager's office Bar, for public uses, prior to conversion General f to private sector use. ind; nt 1.4.4 Designate and pursue acquisition of a Existing Paries and Recreation Complete site centralized site for use as a civic/multi- Program Director; Parks identification purpose community center. Commission within 1 year General f park deveIopm of General funds Plan adoption Objective 1.5 Maintain a feeling of open space within the community by identifying and preserving adequate amount of open land an at 1.5.1 Maintain an inventory of previous Existing Planning Department Ongoing dedications, designations, or decisions Program regarding open space made by the Developm review f County of Los Angeles and the City. a. The City shall require developers of vacant land to provide appropriatetitle or other ownership documents to identify any development restrictions on the property. CJ DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 1-7 • • 1.5.2 Coordinate the protection of open land Existing Parki and Recreation Complete General fund; by the identification and funding of new Program Director; needs assess- park City parks, natural or landscaped slopes, ment within 1 developmt nt or maintenance agreements for private year of funds; land in exchange for preservation of General Plan assessmen natural arm. adoption; district establish a. Investigate the need for a bond needed issuance to purchase open space funding within areas not already protected by open six months space restrictions. thereafter b. Investigate the need for establishment of one or more Landscapeand Lighting Districts to provide for open space improvements and maintenance. C. Investigate the potential for establishment of a maintenance district for various privately - owned, landscaped slope areas along or visible from major roadways. Objective 1.6 Provide flexibility in the planning of new development as a means of encouraging superior design. 1.6.1 Encourage the innovative use of land New Program Community Ongoing Developm nt resources and development of a variety Development review fee of housing and other development types, Director; provide a means to coordinatethe public development review and private provision of services and bodies facilities, and address the unique needs of certain lands by recognizing a Planned Development (PD) designation, in which residential, commercial, recreational, public facilities, and other land uses may be permitted. a. Within the Planned Development classification, all residential land uses considered to be appropriate within the City of Diamond Bar, as well as support uses (e.g. open space and recreation, public facilities, commercial, limited employment-generatinguses), may be appropriate, as determined in the development review process. b. Require that Planned Development projects provide a greater level of community amenities and cohesiveness, achieve superior design, and create a more desirable living environment than could be achieved through conventional subdivision design and requirements. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONFfORIhIG PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 a. Encourage development of a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 55450 for the Tonner Canyon area that will protect its unique biological and open space resources, create fiscal benefits for the City and enhance its infrastructure, while minimizing future adverse impacts to both the human and natural environment of the City, as well as the region. Development which would be appropriate and which could be designed to be. compatible with the environmental objectives for the area might include recreational, residential, and commercial uses. In addition, the Tonner Canyon Specific Plan should make provision for a regional transportation corridor. Within this specific Plan area, developmentat an equivalentof 1.0 dwelling units per acre may b, permitted. b. Encourage formulation of a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 55450 for the 800 acres in the northeast segment of the City known as Tres Hermans. This area represents a unique opportunity to provide facilities of a type and in a manner which take advantage of the site. Facilities appropriate for this site should be designed based upon a vision for the future, and not merely extend the patterns of the past. Such facilities may includes high school, reservoir for practical and aesthetic purposes, commercial developments which are not typical of those found in the area, and a variety of residential and other uses which are complementary to the overall objective of having a master planned area. Development within the Tres Hermanos area should be designed so as to be a DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1. 1992 review 1.6.2 Encourage the innovative use of land Existing Community Ongoing resources and development of a variety Program Development through of housing and other development types, Director; completion of provide a means to coordinate the public development review identified and private provision of services and bodice specific plans facilities, and address the unique needs of certain lands by recognizing a Specific Plan (SP) designation for large scale development areas in which residential, commercial. recreational, public facilities, and other land uses may be permitted. a. Encourage development of a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 55450 for the Tonner Canyon area that will protect its unique biological and open space resources, create fiscal benefits for the City and enhance its infrastructure, while minimizing future adverse impacts to both the human and natural environment of the City, as well as the region. Development which would be appropriate and which could be designed to be. compatible with the environmental objectives for the area might include recreational, residential, and commercial uses. In addition, the Tonner Canyon Specific Plan should make provision for a regional transportation corridor. Within this specific Plan area, developmentat an equivalentof 1.0 dwelling units per acre may b, permitted. b. Encourage formulation of a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 55450 for the 800 acres in the northeast segment of the City known as Tres Hermans. This area represents a unique opportunity to provide facilities of a type and in a manner which take advantage of the site. Facilities appropriate for this site should be designed based upon a vision for the future, and not merely extend the patterns of the past. Such facilities may includes high school, reservoir for practical and aesthetic purposes, commercial developments which are not typical of those found in the area, and a variety of residential and other uses which are complementary to the overall objective of having a master planned area. Development within the Tres Hermanos area should be designed so as to be a DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1. 1992 review • 1.6.3 Ertablisha process to allow the transfer New Program City Council, upon of density or development rights from Planning Commission land with important open space (or other recommendation resourc=), to land that is more suitable for development. 1.6.4 Encourage hillside development to be Existing Community clustered within the most developable Program Development portions of project sites to preserve months of General Plan Director; common open space and/or other natural development review resources. Such development should be bodies located to coordinate with long-term improve attendance and firmly fix plant for active parks, passive (open ongoing thereafter the event(&) in the mind of the space) parka, and preserve am.ural open space areas. a. Carefully review offers to dedicate b. Encourage a "Community additional open space land to the income, race, interests, and religion to interact, exchange ideas, and establish City. Consideration will be given realize common goals. to soil conditions, funding of Existing City Council, upon maintenance as well as the actual General fu d; dedication. Program Planning Commission Include within General Development code to be ready for hearing within six months of General Plan adoption Ongoing I Develop review b. Carefully review development in within six a. Whenever possible, estabiish areas designated as Rural months of General Plan permanent locations and regular adoption; Residential to ensure that large lots . improve attendance and firmly fix with undisturbed open spaces are ongoing thereafter the event(&) in the mind of the maintained privately. b. Encourage a "Community Objective 1.7 .stimulate opportunities for a population which is diverse in terms of age, occupat income, race, interests, and religion to interact, exchange ideas, and establish n, nd realize common goals. 1.7.1 Retain and provide a hierarchy of Existing City Council, upon Ongoing General fu d; community social gathering places, Program Planning Commission developme it including active and natural park lands, recommendation review f one or more community centers, and plaza areas within new commercial and office complexes. 1.7.2 Maintain s public information program New Program City manager's office Program to be General fu d to inform residents of community established events. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 10 within six a. Whenever possible, estabiish months of General Plan permanent locations and regular adoption; dates for community events to . improve attendance and firmly fix ongoing thereafter the event(&) in the mind of the public. b. Encourage a "Community Calendar" as part of the local cable television programming to inform residents about the times and locations of upcoming community events. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 10 1..7.3 Where feasible within new New Program Community Ongoing Develo developments, encourage a mixture of reduce energy and water consumption, Development generation of solid and hazardous complementary development types (e.g. Director; bodies review residential, recreational, sales tax- and development review 2.1.3 Ensure that time -specific issues are New Program Planning Department Ongoing employment -generating uses) which can evaluated as part of the review of new bodies development and intensification of be provided in an integrated manner. review fees existing development. For example, Existing Community Ongoing Develol 1.7.4 Within new residential developments, enoourageorganizationofneighborhoods Program Development plants or the seasonal migration of into smaller units and discourage Director; review through traffic on local streets. while JUNE 1, 1992 development review maintainiung pedestrian and bicycle 1 bodes continuity and encouraging neighborhood improvement programs and social events. GOAL 2• "Manage land use with respect to the location, density and intensity, and quality of development in order to maintain consistency with the capabilities of the City and special districts to provide essential services, and to achieve sustainable use of environmental and manmade resources. Objective 2.1 Promote land use patterns and intensities which are consistent with the Plan for Re Management. 2, 1.1 Ensure that planning programs and Existing City Council, upon Ongoing Develc individual development projects within Program Planning Commission review and affecting the City recognize, and are recommendation sensitive to, environmental resource limitations. a. Prior to approving new development or the intensification of existing development within the City of Diamond Sar, ensure that the environmental consequences of the proposed action have been reaogaized. b. When reviewing plans and development projects referred to the City by adjacent jurisdictions, insist that there be a recognition and appropriate mitigation- of the environmental consequencesof the Proposed action. Ensure that new development utilizes Existing Community Ongoing Developme feasible contemporary technologies to Program Development review fee: reduce energy and water consumption, Director; generation of solid and hazardous development review wastes, and air and water .pollutant bodies emissions. 2.1.3 Ensure that time -specific issues are New Program Planning Department Ongoing Developme evaluated as part of the review of new development and intensification of review fees existing development. For example, where appropriate, require prior to approval, that biological assessments be prepared through the seasonal cycle of plants or the seasonal migration of animals. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONPFORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 IN • • Objective 2.2 Maintain an organized pattern of land use which minimizes conflicts between land uses. 2.2.1 Require that new developments be Existing Community Ongoing Development compatible with surrounding land uses. Program Development review ri es Director; development review bodies 2.2.2 Prohibit the development of adjacent Existing Community Ongoing Develo pi nent land uses with significantly different Program Development review ft es intensities, or that have operating Director; characteristics which could create developmenlreview nuisances along a common boundary, bodies unless an effective buffer can be created. 2.2.3 Where land uses of significantly Existing Community Ongoing Deyclopi ient different intensity or use are planned Program Development review f adjacent to each other, ensure that Director; individual site designs and operations are development. review managed in such a manner as to avoid bodies the creation of nuisances and ha7-qrds. 2.2.4 Require that new developments be Existing Community Ongoing; General I and; designed so as to respect the views of Program Development adopt dcvelopa ent existing developments, provide view Director; standards review fe es corridors which are oriented toward development review within 1 year existing or proposed community bodies of General amenities, such as a park, open space, Plan adoption or natural features. a. As part of the Development Code, adopt clear standards to identify the extent to which views can, and will, be protected from impacts by new development and intensification of existing development. Objective 2.3 Ensure that future development occurs only when consistent with the availability and adequacy of public services and facilities. 2.3.1 Through the environmental and Existing Community Ongoing Development development review processes that Program Development review f adequate services and facilities are Director; available to support each development. development review bodies I 2.3.2 Require new development to pay its fair Existing Community Ongoing; Developrr ent share of the public facilities and offsite Program Development develop review fens; improvements needed to serve the Director; standards general fund proposed use. development review within 1 year bodies of General Pian adoption GOAL 3. "Maintain recognition within Diamond Bar and the surrounding region as being a community with a well planned and aesthetically pleasing physical environment. DiAmoND BAR GENERAL PLAN InPI,>:mENTATioN AND MITIGAnoN MoNiToxiNG PRoGRAm JLNE 1, I992 MM -I-12 Is • General review General review 3.1.3 Encourage the modification of existing Objective 3.1 Develop and promote a unique and positive community image. General fund; 3.1.1 F.steblishacommunitywidedesignthemo for incorporation into new development. New Program Community Development Director Identify theme; establish developm t or landscape design, through aggressive prepare and funding review fee 5 code enforcement, redevelopment, or adopt departments; program guidelines development review within 1 year within 18 bodies thereafter months of Objective 3.2 Create visual points of reference, both within the community and on its boundaries, i rs a means of highlighting community identity. General Plan 3.2.1 Develop and locate City entry New Program Parks and Recreation Identify adoption 3.1.2 Encourage 'quality design' of new Existing Community Prepare and locations and developinc projects within the City consistent with Program Development adopt design within the citywide design theme, and establish six months of Director; guidelines a means of traffic control, providing clear guidelines which allow for I development review within 18 diversity and creativity in its General Plan bodies months of development and review. feature for the community. General Plan establish adoption funding Is • General review General review 3.1.3 Encourage the modification of existing Existing Community Ongoing General fund; poor quality projects, either in building Program Development establish developm t or landscape design, through aggressive Director; other city funding review fee 5 code enforcement, redevelopment, or departments; program other appropriate mechanisms. development review within 1 year bodies thereafter Objective 3.2 Create visual points of reference, both within the community and on its boundaries, i rs a means of highlighting community identity. Identify 3.2.1 Develop and locate City entry New Program Parks and Recreation Identify General fu d; monuments, highlightingkey community it Director; Parks locations and developinc nt entry points and open space areas to Commission design within review f six months of identify Diamond Bar to local and a means of traffic control, providing six months of I General Plan commuter traffic. pedestrian amenities, and as an aesthetic General Plan adoption; DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMF,NTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 MM -I-13 adoption; establish funding program within 1 year thereafter 3.2.2 Where feasible and appropriate, add Existing Parks and Recreation Identify General fu d; areas for landscaping, such as in Program Director; Parks locations and developme it medians or by widening parkways within Commission design within review f the primary arterial roadway system, as six months of a means of traffic control, providing I General Plan pedestrian amenities, and as an aesthetic adoption; feature for the community. establish funding program within l year thereafter DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMF,NTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 MM -I-13 x 3.2.4 Consider a program to place public art New Program at prominent locations throughout the City of Diamond Bar. Parks and Recreation Determine General I und; Director; Parks need and developri ient Commission feasibility review f within 6 months of General Plan adoption; establish program, if needed and feasible, within 6 months thereafter 3.2.3 Parsw the establishment and expansion New Program Parks and Recreation Determine General 3.3.1 Within the urban residential portions of of landscape maintenance districts as a City Council, upon Director; Parks need and assessm means of ensuring the ongoing Commission feasibility district maintenance of medians and community recommendation within 6 assessm entry statements, as well as maintenance months of district I of landscaping of hillsides along major General Plan roadways. adoption; landforms and vegetation. establish 3.3.2 Require in the Development Code that New Program City Council, upon Prepare needed setbacks from streets and adjacent Planning Commission funding within developm properties relate to the scale of the recommendation 1 year review fa structure as well as the size of the street thereafter 3.2.4 Consider a program to place public art New Program at prominent locations throughout the City of Diamond Bar. Parks and Recreation Determine General I und; Director; Parks need and developri ient Commission feasibility review f within 6 months of General Plan adoption; establish program, if needed and feasible, within 6 months thereafter Objective 3.3 Ensure that new development, and intensir7cation of existing development, yiek pleasant living, working, or shopping environment, and attracts interest of resid 3.2.5 Encourage the provision and New Program Parks and Recreation Determine General 3.3.1 Within the urban residential portions of maintenance of neighborhood City Council, upon Director; Parks need and develop identification signage. Commission feasibility review I open space and recreational areas into recommendation within 6 assessm the design of new projects. Within months of district I topographically rugged and rural areas, General Plan emphasize the preservation of natural adoption; landforms and vegetation. establish 3.3.2 Require in the Development Code that New Program City Council, upon Prepare program, if setbacks from streets and adjacent Planning Commission needed and developm properties relate to the scale of the recommendation feasible, review fa structure as well as the size of the street within 6 right-of-way. Require that building months setbacks along roadways to be varied so thereafter Objective 3.3 Ensure that new development, and intensir7cation of existing development, yiek pleasant living, working, or shopping environment, and attracts interest of resid a s, 14 wvorkers, shoppers, and visitors as the result of consistent exemplary design. 3.3.1 Within the urban residential portions of New Program City Council, upon Ongoing Developn the City, require the incorporation of Planning Commission review fe open space and recreational areas into recommendation the design of new projects. Within topographically rugged and rural areas, emphasize the preservation of natural landforms and vegetation. 3.3.2 Require in the Development Code that New Program City Council, upon Prepare General f7 setbacks from streets and adjacent Planning Commission Development developm properties relate to the scale of the recommendation Code review fa structure as well as the size of the street provisions for right-of-way. Require that building hearing within setbacks along roadways to be varied so 6 months of as to avoid a monotonous street scene. General Plan adoption DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 MP a s, 14 • 11 3.3.3 Minimize the use of block walls unless Existing Community Ongoing Devele they are needed for a specific screening, Program Development review safety, or sound attenuation purpose. Director; Where feasible, provide instead a wide development review open area with informal clusters of bodies trees, defined by split rail, wrought iron, or similar open fencing. a. Where construction of a solid wall which will be visible along a public street is necessary, provide landscaping such as trees, shrubs, or vines to break the visual monotony, and soften the appearance of the wall, and to reduce glare, heat; or reflection. Where solid walls currently exist along the primary roadway system, and it is possible to retrofit landscape screens, establish it funding mechanism for the construction of such screens. 3.3.4 Enhance pedestrian activity within ( Existing residential, commercial, off ice, and light program industrial areas. a. Ensure that non-residentialfacil itics are oriented to the pedestrian, by the incorporation of seating areas, courtyards, landscaping, and similar measures. b. Utilize 'street furniture" (decorative planters, bike racks, benches) to create and enhance urban open spaces. C. Design commercial and office projects so as to have a central place, main focus, or feature. Community Development Director; development review bodies Ongoing review d. Utilize varied building setbacks and staggered elevations to create plaza -like areas which attract pedestrians, whenever possible. 3.3.5 Require dud automobile service facilities New Program Community Ongoing Developm cut and commercial loading areas be Development review f oriented away from the street frontage Director; and from residential edges wherever development review possible to minimize sight and sound bodies impacts. 3.3.6 Where the rear or sides of commercial, Existing Community Ongoing Development office, or other non-residential buildings Program Development review f ee will be visible within a residential Director - neighborhood, ensure that the visible development review elevations will be treated in such a. bodies manner as to provide a pleasing appearance. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JuN-E 1, 1992 15 C -I • 3.3.7 Ensure that commercial developments Existing Community are designed with a precise concept for Program Development adequate signage, including provisions Director; for sign placement and number, as well development review as sign scale in relationship to the bodies building, landwaping,and readability as an integral part of the signage concept. a. Ensure that signs are integrated into the overall site and architectural design theme of commercial developments. Ongoing rev iew 3.3.8 In conjunction with area utility New Program City Engineer Establish General und; companies, pursue a program of Existing Community program developr ient undergrounding overhead utility lines. Program Development within I year review f s removal of natural elements is Director; of General unavoidable, require the reintroduction development review Plan adoption 3.3.9 Include within the Development Code New Program City Council, upon Complete General und; requirements for the size and quantity of Existing Planning Commission Development developn icnt trees to be planted within new Program recommendation Code review fc es development and intensification of recommendation provisions review f existing development. within 6 months of General Plan 3.4.4 Limit grading to the minimum Existing Community adoption Develop ^nt Objective 3.4 Protect the visual quality and character of remaining natural areas, and ensure that hillside development not create unsafe conditions. 3.4.1 Balance the retention of the natural Existing City Council, upon Prepare General I ind; environmentwith its conversionto urban Program Planning Commission I standards for developrr ent forms. recommendation; inclusion in review f Community the Development Development Director; Code within 6 development review months of bodies General Plan DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JU , E 1, 1992 �P_I_ 16 adoption 3.4.2 Require that existing hillside features be Existing Community Ongoing Develolm ent incorporated into project designs; where Program Development review fe4 s removal of natural elements is Director; unavoidable, require the reintroduction development review of naturalized elements into the project. bodies 3.4.3 As part of the Development Code, Existing City Council, upon Complete General f nd; maintain hillside development Program Planning Commission standards development regulations that are sensitive to natural recommendation within 6 review f contours and land forms. months of Genera! Plan adoption 3.4.4 Limit grading to the minimum Existing Community Ongoing Develop ^nt necessary. Program Development review fee s Director; development review bodies DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JU , E 1, 1992 �P_I_ 16 • L r 0 3.4.5 Require that all manufactured slopes be Existing Community Ongoing Develop ent landscaped and that, where practical, Program Development review f4 es landform grading and planting Director; techniques be implemented in the development review construction of manufactured slopes. bodies a. Foliage used in planting plans should be drought tolerant, fire resistant, and have colors similar those of native materials in the surrounding area. b. Within landformgraded slopes, plants should be grouped within swaie areas to more closely reflect natural conditions. GOAL 4. "Encourage long-term and regional perspectives in local land use decisions, but not at the expense of the quality of life for Diamond Bar residents." Objective 4.1 Promote and cooperate in efforts to provide reasonable regional land use and transportation planning programs. 4.1.1 Take a proactive role in the SCAG New Program City Council; City Ongoing General und Regional Comprehensive Plan to Manager; Community through coordinate Diamond Bar's land use plan Development Director adoption of with those of surrounding communities. the plan 4.1.2 Consider the potential impacts of Existing Community Ongoing Develop ent proposed Diamond Bar developmentson Program Development review f cs neighboring jurisdictions as part of the Director; development review process. development review bodies a. Notify neighboring jurisdictions when considering changes to the City's existing land use pattern. 4.1.3 Take a proactive role to maintain Existing All affected Ongoing General und; communications with local, regional, Program departments devclopr ient State, and federal, and other agencies review f eas whose planning programs may affect Diamond Bar. Objective 4.2 Maintain City boundaries which are reasonable in terms of existing service capabi ities, social and economic interdependencies, citizen desires, and City costs and revenues 4.2.1 Seek annexation of those areas which Existing City Council, upon Ongoing General und; have primary access through Diamond Program. Planning Commission developi ient Bar and whose residents and businesses recommendation review f are most logically served by the City. • • • 4.2.2 Consider annexation of additional areas Existing City Council, upon Ongoing General find; including expansion of the adopted Program Plastaing Commission development Sphere of influence,wherethe following recommendation rcview f findings Cilli be made: a. Compatibility exists with the goals and desires of the people and the City of Diamond Bar as a whole; b. The proposed annexation is consisumtwith goals and objectives of the Central Plan, particularly in regard to protection of open space land and natural resources; c. Significant benefits will be derived by the City and affectrd property owneralresidentsupon annexation; d. There exists a significant social and economic interdependence and interaction between the City of Diamond Bar and the area proposed for annexation. a 0 0 0 n 11. H IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PIAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THAT ADEQUATE HOUSING IN THE CITY, BOTH IN QUALITYAAV QUAN77TY, ToPROVIDE AP, SHELTER FOR ALL WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION. " BE Strategy Status`' Agency. Timtngn 1.1.1 Where feasible within residential Existing Community Ongoing Develop r ient developments, encourage a range of Program Development review fe -s; housing types. Director; development review bodies 1.1.2 Encourage commercial/office New Program Community Ongoing Develop n crit developments to provide a residential Development review fe �s component as part of an overall mixed Director; use concept, where feasible, development review bodies 1.1.3 Ensure that residential development New Program Community Prepare annual General fi ind; roquire4nents do not needlessly restrict Development review of fees developm mt residential development or Director; and processes: review fees unreasonably increase the cost of development review ongoing housing. bodies; City Council, upon Planning Commission recommendation 1.1.4 Prepare a public information packet New Program Community Ongoing Developm nt summarizing the City's zoning and Development Director review fec 9 development requirements for residential construction. 1.1.5 Establish a monitoring program which New Program Community Establish Developmunt identifies the type and cost of housing. Development Director program review fee i being produced within Diamond Bar, within 6 as well as the availability of vacant months of land which can be used in the short- General Plan term to accommodate a variety of adoption; housing types throughout the City; ongoing Produce required reports to accomplish thereafter the programs outlined in this plan for housing that is affordable to 'very low.' "low," and "moderate" income households. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MMGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 i f 1.1.6 To ensure well planned residential growth while meeting the City's housing responsibilities, review proposed residential projects, general plan amendments, and changes of zone for their effects on the neighborhood, the City, and regional housing needs. 1.1.7 Provide timely review of development requests, with fees sufficient only to cover the actual costs (direct and overhead) incurred by the City. In order to do so, consider changes in case processing such as: • Computerize case records to allow for automated case tracking. • Schedule case processing timetables to provide reasonable expectations in processing applications based upon available resources. • Hold public and agency review of EIR's concurrently so that vrocessinp time can be reduced. • Existing Con .imunity Ongoing t)cvclo Program Development review Director; development review bodies New Program Community Ongoing Develo Development review Diroctor; development review bodies 1.1.8 Encourage use of innovative site Existing Building Official; Ongoing D--velopa eat development and construction materials Program Community review f and techniques that both meet the Development intent of City ordinances and reduce Director; the cost of site preparation and/or development review construction. bodies — 1.1.9 Comply with California Government Existing Code Section 65915 by providing a Program minimum 25 percent density bonus, or equivalent financial incentive, to residential developers who agree to make a minimum of 20 percent of the units within the project affordable to households with an income of 80 percent of.the County median income, or make 10 percent of the units within the project affordable to households with an income of 50 percent of the County median income, or make 50 percent of the units available exclusively to senior citizens. Development review OngoingI Develo bodies i review DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN ImpLEMEhTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 11 • 1.1.10 Assure that the zoning ordinance provides requirements for diversification of residential development. Developments which include more than five (5) urban residential units will be required to: • provide a mix of dwelling unit types (e.g. single and multi- family); • contribute to the City's balance of affordable housing at all income levels with the intent that up to ten percent (10%) of all new housing within the project be affordable to very low, low, or moderate income households; or New Program Community Establish fund In lieu Development within 6 fund; Director; months of dcvelo development review General Plan review bodies adoption Planning Commission • pay an 'in lieu fee to be used by the City for the provision of housing affordable to very low, low, or moderate income households. 1.1.11 Establish parking requirements for Existing City Council, upon Incorporate General f d; housing to a level consistent with the Program Planning Commission parking developm nt occupant's transportation needs. recommendation; requirements review f s Community into Development Deveiopment Director; Code proposal development review within 6 bodies months of General Plan adoption 1.1.12 Facilitate the provision of single and Existing Community Ongoing Developm at multiple family dwelling units available Program Development review f ee i to very low, low, and moderate income Director; Community households through participation in the Development Director Mortgage Revenue Bond Program, issuance of Mortgage Credit Certificates, and use of other viable economic resources. Encourage private sector participation in the provision of very low, low, and moderate cost housing by offering such programs to developers who provide at less[ 20 percent of the housing units within prices which are affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 • GOAL 2. 'Provide adequate housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community, regardless of age, race, ethnic background, national origin, religion, family size, sex, marital status, physical conditions, or any other arbitrary factors". Objective 2.1 Ensure that the existing supply of low and moderate cost housing within Diamond B rr does not diminish. 2.1.1 Maintain existing number of subsidized units. Where proposed development projects or other discretionary actions of the City of Diamond Bar would reduce the number of existing subsidized dwelling units, ensure that appropriate offsets are provided as part of the proposed action. a. To avoid poteaLW reduction in the supply of rental housing, prepare a condominium conversion ordinance which would limit the conversion of rental apartments to condominiums or cooperatives. b. Require that all successful conversion applicants provide a relocation assistance program for displaced tenants, encouraging relocation within the community. e. Based on the provisions of Government Code Section 65863.7, consider requiring the submission of a report detailing the impacts of any proposed mobilehome park conversion to a nonresidential use concurrent with the filing of any discretionary permit on such property. d. Annually assess all affordable or assisted housing units that are considered 'at risk" as delineated in the "Inventory of Federally Subsidized Low -Income Rental Units at Risk of Conversion (1989)' or other appropriate federal or State documents. e. Investigate the feasibility of programs to ensure that "for sale' housing which is subsidized so as to be affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households remain affordable to those income groups after We to the first buyer. New Program Community Development Director; City Council Ongoing I General review f s; in Iieu hoes g fund New Program Community Prepare General Development Director ordinance within 6 months of General Plan adoption New Program Community Ongoing Develo Development review Director; development review bodies Existing Community Ongoing Develo Program Development review Director; development review bodies New Program Community Ongoing I General m Developent Director New Program Community Development Director Complete General investigation in lieu f within I year of General Plan adoption; implement findings within I year thereafter DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 • Objective 2 Prevent housing discrimination in Diamond Bar. Existing 2.2.1 Distribute information regarding the Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General fund activities of the City to assist in the Program Development opportunities for all segments of resolution of housing discrimination cases. review fees, in society including the elderly and the 1.2.2 Participate in the activities of the Long Existing Affected departments Ongoing General f General lund Beach Fair Housing Council as they Program Development opportunities for all segments of affect the City of Diamond Bar. review fees, in society including the elderly and the Council Objective 2.3 Cooperate with regional agencies to provide housing far the elderly, handicapped, g homeless, and other special needs groups. 2.3.1 Promote housing accessibility for Existing Community Ongoing Dcv clopi rient elderly, handicapped, and disabled Program Development review f in persons. Director; lieu housing ; development review funds bodies 2.3.2 Specifically encourage development of Existing Community. Ongoing Dcvelopin tent assisted rental housing for Elie elderly, Program Development New Program review f ; in handicapped, and disabled. Director; lieu haus g Specifically encourage development of in development review funds such housing through the use of density bodies Manager's office bonuses, tax-exempt bonds, and land portion of the County. write-downs, combined with federal GOAL 3. Preservation and conservation of existing housing stock and maintenance of property values and residents' quality of life. and State housing subsidies. Objective 3. I Maintain and encourage she improvement of the quality and integrity of existing residential neighborhoods. 2.3.3 Provide information regarding the New Program City Manager's office Ongoing Developm ent availability of emergency shelter. ng preservation program, including Development program fund; ager cy incentive programs to ensure ongoing Director; City within 1 year review f ; in maintenance. Council of General lieu housing Plan adoption funds 2.3.4 Pursue State, federal, and private New Program Community Ongoing General f d; Programs designed to expand housing Development Development opportunities for all segments of Director; City review fees, in society including the elderly and the Council lieu housir g handicapped. Determine the extent to fees; ager ky which such programs are consistent with the goals and objectives of the programs Diamond Bar General Plan, and the extent to which such programs can be incorporated into future development within the City. 2.3.5 Work with the Los Angeles County New Program Community Ongoing Development Housing Authority and nearby cities to Development review few; in establish a continuous emergency Director; City lieu housing shelter program serving the eastern Manager's office funds portion of the County. GOAL 3. Preservation and conservation of existing housing stock and maintenance of property values and residents' quality of life. Objective 3. I Maintain and encourage she improvement of the quality and integrity of existing residential neighborhoods. 3.1.1 Adopt a housing/neighborhood New Program Community Establish In lieu boos ng preservation program, including Development program fund; ager cy incentive programs to ensure ongoing Director; City within 1 year programs maintenance. Council of General Plan adoption DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ANA MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 3.1.2 Permit sorority/fraternityand other group housing only to the extent that associated nuisance factors are mitigated and to the extent that the quiet, suburban or rural chars ter of the existing residential neighborhood is preserved. 3.1.3 Fltact Development Code provisions New Program Comtaunity Development Director; City Council Prepare ordinance provisions within I year of General Plan adoption New Program Community Prepare which would permit the development General fu Development requirements of second units on a single family requests for Director; City within six parcel only to the extent that the single Council months of family character of the neighborhood is moderate households with painting, General Plan protected, and to the extent that road, minor repairs, and general adoption water, and sewer systems are capable fund maintenance. of supporting such development. adoption New Program Community Determine 3.1.4 Determine the feasibility of establishing& Craftsman and Tool Board in order to enforce the Development Director feasibility Lending Program, utilizing State t Provisions of California Revenue and within I year funding if necessary, review €ees in of General Plan adoption lieu housin Plan adoption • • Genera] nd; Develop ent review f Development review fdes General review Objective 3.2 Eliminate substandard housing by establishing a program to investigate and encoura e the rehabilitation of substandard housing units within Diamond Bar. 3.2.1 Investigate the availability of funds, New Program Community Determine General find; including City "in lieu" funds, for Development Director feasibility developm t establishing housing rehabilitation within three review f program. months of General Plan adoption; establish fund within three months thereafter 3.2.2 Establish a program of public New Program information and technical assistance to encourage the continued maintenance of currently sound housing as neighborhoods age within the City of Diamond Bar` City Manager's office Establish program within one year of General Plan adoption General fu developme review fee d; rit 3.2.3 Utilize available housing New Program Community Initiate General fu d; rehabilitation/conservationfunds to Development Director requests for developmei it establish a fund to assist low and funds within I review few; in moderate households with painting, year of lieu housing minor repairs, and general General Plan fund maintenance. adoption 3.2.4 Work with the State Franchise Tax New Program City Manager's office Initiate effort General fu d; Board in order to enforce the within 1 year developmer, t Provisions of California Revenue and of General review €ees in Taxation Code Sections 17249 and Plan adoption lieu housin 24436.5 which prohibit owners of substandard housing from claiming end depreciation, amortization, mortgage interest, and property tax deductions on State income tax. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 • M. RESOURCE MANAG0 "IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TO PROVIL E AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE OPEN SPACES IN THE CITY TO SERVE THE DIVERSE RECREA 2 YONAL NEEDS OF IYS RESIDEN7S, RWILE FOSTERING THE WISE USE OF LIMITED NA RAL RESOURCES.' GOAL 1. "Create and maintain an open space system which will preserve scenic bea protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and protect public hei and safety." ty, Ith of ide Objective 1.1 Preserve signifcant visual features WWCh are within, or are visible from the C' Diamond Bar, with an emphasis on the preservation of remaining natural hil areas. Strategy Status Responsible Agency Timing undtrq 1.1.1 Develop consistent regulations Existing City Council, upon Complete General fun for the protection of ridgelines, Program Planning Commission regulations for slope areas, and hilltops, recommendation; inclusion into Require contour or landform Community Development grading, clustering of Development Director code within 6 development, or other means to months after minimize visual impacts to General Plan ridgelines or prominent slopes, adoption 1.1.2 Require that all excess Existing excavated and waste materials Program be properly removed and Building Official Ongoing Developmen review fees disposed of, or otherwise placed so as to become an integral part of the site development. 1.1.3 Require that dwelling units and Existing structures within hillside areas Program be sited in such a manner as to utilize ridgelines and landscape plant materials as a backdrop for the structures and the structures themselves to'provide maximum concealment of cut slopes. Community Development Director; development review bodies Complete General fund guidelines Development within 6 review fees months of Genes! Plan adoption; ongoing thereafter 1.1.4 Preserve to the maximum extent Existing Community Ongoing Development possible existing vegetation Program Development review fees within hillside development Director; areas not designated for construction. development review bodies 1.1.5 Require that significant Existing vegetation which cannot be Program preserved in place, . but is suitable for transplanting, be relocated if feasible. Community Development Director; development review bodies Ongoing Development review fees DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PIAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MI'T'IGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 1 PJ review review fees General fun ; developmen review fees General fund development review fees DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 1.1.6 Require that dwelling units, Existing Community Ongoing structures and landscaping be Program Development sited in a manner which. Director; development review Protects views bodes Retainsview opportunities Preserves or enhances vistas Preserves mature trees, natural hydrology, native plant materials, and visual interest Vegetation may be removed as part of a City or Fire District approved fuel modification program. Ongoing 1.1_7 Utilize grading permit Existing Community procedures to ensure that site Program Development designs for development Director; Building proposals for hillside areas Official; development conform to the natural terrain, review bodies and consider the visual aspects. Ongoing 1.1.8 Work with the appropriate New Program Community jurisdictions to protect Development Director prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its sphere of influence, such as the hills in the City of Industry, west of the 57 Freeway at Grand Avenue, the hills within the County of Los Angeles (Rowland Heights), west of the 57 Freeway, south of Brea Canyon Cutoff, the Portion of Tonner Canyon within the Chino Hills Specific Pian, and the portion of Tonner Canyon within the City of Brea (Orange County). 1.1.9 Enact provisions and techniques New Program Community Prepare that enhance groundwater Development guidelines recharge and Iocal water Director; City within 6 recovery. Council, upon months of Planning Commission General Plan recommendation adoption; ongoing thereafter PJ review review fees General fun ; developmen review fees General fund development review fees DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 • • Objective 1.2 Where ecologically feasible, maintain, protect, and preserve biologically signi habitats, including riparian areas, oak and walnut woodlands, and other are natural significance, providing only such recreational and cultural opporrunitid can be developed in a manner sensitive to the envirotunent. ant of as 1.2.1 Ensure that development Existing Community Ongoing Developmej it proposed adjacent to riparian Program Development review fees and other biologically sensitive Director; habitats avoid significant development review impacts to such areas. Require bodies that new development proposed in such locationsbe designed to: Minimize or eliminate impacts on sensitive areas; Create buffer areas adjacent to the sensitive arca; Protect the v isual seclusion of forage areas; Providewildlife movement I inkages to water, food and nesting; Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas; Avoid blocking of wildlife corridors and migration paths by fences or other obstructions; Replace fresh drinking water for wildlife when natural water areas are removed or blocked. 1.2.2 Preserve existing mature trees Existing Community Ongoing Dcvelopmen and vegetation within existing Program Development review fees natural and naturalized areas to Director; the extent feasible. development review bodies a. Natural vegetation is to be removed only as necessary. b. Prepare a tree preservation ordinance c. Incorporate, where feasible, the input of a certified arborist, landscape architect, and/or qualified horticulturist into the development review and approval. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE I, 1992 1 MM -3 • 1.2.3 In conjunction with local New Program Parks and Recreation Initiate General fund; t schools and volunteers, the City ets Director; Parks program park Existing will participate in an Complete Commission within 1 year improvement Program environmenteducationprogram, master pian developmen of General funds for the use of open space lands. for parks and review foes; flan adoption development of a community 1.2.4 Pursue preservation of canyon Existing Community Ongoing Developmej it areas in their natural suite. Program Development review fees of General Director; development sites which are set park funds Plan approval; development review athletic fields should be implement bodies Ongoing pursued. 1.3.3 Prepare and maintain an 1.2.5 Inwrporete,where feasible, the input of a certified arborist, landscape architect, and/or qualified horticulturist into the review and approval process. New Program Community Development Director; development review bodies Ongoing Developme review fees t Objective f.3 Maintain a system of public and private park and recreation facilities which ets the active and passive recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents of all ages. review fees 1.3.1 Develop recreation facilities Existing Parks and Recreation Complete General fun ; emphasizing active and passive Program Director; Parks master pian developmen recreation areas. The Commission for parks and review foes; development of a community maintained privately. Require recreation park funds center, the acquisition of that open space casements be within 1 year traditional neighborhood of General development sites which are set parkland including community Plan approval; aside for open space. athletic fields should be implement Community Ongoing pursued. 1.3.3 Prepare and maintain an inventory of open lands which program Development Director review fees were set aside for open space within 1 year uses as part of previous thereafter development approvals through 1.3.2 Unless there is an overriding New Program City Engineer; Ongoing Developmeni public recreation need, require development review review fees that open space areas, other bodies than those described above which are set aside as part of a development project, be maintained privately. Require that open space casements be granted over portions of development sites which are set aside for open space. Existing Community Ongoing Development 1.3.3 Prepare and maintain an inventory of open lands which Program Development Director review fees were set aside for open space uses as part of previous development approvals through the County, and designate such lands as non -developable open space. In preparing this inventory, deem that lands set aside in previous development projects which were not clearly reserved for future development, were to be preserved as natural open space. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 1.3.4 As part of the Development New Program Community Ongoing Developmen Review process, require Development Director review fees verification as to the existence of any potential open space restrictions previously approved on the subject property, prior to accepting development proposals. 1.3.5 Recreational Open Space shall Existing Parks and Recreation Ongoing Park funds be preserved as . recreational Program Director; Parks open space including, but not Commission limited to, the Diamond Bar Golf Course. 1.3.6 Plan for the development of a New Program Parks and Recreation Complete General fund system of greenbelts within the Director; Parks greenbelt plan development community. Commission within 18 review fees; months of park funds; General Plan assessment adoption district 1.3.7 Provide sufficient neighborhood Existing Parks and Recreation Ongoing and community park facilities Program Director; Parks such that a rate of 5.0 acres of Commission public parkland per 1,000 residents is achieved and distributed throughout the City in locations convenient to residents. 1.3.8 Develop a needs analysis to New Program Parks and Recreation Complete Gen" fund determine the present and future Director; Parks analysis within development recreation and park needs. Commission 6 months of review fees; General Plan park funds adoption 1.3.9 PrepamacomprehensiveMaster Existing Parks and Recreation Complete General fund Plan of Parks which analyzes Program Director; Parks master plan development present and future recreation Commission within 1 year review fees; and park needs. of General park funds Plan adoption Develop design standards for park size, location, relationship and impact to adjacent properties and community facilities. Provide list of existing park sites to be improved or expanded. Target locations for park acquisition and type of park required. List timing and phasing of acquisition and improvements of parkland. Provide costs of acquisition and improvements, including funding sources and implementation priorities. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 0 • GOAL 2. "Identify limits on the resources needed to support existing and future uses wi hin the City of Diamond Bar and its sphere of influence, and ensure that resources are used wisely," �j Objective 2.1 Minimize the consumption of water through a combination of water conservation !I and use of reclaimed water. I 2A A Coordinate with the local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed wastewater, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation. a. In cooperation with adjacent communities and area water purveyors, develop a plan for the use of reclaimed water; require new development to include dual water systems where appropriate. b. work with the local schools to establish programs providing information regarding the potential and advantages for reuse of water. c. Where feasible, direct storm waters collected in streets and drainage systems to settling basins or small lakes within parks or open space areas, as long as it benefits and does not adversely disrupt local plants or wildlife. New Program I City Engineer Ongoing I General review 2.1.2 Encourage the installation of New Program City Eaginaer; Ongoing Development contemporary and feasible water Community review fees conservation technologies into Development new developments, or retrofitted Director; into existing developments, development review where intensification is dies proposed. 11 DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND WrIGATION MONPPORING PROGRAM JUN1 1992 C. Where domestic water supplies are used in the irrigation of turf areas, encourage the use of drought tolerant d. To the extent possible, require the preservation of existing native trees and shrubs, as established plants are often adapted to low water consumption. e. Requireresidentialbuilders to provide information to prospective buyers of new homes within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting concepts. f. Require non-residential builders to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting concepts. g. Where possible, require the extensive use of mulch in landscape areas to improve the water -holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction. 2.1.4 Require irrigation efficiency Existing City Engineer Ongoing General fund within the City. Encourage and Program development upgrade irrigation systomsto the review fees most efficient system available. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JuN-E 1, 1992 7 2.1.3 Encourage the use of primarily Existing Community Ongoing Developme drought -tolerant plants and program Development review fees effickat design in landscape Director; application, even if reclaimed development review water is being used at present bodies for irrigation purposes. a. As part of the City development review of landscaping plans, discourage installation of large areas of lawn or turf, or limit installations to areas that require the use of grass where feasible. b. Replace and maintain City medians with drought tolerant plants and ground Cover. C. Where domestic water supplies are used in the irrigation of turf areas, encourage the use of drought tolerant d. To the extent possible, require the preservation of existing native trees and shrubs, as established plants are often adapted to low water consumption. e. Requireresidentialbuilders to provide information to prospective buyers of new homes within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting concepts. f. Require non-residential builders to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting concepts. g. Where possible, require the extensive use of mulch in landscape areas to improve the water -holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction. 2.1.4 Require irrigation efficiency Existing City Engineer Ongoing General fund within the City. Encourage and Program development upgrade irrigation systomsto the review fees most efficient system available. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JuN-E 1, 1992 7 • LI 0 2.1.5 Be prepared for rationing or Existing City Engineer Ongoing General fund supplies of water being limited Program development in case of extended drought. review foes a. Prepare Water Management Regulations that can be implemented should water supplies become severely limited. Potential actions could include restrictions against watering of sidewalks, excessive runoff from irrigation, yard watering on alternate days, etc. 2.1.6 Review existing landscaping New Program Community Complete General fund standards and encourage Development review within development modification of certain land -use Director; six months of review fees practices through xeriscaping development review General Plan and other drought-tolerantplants bodies adoption; for new developments. ongoing thereafter Objective 2.2 Encourage efficient use of energy by minimizing the consumption of eneigy resources to the minimal amount needed to support existing and planned land un s, through a combination of efficient land use patterns and passive and active en conservation systems. 2.2.1 As a general principle, replace Existing All City departments; Ongoing General fun , total dependence on Program development review development nonrenewable, imported energy bodies review fees resources with a greater reliance on locally available renewable resources to a degree which is feasible and in accord with current technology. • 2.2.2 In conjunction with review of New Program Community Ongoing Development development applications, Development review fees require the incorporation. where Director; fcasible, of the following: development review bodies Provide for clusters of buildings with protected indoor or plaza/open areas within multiple family residential, commercial, and office projects to promote protection from the wind and sun. Construct internal roadways of the minimum widths necessary for safe circulation in order to minimize solar reflection and heat radiation from impervious material. Where possible, locate reflective surfaces (i.e. parking lots) on the north and east side of buildings; alternatively, where parking areas must be located to the south or west of buildings, provide additional landscaping to reduce heat gain. Orient the maximum amount of glass possible toward the south, the side with the greatest amount of solar collection (heat gain potential), in combination with other measures for shading to mitigate against summer heat. Use appropriate building shapes and locations in order to promote maximum feasible solar access of individual units. Design individualbuildings to maximize natural internal lighting through interior court wells, interior court areas, skylights, clerestory windows, and energy efficient building shapes. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MMGATION MONITORING PROGRAM RNE 1, 1992 1 MM -9 10 Use canopies and overhangsto provide shade to windows during summer months, while allowing for reflection of direct sunlight through the windows during winter months (care should be taken to assure that overhangs and canopies do not prevent sufficient light for daytime purposes). Incorporate the use of drought tolerant deciduous trees in landscaping plans, especially near buildings and around expanses of paved areas. Incorporate drought tolerant deciduous vines, trellises, and canopies to shade south and westward facing walls, to cool them in summer months. Locate trots and hedges planted close to buildings so as to channel beneficial cooling breezes through openings. 2.2.3 Ensure that sufficient shading of Existing Community Ongoing Developmej parking surfaces is provided Program Development review fees within multi -family, Director; commercial, and office projects development review to reduce heat gain. bodies 2.2.4 Investigate the feasibility of New program Community Complete General fun+ adopting an Energy Ordinance Development analysis of developmen that will incorporate retrofit Director; City feasibility review fees provisions for the installation of Council, upon within f year energy conservation measures planning Commission of General on existing structures, solar pool recommendation Plan adoption; and hot tub provisions that will if feasible, prohibit natural gas heaters as prepare the primary energy source. ordinance within 6 months 2.2.5 Implement, through the New Program Community Ongoing Development subdivision ordinance or Development review fees through other appropriate Director; mechanisms, the Solar Rights development review Act of 1978 which addresses bodies structural orientation for solar access, and includes such concepts as solar easements, functional landscaping, street layout, and architectural designs that reduce energy costs. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE I, 1992 , 10 • U 3 2.2.6 Maintain in the Development New program Community Code provisions to require solar Development energy systems for the heating Director; Building of swimming pools in new Official; development multi -family residential review bodies developments. I 2.2.7 Take full advantage of the CEQA process as a tool for evaluating energy use and potential energy impacts. and for implementing appropriate energy conservation measures.' Existing Program 2.2.8 Require the inclusion, where Existing feasible, of provisions for Program energy efficient modes of transportation and fixed information facilities which establish public mass transit, bicycle, equestrian, and pedestrian within 6 modes as desirable alternatives. 2.2.9 'Work with appropriate federal, New Program State, and private utility months of agencies to identify and facilitate appropriate legislation for utility rate revisions that General Plan would provide incentives for the conservation of energy by the shifting of energy usage to non - adoption; Peak hours. Community Development Director; development review bodies Community Development Director; Building Official; development review bodies Prepare General requirements develop within 6 review 1 months of General pian adoption; ongoing thereafter Ongoing { General Ongoing City manager's office f Ongoing dcvclopt review f General develop review 1 General 2.210 Increase public awareness of New Program City Manager's office Initiate public General fun energy conservation technology information and practices by the within 6 dissemination of information months of that describes energy General Plan Conservation practices for adoption; Community members. This will ongoing encourage ongoing thereafter communication and the generation of ideas, plans, and programs for the future development of Diamond Bar as an energy efficient city. Objective 2.3 Reduce overall local energy consumption by promoting efficient land use parte ns which reduce the amount of vehicular travel. 2.3.1 Land uses in the City will be Existing City Council, upon Ongoing General fund planned to reduce vehicle miles Program Planning Commission development traveled between compatible and recommendation; review fees related uses, such as home- Community shopping, homes -office, home- Development school, etc. Director; development review a. This will apply to mixed- bodies use Planned Developments in particular when planning and reviewing new land uses. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM ]urn: 1, 1992 -11 2.3.2 Design and implement a New Program City Council, upon Ongoing Dev,-Aopmi citywide system of bikeways Planning Commission review f and pedestrian trails as recommendation for non-polluting circulation General plan alternatives. Objective 2.4 Cooperate with and encourage local educational, governmental, and private organizations in the development and use of new energy technOlagies that deemed environmentally safe. 2.4.1 Maintain open communication Existing Building Official Ongoing General fuz mt are d with other local, regional, state Program or federal agencies regarding the evaluation of current energy problems .and state-okbeh art technologies and practices. 2.4.2 Emphasize fuel efficiency and Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General fu ; The use of alternative fuels in Program capital the acquisition and use of City- owned vehicles and fleet improvemel funds it vehicles of City franchisees; support programs which would serve to enhance or encourage the use of public transit systems. a. Cooperate with the South Coast Air Quality Management Agency in the development and local testing of new alternative fuels or other energy programs. 2.4.3 Participate with local New Program Community Ongoing General fun organizationson research and/or Development development the development of alternate Director; Building review fees energy sources, including Official; City cogeneration, photovoltaic, Engineer biomass, wage to energy, wind, etc. 2.4.4 Investigate the potential for New Program Community Complete General Fund adding provisions in the Development Code to require, Development Director study within 1 development industrial and/or commercial year of General Plan review fees projects to be sited to facilitate adoption; if photovoltaieand/orcogeneration feasible units. prepare regulations within b months thereafter • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 12 Objective 2.5 Minimize the environmental impacts of landfill disposal of solid wwtes throug, aggressive public education and information campaign designed to promo comprehensive program of source reduction, recycling, composting, and house hazardous waste reduction activities. 2.5.1 Develop and implement a Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General ful Source ReductionandRecycling Program Element according to the guidelines established by State law and the California Integrated Waste Management Board. 2.5.2 Develop and implement _ a Existing City Manager's office Complete plan General fuc Household Hazardous Waste Program within 1 year Element according to the of General guidelines of the California Plan adoption Integrated Waste Management Board. Incorporate this element into the Plan for Resource Management of the General Plan. 2.5.3 Reduce wasteful packaging of New Program City Manager's office Ongoing General fun products sold in the City through educational and technical assistance which emphasizes the reduction of non-recyclable products, replacement of disposable materials with reusable materials, and the purchase of repairable products. 2.5.4 Implement a mandatory New Program City Manager's office Initiate within General fun< Citywide recycling program 1 year of franchise fee including residential curbside General plan collection and voluntary on-site adoption Programs serving multi-family, commercial and industrial generators. 2.5.5 Educate residential, commercial New Program City Manager's office Initiate General fund and industrial generators about information source reduction and recycling within I year programs and encourage their of General participation by developing a Plan adoption: Promotional campaign which ongoing informs them about diversion thereafter programs, identifies opportunities for participation in such programs, and provides motivational incentives to increase participation. 2.5.6 Require commercial and Existing Community Ongoing Development industrial generators to develop Program Development review fees and implement a source Director; reduction and recycling plan development review tailored to their individual waste bodies streams. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PIAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUKE 1, 1992 , an a 13 • • • 2.5.7 Reduce the amount of yard Existing City Manager's Ongoing General fui d wastes generated by public and Program office; Parks and private residences through Recreation Director; ongoing promotion of Parks Commission 'grasscyeling` and on-site composting of leaves and other organic materials. 2.5.9 Designate City held open space New Program City Council, upon Ongoing General fu r d and public facilities as 'green Parks Commission zones" and conduct an rocommendation; aggressive pursuit of existing Parks and Recreation and. potential City uses for Director; parks compost produced from locally Commission generated yardwaste such as park and median sites. 2.5.4 Increase public understandingof New Program City Manager's office Ongoing General fun methods to reuse materials in their everyday lives. Encourage the provision of educational materials on the environmental damage of disposable products and materials. 2.5.10 Reduce the disposal of Existing City Engineer Ongoing General fun ; household hazardous wastes in Program developmen landfills through continued review fees cooperation with the County Sanitation Districts and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works on implementation of a Countywide household hazardous waste management DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JtnaE 1, 1992 14 17J • • G IV PUBLIC HEALTH AND IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE FLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY TO PROVIDE SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF DIAMOND BAR. " GOAL I. "Create a secure public environment which minimizes potential loss of life and projerty damage, as well as social, economic, or environmental disruption resulting from nal ural and manmade disasters." Objective 1.1 Minimize the potential for loss of life, physical injury, and property damage from se mic groundsWing and other geologic events. `' .:':Ttacrvznc9htn 1.2.1 As a prerequisite to new development Existing City Engineer Ongoing Developm nt 1.1.1 Ensure that new facilities which will be Existing Building Official Ongoing Developm rnt required for provision of emergency Program review f services following a seismic or geologic event are designed so as to withstand the maximum credible event, and to remain functional after the event. 1.1.2 As part of the development review Existing Community Ongoing Developm at process, requ ire site-specificanalysisof Program Development review f soils and other conditions which might New Program Director; Building Initiate master General fund; effect the severity of onsite impacts Official; development plan within 2 Developmait from maximum credible seismic and review bodies years of review fees geologic events. General plan Objective 1.2 Eliminate the potential for loss of life, and minimize physical injury, property darm ge, public health hazards, and nuisances from the effects of a I00 -year storm and assoc' ved 1.2.1 As a prerequisite to new development Existing City Engineer Ongoing Developm nt or the intensification of existing Program review f eei development, ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer, certifying that the proposed development • swill be adequately protected, and that implementation of the development Proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards. 1.2.2 Develop a master plan of drainage, New Program City Engineer Initiate master General fund; including an inventory of existing plan within 2 Developmait facilities, based on previous work by years of review fees the Los Angeles County Public Works General plan Department and present development adoption plans, to adequately assess existing and future flood control needs and improvements within Diamond Bar. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 • • 1.2.3 Prepareacapital improvement program Existing for flood control improvements needed Program to complete a master plan of drainage. This schedule will be coord inated with improvement plans by the County and address funding and timing of City Engineer I Ongoing I General review Objective 1.3 Ensure that properties in and adjacent to wildland areas are reasonably protected from wildland fire hazards without degrading the viability of natural ecosystems, provid ng a balance between removal of jlantmable vegetation, introduction of fire resistant vegetation, and preservation of natural vegetation. 1.3.1 Where development is proposed within Existing Community Ongoing Develop ent areas potentially subject to wildland Program Development review f s fine hararda, ensure that the Director; development Consolidated Fu -c District has the review bodies opportunities to review the proposal in terms of its vulnerability to fire hazard and its potential source as a source of fire. Ensure that Fire Department recommendations regarding mitigation of fire hazard risks are addressed. 1.3.2 Ensure that new development in areas New Program subject to wildland fire is adequately protected in a manner which minimizes the destruction of natural vegetation. Prioritize this balance as follows: • Protection of existing developed areas and areas currently approved for development. • Preservation of significant biological resources to the extent feasible. Community Ongoing Development Director; development review bodies review • Approval of new development or intensification of existing development. Objective 1.4 Ensure an adequate distribution of fire stations, equipment, and manpower such t a maximum five minute response time to all areas other than wildland areas wherein six minute response time capability can be maintained. 1.4.1 Work with the Fire District to establish a funding mechanism which would ensure that cost of providing new facilities and equipment, including paramedic services, to support new development is assessed against the developments creating that need. New Program Community Development Director 1.4.2 Where appropriate, support increased Existing protection levels from that provided by Program the minimum fire standards included in the Uniform Building and Fire Codes (UBC and UFC). Building Official Complete fee General analysis and Develo; present to City review i Council within 1.year of General Plan adoption Ongoing I General review DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM 1tNE 1, 1992 • Objective 1. S Minimize the risk and fear of crime through physical planning strategies tha will maximize surveillance opportunities, minimize opportunities for crimes, and by crea ing a high level of public amnreness and support for crime prevention. 1.5.1 Require that proposals for new Existing Community Ongoing Development development and for the intensification Program Development review f of existing development are reviewed Director; development by the Sheriffs Department prior to review bodies approval. 1.5.2 Promote the establishment of Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General I and neighborhood watch and business Program watch programs to encourage community participation in the patrol of neighborhood and business areas, and to facilitate increased awareness of potential criminal activities. Objective 1.6 Promote the provision of adequate medical and emergency services to Diamond Bar residents. 1.6.1 Coordinate with appropriate agencies Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General find for the provision of evacuation and Program ambulance services within acceptable service levels and response times. Objective 1. i Prepare and maintain effective emergency preparedness and response programs, 1.7.1 Coordinate the City's disaster Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General fu nd preparedness plans with the State Program Office of Emergency Management, County, schools, and other neighboring jurisdictions, and participate in the development of a regional system to respondto daily emergencies and major catastrophes. 1.7.2 integrate the City's disaster plan and Existing City manager's office Ongoing General fiL d community resources into municipal Program emergency management, including a list of local resources .such as personnel, equipment, material, specializedmedical and other training, and auxiliary communications. 1.7.3 Provide areawide mutual aid Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General fu r d agreements and communication links Program with adjacent governmental authorities and other participating jurisdictions. 1.7.4 Disseminate public information Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General fun regarding actions which residents and Program businesses should take to minimize damage in a natural disaster, as well as actions which would be taken to facilitate recovery from a natural disaster. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLATY IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM( Jt1NE 1, 1992 Objective 1.8 Protect life and property from the potential detrimental effects (short and long to the transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials and rva the City. 1.8. t Pursue establishment of a regular New Program City Manager's office Establish General citywide program of household program hazardouswaatecollection according to within 1 year the provisions of Section 41500 of the of General Public Resources Code (see also the Plan adoption solid %WW section of the Plan for Resource Management for additional policies). 1.8.2 Coordinate emergency response Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General personae] to respond to hazardous Program materials incidents. Objective 1.9 lite City shall seek to improve local and regional air quality by encouraging sharing, use of public transit, and other transportation demand management technh 1.9.1 Design and implement a citywide New Program City Engineer Ongoing General system of bikeways and pedestrian Develop trails. review f 1.9.2 Work with the South Coast Air Quality Existing Community Ongoing Develop Management District to establish a Program Development review f program of District review and Director; development comment on major proposed review bodies development projects within the City. 1.9.3 Implement the provisions of the South Existing Community Ongoing General Coast Air Quality Management Plan; Program Development Developi reviewprojects for consistencywith the Director; development review fe South Coast Air Quality Management review bodies Plan. 1.9.4 include trip reduction requirements New Program Community Complete General 1 consistent with SCAQMD Regulation Development ordinance for Developi XV and the requirements of the Los Director; City public hearings review fe Angeles County Congestion Council, upon within six Management Plan in the development Planning Commission months of code with the goal of reducing home- recommendation General Plan to -work trips by _ facilitating and adoption partieipatingin the followingprograms: • Incorporate design measures into new development and, where feasible, into existing developments proposed for intensification, including preferential parking areas for car and van pools, employee drop off areas, secure bicycle parking areas, bus turnout areas, etc. • Disscminate information to Diamond Bar residents regarding the advantagesof, and procedures involved in, ride sharing and public transit. 1.9.5 "sure that site desi gnsfacilitate rather Existing Community Ongoing Developme than discourage pedestrian movement Program Development review fees ween nearby uses, Director; development review bodies DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM 7tT:CE 1. 1992 Of in • • 1.9.6 Require grading pians to include Existing Building Official; Ongoing Devclopmc nt appropriate and feasible treasures to Program Community revic`t' f ev minimize fugitive dust. Development Director; development review bodies 1.9.7 Cooperate with the South Coast Air New Program City Manager's office Ongoing None rcqull red Quality Management District to be a 'test facility' or a laboratory for testing new air pollution control programs where such programs can be safely conducted at no expense to the City or its residents. 1.9.8 The City will offer to local New Program City Manager's office Ongoing None requ red governmental agencies, educational institutions, and businesses the opportunity to test new technologies and/or programs designed to reduce air pollution. either directly or indirectly. Objective 1.10 Consider noise issues in land use planning and development permit processing toenure that noise generated by one use or facility does not adversely affect adjacent us or facilities. 1.10.1 Within identified 65 dB CNEL noise New Program Community Ongoing Developm nt contours, require that site-specificnoise Development review f studies be prepared to verify site- Director; development specific noise conditions and to ensure review bodies that noise considerations are included in project review. 1.10.2 Within identified 65dB CNEL noise New Program Community Ongoing Development corridors, ensure that necessary Development review f attenuation measures are applied to Director; development med adopted interior and exterior review bodies noise standards. 1.10.3 Through the CEQA process, analyze Existing Community Ongoing Developm -,nt projects which might have a significant Program Development review f ee 5 impact on noise sensitive uses (projects Director; development are defined as actions having the review bodies potential to increase projected CNEL noise levels by more than I dB). Require appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that adopted noise standards within sensitive land use areas are not exceeded as the result of the proposed project. 1.10.4 As part of the Development Code, New Program Community Complete General hi nd; adopt noise -related development Development ordinance Developm t standards. Director; City provisions review f Council, upon within 6 Planning Commission months of recommendation General Plan adoption 1.10.5 Where possible, encourage attenuation Existing Community Ongoing Developm -,nt of existing noise problems within Program Development review feg s existing development where adopted Director; development noise standards are being reached or review bodies exceeded. DIAMOND BAIL GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM Jt3Na 1, 1992 • • • 1 .10.5 As part of the annual General Plan New Program community Ongoing. Generalfund; review, determine whether: (l) Development Director annual Develop vent roadway and freeway traffic levels review f Ms have increased; (2) new noise generation sources have been created; and (3) if update of the noise contour map is warranted. 1.10.7 Apply mitigation measures as needed to Existing Coprmunity Ongoing General und; noise generators and receptors to Program Development Devc[opi nent ensure that adopted noise standards are Director; development review f t es met and to protect land uses from review bodies excessive noise impacts. 1.10.8 Ensure that land uses are located so as New Program Community Ongoing Develop ent to meet the standards contained in the Development review f s Plan for Public Health and Safety. Director; development review bodies • V. CIRCULATION GOAL 1 Enhance the Environment of the City's Street Network. Work Towards Improving the Problems Presented by the Intrusion of Regionally Oriented Commuter Traffic Through the City and Into Residential Neighborhoods. Consider Programs to Reinforce the Regional Transportation and Circulation System to Adequately Accommodate Regional Needs. Objective 1.1 Assume responsibilityfor local and participate in regional transportation related planning and decisionmaking. XX nsib e Str$fegy Status <Agency Tuning Funding 1.1.1 Prior to permitting connection of roadways from adjacent jurisdictions into the City of Diamond Bar, ensure that regional benefits are not achieved at the expense of Diamond Bar residents and businesses. 1.1.2 In reviewing transportation improvements, maintain a clear distinction between local and regional objectives. 1.1.3 Ensure the opportunity for public comment on major changes in operational characteristics of the circulation system. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONTI'ORING PROGRAM IUNF 1, 1992 M P -V-1 1.1.4 Identify a transportation corridor through Tonner Canyon to relieve congestion on other roadways within the City of Diamond Bar. The environmental impacts of the corridor must be minimized and the corridor must demonstrably benefit the City of Diamond Bar. The City will further require that any proposed transportation facilities be explicitly demonstrated as acceptable to the City of Diamond Bar. 1.1.5 Solicit federal and state funds to improve area freeways to eliminate use of local streets as part of the freeway system. Objective 1.2 Balance the need for free traffic flow on City arterials within economic realities, environmental and aesthetic considerations. 1.2.1 Prepare programs for traffic control measures. 1.2.2 Maintain flexibility in the cross sections and configuration of streets within topographically rugged or environmentally sensitive areas. Within these areas maintain flexibility in street light requirements. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL. PLAN IMPLEMENTA'T'ION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JuNE 1, 1992 MM -V-2 • 0 Objective 1.3 Maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods. Discourage through traffic, 1.3.1 Prevent the creation of new roadway connections which adversely impact the character of existing neighborhoods. Implement neighborhood traffic control programs to reduce and divert through traffic. 1.3.2 Through the roadway system, ensure that new development within the Tres Hermans Ranch property is integrated into the community of Diamond Bar. 1.3.3 Design new developments and their access points in such a way that the capacity of local residential streets is not exceeded. GOAL 2 Provide a Balanced Transportation System for the Safe and Efficient Movement of People, Goods and Services Throughout the City in a Manner Which Will Protect, Maintain and Improve the Quality of Life Which is Diamond Bar. Objective 2.1 Maximize the use of alternative transportation modes within and through the City, and decrease reliance on single passenger automobiles. 2.1.1 Maximize the availability and use of public transit service. 2.1.2 Investigate the feasibility of establishing a local transit system. Support privately funded local transit systems for seniors and youths. 2.1.3 Support mixed-use urban village developments, to maximize transportation efficiency. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM luxE 1, 1992 M -V-3 • • 2.1.4 Pursue a cooperative effort with Caltrans and regional transit providers to develop a major bus transportation facility near or in the City of Diamond Bar adjacent to the 57 Freeway and Graced Avenue. 2.1.5 Encourage participation in carpools. 2.1.6 Coordinate to the extent possible with neighboring cities in the development of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan. 2.1.7 Investigate the potential of using vacant land as park- and-ride sites. 2.1.8 Seek to expand existing park-and-ride facilities at the interchange of SR -57 and SR -60. 2.I.9 Expand and maintain the system of bicycle routes connecting residential areas to major community attractions. 2.1.10 Pursue a cooperative program to provide access for Diamond Bar residents to a regional light rail system. 2.1.I 1 Pursue a program to improve local freeways to provide carpool lanes. 2.1.12 Develop and promote interconnected equestrian trails. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 MM -V-4 r • Objective 22 Maximize connection of all areas within the City through the circulation system. 2.2.1 Work to ensure that any new development is provided with adequate access from within the City of Diamond Bar. GOAL 3 Maintain an Adequate Level of Service on Area Roadways. Objective 3.1 Establish a functional classiacation system for roadways in the City. 3.1.1 Maintain level of service C or better at arterial mid - block segments (average daily) and D or better during peak hours at signalized intersections to the extent possible. 3.1.2 Improve arterial mid - block segments to provide average daily service levels of "C" or better to prevent use of local and collector streets as alternate routes 3.1.3 Improve intersections in the City which currently provide peak hour traffic service levels worse than "D" where feasible within existing right -o€ --way and where no significant environmental impact would result. 3.1.4 Develop a pavement management system and maintenance program for all public roadways throughout the City. 3.1.5 Develop a program to expand and maintain pedestrian access routes throughout the City. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MMGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE f, 1992 MMP V-5 • • • Objective 3.2 Improve the safety and utilization of existing transportation facilities, 3.2.1 Correct identified street and intersection operating problems in a timely manner. 3.2.2 Improve off-street parking and loading facilities for public schools to minimize the impact on the circulation system. 3.2.3 Consider the addition of lanes to existing streets only as a last resort to correct traffic conditions or hazards. 3.2.4 Encourage consolidation of commercial drive approaches and prohibition of turning movements where warranted. Objective 3.3 Explore all available opportunities and mechanisms for funding transportation improvements. 3.3.1 All new development shall be required to provide reasonable mitigation measures or pay traffic impact fees. GOAL 4 Provide or Regulate the Provision of the Supply of Parking to Meet the Needs for Both Residents and Commercial Businesses. Objective 4.1 Ensure compliance with the Southern CalifiOrnia Air Quality Management Distrit Regulation 15 trip reduction requirements. 4.1.1 Regulate the,provision of preferential parking for high occupancy vehicles wherever possible. 4.1.2 Allow reductions in parking in exchange for transportation demand management programs. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 M P -V-6 • Objective 4 2 Provide adequate parking for all types of land use within the City of Diamond Bar. 14.2.1 Use existing parking demand data sources to update City Code requirements pertaining to parking, particularly the provision of sufficient parking for land uses generating a high demand for parking. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONUORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 MMP V-7 V1. PUBLIC SERVICES ANIS FACILI IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PIAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES THAT TH" C77Y ACQUIRE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF TI'S RESIDENTS. GOAL I. "Provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services to support development and planned growth." Objective 1.1 Maintain adequate systems for water supply and distribution, wastewater coil n, treaunent, and disposal, solid waste collection and disposal,- and energy distrib ion which are capable of meeting the needs of the residents of Diamond Bar. a. Investigate plans by the Metropolitan Water District to locates reservoir in upper Tonner Canyon. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 MM VI -1 -- _ _..... I.1.1 Prior to permitting a major extension Existing Community Ongoing Deveiopn of services or utilities to facilitate program Development review fo changes in land use, conduct a Director; development thorough review of all social, review bodies economic, and environmental factors associated with that extension; require the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. 1.1.2 Ensure that existing residents and Existing City Council; Ongoing Developm businesses are not burdened with or are Program development review review fee reimbursed for the cost of financing bodies infrastructure aimed at supporting new - development or the intensification of existing development which does not benefit them. 1.1.3 Unless otherwise approved by the City, Existing City Engineer; Ongoing Developmi ensure that public water, sewer, Program development review review fee drainage and other backbone facilities bodies needed for a project phase are constructed prior to or concurrent with initial development within that phase. 1.1.4 Place the responsibil ity with the project Existing City Engineer; Ongoing Develop= sponsor for ensuring that all necessary program development review ,imv feet infrastructure improvements (including bodies a pro -rata share system -wide improvements) needed to support a projectdevelopmentare available at the time that they are needed. 1.1.5 Coordinate the long-term provision of Existing City Engineer Ongoing General fur, utility services, including water, Program developmer wastewater, electricity, natural gas, review fees solid waste, etc, to assure adequate future levels of services for City residents. a. Investigate plans by the Metropolitan Water District to locates reservoir in upper Tonner Canyon. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 MM VI -1 Objective 1.2 Establish and implement comprehensive and equitable solutions to the financing of facilities and services. Establish a development fee structure New Program City Council, upon Complete fee General which ensures that costs for new capital recommendntionsof structure developr facilities and expansion of existing City commissions within 1 year review f facilities necessitated by proposals for of General new development and intensification of Plan adoption existing development are internalized by those projects, to the percentage appropriate to the development. 1.2.2 Investigate the establishment of proven New Program Community Complete General i Futancing techniques and mechanisms Development director; investigation developn in combination with programmed City Engineer; within 6 review ft capital improvements to facilitate the Finance Director months of provision of desired community General Plan facilities. adoption; implement findings within 1 year thereafter Objective 1.3 Ensure that all Diamond Bar residents have access to high quality local educaa facilities, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location within the City. 1.3.1 Pursue a cooperative program with the Existing Community Ongoing Developm City of Industry and the Pomona Program Development through review fix Unified School district to secure land Director; development adoption and and construct a high school in the review bodies implementation Pomona Unified School District in the of Tres City of Diamond Bar such as within Hermans the Tres Hermans Ranch. As part of Specific Plan . high school development, pursue and development of a major joint use construction of recreational facility (e.g. pool, ball high school fields, stadium, gymnasium). 1.3.2 Work closely with the Walnut Valley Existing Community Ongoing General fu and Pomona Unified School Districts Program Development through developme on an ongoing basis to resolve issues Director; Parks and implementation review fees such as joint use of facilities, location Recreation Director; of parks of new facilities, and alternative use of City Manager's office master plan vacant or unused sites. Objective 1.4 Ensure the provision of cultural facilities, such as educational institutions, performing arts facilities, to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. museums, , 1.4.1 Pursue the acquisition of a site and Existing Parks and Recreation identify site General fun development of a civic center, Program Director; Parks within 6 developmet including a multi -use community Commission months of review fees center. General Plan adoption; identify finance mechanism within 1 year thereafter :7 DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 10 • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGA n0N MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 1.4.2 Worst with surrounding jurisdictions to New Program Paris and Recreation Identify site General furs Objective 2.1 Provide sufficient opportunities for retail and other nonresidential conunercial and c establish joint development of cultural facilities Director; Parks within 6 developi neni 0 2.1.1 Promote the intensification of the sales of regional significance, such Commission months of Program office; Community developmt commercial and office areas within the as a performing arts center and a review fee General Plan review Use section of the Plan for Community natural and cultural museum. adoption; 2.1.2 Work with State officials and local Existing City Council; City Ongoing General fu: identify Program Manager's office detcrminedeft'ort to promote legislation finance agencies reflectinga combination of the mechanism collected and an equitable distribution within 1 year 2.1.3 Pursue the expansion of municipal Existing upon Ongoing General funboundaries thereafter Program ommission develo mer pP utilized to assist in the rovision of sufficient municipal income to provide 1.4.3 F[plore the possibility of locating a Existing City Manager's office Complete General Fund demanded by Diamond Bar residents. major institution of higher learning in Program initial Diamond Bar. discussions with UC and CSUC within 6 months of General Pian adoption; ongoing thereafter 1.4.4 Work with Los Angeles. County to New Program Parks and Recreation Ongoing General fnd; insure adequate library services are Director ra..o, _. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGA n0N MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 review fo GOAL 2. "Achieve a fiscally solvent, financially stable community." Objective 2.1 Provide sufficient opportunities for retail and other nonresidential conunercial and c uses as is necessary to ensure adequate municipal income to finance desired comm amenities. 0 2.1.1 Promote the intensification of the sales Existing City Manager's Ongoing General fu tax -generating potential of existing Program office; Community developmt commercial and office areas within the Development review fee City (also we provisions in the Land Director; development Use section of the Plan for Community review bodies Development). 2.1.2 Work with State officials and local Existing City Council; City Ongoing General fu: elected representatives to make a Program Manager's office detcrminedeft'ort to promote legislation for distribution of sales taxes to local agencies reflectinga combination of the location where the sales tax was collected and an equitable distribution based on population. 2.1.3 Pursue the expansion of municipal Existing upon Ongoing General funboundaries to areas which can be Program ommission develo mer pP utilized to assist in the rovision of sufficient municipal income to provide FCiltyil, ation review fees the high level of services and facilities demanded by Diamond Bar residents. • DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGA n0N MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 r • • • 2.1.4 Prepare and maintain a municipal New Program Community initiate General fund; cod/benefitmodel. Existing Development development developin rat facilities owned or constructedby other Program Director; Finance of model review feNm nt public agencies. Potential locations director within 6 review feas include, but are not limited to, the Recreation Director; months of Pomona Unified School District high City Manager's office General Plan school site in the Tres Hermans area; adoption; Site 'D` owned by the Walnut Valley complete Unified School District off of Diamond model within 4 Bar Boulevard east of, the 57 Freeway; months South Pointe Middle School; and the thereafter Objective 2.2 Promote ejlciency in the provision of public services and facilities. 2.2.1 Conduct an annual review of user Existing City Manager's Annual General f ind charges, development fees, and public Program office; Finance just north of the 60 Freeway. facilities impact mitigation fees in Director 2.3.3 Provide regular information to citizens Existing accordancewith CaliforniaGovernment Ongoing General fi nd regarding current issues, public safety Program Code Section 66000 et A, (AB 1600) to information, resource management ensure that the Charges are consistent information, city services, public with the costs of improvement and meeting schedules, hazardous material maintenance, and that public services collection programs, etc. and facilities are being expanded in a cost-efficient manner. Objective 2.3 Promote a balance of public and private provision of services and amenities tc the community. 2.3.1 Identify and pursue opportunities for New Program City Council, upon Ongoing General ft md; private provision of services and Planning Commission developm mt facilities within the City of Diamond recommendation; review f Bar, including joint public/private Community efforts. Development DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 VI -4 Director; development review bodies 2.3.2 Explore joint or cooperative use of Existing Community Complete General find; facilities owned or constructedby other Program Development investigation developm nt public agencies. Potential locations Director; Parks and within 6 review feas include, but are not limited to, the Recreation Director; months of Pomona Unified School District high City Manager's office General Plan school site in the Tres Hermans area; adoption; Site 'D` owned by the Walnut Valley implement Unified School District off of Diamond findings within Bar Boulevard east of, the 57 Freeway; 1 year South Pointe Middle School; and the thereafter Walnut Valley Unified School District school/office site on Lemon Avenue just north of the 60 Freeway. 2.3.3 Provide regular information to citizens Existing City Manager's office Ongoing General fi nd regarding current issues, public safety Program information, resource management information, city services, public meeting schedules, hazardous material collection programs, etc. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM JUNE 1, 1992 VI -4 RESPONSE TO COMMENTS EIR RESPONSE TO COMMENTS This report serves as an ADDENDUM to the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Bar General Plan. it is intended to satisfy the requirements of the California Environment( Act (CEQA), as amended The combination of this Response to Comments document and EIR, along with public hearing minutes, will serve as the Final EIR. It should be emphasize( is a Program EIR for a new city general plan, and as such focuses on the cumulative envir( impacts of overall development within Diamond Bar. Conversely, the impacts of development plans proposed in the future will be evaluated at the appropriate time thn standard environmental review process. It should be remembered that the Master Environmental Assessment provides detaile support the summary Existing Setting sections of the EIR, while the General Plan goals, c and strategies constitute the EIR mitigation measures. The General Pian Implementation which will be approved by the City at the time the General Plan is adopted, will con Mitigation Monitoring Program of the EIR. During the State review period (60 days, from July 31 to September 30, 1991), the Leac received letters from various agencies and individuals commenting on the EIR. This Addel respond to each individual comment in each letter. Copies of all the comment letters are following the response section of this addendum. STATE AGENCIES - CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD, LOS ANGELES REGION - Letter from John Lewis dated August 13, 1991 Corrrment 1: "We have reviewed the subject document regarding the proposed pi we have no further comments at this time. - Response 1: Comment noted. - CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION - Letter from Stephen E. Oliva dated September 4, 1991 Comment 1: "In both the Draft EIR, (page 11-B-18, paragraph 2.b) and the General P I11-2), the Whittier Fault Zone is described as a potentially a Potenfially active and active faults have specific meanings defi Alquist-Priolo Act that should be strictly adhered to. The Whittier fault mapped as active along its entire length in Los Angeles County (Lei Assoc., 1990). At the northern and of the Santa Ana Mountains, the Els splits into the Chino and Whittier faults. The Chino fault is shown Holocene displacement by Wentworth, at al., (1970) and is c potentially active. 11 Quality the Draft I that this mmental specific )ugh the data to yectives, 'rogram, itute the Agency dum will , and la , (page ctiiv fault. ne in the h been gh on and inc re Fault as having DMG recommends that the Whittier segment of this fault zone be can active for planning purposes. The Draft EIR and General Plan she updated to be consistent with the current fault information. - Response 1. Comments noted. The Master Environmental Assessment will be revise( DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1492 be - CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DISTRICT 7 - Letter from Mr. Wilford Melton dated September 19, 1991 Comment 1: "Caltrans is currently considering High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes for Route 57 (Orange Freeway) and Route 60 (Pomona Freeway). Also, Caltrans is in the process of planning to upgrade Route 71 (Corona Expressway) to a freeway." Response 1: Comment noted. The Plan for Physical Mobility (Circulation Element) and the Master Environmental Assessment will be modified to reflect this data. Comment 2: "Caltrans has several current projects on the Route 60, Pomona Freeway. The Comment 5: "Any proposed projects in the City of Diamond Bar that may affect the State highway system should be submitted to Caltrans for review and comments." Response -5: Comment noted. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 2 westbound Diamond Bar Blvd. ramps will include installation of protected left turn phasing onto southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard. The westbound ramps at Brea Canyon Road will include the installation of protected double left turn pockets on northbound Brea Canyon Road. The westbound Grand Avenue ramps will include adding a fourth leg to the intersection and widening the off -ramp from two to three lanes." Response 2: Comment noted. The Plan for Physical Mobility (Circulation. Element) and the Master Environmental Assessment will be modified to reflect this data. Comment 3: "There is no data concerning the proposed future interchange to be built in Tonner Canyon connecting Route 57 to Route 71 " Response 3: Comment noted. The Plan for Physical Mobility (Circulation Element) and the Master Environmental Assessment will be modified to reflect this data. Comment 4: "The Traffic Study for Diamond Bar Corporate Terrace proposing a traffic signal at Brea Canyon Cut-off Road and Fallow Field Drive should be included in the General Plan." Response 4: Comment noted. The Plan for Physical Mobility (Circulation Element) and the Master Environmental Assessment will be modified to reflect this data. Comment 5: "Any proposed projects in the City of Diamond Bar that may affect the State highway system should be submitted to Caltrans for review and comments." Response -5: Comment noted. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 2 REGIONAL/COUNTY AGENCIES - SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT - Letter from Cindy S. Greenwald dated September 11, 1991 Comment 1: "The District's review of the project indicates the proposed General Pic Potential to generate significant air quality impacts which have not I addressed in the Draft EIR." Response 1: The EIR identifies potential impacts to air quality, and recognizes additional amount of pollutants added to an air basin already in non -a represents a significant adverse impact to air quality. That is why air acknowledged as a regional impact that cannot be fully mitigated, implementing all of the proposed air quality mitigation measures. Hov Diamond Bar General Plan Environmental Impact Report does fully a, air quality impacts,. but indicates it cannot mitigate the impacts Belo of significance, even atter complying with all of the requirements i Quality Management Plan. Comment 2: "Based on the General Plan's projected growth of approximate residential units and 11 million square feet of commercial deve appra>amately 3,000 acres are expected to be developed over a construction cycle per year for 10 years. The area to be developed 01 to this schedule would be approximately 33 acres per month (1.1 a d(3y); causing an estimated fugitive dust emission rate of 127 pounds (Environmental Protection Agency estimates fugitive dust emissions of 1 T E per day from one acre of construction activity). However, under intensified rate of development (if General Plan growth is reached shorter period of time), the estimated daily emissions from construction higher, and additional mitigation measures will be required. In order to ensure the mitigation of construction -related imp recommends that the General Plan policies reflect the mitigation recommended in the Draft EIR. Without such policies, the constructi emissions may increase periodically due to day -today variability in ci activities and equipment used. The Final EIR should identity what m be used to prevent peak -level fugitive dust emissions from exce District's threshold level. Table 1 provides a list of potential mitigation i (See the SCAQMD comment letter for Table 1). Response 2: The goals, policies, and implementation strategies of the General Plan reflect the mitigation measures related to air quality in the Draft EIR. As the General Plan implementation program, the items listed in Table 1 included in a checklist for development project grading permit and t permit approvals. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE TO COMMENTS June 1. 1992 has the en fully gat any iinment uality is en with ter, the Tress all a level the Air MI ;res per per day pounds a more Nithin a may be staff will the 01 already part of will be 3 Comment 3: "Long-term air quality impacts from the project will result from the implementation of General Plan policies, which encompass residential and commercial development. The Draft EIR estimates the impacts from development to be approximately 773,000 average daily trips and the corresponding congestion. The Draft EER anticipates a slight reduction in the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) due to the implementation of General Plan policies calling for planned developments to create centralized business areas and mixed-use developments, instead of decentralized strip -commercial or single -use development. Nevertheless, the overall traffic impacts of implementation will still be significant." ' Response 3: The General Plan does identify circulation impacts as being significant, but indicates they are mitigable as long as planned roadway improvements, including those to adjacent freeways, are made as planned. Unfortunately, freeway improvements are not under the control of the City, and so it is difficult to predict the actual timing of mitigation of local traffic problems relative to regional traffic impacts and improvements. Comment 4: Rhe Draft EIR states that the ozone levels exceeded state standards on over 100 days during each of the last three years (page I11-4). It adds that local topography, climate, wind, and air movement patterns tend to concentrate air pollutants along the freeway corridors (1-57 and 1-60) in the Diamond Bar area. Several local intersections already experience significantly elevated levels of air pollutants during peak driving hours. With increased congestion, several traffic intersections would operate at less than acceptable levels of service! Response 4: Comment noted. Comment 5: "The City should consider the option of addressing potential air quality impacts through General Pian goals and policies. These goals and policies, for example, may commit to certain standard types of mitigation to reduce construction- and Operational -related air quality impacts. Mitigation for construction -related activities may be included as standard development practices (see Table 1 for examples; these sample mitigation measures should be modified into General Plan policies).' Response 5: The General Plan already does address both temporary (construction) and long-term (development) air emissions. For example, Strategy 1.9.6 in the Plan for Public Health and Safety is designed to minimize fugitive dust from construction, while Strategy 1.9.4 in the some section addresses the establishment of a transportation demand management, as directed by the Air Quality Management Plan. Comment b: "Inclusion of air quality policies and programs may act as mitigation for the overall General Plan buildout scenario if the policies contain specific goals and action dates. SCARMD encourages the adoption of specific standard mitigation measures, policy statements, objectives and goals within the Air Quality Element and other elements of the General Plan to help facilitate the attainment of federal and state ambient air quality standards. District staff is available to assist in this endeavor." Response 6: The Implementation Program of the General Plan will be developed and adopted by the City Council as part of the General Plan. This program will delineate who will be responsible for implementing each action as well as DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 4 timetables for their implementation. Comment 7: "A number of General Plan policies have been proposed to deal with cc ingestion management. The Draft EIR anticipates the need to improve str ets and maintain a minimum level of service for highway segments and intersections that may be required by the Congestion ey road Management PI In fact, several roadway improvements Ore provided as mitigation me n (CMP). reducing traffic emissions in the Draft EIR. Two of these highways are c ures for idered candidates for inclusion in the CMP network of routes. Staff recomm nds that a schedule for completing street improvements should be provide in the General Plan. Contractual arrangements with other governmental gencies such as Caltrans and Los Angeles County should also be discussed in he Final EIR to ensure that the improvements are completed as scheduled. A ty delay would aggravate the existing high emission levels, specifically, CO an J NOV Response 7: The City has reviewed the Final Draft Congestion Management Plar. for Los Angeles County (dated August 14, 1991), and the policies and pro jrams it adopts are consistent with that document, The City does not presently t ave the financial resources to establish a set timetable for improvements to I i0tentic3l Congestion Management Plan roadways, and is still deliberating on th 9 scope and location of needed improvements. After the City has determined which improvements are needed, funding sources and a preliminary schedule for construction will be developed as part of an overall capital iMPrc vement program. Comment 8: 'The General Plan proposes several transportation performance standards to improve the main circulation system and also reduce the demand for vehicle trips at peak -hour periods. Staff commends the attempt to stream ine the existing circulation system. However, General Plan policies should ensure the coordination of the proposed transportation systems manageme t and transportation demand management (TSM and TDM) plans which would generate increased mobility and reduced traffic levels. Such a Coordination would discourage the piece -meal implementation of transportation me ures." Response 8: City staff has reviewed the Final Draft Congestion Management Plan for Los Angeles County.(dated August 14, 1991), and will coordinate local TDM c nd TSM requirements within the City. The Congestion Management Plan tries to coordinate the activities or Caltrans, the Southern California Associc ition of Governments (SCAG), and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). However, it does not yet provide a program outline to Cities for integrating the related efforts of these individual agencies. The new S AQMD handbook, which was issued within the last few weeks, is designed to Orovide cities with guidelines to achieve this level of coordination. Prior to Plan acioption, necessary policy revisions will be made. Comment 9: "The responsibility for mitigating the impacts from 1-57 and 1-60 may be outside the jurisdiction of the City. However, the presence of 1-57 and 1-60 Provides an automatic base for implementing TSM programs through General Plan go Is and Policies. For example, traffic impacts of the two freeways could be allciviated through improved transit plans, park-and-ride lots, shuttle services for comI ercial centers, and preferential parking for rideshorers. The Final EIR shouldalyze the overall impact of implementing TSM programs relative to the two freways_" Response 9: According to the Final Draft Congestion Management Plan for LosA gales County (dated August 14, 1991), it is the responsibility of Caltrans to ass ss the DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 5 regional impacts of TSM measures relative to state highways. The City already contains two park-and-ride lots adjacent to the two freeways. The Plan for Physical Mobility encourages the expansion of these two facilities. At present, there is no vacant land left proximate to the freeways on which to add another such lot. It may be possible to add park-and-ride spaces, or even carpool spaces, W or when the shopping center at Golden Springs and Diamond Bar Boulevard is refurbished. The City already lacks adequate retail commercial opportunities adjacent to the freeways, as evidenced by the City's efforts to create an economic development strategy. The General Pian does, however, include provision for coordinating with area jurisdictions for the establishment of additional park-and-ride lots. Comment 10: "The CMP also requires the availability of minimum transit standards for ensuring the frequency and adequacy of transit services, and for coordinating different transit operations within the City. The Final EIR should analyze the availability of minimum transit standards." Response 10: The City's goals, objectives, and implementation strategies are consistent with the Congestion Management Plan, and the City will work with Caltrans and other state and regional agencies to successfully implement its requirements. Comment 11: "Traffic signalization improvements, traffic channelization, truck movement restrictions, and on -street parking improvements should also be implemented as proposed in the Draft EIR. Bicycle lanes, bicycle parking facilities, pedestrian walks, night street -repair, and nonpeak-hour maintenance work would reduce VMT and congestion." Response 11: Comment noted. The City has reviewed the Final Draft Congestion Management Plan (CMP) for Los Angeles County (August 14, 1991), and will establish programs and activities to meet the requirements of the CMP. As outlined in the General Plan and its EIR, the City will work to improve traffic congestion problems, and thus some air pollution problems, by implementing appropriate policies of the CMP: Comment 12: "The General Plan is proposing a variety of TDM measures that would mitigate traffic impacts. Staff commends this effort to pursue trip reduction goals. However, TDM programs should include plans to reduce person -trips, vehicle - trips, and congestion. Consideration should be given to the adoption of a Trip Reduction Ordinance by the City, which would enable the implementation of transportation specific plans, development agreements, and parking code requirements. A trip reduction plan (TRP) would help mitigate traffic impacts. The TRP should include a rideshare coordinator, a rideshare matching program, and Transportation Management Associations (IMAs). The final EIR should analyze the TMAs in detail, discussing how and when they will be formed." Response 12: The City will be considering a'Trip Reduction Ordinance as soon as the General Plan is adopted. This ordinance will address a City-wide trip reduction plan, and would likely include a rideshare coordinator, rideshare matching, and other incentive programs to increase vehicle ridership. The City has a distinct advantage as it is the new home of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which will allow it premier access to speciailzed staff and resources to reduce transportation and air quality impacts already identified in the General Plan EIR. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE TO COMMENTS June 1, 1992 Comment 13: "There should be a discussion of specific programs in the General Plan for achieving a trip reduction strategy. Such items as alternative work weeks, flextime; satellite work stations, and telecommuting in general should be analyzed in the Final EIR. The reduction of nonwork trips and mid-day traffic should also be considered, using site plans which would provide for the construction of retail stores, banks, eating places, and consumer outlets at centralized locations. The scheduling of truck delivery times to off- ommute hours is another program that could reduce peak -hour traffic. The Final EIR should incorporate these measures as part of the strategy to reduce the VMT and congestion." Response 13: The General Pian is by its very nature, a vision statement of the direction of change wanted and planned for in a city. The goals and Objectives of the Diamond Bar General Plan refer to such programs, while the strategies encourage their development. The General Plan will be revised to indicate that the City will adopt a Trip Reduction Ordinance to specifically implem t these programs, as soon as. the General Plan is adopted. Comment 14: "General Plan policies should provide a strategy for reducing additional vehicle trips at public facility and school sites. Staff recommends a VMT reduction plan that includes the following strategies: peripheral park and ride lots; pre erential parking for high occupancy vehicles and shuttle services; pedestrian, b2ce, and bus access; and restrictions on parking to discourage traffic." Response 14: The City will consider these strategies as part of its Trip Reduction Orc Inane after the General Pian is adopted. Many of these ideas are (ready incorporated into the strategies and objectives of the Plan for Physical Vlobility (Circulation Element). The City will discuss potential trip and vehic le mile reduction programs with major public employers, including schools, soon after the General Pian is adopted. Comment 15: "Other measures such as parking lot fees on low occupancy vehicles, dire ctionol signs, and synchronized traffic signals to relieve traffic congestion on surrounding streets, and on implementation plan to carry out the transportationg als of public facilities should also be encouraged." Response 15: The City Council will consider such programs as part of a Trip soon after the General Plan is adopted. DIAMOND 13AR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 Plan Comment 16: "An analysis of design requirements that would include landscaping for shade, using light colored roof and building materials, best available control technology (SACT) for energy use and conservation, and site orientation of bus traffic should be included in the Final EIR. Curbside idling by vehicles should also be discouraged by providing adequate ingress and egress at all entrances to the school site and public facilities. There should be plans for bus turnouts to encourage public transportation as it becomes available in the future." Response 16: The land use portion of the Plan for Community Development contains design - oriented guidelines which provide for energy conservation. These will be followed up with the adoption of the City's Development Code. Additional strategies are included in the Plan for Resource Management, and will also be reinforced with the Development Code. School site design and utilization are under the jurisdiction of the local school districts, although the City does have recently expanded powers to review school site improvement plans. The City will work cooperatively with the Pomona Unified School District in the design of the new high school in the Tres Hermanos Ranch to assure adequate parking, egress, and ingress to minimize air pollution impacts. Consideration of public transit facilities and needs in already incorporated into the Plan for Physical Mobility. Comment 17: "An unavoidable impact of the General Plan development is the addition of a substantial quantity of vehicle trips over the next thirty years. There are recommended mitigation measures in the Draft EIR to improve mobility and offset increased VMT. Proposals such as streamlined traffic intersection management and signal synchronization are expected to reduce vehicular emissions. Staff recommends that these mitigation measures should be viewed as part of an integrated plan to reduce adverse cumulative impacts within an area that may see accelerated development." Response 17: The City's General Plan acknowledges the integrated impacts of land use and traffic on energy consumption and air pollutant emissions, both from stationary and mobile sources. The Plan for Physical Mobility of the General Plan outlines on -overall strategy for achieving local and regional air quality goals, while the Implementation Plan that will be developed and approved along with the General Plan will identify who and how will implement the specific actions of the Plan. Comment 18: 'Adverse cumulative impacts due to stationary source emissions are primarily caused by power generators, boilers, cooling and heating systems, chillers, etc. The Final EIR should analyze direct and indirect energy saving methods in order to reduce stationary source emissions." Response 18: The General Plan already emphasizes the use of best available or innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption as well as reduce air pollution from stationary sources. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE TO COMMENTS , June 1, 1992 RESPONSE TO COMMENT HOUSING ELEMENT EXHIBIT A RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT HOUSING ELE This. document is the response to comments made by the California Department of HOL sing and Community Development (HCD) on the Draft Housing Element of the City of Diamond Bar. It is intended to satisfy the requirements of state general plan and housing law regarding re lew, and approval of housing elements. The combination of this Response to Comments documen and the Draft Housing Element, as well as any additional comments by HCD and responses by thCity, will constitute the 1992 Housing Element for the City of Diamond Bar. - CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Letter from Thomas. B. Cook dated August 27, 1991 Comment 1: "Chapter 1451, Statutes of 1989, requires all housing analyses and rograms r to address the potential conversion of existing, assisted developments to non -low-income housing use during housing the next period (Government Code Section 65583 (0)(8) and (c)(6)). The Inv en -year nto Feder 311y Subsidized Low -Income Rental Units at Risk of Conversion, c by the California Housing Partnership Corporation, does of mpiled not list an the City. However, other locally -assisted units may exist in Diamond units in r, and their potential for conversion should be analyzed. We note that the lement contains a statement that no units of this type' were built in t However, the California Debt Advisory Commission Annual e City. Summary shows that there are two bond financed projects in Diamond Bar, or 1990 lamond Bar Village and Autumn Ridge, that are subject to potential conv rsion in 1995 and 1996. The attached technical assistance document, Jousing Element Re uirements for Preservation of At -Risk Assisted Units, is incl help the City in meeting this requirement. The ided to City may wish to respond the new requirements before adopting this draft to to avoid amenc element again prior to January 1992." Ing the Response 1: The California Debt Advisory Commission (CDAC) was contacted. According to "The Use of Housing Revenue Bond Proceeds, Annual Summa 199D" (CDAC), the only Autumn Ridge project is located in San Marcos; there is no Autumn Ridge development in Diamond Bar. The Diamond Bar Village project is a moderate density apartment complex that Is sperfically restricted to seniors. In this case, the "risk of conversion" designation means only that the original low-cost construction loan that helped build the project will be paid off. However, there are no indications that this project ' in any actual danger of conversion to non -restricted housing; it has ben fully occupied since it opened, and has a list of qualified seniors wai ing for vacant units to become available. The City has not receiv d any suggestions for conversion of this or any senior projects in the City, n r have any plans been submitted to the City for such conversion si ce Its incorporation. In contrast, the City is presently reviewing a proposed high density condominium project (80 units on 2.2 acres) near Golden Springs and Diamond Bar Boulevard that could be restricted to seniors. To protect existing and encourage future senior projects, the City will adopt the Housing Element in the new General Plan includes provisions for ad ation DIAMONd BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 of a condominium conversion ordinance (Strategy 2.1.1(a)), as well as requirements that appropriate offsets are provided where housing subsidies will cease through the conversion process (Strategy 2.1.1). Specific inducements for the provision of senior housing is included in Strategy 2.3.4. Comment 2:. (The Housing Element should ...) Include an inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services available to these sites (Section 65583 (a)(3)). The Element includes a land inventory (page 1-11). The element should include the amount of land in the various residential zones in the City. The element states that currently there is in excess of 1,000 acres of vacant land in the City that could support up to 5,500 additional units. However, there is no indication of the zoning of this land and the basis for the determination that the above number of units could be accommodated within the City during the planning period. The element should also provide additional information about the impact of identified environmental constraints and the adequacy of infrastructure to support proposed development' Response 2, The determination of 5,500 units was City-wide, and not only for the Tres Hermans land. This figure also includes estimates of additional units for the many small, vacant parcels of land throughout the City bases on densities of surrounding properties. The reason for the lack of detail in the land use inventory is that most of the large vacant properties remaining in the City are very hilly with little infrastructure in place or immediately adjacent. The largest vacant parcel, called Tres Hermonos, is designated as a "Specific Plan," because there are no firm development or improvement plans at present. It was intended that specific housing projects within the Tres Hermanos Planned Development could be built at densities higher than 16 units per acre, at densities that would provide housing for all income segments of identified need. In addition, as part of the public hearings on the General Plan, the Planning Commission reviewed the Land Use map and made significant increases in allowable residential building in the City. In addition, the City has included a provision in the Housing program requiring developers of five or more units to provide 10 percent of their housing at rates affordable to very low, low, or moderate income residents, or pay an in lieu fee into a City affordable housing fund. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS 2 June 1, 1992 Comment 3: "The element should specify the densities the City believes can facilitate development of low- and very -low-income units. If the City feels the identified needs of all income levels can be accommodated a existing densities (12-16 units per acre maximum), the element should demonstrate how this can be accomplished." Response 3: The City can meet its affordable housing goals with an overall r icodmum density under the proposed General Plan, with allowable bol uses for affordable projects, of 20 units per acre (16 plus 25 percent). It 31 lould be noted that most of the largest parcels of vacant land remaining in the City are in hillside areas, and would be limited to the 16 units per acre n oAmum due to physical constraints alone (20 for affordable projects). In addition, the response to comment 1 of this letter indicates the Cilli will adopt a policy to allow higher densities for infill projects that allow seniors, which is an important segment of the affordable housing need in this area. Several other responses in this document address what types of additional nits will be built and at what income levels. The major drawback of trying to provide affordable housing in the re aining vacant upland parcels in Diamond Bar is that land costs alone force the Price of even the most modest housing beyond the range of County affordable guidelines. For example, even many single family homes in steep areas, even those on one acre lots or larger, must have split-level or some type of custom pad and/or foundation to support them. In addition. higher density housing in steep upland areas would have poor site and cir uloWn access for large numbers of residents. If is much more realistic and cost effective for the City to plant at the majority of affordable housing built in Diamond Bar will be built on he Tres Hermanos Ranch, where there is sufficient land Of modest topogr phy to make the construction of affordable housing, both single fam and detached units. The City of diamond Bar believes that the combination of density bonuses and a ' Cify housing in lieu fund, along with use of State and ederal Programs will be sufficient to meet its proportionate share of loov and moderate income housing needs. Comment 4: "The element contains a summary of the General Plan Land Use After iatives Report in Appendix B. The recommended alternative (1) appears to continue existing development patterns in the City while alternatives h fo and three would allow somewhat higher residential and com ercial development. In our opinion, the alternatives providing higher densit!4 is may have a greater potential to address affordable housing needs. How ver, if the City feels that the selected alternative can adequately a Jdress identified needs, the element should include the analysis used to reach that conclusion." Response 4: As part of their review of the General Plan Land use map, the Planning Commission increased densities in a manner more similar to Alterna lve B. Development of a greater number of dwelling units does not appeal wise. The reason for this is that the majority of vacant land remaining in th a City is steep, which limits the density and overall number of units that con be DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 3 constructed, while being sensitive to the existing topography. The only way to significantly increase development densities is to mass grade large level areas for housing pads and to either allow smaller single family lot sizes or higher density multi -family projects. lather of these alternative development plans would also cause increased impacts to public services and utilities, and introduce more residents into areas with restricted access and potential for geologic hazards and/or wildland fires. Another major reason for limiting overall development densities is traffic. The City presently faces serious impacts on its streets due to commuter traffic using local streets, especially when they are used as bypasses when the nearby freeways are congested (the 57 and 60 freeways). A significant increase in proposed City-wide densities would significantly increase local traffic impacts, further exacerbating elasting congestion. It is the City's intent to meet its regional share of housing need under the modified Land Use Pian primarily through development of higher density multi -family housing projects within the Tres Hermanos Specific Plan and use of the City in lieu housing fund. Comment 5. "Quantify the locality's projected housing needs for all income levels. The projected need should include the locoilty's share of the regional housing need (Section 65583 (a)(1)). The element describes the City's total projected need but does not quantify this need by income level.' Response 5: The following breakdown for housing need within Diamond Bar by income level was not available prior to submittal of the Draft Housing Element, but has since been provided by the Department of Housing and Community Development: Housing Need in Diamond Bar (by income lever Upper 338 68 TOTAL 781 156 DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS 4 June 1, 1992 Comment 6: `Analyze the special housing needs of farm workers, elderly, largi families, female heads of households and expand the analysis of persons ii I need of emergency shelter and transitional housing (Section 65583 (a) analysis of these groups should include 6)). The a quantification of the tok of persons or households, a quantification and qualitative descript I number on of the need, and identification of potential solutions and resources to ad Jress the need. The Most recent data should be used for all needs anolyes. The needs of fem! ale heads of households are not included in the Since limited, data was available from SCAG alement. and Los Angeles Co City should contact additional local resources to assist in the !der nty, the tification of unmet need" Responso 6: Since the original Housing Element was prepared, some additional C ofa from the federal 1990 census has become available. The following presents the most current data on the population characteristics table of Diamond Bar residents most applicable to housing need: Household Characteristics (1990 Census) Total Population 0990 estimate was 53,672): 53,672 Total Households (1990 estimate was 16,987) 16,987 Percent Total Minority (1990 estimate was 47%1: 36 Female Head of Household (not married) with Children: $93 People 65 years and older (1990 estimate was 1,643): 2,271 Large Households (5+ persons, 1990 estimate was 2,038); 2,863 Total Households with one person (1990 estimate was 2,151); 1963 Overcrowded Householdsz 0990 estimate was 2,021) 992 1990 total housing and population figures were available in early 1991; breakdown of efhnic and housing data were not available u til late 1991. 1.01 + persons per room. Local and regional service providers and related agencies were co acted to ascertain data on farm workers, homeless persons and famili female heads of households. None of the persons or agencies con acted could provide detailed data relative to Diamond Bar, although many indicated that their services were being extensively utilized on a r gional basis. Until more specific data is available from the 1990 federal ce isus, it is difficult for the City to accurately quantify these groups within Dic mond Bar, or to develop specific programs to accommodate their needs. It direct evidence from L.A. County Sheriff's Department officers indicates tha there are few or no homeless or farm worker families living in DiamonJ Bar, although there are more than likely some number of female heads of households present. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN RESPONSE To CommE June 1. 1992 5 Comment 7: "The analysis of the homeless indicates that, based on information obtained from local service providers, it was difficult to determine the number of homeless in the City. in our opinion, the element should estimate the number of persons and families in need of emergency shelter and evaluate the whether an unmet need exists. For example, the police or sheriff department may be able to assist in the determination of the number of homeless residing in the City. it may also be necessary to include a program to identify sites to address any identified need for homeless and transitional housing. We have included a copy of our publication, Shelter for the Homeless:_ Housing Element Requirements to assist the City in this effort.,, Response 7: As indicated in the original Housing Element, local data on homeless individuals or families is difficult to obtain. Larry Luter with the Walnut Sheriff's Office questioned the officers assigned to Diamond Bar to determine if they were aware of any homeless persons living within the City; the officers indicated that they knew of no homeless persons or families within Diamond Bar. Even the directors of the local homeless shelters indicated that they had no data on the number of local homeless persons, only the number of Individuals or families presently served (which was provided in the original Housing Element). Comment 8: "The analysis of the needs of farm workers should include an estimate of the number of workers and identify resources to address any unmet needs. In order to obtain more accurate information, the City may wish to contact the County Agricultural Commissioner, the State Employment Development Department for additional statistics that could assist in fully determining any unmet needs of farm workers. It it is determined that there are no farm workers in the City the element should include that information." Response 8: As with homeless persons, specific data on farm workers within Diamond Bar is not available. The Los Angeles County Agricultural Commission, the California Department of Employment and Economic Development, the Agricultural Employer's Labor Board„ University of California Agricultural Extension Program, and the California f=arm Advisor were all contacted to determine it there was any data on the location of farm workers; all of these agencies indicated they did not keep such statistics. The local Sheriff's office was also contacted to determine if patrol officers knew of any itinerant individuals or farm workers were living within Diamond Bar; again, the officers knew of no persons or families that could be so characterized. In addition, the latest 1990 census indicates no vacancies reported in the City due to 'migrant workers." DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS 6 June 1, 1992 Comment 9: (The Element should) "analyze the City's land -use controls or Processing requirements as potential and actual governmental c upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housi income groups (Section 65583 (a)(4)). The analysis of gove constraints should include a determination as to whether a procedure poses an actual constraint in the community. While the describes general information about residential -uses and allowed R should also specifically describe and analyze City poll( requirements regarding design review and development standard parking and 'set -backs, height limits, and any growth controls a space requirements. The element notes that the above factors cc constraint to housing development but it does not describ requirements in the City! Response 9: The City of Diamond Bar is in the process of preparing a Developr to address these particular aspects of the development process. major reasons for preparing a new code Is the ambiguity and del by using the current Los Angeles County Development Code. update of the Housing Element will be much more able to deter development procedures eventually adopted by the City adequ the needs of maintaining housing at all income levels. Subs preparation of the original Housing Element, the firm of Hoc Development Consulting Group completed a "Fee Comparison Diamond Bar. A copy of that report has been transmitted to the D separately. Comment 10: "The element should include information from the cited Los Angeles study (Siercy 1991) detailing the processing time for planning docun well as delays caused by the conditional use permit process. The e should also address any additional constrains resulting from the incorporation of the City and efforts to develop and implement the plan." Response 10: Development processing time in Diamond liar is significantly short, processing through the County of Los Angeles. It is estimated that a tract map which took 18 months to process through the County we processed in approximately 6 months at the City. This is because th staff is more knowledgeable about focal conditions, and there are cases per planner to process compared to the County. This conditio despite two major potential causes of delay: City staff is relatively ne review of hillside development proposals, which constitute a maj, applications at present, is necessarily more complex than processinc, on flat land, which represented the majority of projects processed County. The Siercy reference was to discussions with a Diamol Planning Department staff member (Robert Siercy) when he referred Fee Study being done by Hogle-Ireland (see Response 9 to this lette not to an actual publication. J permit )nstraints ig for all •nmental policy or element lensities, es and such as id open 1 pose a actual 'it Code ie of the caused he next )e 0 the ,ly meet uent to idy" for irtment ::ounfy ants as ement recent eneral r than uld be a local fewer I exists N; and )rity of tracts :)y the d Bar to the ), and Over the long term, City staff feels that processing through the City ill be much faster and more responsive than County processing, offer a "br ak-in" period of adjustment and specific guidelines are established regarding hillside development. D1AMONE) BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1. 1992 While the General Plan is being prepared, development processing may be relatively slow, mainly due to the lack of direction or applicable guidelines. However, the poor economic conditions for the housing industry have kept the number of applications low, and resulting processing times have been relatively quick. After the General Plan is adopted, the existence of clear direction for new development will result in a reduction in processing time. Comment 11: "fie. element does not include a statement of quantified objectives for the City. The City should provide the number of units which potentially may be constructed over the time frame of the element given the locality's land resources, constraints which cannot be mitigated or removed, and proposed programs. To quantity the conservation objective the City could, for example, provide estimates of units for which affordability will be conserved through federal housing subsidy programs, or which will be conserved through more stable residential zoning. The number of assisted and private rehabilitations could be included in the City's overall rehabilitation objectives.` Response 11: The following will be added to the Housing' element: Within the City of Diamond Bar, a minimum of 200 new units will be constructed over the next five years that will be affordable to all income levels in the following proportions: Housing Need Housing Goal Category Number Percent Number Percent Very Low 117 15 30 15 Low 182 23 47 23 Moderate 144 18 37 18 Upper 338 43 86 43 Total 781 100 200 100 Based on Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). These units will be pdmarily constructed on the Tres Hermans Ranch and/or on other sites through the City in lieu housing tund. Comment 12: "The element does not identify adequate sites which will be made available through appropriate zoning and development standards, and with public services and facilities needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for ail income levels (Section 54483 (c)(1)). Without a complete inventory it is not possible to determine whether the City has identified adequate sites for all income levels! DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS 8 June 1, 1992 Response 12: As noted in Response 3, the Tres Hermanos property will be the pri marV site for additional affordable housing in the City. A second, 500 -ac re site is available for development west of Tres Hermanos. These two sites will probably supply all or most of the additional affordable housing in the City. However, as noted in Response 1, other small infill sites mayome available for higher density affordable housing projects. rec In addition, it should be noted that the City already contains a variety of dwelling unit types, although the predominant) g family detached. A survey of the City's housing stock indicates that, whileaverage house prices and rents are relatively high, the condominium and a ariment complexes in the City provide a wide range of selling prices ar d rents, mainly due to the age and condition of the various units. In fa t, even though Diamond Bar has a reputation as an enclave of sing!e family detached homes, it actually has higher percentage of multi -family u lits than the County as a whole. In addition, much of the level, easily developable land has a'lreac y been used, in some cases, for multi -family development. The majorlh of the remaining lands are in upland areas with moderate to severe topographic or other constraints, which can directly limit the type of units that a e built. As previously discussed, the major site presently identified by the City s most appropriate for affordable housing is the Tres Hermans area in the northeast comer of the City. This area is proposed as 'Specific Ftanned Development" so that appropriate planning can be done for mul i -family development(s). Comment 13: "!n addition, the highest residential density included in the element is 12-16 units per acre and the element does not clearly demonstrate that t lower-income households can be developed nits for at this density range, p often required to facilitate the development of housing are: for very -1 ns►ties w low-income, 25 units/acre, or above, (multifamily rental); and for mo and erate- income, 8 units/acre, or above, (rental and ownership). if the City bAleves it can accommodate lower-income housing at densities below these the element should demonstrate how this will be accomplished." levels, Response 13: Under the Planned Development and Specific Plan categories, thle, intends City to allow development densities to exceed the 16 units per are selected projects to provide the on majority of the City's fair share of affo housing. able The reason for the proposed City-wide maximum density of 16 units per acre (20 maximum with a density bonus) is that all of the previous development in the City fits within those General flan limits. A survey of housing Witt in the City indicates that the most dense multi -family housing is approximat ly 16 units per acre; that is how the maximum density of the medium d nsity residential category was determined. It should be noted that, since pri ivious development in the City provides a range of selling prices and rental rates (see Response 12 to this letter), the City believes that the proposed Gf neral Plan will be able to provide housing affordable to most or all income evels as it has in the past. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS Juno 1, 1992 N Comment 14: "fie element may also need to add programs to address infrastructure requirements of identified sites." Response 14: The provision of infrastructure is the first of two major goals in the Plan for Public Services and Facilities, which states the City shall "provide adequate infrastructure, facilities, and public services to support development and planned growth." The objectives and strategies that implement this goal provide a framework to assure that adequate infrastructure will be available for new development, including multi -family projects and projects affordable to families with a variety of income levels. Comment 15: "if after further analysis it is determined that there is an unmet need for homeless shelters or transitional housing, the element should include a program to identity needed sites." Response 13: The directors at both of the local homeless shelters agree that there is a need for additional shelter space, but they could not provide any quantified data on the number of additional spaces needed, or the most appropriate location for additional facilities. At this point, the City cannot snake a specific commitment to additional facilities until the regional service providers analyze the locations of unmet need and develop strategies (or appropriate target sites) to alleviate deficiencies. Comment 16: "Include more specific implementation actions and time lines to demonstrate the City's commitment to implement the element's programs (Section 65583(c)). Many of the proposed programs are not scheduled to be implemented until after the adoption of the general plan. Without additional information about time frames and specific actions to be implemented by the City, the impacts of the proposed programs cannot be determined." Response 16: The City is already into the public hearing process, and should be completed, with the General Plan adopted, by the end of July 1992. The time lines proposed for each of the housing programs would then begin, and it is anticipated that each would be accomplished prior to the next Housing Element update in 1994. (see previous responses for additional information on new strategies to implement the housing goals and objectives) Comment 17: "How will a mixture of housing types be encouraged (Strategies 1.1.1, 1.1.2 and 1.1.3)? When will the development code be completed?" Response 17: The General flan presently encourages a diversity of housing types by allowing six different (maximum) densities of residential uses. The lowest density type is rural at 1 du/acre; the two moderate density types are low at 3 du/acre and low -medium at 6 du/acre; and the higher density type is medium at 16 du/ocre. In addition, the Specific Plan and Planned Development categories were specifically designated for areas that need to address a wider range of housing types, and possibly some areas at higher density, than would be allowed in many in -fill areas of the City. The Tres Hermanos Ranch area, for example, is envisioned in large part to be a self-contained community, supporting many different kinds of housing opportunities that smaller parcels cannot offer. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS 10 June 1, 1992 It should be remembered that, while the maximum density of th 9 highest category (medium) is 16 units per acre, which is considered to be a moderate density on flat land, almost all of the remaining undevei d land within Diamond Bar is in hillside areas, and 16 units per acre will b a difficult to achieve given the local topography. In the past, 16 units per 3Cre was adequate to produce hundreds of affordable multi -family units I hot were compatible with the Diamond Bar community. It should still be ible to produce affordable units at this density, given local market cond' ions and despite the limitations of the local topography. The new Development Code will also encourage a diversify of hou ng types by establishing zones and districts for variations and alternatives to landord housing construction. Clustering or transfer of development righ s will be allowed to increase densities in exchange for preservation of ope I space, for example. It is anticipated that the Development Code will, to, obvious reasons, lag somewhat behind the General Plan, but should be ad pted by late 1992. In addition, strategies have been added to the General Plan to encourage the provision of housing within mixed use commercial developments. Given the more intensive nature of commercial development areas higher densities and more affordable dwellings could be expected to occur in those areas. comment 18: 'flow does the code and permit processing system encourage the use of innovative development, construction materials and techniques Istrategy Response 18: The new Development Code will allow a reduction or elimination o certain processing fees in exchange for using innovative land plans, co truction materials, and building techniques. A checklist will be used to encourage consideration of these alternative construction methods. Comment 19: HIS strategy 1.1.11 which is designed to provide guidelines for the P rovision of affordable housing in large scale developments, an inclusionary gram? How and at what levels, will developers of projects with less than 2 50 units be encouraged to contribute to the affordable housing needs of tile City? What will the standard be for developments between 250 and 5oq units?' Response 19: The strategy referred to has been revised to require that all res dentias developments in excess of five units provide a range of housing t pes, a minimum of ten percent of the units affordable to very low, io v, and moderate income households, or provide funds for an in lieu housh g fund which the City will administer to ensure the availability of housing for all economic segments of the community. Comment 20: "What other resources will be utilized in addition to Mortgage Revenue Bonds and Mortgage Credit Certificates to facilitate developments t at are proposed to provide at least 20 percent of new housing develo ment, affordable to low- and moderate -income households (Program 1.1. 2)?" DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE TO COMMENTS June 1, 1992 it Response 20: The strategies of the Housing Plan have been revised to provide a greater list of housing programs that the City will pursue. In fiscal year 1992, the City will apply for Community Development Block Grant funds. The Cranston -Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 requires cities seeking federal housing assistance funds to prepare a Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS). The CHAS will incorporate certain elements of the Housing Assistance Plan (HAP) as required for cities to receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Comprehensive Homeless Assistance Plan (CHAP) funds, or local homeless shelter programs. The CHAS will eventually replace both documents, leaving one comprehensive planning document which will address both affordable as well as supportive housing needs of communities. Comment 21: "Program 2.3.3 focuses on the needs of. handicapped and seniors through the development of housing using density bonuses and other subsidies. What will be the sources of City funding? Will the density bonus and other incentives be utilized to address needs of large families and other groups in need of affordable housing?" Response 21: The City will utilize a combination of federal Community Development Block Grant funds, local redevelopment revenues, and state and federal grant monies to fund local programs. However, few of these alternative funding sources have been secured .yet. Although these programs will be started within the next three to five years, it is not possible to schedule exactly when certain programs will be implemented until a more definitive funding schedule is determined. The Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) described in Response 20 will contain specific criteria for review of applications for affordable housing programs to give consideration for large families and other groups in need of affordable housing. Comment 22: 'The City should make a stronger commitment to pursue and implement state and federal programs to assist affordable housing development. The element only commits to investigating the use of state, federal and private funding for housing development but does not make a clear commitment to pursue funding resources. How will the City work with the State Franchise Tax Board to finance housing Program 3.2.4?" Response 22: The City will begin acquiring federal Community Development Block Grant funds by 1993. At that time, a Housing Coordinator in the Planning Department will be designated. The Housing Coordinator will make applications for various state and federal programs, but it is not possible at this point to specifically earmark monies since the City has no experience with these programs. However, the City will commit at least $25,000 annually from various sources towards meeting the housing needs of special groups within Diamond Bar (see Responses 2, 11, 19, 20, and 21). DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 12 Comment 23: "Programs 1.1.12, 2.3.4 and 3.2.3 includes the potential redevelopment funds to support housing development and reh programs. However, the element does not Indicate if of redevelopment effort will be initiated in the City. When does the C to implement the redevelopment process and could it generate funds for programs during the planning period?" of when expect Response 23: The City has opted not to form a redevelopment agency. Th in lieu housing fund will be the primary source of local funding for ousing programs. Comment 24; "The element should include program actions to address and, when appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental constrainis to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing for all income levels (Section 65583 (c)(4)). It is not possible to determine adeq acy of mitigation actions without a complete analysis as noted above. Examples of other potential constraints that should be addressed include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Utilization of the conditional use permit process for housing projects which subject them to extended processing and the potential to be defeated due to public pressure. b. Density limitations and the desire by the communis to limit the 'proliferation' of high density development c. Limits on the development of the City as propos in the General Pian Land Use Alternatives Report. The recommended pian provides the least flexibility for future growth and development in the City! Response 24: As part of their duties following incorporation, the City Planning Der. artment staff thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the fee structures and prccessing procedures of surrounding communities, including Los Angeles County, to assure that their fees and development approval process did not prevent local builders from providing housing to all income levels. Their analysis shows that the current fee and processing structure, even after cop Ing changes proposed in the "Fee Comparison Study" by the Hogl -Ireland Group, is similar to neighboring jurisdictions and will not hinder the provision of housing. A copy of this report is available at City Hall. The most direct impact on housing affordability in Diamond Bar is n fees or processing, but that almost all of the land left to be developed is Ste BID, and therefore cannot support extremely dense collections of units. Smaller, isolated parcels are also not appropriate for very dense housiN due to incompatibility with surrounding uses and infrastructure limitations. To the greatest degree practical, the new General Plan and Development Code will City will establish pragmatic development processing procedures and practices so that the provision of affordable housing, within existing local limitations, will not be impeded. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 13 •STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY �E WiLS1 D AARIUENT OF, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT 18M THIRD STREET, Room 430 - P.O. BOX 952053 SACRAMENTO, CA 94252-2053 - (916) 323.3176 FAX (916) 323.6625 August 27, 1991 Mr. Robert Van Nort. City Manager City of Diamond Bar, 21660 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765-3117 Dear Mr. Van Nort: Re: Review of the City of Diamond Bar's Draft Housing Element Thank you for submitting Diamond' Bar's draft housing element, received July 12, 1991 for our"review. As you know, we are required to review draft housing elements and report our findings to the locality (Government Code Section 65585(b)). Identified concerns were reviewed in telephone conversations with Nick Norton, the City's consultant, including one on August 20, 1991. This letter and appendix summarize the conclusions of those conversations. The City's draft housing element contains much useful information about the City. In our opinion, however, additional revisions are needed for the element to comply with state law (Article 10.6 of the Government Code). In particular, the element should include a more detailed sites inventory and programs that include more specific implementation actions and evidence of City's commitment to implement. For your information, Chapter 1451, Statutes of 1989, requires all housing elements to include, by'January 1, 1992, additional needs analyses and programs to address the potential conversion of existing, assisted housing developments to non -low- income housing use during the next ten --year period (Government Code Section 65583 (a) (8) and (c) (6)) . The Inventory__of Federally Subsidized Low -Income Rental Units at Risk of Conversion, compiled by the California Housing Partnership Corporation, does not list any units in the City. However, other locally --assisted units may exist in Diamond Bar, and their potential for conversion should be analyzed. We note that the element contains a statement that no units of this type were built in the City. however, the California Debt Advisory Mr. Robert Van Nort Page 2 Commission Annual Summary for 1990 shows that there are two bond financed projects in Diamond Bar, Diamond Bar Village and Autumn Ridge, that are subject to potential conversion in 1995 and 1996. The attached technical assistance document, Housing Element Requirements for Preservation of At -Risk Assisted Units, is included to help the City in meeting this requirement. The City may wish to respond to the new requirements before adopting this draft to avoid amending the element again prior to January 1992. Our comments are designed to assist the City in bringing its element into conformance with state housing element law. If you have any questions about our comments or would like assistance in the revision of your housing element, please contact William Andrews of our staff at (916) 323-7271. In accordance with their requests pursuant to the Public Records Act, we are forwarding copies of this letter to the persons and organizations listed below. Sincerely, Thomas B. Cook Deputy Director Attachments cc: Nick Norton, Consultant, Planning Network Carlyle W. Hall, Hall & Phillips Law Firm Jonathan Lehrer-Graiwer, Attorney at Law Western Center on Law & Poverty Fair Housing Council of the San Fernando Valley Mark Johnson, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Ana Marie Whitaker, California State University Pomona Dennis Rockway, Legal Aid Foundation of Long Beach David Booher, California Housing Council Joe Carreras, Southern California Association of Governments Kathleen Mikkelson, Deputy Attorney General Bob Cervantes, Governor's Office of Planning and Research Richard Lyon, California Building Industry Association Kerry Harrington Morrison, California Association of Realtors Marc Brown, California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation Christine D. Reed, Orange County Building Industry Association Rob Wiener, California Coalition for Rural Housing Susan DeSantis, The Planning Center APPENDIX Diamond Bar Housing Element The following changes would, in our opinion, bring Diamond Bar's housing element into compliance with Article 10.6 of the Government Code. Following each recommended change we cite the supporting section of the Government Code. Where particular program examples or data sources are listed, these are suggestions for your information only. We recognize that Diamonc Bar may choose other means of complying with the law. A. Housing Needs Resources and Constraints 1. Include an inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services available to these sites (Section 65583(a)(3)). The element includes a land inventory (page I-11). While the inventory provides much useful information, it should also include the following: a. The element should include the amount of land in the various residential zones in the City. The element states that currently -there is in excess of 1,000 acres of vacant land in the. City that could support up to 5,500 additional units. However, there is no indication of the zoning of this land and the basis for the determination that the above number of units could be accommodated within the City during the planning period. The element should also provide additional information about the impact of identified environmental constraints and the adequacy of infrastructure to support proposed development. b. The element should specify the densities the City believes can facilitate development of low- and very -low-income units. If the City feels the identified needs of all income levels (see regional need A-2, below) can be accommodated at existing densities (12-16. units per acre maximum), the element should demonstrate how this can be accomplished. C. The element contains a summary of the General Plan Land Use Alternatives Report in Appendix B. The recommended alternative (1) appears to continue existing development patterns in the City while alternatives two and three would allow somewhat higher residential and commercial development. In our opinion, the alternatives providing higher densities may have a greater potential to address affordable housing needs. However, if the City feels that the selected alternative can adequately address identified needs the element should include the analysis used to reach that conclusion. 2. Quantify the locality's projected housing needs for all income levels. The projected need should include the locality's share of the regional housing need (Section 65583 (a)(1)). The element describes the City's total projected need but does not quantify the need by income level. Diamond Bar Regional Need* Very low 117 Low 182 Moderate 144 Upper 338 * based on a total of 781 units using the income level percentages from the County of Los Angeles. 3. Analyze --..the special... housing needs of.farmworkers,. elderly, large families, female heads of households and expand the analysis of persons in need of emergency shelter and transitional housing (Section 65583(a)(6)). The analysis of these groups should include a quantification of the total number of persons or households, a quantification and qualitative description of the need, and identification of potential solutions and resources to address the need. The most recent data should be used for all needs analyses. The needs of female heads of households are not included in the element. Since limited data was available from SCAG and Los Angeles County, the City should contact additional local resources to assist in the identification of unmet need. The analysis of the homeless indicates that, based on information obtained from local service providers, it was difficult to determine the number of homeless in the City. In our opinion, the element should estimate the number of persons and families in need of emergency shelter and evaluate the whether an unmet need exists. For example, the police or sheriff department may be able to assist in the determination of the number of homeless residing in the City. It may also be necessary to include a program to identify sites to K B. address any identified need for homeless and transitional housing. We have included a copy of our publication, Shelter for the Homeless: Housing Element Requirements to assist the City in this effort. The analysis of the needs of farmworkers should includ4 an estimate of the number of workers and identify resources to address any unmet needs. in order to obtain -more accurate information, the City may wish to contact the County Agricultural Commissioner, the Stati Employment Development Department for additional statistics that could assist in fully determining any unmet needs of farmworkers. If it is deter -mined that there are no farmworkers in the City the element shout( include that information. 4. Analyze the -City's land -use controls and permit processing requirements as potential and actual governmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all .income groups (Section 65583(x)(4)). The analysis of governmental constraints should include a determinatiol' as to whether a policy or procedure poses an actual constraint in the community. While the element describes general information about residential -uses and allowed densities, it should also specifically describe and analyze City policies and requirements _ regarding design review and development.standards such as parking and set -backs, height limits, and any growtl controls and open space requirements. The element notes that the above factors can pose a constraint to housing development but it does not describe actual requirements in the City. The element should include information from the cited Los Angeles County study (Ciercy 1991) detailing the processing time for planning documents as well as delays caused by the conditional use permit process. The element should also address any additional constrains resulting from the recent incorporation of the City and efforts to develop and implement the general plan. Quantified Objectives Establish the maximum number of housing units that can be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved over the element' planning period (Section 65583(b)). The element does not include a statement of quantified objectives for the City. The City should provide the number of units which potentially may be constructed over the time frame of the 3 C. element given the locality's land resources, constraints which cannot be mitigated or removed, and proposed programs. To quantify the conservation objective the City could, for example, provide estimates of units for which affordability will be conserved through federal housing subsidy programs, or which will be conserved through more stable residential zoning. The number of assisted and private rehabilitations could be included in the City's overall rehabilitation objectives. Housing Programs 1. The element does not identify adequate sites which will be made available through appropriate zoning and development standards, and with public services and facilities needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all income levels (Section 65583(c)(1)). Without a complete inventory it is not possible to determine whether the City has identified adequate sites far all income levels. in addition, the highest residential density included in the element is 12-16 units per acre and the element does not clearly demonstrate that units for lower- income households can be developed at this density range. Densities often required to facilitate the development of housing are: for very -low- and low- income, 25 units/acre, or above, (multifamily rental); and for moderate --income, 8 units/acre, or above, (rental and ownership). If the City believes it can accommodate lower-income housing at densities below these levels, the element should demonstrate how this will be accomplished. The element may also need to add programs to address infrastructure requirements of identified sites. If after further analysis it is determined that there is 'an unmet need for homeless shelters or transitional housing, the element should include a program to identify needed sites. 2. Include more specific implementation actions and time lines to demonstrate the City's commitment to implement the element's programs (Section 65583(c)). Many of the proposed programs are not scheduled to be implemented until after the adoption of the general plan. Without additional information about timeframes and specific actions to be implemented by the City, the impacts of proposed programs cannot be determined. For example: 4 a. How will a mixture of housing types be encourag (strategies 1.1..1, 1.1.2 and 1.1.3)? When will development code be completed? b. How does the code and permit processing system encourage the use of innovative development, construction materials and techniques (strategy 1..1.9)? C. Is strategy 1.1.1.1 which is designed to provide guidelines for the provision of affordable housin, in large scale developments an inclusionary program. How, and at what levels, will developers of projects with less than 250 units be encourage to contribute to the affordable housing needs of the City? What will the standard be for developments between 250 and 500 units. d. What other resources will be utilized in addition to Mortgage Revenue Bonds and.Mortgage Credit Certificates to facilitate developments that are proposed to provide at least 20 percent of new housing development, affordable to low- and moderate -income households (Program 1.1.12)? e. Program 2.3.3 focuses on the needs of handicapped and seniors through the development of housing using density bonuses and other subsidies. What will be the sources of City funding? Will the density bonus and other incentives be utilized to address needs of large families and other groups in need of affordable housing? f. The City should make a stronger commitment to pursue and implement state and federal programs assist affordable housing development. The element only commits to investigating the use of state, federal and private funding for housing development but does not make a clear commitment to pursue funding resources. How will the City work with the state Franchise Tax Board to finan housing (Program 3.2.4)? g. Programs 1.1.12, 2.3.4. and 3.2.3 includes the potential use of redevelopment funds to support housing development and rehabilitation programs. However, the element does not indicate if and whe redevelopment effort will be initiated in the City. When does the City expect to implement the redevelopment process and could it generate significant funds for programs during the plannin period? k 3. The element should include program actions to address and, when appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental: constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing for all income levels (Section 65583(c)(4)). It is not possible to determine adequacy of mitigation actions without a complete analysis as noted above. Examples of other potential constraints that should be addressed include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Utilization of the conditional use permit process for housing projects which subject them to extended processing and the potential to be defeated due to public pressure. b. Density limitations and the desire by the community to limit the "proliferation" of high density development. C. Limits on the development of the City as proposed in the General Plan Land Use Alternatives Report. The recommended plan provides the least flexibility for future growth and development in the City. C.1 CHAPTER L The Nature, Content, 2nd Format of t6 CONrEN1' of THE The reader ofa community plan must be able to determine how the plan's policies apply to each affected parcel. While an area or community plan is an integral pan of a general plan, a specific plan is not. The latter, like zoning, implements ageneral plan. When adopted it does not amend ageneral plan, but instead is an entirely separate document that Must be consistent with all facets of the general plan (including any area and community plans). Aspecific plan is a hybrid policy statement and/or regulatory tool that is often used to address a single project such as an urban infill development or a planned community. As a result, its emphasis is on concrete standards and development criteria to supplement those of the general plan. Its text and diagrams address Iand use (including open space), infrastructure, standards for development and natural resource conservation, and implementation mea- sures. Perhaps because of its dual policy/regulatory nature, a specific plan may be adopted either by resolution (like a general plan) or by ordinance (like zoning). Al zoning, subdivision, and public works projects must be consistent with an adopted specific plan. CONTENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN - PLAN ELEMENTS AND ISSUES ADDRESSED TRADITIONALLY, the general plan has been organized as a collection of"elements" or subject categories such as land use, circulation, and open space. However, it is crucial to realize that it is not the number of distinct elements that the general plan contains that is important, but instead the integral nature ofthe subject matter and the content of the general plan as awhole. State law provides that the general plan must address seven elements (Government Code Section 65302). These and the issues each embodies are briefly summarized below: • Theland use element designates the general distribution and intensity ofuses ofthe land for housing, business, industry, open space, education, public buildings and grounds, waste disposal facilities, and other categories of public and private uses. • The circulation element is correlated with the Iand use element and identifies the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local public utilities and facilities. • The housing element is a comprehensive assessment of current and projected housing needs for -all segments ofthe communityand all economicgroups.In addition, irernbodies policy for providing adequate housing and includes action programs for this purpose. • The conservation element addresses the conservation, development, and use of natural resources including water, forests, soils, rivers, and mineral deposits. • The open -space element details plans and measures for preserving open space for natural resources, the managed production of resources, outdoor recreation, public health and safety, and the identification of agricultural land. SPl fl Elements oral flan RAI. PLAN GFIVERAL PLAN GUIDELINES 1 21 CHA.PI'ER I. The Nature, Content, and Format of the General flan cor TEE of THE GENERAL PIAN • The noise element identifies and appraises noise problems within.the community and C- forms the basis for land use distribution. • Thesafety element establishes policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic, geologic, Hood, and fire hazards. The detail that each issue is afforded in the local plan depends upon local conditions and the relative local importance of that issue. It is important that the plan clearly identify the issues. When a city or county determines that an issue specified in the law does not apply to local conditions, the general plan should document the reason for that decision. opt;-, n In addition to the general plan elements listed in Government Code Section 65302, local Flcments governments may adopt "any other elements or address any other subjects which ... relate to the physical development of the county or city" (Government Code Section 65303). Upon adoption, an optional element becomes an integral part of the general plan. It has the same force and effect as the mandatory elements and must be consistent with the other elements ofthe plan. In turn, zoning, subdivisions, publicworks, and specific plans must be consistent with all optional elements. An optional element may expand local government authority. Here are some examples. The California Energy Commission may delegate geothermal power plant licensing authority to counties with certified geothermal elements (see Appendix B). A historic preservation element may lay the foundation for historic district regulations and design standards. A strategic fire prevention planning element may identify wildfire hazard areas, control new development within those areas, and provide the basis for strict zoning, subdivision, and brush clearance ordinances. Common themes for optional elements include recreation and parks, air quality, public facilities, historic preservation, community design, and energy. The subjects and contents of optional elements are chosen by the adopting city or county. Content The content of a local general plan is not limited to the issues listed in section 65302. Local general plans may also address optional topics of local interest within the context of the mandatory elements. For instance, a city may choose to describe a detailed program for financing infrastructure and tinning capital improvements as part of its land use element. The safety element of a city or county that suffers from wildfire hazard may contain a strategic fire protection planning program that establishes policies to mitigate such hazards. There are also a number of special requirements which may affect the content of the general plan. These are discussed in Chapter VI. ADOPTION OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION'S GENERAL PLAN AND JOINT ADOPTION A city or county may adopt 211 or a portion of the general plan of another public agency (Government Code Section 65301. (a)). Additionally, Government Code Section 65302(8) specifically provides that a city may adopt the county's safety element if the county's element "is sufficiently detailed containing appropriate policies and programs for adoption by a city." One of the benefits of this approach is that it eliminates duplication of effort in collecting data for the more technical elements. 22 GENERAL PIAN GUIDELINES HOUSING Note: Due to the length of the housing element statutes, the following is not a complete collection of pertinent code sections. Readers are urged to read the entire housing elemcnt statute in detail, beginning with Government Code Section 65580, before preparing or revising a housing clerncnt. Government Code Section 65583: The housing element shall consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. The housing element shall identify adequate sites for housing, including rental housing, factory -built housing, and mobilehomes, and shall make adequate provision for the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community. The element shall contain all of the following: (a) An assessment ofhousing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to the meeting of these needs. The assessment and inventory shall include the following: (1) Analysis ofpopulation and employment trends and documentation ofprojections and a quantification of the locality's existing and projected housing needs for all income levels. These existing and projected needs shall include the locality's share of the regional housing need in accordance with Section 65584. (2) Analysis and documentation ofhousehold characteristics, including level ofpayment compared to ability to pay, housing characteristics, including overcrowding, and housing stock condition. (3) An inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites. (4) Analysis of potential and actual governmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including land use controls, building codes and their enforcement, site improvements, fees and other exactions required of developers, and local processing and permit procedures. (5) Analysis of potential and actual nongovernmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including the availability of financing, the price of land, and the cost of construction. (6) Analysis of any special housing -needs, such as those of the handicapped, -elderly, large families, farmworkers, families with female heads ofhouseholds, and families and persons need of emergency shelter. . (7) Analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to residential develop- ment. (8) An analysis of existing assisted housing developments that are eligible to change to non -- low-income housing uses during.the next 10 years due to termination of subsidy contracts, mortgage prepayment, or expiration of use restrictions. "Assisted housing develop M' ents," for the purpose of this section, shall mean multifamily rental .housing that receives governmental assistance under federal programs listed in subdivision (a) of Section 65863.10, state and local multifamily revenue bond programs, local redevelopment programs; the federal Community Development Plock Grant Program, or local in_Iieu fees. "Assisted housing developments"- shall also include multifamily rental units that were developed Contents GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES 93 CHAPTER III: The Rewired Flemcnts of the General Plast HOUSING ELEMENT pursuant to a local inclusionary housing program or used to qualify for a density bonus pursuant to Section 65916. (A) The analysis shall include a listing of each development by project name and address, the type of governmental assistance received, the earliest possible date of change from low- income use and the total number ofelderly and non -elderly units that could be lost from the locality's low-income housing stock in each year during the 10 year period. For purposes of state and federally £ended projects, the analysis required by this subparagraph need only contain information available on a statewide basis. (B) The analysis shall estimate the total cost of producing new rental housing that is comparable in size and rent levels, to replace the units that could change from low-income use, and an estimated cost o fpreserving the assisted housing developments. This cost analysis for replacement housing maybe done aggregately for each five-year period and does not have to contain a project by project cost estimate. (C) The analysis shall identify public and private nonprofit corporations known to the local government which have legal and managerial capacity to acquire and manage these housing developments. (D) The analysis shall identify and consider the use of all federal, state, and local financing and subsidy programs which can be used to preserve, far lower 'income households, the assisted housing development, identified in this paragraph, including, but not limited to, federal Community Development Grant Program funds, tax increment funds received by a redevelopment agency of the community, and administrative -fees received by a housing authority operating within the community. In considering the use of these financing and subsidy programs, the analysis shall identify the amounts of the funds under each available program which have not, been legally obligated for other purposes and which could be available for use in preserving assisted housing developments. Policy Statements (b) A statement of the community's goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing. It is recognized that the total housing needs identified pursuant to subdivision (a) may exceed available resources and the community's abilityto satisfy this need within the content of the general plan requirements outlined in Article 5 (commencing with Section 65300). Under these circumstances, the quantified objectives need not be identical to the identified existing housing needs, but should establish the maximum number of housing units that can be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved over a five-year time frame. Action Program (c) A program which- sets forth a five-year schedule of actions the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the housing element through the administration of land use and development controls, provision of regulatory concessions and incentives, and the utilization of appropri- ate federal and state financing and subsidy programs when available and the utilization of moneys in a Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund of an agency if the locality has established a redevelopment project area pursuant to the Community Redevelopment Law (Division 24 (commencing with Section 33000) of the Health and Safety Code). In order to make adequate provision for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community, the program shall do all of the following: (1) Identify adequate sites which will be made available through appropriate zoning and development standards and with public services and facilities needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all income levels, including rental housing, factory -built housing, mobilehomes, emergency shelters and transitional 94 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES HOUSING housing in order to me1.et the community's housing goals as identified an subdivision (b)... . (2)Assistin*thedevelopmentofadequatehousingto'meettheneedsoflotiv=andmode�.. - income households. (3) Address and, 'whereappropriate and legallyp ssible,remove governmental constraints to the maintcnance, improvement, and development of housing. (4) Conserve and improve the condition of the existing affordable housing stock. (5) Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national, origin, or color. (6) Preserve for lower income households the assisted housing developments identified pursuant to paragraph (8) of subdivision (a). The program for preservation of the assisted housing developments shall utilize, to the extent necessary, all available federal, state, and local financing and subsidy programs identified in paragraph (8) of subdivision (a), except where a community has other urgent needs for which alternative funding sources are not available. The program may include strategies that involve local regulation and technical assistance. Theprogram shall include an identification ofthe agencies and officials responsible for the implementation ofvarious actions and the means bywhich consistencywill be achieved with other general plan elements and community goals. The local government shall make a diligent effort to achieve pub] ic participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, and the program shall describe this effort. (d) The analysis and program, for preserving assisted housing developments required by the amendments to this section enacted by the Statutes of 1989 shall be adopted as an amendment to the housing element by]anuary 1, 1992. (e) Failure of the department- [of Housing and Community Development] to review and report its findings pursuant to Section 65585 to the local government between January 1, 1992, and the next periodic review and revision required by Section 65588, concerning the housing element amendment required by the amendments to this section by the Statutes of 1989, shall not be used as a basis for allocation or denial of any housing assistance administered pursuant to part 2 (commencing with Section 50400) of Division 31 of the Health and Safety Code. Governni ent Code Section 65585: (a) Each local government shall consider the guidelines adopted by the department pursuant to Section 50459 of the Health and Safety Code in the preparation and amendmentofits housing element pursuant to this article. Those guidelines shall be advisory to each I oval government in order to assist it in the preparation of its housing element. (b) At least 90 days prior to adoption of the housing element, or at least 45 days prior to HCD the adoption of an amendment to this element, the planning agency of a local government shall submit a draft of the element or amendment to the department. The department shall review drafts submitted to it and report its findings to the planning agency within 90 days of receipt of the draft in the case of adoption of the housing element pursuant to this article, or within 45 days of receipt of the draft in the case of an amendment. The legislative body shall consider the department's findings prior to final adoption of the housing element or amendment unless the department's findings are not available within the above prescribed time limits. Tfthe department's findings are not available within those prescribed time limits, the legislative body may take the department's findings into consideration at the time it considers future amendments to the housing element. (c) Each local government shall provide the department with a copy o fits adopted housing G,WERRLI'Lg1VGUlDF.I_'INES 1 95 CHANTER III: The Required Elements of the Ganeral flan HOUSING FI EMFNI' element or amendments. The department may review adopted housing elements or amendments and report its findings. (d) Except as provided in: Section 65586, any and all findings made by the department pursuant to subdivisions (b) and (c) shall be advisory to the local government. Periodic Rcview Government Code Section 65588: (a) Each Iocal government shall review its housing element as frequently as appropriate to evaluate all. of the following: (1) The appropriateness of the housing goals, objectives, and policies in contributing to the attainment of the state housing goal_ (2) The effectiveness of the housing element in attainment of the community's housing goals and objectives. (3) The progress of the city, county, or city and county in implementation of the housing element. (b) The housing element shall be revised as appropriate, bur not less than every five yews, to reflect the results of this periodic review. In order to facilitate effective review by the department of housing elements, local governments following shall prepare and adopt the first two revisions of their housing elements no later than the dates specified in the following schedule, notwithstanding the date of adoption of the housing elements in existence on the effective date of the act which amended this section during the 1983-84 session of the Legislature. Deadlines (1) Local governments within the regional jurisdiction of the Southern California Association of Governments: July 1, 1984, for the first revision and July 1, 1989, for the second revision: (2) Local governments within the regional jurisdiction of the Association of Bay Area Governments: January 1, 1985, for the first revision, and July 1, 1990, for the second revision. (3) Local governments within the regional jurisdiction of the San Diego Association of Governments, the Council of Fresno County Governments, the Kern County Council of Governments, the Sacramento Council of Governments, and the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments: July 1, 1985, for the first revision and July 1, 1991, for the second reS'ISSOn. (4) All other local governments: January 1, 1986, for the first revision, and July 1, 1992, for the second revision. (c) The review and revision of housing elements required by this section shall take into account any low- or moderate -income housing which has been provided or required pursuant to Section 65590. Scope afReview (d) The review pursuant to subdivision (c) shall include, but need not be limited to, the following: (1) The number of new housing units approved for construction within the coastal zone after January 1, 1982. (2) The number of housing units for persons and families of low or moderate income, as defined in Section 50093 of the Health and Safety Code, required to be provided in new housing developments eitherwithin the coastal zone orwithin three miles ofthe coastal zone pursuant to Section 65590• (3) The number of existing residential units occupied by persons and families of low or moderate income, as defined in Section 50093 of the Health and Safety Code, that have been authorized to be demolished or converted since January 1, 1982, in the coastal zone. (4) The number of residential dwelling units for persons and families of low or moderate 9G GENERAL PLtN GLVDEUNES income, as defined in Section 50093 ofthe Health and Safety Code, that have been required for replacement or authorized to be converted or demolished as identified in paragraph (3). The location of the :replacement 'units,_- either 'on-site, elsewhere within. the loraiiry's jurisdiction within the coastal zone, or within three miles of the coastal zone within the locality's jurisdiction, shall be designated in the review. Government Code Section 65303: The general plan may ... address any other subjects which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the county or city. BACKGROUND The Legislature enacted the first housing element requirement in 1969, but it contained no detailed statutory requirements. The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued informal advisory housing element guidelines in 1971, but lacking detailed requirements, it could not critically review housing elements for compliance. In 1975, AB 1X (Chapter 1) instructed HCD to adopt housing element guidelines and authorized the department to review and comment on local housing elements. The resulting 1977 guidelines called for new housing elements to contain an unprecedented degree of specific detail in their analysis of housing needs, resources, and programs. The 1977 guidelines became the subject of controversy over whether they were advisory or binding upon cities and counties. The Legislature resolved the controversy in 1980 by statutorily specifying a housing element's requirements, declaring HCD guidelines to be advisory, and requiring cities and counties to consider the department's findings prior to adopting the element. COURT INTERPRETATIONS Buena Vista Gardens llpartmentsAsfociation v. City of San Diego Planning Dept (1985) 175 Ca1.App.3d 289 provides the most thorough judicial discussion ofhousing elementlaw. The plaintiff and appellant in the case were tenants occupying a large apartment complex for which the city had approved a long-term plan to demolish the existing units and develop condominiums on thesite. The tenants challenged the plan's final approval, alleging that the city's housing element failed to meet statutory requirements in seven respects. The appellate court found that in six ofthe seven respects the element substantially complied Cons ...a, with state law. However, the element lacked any programs encouraging the conservation of Program mobilehome parks or existing affordable apartment rental units. The fact that the city had no basis upon which to deny the developer.a demolition permit demonstrated the city's lack of a program to conserve affordable rental housing. As a result, the court prohibited the permit's issuance until the city amended its housing element with conservation programs substantially conforming to statutory requirements. Court review of a legislative act, such as adoption of a general plan element, is very narrow. The court may only review for literal compliance with statutory mandates and may not scrutinize the wisdom or merits of the content of the element. The role of the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), because it reviews housing elements, is GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES 1 97 CHA TER III: The Required Elements of the Genual Plan HousING ELEMENT broader. -The court acknowledged, "(the) department reviews not only to ensure the requirements of 65583 are met, but also to make suggestions for improvements." Further- more, the court noted: "(while) this court may be of the opinion [that the] city should adopt department's recommendations, the Legislature has stated its recommendations are advisory (Section 65585, subd.(a))." Buena Vista Gardens is consistent with the growing number of cases that support the general plan's integrity and require "substantial" (i.e., actual) compliance with its statutorily stated content. For example, a project may be halted when the general plan either lacks a relevant element or the relevant element is inadequate, as many cases have demonstrated. Court Sanctions A more recent case, Committee for Responsible Planning v. City ofln4an bells (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 1005, exemplifies the type of action a court may take after it invalidates a general plan: After holding Indian Well's general plan invalid for failure to achieve internal consistency and failure to address various statutorily required issues in the housing element, the trial court ordered the city to bring its general plait into compliance with state law and imposed a moratorium. The court order prevented the city from granting building permits and discretionary land use approvals such as subdivision maps, rezoning, and variances until it updated its general plan. In the meantime, a developer sought approval to record a final tract map. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65755(b), -the subdivider requested that the court waive the moratorium's restrictions. The court may do so when it finds that the project would "riot significantly impair" the city's ability to adopt all or part o f the new plan in compliance with statutory requirements. Recognizing the Legislature's statutory guidance reflecting the housing element's "preeminent importance," the court disagreed with the developer's arguments that the tract map would not affect the city's ability to adopt an adequate housing element_ The court refused to allow approval of the map until the general plan was adopted. RELEVANT ISSUES The housing element issues listed below are derived from Government Code Sections 65583 and 65590. Local governments may address these matters in any format they deem appropriate. For example, t4ey may group together issues having functional relationships or overlapping meanings such as "preservation," "maintenance," and "improvement" of housing. The important thing to remember is that a.housing element, regardless of its format, should clearly identify and address, at a minimum, each of the following issues. Preservation of housing (Gov.C. Section 6558.3 1st para. & (b)) Maintenance of housing (Gov.C. Section 65583 1st para. & (b)) Improvement and conservationo f housing, including affor dable housing stock (Gov. C. Section 65583 1st para., (b) & (c)(4)) Development of housing (Gov.C. Section 65583 1st para. & (b)) Adequate sites for housing (Gov.C. Section 65583 1st para.) Adequate provision of housing for existing and projected needs, including regional share, for all economic segments of the conurtuoity (Gov.C. Section 65 583 1 st para.) Promotion of housing opportunities for all persons (Gov.C. Section 65583(c)(5)) 98 GWERALPLAN GUIDELINES Housl G ELEMFN7 Coastal zone relacenxt housiunk (Gov.C. Sections 65588(c)(d) ind 65590(h)(2)) p G applicable to jurisdictions which are partially or entirely within the Coastal Zone REVIEWING AND .REVISING THE HOUSING ELEMENT Unlike the other elements of the general plan, state law explicitly requires that the housing element be reviewed and updated continuously (Government Cade Section 65588). Cities and counties must review theirhousing elements as frequently as appropriate with regard to: (1) The appropriateness oftheir housing goals, objectives, and policies in contributing to the ,Scope attainment of the state housing goal. (2) The effectiveness ofthehousing element inattaining the community'shousinggoalsand objectives. (3) The progress in implementing the housing element. Evaluations of the element's effectiveness and success in its implementation should include the following information: • A comparison of the actual results of rhe element with its goals, objectives, policies and info rmat on programs. The results should be quantified where possible, but may be qualitative where necessary. ' An analysis of the significant differences between what was projected or planned in the earlier element and what was achieved. _,_.. • A description of how the goals, objectives, policies and programs of the updated element incorporate what was learned from the results of the prior element. The housing element must be comprehensively revised at least every five years to reflect the results of thisperiodic zeview. Government Code Section 65588 establishes the timetable for these revisions. In coastal communities, the revision must take into account any low- or moderate -income Coastal Z zue housing that has been provided or required in the coastal zone in accordance with Government Code Section 65590. The review of coastal zone housing activity shall include at least the following information: •ber 1,, 1982 1982. of"'Whous'ng Units approved forconstruction within the zone afterjanuary . • The number of units for persons and families of low or moderate income that have been required to be included in new housing developments either within the zone or within 3 miles thereof. • The number of existing units occupied by low- or moderate -income residents that -have been authorized to be demolished or converted to another use within the zone since January 1, 1982. ' The number of low- or moderate -income residential units that have been required for replacement or authorized for demolition or conversion as quantified above. The review must also identify the location of any replacement units. GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES 99 CHAPTER III: The Recl,nred Elements of the Central Play HOUSING MEMENT . .. . Useful Housing`Elem.ent Definitions Assisted Housing Developments: Multifamily rental housing that receives gov- ernmental assistance under federal programs listed in subdivision (a) of Government Code Section 65863.10, state and local multifamily revenue bond programs, local redevelopment programs, the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, or local in -lieu fees. The term also includes multifamily rental units that were developed pursuant to a local inclusionary housing program or used to qualify for a density bonus pursuant to Government Code Section 65916. .Income Levels: Income categories are defined with respect to the area median income and are adjusted for household size. For detailed definitions of these terms, the reader should consult Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 6910) ofTide 25 of the California Code of Regulations. Although there are exceptions, the four person income limits are as follows: Very Low Income: No more than 50 percent of the area median income. Other Lower Income: Between 50 and 80 percent of the area median income. Lower Income: No more than 80 percent of the area median income (i.e., combination of very low income and other lower income). Moderate Income: Between 80 and 120 percent of the area median income. Above Moderate Income: Above 120 percent of the area median income. Goal: See the definition of "goal' in Chapter I of these guidelines. Quantified Objective: The housing element must include quantified objectives which specify the maximum numbers of housing units that can be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved within a five-year time frame; based on the needs, resources, and constraints identified in the housing element (Government Code Section 65583(b)). The number of units that can be conserved should include a subtotal for the number of existing assisted units subject to conversion to non -low- income uses which can be preserved forlower-income households. Whenever possible, objectives should be set for each'particular housing program., establishing a numerical target for the effective period of the program. Ideally, the sura of the quantified objectives will be equal to the identified housing needs. However, identified needs may exceed available resources and limitations imposed by other requirements of state planning law. Where this is the case, the quantified objectives need not equal the identified housing needs, but should establish the maximum number of units that can be constructed, rehabili- tated, and conserved (including existing subsidized units subject to conversion which can be preserved for lower-income use), given the constraints. See the definition of "objective" in Chapter I of these guidelines. - Policy: See the definition of "policy" in Chapter I of these guidelines. 100 GENERAL PIAN GUIDELINES ]HOUSING IDEAS FOR DATA AND ANALYSIS The following aspects ofdata and analysis forhousingelements are based on hoidsing element law. Forf u-cherguidance, consultthe Department ofHousing and CommunityDevelopment (HCD). Preservation of housing • With regard to all economic segments of the community, identification and analysis of opportunities to preserve housing • Identification of techniques for administering land use and development controls to facilitate the preservation of housing • Identification ofincentives for the preservation ofhousing (e.g., transferable development rights and historical property contracts pursuant to Gov.C. Section 50280 et seq_) Maintenance of housing • With regard to all economic segments of the community, identification and analysis of -opportunities for housing maintenance programs • Identification of techniques for administering land use and development controls to facilitate the maintenance of housing • Identification of incentives for the maintenance of housing (e.g., expedited permit processing and fee reductions) Improvement and conservation of housing, including affordable housing stock • With regard to all economic segments of the community, identification and analysis of opportunities to improveandconserve existing housing stocks . _ • Identification of techniques for administering land use and development controls to facilitate the improvement and conservation of housing • Identification of incentives for the improvement and conservation of housing (e.g., expedited permit processing and fee reductions) Development of housing • With regard to all economic segments of the community, identification and analysis of opportunities to develop new housing • Identification of techniques for administering land use and development controls to facilitate the development of housing • Identification of incentives for the development of housing (e.g., density bonuses, expedited permit processing, and fee reductions) Adequate sites for housing Inventory of land suitable for residential development, including: Vacant sites - . Sites having potential for redevelopment .Analysis of these sites in relation to: - Zoning - Public facilities - Public services Identification of adequate sites for housing to meet existing and projected housing needs, including sites for: - .Rental housing GEVERILPLAN GUIDELINES I Iol CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the Gcueral P19n - HOUSTNG ELEMENT Factory -built housing = Mobilehomes Emergency shelters .Transitional housing • Evaluation ofthe administration of zoning and subdivision ordinances with regard to the provision of adequate sites for housing Adequate provision of housing for existing and projected needs, :including regional share, for all economic segments of the community Housing needs • Disclosure of the local share of - existing regional housing needs - projected regional housing needs • Analysis ofthe factors and circumstances, with 01 supporting data, ofthelocahtys revision to thelocal share of regional housing needs -when required pursuant to Government Code Section 65584(c) • Assessment of local housing needs, including: - Analysis of population trends - Analysis of employment trends - Documentation of population projections- - Documentation of employment projections • Quantification of existing housing needs for all income levels, including the local share of existing regional housing needs as provided by the council of governments pursuant to Government- Code Section 64484(a) • Quantification of projected housing needs for all income levels, including the local share of projected regional housing needs as provided by the council of governments pursuant to Government Code Section 64484(a) Household characteristics • Analysis and documentation of household characteristics, including: level of payment - compared to ability to pay: the number of very low and lower income households occupying units at a cost greater than 25 percent of their gross household income; and comparison of the income distribution -of low and moderate income households in the community to the range of costs of housing units for sale and for -rent in the community Housing characteristics • Analysis and documentation of housing characteristics, such as the number of households living in overcrowded conditions (1.01 or more persons per room) - Housing stock conditions • Analysis and documentation of housing stock conditions, such as the number of households living in housing units needing rehabilitation or replacement, identified separately for owner -occupied and renter -occupied units` Resources for meeting existing and projected housing needs • Inventory of resources relevant to meeting the identified housing needs, including: - Land suitable -for residential development, including: - Vacant sites - Sites having potential for redevelopment- - Inventory of these sites in relation to: 102 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES CHAPTER III: Thr Required Elements of the cc e;a Plan HOUSING ENT Facilitattng+housirig through zoning Available public facilities - Available public services - Federal, state, and local financing and subsidy programs - Available financing from thelowandmoderate-income housingfun.destablished bythe local redevelopment agency Constraints on meeting existing and pro, jetted housing needs • Inventory of constraints relevant to meeting the identified housing needs, including: Housing sites in relation to- - Zoning constraints - Public facilities constraints - Public service constraints - Potential and actual governmental constraints upon: - The maintenance of housing for all income levels, including: - Land use controls Building codes and their enforcement Site improvements - Fees and other exactions required of developers -. Local processing and permit procedures The improvement of housing for all income Ievels, including: - Lar=d use controls - Building codes and their enforcement - Site improvements - Fees and other exactions required of developers - Local processing and permit procedures - The development of housing for 0 income Ievels, includingi •- Laild use controls - Building codes and their enforcement - Site improvements - Fees -and other exactions required of developers - Local processing and permit procedures - Potential and actual non-governmental constraints upon: - The maintenance of housing for all income levels, including: - Availability of financing - Price of land - Construction costs - The improvement of housing for all income levels, including: - AvailabiIity of financing - Price of land Construction costs - The development of housing for all income levels, including: - Availability of financing - Price of land Construction costs .- Identification of regulatory concessions which could reduce or eliminate constraints on needed housing GENERAL PIAN GUIDELINES 'jo3 CILAI-I'm M: Ile Required Elements of the CkncrA Plan - 14OUSING ELEMENT • Eraluation of techniques for. administering land vise and development controls which reduce constraints on needed housing S using picialho - needs • Analysis of any special housing needs such as thos'e of: handicapped The elderly Large families Farmworkers Families with female heads of households Families in need of - Emergency shelter - Transitional housing Persons in need ofi - Emergency shelter - Transitional housing Residential energy conservation • Opportunities for energy conservation in the design and construction of individual units • Opportunities for energy conservation in the design of subdivisions • Proximity ofproposed residential development to employment centers, retail commercial uses, schools, transit, and other services • Identification of incentives facilitating energy conservation Conversion ofassisted housing units* Analysis of assisted housing developments eligible for conversion to uses other than low- income housing during the next ten years due to termination of subsidy contracts, -mortgage payments, or the expiration of use restrictions. The analysis must include: - A listing of each development project by name and address- - The type of governmental assistance received" - The earliest possible date of change from low-income use* - The total number ofassisted housing units that could be lost from the locality's housing stock each year during the ten-year period, with regard to: - Units for the elderly** - Units for thenon-elderly' Replacement of converted assisted housing units* • The estimated total cost of developing new replacement rental housing comparable in size and rent level to the convertible units Preservation ofassisted housing units* • The estimated cost of preserving assisted housing developments • Identification of public and private corporations having th'e legal and managerial capacity to acquire and manage assisted housing developments • Identification and consideration of all federal, state, and local financing and subsidy programs useful in preserving -assisted housing for lower income households • Identification oftheamounts of funds (under each such program) which could beavailable for preserving assisted housing developments 104 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES Promotion of housing opportunities for all persons Analyze U.S. Censusdata to determine the household characteristics ofvarious areas or neighborhoods in`the locality = Identifythoseareasbrneighborhoodswhichhaveho' ogeneous household characteristics • Determine whether such homogeneous characteristics are the result of or influenced by local government policies or regulatory activities �. Analyze minimum residential lot size and other standards set forth in the land use element and in the zoning ordinance to ascertain whether there is an exclusionary effect on persons with regard to such factors as race, religion, ancestry, national origin, or color • Consider the analysis of governmental constraints on housing supply • Determine whether such homogeneous characteristics are the result of or influenced by nongovernmental actions • Consider the analysis of nongovernmental constraints on housing supply • Investigate Loral covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) to ascertain whether they produce an exclusionary effect with regard to such factors as race, religion, ancestry, national origin, or color • . Investigate the availability of housing purchase and improvement loans to all persons in all areas • Determine whether there are governmental and nongovernmental constraints on the locality's meeting of its regional share of housing needs for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status; ancestry, national'origin, or color • Investigate the policies and regulations of other jurisdictions that promote housing opportunities for all persons • Survey the literature regarding successful housing programs • Use the Bock qfLists published annually by the Office ofManning and Research to contact other jurisdictions about their housing programs • Evaluate alternative techniques for administering land use and development controls which will encourage the provision of needed housing for all persons • Establish a dialogue with and seek housing needs information from housing advocacy groups and the local housing authority • Ask members of the community for ideas on promoting housing opportunities for all persons Coastal zone replacement housing (Gov.C. Sections 65588(c)(d) and 65590(6)(2)) - applicable to jurisdictions which are partially or entirely within the Coastal Zone • Any housing element review or revision pursuant to Government Code section 65588 shoulfl take into account all low or moderate -income housing developed to replace coastal zone low or moderate -income housing which was: 1) demolished; 2) converted to a condominium, cooperative, or similar form of ownership; or 3) converted to a nonresi- dential use. This accounting must include at least- - The number of new housing units approved for construction within the coastal zone after January 1, 1982 * The analysis related to assisted housing development shall be adopted as part of the Dousing element by January 1, 1992 (Government Code Section 655$3(d)). y` t This cost analysis for replacement housing may be done aggregately for each five-year period and does not have to contain a project by project cost estimate. ** For the purposes of state and federally funded projects, this analysis need only con tain information available on a statewide basis. GENERAL PIAN GUIDELINES 105 CHAPTER uI:4he Required Elcmcnts of the Gencral Plea HOUSING ELEMENT - The number of housing units for persons and families of low or moderate income a- required to be provided in new housing developmenxs 6therivithin the coastal zone or :.:.within three miles of the coastal zone <. - The number of existing residential dwelling units occupied by persons and families of low ormoderate income that have been authorized to be demolished or converted since January 1, 1982, in the coastal zone - The number of residential dwelling units for persons and families of low or moderate income that have been required for replacement - The designation of the location of the replacement units, either on-site, or elsewhere within the Iocality's jurisdiction within the coastal zone, or within three miles of the coastal zone within the locality's jurisdiction, IDEAS FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICIES The housing element should contain a statement of development policies, including goals, quantified objectives, and policies for the preservation, maintenance, improvement, and development ofhousing. These policies should address the adequate provision ofhousing to meet the locality's existing and projected housing needs. The goals, objectives, and policies should also direct local decision making with regard to adequate sites for various types of housing, including rental and manufactured dwelling units. Many of these policy issues overlap. For example, policies promoting housing for all economic segments of the community overlap similar directives addressing the replacement of converted assisted housing units. Furthermore, with regard to adequate housing supply, the statement of development policies should address a group ofsubordinate housing supply issues, such as those related to governmental constraints and special housing needs. . The following are ideas for a statement of development policies. The various policy considerations are listed under those housing element issues (in bold type) identified or - suggested by Government Code Section 65583. Preservation of housing • Preservation of - Housing, including affordable housing - Assisted housing developments that are eligible to change to non -low-income housing uses The administration of land use and development controls to facilitate the preservation of housing The use of incentives to encourage and facilitate the preservation of housing . Maintenance ofhousing • Support for the maintenance of housing • The administration of land use and development controls to -facilitate the maintenance of housing • The use of incentives to encourage and facilitate the maintenance of housing Improvement and conservation of housing, including affordable housing stock • Support for the improvement and conservation of existing housing for all economic segments, including affordable housing stock such as: 106 GENER4L PLAN GUIDELINES - Affordable rental housing stock A - Mobilehome parks - .Manufactured housing (e.g., factory -built housing and mobilehomes) The administration -of land use and development controls to facilitate the improvement and conservation of housing, including affordable housing The use of incentives to encourage and facilitate the improvement and.conservation of housing, including affordable housing Development of housing • Support for the development of housing • The administration of land use and development controls to facilitate the development of housing • The use of incentives to encourage and facilitate the development of housing Adequate sites for housing • The provision of sites in suitable locations and with adequate services which can collectively accommodate a range of housing (type, size, and price) meeting the needs of -all economic segments of the community. Among other things, such policies should address: - The criteria for zoning of land for single-family, multiple -family, and mixed-use residential developments. - Policies assuring local compliance with the residential zoning requirements of Gov- ernment Code Section 65913.1. - The standards for: - Public facilities serving residential uses Public services serving residential uses - - The use of vacant land for housing. - The use of redeveloped land for housing The criteria for and provision of adequate sixes for: - Housing in general - Rental housing - Factory -built housing - Mobilehomes - Emergency shelters for families and individuals - Transitional housing for families and individuals - Special needs housing - Amendments to local ordinances governing conditional use permits, variances, tentative subdivision maps, parcel maps, etc., to facilitate the provision of adequate sites for housing Adequate provision of housing for existing and projected needs, including regional share, for all economic segments of the community Housing needs • The provision ofadequate housing accommodating existing and projected housing needs, including the local share of the region's housing needs, for all economic segments of the community Household characteristics • Local housing programs to assist households in achieving an adequate level of housing payments relative to the cost of housing GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES 107 CHAPTER III: The. Requirod Elements of the General Plan HOUSING ELEMENT Housing characteristics • Reduction and elimination of overcrowded housing Housing stock condition • Support for the maintenance of housing • Support for the improvement and conservation of dilapidated housing Resources for meeting existing and projected housing needs • The availability of - Public services - Public services - Vacant land - Redeveloped land • The use oflocalpublic financing mechanisms to finance public improvements and services for housing, including, but not limited to: - Special assessment districts - Mello -Roos community facilities districts - Special taxes - Tax increment financing revenues - General obligation bonds - Development impact fees • The use of federal and state financing and subsidy programs to meet housing needs The use of moneys in a lour or moderate -income housing fund derived from redevelop- ment financing activities Constraints on meeting existing and projected housing needs • Removal of unnecessary governmental constraints on the preservation,conservation, improvement, maintenance, and development of housing. Such constraints include: - Overly restrictive land use controls (e.g., large -lot zoning) - Overly restrictive building code regulations - Excessive site improvements - Expensive fees and other exactions required of developers - Red tape in the administration of land use and development controls • Zoning ordinance amendments necessary to remove unwarranted constraints on the preservation, conservation, maintenance, improvement, and development ofhousing for all economic levels of households with regard to local housing needs and the locality's regional share of housing demand • Special regulatory concessions further reducing or eliminating constraints on the pres- ervation, conservation, maintenance, improvement, and development of housing to meet housing needs, including special housing needs - • Public service improvements necessary to remove unwarranted constraints on the preservation, conservation, maintenance, improvement, and development of housing for all economic levels of households with regard to local housing needs and the locality's regional share of housing demand • Public facilities improvements- necessary to remove unwarranted constraints on the preservation, conservation, maintenance, improvement, and development of housing for all economic levels of households with regard to local housing needs and the locality's regional share of housing demand . . • Removal of potential and actual nongovernmental constraints upon the maintenance, 108 GENFJML PLAN GWDF-UNF-S improvement, or develapmczit of housing for'all income Ievels Such' constraints night include: ` s The lack of available financing High land prices - High construction costs" - Discrimination in the provision ofhousing based on race, religion, sex,:Marital status, ancestry, national origin, or color Special housing needs • Housing which meets the special needs, including the needs of- - The handicapped - The elderly - Large families Farmworkers Families with female heads of households - Families in need oh - Emergency shelter - Transitional housing - Persons in need OF - Emergency shelter - Transitional housing • Standards for evaluating the suitability of individual sites for low and moderate-izrcome (non -market -rate) housing •. Criteria for second dwelling units and granny flats Residential everconservation �' ... • Energy conservation features in new and existing housing • Land use'controls encouraging energy conservation (such. as solar orientation ofsubdi- vision lots - see Gov.C. Section 66473.1) • The use of incentives encouraging energy conservation Conversion of assisted housing units* • Appropriate and inappropriate conversions of assisted housing units Repkeenzent of converted assisted housing units* • The application of private, local, state, and federal financing mechanisms to fund the replacement of converted assisted housing units Preservation of assisted housing units • The application of private, local, state, and federal financing mechanisms to fund the preservation of assisted housing units Promotion of housing opportunities for all persons • Creation of the position of local ombudsman to further public and .private sector compliance with local, state, and federal equal housing opportunity laws • The elimination of exclusionary standards from local land use regulations and policies • The administration of land use and development controls in away that provides housing opportunities for all persons ' Matters related to assisted.housing units must be discussed in the housing element by January 1, 1992 (Government Code Section 65583(d)). - GFNERAL PLAN GUIDFLINFS 109 CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan HOUSING EIEMENI' • Equitable provision. of housing -related .public services regardless o£ race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, or color Coastal zone replacement housing • The provision of coastal zone replacement housing pursuant to Government Code Section 65590 IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING PROGRAMS To meet needs and implement policies, the housing element must include a five-year schedule of current and proposed implementation measures and identify the agencies or officials responsible for implementation (Government Code Section 65583(c)). The following examples illustrate the kinds of actions local governments may take to carry out the policies of their housing elements_ These include programs that are statutorily required by housing element law, actions that are mandated by other laws, "and other measures which are not mandated, but which may nevertheless address a particular program area. Adequate sites for housing Adequate sites for housing means sites that will be available for a variety of housing types to meet the housing needs of all household income levels. Such sites include land that will be available for rental housing, factory -built housing, mobilehomes, emergency shelters, and _ transitional housing. The housing element's program of implementation actions should: • Identify sites that: - Are or will be appropriately zoned for various housing types, including areas zoned pursuant to Government Code Section 65913.1 - Meet or will meet development standards. appropriate for various housing types - Have or will have public services and facilities needed to facilitate and encourage these various housing types • Specify measures in the administration of land use and development controls that will accommodate Chest, various housing types. The administration of zoning for example includes the processing, approval, and enforcement of conditional use permits and zoning variances. Other measures might include: Inventorying surplus public lands, including sites owned by federal, state and local agencies to identify suitable sites for the development of low and moderate income housing Designating housing opportunity sites where a minimum percentage of new housing units must be affordable to low and moderate income households Establishing and utilizing a municipal housing finance agency • Describe the regulatory incentives and concessions that will be used to facilitate and encourage these various housing types. These might include: - A program to acquire land and sell it at a discounted price to developers of low and moderate income housing - Designating neighborhoods for concentrated housing rehabilitation assistance and public facility improvements - Offering public improvements or reduced impact fees to projects which provide low - 110 GENERAL PLAN GUIDEU1NE5 HOUSING -and moderate -income housing = • Identify the agencies and officials responsible for. 1) residential zoning and development standards, 2) pub] icservices and facilities that serve housing, 3) the administration ofland use controls, and 4) regulatory incentives and concessions. ' . • Establish and describe a five year schedule for carrying out each of these`actions relative adequate sites for housing • Identify the means bywhich consistency will be achieved with other general plan elements and community goals .Assistance in the development of housing for low and moderate income households • Identify measures which the local government intends to undertake or facilirate that will assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of low and moderate - income households. Such measures could include: - Regulatory incentives, such as density bonuses exceeding the state requirements - Zoning ordinance provisions for development of second residential units on existing lots - Mixed-use zoning districts to encourage combining residential with other uses - Zoning ordinance provisions for mobilehome subdivisions and mobilehome parks - A linkage program that requires developers of industrial and commercial projects to contribute to the development of affordable housing (e.g., sites, units, fees) for employees and/or other low income households - Development agreements thatguaranteethe availability ofbelow-market priced homes in the project - Residential design that promotes energy conservation. Federally funded programs for the construction and rehabilitation ofhousing,.such as: - Section 202 - Direct Loans for Elderly or Handicapped Housing - Section 502 - Rural Horne Ownership Assistance - Section 515 - Rural Rental Housing Assistance - State funded programs for the construction and rehabilitation of housing such as: - Family Housing Demonstration Program (HCD) - Home Mortgage Purchase Program (California Housing Finance Agency) (CHFA) - Predevelopment Loan Program (HCD) - Rental Housing Construction Program (HCD) - Rental Housing Mortgage Loan Program (CHFA) - Self -Help Housing (CHFA & HCD - note: HCD's program provides technical assistance and development assistance; CHFA's program provides purchase mort- gages) - AB 665 (1982) Bonds - renter -occupied construction - California Indian Assistance Program (HCD) - Funds authorized by the Marrs -Foran Residential Rehabilitation Act and SB 99 - New Construction • Utilize the required 20% set aside of redevelopment agency tax increment revenues to finance low and moderate income housing (Law and Moderate Income Housing Fund) • Provide density bonuses and other incentives to developers who include units affordable to low- or very low-income households, or for senior households • Identify of the agencies and officials responsible for administering these measures * Establish and describe a.five-year schedule for imple men ring -assistance in the develop- ment of adequate housing GFNExAL PLAN GUrDEL1NEs I I I I CHAPTER III: n- Rcq iX a Elcaienta of the Goner -1 Plan HOUSING ELEMENT • Identify the means bywhich consistency will be achieved with other general plan elements and community goals . ;. Removal of governmental. 6nstraints • Describe a program which the local government intends to use in systematically removing governmental constraints on the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing, Vhere appropriate and legally possible. Removal of constraints might involve- - Changes in the administration of land use and development controls that facilitate and encourage the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing - Reduction in permit requirements for projects providing low- and moderate -income housing. - Holding pre -application conferences and administering the local review process to streamline permit processing for developments that include low and moderate cost units. - Establishing a single administrative unit to coordinate processing of multiple permits for residential developments - Participating in the Rural Development Assistance Program (HCD) to' reduce gov- ernmental constraints by obtaining water and wastewater project loans and grants • Allow manufactured homes on permanent foundation systems to be installed on all single- family zoned lots under the same approval process as for site -built homes • Identify the agencies and officials responsible for the removal of each of the identified governmental constraints on housing • Establish and describe a five-year schedule for removing governmental constraints • Identifytherrzeansbywhichconsistencywillbeachievedwithothergeneralplan elements and community goals Conservation and improvement of the condition of affordable housing stock • Identify and describe the actions which the local government will undertake or facilitate in conserving and improving the condition of the existing affordable housing stock. Such measures could include: = Federal financing and subsidy programs, such as: - Housing and Community Development Act Block Grants (entitlement grants for cities and urban counties) - Section 17 - Rental Housing Rehabilitation - Section 312 - Rehabilitation Loans - State Financing and subsidy programs, such as: - California Energy Conservation Rehabilitation Program (formerly known as the PVEA Program) California Housing Rehabilitation Program Owner and Rental Components (HCD) - Deferred Payment Rehabilitation Loan Fund (HCD) - Home Ownership Mortgage Bond Program (CHFA) - Home Ownership Assistance Program (HCD) Home Purchase Assistance Program (CHFA) Matching Down Payment Program (CHFA) Natural Disaster Assistance Program - Owner and Rental Components (HCD) - Nonprofit Housing Program (CHFA) Rental Housing Mortgage Loan Program (CHFA) 112 GENERAL PIAN GmFUNE3 -_'State Earthquake Rehabilitation Assistance Prograrri (HCDj rs State RentalRehabilitation Program (HCD) - State Legalizato�i Impact Assistance Grant Program (HCD} - State/Local Multifamily Program (CHFA) - Local financing and subsidy programs, such as: - Municipal Housing Finance Agency - Marks -Foran Residential Rehabilitation Act and SB 99 - New Construction - AB 1355 (1980) Bonds - owner -occupied construction - AB 3507(1982) Bonds - Cal -First Home Buyers Program (CHFA) - SB 1149 (1981) Bonds - employee housing for public entities - Offering regulatory incentives to projects which rehabilitate existing housing - Enacting an ordinance regulating demolition of housing units and conversion of housing units to other uses (e.g., office, commercial) - Establishing an equity -sharing program to provide affordable home ownership or rental housing opportunities for Iow and moderate income households - Establishing a house sharing program to match housing suppliers with those seeking special housing accommodations (e.g., elderly) - Establishing a local housing authority or nonprofit development corporation to develop and operate low and moderate income housing - Encouraging the development of cooperative housing projects to allow low and moderate income househoIds to enjoy the benefits of home ownership - Enacting an ordinance requiring replacement of housing units demolished due to public or private action - Changing the administration of land use and development controls Rehabilitating residential hotels for very low and low income households - Undertaking aprogram to enforce building and housing codes, financed in partwith proceeds from denial of state tax benefits to code violators' - Enactingan occupancy ordinance requiringpre-sale code inspection and compliance before title to the property is transferred • Identify the agencies and officials responsible for implementing the various actions • Establish and describe a five-year schedule for implementing each of the actions under- taken by the local government to conserve and improve the condition of the existing affordable housing stock • Identifythe means bywhich consistencywill be achievedwith othergeneral plan elements and community goals Promotion of (rousing opportunities for all persons • Describe actions which the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, or color. Such actions might include: - Establishing a fair housing council to promote equal housing opportunities. Distributing fairhousing information and referring housing complaints to the local fair housing office. Discouraging redlining practices in lending and insurance underwriting by withdraw- ing local funds from, or ceasing business relationships with, institutions that discriminate. - Establishing open housing programs, such as affirmative marketing, to expand housing opportunities for Iow income and minority households. GFNFRAL PIAN GUIDELINES 1 113 CHAPTER 1II: The Required Elements of the Gen" Plan, HOUSING M.EMENT Translation of per instructions into icomriionly and locally used foreign language Participation in stateprograms designed to promote housingopportunities fortypically ill -housed groups, such as: - California Indian Assistance Program (HCD) - Community Development BIock Grant Program (State -administered, for small cities) (HCD) Emergency Shelter Program (HCD) Farmworker Housing Grant Program (HCD) Federal Emergency Shelter Grants Program (HCD) Housing Assistance Program (State -administered Section 8) (HCD) Matching Down Payment Program (CHFA) Natural Disaster Assistance Program - Owner and Rental Components (HCD) Nonprofit Housing Program (CHFA) Office of Migrant Services (HCD - operates housing for farmworkers) - Permanent Housing for the Handicapped Homeless (HCD) Senior Citizen Shared Housing Program (HCD) As part of this description, identify the agencies and officials responsible for each such action Establish and describe a five-year schedule of each local government activity related to the promotion of housing opportunities for all persons Identify the means by which consistency will be achieved with other general plan elements and community goals -Preservation of assisted housing for lower4ncome-households* A program to preserve for lower income households of the assisted housing developments identified pursuant to paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) of Government Code section 65583. (See the preceding "Ideas for Data and Analysis.") The program shall utilize all available federal, state, and local financing and subsidy programs identified in paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) ofsection 65583, exceptwhere acommunityhas other urgent needs forwhich alternative funding sources are unavailable. • Possible financing and subsidy sources might include: Federal financing and subsidy sources, such as: - Rent Assistance Programs (e.g., conventional public housing, Section 8 vouchers) State financing and subsidy sources, such as: - Deferred Payment Rehabilitation Loan Fund (HCD) - Farmworker Housing Grant Program (HCD) - Mobilehome Park Assistance Program (HCD) - Matching Down Payment Program (CHFA) - Natural Disaster Assistance Program - Owner and Rental Components (HCD) - Nonprofit Housing Program (CHFA) - Rental Security Deposit Guarantee Demonstration Program (HCD) - State Legalization Impact Assistance Program (HCD) Local financing and subsidy sources, such as: - Tax Increment Financing through the California Community redevelopment Law *The program for preserving assisted housing development shall be adopted in the housing element byJanuary 1, 1992 (Government Code Section 65583(d)). 114 GENERAL PLATY GLUDELWES - The program may address Iocal regulatory. strategies.- For example, the program, might call for: - Regulatory concessions - Regulatory incentives - Modifications to the administration of land use and development controls that facilitate the preservation of assisted housing for lower income households The program may address local strategies for providing technical assistance • The program shall identify the agencies and officials responsible for each of the actions undertaken to preserve such assisted housing • The program shall establish and describe a five-year schedule for each o£the actions involve in preserving assisted housing. • Identify the means bywhich consistency will be achieved with othergeneral plan elements and community goals. Public participation The local government must mare a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments. of the community in the development of the housing element. The program of actions for implementing the housing element shall describe these public participation efforts. This effort could include public hearings at the planning commission and government body level, a citizens' advisory group to assist in development of the element, circulation of draft elements to housing interest groups, and special advertising and outreach measures to inform citizens of all economic segments about the process. Technical Assistance The following state agencies may provide information or assistance for the preparation ofthe housing element: Business, Transportation and Housing Agency; California Coastal Commission; General Services; Department of Housing and Community Development; California Housing Finance Agency; and Office of Planning and Research. GENERAL PL4,V GUlDETINES I 115 M 'TER III: The Required Flememts of the General Plan tAND USE ELEMENT LAND USE ELEMENT PERTINENT CALIFORNIA CODE SECTIONS Content Government Code Section 65302(a): [The general plan shall include] a land use elem which designates the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of uses of the land for housing, business, industry, open space, including agriculture, nate resources, recreation, and enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public buildings a grounds, solid and Iiquid waste disposal facilities, and other categories ofpublic and prix uses of land. The land use element shall include a statement of the standards of populati density and building intensity recommended for the various districts and other territc covered by the plan. The land use element shall identify areas covered by the plan which subject to flooding and shall be reviewed annually with respect to those areas. The land t element shall designate, in a land use category that provides for timber production, the parcels of real property zoned for timberland production pursuant to the Califorr Timberland Productivity Act of 1982, Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 51100) Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5. Government Code Section 65303: The general plan may ... address any other subje( which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of tl county or city. MineralResourtes Public Resources Code Section 2762(a): Within 12 months of receiving the miner information described in section 2671, and also within 12 months of the designation of 74 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES 0 to )f CHAP ISR III: The Required Elements of the General Plan.::' 'V LAND USE UY-MENT area of statewide or regional significance within its jurisdiction, every lead agency shall, in accordance with state policy, establish mineral resource rnanagement policies to be incorpo- rated in its general plan ... . public Resources Code Section 2764(a): Upon the request of an operator or other inter- ested person and payment by the requesting person of the estimated cost of processing the request, the lead agency ... shall amend its general plan, or prepare a new specific plan or amend any applicable specific plan, that shall, with respect to the continuation ofthe existing surface mining operation for which the request is made, plan for future land uses in the vicinity of ... the surface mining operation in light of the importance of the minerals to their market region as a whole ... . BACKGROUND The land use element has the- broadest scope of the seven mandatory elements. In theory, it plays the central role of correlating all land use issues into a set of coherent development policies. Its goals, objectives, policies, and programs relate directly to the other elements. In practice, it is the most visibl e �� weightre(Silerra element vle local general Board of $upervlisorsA(1though all 981) 126 general plan elements carry q Cal,App.3d 875), the land use element is often perceived as being most representative of"the general plan." COURT AND ATTORNEY GENERAL INTERPRETATIONS Over the past decade, California courts and the State Attorney General have issued a number of opinions regarding the requirements for an adequate land use element. These interpre- tations have addressed the land use element with regard to the land use diagram, population density, building intensity, the designation of solid waste disposal sites and its relationship to the circulation and noise elements. Particular attention should be paid to the following court cases when preparing the land use element: The Land Use Diagram The concept of the diagram as a general guide to land use distribution rather than a parcel specific reap was reiterated in the case of Las Virgenes Homeowners Association v. Los Angeles County (1986) 177 Cal.App.3d 310. There, the Court of Appeal upheld the adequacy of a county plan which contained a generalized land use map and which delegated specific land use interpretations to community plans. A discussion of diagrams as they relate to the general Plan as a whole can be found in Chapter I of the Guidelines. Population Density Camp v. County of Mendocino (981) 123 Cal.App.3d 334 established that a general plan must contain standards for population density. It did not however, define such standards. The landmark case of Twain Harte Homeowners Association Y. Tuolumne County (1982) 138 C Cal.App.3d 664 defined population density as the "numbers of people in a given area and not the dwelling units per acre, unless the basis for correlation between the measure of dwelling units per acre and numbers of people is set forth explicitly in the plan." Quantifiable GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES 75 CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Ilan LAND''U5E ELEMENT standards of population density must be provided for each of the land use categ ries contained in the plan. Population densitycan best be expressed as the relationship between two factors: the number of dwellings per acre and the number of residents per dwelling. Current estimates o the average number of persons per household are available from the Census Data Centero the State Department of Finance. Population density standards need not be restricted solely to land use designations Vlth residential development potential. As the court stated in Twain Harte. " ... it would not be unreasonable to interpret the term "population density" as relating not only to reside itial density, but also to uses of nonresidential land categories and as requiring an analysis o use patterns for all categories. " .. it appears sensible to allow local governments to determine whether the stateme t of population standards is to be tied to residency or, more ambitiously, to the daily useage sic) estimates for each land classification." Building Intensity The Camp decision also held that an adequate general plan must contain standards for building intensity. Again, the Twain Harte court has provided the most comp ete interpretation of building intensity available to date. These are its major points: intensity should be defined for each of the various land use categories in the plan; general use capti ns such as "neighborhood commercial" and "service industriai" are insufficient measure of intensity by themselves; and, building intensity is not synonymous with population density. Intensity will be dependent upon the local plan's context and may be based upon a combination of variables such as maximum dwelling units per acre, height and size limitations, and use restrictions. Unfortunately, the court stopped short ofdefining what are proper measures of building intensity. Local general plans must contain quantifiable standards of building intensity for each lo nd use designation. These standards should define the most intensive use that will be allowed under each designation. While the land use designation identifies the type of allowable u es, the building intensity standard will define the concentration of use. Standards OPR suggests that each intensity standard include these variables: (1) permitted lands u and building types; and (2) concentration of use. Permitted uses and building types i qualitative measure of the uses that will be allowable in each land use designation. T concentration of use can be defined by one or more quantitative measures that relate direc to the amount of physical development that will be allowed. Maximum dwelling units I acre is agood residential standard. Floor area ratio (the ratio of building Hoorareato the to site area) is a useful measure of commercial and industrial intensity. The dual standard maximum lot coverage and maximum building height is suitable for agricultural, open spa and recreational designations where development is being limited. On the other hand, l size, which has been widely used for agricultural and open space designations, is inadequate standard of building intensity because although it regulates lot area, it does n quantify the allowable concentration of development on each lot. 76 GENERAL PLANGUIDELINL"s y CHAP'T'ER III: The Required Elements of the General Plain ` LAND USE ELEMENT Solid Waste Sites Concerned Citizens v. Calaveras County (1985) 166 Cal.App.3d 90, held that the general plan is not required to identify existing solid waste disposal sites. However, because the purpose of the land use element: is to designate "the proposed general distribution and general location and extent" of land uses, the element must identify future sites. Circulation The Twain Harte and Concerned Citizens decisions also discussed the close relationship between the land use and circulation elements. Pursuant to the decisions of the Concerned Citizens, Twain Harte, and Camp v. Mendocino County (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 334 courts, the general plan must reflect both the anticipated level of land development (represented in the land use element) and .the road system necessary to serve that level (represented in the circulation element). The road system proposed in the circulation element must be "closely, systematically, and reciprocally related to the land use element of the plan" (Concerned Citizens, supra, at p. 100). Noise According to Section 65302(0, the noise element is to be used as"... a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses in the land use element ...." When the noise element is inadequate, the land use element may be invalid, as in the Camp case. Multiple General Plan Documents In Kings County Farm Bureau v. City of Hanford (1990) 221 Cal.App.3d 692 (as modified 222 Cal.App.3d 516a) the California Court of Appeal affirmed that a general plan may consist of several documents. Nevertheless, the information in associated documents, when not referenced by the general plan, may not compensate for deficiencies in the land use element. RELEVANT ISSUES Based upon the "shoe fits" doctrine of general plan comprehensiveness, the contents of the land use element may vary between jurisdictions. This discussion offers ageneral guide to the contents of the land use element. It should be noted that while the focus is on the minimum requirements for an adequate land use element, an effective general plan will exceed these minimums and devote more attention to issues of greatest community concern. The purpose of the land use element is to designate "the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of uses of the land." The land use element, as an integral part of the general plan should be a document that is primarily concerned with the future development of the community and the planning area. In the words of the Calaveras court: "The obvious meaning of the term "proposed," is that the general plan indicate the ... intendeduses for the land rather than actual uses which may or may not be at odds with the ... planning policy and goals." 1 Aland use element should contain a sufficient number of land use categories to conveniently sand Use classify the various land uses identified by the plan. Land use categories should be descriptive Categories GENERAL PIAN GUIDELINES 77 CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan IA!4DU5E ELFMEW enough to distinguish between levels of intensity and allowable uses and there sho aid be categories reflecting existing land use as well as projected development. Itis not necessarythat q there be an equal number of land use designations and zoning classifications. In ma-ny cases, there will be more than one zone which would be consistent with each designation. The land use element should also address each ofthe following issues to the extent t at it is relevant: Distribution of housing, business, and industry; Distribution of open space, including agricultural land; Distribution of mineral resources and provisions for their continued Distribution of recreation facilities and opportunities; Location of educational facilities; Location of public buildings and grounds; Location of future solid and liquid waste facilities; Identification. of areas subject to flooding, and, Identification of existing Timberland Preserve Zone Ian& IDEAS FOR DATA AND ANALYSIS The following are suggestions for the breadth of data and analysis that may be considered during the preparation of the land use element. These are based upon a close reading ff the statutes and case law. When the information collected for the land use element overlap that needed for other elements, the related element is noted in parenthesis. Housing, Business, and Industry • Inventory ofexisting residential, commercial, and industrial land use in the planning area. (diagram) (CI) • Assessment of general housing needs based upon projected community growth trends. (H) • Projections of needs for land use and space for residential, commercial, and indu trial development, based upon projections of future population and economic conditions (H) • Categories and standards for establishing the allowable levels of residential, comme 7Cial, and industrial land use intensity. (Ci) • Population density standards for each land use category with residential potential. CI) • Programs for the implementation of the land use policies. (H) Open Space • Inventory of open space lands, including agricultural, forest, grazing, and recreational lands. (diagram) (CO, OS) • Assessment of local open space needs based upon community goals and objectives the existing open space/population ratio, and the anticipated population growth. (OS) • Delineation of the boundaries ofwatersheds, aquifer recharge areas, floodplains, and the depth of groundwater basins (diagrams) (CO, S) • Delineation of the boundaries and description of unique water resources (e.g., sal ater and freshwater marshes, wild rivers and streams, lakes). (CO) 78 GENERAL PIAN GUIDELINES CHAPTER III: The Rc Alred Elements of the General Plan' LANA USE ELEMENT • Description of the species, distribution, and population ofwildlife and fish, including rare and endangered species. Normally, this will coincide with habitat inventorythat includes: location and type of bodies of water; type, location and extent of plants, identified according to the State Department of Fish and Game's classification system; and, identification of keywildlife habitats including winter range and migration routes fordeer, wintering and nesting grounds for waterfowl and other birds, salmon spawning areas, and habitats of rare or endangered species. (diagram) (CO) •. Description of species of rare and endangered plants, their distribution, and rate of occurrence. (diagram) (CO) Inventory of agricultural resources, including grazing land • Identification of the location, amount and ownership patterns of land in agricultural production and suitable for agricultural production. (diagram) (OS) • Classification of soils (including identification ofprime agricultural land) in the planning area by Storie Index or Land Capability Classification. (diagram) (CO) • Description of agricultural production in the planning area by crop type. (OS) inventory of mineral resources including the following • Identification of the type, location, extent, and quality of mineral resources, including oil and gas. (diagram) (CO, OS) • Location of mineral resource areas classified and designated by the State Mining and Geology Board pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act. (diagram) (CO, OS) Inventory of other natural resources • Inventory of areas available for other natural resources such as wind energy generation, hydroelectric power, geothermal power, and large-scale solar power. As of the demand for public and private parks and recreational facilities and an inventory of areas suitable for parks and recreational purposes, including the following. • Description of the type, location, and size of existing public and private parks and recreation facilities. (diagram) • Assessment of present and future demands for -parks and recreational facilities, including trails, river and lake access, and per capita supply of parks (acres/thousand inhabitants). • Identification of future park and recreation sites. • Review of federal, state, and local plans for the acquisition and improvement of public parks. (diagram) • Inventory and analysis of areas of outstanding scenic beauty. (diagram) (OS) • Programs for the protection, conservation, and acquisition of open space lands. (OS) Enjoyment of scenic beauty • Inventory of scenic "viewsheds" and points of interest. (OS) • Definition of community scenic values. • Programs for protecting and promoting community aesthetics. (OS) • Identification of scenic drives and highways. (OS) GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES 79 CHAPTER III: The Required Elements ofthe General Plan LAORUSE ELEMENT Education f • Inventory of existing schools and school facilities. (diagram) • Assessment ofthe adequacy ofschool facilities and the need, ifany, for additional fac ilities, based upon existing and projected numbers of school aged children. The projtions should correlate with projected residential development. Public buildings and grounds • inventory of public buildings and grounds. (diagram) • Assessment of need for additional facilities, based upon projected increases in I d use intensity and population and the correlated need for additional services. Solid and liquid waste facilities • Inventory of existing solid and liquid waste disposal facilities, correlated with the County Integrated Waste Management Plan and the Hazardous Waste Management Plan. (diagram) (CI) • Assessment of the need for additional facilities, based upon the projected levels oflar d use and population and correlated with the County Integrated Waste Management Pl and the Hazardous Waste Management Plan. • Inventory ofproposed solid and liquid waste disposal and transformation sites. (di ram) • Identification of land uses near existing solid waste and liquid waste facilities, w to to energy plants, and sites reserved for future -such facilities. (OS) Assessment of the potential for flooding, including the following * - Historical data on flooding. (CO, OS, S) • Identification of areas subject to inundation by a 100 -year flood. (diagram) (CO, S, S) • Identification of floodways and flood channels. (diagram) (CO, OS, S) • Data on areas subject to inundation as a result of dam failure. (S) • Identification of areas subject to flooding as a result of tidal action occurrig in conjunction with river and stream runoff. (S) Timber production • Description of the location, type, amount, and ownership of land and timber reso rce! subject to timberland preserve zoning. (diagram) Other categories of public and private uses of land • Redevelopment area projects. • Local Coastal Plan provisions. • Inventory of lands subject to regulation by other agencies (state land, federal land, tc.). IDEAS FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICIES The land use element will contain general development policies, including goals, object ves, specific policies, programs, and plan proposals for guiding the future development of the city or county. In general, the distribution of land use categories that is reflected in the plan diagram should complywith these policies. While it can be expected that there will be exis ing development that may not adhere to the development policies promoted by the plan, J lew and future development should be in uniform compliance The plan should put forthpl ies that clearly establish the spatial relationships between the Iand use categories. Such pol -ties so GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES CHAPTER III: The Required Plements of the Genera! Plan, LAND USE ELEMENT adopted by the local jurisdiction should address each of the issues discussed in the land use element. They will form the framework for plan proposals and implementation programs. In some instances the ability to require exactions ofnew development (for example, park and recreation facilities under the Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477)) will be dependent upon general plan policies. The following subjects should be addressed through development policies in the land use element. • The amount, location, distribution, density and intensityofeach land use proposed by the plan. (CI, OS, CO, H, S, N) • The location of new development, including consideration of its impacts on surrounding land uses and infrastructure. (Cl, OS, CO, H, S, N) • Definition of the spatial relationships between types of land use (housing, business, industry, open space, etc.). • The type, location, and intensity ofdevelopment (if any) to be allowed within flood hazard areas. (CO, S) • Development regulations for open space areas. (OS) • The analysis, approval, and regulation of future liquid and solid waste sites coordinated with the County Integrated Waste Management Plan. (CI) • Hazardous waste sites coordinated with the Hazardous Waste Management Plan. • The evaluation and regulation of timberland preserve zones. • The location, acquisition, development, and management of public and private parks and recreational areas, including access to lake shores, beaches, rivers, and streams. • The promotion and protection of areas of scenic beauty, including policies regulating development. • The relationship between the land use element and the local zoning, subdivision, and building ordinances. • The location, type, and height of development in the areas surrounding airports, correlated to the local Airport Land Use Plan. • The location of schools and the future use of surplus school facilities, coordinated with the plans of local school district(s). • The development, maintenance, and siting of existing and projected public facilities, including buildings and infrastructure. • Policies ensuring the compatibility of nearby land uses with existing solid waste and liquid waste facilities and with sites reserved for future facilities. (OS) • The relationship between the distribution of land uses and the local capital improvements program and guidelines for the timing and siting of capital improvements. • The protection and future productivity of mineral resource lands, including significant mineral deposits classified or designated by the Division of Mines and Geology. • General plan designations to allow local governments to comply with Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(6) regarding the approval of low and moderate income housing. (H) GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINE'S 81 t, CMVTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan CIRCULATION ELEMENT Technical Assistance The following state agencies mayprovide information orassistance for the preparatiol of the Iand use element: Business, Transportation and Housing Agency (including C21tr2 ns and Caltrans districts), California Coastal Commission, State Coastal Conservancy, Dep ment of Commerce, Department of Conservation (Division of Land Resource Protection), Economic Development Commission, California Energy Commission, Department of Education; Agriculture, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, General S rvices Department of Health Services (Toxic Substances Control Division), Department of Housing and Community Development, California Housing Finance Agency, Public Utilities Commission, California Integrated Waste Management Board, Departrr ent of Water Resources, and Office of Planning and Research, 92 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES Comment 1.9: 'SCAQMD recognizes that the General Plan can set standards for future mpact mitigation, and recommends that all of the proposed mitigation be inclu Jed as conditions of approval, and applied to all future projects. In order to ensi re that impact mitigation is implemented when development occurs, staff recorT mends that specific mitigation measures be included wherever feasible, as pai of the policies and programs of the General Plan. Additional mitigation m1pasures recommended by the District in Table 1 could be the basis of such pol ies for inclusion in the General Plan." Response 19: The AQMD goals ' related to actions in Table 1 have already been co idered in the Draft EIR. Specific actions listed in Table 1 will be considered as he City reviews proposed mitigation measures and will be included by City staff as they bring back specific ordinances and/or programs to begin impler lenting particular objectives of the General Plan. In addition, the ImplemE ntation Program of the General Plan will specifically identify the timetable qnd the person or department responsible for implementing specific strategiof the Plan. - SOtlTHERN CAEIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS - Letter from Paul Hatanaka dated May 21, 1991 Comment 1: 'We have reviewed the above project and determined that it is regionally significant. Enclosed you will find a copy of SCAG's general requirements for environmental documents. Please refer to the Guidance Im lement tion of ACMP Conformity Procedures. The general requirements for the re view of regionally significant projects are based on the. disclosure of infoi motion, identification of impacts and a program for their mitigation, as require J under CEQA. The requirements used presently by SCAG are revised as show i below to provide for the adoption of the Growth Management Plan, Regional Mobility Plan, and Air Qualify Management Plan. [Revised on November 1, 19 1 If any proposed project(s) will or could cause environmental impacts, such impacts must be consistent with the forecasts included in Growth Monalgement plan and Regional Mobility Plan (approved in February 1989) and the Ai Quality Management Plan (approved in March 1989).' Response 1: The General Plan and its EIR are consistent with the forecasts contain in the Growth Management Plan, the Regional Mobility Plan, and the Air Quality Management Plan. The proposed land use pian proposes the least aniount of additional growth of all the alternative land use plans, which aids in achieving local as well as regional transportation and air quality goals. Comment 2: "What are the impacts of the proposed project on population, employmf nt, and housing? Give the growth forecast for each phase of the project, if p ased! Response 2: The impacts of the project on population, employment, and housing are analyzed in the Socioeconomic section of the EIR (IV -Q. Phasing, as it relates to a General Plan, is discussed in terms of buildout over the next 20 years, or to the year 2010. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 1. 9 Comment 3: "Are the growth management goals and policies compiled with?" Response 3: The General Plan and Its EIR are consistent with the growth management goals contained in the Growth Management Plan, the Regional Mobility Plan, and the Air Quality Management Plan. Comment 4: "Are the Jobs/Housing Balance performance goals being met?" Response 4: The General Plan and its EIR are consistent with the jobs/housing performance goals contained in the Growth Management Plan. Comment 5: "Is housing availability discussed in terms of the income and wage levels of the local work force?" Response 5: Housing availability is discussed in terms of income and wage levels of the local work force, both in the Master Environmental Assessment, the EIR, and the Response to Comments on the letter by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in this document. Comment 6: "What will be the cumulative impacts of the project in the subregion? How is this related to the Growth Management Plan forecast at the expected date of project completion of phase completion?" Response 6: The Cumulative Impacts section of the EIR (section NQ addresses regional impacts. For information on the Growth Management Plan, see the responses for comments 1 and 2 of this letter. Comment 7: "Are the provisions of the Air Quality Management Plan implemented at the local level and within the subregion? What are the air quality Impacts of the project? Are they being addressed?" Response 7: See the appropriate responses to comments made already by the South Coast Air Quality District. Comment 8: "For any project with transportation corridor -level impacts, what are the long-term impacts?" Response 8: See the appropriate responses to comments made already by Caltrans. Comment 9: 'What assumptions are used in estimating the total trips generated by the project?" Response 9: The Plan for Physical Mobility outlines the trip generation assumptions used to develop the traffic model for local circulation. Standard trip generation rates were used to estimate trip type, length, and distribution. Comment 10: "What are the related vehicular emissions?" Response 10: The EIR estimates that the City will generate 49.7 tons of air pollutants per day at buildout, of which almost all (99 percent) comes from mobile sources. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE TO COMMENTS June 1, 1992 11) Comment 11: "What is the annual impact of total trips generated by this project?' Response 11: The EIR estimates that buildout of the City under the proposed land use plan will generate 528,427 total vehicle trips and 6.9 million vehicle miles eac day. Intotal, mobile sources will produce almost 50 tons per day of air polluta ts, or an average of 18,250 tons per year. Comment 12: "Discuss the transportation demand -management program chosen for this project.. Will mass transit, ridesharing, and other trip -reduction strategies be promoted? Quantify the effects of each component of these programs. Provide an implementation schedule for each component. Identify the person or agency responsible for monitoring and administering the program. Who will operate the program? How will the program be funded?' Response 12: See the appropriate responses to comments already made by Caltrans and the South Coast Air Quality Management District in this document. Comment 13: "Does the project impact a highway, either directly or indirectly? does 11 include a highway in a mitigation measure? If so, the document must state where the project includes High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV), transitway, and/or m' ed -flow improvements; it must state how mitigation measures will promote the use of HOVs, tronsitway, and/or mixed -flow improvement; and ft must state wh ther the highway improvement is. included in the Caltrans District Service Manc gement Plan.' Response 13: See the appropriate responses to comments already made by Caltrans and the South Coast Air Quality Management District in this document. The requested information has been included in the Plan for Physical Mobility (Cir ulation Element) and the Master Environmental Assessment. Comment 14: "Transportation improvements/projects must adhere to the following crit ia: The impact of the overall project on air quality in the long term must be anal ed on a transportation corridor level, even If the project is phased or increr ientally developed. The impact of the project on air quality must be compared Nith the impacts of the project alternatives, on a transportation corridor lev4 il. The alternatives must also be compared with each other. The demand - management strategies, HOV improvements, and transit are required to be evaluated as alternatives (and as mitigation measures if necessary)." Response 14: This response requires analysis by DKS. Comment 15: "AII projects must state the following: whether they are included in the R gional Transportation Improvement Program; whether they are consistent wli h local planning documents; whether they are identified as constrair ed or unconstrained in the Regional Mobility Plan; whether they are consistent ith the specific policy elements of the Regional Mobility Plan, Section IV.' Response 15: The requested analysis has been included in the EIR and the Master Environmental Assessment. Comment 16: "What are the impacts (if any) of the project on: wafer, wastewater tre tment, solid and hazardous waste, energy, or school facilities." Response 16: See the analysis related to each topic in Section IV of the EIR. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS-711 OMMENTS June 1, 1992 1 1 - LOS ANGELES COUNTY SOLID WASTE. MANAGEMENT DIVISION - Letter from Michael d. Bohlander dated September 4, 1991 Comment 1: "The County is not solely responsible for regional waste management disposal planning in accordance with AB 939. Regional landfills are a solution to the solid waste management disposal problem, however, AB 939 clearly identifies that local agencies shall promote the following waste management practices in order of priority, 1) source reduction, 2) recycling and composting, and 3) environmentally safe transformation and environmentally safe land disposal at the discretion of the city or county." Response 1: See the related additional goals, objectives, and strategies provided by Troy Butzlaff in this document. Comment 2: 'Page N-3 - Third paragraph reference to flood control system should include reference to the ebsting Stormwater/Urban Discharge Permit for Los Angeles County and Co -Permittees. This Permit from the State and EPA may include 'surprises' for future budgets if not considered. The Federal Clean Water Act 1987 Amendments also impact industrial and construction permitting by the State' Response 2: Comment noted. The Master Environmental Assessment will be revised to include information on the new Stormwater/Urban Discharge Permit process, and the fact that future City budgets may be affected by flood control requirements related to this Permit. Comment 3: "Permit activities may be adequately covered relative to Goals, Objectives and Implementation Strategies (Pages IV, 4 through 8) if the Plan recognizes the eAstence of the Permit." Response 3: Comment noted. The Plan for Public Health and Safety requires a capital improvement program for flood control improvements, and the Stormwater/Urban Runoff Discharge Permit requirements can be included in this program. Comment 4: "The Plan should acknowledge that we provide State mandated underground storage tank regulations within the City. Also they should acknowledge our industrial waste service contract for local enforcement. - Response 4: Comment noted. Comment 5: "Page 11-7, Item 6, Solid Waste. The California Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939) identified the responsibility for waste management to occur at the local level. Cities are responsible for managing their solid waste by source reduction, recycling, composting, and environmentally safe disposal in landfills and transformation facilities." Response 5: Comment noted. The additional objective and strategies recommended by Troy Butzlaff at the end of this document adequately address these issues. Now DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS .rune 1, 1992 12 Comment b: "Section C, Drainage and Flood Control (Pages If C, 1 through 11) shoulc include references to the existing Stormwater/Urban Runoff Discharge Permi for Los Angeles County and Co -Permittees. Compliance with this State and EF A Permit will cause on-going drainage related activities for the City." Response 6: Comment noted. Comment 7: "Page II -R-1, Item 1 b, Solid Waste Management. The California Integrak d Waste Management Act of 1989(AB 939) identified the responsibility fc r waste management to occur at the local level. Cities are responsible formanaging their solid waste by source reduction, recycling, compostin j, and environmentally safe disposal in landfills and transformation faciliti s. This responsibility should be indicated and explained how it will achle a these activities in the EIR." Response 7: The new Source Redu tion and Recycling Element being prepared by the City will address compliance with AB 939. An additional General Plan objec ive and several new strategies were supplied by Troy Butzlaff with the City relati a to this new Element, and are included at the end of this document. Comment 8: `Page II -R-1, Item 1 c, Solid Waste Management. Los Angeles County does not provide waste disposal services to the City of Diamond Bar. The County Department of Health issues business licenses to those private refuse haulers desiring to collect and dispose trash in the area. Long-range planning for collection and disposal of solid waste is the responsibility of each cit, in the County under the California Integrated Waste Management act f 1989 (AB 939). Disposal of solid waste each year is 18 million tons, not 3 milli Dn tons. The County does not operate the majority of landfills in the County. The County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County operates 4 of the 19 landfil s in Los Angeles County: Calabasas, Puente Hills, School Canyon, and Spad a. The remaining landfills are operated by either cities or private companies. Response 8: Comments noted. Comment 9: Miscellaneous comments: "1) All landfills. handle Class III wastes; 2) Azusa landfill has no remaining Permitted capacity and ceased operation as a Class III landfill on FebrL ary 22, 1991, and handled 6,500 tons per day; 3) Azusa and BILK are not operated by the County; 4) Spadra handles 3,000 tons per day, and BKK 12,000 tons per day at their respective landfills; and 5) Puente Hills Landfill is due to Gose in 1993, but plans to expand the site are being prepared." Response 9: Comments noted. Comment 10: "A landfill article concerning landfill expansion (Nov. 28, 1990) frc m The Highlander is mentioned. State complete name of publication and geoC iraphic service area. The County will be preparing the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan during 1992. The City of Diamond Bar must uti ae an integrated approach to solid waste management within its jurisdiction in .1 ding source reduction, recycling, composting, resource recovery options and planned disposal programs." DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 13 Response 10: The newspaper is called "The Highlander" and is the east San Gabriel Valley division of Highlander Newspapers. it serves the Phillips Ranch, Walnut, Rowland Heights, and Diamond Bar areas, and its corporate office is located at 18383 E. Railroad Street in the City of Industry. Comment 11: "Page II -R-1, Item 2a, Disposal - Individual areas (cities) will be required to manage their own wastes locally." Response 11: Comment noted, An additional General Plan objective and several new strategies were supplied by Troy Butzlaff with the City relative to this new Element, and are included at the end of this document. Comment 12: "Page Il -M, Item 1g, Disposal of Hazardous Wastes - Los Angeles County generates. nearly 9-112 million tons of hazardous waste annually." Response 12: Comment noted. - COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS - Letter from Gary J. Hartley dated September 16, 1991. Comment 1: "Page I1-9-1, Wastewater, Paragraph 2: The statement'It is not known at this time if the OCSD has adequate capacity and facilities to accommodate some portion of sewage flows from the City (Scanlon 1990),' should be deleted and replaced by, 'Orange County Sanitation District has established an official policy that flows from outside Orange County will not be accepted' (ASL Consultants Inc. Report 1991)." Response 1: Comment noted. Comment 2: "Page II -9-3, Paragraph 1: The last two sentences beginning with 'A new pump station ...'to the end of the paragraph is inaccurate, and should be replaced by, 'The Fountain Springs Pump Station has experienced ruptures on separate occasions. ASL Consultants Inc, was asked to by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to make a study and recommendations regarding this deficiency. Based on their evaluation and recommendation, they are preparing the design to solve the problem and construction should be completed by the summer of 1992," Response 2: Comment noted. Comment 3: "Page II -Q-3, Service Fees, Paragraph 4: Add the following: 'The Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District (CSMD) collects $12.50 per single residential unit per year and $2.00 per year is also contributed to the Accumulative Capital Outlay (ACO) fund.' This fund is used to correct deficient sewer system within the CSMD. This was used for the upgrade of the Fountain Springs Pump Station." Response 3: Comment noted. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN E I R - RESPONSE TO COMMENTS June 1, 1992 14 - COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS - Letter from Carl L. Blum dated September 23, 1991 Comment 1: Enclosed are highlighted corrections to be mode to the General Plar and the Master Environmental Assessment, as discussed with Mr. Dan Kom of our Drainage Planning Section. Response 1: Corrections will be made as noted Comment 2: "Section 5.4 suggests that Diamond Bar Boulevard be treated functior ally as a local arterial subject to the widening of Grand Avenue to its ultimate w dth as a major highway. With portions of Diamond Bar Boulevard projected to incur up to 60,000 ADT (Table 5-4) under the 'No Build Alternative' (without the xtension of SoqueVTonner Canyon Road), it could be expected that, even f Grand Avenue is built to the ultimate 'superstreet' capacity, serious cong tion will occur along diamond Bar Boulevard. Downscoping Diamond Bar Bou evard to reduce its traffic handling capability will only worsen the expecti d traffic congestion in the area." Response 2: The concept of "downsizing" Diamond Bar Boulevard has been deleted from the General Plan. Comment 3: "We recommend that Sunset Crossing Road from Diamond Bar Boulev d to the westerly City boundary be included in the City's proposed Master Plan of Arterials as a Minor Arterial. This route addition should help reduce ant cipated traffic congestion on Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue. Truc ks could be prohibited on Sunset Crossing Road to help reduce noise through the residential area west of Diamond Bar Boulevard." Response 3: While it might be possible to prohibit trucks from using Sunset CroWng as suggested by the above comment, the City of Diamond Bar belie es that enforcement of such a prohibition would be impossible. The primary purpose to opening up Sunset Crossing is to provide access to the large inclusti ial area planned by the City of Industry to the west. While there might be -some relief to Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue from the connection of this roadway, the negative impacts of the roadway connection on the adjacent neig hi >orhood are believed to outweigh the benefits of connecting Sunset Crossing. Comment 4: "We also recommend that Caltrans be consulted relative to possible im acts to the State's freeway system." Response 4: Caltrans has made separate comments on the General Plan and EIR, as contained in this document. In addition, Caltrans will be consults on all projects that affect or are affected by the freeways. Comment 5: "This letter also included comments from Michael Bohiander with the County Solid Waste Management Division." Response 5: Refer to previous leder from Michael Bohlander dated September 4, 1 y91. - LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT - DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 15 Memo from Chief Lee dated September 10, 1991 Comment 1: 'See attached memo for minor corrections to Section K of the Existing Setting Report" (Master Environmental Assessment). Response 2: Comments noted. - ORANGE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AGENCY - Letter from Kari A. Rigoni (not dated) received October 3, 1991 Comment 1: 'Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the above referenced item. The County of Orange has no comment at this time. However, we would appreciate being informed of any further developments." Response 1: Comment noted. UTILITIES/LOCAL AGENCIES - THREE VALLEYS MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT - Letter from Richard Hansen dated August 28, 1991 Comment 1: "The strategies identified for minimizing consumption of water (PRM 2.1.1 - 2.1.5) are consistent with the draft regulations currently being considered by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to Implement AB 325, the 'Water Conservation in Landscaping Act' (enacted by the Legislature in 1990). The Act will require all cities and counties to adopt water efficient landscape ordinances, or else be subject to the model ordinance being developed by DWR. I am forwarding a copy of the DWR 'Proposed Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance' under separate cover for your consideration. You may wish to incorporate some of the measures included there within the description of water conservation strategies of the General Plan.' Response 1: Comment noted. Portions of the "Proposed Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance" will be incorporated into the Development Code as applicable. The proposed General Plan goals, objectives, and strategies effectively address the requirements of this ordinance. - WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT - Letter from Edmund Biederman dated August 28, 1991 Comment 1: 'Thank you for providing the District with an opportunity to review the draft of the General Plan for the City of Diamond Bar. The issue of water service, both present and future, has been realistically portrayed in the report. The District's Master Plan referred to in your report was completed in 1990 but had projections to the year 1995 and, as concluded in your report, envisions providing sufficient wafer for both domestic and fire protection purposes for the full development of the City.* Response 1: Comment noted. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN E I R - RESPONSE TO COMMENTS June 1, 1992 16 Comment 2: "The current conservation goal of the Metropolitan Water District, the sol a source of water for our District at the present time, is 31 %, which impacts the c fomestic supply with a 20% conservation goal, and we are in our fifth year of drought. (4. Wafer Resources, 11-4)" Response 2: Comment noted. Comment 3: "Mention might also be made in your Fire Protection Section (C-3, III -5) that the water district has made ample provisions in Its current distribution storage program to provide sufficient storage for required fire protection. Our I ive-year goal (1995) is to provide 67 million gallons (a three day supply) of l -District storage." Response 3: Comment noted. Comment 4: "The section on Reclaimed Wafer should be clarified to indicate that ally future reclaimed water delivered within the City limits will be provided via our District's present and future facilities. (Paragraph 2, II -P-12)." Response 4: Comment noted. Comment 5: 'In conclusion, let me once again state that the report was well done or d, once adopted, will serve as an excellent planning tool for our District in de eloping current and future facilities within the City for both our domestic and re,,Iaimed water distribution systems. We would also like to thank you for stress ng how fragile California's water supply is and the need for all concerned toe lore all avenues available so as to enhance, expand and finance additioto our area's current and future water supplies." rf Response 5: Comment noted. - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY - Letter from Joe Berta dated September 5, 1991 Comment 1: "Thank you for the opportunity to review the above mentioned report, Our concerns have been addressed satisfactorily and, consequently he no objection to its approval." Response 1: Comment noted. - POMONA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT - Lefter from Patrick Leier dated September 30, 1991 Comment 1: "The DEIR appears to do an adequate job of addressing the critical issue-; facing the District with regard to providing quality local educational facilities. noted in the DEIR, successful implementation of the General Plan's Pian to Public Services and Facilities (PPSF) objectives 1.3 through 1.5 and Plan for Co muni Develo merit and Land Use {PCD -LU) objective 2.3 should provide the ity the ability to assist the District in mitigating educational impacts., DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 17 Response 1: Comment noted. Comment 2: "Currently, the most significant impacts to the District are in the Tres Hermanos area, which is shown on the 'Proposed Land Use Map for Planned Development, Mixed Use.' There is currently no development plan for this area, nor is there a planned network of streets." Response 2: Comment noted. The City is planning to designate the Tres Hermanos area as a Planned Development, and intends to work with the Pomona School District during the planning of the Tres Hermanos Ranch to assure that the street and infrastructure systems are adequate to serve the anticipated school facilities, Comment 3: "If there is significant residential development within the Tres Hermanos area, the need for another elementary school site and middle school site, or middle school expansion, is highly likely." Response 3: Comment noted. Comment 4: "As noted in the DEIR, the District is seeking to build a new high school in the Tres Hermanos area within the next five years to house expected enrollment growth. A development plan is the single most important contribution which can be made to speed actual land acquisition and construction of a new high school within the City." Response 4: Comment noted. Comment 5: Page II -0-4 should contain the following information: "in 1991, local voters approved a multi-million dollar bond sale to fund construction of new elementary schools, the construction of a new high school, and the improvement and rehabilitation of older existing schools." Response 5: Comment noted. Comment 6: "Figure II -0-4, the proposed school labeled as a Junior High/Middle School, will be on Elementary School." Response 6: Comment noted. Comment 7: Page 11-0-4, third paragraph should be revised to provide the following information: "The District has committed to building a new high school within the City limits. The District originally identified four potential sites in the general area of Tres Hermanos, but has narrowed the choice. This school would most likely serve high school students from northern Diamond Bar and Phillips Ranch. This new facility will provide a local school for a growing number of Diamond Bar students and free up needed space at Ganesho and Garey High Schools to accommodate growth in the Pomona area. The District has committed sufficient funds to provide a high school with minimal facilities; however, matching funding from the State needed to provide the full spectrum of high school facilities is still being pursued." Response 7: Comment noted. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE TO COMMENTS June 1, 1992 18 - CITY OF BREA - Letter from Konradt Bartram dated September 3, 1991 Comment 1: On page II -A-7, paragraph 5, the DEIR indicates the following statemerit about the lower Tonner Canyon: " ... Although this area is within Orange Cou ity, it will one day represent a gateway to Diamond Bar, as that portion of Tonnei Canyon within the City's sphere of influence is developed. This area is presen ly being proposed as a commercial/business center within the City of Brea. The Mty may wish to work with the City of Brea to best plan for adequate planr ng and preservation of Tonner Canyon as a whole. Such an extensive planni g effort may Involve the formation of a joint study group to address ultimate I nd uses in the Canyon." "Currently, there has not been any proposal submitted to the City of Bf aa for a commercial/business center for the lower Tonner Canyon area within I he Brea Sphere of Influence. The City's current General Plan indicates this a a as a Rural Residential, and only a small area near the SR -57 and Tonner Canyon Road is designated as General Commercial. The City of Brea is 1 urrently undertaking a Sphere of Influence study to determine the appropriate development for the Tonner Canyon. This study is anticipated for comp letion in early 1992." Response 1: Comment noted. The information on future land uses in this area derived from discussions with local property owners, and did not necessarily reflect current applications or approvals. R appears that development plans for tile Brea portion of Tonner Canyon are less firm that described ,in the EIR. The City of Diamond Bar will continue to monitor the progress of development plan for this area. Comment 2: "Also, please note that Sections 6.5, 6.10, and 6,11 of the Circulation lement of the DER do not provide any discussion. These sections simply stat 'To be completed.", Response 2: Comment noted. The traffic consultant has since finished the portions of he Pian for Physical Mobility and has submitted them to the City for review; they re also attached to this document as an appendix. Section 6.5 ad Jressed Transportation Demand Management, which can now be reviewed in lig it of the Final Draft Congestion Management Plan for Los Angeles County (Au1he st 14, 1991). Section 6:70 contains the Capital Improvement Program, whichill also be addressed when the City adopts the Implementation Program of theeneral Plan. Section 6.11 provides details on the proposed traffic model for City which were not fully documented and thus unavailable at the time theIR was circulated. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 19 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDIISON COMPANY - Letter from R.D. Imhof dated September 24, 1991 Comment 1: "While (the requirements of Strategy 3.3.8 in the Plan For Community Development regarding the location of utility facilities) may have, minimal impacts upon Edison, developers may experience significant cost increases due to project compliance." Response 1: Comment noted. Comment 2: (Regarding Strategy 1. 1.6 in the Plan For Public Services and Facilities) "The siting and design of energy facilities of an electric utility is within the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities commission and the California Energy Commission as these functions are of statewide concern. Any provision that proposes to usurp this regulatory jurisdiction, should be deleted or appropriately reworded." Response 2: There was no intent to usurp or otherwise hinder the regulatory power of local utility companies. What was intended was that, as far as it is within their power, the City should seek to coordinate and communicate with local utility companies to the degree that itis is aware of planned facilities, and approximately when such facilities might be installed, to better plan overall development of vacant lands. Comment 3: "Edison can provide assistance (regarding alternative transportation modes such as electric buses) upon request" (regarding Strategy 2.1.2 in the Plan For Physical Mobility). Response 3: Comment rioted. Comment 4: "While the report correctly identifies the substations supplying power to the City that falls outside its borders, it fails to mention Diamond Bar Substation which is within the City limits. It is located at the north corner of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard." Response 4: Comment noted. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 20 - ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS PROVIDED BY TROY BUTZLAFF, DIAMOND BAR Comment 1: Response 1: The following objective and strategies were developed subsequent to of the EIR, and should be substituted in place of Objective 2.5 and 2.5.1 though 2.5.6 in the Plan For Resource Management: Objective 2.5 "Minimize the generation of solid wastes through an aggressive : public education and information c mpaign which promotes a comprehensive program oF source reduction, recycling, and composting activities. Strategies: 2.5.1: Reduce wasteful packaging and products sold in the City through educational and technical assistance which emphasizes the reduction of nonrecyclable products, replacement of disposable materials with reusable materials, and the purchase of repairable products. 2.5.2 Implement a mandatory Citywide recycling 1Prograrn including residential curbside collection and volunf on-site programs serving multi -family, commercial and ndustrial generators. 2.5.3 Educate residential, commercial and industrial g nerators about source reduction and recycling progrc rns and encourage their participation by developing a mi Itilingual promotional campaign which informs them about Jiversion programs, identifies opportunities for participatior in such programs, and provides motivational incentives to ncrease participation. 2.5.4 Require all commercial and industrial generators to Idevelop and implement a source reduction and recyclig pian tailored to their individual waste streams. 2.5.5 Review existing landscaping standards and en ourage modification of certain land -use practices through xeriscaping and other drought -tolerant plants for new developments. 2.5.6 Reduce the amount of yard wastes generated family residences through ongoing prom grasscycling' and on -side composting of leaves organic materials." Comments noted. Policies of appropriate General Plan section] modified to reflect these changes and additions, and which will substitute mitigation measures in the General Plan EIR. single - n of I other will be srve as DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 7992 21 ADDITIONAL MATERIALS The following documents will be added to the list of references: Brea, City of, "General Plan," June 17, 1986. California, State of; California Debt Advisory Commission (CDAC), "Annual Summary 1990: The Use of Housing Revenue Bond Proceeds," November 1990. Diamond Bar, City of, 'Fee Comparison Study," Hogle-Ireland Development Consulting Group, May 1991. Walnut, City of, "General Plan," July 1978. DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN EIR - RESPONSE To COMMENTS June 1, 1992 22 r CITY 0F.DIAMON . D BAR DRAFT GENERAL PLAN REVISIONS AND RECONMENDATIONS BY THE GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY CO r 1. PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOP A. LAND USE t INTRODUCTION In the two years since Diamond Bar incorporated, the community has been involved in a soul searching exercise, assessing the City's strengths and weaknesses. However, a general plan must be more than just inventories and analysis. If it is to truly be a general plan, it must be a strategic planning document, based on a preferred vision of the future. This vision must be more tha just an idea of what the community collectively thinks the future will be, it requires leadership, commitment, and determination by the community to work toward the future it truly wais to achieve. A successful general plan provides policies and strategies to enable the community to achie a its vision of the future. It also identifies potential impediments to achieving this future and establishes strategies to eliminate or minimize the impediments. General plan policies area t ridge for present residents to reach their vision of the future. The degree to which the policies are successful depend largely on the framework within which they are developed. The Diamond Bar General Plan consists of four main elements with several topics in each element. This doc mens is the Plan for Community Development, which addresses issues, policies, and programs rfated to Land Use and Housing. Planning for the long-range use of land in the City is akin to fitting together the pieces of a hree- dimensional jigsaw puzzle. Each "piece" of land has unique opportunities and constraints, but may also have many needs or conditions that are shared by surrounding pieces, such as utilities, fire protection, and noise. Each piece must be weighed individually, as well as together with surrounding pieces as an integrated whole. Finally, all pieces must be weighed together to assure that their combined pattern best fulfills the short- and long-term needs of the community.1 The The Land Use and Housing sections of the Plan for Community Development will be presented and reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council separately prior to review of the Housing Element by the State Department of Housing and Community Development. The two sections will be combined prior to the first official public hea Ing on the General Plan. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LA D U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992", ' I- Plan for Community Development of the General Plan provides a framework to unify and organize these "pieces" around several central themes, so that development of remaining open land will enhance these themes and strengthen Diamond Bar's community identity. B. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS California law requires that each city and county prepare and adopt a comprehensive, long term general plan for its physical development. Government Code Section 65302(a) requires that local general plans include a land use element as part of the required general plan. This requirement is intended to ensure that communities achieve and maintain a logical land use pattern, as well as standards for population density and development intensity which is consistent with community goals and objectives. Thus, the land use element has the broadest scope of, the general plan elements required by State law. C. EXISTING CONDITIONS Diamond Bar is located at the junction of two major southern California freeways (57 and 60) in the southeastern corner of Los Angeles County. Although touted as. one of the first planned communities in the west, it developed mainly as individual detached single family residential tracts, with a minimal amount of commercial and other non-residential uses. The City incorporated in 1989, after developing under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County for almost 30 years. Historical patterns of development under the County have created isolated multi- family areas, small commercial centers with limited access, and a general fragmentation of uses in the City. RESIDENTIAL USES Diamond Bar is comprised of roiling hills and valleys between rapidly urbanizing freeway corridors (west and north) and the undisturbed Tonner Canyon (east and south). According to the California Department of Finance, the City has a total of 17,664 dwelling units that presently house a Population of 53,672 residents (1990). The City is primarily residential, with 4,952 acres (52 percent) of the land developed for housing. Single family detached units represent the majority of the City's housing stock (12,589 units or 71.3 percent). The remaining 5,060 units are attached (multi -family) units with 4,132 condominiums (23.3 percent), 649 apartments (3.7 percent), and 294 mobile homes (1.7 percent). Approximately 616 of the single family units (5 percent) are on large, "rural" residential lots (one acre or more). In general, development densities are greater in the flatter portions of the City (west), while larger lots predominate in the upland areas (east). Along the 57 and 60 freeway corridors, single family lots are generally under 10,000 square feet. Detached single family development in these areas have been built at 5-8 dwelling units per acre, which represents over half of the City's entire housing stock. While single family development predominates, multi -family projects can be found along Diamond Bar Boulevard, south of Grand, and on Golden Spring Drive, north of Diamond Bar Boulevard. These developments usually occupy small sites along major roadways, and are built at 10-20 units per acre. The more dense multi - CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 I-2 family projects (16 units per acre) are usually older condominiums approved by Los An eles County prior to incorporation. This western half of the City generally contains the older housing, built in the 1960'5 and early 70's. The City also has four apartment complexes of moderate density (10.9-16.7 units per acre), with most located on major arterials such as Diamonc Bar Boulevard. Typical of most affluent suburban communities in hillside areas, lot size, unit size, and unit rice in Diamond Bar generally increase with the degree of slope. East of Diamond Bar Boule ard, development density (units/acre) decreases as lot size increases. "The Country", a private 1 late - guarded community, contains 616 homes and occupies 855.5 acres along and just west the ridge separating the City from Tanner Canyon. Here, lots may be several acres or more, deper ding on the severity of the slope. 2. NON-RESIDENTIAL USES Non-residential uses comprise 1,867 acres or 19.5 percent of the City's land area. Commercial uses occupy 182 acres (1.9 percent of total), mainly located along Diamond Bar Boulevarc and portions of Golden Springs Drive/Colima Road. Office uses occupy approximately 140 acres, with a major 110 -acre corporate office complex located just east of the southern intersection of tt a 57 and 60 freeways; this Gateway Corporate Center is presently less than half comp) ted. Approximately 84 acres of industrial/business park uses are located along Brea Canyon Road, orth of Lycoming Avenue. Parks, public facilities, open space, and roads occupy the remaining 1,463 acres (78.4 percent). The building areas shown in Table 1 are for existing commercial, office, and business park uses and were calculated based on representative samples of shopping centers, office parks and industrial parks within Diamond Bar. Building area can be estimated based on Floor Area Ratio (FAR), or the ratio of building area in square feet divided by the total area of the site (insquare feet). For example, a building with 17,500 square feet on a 1 acre site (43,560 square fee) has an FAR of 0.40 (17,500 divided by 43,560). Local leasing companies were contacted to obtain total site and building square footages. Detailed data on local FARs was not available, be ause most shopping centers support a variety of commercial, office, and/or business park ises. However, a selective but representative survey of local centers indicates the following FAFs are most applicable to Diamond Bar uses, and can be considered representative for planning pure ses: Commercial = 0.24, Office = 0.38, and Business Park = 0.32. Other major non-residential land uses include the Diamond Bar Golf Course (178 acres), sc iools (158 acres), and parks (109 acres). At present, there are 2,764 acres of vacant open land potentially available for development and/or preservation. The largest parcel of vacant land s the Tres Hermanos property, at the northeast corner of the City, between Grand Avenue anj the Pomona (60) Freeway. *Table 1 a168 PF8yiides a SUFFifflaFy ef F19A FeSidential land uses PFef esed Figure 1 sho s the location of existing land uses within Diamond Bar. -ePAC 4.14-92 3. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE The City of Diamond Bar's sphere of influence, as presently approved by the Los Angeles C unty Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), encompasses 3,591 acres immediately so th of the City limits to the Los Angeles/Orange County border. This sphere area represents the Oiddle CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LA f D U SE II Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 h`:#(€Nr)MM 1 1-3 portion of Tonner Canyon, an undeveloped northeast/southwest trending wooded canyon. This portion of the canyon is presently owned by the Boy Scouts of America and utilized for their Firestone Boy Scout Reservation, The Scout Reservation is an unimproved camping facility, and the only improved uses in the canyon are scattered campground support buildings, a water tower on the southern ridge, and a commercial radio tower on the northern ridge. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 kf#fiR_ 1-4 Table 1-1 City -Wide Land Use (1990) Rural/Hillside 855.5 616 17.3 8.9 Single Family 3656.8 11,973 73.3 38.2 Multi -Family 440.1 5,075 8.9 4.6 Condominiums 350.2 4,132 7.1 3.7 Apartments - 67.8 649 1.4 0.7 Mobile Homes 22.1 294 0.5 0.2 Residential Subtotal 4,952.4 17,664 100.0 51.7 Commercial 181.8 1,901,000 9.7 1.9 Office 138.5 2,293,000 7.4 1.4 Business Park 83.6 1,165,000 4.5 0.9 Public Facilities 211.7 11.3 2.2 Parks/Recr/Open Space 464.2 24.9 0.5 Fwys/Major Roads 787.1 42.2 S,2 Non -Residential Subtotal 1,866.9 5,359,000 100.0 19.5 Vacant Land 2,763.7 0 28,8 TOTAL 9,583.0 100.0 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LA JD U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30,19921-75 15 Figure 1-1 Existing Land Uses CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 hvtq#yptil¥fhF52 1-6 D. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES The four major land use issues identified in the Opportunities and Constraints section f the Existing Setting Report are: 1) land use mix (including open space and economic impficatio s); 2) capacities of the natural and man-made environment to accommodate growth (infrastructui a and service costs); 3) City image, including community design and land use compatibility); and 4) local versus regional needs and short-term versus long-term solutions (especially concerning circul tion). 1 . LAND USE MIX a. Open Space The preservation of open spaces, especially hillside areas, is a major policy decision facing t e City of Diamond Bar. There are several significant open or hillside areas left in the City, but th y are under increasing pressure to develop. A major issue that must be addressed involves the status of restrictions against buildings previously approved by the County. Some of these open space areas were precluded from development as a condition of approval for an adjacent tract. ften, these areas were calculated as the open space requirement for the adjacent development even though the County did not accept dedication. In some instances, additional density was g anted to the adjacent development in exchange for retaining these areas as open space. These areas were. often dedicated for environmental reasons or because they had physical constraint , and would create high maintenance -costs to the County or high development costs to the owner. As land becomes more valuable (more costly) in Diamond Bar, these higher costs become less of a restriction to development. It can be expected that the . City will be asked to reco sider development of some of these lands previously designated as open space. Whether or not these open space areas are allowed to develop is thus a policy issue for the City rather than a prperty right. Individual property owners with large, hillside lots may also wish to re -subdivide their los and increase the number of allowable units. The individual property owner would reap an eco iomic benefit, and more individuals would have access to hillside lots. However, there woulc be a decrease in the actual, and perceived, amount of open space that characterizes the community. There are also different forms of open space. For example, a tract might grade a slope to reate a pad of homes and a recreation area. While the natural, passive open space area is lost, man- made, active open space is created. In each case, the City must decide what type of openpace best captures the community vision it wishes to create, while recognizing the interdepende cy of such factors as maintenance and fire protection costs. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should preserve a majority of its remaining open CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LA14D U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992Aiiti[F;�2 I_] b. Economics The City presently has a modest budget with a small operating reserve. However, municipal costs generally tend to increase faster than revenues, and service needs can be expected to increase faster than services can be provided. Therefore, the City should control service costs while seeking ways to increase City revenues. City governments have only two ultimate sources of revenue: local residents and businesses. From these sources, cities derive property taxes from both but sales tax revenues from only local businesses. The City could attempt to increase property tax revenues. While resale and new houses in the City command fairly high prices (slightly over 5300,000), market research shows that home prices must exceed half a million dollars before property tax revenues approach municipal costs for service. In addition, after the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, cities receive a much lower proportion of their revenues from local property taxes. Available data also indicates that lower priced single family, condominiums, and other attached multi -family housing cost proportionately mare for services than they generate revenues. A second source of additional revenue to the City would be in sales taxes generated by expanded or new local businesses. In general, market research shows that retail commercial uses generate significantly positive municipal revenues compared to costs. By comparison, business park uses generally "break even", while office uses cost more to serve than the revenues they produce for a City. The third source of additional revenues for the City would be a new or higher user fees, taxes, or service assessments. There are a variety of such charges available to cities that can be applied to either residents and/or businesses. For these reasons, economic factors are closely tied to land use decisions; the amount and variety of non-residential (especially commercial) uses allowed in the City will largely define its revenue options as it determines the types of services it can provide for its residents. Aside from property taxes and per capita subventions, sales taxes are often the largest source of municipal revenues. However, the post Proposition 13 pendulum may swing some other way in the future, and it is important for the City to make sound land use decisions based on the long-term quality of the living environment, rather than solely on the economic benefits of unpredictable market trends. There are four fundamental marketing strategies that cities typically employ, relative to commercial land, to generate positive municipal revenues/costs. Cities can choose attract low to middle range shoppers, or they may decide to focus on upper or high-end buyers. Depending on location, cities can also choose between attracting local buyers, or exploit more regional shoppers. Fortunately, Diamond Bar can take advantage of all of these marketing strategies to maximize its economic diversity. The City could develop an area with good freeway visibility and access for high-end specialty commercial and office uses. These uses could attract local but also a considerable amount of regional shoppers as well. High end office uses could also be located nearby to support these commercial uses. There are also several large shopping centers in the City with good freeway visibility and access which can support regional, freeway -serving, or community commercial uses. Smaller shopping centers located on major streets within the developed portions of Diamond Bar should be oriented mainly for local use. The City also has the potential to take advantage of regional mid-range shopping opportunities in the undeveloped northeastern portion of the City, along the Pomona freeway. ISSUEANALYSIS., There is a need to encourage a variety of new or expanded CITY oP DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised Fetxuary 28, 1992 and March 30,1992< ( Y€ 1-8 commercial uses and other non-residential development, as well as investigate other funding mechanisms, to help finance City se ices. 2. CAPABILITIES OF THE NATURAL AND MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT a. Natural Resources Events of this decade have highlighted our limited regional resources, such as air q ality, water, and solid waste disposal. As a new city, Diamond Bar needs to establish it own position on these environmental issues. Although the City is largely built out, addi ional growth could place unacceptable limits on sensitive or scarce resources. Issue Analysis: There is a need for the City to plan for growth in ways that and foster natural resources and the environment. b. Infrastructure capabilities At present, the City has a fairly new infrastructure system and operates its service with a slight surplus of revenues. However, as the City ages, maintenance and service costs go up faster than municipal revenues increase at a similar ratio. The current mix o land uses within the City is insufficient to adequately fund long-range capital and ope sting needs. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to plan now for the maintenance of a fisting facilities, fund new facilities, and support future services to co tinue the high quality of life in Diamond Bar. 3. CITY IMAGE a. Master Planned Community A major land use issue in Diamond Bar's vision of the future is the overall ima a the community wishes to achieve_ In certain respects, Diamond Bar presents opporti nities similar to those of a Mediterranean seaport village. Earth -tone walls, red -tiled roofs, and green landscaping seem to terrace up and away from a low vantage point. For DiE mond Bar, the main vantage points are along the 57 and 60 freeways, instead of the ocean. The views from the freeway are the City's signature, and the open spaces visible fro the freeways represent an opportunity to enhance and define the image Diamond wis es to project. Although touted as the first master -planned community in the west, Diamond ar is essentially a series of individual residential tracts, with local commercial and multiple amity projects located at arterial intersections. As such, it lacks certain unifying features that provide a focus for the City, and which serve to reinforce the sense of comrr unity. However, the City has a reputation as a "good community", and thus has many o tions as to the image it can project in the future. The vision of the General Plan offers the opportunity to unify these elements into a more cohesive community. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to foster a City image that reflects and defin s the CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992'1-9 1-9 community's high quality of life. b. Land Use Compatibility A major goal of the community is to preserve existing neighborhoods, as long as they are of good quality, and represent a benefit to the community. At the same time there are outside pressures on the City to help solve regional traffic problems. In general, housing densities, types of units, and lot sizes should be maintained in established residential areas. However, the desire to maintain existing uses must be weighed against eliminating uses that are not compatible, or that are not appropriate for a specific area. Remedial action may range from eliminating or minimizing conflicts (walls to block freeway noise), to designating areas for more appropriate uses. ISSUE ANALYSIS, . There is a need to maintain existing uses in neighborhoods except where they are inappropriate orincompatible with surrounding uses. 4. LOCAL VS. REGIONAL NEEDS/SHORT-TERM VS. LONG-TeRM SOLUTIONS a. Circulation Diamond Bar presently provides a number of "short cuts" for regional commuters during periods of freeway congestion. The City may choose to continue to absorb through traffic, and depend on other agencies, such as the State, to take appropriate measures to relieve regional congestion which would ultimately free up local roads for predominately local use. However, the City's vision or goal is to reserve most of its streets for local traffic, and it should explore the opportunities, as well as the willingness of its residents, to accept trade- offs that go along with protecting certain streets from through traffic. ISSUEANALYSIS: There is a strong desire to prevent regional commuter traffic from impacting local traffic. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 xiMi4prif}1 1-10 E. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES - LAND USE "IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMEN TO ENSURE THAT THE LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS OF DIAMOND I BAR ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ITS RESIDENTS." GOAL 1 "Maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the quality of life of Diamond Bar residents, consistent with its desire to maintain its quality and distinctiveness as a planned community." Objective 1.1 Stimulate opportunities for a population which is diverse in terms of age, occupation, income, race, interests, and religion to interact, exchange ideas and establish and realize common goals. Strategies: 1.1.1 Retain and provide a hierarchy of community social gathering pc ces, including active and natural park lands, one or more community ce ters, and plaza areas within new commercial and office complexes. 1.1.2 In conjunction with area school districts, chamber of commerce, and clubs, develop an onaoina local news and interest nroaramr discussions of local issues etc., facilitate multi -cultural programs a community cultural festival. (a) Whenever possible, establish permanent locations and regular Oates for community events to improve attendance and firmly fi the event(s) in the mind of the public. " (b) Encourage a "Community Calendar" as part of the local able television programming to inform residents about the time and locations of upcoming community events. * * 1.1.3 Where feasible within new large-scale developments, encourage a mi ure of complementary development types (e.g. residential, recreational iales tax- and employment -generating uses) which can be provided i i an integrated manner. 1.1.4 Within new residential developments, encourage organization neighborhoods into smaller units and discourage non -local through traff local streets while maintaining pedestrian, and bicycle continuity encouraAina neighborhood improvement programs and social events. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but no change in meaning. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. of on CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 v`qq gfil€; s I-11 1.1.5 Maintain a City Hall that offers centralized City functions to all residents, and to provide convenient and comprehensive service to the community. " Objective 1.2 Maintain -the_ high „wality of existing residential neighborhoods while offering a variety of suburban, urban, and rural housing opportunities. ` Strategies: 1.2.1 Where feasible and practical within large residential developments, encourage a range of housing types, which will appeal to a variety of household income groups, but with an emphasis on single-family housing. 1.2.2 Maintain a system of identifiable, complementary neighborhoods, providing, where appropriate, .neighborhood identity signage, and ensuring that such signage is well maintained over time. . 1.2.3 Maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods by discouraging through traffic and preventing the creation of new major roadway connections through existing residential neighborhoods. 1.2.4 Maintain residential areas which provide for and protect rural lifestyles, as well as protect natural resources and hillsides in the upland portions of the City. ; (a) Identify steep or unstable hillsides that are appropriate for the lowest density of residential development as Hillside Residential (RH) on the Land Use map. The maximum density within the Hillside Residential areas will be 0.4 dwelling units per gross acre (0.4 du/acre), which is equivalent to one unit per 2.5 acres (7 du/2.5 acres). (b) Identify less steep or stable hillsides that are appropriate for low density of residential development as Rural Residential (RR) on the Land Use map. The maximum gross density of Rural Residential areas will be 1.0 dwelling unit per gross acre (1 du/acre). (c) Development in Hillside and Rural Residential areas should be designed to be: compatible with surrounding natural areas; compatible to the extent practical with surrounding development; aesthetically pleasing and provide views from the development, but not at the expense of views of the development. (d) Earthwork in Hillside and Rural Residential areas should utilize contour or landform grading to be most compatible with the surrounding natural topography. Modified from wording approved by GPAC but with small change in meaning. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1882'.Y1tpffs; ]-1 2 (e) Development of Hillside and Rural Residential areas should be clust red, devela meet densi ransferred a m r suitabl ite wherever Possible, to preserve common open space or other natural resources. Such development should be located to coordinate with long-term plans foi active parks, passive (open space) parks, and QEqserve natural open spacel areas. 1.2.5 Maintain residential areas which provide for a suburban lifestyle, ownership of single family housing. " (a) Identify the majority of Diamond Bar's residential areas, other than hillside or rural residential areas, as Low Density Residential MQ on the Land Use map. The maximum density of Low Insity Residential areas will be 3 dwelling units per gross acre (3 du acre). (b) Identify older residential neighborhoods, -9F th K as Low -Medium Residential (RLM) on the Land Use map. The maximum density of Low -Medium Resic ential areas will be 6 dwelling units per gross acre (6 du/acre). (c) Within areas designated for Low Density and Low -Medium Residential uses, limit land uses to single family detached residential, and small lot single family detached residential and ile�e subject to applicable Diamond Bar General Plan Policies, Development Code, and ordinance provisions. (d) Within areas designated for Rural I _... __ Residential and Hillside Resi - - - - . uses, perry development of second units and attached dwellings behi primary residential structure, provided that: 1) the maximum c of the land use category is not exceeded; 2) adequate infrastr is available to support the additional unit(s); 3) the additional architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling unit; and additional unit is architecturally compatible with the predor character of the neighborhood. Let Develo ment and subdivi ion Q4 lots hall be in conformanc the existing revallin character of the nei hborhood. 1.2.6 Broaden the range of, and encourage innovation in, available housing provide housing for those not desiring dwellings on individual parcels, desiring a mobilehome lifestyle, as well as for those desiring amenitii generally found in standard subdivisions, such as common open spat recreational areas. " (a) Designate areas as Medium Density Residential (RM) which Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. the the cure nit is ) the not and are CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAN U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992�<ilsai€lpflf`f'2 -13 either committed to low intensity multiple family use, such as condominiums and townhomes, or are required to provide transitions between higher intensity commercial and apartment uses and lower intensity residential and open space uses. Maintain a maximum allowable density within Medium Residential areas up to twelve dwelling units per gross acre (12 dulacre). (b) Within the Medium Density Residential category, limit land uses to .small lot, single family detached residential, attached residential development, and mobile homes, subject to applicable General Plan policies, Development Code, and City ordinance provisions. (c) Require developments within Medium Density areas to provide amenities not generally found in typical suburban community subdivisions, such as common active open space and recreational areas which are usable and on site. {#}LdJ Encourage the innovative use of land resources and development of a variety of housing types and sizes within the City and its Sphere of Influence by recognizing a Planned Development (PD) designation, in which residential, recreational, public and commercial land uses may be nermitted. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992s�t1 ai)#';~f 1-14 REVISED 3-30-92 Require that Planned Development projects provide a. greater level of community amenities and cohesiveness, achieve superior design, and create a more desirable living environment than cou d be achieved through conventional subdivision design and requirements. "LW Encourage a master Planned Development in the adopted Sp ere of Influence area (Tonner Canyon) that will protect its unique bio ogical and open space resources., u To recog ize its significance as a Significant Ecological Area, a regional ro dway should NOT be built through Tonner Canyon�F;i—, "`Y'" the adjacent areas outside Tres _Hermanos. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LANE) U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 1-15 1.2.7 Where consistent with the other provisions of the Diamond Bar General Plan, encourage the provision of low and moderate cost housing (see also Housing Goals, Objectives, and Strategies in this document). Objective 1.3 Provide land for retail and service commercial, professional services, and other employment -generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the needs of Diamond, Bar residents. Strategies: 1.3.1 Stimulate commercial develo ment which will serve the needs of Diamond Bar residents who currentsho elsewhere and which wjll ca tore sales tax revenue currentlygoingto surroundin communities articular! for durable goods. (a) suffewiding Identify retail needs which are not bei m met in the communi and identi 4 opoortunities to meet these areas within tha community. (b) Embark won an economic„ development orooram. destined to Peyelepand implement a business license fee system whigh i competitive with „ surrounding communities, and encouragef businesses to relocate into the City, that reduce sales tax leakage. (c) Regularly review and adjust the fee structure as necessary, based on changes in the local or regional economies, within the constraints testate Caws. 1.3.2 Encourage the development or continuation of commuter -oriented businesses that take advantage of locations visible from the freeway." (a) The General Commercial (C) designation on the General Plan Land Use map is to provide appropriate locations for regional, freeway - oriented, and/or community retail and service commercial uses. These include both freestanding uses, as well as uses within larger commercial centers. Development of General Commercial areas must maintain a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.25. (b) Within the General Commercial designation, and subject to applicable General Plan policies and City ordinance provisions, appropriate land uses include a broad range of commercial retail and service uses. Typical uses include general retail, specialty retail, markets, food and drug stores, commercial services, restaurants, automotive repair, service and sales, hardware and home improvement centers, and commercial recreation. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992ik1t�Ftli'i9 Iff' M"mc from Planning Network dated 119192 communi centers . local markets: *see matrix ?) u ose- 2. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAN L1 SE Revised February 2S, 1992 and March 30, 1992 -17 restaurants as well as gas stations. It is less freguented�c reional or commuter traffic than the Diamond Bar/Golden Springs center, and has a higher percentage of local an community use. As the vacant parcels in this area develop, the City should recognize an opportunity offered_ by proximity to the _60 freeway, while minimizing otenfal tMffic andnoise Impacts This area appears too small for a particular type of commercial "magnet" or attraction such al a discount warehouse. However, if the area were to be Wanned and developed In conjunction with a reconstruction of the shopping center at the southwest corner of Colima and Brea Canyon this area might attract larger and more substantial commercial uses of a free-standing nature. z-•:!?*.�^^ :astvpY�7ag:� .....;y ....v.:aw.wx:.++% kta•:.w•:a � M1a:.;;F: :: -,r :w:�'+• ..:.'fi':i, .:t" ' r's'va7ca."�' . :.,exa ?:Y+i:if+i.3:�. - •.aY i•}a.:Q:: •r..•. ;:rci: i.:-�..:v.�•r :..:._.....vvnV :x:.-: -.ri•:nvv:_i:'.: n} : .......... ... .. ... ....... ... .. .... ...... ... "a�S �N!�u:;.Y.`Y •u•F n'"9My .v�.�.vr;J:i:v; vy:+ <-.h M.'::4}FR}}?C...,y._ nr.�{ . .....-. f.••YO.t t J •.'YCY:a"�:..•v'..-.ii:,xr:. �nV�-0T.:4t:.. {.,.�:. ``', vt 'x.^:vw: »:4,':pn:!A+• iihv:j•{Y.• >. v:.y... tv,-'. !-x!ara. v,.:-nv:-'{x-0},vv::ri.}' v: m....•t+;xn..�.. .n+i%ry,{;. - c• r: roa...+nv:.. ....,�.N.}-� .,...,y.- r.c•.. {,y,..,x„y,..:}-..a<: apa<} .a . 4"A .............. see matrix 3, Diamond Bar Boulevard at Grand Avenue. Retail commercial uses occu all four corners of this shopping "com lex” although access is difficult across the major streets es eciall near or durin peak hours. It is -actually four separate shoppin-1 renters each wi#h its own assets and limitations. it serves a variety of community retail needs dug to its central location in town(away from the freeway). HoyZeyer, it also i§ in a key to -on relativ2 to regional traffic at peak hours since both of its cross - streets serve as malor travel routes for commuters from Chino Hills trying to bypass the congested and 60 freeways The nature of this traffic is such, however, that it tends to conflict with rather than complement, the demands of hoppers. V. This area should remain the primary commurishopping center in the City. Since this commercial node does not have freeway access, it would not be able to function as a "true" regional or freeway -oriented center. In the long term. however, it can still serve some of the shopping needs of CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND. U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 �1f?ti},' #M12 I-1$ a Daily Basis. Table XX. interchan a on the 57-60 freewjy�at Grand.LUJ a�zas zol Tull Ll Additional general commercial uses will be considered al the following locations: • Some portion of the Walnut Valley Unified School District site at Lycoming and Lemon for a a low intensity commercial office and/or business park uses. • The west side of Brea Canyon Road, betweenC lima and Pathfinder consistent with our open s ace objectives. a. Provided that the area along the ddge remains undisturbed. b. The area be developed as a low intensity office of a research character. • The frontage along the 57 freeway in the Spher of Influence to be retained in open space as part f a scenic highway. I I FIN, 0111_12- --- - ---------- -- The southeast corner of Grand and Golden Springs for hospital, medical office, and commercial uses u2 Jo 75' but not to interfere with views of Ihe rid eat a FAR not to exceed .5:1., te be planned in 1.3.3 Encourage the development or continuation of neighborhood retail and service commercial uses at locations that best serve the needs of local residents and workers." (a) Areas designated for Commercial Office (CO) uses are designed to recognize the diversity and interrelationship of commercial and office opportunities presented in Diamond Bar. The maximum FAR for these areas is 0.35. (b) Typical uses in the Commercial Office category include general retail, specialty retail, markets, food and drug stores, commercial services, restaurants, automotive repair and service, hardware and home improvement centers, recreation, professional and business offices, financial institutions, medical offices, and real estate offices. Memo dated 119192 from planning Network JC There are eight (8) mixed-use areas in the City et presen# designated for Commercial Office uses. While these areas comprise several specific centers with free-standing uses mos conlain commercial uges that sem local residents (neighborhood centers). Many alEo have service commercial and professional office uses su oport centers). these -upport centers often utilize shared parking to serve both the commercial,.and office us . Th locations of these centers are provided in Figure XX. One of these Commercial Office Areas is almost large enough to be considered a regional or freeway -oriented node: East Side of Diamond Bar Boulevard north of Sun"e Crossin . This area resentiv contains a mixtura of commercial re ail uses such as home im rovem n stores restaurants convenience markets and fast food outlets but also contains a variety, of Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised Februa 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 IN # 1-ZO accessibililEaf this site. m3mmu 2m Am - 3. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 `-8uieslat31YZ:} 1 g2 x_21 accessible to commulgr traffic, this -rustic centgr has limited parldng. access. nd Visibility, and 1hus functions morg like a neighborhood commercial center with supporting office uses. While this is an attractive center in terms of aestheti appearance. it is fairly isolated, limited in size, and limilc4 in its ability to expand. it does at present provide adeggM service for nearby neighborhood uses. and should probably remain as a neighborhood services facility. 2 story maximum height. 4-5. Pathfinder Road both east and west of Ihe 57 Freeway. Thee two small centers oMy-idelimited number f retail commercial and office uses on either side of the 57 freeway. Although they provideom ec nda freeway h in and support (office) ovuortunities- the retail functions primarily act as neighborhood shopping centers. This area _ is best suited to jprve theof uses whi h are already there. 6. Northeast Comer of Golden Springs at Grand Avenue. Whilg location has historically been recognized as a key factor in the success of commercial centers, the mix of uses in this small commercial office center definitely restricts its utilization. Although it is located at a major intersection of commuter traffic, it has neither the size nor the. -retail or service character to attract this potentially lucrative clientele. Convenience establishments such as dry cleans mini - marts etc. would try to take better advantage of commuter ourchases, but due to the ggessure on th2 intersection and the divided Grand Avenue, uses which add to peak hour traffic would be inavorovdate. 7=8) Area bounded by Colima Road and Via Sorella. This area presently contains a variety of service-oriented and office - related businesses with a few retail commercial establishments. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U 5E Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 19923ttf�#YN 1-22 on compatibility,and quality, - Cha racteri tics are summarized in Table XX. 910 -4 hia-*WmNli other 1.3.5 Encourage the development or continuation of professional and non- professional employment uses in locations that best serve the needs of local residents and workers, as well as take advantage of ready accei s to freeways for commuter -oriented businesses. — CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT- LAN U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 <`{ 1-23 3� (a) Areas designated Professional Office (OP) on the Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use map, i.e. Diamond Brothers iCalvary Chapel Site, Hospital site are to provide for the establishment of office -based working environments for general, professional, and administrative offices, as well as necessary support uses. PD Mixed Use OPS CO* churches and hospitals are allowed. FAIT for COis .35 FAR for OP is .40 with a FAR of .25 up to a m"imum of .4 for restaurant and retail commercial and other off peak hour develo ment. At the corner of Grand Avenue and Golden Sodnas, height is limited to one -11) story to a maximum of 5 stories at the foot of the hillside with a garden style/plaza entrance un to 8 stories with PD and mixed uses. The maximum FAR for this type of use is 0.40. Library/C21 (Grand Ave) maximum 2 stories, _25FAR (b) The Gateway Corporate Center in particular offers large lots with a capacity for multi -story buildings, and is designed to take advantage of unique locations with good freeway access, as well as access to miscellaneous support uses. The maximum FAR for a lot in this area, for uses visible from the freeway is 0.65, although the overall FAR will be maintained at 0.50. • LandAgaging forGateway-shall lUshly plantedin a m nn r which utilized native r and Wants. • Park theme high gualily, low intensity for now, revisit it at an appropriate time (10 years). • For the view locations these sites must be subject to review by the architectural review by the City and outside consultation. • Conlev Sayings_ comer site Dr. Omar's site Light Bulb site,.view arcels arcel behind Dr. Omar's. and all 57 and 60 fre wa frontage garcels shall comply with architectural standardl with 6 story heiaht maximum; buildings with 60 freeway view shall be sensitive to views to and away_ • Remainder of Gateway .4 FAR Intensity, arkin and landscaping re uirements. Ste desi n to maintain views of the 60 and 57 freeways. From the freeways to the building maximum height of 6 stories exceRt -8 storigg exce that no buildings shall obstruct the views of the Sinale Family - Residences above for parcels -on the east side of with landscaping to scale with trees native to the area. Maintain the overall FAR at .5. (c) Within the Professional Office designation, subject to applicable General Plan policies, Development Code, and City ordinance provisions, appropriate uses include administrative and professional offices; business related retail and service functions, restaurants, CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND it SE Revised February 28, 5992 and March 30, 1992 1-24 health clubs, financial institutions, medical and health care facilities, service stations, vocational and trade schools, corporate cffices, financial institutions, brokerage firms, and multi -tenant cffices. Commercial uses allowed in areas that support office uses include limited convenience commercial, specialty retail, hotellconfrence facilities, and restaurants. (d) Areas designated Qffice Bas Li h In n { (I!� on the General Plan Land Use map are to provide for light industrial, research and development, and office -based in ustrial firms seeking a pleasant and attractive working environment, s well as for business support services, and commercial uses re uiring more land areas than is available in General Commer ial or Commercial Office areas. These areas must maintain a ma imum floor area ratio of 0.35. (e) Within the Business Park designation, subject to applicable G neral Plan policies, Development Code, and City ordinance 'provisions, allowable uses include light manufacturing, assembly, whole sling, and warehousing conducted within an enclosed building; smal scale warehousing and distribution; administrative and professional uses; business support uses; eating and drinking establishments; pe sonai services; retail sales of durable goods (in su o f m activities}: and research and development. In adc ition, administrative offices supporting the primary industrial use f the property may be permitted. IC 1.3.6 Consistent with maintaining its image as a quality residential comma ity, the City will discoura a hes g vy industrial or other uses `": V " ::: that are. 1) ::...::.....::::..:..............:.::::.:.:.ener......:.....:..:........................:.:....:..:....: gy or m al erial intensive; 2) generate significant truck traffic; 3) generate toxii, or hazardous materials; 4) not compatible with existing or proposed land uses CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAN 11 SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 ?8 1-25 within the City.; (a) Permit handlers of toxic or hazardous materials to locate only in appropriate areas where geotechnical, environmental, safety, risk assessment, andlor other technical studies indicate there will be no significant impact to surrounding uses. (b) Permit new mineral extraction areas and/or expansion of existing operations ONLY to the extent re_guired to conform to the state laws and regulations. where the following findings can be made: • Potentially significant adverse impacts to biological resources, noise, air pollutant emissions, dust, and hazardous materials have been mitigated to an acceptable level; • Significant impacts will not be created on land supporting or planned for residential use; • Haul routes have been identified, and will be utilized, which will not create significant impacts within residential areas, and which will not negatively impact access into commercial of industrial areas; • The municipal revenue -generating characteristics of the proposed operation are such that a positive fiscal benefit will accrue to the City and to its residents. The analysis of fiscal benefits shall account for the incremental capital and maintenance costs for the area circulation system created by the high intensity of truck use associated with the operation. u Churches are conditionally permitted in Professional Office, Business Park Commercial Offigg, Low Density Reside!3 ial. and Low -Medium Residential areas but are prohibited in General Commercial, Rural, and Hillside Residential areas. " Objective 1.4 Maintain adequate land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. Strategies: 1.4.1 Ensure that land owned and purchased for public use by public agencies are designated on the Land Use map for public purposes. (a) The Public Facilities (PF) designation is designed to identify existing Added From goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 19921:' 1-26 W or potential (future) sites for necessary public facili ies or infrastructure improvements. The primary purpose of land designated as Public Facilities, is to provide areas for the conduct of Public and institutional activities, including but not necessarily limited to, local, State, and federal agencies, special districts, and bot public and private utilities. These uses maintain develo ment standards which do not xceed t at of the most restrictive ad'acent zone. Specific uses within the Public Facilities category, as shown Ion the Land Use map, 4;Glaee shall be reviewed b Conditional UsePe mit as follows: • . Water Facilities (W) • Fire Stations (F) • Schools (S) • Park (PK) Library • Neighborhood. Parks (}) • Recreational Facilities (REQ • Open Space/Slopes (OS) The lack of a specific use designation on a particular site means that t e site is owned by a public agency, but the exact use has not been determined as Yet. Public facilities on Private, leased land maintain the existin zoning des) nation ofi ad'acent ro ert . 1.4.2 Public Facilities or facilities which nmirie4a a ublic service and which mei t the criteria ofi 1.4.1 a are conditionally permitted within all other Ian use designations shown on the General Plan Land Use map, as long assuch facilities are compatible with surrounding land uses and consistent wit the Provisions of the General Plan. „ k..r ___ . 1.4.3 Promote joint development and use of parks and open space facilities adjacent jurisdictions; promote development of joint schoollpark sites. 1.4.4 When a public agency determines that land it owns is no longer nel ensure that the property is offered to other agencies, including the Ci Diamond Bar, for public uses, prior to conversion to private sector use. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. " Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN AN SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 i of U 9.4.65 Designate and pursue acquisition of a centralized site for use as a civic/multi- purpose community center. ** (a) _thletie fields, etheF uses. A joint development agreement could be negotiated between the City and the County, or a property owner/developer , to fund construction of these facilities. aPPF9PFiat8 St the southeast e6fflef of GF8REI Avenue at Golden SpFiRff& Objective 1.5 Maintain a feeling of open space within the community by identifying and preserving an adequate amount of open land, recognizing its value as a natural resource. Open land can include active parks, passive or open space parks, natural slopes, or man- made slopes. * * Strategies: GPAC 4.13.92 1.5.1 Maintain an Open Land Survey within Diamond Bar such as the Quen Land Survey dated June 12 1991 and attached to this Man, to identify previous dedications, designations, or decisions regarding open space made by the County of Los Angeles. (a) The City may shall require developers of vacant land to provide appropriate title or other ownership documents to verify any development restrictions on the property. GPAC 4-13-92 �b,� Development rights on these properties are limited by the covenants recorded when these tracts were subdivided. Durina that subdivision process the owners covenanted (i.e., promised) that. notwithstandj= any zones on these properties these lands would not be developed or developed with only one residential unit It is the City's policy to not rene otiate these prior commitments. 1.5.2 Provide appropriate land use designations to adequately protect valuable open space resources.' Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992ExiYse5ptil?#A' I-28 tat Provide Park (PK) and Recreation (REQ designations for existiil g, and future parks, as well as other recreational resources. • The Little League fields on Sunset Crossing should be designated for Recreation uses at present. • Designate new park areas in Sandstone Canyon, Upper Sycamore Canyon, and along Brea Canyon Cutoff can on. (b) Areas designated as Open Space/Slopes (OS) on the General Plan Land Use map provide recreational opportunities, preservation of scef is and environmental values, protection of resources (water reclamati(in and conservation), and protection of public safety. This designation carries with it a maximum development potential of one single family u it per let-124rc.el unless building was previously restricted or prohibil ed on such properties by the County. Th fel!GwiRg ePen-4&nd,;m1I be f, 1.5.3 Coordinate the protection of open land by the identification and fundi ig of new City parks, natural or landscaped slopes, or maintenance agreemen s for Private land in exchange for preservation of natural areas." (a) Investigate the possibility of a City-wide bond election to pure open space areas not already protected by open space restrictio (b) Investigate the potential for joint City/private maintenance 01 the Privately -owned slopes and canyon along the south side of the 60 Freeway (east of Golden Springs Drive) as a passive or natural space park. pen (c) Investigate the potential for a City-wide assessment for maintennce of various privately -owned, landscaped slope areas along or vi ible from major roadways. Subiect to a Master I anrICr-a^n o1.,.. .... Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 3 uli pril`' s i.3$;�Z 1-29 uni u ly Diamond Bar theme. Areas may include, but not be limited to, the following: The east side of Diamond Bar Boulevard, north of Sycamore Park, or the east side of Golden Springs Drive, north of Diamond Bar Boulevard. buildings, 115- ---Fee FerWietiye. n n , FegaMing the eenstfuetien of Tom! 1.5.4 Density calculations for development proposals that offer significant community amenities may include land previously designated as open space if clustering and/or the transfer of development rights are utilized to protect those open space resources determined to be significant by the City of Diamond Bar. This process would allow a property owner to "transfer" all or part the development potential of an entire site (either units or buildings) to a smaller portion of the site,thus preserving the remaining land. • Significant community amenities can include but are not limited to golf courses, major recreation or other public facilities, etc. 1.5.5 The City will establish a process to allow the transfer of density or development rights from land with important open space for other resources), to land that is more suitable for development. ** 1.5.6. The City will carefully review offers to dedicate additional open space land to the City. Consideration will be given to soil conditions funding of maintenance as well as the actual dedication. * * 1.5.$7 The City will develop and enforce regulations prohibiting the encroachments of private improvements into designated public open space areas. * * Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 80, 1992 I -3D n (a) Private improvements include but are not limited to corrals, g zebos, Patios and patio covers, decks, equipment or storage sheds, walkways, fences, landscaping, etc. QPAC 4.13-92 1.5.8 - - — -•��• muve� u7 Wl1ICr recre tional ubliC and commerclal land uses ma be erm)tted. 1.5.9 Re uire that Plannsarl 1.5.10 conventional subdivision desk n and re uirements. section 4.3.2) ad'acent areas outside Tres Herrnanos. , GOAL 2 "Manage land use with respect to the location, density and intensity, and quality of development in order to maintain consistency with the capabilities of the City and special districts to provide essential services, and to achieve sustainable use of environmental and manmade resources both within and outside of the City." Objective 2.1 promote land use patterns and intensities which make sustainable use of land, plant and animal, water, energy, and air resources available to the City of Diamond Bar both within and outside its boundaries. Strategies: 2.1.1 As a general principal, ensure that planning programs and individual development projects within and affecting the City of Diamond Bar recognize, and are sensitive to, environmental resource limitations. (a) Prior to approving new development or the intensification of existing development within the City of Diamond Bar, ensure that the environmental consequences of the proposed action have been recognized, and that the project sponsor has provided appropriate mitigation, to the extent practical, for potential impacts, including those which might occur outside of Diamond Bar's corporate boundaries. (b) When reviewing plans and development projects referred to the City by adjacent jurisdictions, insist that there be a recognition and appropriate mitigation of the environmental consequences of the proposed action, including those which might impact the City of Diamond Bar and other agencies in the region. The City should active!y work to ether with surroun ing communities Joward a coordinated olannina effort. The City will monitor and actively communicate with the City of Industry regarding development of the hills just west of the 57 and 60 freeways adjacent to Diamond Bar to assure that adequate planning, including appropriate buffers and setbacks, are maintained to protect land uses within Diamond Bar." The City will monitor development proposals through the County of Los Angeles within those portions of Rowland Heights adjacent to Diamond Bar. "" The City will monitor the progress of development within the Chino Hills Specific Plan to anticipate impacts to local land uses. * * Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March $0, 1992 Irlift a 1-32 2.1.2 Ensure that new development utilizes contemporary technologies to reduce energy and water consumption, as well ffiA .feasible conte mporary technologies to reduce the generation of solid and hazardous wastes, and air and water pollutant emissions. 2.1.3 Ensure that time -specific issues are evaluated as part of the review f new development and intensification of existing development. Forexample, where appropriate, require eit#ef prior to approval appFeva.l that biological assessments it neeessafy-. be c cle of tants or the seasonal rn ra ion of animals hrou h hes s na! Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAN U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30,19,92 MAX 1-33 Strategies: with eAsting uses. ,► 2.2.1 Require that new developments be at an appropriate density or intensity based upon compatibility with the majority of existing surrounding land uses. 2,2.x2 Prohibit the development of adjacent land uses with significantly different intensities, or that have operating characteristics which could create nuisances along a common boundary, unless an effective buffer can be created.' (0) The Gky will eensideF Feefganizing land uses along @Fee GaFiyep Read (Fief4h 84' -` 660 FFeeway) te emphasize multi faFRil-f dayelopment east el I;Fea Ganyon, aFid business P8Fk- uses west 94 2.2.3 Where land uses of significantly different intensity or use are planned adjacent to each other, such as churches ermitted by Conditional Use., ensure that individual site designs and operations are managed in such a manner as to avoid the creation of nuisances and hazards for either use- to the extent that such use does not displace the primary uses of the same or disrupt the character of surrounding areas and is compatible in size scale, charagler and levels of activity wi h surrounding uses. , af+d Hillside Residential aFea6—.—** Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. Added from goals arid objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 3D, 1992 siBYiI?ff?�'� I-3� r. OF 2.2.464. Require that new developments be designed so as to respect the views of existing developments; provide view corridors which are oriented toward existing or proposed community amenities, s ich as a park, open space, or natural features. (a) As part of the Development Code, adopt clear standards to i entify the extent to which views can, and will, be protected from I pacts by new development and intensification of existing develop ent. 2 2 465 Design development projects within the City of Diamond flar to Provide such screening, as is necessary, to shield neighboring properties from the adverse external effects of that devpInnriant Objective 2.3 Ensure that future development occurs only when consistent with the and adequacy of public services and facilities. Strategies: 2.3.7 Through the CEQA and development review processes, ensure that the provisions of the "Plan for Public Services and Facilities" are impleme ted, so that adequate services and facilities are available of development, to support each r base 2.3.2 Require new development to pay for the improvements needed to serve proposed uses.— facilities and (a? Pursue a variety of funding mechanisms for new development in addition to developer fees and construction by developers, inclu Jing tax increment (redevelopment) financing, Mello -Roos Dist cts, landscape and lighting districts, and benefit -assessment distri tc .. Added frorn goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SE Revised February 28, 1 S92 and March 30, 1892 zi:#1TeaiitlF:: ¥:t f€J - LAND] U 5 GOAL 3 "Maintain recognition within Diamond Bar and the surrounding region as being a community with a well planned and aesthetically pleasing physical environment." Objective 3. 1 Develop and promote a unique and positive community image. * * Strategies 3.1.1 Encourage "quality design" of new projects within the City, and establish clear guidelines faF which allow for diversity acid creativitv in its development and review. 3.1.32 Encourage the modification of existing poor quality projects, either in building or landscape design, through aggressive code enforcement, redevelopment, or other appropriate mechanisms. Objective 3.2 Create visual points of reference, both within the community and on its boundaries, as a means of highlighting community identity.' Strategies: 3.2.1 Develop and locate City entry monuments at key community entry points.** (a) Potential roadways for such monuments include Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Colima/Golden Springs, and major freeway interchanges. * * 3.2.2 Develop and locate monument signs highlighting open space areas within the City to specifically identify Diamond liar to local and commuter traffic. * Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC with no change in meaning. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE 1-36 Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 w 3.2.3 Where feasible and appropriate add wid� eninas within the primary arterial roadway system, be#,, as a me ns of traffic control,_ Aedes#rian amenity and as an aesthetic feature f r the community. 3.2.4 Pursue the establishment and expansion of landscape maintenance districts as a means of ensuring . the ongoing maintenance of medians and community entry statements, as well as maintenance of landscaping of hillsides along major roadways. (a) Ensure that the costs and -benefits associated with such maintenance districts are equitably distributed to the adjacent property owners and residents who benefit from thea enit throughout a de c eyR e+4-. the community 3.2.5 zsn consider a program to place public art, including muras, at prominent locations throughout the City of Diamond Bar. - 3.2.6 Encourage the provision of neighborhood identification signage, incl provisions for long-term maintenance. Objective 3.3 Ensure that new development, and intensification of existing development, Welds a pleasant living, working, or shopping environment, and attracts interest of residents, workers, shoppers, and visitors as the result of consistent exemplary design. Strategies: 3.3.7 Within the urban residential portion's of the City, require the incorpor tion of open space and recreational areas into the design of new projects. Within topographically rugged and rural areas, emphasize the preservi tion of natural landforms and vegetation. 3.3.2 Require in the Development Code that setbacks from streets and ac properties relate to the scale of the structure as well as the scale street. Require that setbacks along roadways to be varied so as to a monotonous street scene. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. the roid CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992.4E3}prl( -37 3.3.3 Eliminate block walls as a major determinant in defining the visual character of individual developments within the City, as well as the visual character of Diamond Bar as a whole. (a) Minimize the installation of solid walls along area roadways unless they are needed for a specific screening, safety, or sound attenuation purpose. Where feasible, provide instead a wide open area with informal clusters of trees, defined by split rail, wrought iron, or similar open fencing. (b) Where construction of a solid wall which will be visible along a public street is necessary, provide landscaping such as trees, shrubs, or vines to break the visual monotony, and soften the appearance of the wall, and to reduce glare, heat, or reflection. Where solid walls currently exist along the primary roadway system, and it is possible to retrofit landscape screens, establish a funding mechanism for the construction, of such screens. . h that a pleasingYiew is—ideal *Fee. the . Fide s nl_:,,diyidual unit 3.3.-54 Ensure that the design of new development and the intensification of existing development be accomplished in a manner which protects the privacy of residents in their homes and yard areas. 3.3.495 Ensure that residential accessory structures are consistent with the primary residential character of Diamond Bar. (b) Permit only those accessory uses within residential areas which do not create significant additional traffic, need for signage, or parking of automobiles not associated with the primary residential use. (c) Require that the design of accessory structures within a residential area be compatible with the architectural character of the primary structure and surrounding area. (d) Ensure that accessory structures are set back a sufficient distance from property lines, so as not to detract from the value of adjacent properties. 3.3.-76 Enhance pedestrian activity within residential , commercial, office, and business park areas. (e) Institute a site pian review process which ensures that non- residential facilities are oriented to the pedestrian, by the incorporation of seating areas, courtyards, landscaping, and similar measures:, with consideration given to security issues. (f) Utilize "street furniture" (decorative planters, bike racks, benches) CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March $0, 1992 * ti l> d# pC l ;rmm 1-38 to create and enhance urban open spaces.' (g) Design commercial and office projects so as to have a centra place, main focus, or feature. (h) Utilize varied building setbacks and staggered elevations to create plaza -like areas which attract pedestrians, whenever nnssih 3.3.$7 Ensure appropriate location and screening of accessory facilities, such as satellite dishes, solar systems, air conditioning units, pool equipme t, and trash enclosures. Within commercial and office projects, require that onsite utilities, and/or ancillary equipment, be located in an inconspicuouz area, vaulted underground away from public view, or screened with a combi ation of materials that best complement adjacent architecture. 3.3.58 Require that commercial loading areas be oriented away from the and from residential edges wherever possible-. to minimize sight and imaacts. (i) Where loading areas cannot be so located, ensure that th y be screened from public view- and noise im acts, (j) Encourage that access to service bays of automotive uses be from the interior of the site. 3.3.459 Require that service stations, mini -markets, and other automobile - uses proposed at corner locations be oriented away from the frontage. 3.3•4,310 Where the rear or sides of commercial, office, or other non-resid ntial buildings will be visible within a residential neighborhood, ensure ta the h visible elevations will be treated in such a manner as to provide a ple sing appearance. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND 13AR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAN USE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 1992 Aja'' 'A} tfC 139 3.3.4.911 Balance the need for signs within commercial areas as a means to identify businesses with the primarily residential character of Diamond Bar. (a) Ensure that commercial developments are designed with a precise concept for adequate signage, including provisions for sign placement and number, as well as sign scale in relationship to the building, landscaping, and readability as an integral part of the signage concept. (b) Ensure that signs are integrated into the overall site and architectural design theme of commercial developments. (c) I=nsure that the design and copy of proposed signs are easy to read. In designing signs and sign messages, emphasize the use of fewer, rather than more, words to create a clean, understandable message. In general, use symbols only if they are easily recognizable or represent a definable logo. (d) Limit the overall size and shape of signs such that they do not detract from the message. ie) With the .,*eep+ien of Prohibit off-site advertising, excent for a uniform real estate development location sign program, and -primate . and consolidated freeway signage in specific locations. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND V SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30,1992111-5 I-40 3.3.12 In conjunction with area utility companies, pursue a progrlam of undergrounding overhead utility lines. 3.3.13 Include within the Development Code requirements for the size and quantity of trees to be planted within new development and intensification of existing development. Objective 3.4 Protect the visual quality and character of remaining natural areas, and ensue that hillside development not create unsafe conditions. Strategies: 3.4.1 Emphasize the retention of the natural environment over its conversion to urban forms. 3.4.2 Require that existing hillside features be incorporated into project de igns; where removal of natural elements is unavoidable, require the reintroduction of naturalized elements into the project. 3.4.3 As part of the Development Code, adopt hillside development regul tions that are sensitive to natural contours and land forms. 3.4.4 Ensure that development proposed within hillside areas is tailored to the terrain and preserves natural hillside characteristics. As a consequence, the use of stepped foundations or a series of small pads at different levels is to be preferred to the creation of one large level pad. 3.4.5 Limit grading to the minimum necessary to provide for iaFd-amas,, develo meat and to preserve the terrain of the balance f the site in its natural state. 3.4.6 Where practical, require that landform grading be implemented irj the construction of manufactured slopes. II (a) Landform grading consists of the creation of slopes which refle t as closely as possible surrounding natural hills, and which avoid the linearity and regularity of consistent 2:1 slopes. (b) Landform grading may be accomplished either by varying the I near plane of the slope with a consistent slope along the vertical fac, b varying slope ratios providing that no portion of the slope exc eds a 2:1 ratio, or a combination of both. 3.4.7 'Where practical, require . that landform planting be employed on manufactured slopes. The primary purpose of landform planting is to provide conventionally graded slopes with the appearance of having been landform graded. Thus, planting is designed to obscure the linearity and regularity of the conventional slope and to create a visual undul9ting appearance. should create an irregular visual plane in the cross section. (c) When landform planting is used in lieu el lanelfeffn OFadififf, a seneeptual• planting plan shall be submitted at the time atFaet FRap which shall generally identify the common and botanical plant names, indicate foliage color, and size at maturity.- (d) aturity. (d) Drought tolerant materials should be utilized in planting plans. (e) Foliage used in planting plans should be fire resistant, and colors should be similar to the colors of native materials in the surrounding area. (f) Within landform graded slopes, plants should be grouped within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions. 3.4.0 e+._..Ot should be 1eeated se that the . 9 f lire ie, hel9W the Fidge liFie r Natural ridQeline contours should be protected_ GOAT_ 4 "Encourage long-term and regional perspectives in local land use decisions, but not at the expense of the quality of life for Diamond Sar residents." * Objective 4. 1 Promote and cooperate with efforts to provide reasonable regional land use and transportation planning programs. Strategies: 4.1.1 Take the iniative to establish a program Wak with Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties, SCAG, and the cities within those counties prepare a sub -regional land use plan, as a means of coordinating sub -regional planning efforts. The sub -regional pian should address the transportation systems necessary to support sub -regional development, without placing a disproportionate burden on any one jurisdiction for the provision of sub -regional through routes. The sub -regional plan should also address area environmental features, and should ensure their preservation in light of expected area growth. " Modified from wording approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN 'FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND L SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 19923i5t>0#4it3f>3 1-42 Strategies. 4-144-1-2 Include evaluation of the potential impacts of proposed Diamo d Bar developments on neighboring jurisdictions as part o the development review process. (a) Notify neighboring jurisdictions when considering changes o the City's existing land use pattern. (b) Cooperate with neighboring jurisdictions through reviewand comment on proposed changes to their existing land use pa terns which might affect the City of Diamond Bar. (c) Evaluate the impact of regional land use patterns when considering major changes to the Diamond Bar General Plan. (d) Evaluate the planning programs of neighboring jurisdictions when considering changes to the Diamond Bar General Plan. 44.1.3 Establish regular lines of communication with local, regional, State, and federal agencies, whose planning programs may affect Diamond Bar residents and businesses, and take a proactive role with these agencies to ensure that communication is maintained. (a) The City will work with the appropriate jurisdictions to assur that adequate planning minimizes potential impacts to the City r they are developed including but not limited • • Chino Hills Specific Plan (Chino Hills), • Hills west of the 57180 freeways at Grand (Ci�y of Industry Hills). • Lower Tonner Canyon (City of Brea and Couny of Orange). • Rowland Heights (County of Los Angeles). Objective 4.3 Establish and maintain City boundaries which are logical in term of existing s capabilities, social and economic interdependencies, citizen desires, and City and revenues. Strategies: 4.3.1 Modified from wording approved by GPAC. e k ann xation of those argaawithin the 57 corridor which have wimary access through the City pf Diamond Bar and whose residents and businesses are most logically erne through the City of Diamond Bar in a manner which is fiscally responsible. le. IG7'7Q-Q70T[[{••LTfG"WC.TC �•�7e Of'"Wea GanyeR GuCOTT"'T'H airear. We the GanyeRr, and •rlgGS GS dj + + lamely vaeaF4 at !his ..,.... ,..............-. rteUtlet rt � � Wen r..tof and the c -r be _onye �r benefits-te 4he Gity. 4tffesem, the aFea iS lafflel Fes'- ,.�ential ....+� few oemmeffiial * * .. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR ,COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAND U SE Revised February 28, 1992 and March 30, 11992-18, �' 4.3.2 4.3.3 CITY OF DIAMOND SE Revised February 28, 1992 ar Pursue an active program to annex the unincorporated portions of Canyon, within the City's adopted Sphere of Influence, onnei such that and approval of development proposals within the sphere occurs within eview the City of Diamond Bar. .A Encoura a Meservatim of Tonner Can on in its natural state. Prior 1 o an develo ment encourage master Planned Development in thea ted Sphere of Influence area of Tonner Can on that will pIgIgg1jjs LnLque biological resources and o en s ace haracteristics will create fiscal benefits for the City and enhance its infras#ructure while minimizin uture adverse impacts to both the human and natural environment f the i well as the re ion. Deveio ment whit would be a ro riate and as hich could be deli ned to be nom atible with the environmental ob'ectiv s for the area might include recreation I nd rest11:1 ential In k e in w h i desi nation as a Si nificant Ecolo ical Area SEA a re ion 1 ro wa should not be built throe h Tonner Canyon, but consideration shGLLd be given to an environmentally acceotabte transit,altern$tive. The City will consider annexation of additional areas including expans n of the adopted Sphere of Influence, where the following findings can bemade: fa) Compatibility exists with the goals and desires of the people ar City of Diamond Bar as a whole; d the ;b) The proposed annexation is consistent with goals and objecti s of the General Plan, particularly in regard to protection of open space land and natural resources; c) Significant benefits will be derived by the City and affected erty pro owners/residents upon annexation; d) There exists a significant social and economic interdependencE and interaction between the City of Diamond Bar and the area prop sed for annexation. BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - LAN U id March 30, 1992'.: i?i9# i5pi#; -45 r - Figure 1-2 Proposed Land Use CITY OF . 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HOUSING' INTRODUCTION The purpose of the housing section of the flan for Community Development is to identify local housing problems and needs and to identify measures necessary to mitigate and alleviate these needs and problems for all economic segments of the community. The key purpose of this section is to contribute to meeting the State housing goals as stated below: "The availability of housing is of vital statewide importance, and the early attainment of decent housing and a suitable living environment for every Calif ornia family is a priority of the highest order." (Government Code Section 65581). The Housing Element is intended to provide residents of the community and local gover mens officials with a greater understanding of the housing needs in Diamond Bar and to provide gu dance to the decision-making process in all matters relating to housing. In 1967, housing ele ents became the third mandated part of general plans. During the ensuing 15 years, nun erous revisions were made to the required contents of community housing elements. In 1981, 10.6 of the Government Code, commonly referred to as the Roos Bill, was enacted an now describes the content requirements of local housing elements. The Housing Element, in complying with the letter and spirit of Article 10.6, must respond to the three major issues which are listed below: An assessment of local housing needs and an inventory of local resource and constraints relevant to meeting these local needs. A statement(s) of community's goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the maintenance, improvement and development of housing. A program which sets forth a five-year schedule of actions the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achiev the goals and objectives of the Housing Element. In 1877, "Housing Element Guidelines" were published by the State Department of Housini and The Land Use and Housing sections of the Plan for Community Development will be presented and reviewed by the Planning Commission and the City Council separately prior to the review of the Housing Element by the State Department of Housing and Community Development. The two sections will then be combined prior to the first fficial public hearing on the General Plan. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT- HOU ING Revised March, 1992 37 Community Development (HCD). The guidelines spelled out not only the detailed content requirements of housing elements but also gave the HCD a "review and approval" function over this element of the General Plan. In 1981, the Roos Bill placed the guidelines into statutory language and changed the HCD's role from "review and approval" to one of "review and comment" on local housing elements. State law requires an update of local housing elements every five years, so that they contain the most current version of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), developed by the local Council of Governments. The RHNA report estimates the total projected need for housing in the region, then provides the proportionate share each city must provide. For this six -county region, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the local Council of Governments for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. SCAG currently reviews local housing elements for their consistency with the most recent (1987) RHNA figures. in early 1989, SCAG also provided an update for newly incorporated cities; however, Diamond Bar incorporated only a few months after the deadline for the update, so there are no current RHNA figures available for the City. It is therefore difficult to quantify local housing needs with no framework to calculate relevant figures. When detailed data is available from the next revised RHNA (1991), the City will be able to provide a quantified analysis to the level of detail required for the housing section of the Plan for Community Development. Local housing elements generally use population and housing data based either on the regular decennial federal census, or on updated figures from SCAG or other regional planning groups (like Los Angeles County). However, the City was not incorporated during the 1980 census data, and SCAG has not disaggregated its RHNA data from unincorporated Los Angeles County data for newly incorporated cities. Therefore, there is so no summarized data is available for the present geographic boundaries of the City. Fortunately, the City incorporated just prior to enumeration of the 1990 census. After adoption of the General Plan by the City Council, a revised housing section of the Plan for Community Development will be required by 1996, as well as annual updates. Starting in 1992, data and statistics from the 1990 Federal Census of Population and Housing will be utilized in updates and revisions. Until complete census and RHNA figures are available (late 1991), SCAG recommends that the City examine the various housing requirements based on the proportionate share of City housing compared to the housing of unincorporated Los Angeles County (Trumbell-SCAG 1991). However, it should be noted that such a comparison is only meant to give a framework for local versus regional housing needs. Since income, .house price, and the age of units in Diamond Bar are significantly different than those of the County, the ability of the City to provide affordable housing, as well as other requirements of the Housing Element, will be limited. The 1996 Housing section of the Plan for Community Development will be able to utilize census and RHNA figures specific to Diamond Bar, and will be able to monitor progress towards achieving the established five-year goals, policies, and programs of the Housing Element, to determine how well they have met the housing needs of the community. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 38 U The housing section of the Plan for Community Development (1991) is organized to information according to the following four principal topics, as outlined in the state element guidelines: • Housing Needs Assessment • Inventory of Resources and Constraints • Statement of Goals, Objectives and Policies • Five -Year Housing Plan G. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Elected officials appointed a citizen committee to identify housing issues in the Ci committee met on a regular basis for over a year. All committee meetings were op public, and representatives were selected based on their interests or knowledge on partic issues, including housing. In addition, the Land Use and Housing sections of the S Community Development underwent various workshops and hearings, including preent housing data and goals, policies, and objectives for housing within Diamond Bar. H. HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT The Housing Needs Assessment encompasses the following factors: • • present This to the ar local Ian for ons on Analysis of population and employment trends and documentation of projections and a quantification of the locality's existing and projected housing needs for all income levels. Such existing and projected needs shall include the locality' share of the regional housing need. (Section 65583(a)(1) of the Government Co el_ Analysis and documentation of household characteristics including level of pa rnent compared to ability -to -pay, housing characteristics, including overcrowdin , and housing stock condition. (Section 65583(a)(2)), Analysis of any special housing needs, such as those of the handicapped, elderly, large families,. farm workers, and families with female heads of household, and families and persons in need of emergency shelter. (Section 65583(a)(6)). • Analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to resit development. (Section 65583(a)(7)). 1. EXISTING AND PROJECTED HOUSING NEEDS a. Introduction This section of the Housing Element discusses the various factors which induce a demai housing. The factors include a review of population and employment trends as well as the "share of regional housing need". b. Housing Stock Condition There are differences between housing stock condition and housing improvement needs. The for CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOU ING Revised March, 1992 39 "condition" refers to the physical quality of the housing stock; the quality of individual housing units or structures may be defined as either sound, deteriorating or dilapidated. Sound housing is defined as a structure with no major deficiencies, although the structure may require minor maintenance, painting, and general clean-up. A deteriorated structure is one that contains several deficiencies such as patched, loose, or missing roofing material, missing or broken windows, wood trim or siding worn, weathered or broken, paint cracking or peeling, loose or worn wiring, etc. Lastly, dilapidated structures contain one or more major structural deficiencies such as loose protective surface (brick, plaster, wood, siding, etc.), settled porch or roof, weakened structure or inadequate foundation, obvious deviation from plumbing, extensive damage due to fire, etc. The term housing "improvements" refer to the "remedial" actions necessary to correct defects in the housing condition such as demolition, minor repairs, major repairs, and rehabilitation. According to preliminary 1990 census figures, Diamond Bar had a total of 17,664 dwelling units and a population of 53,672 residents. The majority (71.3 percent) of Diamond Bar's housing units are single-family detached dwellings. A complete breakdown of housing for the City in 1988 is shown in Table 1. This year was chosen as it was the most recent year to compare City data to County -wide data. A review of resale house price data from the California Market Data Cooperative (CMDC) over the past two years in Diamond Bar indicates an average resale value of 5312,324 for 1991 which was up 2.7 percent from a value of $304,000 for 1990. These figures were compiled from over 500 individual home sales per year for an`average four-bedroom house with approximately 2,000 square feet that was built in 1975. A recent housing survey of Diamond Bar indicates there are a total of 5,075 multi -family units in the City. Of these, 4,132 are condominiums or townhomes, distributed among 26 developments, and 649 apartments in four complexes. No local data was available on average sales prices of condominiums or townhomes. Rental rates in the City vary from $745 to $795 for one -bedroom units, from $750. to $915 for two-bedroom units, and from $960 to $1120 for larger units (Planning Network 1991). There are also 148 apartments in the City that are restricted to seniors only. The City also has 294 mobile home units in two trailer parks near Lycoming and Brea Canyon Road. According to Table 1, Diamond liar has a greater percentage of its housing stock in attached multi -family housing than the County as a whole, while having fewer mobile homes. Table 1-2 Diamond Bar Housing Stock [1988) Single Family 234,870 76.3% 10,643 70.8% (Detached & Duplex) Multiple Units (3+) 64,386 20.9% 4,103 27.3% Mobile Homes 9 8,711 2.8% 294 2.0% TOTAL 308,067 100.096 16,040 100.096 Source: "Estimated Housing Units by Type", Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, Bulletin No. 154, Part 6 (July 1988). CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 40 ' Unincorporated area. Based on community boundaries prior to inc present City boundaries. orporetion; may not exactly represent a Research by PLANNING NETWORK indicates there were 294 mobile homes within Diamond Bar that were actually counted in Walnut in 1988. County report #154 showed only 11 mobile homes in Diamond Bar in 1988. Total unit percentages do not add to 100 for this reason. C. Substandard Units Census data is not available for Diamond Bar, and there is no current data on substand and units in need of rehabilitation or replacement. However, Diamond Bar's housing considerably younger than most of the County. All of its housing was built after 1; comparison, the Los Angeles County General Plan (Housing Element 1987) indicates t percent of units in unincorporated areas were built prior to 1940, and 52.6 percent were t to 1960. Both the City's Code Enforcement Officer (Flores) and the Building Official l indicate that Diamond Bar has no units that are considered substandard. Inform substandard units will be updated as data from the 1990 Census becomes available. d. Housing Assistance Needs California housing law requires regional planning agencies to identity existing and future t needs for all income levels every five years. In addition to the distribution of housinE regional planning agencies must seek to avoid further "impaction" of jurisdictions with re high proportions of lower income households. SCAG issued the housing assessment Angeles County in the 1988 RHNA report. Existing need is defined as the number of ri lower income households paying 30 percent or more of their income for housing. Although published a supplement to the RHNA documenting existing and future need figures for nev on February 16, 1989, it did not include Diamond Bar since it was incorporated after this According to SCAG, future need is defined as the number of additional housing units by ii level that will have to be added to each jurisdiction's housing stock from July 1, 1989 to Ju 1994 in order to accommodate household growth, compensate for demolitions and other inv losses, and to achieve a healthy 1994 vacancy rate that will allow the market to o efficiently. In addition, the State Department of Housing and Community Developmei required that localities must account in their Housing Elements for future needs that wil already occurred during the 1-1/2 year 'gap" period from January 1, 1988, to June 30, The following four income level groups are used to define need for a particular jurisdiction "Very Low" -Less than 50 percent of the median income • "Low" -50 to 80 percent of the median income 0 "Moderate' -80 to 120 percent of the median income • "High" -more than 120 percent of the median income State housing laws require that, in allocating future housing need by income level, "impaction", or concentration of lower income households, be avoided. Cities with a per of lower income households higher than the regional average are called "impacted" )urisc d units tock is 0. By it 11.5 It prior irrago ) on on busing need, Itively )r Los sident SCAG cities date. come ie 30, ntory lerate t has have 989. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Hou INC Revised March, 1992 41 The 1988 RHNA addresses the "avoidance of impaction" criteria by allocating reduced percentages of lower income and increased percentages of middle and upper income units to impacted jurisdictions while reversing the allocation to non -impacted cities. According to the 1988 RHNA, the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County had 33,492 households in the Very Low category, 16,826 households in the Low category, and 100,658 households in the Medium category. Housing element guidelines indicate that households that pay more than 30 percent of its income towards housing are termed 'overpayment'. This means that 50,318 households in the County were considered to be overpaying for housing. Assuming that Diamond Bar supports a proportionate share of the unincorporated County housing need, there are 2,466 lower income households in the City paying 30 percent or more of their income for housing (50,318 times 4.9 percent City vs. County housing:). This number equals 15.9 percent of Diamond Bar's total resident households (based on an estimated 15,500 households in 1988). This figure may be somewhat high, given local income levels and house prices, however, there are many seniors or retired persons with fixed incomes in the City, as well as residents that bought houses up to 15 years ago. Because the cost of housing in this area, as throughout southern California, has risen faster than income, much of Diamond Bar's housing wealth is not reflected in personal income figures. At present, Diamond Bar not considered an .impacted jurisdiction (Trumbell-SCAG 1991). According to Urban Decision Systems, Inc., Diamond Bar is expected to grow by 3,619 households over the next five years. With no adjustments for vacancy or demolition, Diamond Bar will have an additional 575 households over the next five years that will be overpaying for housing (93,619 times 15.9 percent). However, it should be noted that application of County -wide figures gives an inaccurate picture of housing affordability in Diamond Bar. According to the 1987 Los Angeles County Housing Element (page H-5), the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County will need 6,700 new units affordable in the Very Low category and 9,250 units in the Low category. For Diamond Bar, this equates to 328 units in the Very Low category and 453 units in the Low category. 2. HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS An important factor in determining existing housing need is the affordability of housing. One measure of housing affordability is the percentage of a household's gross income needed to meet monthly mortgage payments. A criterion used by the State, SCAG, and HUD to define affordable housing is that costs should not exceed 30 percent of gross income on housing (either owner - occupied or rental). The median household income in Diamond Bar for 1990 has been estimated at $58,051 (Urban Decision Systems, Inc. 1990). Assuming constant change from 1980, the 1988 median household income is estimated at $52,671. Household income values in the Low income category (50-80 percent) would be $26,336 to $42,137. The lower figure ($26,336) also represents the upper and of the Very Low category. The population of Diamond Bar is diverse with 47 percent of its population represented by minorities. The largest minority group is Asian, while Latinos represent 17 percent. Demographic data suggests that the City will remain heterogeneous with similar the proportions of minorities. Now, and in the future, there will be a need to ensure that minorities are not victims of housing discrimination. The estimated age -sex distribution for 1990 in Diamond Bar is very even with 29,636 males and CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 42 n 29,584 females (Urban Decision Systems, Inc 1990). By age -group, 34 percent of the City's residents are under the age of 18, while 7.7 percent are within the 18-24 age bracket People between the ages of 25-44 make up 41.6 percent, while 6.6 percent of the City's residents are over 55 years of age (as shown in Table 2). It is important for planning social services and housing in the City over the next two de ades to analyze the population of these four age groups. The large percentage of elderly persons i idicates the need for additional senior housing with social services within the City. The su stantial percentage of persons under the age of 18 and between the ages of 25-44 suggest the 1 1resence of many young, families with children in the City. The 25-44 age group is also the range n which most households are formed. It is also important to note the percentage of the City's population that is within the 18-24 age group. This represents a component of the population of child. bearing age who will require housing in the future. This age group, coupled with the 25-44 age group, indicates that a combined 49.3 percent of the City's population is either in, or near to, the household formation age. The City will need to ensure a future housing stock that will be sufficient to accordmodate their needs. In Diamond Bar as throughout Southern California, there are more females than males in t oth the 55 + and 65 + age groups. This preponderance of females in the elderly population indica es that females tend to live longer than males, and is identical to the national trends. It is also estimated that in 1990 there were 2,151 households in the City with one person. Table 1-3 Diamond der Age Distribution " 5 3,421 10.9% 7.059 11.996 6- 13 5,1,54 16.4% 9,534 16.1% 14-17 2,532 8.0% 3.774 6.4% 18-20 1,459 4.6% 2,025 3.4% 21 -24 1,666 5.3% 2,524 4.3% 25-34 7,014 22.3% 11,842 20.0% 35-44 5,381 17.1% 12,794 21.6% 45-54 2,853 9.1% 5,761 9.7% 55-64 1,378 4.4% 2,263 3.$% 65 + 624 2.0% 1,643 2.8% Median Age 27.5 29.0 Source: 1980 Census and Urban Decision Systems Estimate (199o). CITY OF DIAMOND Revised March, 1992 BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOU: I N G 43 S. SPECIAL HOUSING NEEDS Under present law, a housing element also must include an analysis of special housing needs. These needs refer to households having a typical characteristics the handicapped, elderly, large families, farm workers, female heads of household, families, persons in need of emergency shelter, and overcrowded households. a. Handicapped Households Households with one or more members who have physical handicaps sometimes require special design features in the housing they occupy. Some, but certainly not all, handicapped households also have housing assistance needs. The focus of handicapped households as a special need segment is primarily on their number and economic situation. The needs and problems of the disabled and handicapped population have been described as follows: The major housing problems of disabled people are the lack of affordable accommodations and inadequate accessibility to newly built or existing housing. These basic problems are caused by a variety of factors; a) subtle, or not so subtle discrimination; b) lack of understanding and sensitivity to the needs of the disabled; c) lack of financial resources and incentives available to those who want to make their buildings accessible and; d) lack of knowledge as to how accessibility can be improved. General solutions include: arpublic recognition and commitment to correcting the problems; b) education of and dissemination of information to the public and building owners; c) modifications to existing codes and regulations; d) enforcement of existing laws and regulations; and e) increased financial assistance for housing programs. ' About 7 percent of Los Angeles County's unincorporated households were considered "handicapped", according to the 1980 Census. If this same rate were applied locally, Diamond Bar would have an estimated 1,189 handicapped households. However, there are no income data reported in the 1980 Census for persons with physical disabilities. Due to these data gaps, it is not possible to estimate the number of lower income householders with a handicapped condition that reside in Diamond Bar. b. Elderly Households Many senior citizens have fixed incomes and experience financial difficulty in coping with rising housing costs. The financial capacity for coping with increased housing costs depends heavily on tenure; that is, the owner or renter status of the elderly households. With infrequent and small increases in income and potentially large increases in housing and maintenance costs, both the senior renter and owner are at a continuing disadvantage. In addition, seniors often need specially designed types and locations for housing due to physical and other constraints. The Center for Independent Living Inc., Berkeley and Northern Section, Cal Chapter of the American Planning Association, A Guidebook on the General Plan and Disabled, June 1991. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 44 An estimate of households headed by an elderly person in Diamond Bar is estimated based on the County Housing Element figure of 7 percent headed by an elderly unincorporated areas (page H-46). However, this figure should be compared against the i wide figure of only 1,643 residents 65 years and over. Overcrowded Households Overcrowding is defined as housing units with 1.01 or more persons per room. Acc Los Angeles County Housing Element (1987), 11.9 percent of households in the ur Portion of the County are overcrowded (page H-37). If this figure is applied locally, be an estimated 2,021 households experiencing overcrowded conditions in D However, this condition is likely overstated for Diamond Bar. d. Large Families Large families are defined as households with five (5) or more persons. The most r, available on this characteristic is from the 1980 Census which indicates that 12 per households in unincorporated Los Angeles County consisted of five or more persons. If ratio were applied to all the City's current number of households, there would be an 2,038 large -family households residing in Diamond Bar (County Housing Element 198 1,089 ►on in I City - g to the would I Bar. data of all same e. Homeless There are many social, economic, and physical conditions which have combined to incre 3se the homeless population throughout the State of California. In September 1984, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 2579, adding "families and persons in the need of emergency shelter" to the special needs groups to be considered in each juris'diction's housing element. At present, no homeless shelters are located within the City of Diamond Bar, and there a e only two shelters in the immediate area. The Pomona Valley Shelter Program ("Our House") is kicated in Pomona and has 22 year-round spaces. According to the director, it is conside ed an emergency shelter and provides space on a first-come, first-served basis. They do not m 3intain a waiting list and are always full (Joyce Ewing 1991). They are also one of the few she ters in the region that takes families. The second shelter is the "Neighborhood Center", which itilizes the National Guard Armory in Pomona and is opened during cold or inclement weather, i isually during November to February. The closest shelter in Los Angeles County is operated y the Gospel Mission of America in Rowland Heights. This facility is for single men only and f as 30 spaces; it also is full year-round. The County also provides funds for "vouchers" for homeless persons to utilize hotel room on a temporary basis; this program is presently being administered by the Salvation Army. Nor cords are kept as to the number of homeless people turned away from local churches or ublic institutions, which makes estimating the number of homeless persons in and around Diamo d Bar very difficult. Unfortunately, there is general agreement among service providers that thenumber Of homeless is increasing, and that the greatest increase is among families with children. In 1987, the SCAG conducted a survey of homelessness in the region. Table 3 provides a breakdown of estimated ranges for cities responding to the survey questionnaire. Respondents were asked to break down their homeless population by subgroup where possible. In mons than half the cases, the respondents did not provide estimates of sub -populations. Table 4 shom s the average percentage reported by jurisdictions for each of the subgroups named. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT -G Revised March, 1982 HOU TN 45 w Table 1.4 SCAG Homeless Survey Response 251-500 3 501-1,000 0 1,001+ 6 Source: SLAG, 1987. Table 1-5 Homeless Sub -Group Characteristics Veterans Elderly Single Persons Persons in Families Mentally Ili Alcohol Abusers Substance Abusers Children Source: SLAG, 1987. 4. ENERGY CONSERVATION 16.2% 19 10.1% 23 63.3% 37 21.8% 38 29.1% 29 40.8% 33 26.9% 28 16.4% 30 The availability of energy resources is a growing societal concern. However, Diamond Bar's climate provides the opportunity to use alternative energy sources and to reduce energy consumption through the implementation of conservation measures. In addition, new development can be designed to be efficiently served by public transportation systems and to allow people to work and shop in close proximity to their homes. The Energy section of the Plan for Resource Conservation should be referred to for more detail and for relevant objectives and implementation CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 46 strategies. I. HOUSING AVAILABILITY This section provides an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to addressingiamond Bar's housing needs. Under present law, the element must include an inventory of resour as and constraints as follows: • An inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant s tes and sites having potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relatio ship of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites. • An analysis of potential and actual governmental constraints upon the maintf inance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including land use controls, building codes and their enforcement, site improvements, fees and other exactions required of developers, and local processing and permit procedt res. • An analysis of potential and actual non-governmental constraints up n the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including the availability of financing, the price of land and cost of construction. 1. INVENTORY OF LAND SUITABLE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT State housing law contains several provisions that pertain to the adequacy of si es to accommodate housing needs. The three major provisions are noted below: "The housing element shall identify adequate sites for housing, including rental housing, factory -built housing, and mobilehomes, and shall make adequate provision for the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community." "An inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacan sites and sites having potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relation hip of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites." "Identification of adequate sites which will be made available through appy priate zoning and development standards and with public services and facilities needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all income levels, including rental housing, factory -built housing, mobileh mes, emergency shelters, and transitional housing in order to meet the comm ity's housing goals." The Land Use section in the Pian for Community Development indicates the inventory of land suitable for residential development, including both vacant and underutilized sites by residential density category. Areas with sites having a realistic potential of residential development include: 1) the Tres Hermanos property, occupying almost 1,000 acres at the northeast corner of the City, has the largest amount of vacant land; 2) the Bramalea property, occupying several hundredCres in the north -central portion of the City; 3) several parcels of moderate size (10 acres or mor ) are found scattered in the southern and western section of the City. Although there is other av table land within the City, much of it is very steep or has other physical constraints that would gen rally preclude its use for moderate density residential development. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT -HOU ING Revised March, 1582 47 The land available for general residential development could yield a potential for an additional 3,000 units, based on the land use plan proposed by the General Plan Advisory Committee. However, the land could support up to 5,500 additional housing units if the density of development was increased. This potential supply exceeds the projected local need figure of 781 dwellings for the 1989 -1994 time period, based on a proportionate share of County -wide housing need as estimated in the 1987 RHNA report (Trumbell-SCAG 1991). a. Residential Land Use Categories HILLSIDE RESIDENTIAL 10 - 0.4Q DU/AC) Areas designated for Hillside Residential are very steep terrain with various physical constraints that are appropriate for very sparse rural residential development with a large amount of open space. The maximum residential density is up to one dwelling unit per 2.5 acres (0.4 du/ac). RURAL RESIDENTIAL (0.4 - 1.0 DU/Ac) Areas designated. for Rural Residential are also rugged but do not generally have as many physical constraints as hillside residential areas. These areas are appropriate for rural residential development with a modest amount of open space. The maximum residential density is up to one dwelling unit per acre (1 du/ac). Low DENSITY RESIDENTIAL 11.1 - 3.0 DUTA� The Low Density category limits land uses to single family detached residential, small lot single family detached residential, and mobile homes, subject to applicable General Plan policies and the City of Diamond Bar ordinance provisions. The maximum density within Low Density areas is up to three dwelling units per gross acre (3 du/ac). In Diamond Bar, the development of second units and attached dwellings behind the primary residential structure is allowed with the following provisions. the maximum density of 3 dwelling units per gross acre is not exceeded, infrastructure is available to support additional dwelling units, and the additional dwellings are architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling unit and the predominant character of the neighborhood. In addition, within the same area of the City, second units and attached dwellings, which were constructed pursuant to valid permits issued prior to the effective date of this element are permitted, even if the resulting density of a site would be greater than 3 du/ac. Low -MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL .1 - 6.0 DUTAC The Low -Medium Density category limits land uses to smaller lot single family detached residential and very low density attached residential, -subject to applicable General Plan policies and the City of Diamond Bar ordinance provisions. The maximum density within Low -Medium Density areas is up to six dwelling units per gross acre (6 du/ac). In Diamond Bar, the development of second units and attached dwellings behind the primary residential structure is allowed with the following provisions. the maximum density of 6 dwelling units per gross acre is not exceeded, infrastructure is available to support additional dwelling units, and the additional dwellings are architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling unit and the predominant character of the neighborhood. In addition, within the same area of the City, second units and attached dwellings, which were constructed pursuant to valid permits issued prior to the effective date of this element are permitted, even if the resulting density of a site would be greater than 6 du/ac. CITY of DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 48 MEDIUM DEN51Tv J6.1 - 12. Du/Ac The areas designated Medium Density are committed to low intensity multiple family use, or transitions between higher intensity commercial and apartment uses and lower intensity residential and open space uses. Within the Medium Density category, land uses are limited to small lot single family detached residential, attached residential development, and mobile homes subject to applicable General Plan policies and the City of Diamond Bar ordinance provisions. The maximum allowable density within Medium Density areas is up to twelve dwelling units r er gross acre 0 2 du/ac). M UM -HI H DENsiTy 12.1 - 16.0 DU AC Within the Medium -High Density category, land uses are limited to attached residential, subject to applicable General Plan policies and the City of Diamond Bar ordinance provisions. High Density areas have good access to major transportation routes, are in close proximity to neigh rhoods serving commercial facilities, and do not negatively impact low density, single family re idential areas. The maximum density for projects within the Medium -High Density category s up to sixteen dwelling units per gross acre 0 6 du/ac). PLANNED DEVELOPMENT Within the Planned Development classification, all residential land uses considered to be appropriate within the City of Diamond Bar, as well as support uses (e.g. open spice and recreation, public facilities, support commercial, limited employment -generating uses), ay be appropriate subject to applicable General Plan policies and ordinances. Development with n areas designated Planned Development are processed through use of a specific plan purs ant to Government Code Section 65450, a planned unit development, or similar mect ianism. Development intensities within Planned Development areas must be consistent with the prc visions of the Diamond Bar General Plan. Planned Development projects must provide a greater evel of community amenities and cohesiveness, achieve superior design, and create a more desirab a living environment than could be achieved through conventional subdivision design and requirements. 2. GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS The State Housing Element Guidelines require that the Housing Element address those public actions which might constrain the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing. The major constraints imposed by government are decreasing federal and State commitments to housing, conflicting local responsibilities, development standards, fees, and processing ti e. a. Decreasing Federal and State Commitment to Housing Programs The emphasis placed by the federal and State governments on housing policies and funding has traditionally shifted with changing administrations and priorities. However, there has been it clear trend to deemphasize federal and State housing programs over the past decade. During this time, federal funding for housing programs has been sharply reduced. A concurrent reduction in State funding for housing occurred over the same time. This leaves local governments in Californiawith a mandate to provide programs to facilitate housing for all economic segments of the community and without access to the funds to maintain such programs. Given the budgetary problems being experienced by both the federal and State governments, it is unlikely that increased fundi g for housing programs will be forthcoming in the near to mid-term future. It is possible, howevethat remaining housing programs will face further reductions in funding. , CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOING Revised March, 1892 49 U b. Conflicting Responsibilities of Local Government The mandate that local governments provide for housing for all economic segments of the community is but one of many, often conflicting, responsibilities they face. In addition to dealing with issues of affordable housing and housing rehabilitation, cities must provide municipal services and facilities, protect the natural environment, ensure a high quality of development and urban design, reflect the concerns of City residents, and facilitate increases in local employment- and sales tax -generating uses. These responsibilities must be met in an era of increasingly tight budgets. As a result of State laws relating to municipal finance, reductions in federal.and State funds for infrastructure and other programs, and changing public attitudes toward growth, local agencies have had to require that development internalize many costs which were once subsidized by various public funds. As a result, the cost of development inevitably increases and the American dream of owning a home becomes more difficult for those who are not fortunate to already own a home. Along within the mandate for local governments to provide housing for all economic segments of the community is the democratic principle that government respect the desires of the governed. In many affluent communities such as Diamond Bar, Now and moderate income housing" is perceived as a problem to be avoided, rather than as a public responsibility. Diamond Bar's incorporation was largely due to a backlash of local concern over the "proliferation" of high density development ("no more apartments"). The result is that there is very little community acceptance of multi -family development or low and moderate income housing in Diamond Bar, although many residents complain that there is no place for their own children to buy or even rent within the City. C. Development Standards and Land Use Controls Development standards include zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and building code requirements. The most far-reaching constraints are those contained in the city's zoning ordinance which is the most traditional tool used by a local jurisdiction to regulate the use of private land. Zoning regulates the use; density; floor area; setbacks; parking; and placement and mix of residential, commercial, and industrial projects to reflect the community's development goals and objectives. Zoning can reduce the supply of land available for residential development by placing land in open space or buffer zones, or by rezoning residential land for other uses. Zoning also regulates the intensity of residential land use through minimum lot size requirements. It is important that the minimum lot size not be too large because this would (a) reduce the potential supply of housing by limiting the number of units that can be built on a parcel of land, and would (b) increase the land cost per unit. High land costs may lead to increased construction cost for the developers. In Diamond Bar, much of the remaining vacant land is very steep or has moderate to severe physical limitations to development. While careful engineering and construction can overcome many of these limitations, they result in higher unit costs and subsequently reduce the affordability of housing built in hillside areas. Subdivision regulations which govern the division of a parcel of land into two or more smaller parcels can increase housing construction costs. The requirement that site improvements and amenities such as landscaping, underground utilities, and landscape maintenance districts be required in a subdivision can also escalate housing prices. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 50 When analyzing development constraints, it is important to distinguish between those co that are excessive and unreasonable, and those designed for a particular purpose. The Ci encouraging housing, is also concerned about the living environment that is created. S for density, height, setbacks, undergrounding of utilities, and aesthetics are designed t residential projects and areas that are functional and aesthetic. The conditional us Process, although it lengthens approval time, is thought to be a reasonable compromise in City residents input on projects which may affect their area and as a method of affordir project design. Building codes regulate new construction and substantial rehabilitation. They are des ensure that adequate standards are met to protect against fire, collapse, unsanitary co and safety hazards. Building costs do not appear to be unduly increased through local codes. However, State regulations with respect to energy conservation, though perh effective in the long run, may add to initial construction costs. d. Fees There are two basic types of. fees, those for the processing of development apl (subdivisions, conditional use permits, etc.), and those to pay for the costs associated development (dwelling unit, traffic signals, sewer connections, etc.). The City also dedication and/or improvements of streets, drainage channels, etc., when new dew occurs. Fees for plan check and building permits are determined based upon the valuatii structure. The role that fees play in constraining the production of housing is difficult to measure, they can affect housing prices in certain markets. The theory behind fees is that new dev should bear its own costs, and that these costs should be spread as equitably as possih law requires that fees must bear a reasonable relationship to the actual costs incurred by so that they do not becomes excessive. Even so, fees may add significantly to the housing unit, especially in those areas of the City that are largely undeveloped and req infrastructure and services to be developed. Preliminary results of a fee survey conducted by the City of La Puente indicate that development. fees are fairly average for cities of similar size (Jacobson 1991). Processing Time Before development can occur, it is necessary that certain permits, inspections, and approi obtained. These procedures, although necessary to insure the development is safe compliance with local regulations and building code requirements, can sometimes lead to in projects and subsequently increase costs. Moreover, excessive processing time may ac constraint on the production of affordable housing, because it increases carrying costs developer for land, financing, etc. Processing time for projects in Diamond Bar is cons average for cities of similar size and would be (less than that for similar projects processed tl` the County (Ciercy 1991). However, it should be remembered that the City has just re incorporated, and processing time would shrink as procedures and personnel became established. r, while ndards create permit lowing better ned to litions, wilding s cost ations h new quires )ment of the State City, of a new Bar's be in as a the more CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HO !NG Revised March, 1992 51 f. Public Housing Article 34 of the California Constitution was adopted as an initiative by the voters in 1951, primarily in response to the increasing number of federally -funded, tax-exempt public housing projects. These projects were perceived to have negative social, economic, and aesthetic effects on local communities. Article 34 states that before a "state public body* can "develop, construct, or acquire in any manner" a "low -rent housing project", the local voters must approve the endeavor. All three "factors" must be present for the referendum to be required. The Article 34 referendum requirement has often proved to be a psychological or actual barrier to the development of many forms of assisted low rent housing, particularly those intended for low income families. Because of the Article's vague language, communities have been reluctant to risk litigation by entering into the development of public housing for low and moderate income families. While there have been many successful referendums, failures have not been uncommon. As such, there is a tendency for local governments to avoid possible controversy with this type of ballot measure. 3. NON-GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS Various factors not under the control of government also affect the cost, supply and distribution of housing. These factors include land cost, construction costs, financing costs, speculation, and miscellaneous costs. a. Land and Construction Costs The costs of improved land as a percentage of new home cost rose steadily in California during the 1970's, increasing from 21 percent to -almost 28 percent in 1980. Land costs include the costs of raw land, site improvements, and all costs associated with obtaining government approvals. According to the City of Los Angeles's Housing Element, this proportion held true in 1987. It is important to note that the price of residentially -zoned raw land is driven by the local housing costs. That is, the price of land does not drive the price of finished dwelling units, but in fact the price of comparable finished units drive the price of land. A typical breakdown of line item costs per unit is found in Table 5. The example assumes a 40 acre site zoned for single family residential on 7,200 square foot lots. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 52 Table 1-6 Cost Estimate for New Single Family Housing in Diamond Bar (19$8) Raw land (7,200 s.f.) $30,000 28.6 Fees (incl, off-site & schools)' $12,000 % 11.4 Materials & Labor $48,000 % 45.7 Marketing $2,000 1.9 Soft Costs (arch. & eng.) $2,000 1.9 "Other" % $11,000 10.5 TOTAL $105,000 100.0 % source: Coldwell Banker, Los Angeles county. ' Building Departments of City of Diamond Bar and County of Los Angeles. b. Financing Costs The cost of permanent mortgage financing for new and existing homes, as well as cost residential construction financing play a significant role in the affordability of housing. i inflation in the economy directly and indirectly causes housing prices to increase, which raises finance costs. As the absolute price of a home increases, it adds to the mortgage which result in increases in the principal, interest, insurance, and taxes a home buyer mu C. Speculation Speculation in real estate occurs when real estate investors buy housing or land at "low and then resell it at a much higher value within a short period of time. The problem is par acute if property rapidly changes hands from speculator to speculator. The price the event term owner or consumer will pay could be highly inflated. Speculation affects not o individual property, but the market climate in the area as a whole. from transactions, the amount of speculative activity and its impact on the CiBecause there are few statistics available on the rate of property turnover and the profit n costs is not clearly known at this time. ty's rising 1 d. Housing Discrimination As a characteristic of the housing market, discrimination may often present a barrier to an adequate choice of housing for all groups. Discrimination, which may be defined as new neral turn aunt pay. r -es" larly long the �-ITY OF DIAMOND BAH PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT -HOU ING Revised March, 1992 53 treatment applied categorically and not on the merit of the individual, takes many forms. Most forms of housing discrimination are a violation of State and federal laws, which prohibit discrimination against homeseekers for reasons of race, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, sex, or marital status. Some of the types of discrimination encountered are refusal to rent or sell, inflated rents, higher prices, excessive deposits, unreasonable occupancy standards, limited choice among available units, and poor maintenance and repair. The target populations subject to discrimination are not limited to racial and ethnic minorities, but also include recipients of welfare and public assistance, families with young children, young unmarried persons, and the handicapped. Redlining is also a form of discrimination, wherein home improvement and mortgage loans are not made available by a lending institution in lower-income or minority neighborhoods. Redlining involves the use of varying criteria for home financing based upon geographical differences. Often referred to as "neighborhood disinvestment", redlining practices include outright refusal by a lending institution to approve home purchase and rehabilitation loans, making loan conditions stricter (e.g., higher down payment, higher interest rates, higher closing cost), or appraising property below market value or with more rigid standards than used on comparable property in other neighborhoods. Older declining neighborhoods with high minority concentrations were often targets of redlining practices in the past. Redlining results in deterioration of neighborhoods, real estate speculation, and housing abandonment. Most frequently affected are minorities and low income persons in general. Despite the fact that redlining is now illegal, this practice is still reported across the country. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) was passed by Congress in 1977 to help eliminate redlining. The CRA establishes a Congressional mandate that private, federally -chartered lending institutions must serve the convenience and credit needs of their surrounding communities. While the enforcement and sanction provisions of the CRA are relatively weak, it does provide for public disclosure of a lender's performance in meeting community credit needs through requirements for an annual CRA statement. Where redlining practices are discovered, a sanction available and suggested for use by SCAG in the Regional Housing Element is the deposit of municipal funds in local lending institutions contingent upon acceptable loan performance in older, declining neighborhoods. Complaints of housing discrimination are handled by the Long Beach Fair Housing Council under contract with the City; the Council also handles focal landlord -tenant disputes within Diamond Bar. Barbara Mowrey with the Council indicates that there are approximately 2-3 discrimination complaints a month from residents in Diamond Bar. J. PROGRESS REPORT Section 65588(a) provides that each local government shall review its housing element annually, or as frequently as appropriate, to evaluate the following: The appropriateness of the housing goals, objectives, and policies in contributing to the attainment of the State housing goals. The effectiveness of the housing element in attainment of the community's housing goals and objectives. The progress of the city, county, or city and county, in implementation of the housing element. At present, the City of Diamond Bar does not have a record of implementing housing programs, CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 54 and can not, therefore, report on their progress. These guidelines will be used when the housing element is updated. At present, neither the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Dev lopment (HUD) nor the Los Angeles County Housing Authority has information on the number or type of federal or State housing subsidies in Diamond Bar. However, the City will prepare the new Comprehensive Housing Assistance Strategy report by the end of the year which will detail the extent of assistance in the City. Sincelam nd Bar's population is over 50,000 it will be eligible to use Federal Community Developme #Block Grant (CDBG) funds for housing programs, CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOU iNG Revised March, 1892 55 K. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES - HOUSING 'IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THAT THERE BE ADEQUATE HOUSING IN THE CITY, BOTH IN QUALITY AND QUANTITY, TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELTER FDR ALL RESIDENTS WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION. ' GOAL 1 "The City will provide oouortunities for develoomma-t #era—suPPlY of housing suitable to meet the diverse needs of present and future residents, and to support healthy economic development." Objective 1.1 Development of an adequate supply of housing to meet the existing and future housing needs of a reasonable portion of the persons in the region who wish to live in Diamond Bar. Strategies: 1.1.1 Where feasible within large scale residential developments, encourage that a range of housing types be provided. whish will appeal to a vaReW ei 1.1.3 Ensure that the residential development requirements included in the Diamond Bar Development Code do not unreasonably- restrict residential development or unreasonably increase the cost of housing within the community. .. 1.1.5 Establish a monitoring program which identifies the type and cost of housing being produced within Diamond Bar, as well as the availability of vacant land which can be used in the short-term (next five years) to accommodate a variety of housing types throughout the City; produce an annual report which identifies the revenues that are available to accomplish the programs outlined in this plan, and which sets production goals for housing that is affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households. 1.1.6 IR eFder To ensure quality, well planned residential growth while meeting the City's regiGnal housing responsibilities, review and analyze proposed residential projects, general plan amendments, and changes of zone for the shen and 19A@ teFFA effects on theadjasem neighborhood, the development of the City, and on regional housing needs, r CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 56 1.1.7 Provide timely review of residential development requests. , 1.1.8 Within the Zoning Ordinance, limit development of single family dwelling within areas designated for multiple family use. 1.1.9 Through the Development Code and through`permit processing, encourage use of innovative site development and construction materia s and techniques that both meet the intent of City ordinances and reduce tl ie cost Of site preparation �i !or construction. 1.1.10 Comply with California Government Code Section 859 5 by providing a 25 percent density bonus, or equivalent fi ancial incentive, to residential developers who agree to make a minimum of 20 percent of the units within the project afforda 3le to households with an income of 80 percent of the County edian income, make 10 percent of the units within the project affc rdable to households with an income of 50 percent of the County r iedian income, or make 50 percent of the units available exclusi ly to senior citizens. 1.1.11 Assure that the zoning ordinance provides requiremen s for diversification of large residential development. s-#leArs� • Revise the zoning ordinance to reduce parking requirements for senior citizen housing projects to a level consistent with the project's age restrictions. Developers' contributions may be in the form of actual construction CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOU 1NG Revised March, 1992 57 the project itself, construction of units at another location consistent with the provisions of the General Plan, or contribution of appropriate in -lieu fees to a City low income housing fund. 1.1.12 Facilitate the provision of single and multiple family dwelling units available to very low, low, and moderate income households through participation in the Mortgage Revenue Bond Program and issuance of Mortgage Credit Certificates. Encourage private sector participation in the provision of very low, low, and moderate cost housing by offering such programs to developers who provide at least 20 percent of the housing units within prices which are affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households. GOAL 2 "Provide adequate housing opportunities for_ all economic segments of the community, regardless of age, race, ethnic background, national origin, religion, family size, sex/aender, marital status, physical conditions, or any other arbitrary factors". Objective 2.1 Ensure that the existing supply of low and moderate cost housing within Diamond Bar does not diminish. Strategies; 2, 1.1 Maintain existing number of subsidized units. Where proposed development projects or other discretionary actions of the City of Diamond Bar would reduce the number of existing subsidized dwelling units, ensure that appropriate offsets are provided as part of the proposed action. a. To avoid potential reduction in the supply of rental housing, prepare a condominium conversion ordinance which would limit the conversion of rental apartments to condominiums or cooperatives. b. Require that all successful conversion applicants participate in a relocation assistance program for displaced tenants. C. Based on the provisions of Government Code Section 65863.7, consider requiring the submission of a report detailing the impacts of any proposed mobilehome park conversion to a nonresidential use concurrent with the filing of any discretionary permit on such Property. d. Annually assess all affordable or assisted housing units that are considered "at risk" as delineated in the "Inventory of Federally Subsidized Low -Income Rental Units at Risk of Conversion 0 989?" or other appropriate federal or State documents. At present, there are no housing units considered "at risk" in Diamond Bar. Objective 2.2 Prevent housing discrimination in Diamond Bar. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSINC Revised March, 1992 58 Strategies: 2.2. Distribute information regarding the the City to assist in the resolution of housing discrimination c Obiective 2.3 Cooperate with regional agencies to provide housing for the elderly, and homeless. Strategies: of 2.3.1 Promote housing accessibility for handicapped, elderly and disabled persons. W.; aaa ism n;=AZ-SA4nA1n- 2.3.2 Specifically encourage development of assisted rental housing or the elderly .�and : handicapped..9! M961 �"sdl�Si�le6r Snecificaln� Ann.,. ■.�..e .�....-'---- _ _ • � • _ 2.3.3 Investigate State, federal, and private programs designed to expand h Dusing Opportunities for all segments of society including the elderly a d the handicapped. Determine the extent to which such programs are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Diamond Bar General Plan, and the extent to which such programs can be incorporated into future develoment within the City. Programs include but are not limited to: " FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOP ENT (HUD) — • Federal Community Development. Block Grant monis for senior citizen and handicapped housing projects. • Section 202 funding for financing of rental housing • Section 203 insurance for acquisition and rehi financing for single family homes. • Section 207 rental housing funding. • Section 213 cooperative housing funding. • Section 221 rental and cooperative housing for income families. • Section 223 purchase andrefinanceof existing rental nits. • Section 234 insurance for condominiums. .. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOSING Revised March, 1992 RMENT - Hou59 • Section 241 supplemental loan insurance for existing multi- family rental housing. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • Self -Help Housing Program: technical assistance grants and mortgage assistance for owner -builder organizations. • Mobilehome Park Assistance Program. Financial and technical assistance to residents to purchase mobilehome parks. • California Homeownership Assistance Program. Shared appreciation loans for manufactured housing or for renters in projects converting to cooperative or condominium ownership. • California Housing Rehabilitation Program. Rehabilitation loans from Proposition 77 to owner occupants of substandard housing, including low income and rental housing. • Family Housing Demonstration Program. Loan funds for construction or purchase and rehabilitation of housing that includes support services such as child care, job training, etc. ' • Rental Housing Construction Program. Loan funds to government agencies for profit and non-profit sponsors of new rental housing projects. • Predevelopment Loan Program. Loans to local government agencies and nonprofit corporations to pay predevelopment costs incurred in developing low income housing. • Senior Citizens Shared Housing Program. Funds technical assistance to, matching services for, and development costs of, shared housing for senior citizens. CALIFORNIA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY • Resale Program. Below market interest rate mortgage financing for first-time homebuyers earning less than $40- 45,000, depending on family size. The sales price maximum is presently $113,000. • Home Purchase Assistance Program. Up to $15,000 deferred payment with 3 percent simple interest second mortgage loans to lower income first-time homebuyers. • Matching Down Payment Program. Matches first-time CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 60 homebuyer's down payment up to $5,000. Loans only to CHFA first-time borrowers. Loans are due on sale a d carry 3 percent simple interest. LOS ANGELES COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY • Section 8 Existing Certificates. Rental subsidies. • Home Improvement Loan Program. Below market interest rate loans up to $15,000 for eligible homeowners. Eligible improvements include new roof, exterior paint, etc. All health and safety violations must be corrected. • Repair Service Program for Senior Homeowners. One time grant of labor and materials for eligible homeowners for minor repairs and weatherization and insulation. PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS • Savings Associations Mortgage Company (SAMC ). A statewide organization supported by stockholder Savings institutions to provide financing for affordable housing projects. • California Community Reinvestment Corporation (C RC). A resource pool supported by the State's banks to a sist in financing affordable housing. 2.3.4 Work with the Los Angeles County Housing Authority and nearby ties to establish a continuous emergency shelter program serving the astern portion of the County. Funds for homeless shelters available thro gh the McKinney Act include: *; • Emergency Shelter Grants for building acquisitin and rehabilitation, rental assistance, and payment of Jecurity deposits. • Section 8 Mod Rehab Assistance for Single Room Occupancy Housing can be used to rehabilitate a sing room occupancy hotel. • Supplemental Assistance for Facilities to Assi�t the Homeless. • Supportive Housing: The Transitional Housing P ogram provides funds for both building rehabilitation and fiv years of operating funds for transitional housing programs (3 months to 2 years). • Permanent Housing for the Handicapped Homeless. • The Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA) - Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HO SING Revised March, 1992 61 Emergency Food and Shelter Program can provide short-term rental subsidies to prevent eviction, payment of mortgage to prevent foreclosure, and utility assistance to families or individuals. 2.3.6 Revise Zoning Ordinance to reduce parking requirements for senior citizen housing projects to a level consistent with the project's age restrictions. GOAL 3 Preservation and conservation of existing housing stock and maintenance of property values and residents' quality of life. Objective 3.1 Maintain the quality and integrity of existing residential neighborhoods. Strategies: 3.1.1 Adopt a housing/neighborhood preservation program, including incentive programs to ensure ongoing maintenance. the-Gity Gude. 3.1.2 Permit sorority/fraternity and other group housing only to the extent that associated nuisance factors are mitigated and to the extent that the quiet, suburban or rural character of the existing residential neighborhood is preserved. 3.1.3 Enact Development Code provisions which would permit the development of second units on a single family parcel only to the extent that the single family character of the neighborhood is protected, and to the extent that road, water, and sewer systems are capable of supporting such development. 3.1.4 Determine the feasibility of establishing a Craftsman and Tool Lending Program, utilizing State funding if necessary. Objective 3.2 Eliminate substandard housing by establishing a program to &jy@SM�afg and encourage the rehabilitation of, substandard housing units within Diamond Bar. ` Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1992 62 f. Strategies: 3.2.1 Investigate the availability of funds for establishing a housing program. 3.2.2 Establish a program of public information and technical assistance to encourage the continued maintenance of currently sound housing as neighborhoods age within the City of Diamond Bar. 3.2.3 Utilize available housing rehabilitation/conservation funds to establis a fund to assist low and moderate households with painting, minor repa s, and general maintenance. 3.2.4 Work with the State Franchise Tax Board in order to enforce the provisions of California Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 17299 and 24436.5 which prohibit owners of substandard housing from claiming depreciation, amortization, mortgage interest, and property tax deductions or. State income tax. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - HOUSING Revised March, 1,992 s3 IL PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMEI A. INTRODUCTION Open Space Elements and Conservation Elements were first required to be a part of city and county General Plans in 1970. Within Diamond Bar, many issues dealing with conservation a so overlap issues related to open space, such as "open space for the preservation of natural resources" and "open space for the managed production of resources" (State of California General Plan Guidelines). As a result of this overlap and interdependency, these two general pf n requirements have been combined into a Plan for Resource Management, which is permitted un er State law., Diamond Bar recognizes its role as a responsible steward of all lands within its jurisdiction. A a consequence, the City intends to take an active role in the management of its natural and op n space resources for the benefit of the community now, and in the future. The Pian for Resource Management deals with "open -space land" issues, defined Section 65560(b) of the Government Code as "any parcel or area of land or water which is essentially unimproved and devoted to open space use..." Open space uses encompass four principal categories: natural resources; managed production of resources; outdoor recreation; a d public health and safety. The first part of this Plan addresses open space and visual resourcs, biological resources, and. parks and recreation. The Plan for Resource Management also establishes strategies for effectively managing local natural resources to prevent waste, destruction, or neglect. This portion of the General Plan is concerned with the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources such as wat r (including reclaimed wastewater), energy, and the disposal and reuse of solid wastes. As recommended in state law, agriculture and mineral resources are two other natural resources th t are analyzed. It is the intent of the Plan for Resource Management to: CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC Identify limits on the natural resources needed to support urban and rural development within the City and its sphere of influence, and ensure that those resources are used wisely and not abused. To rovide a ark recreation and o ens aces stem which enhances the livabilit of urban and suburban areas b rovidin oarks for residential neighborhoods* reservin si nificant natural scenic and other open sace res o, and meeting the o ens ace and recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents. The Plan for Resource Management is closely related to the Land Use portion of the Plan for Community Development since areas designated for open space must be consistent ,with designations on the Land Use map. Areas designated as open space for public health and safety reasons in the Plan for Resource Management are similarly addressed in the Plan for Public Health and Safety. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS 1 . OPEN SPACE AND VISUAL RESOURCES Diamond Bar is well known as a master -planned hillside residential community with outstanding views. is used -4+p- the past aF* n r r r , ed Yl Rf:t of natural slo es and rid elines. There are a number of undevelo ed areas in the Cit that constitute otential open s ace resources such as: tone Can on located west ofi Bea Can ron and north of Pathfinder- Can ons and slo es Sands west t the 57 Freewa south of Pathfinder Road and south of Brea Cutoff Road-, hiftsides east of the 57 Freewa ' U er S camore Can on area between Leyland and Diamond Sar Boulevard• Tres Hermanos area. The portion of Tanner Canyon that is within the City's sphere of influence offers tremendous open space and visual resources. / 2. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES While Diamond Bar still contains several areas that support native plants and animals, these resources have undergone considerable transition over the years. The native flora and fauna which once inhabited the City have bVenremovlargely ed Marge areas ofd in vna�urarl vegetative coveragAnimalsl and that recent urban development have once inhabited the valley floor have been forced into nearby undisturbed areas to the southwest, CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC 11-2 south, southeast, and east of the City limits. Within the City, the following areas still significant biological habitats and plant species: Sandstone Canyon - Located west of the 57 Freeway, north of Pathfinder Road. This area encompassing over 100 acres (with three smaller canyons), Contains stands of mature riparian vegetation along a meandering stream channel. Major plant species include coast live oak, western sycamore, California black walnut, and willow. This area also supports a variety of wildlife including small and l rge mammals that can tolerate proximity to humans such as mice, squirrels, racon, coyote, and occasionally mule deer. • Upper Sycamore Canyon - This 400 -acre area encompasses the upper sectio of Sycamore Canyon (the lower section is already a natural City park), and is refer ed to as the Bramalea property. GPAC + Tres Hermanos - The largest "vacant" or open area in the City is the TresHerma os 4.9-92 property at the northeastern corner of Diamond Bar. This �-1- 800t acre a ^ea has been grazed extensively, and contains a few small canyons with remnant dak woodland plants. • Tonner Canyon - The City's sphere of influence, encompassing the middle 3,600 acres of Tonner Canyon, which is considered a "Significant Ecological Area" (SEA) by Los Angeles County due to its wealth of biological resources. This portion of the canyon contains extensive stands of riparian, oak, and walnut woodland plants, which are considered sensitive and important native plant habitats by the Califor is Department of Fish and Game. Tonner Canyon supports a diverse population of native animals, including the California ground squirrel, cottontail rabbit, coyote, the Pacific as well as possibly the endangered Stephen's kangaroo rat, and several species of mice. Numerous birds also utilize this area, including several species of hawks and owls, which are all protected under California Fish and Game laws. A sensitive species of pond turtle was also observed in the upper portion oft e canyon, although it was just outside of the City limits and sphere of influence. There is probably a low potential for sensitive plant species to occur within the City limits Diamond Bar, due to the amount of previous disturbance. However, undisturbed areas such Sandstone Canyon may contain sensitive Plants such as Dudleva multicaulis, among others. R or endangered animal species are not found within the City, although it is possible that areas w sandy soil, especially in the previously identified natural areas, may harbor the endanger Stephen's kangaroo rat. 3. PARKS AND RECREATION There are fljiTie� several existing park and recreation facilities within the City's boundaries th provide active and passive recreational opportunities to City residents. _The Citv has sevi c.i.l -ia -U urtuevero Parks and one loin# park facility with Walnut Valley Unified School District. Small athletic fie and playgrounds are available at the 8 elementary and 2 intermediate school in the City. M extensive fields and a gymnasium are available at Diamond Bar High Scho I. There are a several quasi -public and private recreational facilities, including the Diamond Bar golf course, "1 Country" park, YMCA and Little League fields on Sunset Crossing. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rae. Commission and 49-92 by GPAC p -n eatioRal land P6F 1,000 Fee -dents- l;Y-G9FnpaFisai;, State wwl Fn-tiGAal FeG.Featiff� The State and National recreation agencies recommend a minimum of 2 acres of developed active ublic parkland and 0.5 acres of undeveloped. or assive parklands. The City ratio of 1.1 acres of develo ed vublic parkland._per 1000 residents its under the State and National recreation agencies recommendation which will need to be addressed. The City,will need to provide ade uate park acreage and recreation facilities to serve the need to present and future residents. Currently, within the City there is a total of 470.8 acres of recreational facilities. The City also owns 75.5 acres of undeveloped parkland_. Within the City there are quasi -public parkland and/or facilities that may require fees- these include the Diamond_ Bar Golf Course YMCA and Little League fields. _There is also a i2rivate parkland and facility which consists of "The Country" park. Only residents of "The CountEy" can use the park which consists of 16.4 developed acres and 133.5 undeveloped acres. The City is located within an hour of several regional recreation and national forest areas such as the San Gabriel and San Bernardino National Forests to the north and northeast, which include the summer and winter resort areas of. Big Bear Lake andtake Arrowhead. The forests provide outdoor activities as diverse as swimming, boating, hiking, camping, downhill skiing, and cross country skiing. There are also County recreation facilities available at Schabarum Regional Park to the west and Bonelli Regional Park to the north (which contains Puddingstone Lake). Within the City, the 57 Freeway is designated as a State Scenic Highway with views of the mountains to the north and east. Local roadways such as Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Grand Avenue offer a variety of FuF9 suburban and open views within the City. B R PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CITY OF DIAMOND A Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC 11-4 4. WATER RESOURCES One of the fundamental long-term constraints for both urban and rural development is availability and quality of water. As throughout Southern California, water availability has beco and will remain, a major resource constraint facing Diamond Bar. The strategies for this sec focus on the actions which must be taken to ensure the continuing supply of water neede support Diamond Bar's future, the ne, to Water is provided to the area by the Three Valley Water District but locally distributed through the Walnut Valley Water District. Ultimately, almost all local water districts receive most of their imported water (other than groundwater) from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), As a result of the ongoing State-wide drought, now in its #44 sixth year, the MWD has restricted local water supplies by 25 percent through the imposition of surcharges on water that is supplied in excess of these levels. A Master Plan of Water is being prepared by the Walnut Valley Water Dist ict which w44 estimates a buildout papulation for Diamond Bar on the order of approximately 75,C 00 residents, which is higher than the estimated buildout of the City. The degree to which the modest amount of growth projected by the General Plan can be accommodated by the local wz ter districts will depend on the regional availability of water. 5. ENERGY RESOURCES The availability of energy resources is a growing societal concern. Urban and suburban land u es within the City all rely on the availability of a continuing supply of affordable energy resourc s. However, recent experience -has been that unless society's awareness of the critical nature of energy availability is increased, significant dislocations in the economy and local quality of life can result. Energy conservation is not only necessary to the continued functioning of modern socie y, but provides immediate benefits to individuals and businesses in utility bill savings and improived air quality. The strategies provided for this section propose energy efficient building and land L se practices. Many other actions needed to conserve energy require cooperation with federal and State agencies, as well as with the Gas Company and Southern California Edison, which have indicated its interest in promoting energy conservation. 6. SOLID WASTE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Ree. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC 1115 California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989. The Act also known as AB 939 re uires each city to prepare, adopt, and implement a Source Reduction and Recyclina Element 1SRRE1 which identifies how that iurisdiction will divert through a combination of source reduction recycling, and composting programs, 25% of solid wastes from landfill disposal by 1995, and 50% or the maximum amount feasible by the yeaL2000. Since the improper disposal of hazardous wastes -pose a more serious risk to thepublic's health and threaten the environment in which we live the Legislature assed AB 2707 which requires each city to prepare a Household Hazardous Waste Element (HH El. The HHWE describes how the City will dispose of hazardous substances like household cleaners paints, pesticides, and motor oil. 7. AGRICULTURE The City of Diamond Bar presently has no important agricultural farmlands according to the California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, and the Soil Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These agencies classify important farmland into six categories according to soil type: prime; potential prime, statewide important; locally important; and unique farmlands. While none of these classifications have been applied to soils in Diamond Bar, the area did at one time support extensive walnut groves and cattle ranches. Over the last 30 years, the farm and ranchlands that once typified Diamond Bar have been converted to urban and suburban uses. Prior to 1900, the production of walnuts and cattle grazing were the primary agricultural activities within the City. Today, only scattered grazing remains, primarily on the Tres Hermanos property in the northeastern corner of the City. This area contains the "headwaters" of Tonner Canyon, and the upper portions of this canyon, just south of Tres Hermanos and west of Diamond Bar, are also grazed periodically. The middle portion of Tanner Canyon, within the City's sphere of influence, supports oil production, as well as the Firestone Boy Scout Camp, and is not grazed on a regular basis. The entire Southern California region is experiencing a strong demand for housing and urban development. Because of this demand and the inevitable conflicts between urbanization and agriculture, previously extensive agricultural land in the City has already been systematically removed from production. Therefore, it is }h Gity'S it teRt to eventually phase out the incidental amount of agriculture (grazing) that remains within the City. 8. MINERAL RESOURCES The City of Diamond Bar does not contain any identified (significant) mineral resources. The State of California has established four categories of Mineral Resource Zones (MRIs). Most of Diamond Bar is considered in MRZ-1, which identifies areas where adequate information indicates no significant aggregate deposits are present. However, a particular bedrock formation (Puente) underlies scattered portions of the City. This formation is classified as MRZ-3, which identifies areas that may contain aggregate mineral deposits but whose significance cannot be evaluated from available data. Based on available data, development in Diamond Bar will have to import substantial quantities of aggregate materials anyway, since none of the surrounding areas contain extensive deposits. CITY of DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Ree. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC II -6 C. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ISSUES i. OPEN SPACE AND VISUAL RESOURCES There are several major vacant hillside or open space areas remaining in the City, which are un er various pressures to develop. Many currently open lands were previously restricted from development by the County. The City has the option to continue to apply restrictions or to all Dw additional development. The City needs to determine which areas will be preserved and w at means to use to best assure their protection. These areas should be incorporated into the plana ng process for (new) active and passive parks. This is especially true for the future new developm nt on the Tres Hermanos, Bramalea, and Sandstone Canyon properties. In addition, planning for Tonner Canyon should be done in conjunction with local property owners and representatives from the various jurisdictions that overlap Tonner Canyon. ISSUE ANALYSIS: cityand the sphere of influence 2. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES In'addition to the sphere of'influence (Tonner Canyon), the City still contains several areas with significant biological resources. These areas should be considered for preservation in conjunction with important open space and visual resource areas. Areas should be selected for preservation to presefve support the maximum amount of biological resources for the longest period of tim ;. _, _ as _.. pFevide the ,,,est G0RReeti8R-afAe"-4hese . This includes wildl fe corridors to prevent isolation and loss of diversity in biological "islands" if they are cut off fr m larger and more diverse areas. There is also no trail Gvcfiam iinlrinn thcen-F—;1;..e.... ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to protect areas with important biological both within the City and the sphere of 3. PARKS AND RECREATION The City has a variety of recreational facilities presently available for local residents, ' . While there are abuRdaRt numero s facilities in the area, some local parks are small or isolated. There are few additional parks planned for the future_ a&Jet: As the City grows, there will be additional Frees demands placed an existing facilities. a f ;,;�; ---- _- ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to actively plan for adequate arks and re facilities u..d sites to serve the growing needs of local CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Roc. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC throucih the utilization of existin facilities within Cif boundaries and throuohou the area. additional recreation parklands., are necggsane to meet the comment Heads. 4. WATER Water has become and will likely remain a scarce, or at least an expensive, natural resource. The City already makes use of reclaimed water, and this source will probably be depended on more in the future to "free up" potable water for additional domestic use. The level of additional population growth in the City will be modest, but water may continue to be a limiting factor in long-range planning. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should work with local water ageneies nu►vevors and the community to encourage water conservation and additional reuse of reclaimed water. 5. ENERGY While water is the current resource shortage, there have also been short-term energy (fossil fuel) shortages. In these times of increasing population, consumption, and environmental awareness, the efficient use of energy will continue to be an important aspect of responsible community life. }e-it+e There a many educational, governmental, and private institutions nearby that are on the cutting edge of energy technology. The City should avail itself of environmentally safe methods. of. .resource conservation. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should work with local utility companies, schools, etc. to encourage energy conservation and innovation in energy systems. 6. SOLID WASTE While the disposal of solid waste is a Fegieial- problem of regional concern recent legislation has several immediate and specific implications for Diamond Bar. Cities are now required to reduce their production of solid waste and implement recycling programs, as well as arrange for the disposal of hazardous household materials. ISSUE ANALYSIS. GeRienr: The Citysof Diamond Bar has tined the Fast San Gabriel Valley Inte rated Waste Management Joint Powers Authorit to assist !n the preparation of the Source Reduction and Recycling Element ((BREI and Household Hazardous Waste Element HHWE . These purpose of these elements are to outline the City's integrated waste management stratqgy and identifY programs that will assist CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PIAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC 11-8 of solid wastes. 7. AGRICULTURE Although Diamond Bar began as an agricultural community, it has become a residential suburban community. Cattle grazing is the only agricultural activity that remains as a reminder of 1his heritage. The lands that presently support grazing are already planned for various types of development_ ISSUE ANALYSIS: T -h .e is pe Reed -fey, The City 40 should develop specific p, dealing with the ev, conversion ofariculturalland to even=..,, ^6 #o ofsub land uses -- -,..,,Uft6h,, becomes •e _ 8. MINERAL RESOURCES There are no significant, concentrated mineral resources in Diamond Bar. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is no identified issue D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES 'ITIS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TO PRO V11 AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE OPEN SPACES IN THE CITY TO SERVE THE DIVER. RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF ITS RESIDENTS, WHILE FOSTERING THE WISE USE t LIMITED NATURAL RESOURCES " GOAL 1 "Create and maintain an open space system which will preserve scenic beauty, protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserves natural resources, and protect public health and safety." Objective 1. 1 Preserve significant visual features which are within, or are visible from the City,)f Diamond Bar, with an emphasis on the preservation of remaining natural hillsi e areas. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC Il- Strategies: 1.1.1 Develop consistent regulations for the protection of ridgelines, slope areas, and hilltops within the State Route 57 Scenic Highway corridor. * a. Require contour or landform grading, clustering of development, or other means to minimize visual impacts to ridgelines or prominent slopes. Revised by GPAC This applies, but is not necessarily limited to the Tres Hermanos April 9, 1992 property; the Bramalea property (Upper Sycamore Canyon); * ; and the south end of "The Country" development. Such requirements should also be made part of any development plans for Tonner Canyon (sphere of influence). y *Reil bGPAC AprReii s, by b. Sandstone Canyon shall be reserved in its resent natural state. 1.1.2 Require that all excess excavated and waste materials be properly removed and disposed of, or otherwise placed so as to become an integral part of the site development. 1.1.3 Require that dwelling units and structures within hillside areas be sited in . such a manner as to utilize-ridgelines. and landscape plant materials as a backdrop for the structures and the structures themselves to provide maximum concealment of cut slopes. a. " n that is visible 1.1.4 Retain existing vegetation (primarily shrubs and trees) within hillside development areas in any part of the total development which is not designated for grading or construction. , OF ••file^^ it must Vegetation ma be removed as part of an approved fuel modification program. "Miam Canyon, the @Fa south end of I 1,B 1Q9QA11 beyrer tF 1.1.5 Require that existing vegetation which cannot be preserved in place, but is suitable for transplanting, be relocated elsewhere -on the site. �"II.*—,Re-er-� site if feasible. ' Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Ree. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC 11-10 1.1.6 Require that dwelling units a0dstructures and landsca in be sited manner which: • Protects views 49m for existing development • Retains opportunities for views from dwellings • Preserves or enhances vistas, particularly those seen f public places • Preserves mature trees, natural hydrology, native p materials, and areas of visual interest. a 1.1 .7 Utilize grading permit procedures to ensure that site designs for development proposals for hillside areas conform to the natural terrain, nd consider the visual aspects from beth within ^ 4 k4 the project a a. 1.1.8 Work with the appropriate jurisdictions to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops adjacent to, , the City—.* and its s here of influence a. This includes, bt4 is not limhed te, such as the hills in the City of Industry, west of the 57 Freeway at Grand Avenue, the hills within the County of Los Angeles (Rowland Heights), west of the 57 Freeway, south of Brea Canyon Cutoff, the portion of Tonner Canyon within the Chino ills Specific Plan, and the portion of Tonner Canyon within the City of B ea (Orange County). 9 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC Revised by GPAC Replacement of fresh drinkin water for wildlife shall be rovided and main - April 9, 1592 twined when natural water areas are removed or blocked. 1.1.10 Enact and maintain provisions in the grading and subdivision ordinances to require special precautions that minimize soil errodability by incorporating provisions relating to surface drainage and restoration of the natural drainage surface, the attenuation of slope instability, reductions in the amount of impermeable surface, and techniques that enhance groundwater recharge and local water recovery. a, A program of groundwater recharge might be especially useful within the Tres Hermanos area, which represents the "headwaters" of the Tonner Canyon drainage. Qbjective 7.2 Where ecolo icall feasible MMaintain, protect, and preserve biologically significant habitats, including riparian areas, oak and walnut woodlands, and other areas of natural significance, providing only such recreational and cultural opportunities as can be developed in a manner sensitive to the environment. Strategies: 1.2.1 Ensure that all development, including roads, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid significant impacts to such areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: Minimize or eliminate into t impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; Create buffer areas adjacent to the sensitive area, incorporating the most passive uses of the adjacent property; • Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; • Provide wildlife movement linkages to water carr food and nesting-, Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; and Design lighting systems so as to avoid intrusion of night lighting into the sensitive area. Revised by GPAC 4-9-92 Wildlife corridors and rni ration aths shall not be blocked b fences or other obstructions. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC I1-12 1.2.2 Preserve existing mure trees and vegetation.- • within existin natural and naturalized areas. a. vegetation to is be removed only as is necessary to locate M development and the construction of needed infrastructure. b. Prepare a tree preservation ordinance that requires developers 3nd residents to protect, maintain, or otherwise preserve healthy ma ure oak, walnut, peoper and sycamore trees. The ordinance should emphasize preservation of these species in place whenever feasi le, and should also provide a replacement mechanism for trees w en their removal is necessary. ' Where the removal of existing trees is unavoidable, and reloca on of existing trees impractical, ensure that appropriate mitigatio is provided. d. When trees of 6" or greater in diameter are removed that fore each tree of said size that is removed. replacement shall be Planted n a ratioof 4 replacement trees to every removed tree. 1.2.3 In conjunction with local schools and volunteers, the City will coordinat an environment education pringram, for the use_of open space lands. 1.2.4 Require builders and developers to: a. Prune treat and maintain_ existing trees. b. Plant.necessary veoetation within f, it, Yra common areas. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC 11-13 C. Develop ro'ects in such a fashion that when the trees become City. association or private property, the will be free of damage. ests diseases and dead branches. d. Inco orate where feasible the input of a certified arborist landscape architect, and/or qualified horticulturist into the review and approval of landscape Proposals through a design_ review process. Objective 1.3 Construct and maintain a system of public and private park and recreation facilities which meets the active and passive recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents of all ages. Strategies: 1 feasible. 1.3.1 Develop Recreation facilities emphasizing active and Passive recreation areas. The development of a community center, in conjunction with the acquisition of traditional nei hborhood parkland including community athletic fields should be pursued. ^-~�- • ting recreation areas. • Pursue joint publiclprivate development of recreation facilities , 1.01IR-1-11W -maximize use of existing faeilities, as well as add RBW • the-faaflily.- Develop and maintain a comprehensive invento of recreation facilities and update the facilities to ensure that the City's needs are being met. • Actively pursue land acquisition for parks. • Pursue preservation of various hillside areas and other scenic resources which are important to the City's image. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Ree. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC ll -1 A- • Initiate a program of identifying addWGn4 envir4her significant areas in the City and thinfluence. and analyze the possibility of protunique or significant environmental features of su " Pursue protection of environmentally significant area: as but not limited to: Sandstone Canyon, portions of Sycamore Canyon, a -Rd the canyons along Brea C Cutoff�d l'onner Canyon . • • Pursue development of an integrated trails system the community. email. * 1.3.2 Unless there is an overriding public recreation need, require that open space areas, other than those described above which are set aside as part of a development project be maintained privately. Require that open sp ce easements be granted over portions of development -sites which are et aside for open space. 1.3.3 Prepare and maintain an inventory of open lands which were set aside or open space uses as part of previous development approvals through ihe County, and designate such lands as non -developable open space. In preparing this inventory, deem that lands set aside in previous development projects which were not clearly reserved for future development, were to be preserved as natural open space (see also the Land Use section of te Plan for Community Development for more open space planning guidelineo). 1.3.4 Prior to accepting development proposals, applicants will submit appropri to documentation to verify any potential open space restrictions previou ly approved on the subject property. * * 1.3.5 Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC 11-115 GPAC 419/92 GPAC «aommandation..3.5 Recreational D en S a shalt be reserved as recreational open space A ^ 9, 199 including, but not limited to the Diamond Bar Golf Course. 1.3.6 Plan for the development of a system of greenbelts within the community. 1.3.7 Provide sufficient nei hborhoods and communi# ark facilities such that a rate of 5.0 acres of arkland er 1 000 residents is achieved and distributed so as to be convenient to Diamond Bar residents. 1.3.8 Develop a Needs Analysis to determine the present and future recreation and park needs. 1.3.9 Prepare a comprehensive Master Plan of Parks which analysis recreation_ and park needs presently and in the future. • Development of design standards for gark size location relationship,and impact to adjacent liroperties and community facilities. • Provide list of existing nark sites_ to be improved or expanded_ • Target locations for park acquisition and type of park required. • List timing and phpsing of acquisition and im rovements of parkland. Provide costs of ac uisition and improvements, including funding sources and implementation priorities. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC 11-16 GOAL 2 "Identify limits on the resources needed to support existing and future uses the City of Diamond Bar and its sphere of influence, and ensure that resources are used wisely and not abused." Objective 2. 1 Minimize the consumption of water through a combination of water and use of reclaimed water. Strategies: 2. 1.1 Coordinate with the local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed wastewater, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation. ` a. In cooperation with adjacent communities and area water purvey develop a plan to initiate the use of reclaimed water; require i development and intensification of existing development to incl dual water systems in appropriate locations. * b. Work with the local schools and establish a public educa ion program providing information to City residents regarding the potential and advantages for reuse of water. * C. Where feasible, direct storm waters collected in streets and drain ge systems to settling basins or small lakes within parks or open spce areas, as long as it benefits and does not adversely disrupt local " plants or wildlife. * 2.1.2 Encourage the installation of contemporary and feasible water conservat an technologies into new developments, or retrofitted into exist ng developments, where intensification is proposed. Such measures ay include but are not limited to: * • Pressure reducing valves that would reduce supply pressures in excess of 50 psi to 50 psi or less. • Flush valve operated water closets which are limited to gallons per flush. • Drinking fountains equipped with self-closing valves. • The insulation of all hot water lines for the purpose of providing hot water faster with less water waste, a id keeping hot water pipes from heating cold water pipes. • Thermostatically controlled mixing valves for baths a d showers, and water conserving models of washers a d dishwashers. • Low flow faucets and shower heads. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC rily ant nts and design 2.1.3 Encourage the use of primeven dr it ecaimedrw ferias being useidiattpresent in landscape application, for irrigation purposes. a. As part of the City development review of landscaping plans, discourage installlatis that large areas of lawnor re to rf, or m it the useof installations to a _ where feasible• rc� ass•, - b. me tact✓vl, - round cover. c, Where domestic water supplies are used in the irrigation of turf aFM areas, encourage the use of 5e�se#, drou ht tolerant ve etation. e- d. To the extent possible, require the preservation of existing native trees and shrubs, as established plants are often adapted to low water consumption. de information to d e. Require residential builders to proviprospective buyers of new homes wcQ� e��sCity of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting on to ve e f. Require r tenants within builders y of Diamond Barr regarding drought - tolerant or tenon ,. tolerant planting concepts. . Where possible, require the extensive capacity of the soil by reduciuse of mulch in ng g rove the water holding areas to imp evaporation and soil compaction. 2.1.4 Require irrigation efficiency within the City. iensy U rade irri ation s stems to the most efficient s stem available. f . . gee � ared for rationing or supplies of water being limited in case of 2.1.5 Be pre p extended drought. * * but with no change in meaning. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC " Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC- DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR REsOURCE MANAGEM'N I CITY OF GPAC 11-18 Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by a. Prepare a Water Management Ordinance that can be impleme ted should water supplies become severely limited. Potential actions could include restrictions against watering of sidewalks, exce sive runoff from irrigation, yard watering on alternate days, etc. Ravisad by GPAC 2_ 1.6 Develop and implement a household Hazardous Waste ¢a92 Element" according to the guidelines of AB 2707, and incorporate it int the Plan for Resource Management of the General Plan. " Review sri tFnn developments. Objective 2.2 Encourage efficient use of energy by minimizing the consumption of en rgy resources to. the minimal amount needed to support existing and planned land uses, through a combination of efficient land use patterns and passive and active energy conservation systems. Strategies: 2.2.1 As a general principle, replace total dependence on nonrenewable, imported energy resources with a greater reliance on locally available renewable resources to a degree which is feasible and in accord with the of these : etion;,=ees current technology. 2,2.2 In.. conjunction with. review, of development. applications, require. the incorporation, where feasible, of the following: • Provide for clusters of buildings with protected indoo or plaza/open areas within multiple family residen ial, commercial, and office projects to promote protection f om the wind and sun bier}. • Construct internal roadways at of the minimum widths necessary for safe circulation in order to minimizes lar reflection and heat radiation from impervious material. • Where possible, locate reflective surfaces (i.e. parking I(its) on the north and east side of buildings; alternatively, where parking areas must be located to the south or west of buildings, provide additional landscaping to reduce heat gain. • Orient the maximum amount of glass possible toward he south, the side with the greatest amount of solar collect on (heat gain potential), in combination with other measures for shading to mitigate against summer heat. • Use appropriate building shapes and locations in order to promote maximum feasible solar access of individual uni s. .. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec_ Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC ma • Design individual buildings to maximize natural internal lighting through interior court wells, interior court areas, skylights, clerestory windows, and energy efficient building shapes. • Use canopies and overhangs to provide shade to windows during summer months, while allowing for reflection of direct sunlight through the windows during winter months (care should be taken to assure that overhangs and canopies do not prevent sufficient light for daytime purposes). • incorporate the use of deciduous trees in landscaping plans, especially near buildings and around expanses of paved areas. • Incorporate deciduous vines, trellises, and canopies to shade south and westward facing walls, to cool them in summer months. • Locate trees and hedges planted close to buildings so as to channel beneficial cooling breezes through openings. 2.2.3 Ensure that sufficient shading of parking surfaces is provided within multi- family, commercial, and office projects to reduce heat gain. 2.2.4 Investigate the feasibility of adopting an Energy Ordinance that will incorporate retrofit provisions for the installation of energy conservation measures on existing structures, solar pool and hot tub provisions that will prohibit natural gas heaters as the primary energy source. 2.2.5 implement, through the subdivision ordinance or through other appropriate mechanisms, the Solar Rights Act of 1978 which addresses structural orientation for solar access, and includes such concepts as solar easements, functional landscaping, street layout, and architectural designs that reduce energy costs. 2.2.6 Maintain in the Development Code provisions to require solar energy systems for the heating of swimming pools in all new multi -family residential developments. 2.2.7 Take full advantage of the CEQA process as a tool for evaluating energy use and potential energy impacts, and for implementing appropriate energy conservation measures. 2.2.8 Require the inclusion, where feasible, of provisions for energy efficient modes of transportation and fixed facilities which establishqL lic mass transit, bicycle, equestrian, and pedestrian modes as desirable alternatives. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR FLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC ll -2a 2.2.9 Work with appropriate federal, State, andnn 'vate utility agencies to i and facilitate appropriate legislation for utility rate revisions that provide incentives for the conservation of energy by the shifting of usage to non -peak hours. 2.2.10 Increase public awareness of energy conservation technology and practices by the dissemination of information that describes en conservation practices for community members. This will encou ongoing communication and the generation of ideas, plans, and prog a for the future development of Diamond Bar as an energy efficient cit%A-. Objective 2.3 Reduce overall local energy us consumption by promoting efficient land use patterns, which fedee4+g reduce the amount of vehicular travel_ teem -= Strategies: 2.3.1 Land uses in the City will be planned to minimize vehicular trips bet een compatible and related uses, such as home -shopping, home -office, home- school, etc. (see also the Land Use section of the Plan for Community Development). " a. This will apply to mixed-use Planned Developments in parti when planning and eipg reviewing new lend uses. - - 2.3.2 Design and implement a citywide system of bikeways and pedestrian tti ils as non-polluting circulation alternatives (as outlined in the Circulaon section of the Plan for Public Services and Facilities). Objective 2.4 The City will cooperate with and encourage local educational, governmental, private organizations in the te&Aqg develooment and use of new en technologies that are deemed environmental/ safe. * * Strategies: 2.4.1 Maintain open communication with other local, regional, state or fed ral agencies regarding the evaluation of current energy problems and stateof- the-art technologies and practices. 2.4.2 Emphasize fuel efficiency and the use of alternative fuels in the acq and use of City -owned vehicles and fleet vehicles of City franc support programs which would serve to enhance or encourage the ..OR ,ete�i�«a public transit systems. Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. " Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rac. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC on 35' of H41 a, The City should cooperate with the South Coast Air Quality Management Agency in the development and local testing of new alternative fuels or other energy programs. 2.4.3 Participate with local organizations on research and/or the development of alternate energy sources, including cogeneration, photovoltaic, biomass, waste to energy, wind, etc. * * 2.4,4 Investigate the potential for adding provisions in the Development Code to require industrial and/or commercial projects to be sited to facilitate photovoltaic and/or cogeneration units. * Objective 2.5 Minimize the environmental impacts oftan diill disposal ofsolld wastes through an ag ressive public education and information campaign desiqned to promote a cpm rehensive program of source reduction recycling,cam ostia and household hazardous waste reduction activities. Strategies. 2.5.1 , Develop and implement a Source Reduction and -- Recycling Element according to the guidelines established by Assembly Bill 939 and the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Incorporate this element into the Plan for Resource Management of the General Plan. 2.5.2 2.5.3 2.5.4 businesses +ajge to __assist Develop and implement a Household Hazardous Waste Element according to the guidelines of AB 2707 and the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Incorporate this element into the Plan for Resource Management_ of the General Man. aef*n-. Reduce wasteful packaging and 1products sold in the City through educational and technical assistance which emphasizes the reduction of non -recyclable products replacement of disposable materials_ with reusable materials, and the purchase of repairable products. ReseuFee * * Implement a mandatory Citywide reucling program including residential curbside collection and voluntary on-site programs serving multi -family, commercial and industrial venerators. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Reo. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC [t-22 2.5.5 2.5.6 n streams. Revised 4-9.92 2.5,7 Relocated to 2.1.6 de nle nts 2.5.8 Reduce the ai residences through ongoin_q Promotion of rassc clip " and on- ite composting of leaves and other organic materials.- 2.5.9 Desianate city h@ld Aman cnar•_n and naohEir medium sites. 2.5.10 Increase Public understanding of methods to reuse materials in their everyday lives. Incorporate educational materials on the environm damage of disposable Products and materials. 2.5.9 1 Reduce the disoosal of HHW in landfi11C #hrnwih rnnfinerl ...............s:�.. . Public W program. .voaeo trom goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Revised 2-27-92 Parks and Rec. Commission and 4-9-92 by GPAC • 111. PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAF A. INTRODUCTION The Plan for Public Health and Safety contains provisions that relate to the protection of ife, health, and property from natural hazards and man-made hazards. It is designed to identify ai eas where public and private decisions on land use need -to be sensitive to hazardous conditions ca se by slope instability, seismic activity, flood, fire, and wind. State planning law requires cities and counties to identify hazardous conditions and to prepare implement policies to assure public health and safety. Section 65302(8) of the Government C describes these requirements (a Safety Element) in the following terms: "A safety element is for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body; flooding; and wildland and urban fires. The safety element shall include mapping of known seismic and other geologic hazards. It shall also address evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, and minimum road widths and clearances around structures, as those items relate to identified fire and geologic hazards." The Plan for Public Health and Safety provides the goals and strategies necessary to proti Diamond Bar residents from the hazards associated with natural and man-made environments. 1 purpose of these goals and strategies in this section is to incorporate safety considerations it the City's planning and decision making process to reduce identifiable risks. The City of Diamond Bar and its citizens must decide the degree of risk that is acceptable various natural and man-made hazards. Risks identified in existing development may be lower to an acceptable level by physical alteration, relocation or demolition, or a change in the u altogether. For new development, the emphasis is to regulate construction so as to minimi identifiable risks to the extent possible. The Plan for Public Health and Safety addresses the following issues: + Geology and Seismicity • Flooding nd CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY -7. Revised March 25, 1992 0 • Fire Protection Services • Crime and Protection Services • Emergency Services and Facilities • Hazardous Materials + Air Quality • Noise B. EXISTING CONDITIONS (, GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY The Diamond Bar region is part of a dynamic geological region. It is underlain by marine sediments that are thousands of feet thick which were laid down over the last 25 million years. Bedrock materials are not well consolidated and consist of various sandstones, shales, and siltstones of the Puente formation, which is represented by three major components or members: La Vida; Soquel; and Yorba. Stream -carried (alluvial) materials are present in natural canyons while man-made fill is found in previously developed areas. Local sails are mainly derived from weathering of the bedrock units, and are not considered prime in terms of agricultural activities. For additional information on local geology and soils, refer to Section II -B of the Master Environmental Assessment. Southern California is seismically active, and the region contains a number of major active faults. The San Andreas Fault Zone, located 26 miles northeast of the City, is considered to have the greatest potential to cause regional damage. However, the Los Angeles County Engineer has estimated that four potentially active local faults (Whittier, San Jose, Sierra Madre, and San Gabriel) have a higher potential for causing local damage. Several major faults are located adjacent to the City. The Whittier Fault Zone passes just south of Tonner Canyon, the City's sphere of influence, while the Chino Fault passes within a mile of the City's eastern boundary. In addition, there are three small inactive local faults within Diamond Bar: the Arnold Reservoir Fault (near Grand Avenue in the northeast portion of the City; the Spadra Fault, located in the far northern portion of the City; and the Diamond Bar Fault, located in the south-central portion of the City. A small inactive fault, the Tonner Canyon Fault, is located in the City's sphere of influence. For additional information on local faults and seismicity, refer to Section II -B of the Master Environmental Assessment. 2. FLOODING Runoff in the City is accommodated by three major natural drainages: San Jose Creek to the west, Diamond Bar Creek to the southwest, and Brea Canyon Creek to the southwest. The only area of the City with flooding problems, as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Program, is along the Reed Canyon Channel at Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming. However, the lands within the City of Industry adjacent to Diamond Bar, generally located west of the 57 freeway from Temple to Lemon, also have potential flooding problems. While most of the backbone drainage system has already been installed by the County of Los Angeles, there are still a few links and improvements that have not been constructed yet. The City presently lacks a master plan of drainage, and any needed improvements would have to be installed by developers or the County. The sphere of influence is drained by Tonner Canyon Creek. This area presently has no major flood control improvements and flooding can occur along the entire length of this CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 25, 1992NOR r natural stream channel. For additional information on local drainage, flooding, and flood refer to Section II -C of the Master Environmental Assessment. 3. FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES Diamond Bar faces a significant potential threat from wildland fires for the following reasons: it is adjacent to large undisturbed natural areas to the east and south; it has many undevel ped hillsides and canyons covered with native vegetation; many older homes have wood shingla or shake roofs; the state-wide drought has killed, damaged, or dried out much of the otherwise healthy natural, as well as introduced, vegetation; and the areaperiodically experiences strop dry "Santa Ana" winds when other fire conditions are high. Despite these conditions, the InsurE nce Rating Organization (ISO) gives the developed portions of the City a rating of 3, whic I is considered good for urbanized areas. The sphere of influence and the undeveloped hillsides in the City that are adjacent to Tonner Canyon do not presently have (or need) these same level of protection. Fire protection services for the area are presently provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which maintains three stations in or adjacent to the City. County stations 119, 120, and 121 are fully equipped and staffed. Analysis of available service level data indicates that the City will probably not need an additional fire station, although any significant development in the sphere of influence area might require additional protection. The City is presently investigating the potential for forming afire protection service cooperative with other local agencies. For additi nal information on the threat of fire and fire protection services, refer to Section II -K of the Master Environmental Assessment. 4. CRIME AND PROTECTION SERVICES The level of major crime in Diamond Bar is presently half of that experienced in communities of comparable size. The types of local crimes are typical of suburban communities in the Los Angeles region, including vandalism, traffic accidents, and theft. Protection services are provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department out of the Walnut -San Dimas Regional Station. The City is presently served by 29 deputies and 18 patrol vehicles. The County maintains a service level of 0.5 officers per thousand residents for Diamond Bar, with an average emergency response ti e of 4.5 minutes. The County currently considers 1.4 officers per thousand residents to be adequate for suburban protective service. The City will need additional protective services as it grows, although it may not need additional facilities within the City limits. The Firestone Eoy Scout Ranch within the sphere of influence presently has private security. For additional information on crime and protection services, refer to Section 11-J of the Master Environmental Assessment. 5. EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FACILITIES The Diamond Bar area is served by a number of hospitals and related medical facilities within L Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange counties. Although there is no major treatment facil within Diamond Bar, there are seventeen hospitals or major treatment centers within a 20 minx drive. The Los Angeles County Fire. Department maintains paramedic service at station 119 ji west of the City, as well as at stations 61 and 118 in nearby Walnut. The County also contras with several local companies for ambulance service, and can also provide airborne evacuation. T region could also face major emergencies or disasters, such as earthquakes, hazardous mater CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 26, 1992 1e Ill spills, train accidents, high winds, etc. The City has recently begun developing a response plan for major emergencies. For additional information on the emergency services and facilities, refer to Section ll -L of the Master Environmental Assessment. $. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Hazardous materials presently create a potential threat to the City. The primary threat facing the City would come from a major traffic or train accident involving spillage of hazardous or toxic materials. There are many industrial or other businesses within the City or in the nearby City of Industry that treat, handle, or store hazardous materials. As the area continues to grow and environmental regulations become more strict, the likelihood of an accident or the potential for illegal dumping increases. The Los Angeles County Fire Department maintains Response Teams to handle emergencies involving these materials, but the City must deal with the local implications of hazardous wastes. According to the provisions of AB 2707, the City is now required to develop a "Household Hazardous Waste Element' in the General Plan. For additional information on hazardous materials, refer to Section 11-M of the Master Environmental Assessment. 7. AIR QUALITY The entire south coast air basin, within which Diamond Bar is located, suffers from some of the worst air quality in the nation. Pollutants are not only generated locally within the east San Gabriel Valley, but are also transported downwind from the Los Angeles basin. The primary pollutants of concern are ozone (oxidants) and nitrogen dioxide, which are mostly generated by vehicular exhaust. The number of first stage smog alerts has decreased dramatically from the early part of the decade, both for the Pomona area as well as the entire basin. However, local ozone levels have still exceeded state standards on over 100 days during each of the past three years. Local topography, climate, wind, and air movement patterns tend to concentrate air pollutants along the freeway corridors and especially in the Diamond Bar area. Several local intersections, including Grand Avenue/Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue/Golden Springs Drive, experience significantly elevated levels of air pollutants during peak driving hours. For additional information on local and regional air quality, refer to Section 11-F of the Master Environmental Assessment, 8. NOISE The City of Diamond Bar is relatively quiet except for noise corridors created by traffic on local roadways and freeways. Noise is typically measured in decibels on the A -weighted scale db(A) which most closely resembles the range of human hearing. Community noise levels are often measured on the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) scale, with 65 db(A) considered to be the threshold for urban and suburban land planning and compatibility with residential areas. Noise levels have been estimated along major roadways within Diamond Bar based on traffic volumes and the physical configuration of streets. The combined 57160 freeway corridor generates the most noise, producing a 65 CNEL contour onto adjacent land uses approximately 1,379 feet wide. The 57 Freeway by itself, north of the 60 Freeway, has a much smaller 65 CNEL corridor of only 759 feet However, the 60 Freeway alone, both east and west of the 57 Freeway, generates a 65 CNEL noise corridor 1,015 feet wide.. These figures mean that daily outdoor noise levels in areas adjacent or proximate to the local freeways may reach or exceed acceptable planning noise standards. There are several major local roadways that generate (maximum) 65 CNEL levels beyond the right - CITY of DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 111-4 Revised March 2b, 1992 1 MUM : of -way. These include Brea Canyon Road {144% Colima Road {725'), Diamond Bar Boul (121'), Grand Avenue (107'), Pathfinder Road (89% Lemon Avenue (78'), Golden Springs (77'), and Sunset Crossing (35'). The only other major sources of local noise are the railroad along the western boundary of the City and infrequent urban sources (dogs barking, air overflights, etc.) For additional information on local noise, refer to Section 11-G of the M Environmental Assessment. C. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES 1 . GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY Because of the diverse geological conditions, there are moderate to high geological constraints development in Diamond Bar, especially in hillside areas. ISSUE ANAL YSIS: The City needs policies to adequately protect existing and residents from local geologic and seismic -related threats. 2. FLOODING There are no major identified threats from flooding within the City. However, there is no sched at present for the remaining improvements needed to complete the local drainage and flood con network. In addition, the existing planned improvements are based on County plans for the ar and may not reflect current projects or timing on the development of open land. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should develop policies to minimize the threat torts citrzt from flooding, and establish a schedule of improvements based an updated master plan of drainage. 3. FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES A major fire represents a significant potential threat to local residents. In addition to the loss structures and life, a major fire could destroy valuable biological resources within the City or sphere of influence. As development continues in the interface between natural and develop areas, the threat of fire also increases. The Los Angeles County Fire Department curren provides adequate service to the residents of Diamond Bar in terms of protection from the thrf of fire. However, the City may wish to pursue other administrative arrangements for financial other reasons. As the City grows, it may be necessary to provide additional equipment, personn or stations to continue adequate service levels. Development of the sphere of influence may al require additional fire protective services. ISSUE ANAL YSIS: The City needs policies emphasizing the importance of fi prevention and protection in the Diamond Bar area. 4. CRIME AND PROTECTION SERVICES Although crime rates in the City are presently low, the threat of gang or other criminal activii creeping into the community from neighboring urban areas could become a major issue. The Cii can take appropriate action now to reduce and/or avoid the increase in local crime, such as urbZ CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 25, 1892_ 1 ?(42`1 gip:,; :;:...,..>_::....>. �N...... 1II- for design to create "defensible space", which helps protect property and residents. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department presently provides .an adequate level of service to the community, as evidenced by the currently low crime rate. As the City's population in there will be an increased need for protective services. Additional services may also be needed as urban crime continues to relocate to suburban areas. To combat this, local community and neighborhood involvement will be needed to help prevent or observe and report various criminal activities. ,Any significant development in the sphere of influence would also require additional County protective. service. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies to emphasize the importance of careful design and community action to minimize criminal activity in Diamond Bar. $. EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FACILITIES At present, there appears to be an adequate number and variety of medical facilities and programs available to City residents. However, as a new city, Diamond Bar must assess its own desires regarding the convenience of medical services and determine if or how it will encourage certain medical uses into the City. Paramedic and ambulance services likewise appear to be adequate, although additional services may be needed as the community grows. Development in the sphere of influence may require additional medical or other emergency facilities. The. provision of daily emergency services must also be coordinated with a local plan for responding to regional disasters. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs to decide if any additional medical facilities are needed, and if so, where and how should they be located to best serve local residents. The City also needs a disaster preparedness plan to respond to regional emergencies. 6. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Hazardous wastes will continue to be an important community concern, especially as regulations become more strict and illegal practices increase. Even minor accidents involving hazardous materials may be of extreme concern to local residents. ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should develop policies to clearly identify potential sources of hazardous materials and how accidents or emergencies involving such materials will be handled. %. AIR QUALITY Air quality is still considered a major detractor to the quality of life in Diamond Bar, even though the vast majority of it is generated elsewhere. While the City has little control over regional pollutants, it can take a proactive position on this issue by stating its intent to minimize the generation of local air pollution. It can also take advantage of the location of the South Coast Air Quality Management District office in Diamond Bar to offer itself as a "testing laboratory" for programs to reduce air pollution, thus establishing itself as a model city for innovation in Southern California. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 111-$ Revised March 26,1992 • 49 ISSUE ANALYSIS.,.:, The City should work cooperatively with local agencies to de elop innovative policies for reducing regional air pollution, in additi n to implementing the current programs of the South Coast Air OL, ality Management Plan. 8. NOISE Noise is presently a problem for local residents only along major roadways and generally mly during peak hours. However, noise problems will increase as traffic and population incre se, especially where development is built in areas that previously acted as buffers or barriers to local noise. As the population of the City and region increases, there will also be an increase in infrequent urban noise sources. While noise may be. not be a significant problem comparev to other cities, a quiet environment is typically a major factor in rural living, and more than li ely contributes to the high quality of life perceived in Diamond Bar. ISSUE ANALYSIS: Emphasizing its importance to a rural lifestyle, the City needs i policies on how it will keep noise, primarily from major roadw from impacting existing as well as future residents. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 25, 7992 ifs " ZI D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES "IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF DIAMOND BAR. " GOAL 1 "Create a secure public environment which minimizes potential loss of life and property damage, as well as social, economic, or environmental disruption resulting from natural and manmade disasters." Objective 1.1 Eliminate the potential for loss of life and minimize physical injury and property damage from seismic groundshaking and other geologic events. Strategies: 1.1.1 Ensure that new facilities which will be required for provision of emergency services following a seismic or geologic event are designed so as to withstand the maximum credible event, and to remain functional after the event. r- 1.1.2 Ensure that new development and expansion of existing development is designed so as to withstand the maximum credible event without structural collapse. - 1.1.3 As part of the development review process, require site-specific analysis of soils and other conditions which might effect the severity of onsite impacts from maximum credible seismic and geologic events. Objective 1.2 Eliminate the potential for loss of life, and minimize physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from the effects of 1 00 -year storm and associated flooding. Strategies: 1.2.2 As a prerequisite to new development or the intensification of existing development, ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer, certifying that the proposed development will be adequately protected, and that implementation of the development proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards. 1.2.3 The City will develop a master plan of drainage, based on previous work by the Los Angeles County Public Works Department and present development plans, to adequately assess existing and future flood control needs and improvements within Diamond Bar. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 111-8 Revised March 26, 199214s„ J, firi4 1.2.4 The City will prepare a schedule of flood control improvements needad to complete a master pian of drainage. This schedule will be coordinated with improvement plans by the County and address funding and timing of prioritized improvements. Objective 1.3 Ensure that properties in and adjacent to wildlend areas are reasonably pro from wildland fire hazards without degrading the viability of natural ecosys Strategies: 1.3.1 Where development is proposed within areas potentially subject to wilc land fire hazards, ensure that the Fire Department has the o ortuniti s to review rev4ewed the proposal in terms of its vulnerability to fire hazarc and its potential source as a source of fire. Ensure that Fire Department recommendations regarding mitigation of fire hazard risks are into the project. 1.3.2 i=nsure that new development and intensification of existing develop ent in areas subject to wildland fire are adequately protected in a manner w ich balances the need for implementing fire prevention measures with the need for preserving significant biological resources. Prioritize this balance as follows: • Protection of existing developed areas and areas approved for development. • Preservation of significant biological resources. • Approval of new development or intensification of exising development. and Fnetheds4e-pFOteet dwelling Objective 1.4 Ensure an adequate distribution of fire stations, equipment, and manpower that a maximum five minute response time to all areas other than wildland, wherein a six minute response time capability can be maintained. Strategies: 1.4.2 Work with the Fire Department to establish a funding mechanism wh ch would ensure that cost of providing new facilities and equipment, including paramedic services, to support expansion and intensification of development within the City of Diamond Bar is borne by the developments creating that need. 1.4.3 Where appropriate, support the Fire Department in encouraging t enhancement of the minimum fire standards included in the Unifo; Building and Fire Codes (UBC and UFC). CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 25, 1992 objective 1.5 Minimize the risk and fear of crime through physical planning strategies that will maximize surveillance opportunities, minimize opportunities for crimes, and by creating a high level of public awareness and support for crime prevention. Strategies: 1.5.1 Require that proposals for new development and for the intensification of existing development are reviewed by the Sheriff's Department prior to approval. . 1.5.2 Promote the establishment of neighborhood watch and business watch programs to encourage community participation in the patrol of neighborhood and business areas, and to facilitate increased awareness of suspicious activities. jaFE16- 11:1 1 9A fesWantia���ate night .. 4„ Pa —AVGida-AGO Of flag 1"tS iible �' laGement te r i eeneea1 nt_ CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY III -10 Revised March 2S, l992 �. ;1 ;� i irk Objective 1.6 Promote the provision of adequate medical and emergency services to Diamond residents. " Strategies: 1.6.1 Coordinate with all other appropriate agencies for 49-ef*ufe the provisit of evacuation and ambulance services within acceptable service levels ar response times. .. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAG. CITY OF DIAMOND 13AR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 25, 1992tE==4 Objective 1.7 prepare and maintain effective emergency preparedness and response programs. Strategies: 1.7.1 Coordinate the City's disaster preparedness plans with the State Office of Emergency Management, County, schools, and other neighboring jurisdictions, and develop a regional system to respond to daily emergencies and major catastrophes. 1.7.2 The City's disaster plan shall integrate community resources into municipal emergency management, including a list of all local resources such as equipment, material, specialized medical and other training, etc. 1.7.3 Provide areawide mutual aid agreements and communication finks with all adjacent overnmentai authorities and other participating jurisdictions. 1.7.5 Disseminate public information regarding actions which residents and businesses should take to minimize damage in a natural disaster, as well as actions which would be taken to facilitate recovery from a natural disaster. Objective 1. S Protect life and property from the potential detrimental effects (short and long term) of the transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes in the City. Strategies: 1.8.3 Pursue establishment of a regular citywide program of household hazardous waste collection according to the provisions of Section 4'1500 of the Public Resources Code "o2,—^7 )see also the solid waste section of the Plan for Resource Management for additional policies). Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY I11-12 Revised March 25, 1992 a�M . Objective 1.9 The City shall seek to improve local and regional air quality by encouraging sharing, use of public transit, and other transportation demand manages techniques energy use . and by redc 10 • Strategies: 1.9.1 Design and implement a citywide system of bikeways and pedestrian 1.9.2 Work with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to establi h a program of District review and comment on major proposed develop ent projects within the City. • Disseminate information to Diamond Bar residents regard the advantages of, and procedures involved in, ride shar and public transit. 1.9.5 Where residential or office uses will be located adjacent to or n commercial development, ensure that site designs facilitate rather th discourage pedestrian movement between uses (e.g. locate buildir adjacent to the street with parking behind such that pedestrians need r walk through parking lots to reach their destination; provide clear pedestri paths and connections, etc.). Modified slightly from wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 25, 1992M;..." ` �` �.�;:.x,>: it n areas= 1.9.7 The City will work with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to be a "test facility" or a laboratory for testing new air pollution control programs. At no expense to the City or its residents. CITY OF DIAMOND 13AR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 111-14 Revised March 25, 1992�_!nK„ri WON CITY OF DIAMOND 13AR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 111-14 Revised March 25, 1992�_!nK„ri • .7 iEru: k4:4i}$•:::n�..! "Y:ivn ."H'`'k"�:: +}" r'..2:' w!^YtiH.},.^^Cs=I/-*c^]r$::{n•F.::•n�.+vv�-Aw n•:iiv�x�n::-:r::r;::Y:y}:;f.;rc:-::L:t-xio-�rN�!:�,'o '�S,FYi�'ilnM5fiv5x'�:rc: rr.4a:: '�k'.:-:.. i:a:ka:>:; ' Modified slightly form wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 25, 1992-u•.k- 1IE-15 1,[sa` � �'w• iir^Fi3sL`.:nn'.4�'c$So`iz ma.:isG:iix«•:r.4t34a't:::?'r:F;i:;S=sreick-:w:is,-,.�.r:::�"^�*'`"�r�"%. ..::c;'-: ig;.;..: ,:it c?as�:: -, . t �--t;_c�x:•w,s�,a..:W':'• :�".,.•..,.....i,u; . - s.:c»>„-:_nsxrr.... �-'::i'.G."-•:(iyi:` 'i�iY]:lmr..varriti ' 'riiHJ.:itYxl'v. ' Modified slightly form wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 25, 1992-u•.k- 1IE-15 ow boom* I All IfAmp"W-0- WA Nm I .............. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY HI -16 Revised March 25, 1992 • • • CITY OF DIAMOND BAA PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised March 2b, 19 "` IV. PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES A. INTRODUCTION State law does not require the preparation of a general plan element dealing specifically with services and facilities. However, it does state that... "The general plan may include any other elements or address any other subjects which, in the judgement of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the county or city" (Government Code section 85303). Diamond Bar, as a new City, faces many decisions as how to best provide services to the public, and what types of facilities it needs to build to support those services. Therefore, a local General Plan element dealing with the long-term provision of municipal services and facilities is appropriate for Diamond Bar. The actual provision of various public services has already been addressed in the folioing sections of the Diamond Bar General Plan: 1. Plan for Community Development Land Use (for all services & IL Plan for Resource Management Parks and Recreation Water (and Reclaimed Wasi Energy Systems Solid Waste Ill. Pian for Public Health and Safety Flood Control Police Fire Emergency Services Disaster Preparedness This Plan for Public Services and Facilities seeks to tie the provision of these various services and facilities together into an integrated strategy for municipal management. The Pian focuses n: Identifying City facilities and services needed to sustain the community's igh quality of life • Long-range planning to fund City services and buildings CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIS Revised March 24, 1992 1- Coordinating and cooperating with various local agencies to provide those services not provided by the City. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS The City presently has a minimum of inhouse staff, and contracts out much of the actual service provision to local public and private agencies. Inhouse City services include administration, engineering, planning, parks and recreation, and maintenance of public facilities. The City is also arranging for local collection of solid waste. These daily functions are housed in City Hall, which currently consists of office space leased in the Gateway Corporate Center. The major physical assets of the City are its streets and parks, which were originally built by the County. The existing street system is also in good condition at present. Park maintenance is presently handled by City staff, although maintenance of the local landscape districts is contracted to private firms. The County of Los Angeles provides a number of services under contract to the City. Wastewater conveyance and treatment is provided by County Sanitation District No. 21. Although much of the physical sewage infrastructure (pipelines) appear in generally good condition, there have been repeated failures of the pump stations needed to lift flows to the regional collectors. Flood control is provided by the County Flood Control District. Its facilities are in fairly good condition with a small amount of seasonal flooding near the intersection of Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming. Solid waste disposal is handled by the County Solid Waste -Management Department using -several regional landfills. However, landfill space could run out before the end of the decade. Law enforcement in handled by the County Sheriff's Department out of the Walnut -San Dimas Station. Fire protection, emergency evacuation, and response to accidents involving hazardous materials are all accommodated by the County Fire Department with three stations in and around Diamond Bar. The Los Angeles County Library System also maintains a very small community library on Grand Avenue near Diamond Bar Boulevard. Other services and facilities are provided within Diamond Bar by a variety of public and private agencies. Domestic water service is provided by the Walnut Valley Water District, which is in turn supplied by Three Valleys Municipal Water District and ultimately by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Water facilities are generally adequate, although the statewide drought makes the long-term supply of water to this area questionable. In terms of energy utilities, electricity is supplied by the Southern California Edison Company, while natural gas is supplied by the Southern California Gas Company. Energy facilities are generally adequate to accommodate existing and planned uses. Comprehensive K-12 educational facilities and programs are provided by the Walnut Valley Unified and the Pomona Unified School Districts. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES Revised March 24, 1992 IV -2 C. PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES ISSUES If the City decides to provide more local services, services that are now contracted out, or de ides to increase the levels of existing services, there may be a future need for a larger civic center in a more centralized location. This long-term facility need would have to be balanced against a community desire for no increases in local costs. The most cost effective way to provide such a facility would be through a joint public/private arrangement to build a civic center for the City, most likely in exchange for some kind of development arrangement. This facility could also louse a number of other social programs for City residents, such as a senior center or a commnity center. The City may wish to plan its own long-range program of wastewater conveyance and treat ent separate from Los Angeles County plans. Discussions with Orange County would be need Bd to determine if a separate sewage system were feasible. A larger problem would likely be the funding and timing of construction for some type of new system. Although most of the back one system is already in place and designed to flow toward the Los Angeles system, a del ailed alternative service plan could be prepared to address a change in flow direction. The costs and timing of such a new system would have to be weighed against potential failures of the exi ting system. The existing flood control system is presently adequate, but the City should establish if or hovf any local costs might accrue as the system ages, so that there are no "surprises" in future budgets. A master drainage plan will need to be developed for the sphere of influence. The City may decide its wants to take a proactive role in developing long-term solutions to regional solid waste problems, such as rail haul systems. At -a minimum, the City will,participate M the mandated planning requirements for source reduction, recycling, and hazardous waste issu s. Police and fire services are presently adequate. However, the City may wish to study prov ding its own protective services, or joining a more local association (non -County) to provide the. In the future, the sphere of influence may require additional police and fire protection as develop ent occurs. The County's library is not presently adequate for local residents, although there are manyther community libraries in the area that can provide additional resources. The City may wa t to consider providing for its own library, possibly as part of a centralized civic center complex i the future. Although local water purveyors can adequately serve the area in terms of facilities, a continu of the State-wide drought could put severe restrictions on the availability of water. The City wish to take a proactive stance on securing additional water supplies for itself, or at least keE current on potential new sources or limitations. Energy facilities and systems presently appear adequate, although there may be supply short 3ges in the future. The City may wish to take a more active role in energy conservation anc the development of new energy technologies. There are numerous governmental and pri vate organizations in the area that might wish to use City resources to test new programs or dev Ges. The City may wish to take a more proactive role in planning for its energy future. Local schools are presently experiencing overcrowding at all levels. The State funding mechaism for constructing new schools will probably not be sufficient to build local schools. Year -r and school or other programs or building modifications may be necessary to continue providing qu lity CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITfV-3 Revised March 24,1992 education to local students. The City may choose to work closely with the local districts on site selection, funding mechanisms, and joint use of facilities. D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES "IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES THAT THE CITYACQUIRE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ITS RESIDENTS " GOAL 1 "Provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services to support development and planned growth." Objective 1.1 Maintain adequate systems for water supply and distribution; wastewater collection, treatment and disposal; solid waste collection and disposal; and energy distribution which are capable of meeting the needs of the residents of Diamond Bar. Strategies: 1.1.1 Prior to permitting a major extension of services or utilities to facilitate changes in land use, conduct a thorough review of all social, economic, and environmental factors associated with that extension; require the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. -fie eme G� r 1.1.2 Ensure that existing residents and businesses are not burdened with or are reimbursed for the cost of financing infrastructure aimed at supporting new development or the intensification of existing development which does not benefit them. 1.1.3 Unless otherwise approved by the City, ensure that public water, sewer, drainage and other backbone facilities needed for a project phase are constructed prior to or concurrent with initial development within that phase. 1.1.4 Place the ultimate responsibility with the project sponsor for ensuring that all necessary infrastructure improvements (including a pro -rata share system -wide improvements) needed to support a project development are available at the time that they are needed. 1.1.6 Coordinate the long-term provision of utility services, including water, wastewater, electricity, natural gas, solid waste, etc. to assure adequate future levels of services for City residents.' ' Modified slightly by wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES Revised March 24, 1992 IV -4 its 6phere-ef influenre.-* * * '" Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. "" Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. * CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES Revised March 24, 1992 V_5 ''-r.2.6 -Review deyelopment facilities-insludiftbut pFejeGts fOF-thou-iR4Paet6 t neeeSSaFily limited te, OR PUbli& ,..,...GeS and wateF, sewer Fe, peliee, Objective 1.3 Establish and implement comprehensive equitable and legally defensible solutions to the financing of public facilities and services. Strategies: 1.3.1 Establish a development fee structure which ensures that costs for new capital facilities and expansion of existing facilities necessitated by proposals -for new development and intensification of existing development are internalized by those projects, to the percentage appropriate to the development. 1.3.2 Promote the establishment of such proven techni ues as benefit assessment districts, Mello -Roos districts, and other financing mechanisms, in combination with programmed capital improvements to facilitate the provision of desired community facilities. Objective 1.4 Ensure that all Diamond Bar residents have access to high quality local educational facilities, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location within the City. Strategies: 1.4.1 Pursue a cooperative program with the City of Industry and the Pomona Unified School district to secure land and construct a high school in the Pomona Unified School District in the City of Diamond Bar such as within the Tres Hermanos Ranch. As part of high school development, pursue development of a major joint use recreational facility (e.g. pool, ball fields, stadium, gymnasium). 1.4.2 Work closely with the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts on an ongoing basis to resolve issues such as joint use of facilities, location CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES Revised March 24, 1992 IV -6 rd of new facilities, and alternative use of vacant or unused sites." Objective 1.5 Ensure the provision of cultural facilities, such as educational institu ons, museums, and performing arts facilities, to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents.' Strategies: 1.5.1 Pursue the acquisition of a site and development of a civic center, i a multi -use community center. 1.5.2 Work with surrounding jurisdictions to establish joint developmei it of cultural facilities of regional significance, such as a performing arts c nter and cultural museum and an ecological museum pertaining to Diamond ar's botanical heritage. 1.5.3 Explore the possibility of locating 'a major institution of higher learni g in Diamond Bar." GOAL 2 "Achieve a fiscally solvent, financially stable community." Objective 2.1 Provide sufficient opportunities fpr retail and Other nonresidential commerciai and office uses as is necessary to ensure adequate municipal income to finance desired -community amenities. Strategies: 2.1.1 Promote the intensification of the sales tax -generating potential of ex commercial and office nodes within the City (also see provisions in the Use section of the Plan for Community Development). * 2.1.2 Work with State officials and local elected representatives to ma;e a determined effort to oromote legislation for distribution of sales tax s to local agencies to reflect a combination of the location where the salec tax was collected and peFeapite an equitable distribution based on popula ion. 2.1.4 Pursue the expansion of municipal boundaries to areas which can be uti ized to assist in the provision of sufficient municipal income to provide the igh level.of services and facilities demanded by Diamond Bar residents. * .. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. ' Modified slightly by wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning. .. Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITtv Revised March 24, 1982 2 a—muni6pal 6 et#eveRue—medel—to de#iRe GityrEIveRwe andeast Objective 2.2 Promote efficiency in the provision of public services and facilities. Strategies: 2.2.1 Conduct an annual review of user charges, development fees, and public facilities impact mitigation fees in accordance with AB 1600 to ensure that the charges are consistent with the costs of improvement and maintenance, and that public services and facilities are being expanded in a cost-efficient manner. Objective 2.3 Promote a balance of public and private provision of services and amenities to the community. Strategies: 2.3.1 Identify and pursue opportunities for private provision of services and facilities within the City of Diamond Bar, including joint public/private efforts. 2.3.2 Explore joint or cooperative use of facilities owned or constructed by other public agencies. Potential locations include, but are not limited to, the Pomona Unified School District high school site in the Tres Hermanos area; Site "D" owned by the Walnut Valley Unified School District off of Diamond Bar Boulevard east of the 57 Freeway; South Pointe Middle School; and the Walnut Valley Unified School District schoolloffice site on Lemon Avenue just north of the 60 Freeway.'* Added from gosis and objectives approved by GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES Revised March 24, 1992 IV -8 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR Plan for Physical Mobility prepared for City of Diamond Bar M DKS Associates March 20, 1992 n DOCS Associates 2700 North Main Street, Suite 900 i Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: (714) 543-9601 io Fax: (714) 648-0402 A March 24, 1992 .YF. Mr. Jim DeStefano Director of Planning City of Diamond Bar .r 21660 East Copley Drive, Suite 100 Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4177 Subject: City of Diamond Bar Circulation Element 1,9100 Dear Jim: DKS Associates is pleased to submit this revised version of the Circulation Element. Prior to. 'this submittal, the most current version of the Circulation Element and the starting point for the present revised plan, was dated August 28, 1991. This submittal includes revisions based on comments received from the General Plan Advisory Committee during their series of workshops last fall. Some additional information has been incorporated for overall completeness. In addition, comments related to technical content such as roadway capacity values and intersection analysis methodology received from the Traffic and _ Transportation Commission have also been addressed. Finally, the entire document has been retitled "Plan for Physical Mobility" and reformatted to more closely resemble the other elements of the General Plan. If you have any questions or require additional information or copies, please do not hesitate to rz call. Sincerely, =' DKS Associates Catherine Higley Director of Operations CLH_kk enclosures 33699291009x0.1et V. PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOB IT) ri A. Introduction 3 -M1 The purpose of the Diamond Bar Pian for Physical Mobility is to evaluate. the transpor ation needs of the City and present a comprehensive transportation plan to accommodate those r eels. Located at the convergence of Route 57 and Route 60, at Los Angeles County's border with - San Bernardino and Orange Counties, Diamond Bar's traffic circulation has been signifi aptly impacted, in fact dominated, by regional traffic needs. The focus of this plan is the identification and evaluation of local circulation needs of the City of Diamond Bar, balancing those needs with regional demands and mandates. It has been developed to guide the orderly improvement of the circulation system within the City iri a manner which will protect the quality of life which is Diamond Bar and in direct respo e to the City's Land Use Element. The overall intent the Circulation Element is to provide saf, and efficient movement between homes and jobs, stores, schools or parks within the City. I. GOVERNMENT CODE RELATING TO CIRCULATION PLANNING Under State planning law, each city must develop and adopt a comprehensive long-term geeral plan for the physical development of that city: The following is"' a mandatory require en relating to city transportation planning: Government Code Section 65302(b): A circulation element consisting of the general location and, extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation ro! ites, terminals, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan. This is the first circulation element prepared for the City of Diamond Bar. Although it is a new City, it is not a newly developing city, but rather one that is largely built out. Many stra egic decisions related to transportation facilities (e.g., locations of roadways) were made at the County level, prior to its incorporation. This circulation element provides the first opportunity to evaluate how best to utilize these facilities, from the perspective of the City of Diamondar, its residents, businesses, and other users of City services_ 2. CIRCULATION SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR The circulation system within and adjacent to the City includes the following; a) freeways for regional access b) streets and highways CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M O B I L I T Y Revised 3-19-92 33699. DBCi,cEL Chl I. 1 c) transit and paratransit services d) bicycle and equestrian trails e) railroad lines f) goods movement Each component of the circulation system is addressed in the circulation element, although the A emphasis is on the components relating to vehicular (and in particular, automobile) transportation. Five basic' steps were involved in developing the circulation element. The first step consisted of documenting existing conditions and assembling a factual data base. The second step involved the development and validation of a transportation model used to forecast future travel demand and travel patterns within the City and the surrounding area. Step three entailed identification of problems, opportunities and issues. The fourth step was the evaluation i of alternative improvement scenarios. The fifth and final step comprised the definition and refinement of the circulation element. The resulting document is organized into the following sections: 1. Introduction -2. goals, Objeetiws and Pelicies 2�2. Existing Conditions 'Well 53. Future Conditions 84. Goals, Obiectives and Implementation Programs] A technical; appendix supRorts this document and contains the details of analysis of existin and future conditions travel forecast model documentation the congestion management plan and other implementation progoms. 1 Reorganized to conform more closely to other elements of General Plan. z CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 A-2 33699.DBCircELCh1 B. Existing Conditions This section documents the circulation system infrastructure and its operating conditions 'thin the City of Diamond Bar as of late 1990/early 1991_ It also provides an evaluation of the adequacy of the system to accommodate existing travel demand. The components of the circulation system in' the City of Diamond Bar include the folio ' g= • Streets and Highways • Transit Service • Railroads • Bicycle and Equestrian Facilities • Aviation • Goods Movement The basic components of the Diamond Bar circulation system are described below. L MAJOR STREET CHARACTERISTICS Functional Classification The two -major considerations in classifying the City's street network functionally are a s to - adjacent properties and movement of persons and goods into and through the City. City streets are classified by the relative importance of these two functions assigned to them. The classification of streets is essentially a determination of the degree to which access functions are to be emphasized at the cost of the efficiency of movement or discouraged to improve the movement function. The design and operation of each street, therefore, depends upon the importance placed on each of these functions. For example, streets designed to carry arge volumes of vehicles into and through the City have more lanes, higher speed limits, and wer driveways, while residential streets have fewer lanes, lower speed limits, and more drivewa s to provide access to fronting properties. The functional classification system allows the residents and elected officials to identify preferred characteristics of each street. If observed characteristics of any street change from the functional classification, then actions can be taken to return the street to its originally intended use or to change the designated classification. For example, if traffic volumes and speeds on a residential street exceed expected levels, then measures can be implemented which are designed to lower traffic volumes and reduce speeds. Under the Circulation EIement of the County of Los Angeles, roadways within Diamond Bar were categorized into four functional classification types: • Freeways • Arterial Streets CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircEkCh2 IB -1 • Collector Streets and Local Residential • Streets Figure 2-1 displays the City's existing freeway and arterial networks. The following section describes the geometric and operational characteristics defined for freeways, arterial streets, collector streets and local residential streets in the City. The descriptions are generally grouped by facility type and include the number of Ianes, curb -to - curb pavement width, presence of on -street parking, median, bike lanes or truck restrictions, and average daily traffic volume. Freeways generally provide inter -regional access. Their primary function is to move vehicles through the City, thus, there is not access to adjacent land, and limited access to arterial streets. Freeways contain anywhere from 4 to 12 lanes with recommended design volumes from 65,000 to 205,000 depending on geometric designs which permit high travel speeds. Arterial streets are generally the commercial arteries. They carry the majority of traffic entering or traveling through the City. A major arterial would contain either four or six laces of through traffic, plus left -turn lanes. Minor arterials serve the same function as major arterials, but have four lanes of through traffic and may or may not have separate left -turn lanes. Recommended design volumes on arterials range from 30,000 to 60,000 depending on number of lanes and left - turn movements. Arterials -serve two primary functions:. to move vehicles into and through -the City, and -to serve adjacent commercial land uses. Driveways and other curb cuts along arterials are generally limited to minimize disruption to traffic flow. Collector streets are intended to carry traffic between residential neighborhoods and the arterial street network. They are generally two and four -lane roadways which have a mixture of residential and commercial land uses along them. Average daily traffic volumes on collector streets are generally between 10,000 and 20,000. Higher density residential land uses or side yards of single-family homes may be located adjacent to collector streets. Higher traffic volumes may be acceptable on certain collector streets such as those with fronting commercial development or extra wide cross sections. Local residential streets are designed to serve adjacent residential land uses only. They allow access to residential driveways and often provide parking for the neighborhood. They are not intended to serve through traffic traveling from one street to another, but solely local traffic. Traffic volumes on a residential street should not exceed about 2,500 vehicles per day and 200- 300 vehicles per hour. The maximum residential traffic volume which is acceptable to persons living along a street may vary from one street to another depending upon roadway width, type of dwelling units (i.e., high density apartments versus single-family homes), presence of schools and other factors. The maximum volume of 2,500 is, therefore, to be used as a guide only_ CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-I9-92 33699.DBCircELCh2 B-2 a DKS Associates NOT TO SCALE LEGEND �v FREEWAY - ~ - - -- �+•� MAJOR ARTERIA!. MINOR ARTERIAL COLLECTOR Figur 2-1 DIAMOND AR EXISTING ROADWAY SY M Local residential streets include those streets predominantly residential in terms of adjacent property use, and are intended to retain a residential character. FREEWAYS Physical characteristics and operating conditions of the two freeways running through the City of Diamond Bar are described in the following paragraphs. Orange Freeway (State Route 57) - The Orange Freeway is controlled and operated by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). In addition to carrying traffic generated by Diamond Bar, the corridor serves as the principal north -south route connecting most of Orange County to the south of Diamond Bar with Interstate 10 and the eastern Los Angeles - western San Bernardino County areas to the north. The Orange Freeway and the Pomona Freeway combine into one freeway for approximately one mile along the City's northwestern city limit. Grade -separated interchanges within the City of Diamond Bar include Diamond Bar Boulevard/Brea Canyon Cut-off Road, Pathfinder Road, the Pomona Freeway, Grand Avenue, and Sunset Crossing. Lane configuration varies from three to five lanes in each direction, with six lanes total at its joining with the Pomona Freeway. Pomona Freeway (State Route 60) - The Pomona Freeway is also controlled and operated by Caltrans_ It is the principal east -west facility through Diamond Bar operating within the northern section of the city. The Pomona Freeway, along with Interstate 10, is a principle route connecting downtown Los Angeles to Riverside and San Bernardino counties. 'Interchanges within the City of Diamond Bar include Brea Canyon Road, Grand Avenue, and Diamond Bar Boulevard. Access to Chino Hills Parkway in the far eastern section of Diamond Bar is possible via the Phillips Ranch Road interchange just north of the Diamond Bar/Pomona city boundary. The Pomona Freeway consists of four lanes each direction as it enters Diamond Bar from the west, increasing to six lanes each direction as it combines with the Orange Freeway. After it diverges from the Orange Freeway, it decreases to four lanes for approximately 1/4 mile, then decreases to three lanes as it enters Pomona. ARTERIAL STREETS Physical characteristics and operating conditions of the 12 arterial facilities within the City are described in the following paragraphs. Diamond Bar Boulevard - Diamond Bar Boulevard is a four -lane major arterial of varying width which originates in south Diamond Bar at the Orange Freeway, and exits Diamond Bar in the north at Temple Road where it continues into Pomona as Mission Boulevard. The roadway generally follows a northeast -southwest direction as it cuts through central Diamond Bar. Diamond Bar Boulevard acts as an extension of Brea Canyon Cut-off Road, drastically changing the general direction of the roadway as it curves beneath the Orange Freeway from a northwest - southeast route west of the freeway. It has an 84 -foot curb--to-curb width and a 14 -foot median between the Orange Freeway and Fountain Springs Road, widening to 100 feet with a 20 -foot CITY O F DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircELCh2 B-4 median between Fountain Springs Road and Clear Creek Canyon. The roadway has a width of 84 feet between Clear Creek Canyon Road and Steep Canyon Road, 96 feet from Steep Canyon Road to the south Pomona Freeway ramp, and 84 feet from the Pomona Freeway to Temple Road with a 14 -foot median throughout. Wide class R bike lanes, which are painted and signed, exist along the curb lanes throughout the entire length of the roadway. Par 'ng is prohibited throughout its length except for some restricted parking adjacent to the northDound approach to Grand Avenue. The section of roadway between Golden Springs Drive aid the north Orange Freeway ramp is designated a truck route to permit truck traffic between the Orange and Pomona freeways. Average Daily Trak (ADT) volumes along Diamonp Bar Boulevard range from 17,400 to 32,800, with the heaviest congestion between Pathfinder Road and Sunset Crossing Road with ADT volumes over 24,400 Brea Canyon Cut-off Road - Brea Canyon Cut-off Road is a two-lane northwest -southeast minor arterial in southwest Diamond Bar. It runs from the western Diamond Bar city limits to the southernmost Orange Freeway interchange within the City. The roadway becomes Diamond Bar Boulevard as it extends east of the interchange. Its width varies from 40 feet at its entrance into the city to 84 feet at the Orange Freeway. Parking is unrestricted through; ut its length. The ADT along Brea Canyon Cut-off Road is approximately 10,500 vehicles pe day. Colima Road - Colima Road is a four -lane major arterial running east -west from Diamond Bar's westernmost limits to Brea Canyon Road, where it continues east as Golden Springs rive. It has a curb -to -curb width of 84 feet with a painted two-way left -turn lane, except for a s tion between Lemon Avenue and the east Pomona Freeway ramp where it narrows to a with of 74 feet. The segment of roadway between _Lemon Avenue and Brea Canyon Roa _is _.a designated truck route. Parking along Colima Road is prohibited east of Lemon A nue. Average daily traffic volumes along Colima Road range from. 17,700 at the City's western imits to 29,200 in the section of roadway between the eastbound SR -60 ramp and Brea Canyon P oad. Golden Springs Drive - Golden Springs Drive is a four -lane minor arterial which origina es w an extension of Colima Road at Brea Canyon Road, and terminates at the Temple Road/Avenida Rancheros intersection along Diamond Bar's northern city limits. It is in ball; an east -west route with a painted median and a curb -to -curb width of 84 feet narrowing o 64 feet near the Orange Freeway overpass where the roadway turns towards the northeast. The roadway widens to 78 feet through the Gateway Center Drive/Copley Drive corridor wi h an intermittent north side shoulder and a 20 -foot raised median. It has a consistent width of 64 feet from Copley Drive to Temple Avenge with a painted median. Parking is prohibited ouch of Ballena Road except near Brea Canyon Road. Parking is permitted in the residential area north of Ballena Road with the exception of the southbound lanes between Ballena Roac and Sunset Crossing Road. ADT volumes along Golden Springs Drive range from 16,400 to 2 ,700 between Brea Canyon Road and Ballena Road, with. lower volumes north of Ballena Rod of approximately 10,500 vehicles per day. Striped Class H bike lanes exist south of Diamon Bar Boulevard, with an unstriped Class III bike route on both sides of the roadway nortof Diamond Bar Boulevard. Grand Avenue - Grand Avenue is a four -lane major arterial with a 13 -foot median and aurb- to-curb width of 84 feet throughout its length. It originates at the Orange/Pomona Fr way CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M O B I L I T Y Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCi-cELCh2 B-5 interchange at Diamond Bar's northwestern boundary with the City of Industry, and foIlows a southeast -northwest route through central Diamond Bar. Grand Avenue curves towards the east as it continues into San Bernardino County. Current construction will extend Grand Avenue from the Orange/Pomona Freeway interchange northwest through the City of Industry, where the roadway will ultimately connect with the currently detached section of Grand Avenue in the City of Walnut. Parking is prohibited (although currently unsigned) along Grand Avenue's 'i Grand Avenue into the developing areas of Chino entire length. Due to the recent opening of Hills in San Bernardino County, volumes are still increasing as drivers change their travel patterns. Recent ADT counts range from 27,400 near SR-57/SR-60 to 16,600 as the roadway enters San Bernardino County. Pathfinder Road - Pathfinder Road runs east -west from the City's western limits to Diamond Bar Boulevard. West of Fernhollow Drive, it is a minor arterial of varying width with a painted median. It is two lanes each direction with a curb -to -curb width of 65 feet from the city limit to Brea Canyon Road west of the Orange Freeway. Very low ADT volumes of approximately 4,300 are found along this segment of Pathfinder Road. Between the two disjointed sections of Brea Canyon Road which straddle the Orange Freeway, the width varies from a two-lane roadway 42 feet wide at the western leg of Brea Canyon Road, to an 86 -foot roadway consisting of one westbound lane and two eastbound lanes at the Brea Canyon Road-Fernhollow Drive intersection to the east at Fernhollow Drive. Parking is prohibited east of Fernhollow Drive except for restricted angled parking along the south side of Pathfinder between Fernhollow Drive and the north Orange Freeway ramp- ADT volumes within the two segments of Brea Canyon Road range from 14,600 to 20,200. East of Fernhollow Drive, Pathfinder Road is a four -lane major arterial with a painted median and a curb -to -curb width of 86 feet. Parallel parking is unrestricted east of Fernhollow Drive except adjacent to westbound Pathfinder Road west of Evergreen Springs where parking is prohibited from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM schooldays. Average daily traffic volumes east of Brea Canyon Road-Fernhollow Drive are approximately 13,000 vehicles. Brea Canyon Road - Brea Canyon Road is a minor arterial which parallels the Orange Freeway as it enters the City of Diamond Bar from the south, and continues north through Diamond Bar into the City of Industry- The roadway is divided into two separate sections which straddle the Orange Freeway and intersect Pathfinder Road from apposing directions on either side. The section of roadway east of the Orange Freeway and south of Pathfinder Road is a minor arterial of varying width. It is two lanes with a width of 30 feet an an east side shoulder from its southern entrance into the City to Copper Canyon Road, widening to four lanes with a width of 64 fcct and a west side shoulder between Copper Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard. The roadway narrows to two lanes with a width of 38 feet and a west side shoulder south of Cool Springs Drive, and 30 feet with an east side shoulder between Cool Springs Drive and Fountain Springs Road. It widens to 64 feet between Fountain Springs Road and Pathfinder Road. Parking is not permitted south of Pathfinder Road except for unrestricted parking just north of Diamond Bar Boulevard, and south of Pathfinder adjacent to the high school where parking is restricted on both sides. Traffic volumes south of Pathfinder Road average between 4,400 and 8,000 vehicles per day. ,r CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DECircELCM B-6 S =` On the west side of the Orange Freeway, Brea Canyon Road continues north of Pat der Road to Colima Road as two-lane minor arterial with a curb -to -curb width of 36 feet. Its width varies between 52 feet and 72 feet between Via Sorella Road and Gemdale Street wit i northbound lane, two southbound lanes, and a painted median. Between Gemdale Stre one t and Colima Road its width varies between 72 feet and 84 feet with two lanes each direction. Parking is prohibited along the entire length between Pathfinder Road and Colima Road. ADT volumes range from 10,100 at Pathfinder Road to 15,500 just south of Colima Road. North of Colima Road, Brea Canyon Road becomes a four -lane major arterial with a wi th of 84 feet and a painted median. It is a designated truck route with parking restricted only between Lycoming Street and the northern city Iimits on the streets west side. North of lima Road, ADT volumes along Brea Canyon. Road range from 20,500 to 32,700. Sunset Crossing - Sunset Crossing is primarily an east -west wlIector road running from G Iden Springs Drive to the City's western limits, but provides access to truck and heavy veb cular traffic between the southbound Orange Freeway ramp and Diamond Bar Boulevard. This section is classified as a minor arterial consisting of a four-Iane undivided roadwaywith a urb- to-curb width of 64 feet, and continues west as a minor arterial to Big FallsDrive wh re it reduces to a residential street. It terminates as a cul-de-sac west of Big Falls Drive. Pa king is prohibited within the section between the Orange Freeway ramp and Diamond Bar Boulevard. The ADT volume along the section of Sunset Crossing Road west of the Orange Freeway r mps is 5,800 vehicles_ Lemon Avenue - Lemon Avenue is a north -south four -lane major arterial which extends outh into the City of Diamond Bar from the City of Industry to Colima Road, where it continues k- south reducing to a residential street. It has a curb -to -curb width of 84 feet with a 1 foot raised median. Parking is unrestricted except along the east side of the roadway south of - Lycoming Road_ Lemon Avenue is a designated truck route allowing commercial traff c to access the Pomona Freeway from the heavy industrial areas to the north. Average ti affic volumes are approximately 12,100 vehicles per day. Walnut Drive - Walnut Drive is a four -lane minor arterial which extends west from L Avenue into the City of Industry. It is a designated truck route with parking prohibited - its entire length. The roadway has a curb -to -curb width of 48 feet, with ,ADT volumes of vehicles. Chino Hills Parkway - Chino Hills Parkway is a four -lane major arterial which runs n south in the easternmost section of the City of Diamond Bar. The roadway extends north the City of Pomona where it becomes Phillips Ranch Road, with access to the Pomona Fre just north of the city limits. To the south, Chino Hills Parkway extends into San Bernal County- The roadway has a curb -to -curb width of 84 feet, and parking is unrestricted. Cu: ADT counts of 8,100 vehicles should be expected to increase significantly due to signilr development within the immediate area. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILIT Y Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircEL Ch2 6-7 Chino Avenue -Chino Avenue is a two-lane minor arterial which extends into San Bernardino County approximately 114 -mile east of Chino Hills Parkway. It has a curb -to -curb width of 64 feet, with unrestricted parking. Traffic volumes along Chino Avenue are currently 4,500 vehicles per day. COLLECTOR STREETS Streets within the City of Diamond Bar which have been designated as collector streets are listed below. Streets have been divided into five zones and two groups consisting of major collectors and minor collectors. F Zone I (West of the Orange freeway, South of Industry) �- Major Collectors: Washington Street Lycoming Street Lemon Avenue (south of Colima Road) s Minor Collectors: Gerndale Street _ '= Glenbrook Drive 1 Flintgate Drive Calbourne Drive Willow Bud Drive Peaceful Hills Road Shaded Wood Drive Canyon. Ridge Road . _y Fallowhead Court Zone 2 (East of the Orange freeway, West of Diamond Bar Boulevard, and South of Grand 4. Avenue) Ma'or Collectors: Gateway Center Drive Copley Drive -=- Valley Vista Drive Bridge Gate Drive Montefino Avenue nn Mountain Laurel )&"ay Maple Hill Road Kiowa Crest Drive Morning Canyon Road Evergreen Springs Drive Fountain Springs Road Cold Springs Lane CITY OF DIAMOND BAIL PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699DBCircELCh2 B-8 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M Revised 3-19-92 O B I L I T Y 33699.DBCircELCh2 Minor Collectors: Birdseye Drive Acacia Hill Road Silver Hawk Drive k Santaquin Drive -1 y FernholIow Drive Castlerock Road CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M Revised 3-19-92 O B I L I T Y 33699.DBCircELCh2 Zone 3 (East of Diamond Bar Boulevard, South of Grand Avenue) Ma'or Collectors: Derringer Lane Ridge Line Road r; r Minor Collectors: Quail Summit Drive Rolling Knoll Drive Steeplechase Lane Shadow Canyon Drive N-4 Zone 4 (South of the Pomona Freeway and North of Grand Avenue) Major Collectors: f' 1� Golden Prados Drive _ Gold Rush Drive Aramitos Place }-= tY Leyland Drive w� Summitridge Drive Longview Drive :: �•s Minor Collectors: Palomino Drive r'=h: Ballena Drive Carpio Drive Great Bend Drive Cove Place =� Highcrest Drive Steep Canyon Road Clear Creek Canyon Drive Cleghorn Drive CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M Revised 3-19-92 O B I L I T Y 33699.DBCircELCh2 Zone S (North of the Pomona Freeway, East of Industry) Major Collectors: Sunset Crossing Road (east of Diamond Bar Boulevard) Prospectors Road Minor Collectors: Highland Valley Road High Knob Road Del Sol Lane Decorah Road Sylvan Glen LOCAL STREETS All streets in the City of Diamond Bar not designated as freeways, arterials, or collectors are local streets. 2. ROADWAY SEGMENT CHARACTERISTICS TQo��r A summaryizes of the existing roadway characteristics including number of _lanes. osted speed, parld"restrictionspresence of sidewalks bike lanes etc., for all freeways, arterials and selected collector streets, within the City is contained in the appendix to this document'- Characteristics are for both directions of roadway unless otherwise noted. Roadway traffic operation is generally evaluated by the ratio of existing daily traffic volumes to the daily roadway capacity. Capacity is measured in terms of the ability of the street system to meet and serve the demands placed on it. It is generally considered the most practical measure of how well the mobility needs of the City are being met. Average daily capacity is the theoretical maximum number of vehicles that can pass over a segment of roadway in 24 hours. The capacity of a roadway is affected by a number of factors including roadway type, street and lane widths, the number of travel lanes, the number of crossing roadways, signal cycle length, the absence or presence of on -street parking, the number of driveways, pavement conditions and roadway design. Level of service C volumes are used to define the maximum desirable volumes as the evaluation criteria for this study. Table 3-2 2-11 presents the maximum desirable service volumes of various roadway configurations for different levels of service_ Reorganized to conform more closely to other elements of General Plan. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircELCh2 B-10 4 k3 Table X3 2-1 Daily Roadway Capacity Values TYpe_of Roadway 6 Janes Divided 4 Lanes Divided 4 Lanes (Undivided) 2 Lanes (Undivided) Local Road Maximum Average Daily Volumes by Level of Service A B C D E 33,900 39,400 45,000 50,600 56,300 22,500 26,300 30,000 33,800 37,500 25,000 17,500 20,000 22,500 25,000 7,500 8,800 10,000 11,300 12,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 Table 3 222 lists a)dsting average daily volumes and volume -to -capacity ratios along We -rials while Figure 33 2_2 displays these daily traffic volumes graphically. Most values sho are based either upon single day counts or an average. of multiple daily counts fortypical. days? _ generally accepted to be Tuesday through Thursday with traffic unaffected by holidays, inclement weather, or other impediments to normal traffic conditions. Average daily volumes obt fined prior to 1990 have been modified by an annual growth factor of 2%. 3. INTERSECTION OPERATING CONDITIONS Operating conditions have been analyzed at 31 key signalized intersections and 1hree unsignalized intersections. Traffic volumes for each intersection were collected on a typical weekday during AM and PM peak traffic periods. Morning peak hour counts were taken between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and evening peak hour counts were taken between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Signalized Intersections 'i The measured volume was then compared to estimate capacity to determine the volume -to - capacity (V/C) ratio. Based on the volume -to -capacity ratio, each intersection is describel by a level of service (LOS). ". CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN Revised 3-19-92 FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY 33699.DBCircELCh2-11 Table 2-2 City of Diamond Bair Arterials Average Daily Traffic and Volume -to -Capacity Ratios w/o Calbourne Drive Daily 17,700 Volume -to Location Capacity (a) Volume 19,800 Capacity Ratio Diamond Bar Boulevard: elo Lemon Avenue 30,000 19,900 ` elo Brea Canyon Road 30,000 17,400 22,100 0.58 s/o Fountain Springs Road 30,000 20,700 (b) 0.69 s/o Pathfinder Road 30,000 27,000 (b) 0.90 n/o Pathfinder Road 30,000 28,200 19,300 0.94 s/o Grand Avenue 30,000 31,000 18,000 1.03 No Grand Avenue 30,000 24,400 19,700 0.81 n/o Steep Canyon Road 30,000 25,000 (b) 0.83 s/o Golden Springs Drive 30,000 29,300 16,500 0.98 n/o Golden Springs Drive 30,000 32,800 16,600 1.09 slo Sunset Crossing Road 30,000 31,300 16,400 1.04 No Highland Valley Road 30,000 18,600 (b) --0.62 . slo To Avenue 30,000 16,700 10,600 0.56 Colima Road: w/o Calbourne Drive 30,000 17,700 0.59 w/o Lemon. Avenue 30,000 19,800 0.66 elo Lemon Avenue 30,000 19,900 ` 0.66 w/o Pomona Freeway 30,000 22,100 0.74 w/o Brea Canyon Road 30,000 29,200 0.97 Golden Springs Road: elo Brea Canyon Road 30,000 19,300 0.64 w/o Copley Drive 30,000 18,000 (b) 0.60 w/o Grand Avenue 30,000 19,700 0.66 e/o Grand Avenue 30,000 20,700 0.69 w/o Prospectors Road 20,000 16,500 (b) 0.83 w/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 20,000 16,600 (b) 0.83 e/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 20,000 16,400 (b) 0.82 w/o Sunset Crossing Road 20,000 10,400 (b) 0.52 slo Temple Avenue 20,000 10,600 0.53 Grand Avenue: w/o Golden Springs Drive 30,000 27,400 0.91 (a) Capacity represents level of service C traffic flow conditions. (b) 1989 count adjusted by 2% growth factor. 33699.Table2-2 M Table 2-2 City of Diamond Bar Arterials Average Daily Traffic and Volume -to -Capacity Ratios c/o Golden Springs Drive 30,00( w/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 30,000 c/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 30,000 c/o Longview 30,OOa Pathfinder Road: RIO Pathfinder Road W/o Peaceful Hills Road 30,000 w/o Orange Freeway (SB) 000 e/o Orange Freeway (NB) 30000 W/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 30,000 Brea Canyon Road: 30,000 Daily (a) Volume 24,700 23,600 19,700 16,600 4,300 14,600 20,200 13,000 s/o Suver Bullet Drwe 10,000 000 n/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 10,400 4,400 s/o Pathfmder Road 10,000 7,600 RIO Pathfinder Road 10,000 10,100 n/o Via 5orella 25,000 10,200 s/o Colima Road 30,000 15,500 (b) n/o Colima Road 30,000 28,300 (b) RIO Pomona Freeway 30,000 32,700 (b) n/o Lycoming Street 30,000 26,500 n/o Washington Street 30,000 20,500 Brea Canyon Cut -Off Road: s/o Pathfinder Road 10,000 Sunset Crossing Road: W/o Orange Freeway 20,000 Lemon Avenue: RIO, CoIima Road 30,000 Walnut Drive: w/o Lemon Avenue 20,000 (a) Capacity represents level of service C traffic flow conditions (b) 1989 count adjusted by 2% growth factor. 33699.Table2 2 10,500 Volume -to 'apacity Ratio 0.82 0.79 0.66 0.55 0.14 0.58 0.67 0.43 0.80 ...... 0.44 0.76 1.01 0.41 0.52 0.94 1.09 0.88 0.68 1.05 5,800 (b) 0.29 12,100 0.40 5,200 0.26 Table 2-2 City of Diamond Bar Arterials Averap-e Dailv Traffic and Volume—to—Capacity Ratios Daily (a) volume Chino Hills Parkway: No Chino Avenue .-30,000 8,100 Chino Avenue: elo Chino Hills Parkway 10,000 4,500 (a) Capacity represents level of service C traffic flow conditions. (b) 1989 count adjusted by 2% growth factor. 33699.Tablc2-2 Volume -to !avaeity Ratio 0.27 0.45 DISCS Associates DIAMOND BAR 0 a I U a J��° 2a2Qa I t V I t 30, 000 - -- \� 20.000 F EXISTING DAILY TRAFFIC 2-2 The Intersection Capacity Utilization (ICU) was the methodology used to determine operating levels of service at signalized intersections. Level of service values were assumed, as shown in Table 3-4 223. Within urban areas, LOS D is typically assumed to be the maximum acceptable LOS during peak hour traffic. At LOS E, congestion begins to occur in quantities and for durations beyond acceptable limits. Although it is theoretically impossible to observe LOS F, it serves to indicate that the travel demand for the intersection exceeds the capacity. Without mitigation measures to increase the capacity of the intersection during LOS E and LOS F, congestion will occur during the peak hour. The duration of the congestion is dependent upon many operational considerations which can be evaluated during the actual operation of the intersection. Hourly lane capacities of 1,600 vehicles per lane per hour were assumed with 0.10 additional increment for yellow or loss time. This is consistent with the most recent recommendations included in the Los Angeles County Congestion Management Plan.. Table 34 224 displays the results of the level of service analysis for the 33 signalized intersections for both AM and PM peak traffic periods. Figure 34 2-3 displays these signalized intersections, in addition to AM and PM peak LOS for those intersections with deficient levels of service. During the AM peals period, five signalized intersections in the City operate at level of service E or F and experience very poor operating conditions and significant delay. The intersections at level of service E or F are: • Diamond Bar BoulevardBrea Canyon Road • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Mountain Laurel Way • Pathfinder Road/SB SR -57 ramps The remaining 31 signalized intersections arc currently operating at levels of service A through D during the morning peak periods which indicate acceptable operating conditions. During the PM peak period, eight signalized intersections experience level of service E or F. Those intersections which experience significant delay are: • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Pathfinder Road • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Mountain Laurel Way • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Grand Avenue • Diamond Bar Boulevard/Temple Avenue • Golden Springs Road/Grand Avenue • Brea Canyon Road/WB SR -60 ramps Acceptable levels of service exist at the remaining 30 signalized intersections during PM peak periods. CITY o f DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircELCh2 B-16 RA' Table 3-4 2-3 Level of Service Interpretation Source: Based on National Academy of Sciences, Hij,-hMay Capacity Manual 1965 and 1986. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699 DBCircEL Ch2 17 Volume -to Level of Capacity Service Descri tion Ratio A Excellent operation. All approaches to the intersection 0-.60 appear quite open, turning movements are easily made, and nearly 211 drivers find freedom of operation. B Very good operation. Many drivers begirt to feel .61-30 somewhat restricted within platoons of vehicles. This represents stable flow. An approach to an intersection may occasionally be fully utilized and traffic queues start to form. C Good operation. Occasionally drivers may have to .71-.80 wait more than 60 seconds, and back-ups may develop behind turning vehicles. Most drivers feel somewhat restricted. D Fair operation_ Cars are sometimes required to wait .81-.90 more than 60 seconds during short peaks. There are no long-standing traffic queues. This level is Mically_associated with design practice for peak erp _cods. E Poor operation. Some long-standing vehicular .91-1.00 queues develop on critical approaches to intersections. Delays may be up to several minutes. F Forced flow. Represents jammed conditions. Backups Over 1.00 from locations downstream or on the cross street may restrict or prevent movement of vehicles out of the intersection approach lanes; therefore, volumes carried are not predictable. Potential for stop and go type traffic flow. Source: Based on National Academy of Sciences, Hij,-hMay Capacity Manual 1965 and 1986. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699 DBCircEL Ch2 17 Table 2--4 AM and PM Peak Hour Level of Service at Signalized Intersections AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Volume -to- Level of Volume -to- Level of Intersection Capacity Service Capacity Service Diamond Bar Blvd./Brea Canyon Rd. 1.32 F 0.88 D Diamond Bar Blvd./Cold Springs Ln. 0.66 B 0.74 C Diamond Bar Blvd./Sugar Pine Place 0.61 B 0.69 B Diamond Bar Blvd./Pathfinder Rd. 0.78 C 0.95 E Diamond Bar Blvd./Mountain Laurel Way 0.94 E 0.94 E Diamond Bar Blvd./Grand Ave. 0.80 C 1.26 F Diamond Bar Blvd./Gold= Springs Dr. 0.46 A 0.73 C Diamond Bar Blvd,[Vons/K-mart Entrance 0.49 A 0.86 D Diamond Bar B1vd.IEB 60 Ramp 0.73 C 0.75 C Diamond Bar B1vd.1WB 60 Ramp 0.80 C 0.64 B Diamond Bar Blvd./Sunset Crossing Rd. 0.76 C 0.82 D Diamond Bar B1vd.IHighland Valley ltd. 0.43 A 0.54 A Diamond Bar B1vd.lTemple Ave. 0.90 D 0.97 E Colima Rd. /Lemon Ave. 0.59 A 0.72 C Colima Rd./EB 60 Ramp 0.66 B 0.73 C Golden Springs Dr./Colima Rd. & Brea Canyon Rd. 0.42 A 0.88 D Golden Springs Dr./Gateway Center Dr. 0.36 A 0.78 C Golden Springs Dr./Copley Dr. 0.39 A 0.64 B Golden Springs Dr./Grand Ave. 0.74 C 0.93 E Golden Springs Dr./Ballena Dr. 0.43 A 0.82 D Golden Springs Dr./Temple Ave. 0.63 B 0.63 B Grand Ave./EB 60 Ramp 0.58 A 0.75 C Grand Ave./Montefino Ave. 0.64 B 0.82 D Grand Ave./Summitridge Dr. 0.80 C 0.73 C Grand Ave./Longview Dr. 0.56 A 0.60 A Pathfinder Rd./SB 57 Ramp 1.24 F 0,76 C Pathfinder Rd./NB 57 Ramp 0.84 D 0.73 C Pathfinder Rd./Brea Canyon Rd. & Fern Hollow Dr. 0.52 A 0.85 D Pathfinder Rd./Evergreen Springs Dr. 0.50 A 0.60 A Brea Canyon Rd. fWB 60 Ramp 0.86 D 1.02 F Brea Canyon Rd./Lycoming St. 0.49 A 0.59 A Brea Canyon Rd.IWashington St. 0.50 A 0.60 A Chino Hills Pkwy./Chino Ave. .0.33 . A 0.28 A 33699.Table2-4.wkl L)KS Associates rz: NOT i HL E TO SCALE a7 A SUNSET . CR S €NG ao , , _ Y S 0 - go so _ ; A EV DiAM ND / BAR F E rI - � r 57 $ 9 O -F - / J i LEGEND O SIGNALIZED Q UNSIGNALIZED LOS DIAMOND BAR MAJOR INTERSECTION LOCA nONS AND DEFICIENT PEAK HOUR LEVELS OF SE IVICE Unsignalized intersections Three unsignalized intersections which exist at Orange Freeway ramps were also chosen for analysis. Both the northbound and southbound Orange Freeway ramps at the Diamond Bar Boulevard/Brea Canyon Cut-off Road are currently controlled by stop signs on the ramp approaches only. The southbound Orange Freeway ramp at Sunset Crossing Road is a "T' type intersection containing a stop sign. on all three approaches. Analysis of unsignalized intersections is conducted differently from signalized intersections due to different operating characteristics. At signalized locations, all approaches to the intersection are subject to delay by a red signal intersection. Delay at unsignalized 'intersections is dependent upon the approach, its requirement to stop, and the distribution of traffic between approaches. Minor Street Stop Controlled Intersections - For intersections where only the minor street is required to stop, only the minor street traffic and left turning traffic from the major street are subject to delay. The major street through movement is never forced to stop to accommodate traffic. A level of service is, therefore, calculated for the minor street traffic movements and the major street left turns only. Major street traffic is not constrained and measurement of a level Of service is not possible. The traffic performing constrained movements at such an intersection must wait for gaps in major street traffic before proceeding through the intersection. The level of service for any -traffic movement is based -on reserve, or unused, capacity of the lanes involved. - The 1985 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) procedure for unsignalized intersections was used to evaluate the operating conditions of stop controlled intersections. All Way Stop Controlled Intersections - The capacity of multi -way stop controlled intersections is a function of the number of approach lanes and of the departure headways of vehicles crossing from a sopped position. At capacity, operations are relatively predictable, with queues developing along each approach and vehicles discharging in a regular manner. The capacity is greatest when the demand volume is evenly split between the crossing facilities. A characteristic of intersections with a 50150 demand is that vehicle delay tends to be uniform, and because of the regular discharge pattern, is tolerated by most drivers. Lesser capacities and more variable distribution of delay occurs where demand is not as evenly split among the approaches. Although detailed level of service techniques for this type of intersection are not included in the Highway Capacity Manual, estimated capacities for various geometric configurations and traffic volume characteristics are presented. CITY of DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699 DBC'ircELCh2 B-20 Table 3-6 225 shows the results of capacity analysis for the three unsignalized studied. Figure 33 2=3 displays the locations of the unsignalized intersections which were anal d, in addition to AM and FM peak levels of service. 'Intersections with minor street stop ntrol displays the LOS for the movement found to have the lowest level of service. 4. EXISTING THROUGH TRAFFIC AND RESIDENTIAL INTRUSION Traffic on the streets of Diamond Bar consist of motorists who live, work and shop in the City of Diamond Bar plus motorists who are passing through the City but do not stop for any r ason- The alignment of the City's three most significant arterials, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Iima Road/Golden Springs Drive, and Grand Avenue results in large volumes of through traffic. Currently, during peak commute periods, congestion is heavy along SR -57 and S -60, particularly through the one -mile long section of freeway within Diamond Bar where R-57 merges with SR -60, and in the segment immediately east of SR -57 where the capacity of R-60 is reduced to three travel lanes in each direction. Congestion is particularly heavy during PM peak traffic. Diamond Bar Boulevard is an attractive alternative route, primarily di e to interchanges with the freeway at both the southern and northern sections of the City. Dia and Bar Boulevard intersects with the Orange Freeway south of the merger, and at the no here divergence of the Orange and Pomona freeways. In addition, it serves as a shortcut to traffic traveling to or from San Bernardino County via Grand.Avenue. These. factors result in a large intrusion of commutertraffic using Diamond Bar Boulevard to travel between areas to theuth of the City and jurisdictions north and east of Diamond Bar. Colima Road and Golden Springs Drive are also utilized as an alternative route for avoi iding the congested segment of combined freeway_ During AM peak traffic, the route is utilized by t affiic traveling west from SR -60 and southbound SR -57 towards the westbound SR -60 corridor west of the City of Diamond Bar. The Diamond Bar Boulevard exit is used to access Golden Springs Drive, with traffic continuing west on Colima Road eventually reentering westbound S -60 beyond the point of congestion. The same route is also used during PM peak traffic with traffic exiting eastbound SR -60 at either the Azusa Avenue, Fullerton Road, Nogales Street, or Erea Canyon Road exits, and entering either eastbound SR -60 or northbound SR -57 at Diamond Bar Boulevard. Grand Avenue is currently the only east -west route which directly serves the developing Hills area. Although SR -60 is accessible to the north, heavy congestion along the f makes Grand Avenue an attractive route for vehicular traffic traveling between the Di: Bar, Chino Hills, and Los Serxanos areas of San Bernardino County and areas west of Di; Bar along the SR -60 corridor towards Los Angeles and south of the City along the corridor towards Brea and northern. Orange County. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699. DBCircELCh2 I-2� b.1 I Table 2-5 AM and PM Peak Hour Level of Service at Unsignaaed intersections stop contsoAed intersection. 33699.Tabie2-5 AM Peak PM Peak Intersection Movement LOS LOS Sunset Crossing Rd.ISB 57 Ramp All Movements* E A Diamond Bar Blvd./SB 57 Ramps WB Diamond Bar Blvd. Left Turn F A SB 57 Off ramp Left Turn F E SB 57 Off ramp Through F D SB 57 Off ramp Right Turn, A A Diamond Bar Blvd.INB 57 Ramps EB Diamond Bar Blvd. Left Turn C A NB 57 Off -ramp Left Turn F F NB 57 Off -ramp Through F D NB 57 Off -ramp Right Turn A F stop contsoAed intersection. 33699.Tabie2-5 License Plate Survey To quantify the magnitude of through trips within the City of Diamond Bar, a license survey was conducted at seven principle locations (designated as stations A throu throughout the City. These locations were comprised of eight inbound and seven oui - stations which are described in Table 3-7 2=6. The survey was conducted over a typic day period during PM peak traffic periods. Due to high volumes, a sampling of the i license plates was recorded as they passed inbound/outbound survey stations. A computer was then performed comparing the license plates of vehicles entering the city at a par location with those noted at each outbound station. A match was then compared wi Previously determined travel time from inbound to outbound station. If a vehicle was entering the City at one point and exiting the City at another point within a specific fr of the accepted travel time, the trip was assumed to be a through trip. plate h G) two - the Due to the large number of survey stations and high traffic volumes, only a portion of the vehicles passing a survey station were noted. The sampling consisted of white cars, which typically comprise approximately 20%-25% of traffic. Total traffic volumes for the survey p riod were established for each survey station, in addition to roadway segments within the City which lie along one or more through trip routes using ADT count and PM peak intersection to ning movement count data. To account for white vehicles missed during the survey due to either high traffic volumes, vehicle queues, obscured or missing plates, or missing survey time increments, an expa factor was. derived to increase white vehicle volumes. obtained to.a theoretical volume of vehicles which would be expected to pass each survey station. For this survey, it was assn that white vehicles comprised 20% of the total traffic volume. This was verified through a day field observation prior to the survey. The total number of white vehicle matches for inbound/outbound pairing were then adjusted by the product of the inbound and outb, station expansion factors. This value was again increased by a multiple of five to convert I vehicle through trip volumes to total through trip volumes. Finally, through trip volume the two days were averaged to establish typical PM peak traffic through trips volumes. for License plate matching between inbound and outbound stations was performed by comp ter. In addition to exact matches, "near" matches were considered in which similar soup iing characters were replaced, consecutive characters were transposed, and single characters were dropped or ignored such that only three of the four characters were considered. Travel times corresponding to license plate matches were then compared with expected travel times measured during the first day of the survey for each inbound/outbound station pa' 'ng. License plate matches with travel times greater then ±8 minutes of the expected travel time were eliminated from consideration. Verifications of the remaining matches were made om original data. Matches were then weighted to address questions regarding the validity of rear 2 Wednesday, March 27, and Thursday, March 28, 1991, CITY OF; DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M O$ I L I T Y Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircELCh2 2-6 gh Trip Traffic License Plate Survey Locations STATION DIR LOCATION A-1 NB Brea Canyon Rd. No Diamond Bar Blvd. A-2 NB Diamond Bar Blvd. elo Brea Canyon Rd. A--3 SB Diamond Bar Blvd. elo Brea Canyon Rd. B-4 NB 57 Freeway off -ramp slo Pathfinder Rd. B-5 SB 57 Freeway on-ramp slo Pathfinder Rd. C-6 EB Colima Rd. elo Western City Limit C-7 WB Colima Rd. elo Western City Limit D -g EB EB 60 Freeway off -ramp No Colima Rd. D-9 NB Brea Canyon Rd. No Colima Rd. E-70 E8 " Grand Ave. e/o NB 57/BB 60 Freeway E-11 WB Grand Ave. e/o NB 57IEB 60 Freeway F-12 WB Grand Ave. wlo Longview Dr. F-13 EB Grand Ave. w/o Longview Dr. G-14 SB Diamond Bar Blvd. slo EB 60 Freeway G-15 NB Diamond Bar Blvd. slo EB 60 Freeway 33699.Table2-6.wkl s matches and matches with excessive travel times between stations. Matches were weigi ted so that an acceptable percentage of "possible" matches would be considered as true matches r true through trips. Through trips with an inbound/outbound station travel time more then ±4 minutes of that expected were analyzed and weighted differently then matches closer to expected travel times. All verified and unverified exact matches were considered if the travel time corresponding to the match was within the ±4 minutes of expected travel time range. It was assumed that only some vehicles with excessive travel times were legitimate through trips. Excessive travel times could be attributable to the incorrect noting of the time during either the survey itself or while transcribing cassette recorded data, unsynchronized surveyor watches, legitimate vehicle delay due to large traffic queues, or to vehicles actually stopping within the City. It was assumed that most vehicles actually stopping within the City to conduct business ould likely require more than 10 minutes, which was the maximum deviation from expected travel time that was considered. Thus, most of the additional time is likely due to timing errois and legitimate traffic delay. Two of three exact matches with excessive travel time were coni ered if Iicense plate matches were verified, while one-half were considered a match if only th first four characters were known to be exact. Only a portion of near matches and unverified exact matches were assumed to actually b the same vehicle passing both the inbound and outbound station. In addition, the more the matches travel time deviated from the expected travel time, the more likely were the chances thz t the vehicles were not the same. Either 25% or 67% ,of near matches were considered Z ctual through trips for travel times within the -E-4 minute range, with the percentage of m rhes considered dependant upon the characters in question and judgment regarding the liken ood of the near matches being an actual match. Only 159 of unverified near matches exceeding the ±4 minutes of expected travel time range were considered actual through trips. After establishing the number of through trips between each inbound/outbound station pair, through trip traffic percentages were calculated for each segment of roadway comprising all of the possible through trip routes which vehicles were most likely to have traveled in thch trip through the City. For roadway segments containing a survey station, the total number of through trips are based upon the summation of through trips for inbound/outbound station Oairs containing that station. Through trips percentages for internal arterial segments lying forig, multiple through trip routes were calculated by summing all of the through trips whose rUtes included the roadway segment under consideration. Results The three principal arterial routes within the City of Diamond Bar were found to have significant percentages of their total traffic volumes comprised of vehicles making through ps. Most of the through trips found along the PM peak flow direction travel lanes of Diamond Bar Boulevard, Colima Road/Golden Springs Drive, and Grand Avenue were observed exiting the City into San Bernardino County along Grand Avenue. CITY O F DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M O B I L I T Y Revised 3-19-92 7.1 33699.DBUrcELCh2 Through traffic traveling north along Diamond Bar Boulevard was assumed to have accessed the City in the south from either the North 57 Freeway, Brea Canyon Road, or Brea Canyon Cut -Off Road. Twenty two percent of the vehicles observed traveling along Diamond Baz Boulevard between Brea Canyon Road and Pathfinder Road were also observed exiting the City north into Pomona or east into San Bernardino County- Approximately two-thirds of this through trip traffic turned east onto Grand Avenue, while most of the remaining through trips continued north along Diamond Bar Boulevard towards Pomona via either Diamond Bar Boulevard or the Pomona Freeway. Additional traffic volumes and through trips are contributed to northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard from Pathfinder Road. Twenty percent of the total traffic along the route between Pathfinder Road and Grand Avenue were found to be making through trips, with 12% of total traffic continuing east into San Bernardino County along Grand Avenue and 6% continuing north on Diamond Bar Boulevard past the northernmost survey station. Due to the large percentage of through trips along northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard turning east onto Grand Avenue, smaller through trip percentages of total traffic are found north of Grand Avenue. Along this segment of roadway, 8% to 10% of the total traffic volumes were vehicles observed traveling from the City's southern limits north towards Pomona. Through trip traffic along eastbound Colima Road accounts for 15%-18% of the total traffic. Traffic was not observed entering the eastbound Pomona Freeway on-ramp located west of Brea Canyon Road, but 3% of eastbound traffic west of the Pomona Freeway ramps and 7% of traffic traveling east along the short segment of Colima Road east of the ramps was observed traveling north on Brea Canyon Road. Five to seven percent of traffic along eastbound Colima Road are destined for eastbound Grand Avenue and the Chino Hills area. Along northbound Golden Springs Drive between Brea Canyon Road and Grand Avenue; 8% of the total traffic volumes are through trip vehicles, with 6% of the vehicles continuing east onto Grand Avenue. Between Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, through traffic accounts for only 4% of northbound Golden Springs Drive traffic. A significant percentage of vehicles using Grand Avenue fail to stop anywhere within the City. During PM peak traffic, 22% of the vehicles exiting the Orange/Pomona Freeway and traveling eastbound on Grand Avenue towards Golden Springs Drive continue their trip east into San Bernardino County (with another 2% of through traffic traveling to other outbound stations). Between Golden Springs Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard, additional through trip traffic from Golden Springs Drive increase the through trip percentage along Grand to 23% of total traffic volumes. Grand Avenue east of Diamond Bar Boulevard is the arterial segment experiencing is the largest volumes of through trip traffic with the City. Additional through trips from Diamond Bar Boulevard traffic increases the through trip percentage traveling on eastbound Grand Avenue to 42% of total traffic. Approximately one-third of this through trip traffic was observed traveling along the entire length of Grand Avenue between the freeway and the City's western limits. Table 3-8 2-7 summarizes the total volumes, through trips, and through trip traffic percentages which were determined to have traveled along all of the arterial segments comprising the various through trip routes while Figure 3-4 2=4 displays these percentages graphically. Table 3-9 2- 8 summarizes the origin and destination of through trips along segments of arterials most significantly impacted by PM peak traffic. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN Fop, PHYSICAL MOBILI'T'Y Revised 3-19-92 B -2f 33699.D$CirCELCU Table 2-7 PM Peak Percentage of Through Trip Traffic Dir. Roadway Segment From/To 229 829 NB Diamond Bar Blvd. Brea Canyon Rd./Pathfinder Rd. SB Diamond Bar Blvd. Brea Canyon Rd./Pathfinder Rd. 977 Total 2,092 NB Diamond Bar Blvd. Pathfinder Rd./Grand Ave. SB Diamond. Bar Blvd. Pathfinder Rd./Grand Ave. 280 Total 1,925 NB Diamond Bar Blvd. Grand Ave./Golden Springs Dr. SB Diamond Bar Blvd. Grand Ave./Golden Springs Dr. 361 Total 2,577 NB Diamond Bar BIvd. Golden Springs DrJEB 60 Freeway SB Diamond Bar Blvd. Golden Springs Dr. /ED 60 Freeway 311 Total 1,237 EB Colima Rd. West City LimitIEB 60 Ramp WB Colima Rd. West City Limit/EB 60 Ramp 570 Total 1,766 EB Colima Rd. EB 60 Ramp/Brea Canyon Rd. WB Colima Rd. EB 60 Ramp/Brea Canyon Rd. 320 Total 1,171 EB Golden Springs Dr. Brea Canyon Rd./Grand Ave. WB Golden Springs Dr. Brea Canyon Rd./Grand Ave. 81 Total 990 NB Golden Springs Dr. Grand Ave./Diamond Bar Blvd. SB Golden Springs Dr. Grand Ave. /Diamond Bar Blvd. Total 33699.Table2-7 Through Volume Trips Through During During Trips 3,360 736 229 829 46 69 4,189 782 199. 4,950 977 20 9, 2,092 62 3 9 7,042 1,039 1591 2,670 280 109 1,925 113 6% 4,595... 393.. 950, 3,339 361 11% 2,577 204 8% 5,916 565 10% 2,107 311 15% 1,237 112 9% 3,344 423 13% 3,107 570 18% 1,766 g0 5% 4,873 650 13% 3,782 320 8% 1,171 135 12% 4,953 455 9% 2,286 81 4% 990 91 9 TV 3,276 172 5% �N Table 2-7 PM Peak Percentage of Through Trip Traffic 33699.Table2-7 Through Volume Trips Through During During Trips Dir. Roadway Segment From/To Survey Survey Percentage EB Grand Ave. 60/57 Freeway/Golden Springs Dr. 2,651 643 24% WB Grand Ave. 60/57 Freeway/Golden Springs Dr. 1,617 163 10% Total .4,268 806 19% EB Grand Ave. Golden Springs Dr./Diamond Bar Blvd. 3,486 803 23% WE Grand Ave. Golden Springs Dr./Diamond Bar Blvd. 1,660 131 8% Total 5,146 934 18% EB Grand Ave. Diamond Bar Blvd./San Bernardino Co.. 3,638 1,520 42%. WB Grand Ave. Diamond Bar Blvd./San Bernardino Co. 744 138 19% Total _ 4,382 1,658 38% EB Pathfinder Rd, SB 57 FreewayBrea Canyon Rd. 2,013 1 0% WB Pathfinder Rd. SB 57 Freeway/Brea Canyon Rd. 1,439 141 10% Total 3,452 142 4% EB Path -finder Rd. Brea Canyon Rd./Diamand Bar Blvd. 2,418 242 10% WB Pathfinder Rd. Brea Canyon Rd./Diamond Bar Bivd. 836 58 7% Total 3,254 300 990 NB Brea Canyon Rd. Diamond Bar Blvd./Pathfinder Rd. 663 44 7% NB Brea Canyon Rd. Colima Rd.lWB 60 Freeway 1,923 395 21% NB Brea Canyon Rd. Pathfinder Rd./Colima Rd. 1,149 115 10% SB Brea Canyon Rd. Pathfinder Rd./Colima Rd. 795 25 3% Total 1,944 140 7% 33699.Table2-7 DKS Associates ziFy T� I J.r NOT TO SCALE 57 SUNSET\ I ,CR SSINQ i ao u D-8 21r 04 s DIAMOND <<t C_7 G 1�a'' ` BAR A- F-12 C-611 ' /F--13 Ile PPTkiFIN�ER —� -q �. I I 57 2 , - I _ A-2 LEGEND It INBOUND STATION gla OUTBOUND STATION un PM PEAK .PERCENTAGE OF THROUGH TRIP €TRS !2-4 FFIC Table 2-8 PM Peak Direction Through Trip Traffic Composition for Significant Arterial Segments Through Through Through Trip 'Trip Trip Location Route Vehicles Percentage NB Diamond Bar Blvd_ Brea Canyon Rd. to Pathfinder Rd. A2 - F13 451 13 A2 - G15 221 7 Others 64 2 TOTAL 736 22 Pathfinder Rd. to Grand Ave. A2 - F13 .451 9 A2 - G15 221 4 B4 - F13 158 3 B4 - G15 49 1 Others .. 98 2 _. TOTAL 977 20 Grand Ave. to Golden Springs Dr. A2 - G15 221 8 B4 -G15 49 2 Others 10 C1 TOTAL 280 10 Golden Springs Dr. to EB 60 Freeway A2 - G15 221 7 B4 - G15 49 1 C6 - G15 45 1 D8 - G15 22 1 Others 24 1 TOTAL 361 11 33699.Table2-8.wk1 Table 2-8 PM Peak Direction Through Trip Traffic Composition for Significant Aa terial Segments 33699.Table2-8.wk1 Through Through Through Location Trip Trip Trip Route Vehicles Percentage EB Colima Rd West city limit to EB 60 Freeway C6 -- F13 145 7 C6 - D9 55 3 C6 -G15 45 2 C6 - Ell 35 2 Others 21 1 TOTAL 311 15 EB 60 Freeway to Brea Canyon Rd. D8 - D9 160 5 C6 -F13 145 5 D8 - Fla 66 2 C6 - D9. _ 65 2 _ C6 - G15 45 1 C6 - Ell 35 1 D8 -G15 22 1 Others 32 1 TOTAL 570 is EB Golden Springs Dr. Brea Canyon Rd. to Grand Ave. C6 - F13 145 4 D8 - P13 66 2 C6 - G15 45 1 C6 - Ell 35 1 D8 -- G15 22 1 Others 7 <1 TOTAL 320 8 Grand Ave. to Diamond Bar Blvd. C6 -- G15 45 2 D8 - G15 22 1 Others 14 1 TOTAL 81 4 33699.Table2-8.wk1 Table 2--8 PM Peak Direction Through Trip Traffic Composition for Significant Arterial Segments Location Through Trip Route Through Trip Vehicles Through Trip Percentage Grand Ave. NB 57/EB 60 Freeway to Golden Springs Dr_ • E10 - F13 583 22 Others 60 2 TOTAL 643 24 Golden Springs Dr. to Diamond Bar Blvd. E10 - F13 583 17 C6 -- F13 1.45 4 D8 - F13 66 2 Others 9 C1 TOTAL 803 23 Diamond Bar Blvd. to San Bernardino County E10 - F13 583 16 A2 - F13 451 12 B4 - F13 158 4 C6 -F13 145 4 G14 - F13 104 3 D8 - F13 66 2 Others 13 <1 TOTAL 1,520 42 33699.Table2-8.wkl Residential Neighborhood Intrusion Needs Identification - Besides heavy commuter and significant through traffic vol arterials within the City of Diamond Bar, problems of commuter traffic intrusion identified by residents on others streets in the City. along been Due to the extremely poor operating conditions and significant delay experienced at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand. Avenue during PM peals periods ( /C = 1.45, LOS = F), local and collector streets within residential areas adjacent to this inte ection are often utilized by commuter traffic to bypass the heavily congested intersection_ Montefino Avenue is frequently used by traffic traveling between eastbound Grand Avenue and southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard to avoid both the signal at Montefino Avenue and 3rand Avenue and heavy congestion at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard_ Commuter traffic - traveling between northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard and eastbound Grand Avenue ov rflows onto a series of residential streets to avoid the congested intersections resulting in unde irable through traffic volumes within the neighborhoods. Most of this vehicle intrusion is exper enced along Quail Summit Drive and Rolling Knoll Road, however, some vehicles turn righ onto Mountain Laurel Way further to the south and access Quail Summit Drive and Rolling Knoll Road via Silver Rain Drive and Meadow Glen Drive. Due to the lacy of a north -south arterial within the northeastern section of Diamond Bar, drivers often use a series of residential roadways, which together act as a collector system, to travel between the Chino.. Hills/eastern Diamond Bar areas adjacent to Grand Avenue, and northern Diamond Bar_ Traffic traveling between Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue can shortcut congested Diamond Bar arterials via a north -south system of collector roadways consisting of Carpio Drive (just south of the SR -60 overpass), Armitos Place, Leyland Drive, and either Summitridge Drive or Longview Drive which both intersect Grand Avenue near the City's border with San Bernardino County. An east -west collector system of roadways co 'sting of Gold Rush Drive, Cove Place, and Higbcrest Drive connects Diamond Bar Boulevard with the north -south collector system at Armitos Place/Leyland Avenue providing a bypass for traffic traveling between Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard. Travel on Diamond. Bar Boulevard between SR -60 and Golden Springs Drive maych oose Palomino Drive to avoid congestion on Diamond Bar Boulevard or potential delay at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive. Intrusion of through traffic into residential neighborhoods has caused several problems, incl ding speeding particularly in the vicinity Of schools, which need to be assessed and alleviated. Assessing Procedures - To develop a clear understanding of the neighborhood traffic problems within the City, a Geld study should be carried out for each case. The specific type of each field study will vary with the nature of the problem, but generally information about traffic volume and potential through traffic, speed and accidents 'are relevant. An engineering analysis should be perform for CITY OF D IAM OLID BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699 DBCircEZCh2 alternate solutions for each neighborhood traffic problem. It is important to include among the alternatives those suggested by community groups. Probable impacts of each alternative should be assessed, cost implications and effectiveness of each alternative are the primary criteria for evaluation. Other impact that should be assessed include: • effects on traffic volumes, time of day of travel, and traffic composition ' 0 effects on trip lengths and circuity Y^^ '% • effects on vehicle operations, including stops and starts • impacts resulting from changes in the above traffic and trip characteristics including fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, noise impacts, and traffic safety • impacts on neighborhood quality from the changes in the above characteristics In addition to the direct impacts on the affected neighborhood and traffic, neighborhood traffic R! control may have desirable or undesirable impacts on other streets or neighborhoods. yM A thorough and comprehensive report on the alternatives and their likely consequences together with a summary of citizen participation meetings should be prepared for presenting to the City Council. e An after study, should be performed to evaluate the in-place performance of each measure: The: y following measures are among options for neighborhood traffic control: -: 5. TRANSIT SERVICE Public bus transit service is provided to the City of Diamond Bar by the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD) and Foothill Transit. Two lines operate within the City. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircELCh2 B-34 9 Stop signs =� • Speed limit and speed zoning • Turn prohibition • One-way street designation <= 3 • Access restriction e Lane reduction • Choker installation • Traffic circles _- • Median barriers • Diverters T • Channelization r Cul-de-sacing • Speed humps ;3h o Raised intersections -: 5. TRANSIT SERVICE Public bus transit service is provided to the City of Diamond Bar by the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD) and Foothill Transit. Two lines operate within the City. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircELCh2 B-34 Both fixed route transit and paratransit service operate within the City of Diamond Bar. route transit services are typically bus lines which operate on regular schedules along route, stopping at predefined bus stops- Fixed route service can be either local (intrac regional (intercity). Paratransit services, more commonly referred to as Dial -a -Ride, are d: responsive services which provide rides to passengers upon an individual request basis. Alt they operate within a defined service area, they do not operate on fixed routes or schc Paratransit service typically serve transit dependent persons such as the elderly and handic, They often serve major destinations such as hospitals and medical facilities but may also passengers to local destinations such as neighborhood shopping centers. Fred Route Three fixed route transit lines serve the City of Diamond Bar. The Southern California Transit District (SCRTD) operates two bus fines within the City, routes 482 and 49 Foothill Transit operates route 495- All three of these transit routes are intercity routes originate and terminate outside of the Diamond Bar city limits, with the exception of rou which originates at a park-and-ride lot within the City. Fares for RTD lines 482 and 490 from $1.10 to $2.30 depending on origin and destination, and a flat rate of $2.25 is cl to users of Foothill line 495. Figure 3-5 225 displays these routes graphically. The fol: paragraphs describe the service provided by each line. Route 482 - Route 482 is an east/west intercity transit line which connects the Los Ai Central Business District with_Pomona. The route originates in Pomona and travels along Avenue, Valley Boulevard, and Temple Avenue before turtling south onto Diamonc Boulevard. It then services the City of Diamond Bar along Diamond Bar Boulevard to G Springs Drive where it continues west exiting the City along Colima Road. The line through the cities of Rowland Heights, Industry, Hacienda Heights, South El Monte, a; Monte prior to entering the busway along the San Bernardino Freeway where it continue downtown Los Angeles. In addition to a Park -and -Ride facility at Diamond Bar Boulevar the Pomona Freeway, the route serves an additional Park -and -Ride lot at the Lanterman Hospital near Highland Valley Road. Service hours within the City of Diamond Ba between approximately 5:45 AM and 11:30 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and bet approximately 5:45 AM and 8:30 PM on Sundays and holidays. During the week, the lin approximately 15 to 30 -minute headways during AM and PM peak hours, and one. headways during the day and evening. There are approximately one-hour headways durin weekends and holidays. Route 490 - Route 490 is also an intercity route which connects the cities of Fullerton and to the south of Diamond Bar, with the cities of Walnut, Covina, West. Covina, Baldwin El Monte, and the Los Angeles Central Business District. The line originates near Cal Fullerton, and continues north where it also serves the Brea Mall. It then travels alon Orange Freeway north into the City of Diamond Bar, exiting at Diamond Bar Boulevard. route operates within the City along the entire length of Diamond Bar Boulevard. It exit C I T Y OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCirr_ELCh2 Fixed a set .tvl or take and 495 Holt Bar Iden goes d El into and 'tate are Teen has lour the the the DKS Associates HTLJ-4UU FOOTHILL TRANSIT - 495 PARK & RIDE LOT t-igure z-5 EXISTING TRANSIT SERVICE ROUTES City in the north turning west along Temple Avenue where it services Cal State Poi echoic University and the Eastland Shopping Center before entering the West San Bernardino iFreeway - at Azusa Avenue. Route 490 also services the two Park -and -Ride lots at the Diamond Bar Boulevard/Pomona Freeway interchange and the Lanterman State Hospital. Access is p ovided to disabled persons on nearly all buses serving this route. Service hours within the City of Diamond Bar are between approximately 5:10 AM and 7:00 PM on weekdays, 6:50 AV and 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Sundays and holidays. Within t e City of Diamond Bar, the line operates with approximately one-hour headways both during theweek and on the weekends. Route 495 - Line 495 is an express route to downtown Los Angeles operated by the F othill Transit. It originates at the Diamond Bar Park -and -Ride facility at the Diamond BarR mona Freeway interchange. Service is limited to weekday commute with AM peak hour der arture from the Park -and -Ride lot between 5:10 AM and 7:50 AM, and PM peak hour dep rtures from downtown Los Angeles between 3:20 PM and 6:20 PM. Departures are at appro ' ately 10 -minute intervals, Paratransit Service Demand responsive transit service is provided to the City of Diamond Bar by the jointly sponsored Los An eles County and Ci of Diamond Bar Paratransit Service_ This Dal -A - Ride service provides transportation to handicapped persons and senior citizens within no only the City of Diamond Bar but portions of the surrounding area_ Transportation is limited t Los Angeles County, and generally operates south of Valley Boulevard and east of 7th Avenue,with service to medical facilities within the cities of Pomona, Walnut, Industry, and West Co a. It operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at a cost of 50 cents. 6. RAILROADS: PASSENGER RAIL There are currently no passenger rail facilities in operation within the City of Diamond Bar_ _. The nearest Amtrak facilities are located in Polnona and Fullerton. the Pomona AT itrak station, which serves the Southwest Chief line, is located at 2701 Geary Avenue a d is approximately nine miles north of Diamond Bar. The Fullerton Amtrak station, which s rues the San Diegans line, is Iocated at the corner of Sante Fe and Harbor Boulevard a d is approximately 13 miles to the south. 7. RAILROADS: FREIGHT RAIL The Union Pacific Railroad is the only freight rail line which serves the City of Diamond ar. The Iine Iies along the City's northwestern boundary with the City of Industry, and sery the industrial areas north of Walnut Drive and Lycoming Street, CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL ReMoB I L I T Y Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBcjmEL Ch2 -37 S. BICYCLE ROUTES There are three different classes of bikeways which are commonly recognized. A definition of each bikeway class is presented below: Class I Bikeway (Bike Path) - A completely separated right-of-way for the exclusive use of bicycles (and sometimes pedestrians). Cross-flow is minimized by limiting access to designated points. Class II Bikeway (Bike Lane) - Routes designated by separately striped lanes and signs along streets or highways. They provide restricted one-way travel for bicycles, although motor vehicles are sometimes permitted to use the bike lane to make turns and to park. Class III Bikeway (Bike Route) - Roadways in which the travel lanes are shared by motor vehicles and bicycles whose route is designated by. This type of bikeway does not provide cyclists with increased privileges, but rather, informs motorists of the cycling route. The City currently has two marked bikeways along both sides of the entire lengths of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive- Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive west of Diamond Bar Boulevard contain Class II bike. lanes. The width of the bike lanes vary from 12 feet throughout most of the roadway to three feet at a few locations with narrower curb -to -curb widths. Most signalized intersection bike lane approaches are striped to permit right turns by motor vehicles. Parking is not permitted within the bike lanes except on Golden Springs near Brea Canyon Road and the northbound lane of Diamond Bar Boulevard between Montefino Avenue and Grand Avenue. Golden Springs Drive north of Diamond Bar Boulevard is designated a Class III bike route on both sides of the roadway- An additional bikeway is proposed for Brea Canyon Road between Pathfinder Road and Colima Road. Figure " 2- 6 shows the existing designated bikeways within the City of Diamond Bar. There are currently no Class. I bikeways within the City of Diamond Bar. The County plans to have bicycle routes serving the region that will connect with local bicycle trails- The county system proposes bicycle trails to enter Diamond Bar at the eastern end of Grand Avenue, and north into the Tres Hermans property along Tonner Canyon. Surrounding cities have also planned bicycle routes to connect into Diamond Bar north along Mission Boulevard (City of Pomona), west along Grand Avenue and Brea Canyon Road (the Cities of Walnut and Industry), and west along Colima Road (into Rowland Heights). 9. EQUESTRIAN TRAILS There are currently no official equestrian trails available to the public within the City of Diamond Bar, although a series of trails are proposed by the County of Los Angeles. Once completed, these trails will be owned and maintained by the County. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DECircE4cU B_38 DKS Assoclates NOT TO SCALE SUNSET CFt6SSjt,ti DIAMOND BAR LEGEND Allmirs CLASS ii mm Mm CLASS III Figure 6 DIAMOND BAR EXISTING DESIGN 2D BICYCLE RO Ti TES Skyline Trails Extension The principal equestrian trail planned for the Diamond Bar area is the Skyline Trails Extension, unofficially called the Schabarum Trail. The proposed trail is 16 miles in length and directly parallels the City's southern and eastern boundaries with unincorporated sections of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties as it winds through the hills between Brea Canyon Road and =l Grand Avenue. The trail originates at Schabarum Park to the west, where it interconnects with the Skyline Trail. The Skyline Trail, in turn, interconnects with a vast system of equestrian trails to the north and west spreading throughout most of Los Angeles County. To the east of Schabarum Park, the trail traverses Rowland Heights, then exits under Brea Canyon Road and the Orange Freeway where it approaches the southern city limits of Diamond Bar to the east of Brea Canyon Road. The trail then travels near the edge of the Firestone Boy Scout l Reservation near the northern slopes of Tonner Canyon. As the trail turns northeast, it parallels the city boundary just inside of the city limits. It then enters San Bernardino County, traveling just east of the County line. The trail terminates at Grand Avenue, where the Summit Ridge Park Connector Trail will allow access to Summit Ridge Park to the north of Grand Avenue within Diamond Bar. There are also a series of three spur trails which the County has planned to connect with the Skyline Trails Extension Trail. These three trails, collectively known as the Skyline Trails Connections, all lie outside of the City of Diamond Bar. Figure 34 2,27 shows proposed equestrian trails planned for the City of Diamond Bar. 10. AVIATION TRAVEL There are no aviation facilities located within the City of Diamond Bar. Passenger air carrier and air cargo facilities are located at Ontario International Airport located 15 males to the east. The closest general aviation airports are Brackett Field in La Verne, approximately nine miles to the north; and Chino Airport in the City of Chino, approximately 11 miles to the east. 11. TRUCK ROUTES The City has established a designated truck route plan. Truck routes direct heavy truck traffic onto arterial and collector facilities and away from local (residential) streets. This plan helps control noise and air pollution in, residential areas of the City and protects local streets from significant surface damage that might result from heavy truck traffic. North of the combined section of the Orange/Pomona Freeway, it is necessary for freeway traffic to exit onto Diamond Bar Boulevard when traveling southbound on the Orange Freeway en route to the eastbound Pomona Freeway; and westbound Pomona Freeway traffic bound for the northbound Orange Freeway. The section of Diamond Bar Boulevard between the eastbound Pomona Freeway w_ ramps and the northbound Orange Freeway ramps to the north, and Sunset Crossing Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the southbound Orange Freeway ramps are designated truck routes. To enable access to the heavy industrial areas of the City of Industry and the City of Diamond Bar north of Lycoming Street, truck routes are designated in western Diamond Bar CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILI'T'Y Revised 3-19-92 33649.DBcircELCh2 B-40 :r DKS AssoCIaGS NOT s7 TO SCALE 'SUNSET\ ! \CR SSINGR` 1 60 Off' _ f y - Z _ Al h ul Q SUMMIT % U = 4 RIDGE PARK DIAMOND / o A� BAR , PPTNFINDEA ii _ Ro r 57 r -- �'`=r"�,,: LEGEND . „" fes--- - �•..r•s:.s -...».. SKYI NE EXTENSION (Shabans-n) TRAIL •_- '�• . r ;.:+ j'' "— SUMMIT RIDGE PARK CONNECTOR A3L Flgurc� DIAMOND BAR PROPOSED EQUESTRIAN 2-7 RAIL along Colima Road between Lemon Avenue and Brea Canyon Road, along both. Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue north of Colima Road, and along Walnut Drive. Entrances into the City notify drivers of a five -ton weight restriction for trucks within the City (except for designated truck routes), in addition to parking restrictions which limit commercial vehicles over five tons to 30 minutes. Figure 9-$ 2=8 shows truck routes within the City of Diamond Bar. AZ- Dl CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M O B I L I T Y Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCirr-E&Ch2 . B-42 ^ `. . . NOT TO SCALE 57 SLMET SSING oft so DIAMOND BAR AV ' l . . / ' ' ' �57. ' / ~~ s� ®r Figure 2-8 DIAMOND BAR DESIGNATED TRUCK ROUTES C. Future Traffic Conditions The purpose of this section is to address the future circulation system requirements of the City of Diamond Bar. To assess future travel circulation characteristics within the City, a travel forecast model is being developed. In addition, traffic volume forecasts for 2010 within and surrounding the City have been obtained from SCAG and Orange County Environmental Management Agency as a way to further validate future travel demand and circulation system requirements within and surrounding Diamond Bar. 1. FUTURE LAND USE WITHIN DIAMOND BAR Projections of future land use and increases in development within the City of Diamond Bar have been developed by the City's planning and economic consultants in coordination with City staff and the City of Diamond Bar General Plan Advisory Committee. The estimates of future land use serve as input for the travel forecast model and provide the basis for estimating future traffic demand within the City. Table 3-1 provides a summary of existing quantities of land use within the City and projected future land use scenarios_ Land uses have been quantified by general categories of residential (single and multi -family), commercial, office, business park, recreational, and public facilities. Review of Table 34 shows that the levels of development which would be permissible under the proposed General Plan would result in approximately y 2 764 additional dwelling units 1,010,000 square feet of commercial uses and 4,819,004 square feet of office and business park uses. These estimated additional development opportunities within the City will result in correspondin! increases in traffic. Table 3-2 summarizes the estimated trip generation of the proposed General Plan Ievels of development within the City of Diamond Bar. Also shown in Table 3-2 is the estimated e)dstina trip generation within. the City. Estimated tripmaking within the City is 3 o.'ected to increase from 348,632 average daily trips in 1991 to 465,107 averse daily tris in 2010. This represents an increase of 33 pereent.1 2. PROJECTED TRANSPO ON CONDMO GROWTH IN THE REGIONAL TRAFFIC Future growth and increases in development within the City of Diamond Bar will result in corresponding increases in traffic within the City. In addition to increases in traffic attributable to growth and development within the City of Diamond Bar itself, the City will be impacted by future growth and development in surrounding communities and the region. Substantial growth in the region will result in increased through traffic within the City of Diamond Bar. Development within Diamond Bar would potentially impact all streets in the City, while through traffic growth would primarily impact arterials and residential streets used as bypass routes. 1 Additional information added for completeness. CITY O F D I AM ON I3 BAR P LAN FOR P HYS ICAL MO S ILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699-DBOrcEI C0 C-1 a, Table 3-X Summary of Existing and Projected Land Use Within the City of Diamond Bar GPAC Land Use Existing Recommended 1990 Future City - FRI Single -Family Residential 12,589 d.u. 14,893 d.u. Multi -Family Residential 5,075 d.u. 5,535 d.u. Commercial Office 1,901.,000 s.f. 2,911,000 s.f Business Parks 2,293,000 s.f. 7,097,000 s_#: 1,165,000 s.f. 1,180,000 SJ.Parks/Recreation Public Facilities 464.2 ac. 1,321.4 ac. 211.7 ac. 294.9 ac. Sphere of Influence: Single -Family Residential 0 Multi -Family Residential 0 0 Commercial 0 0 Office o Q Business Parks Q Q Parks/Recreation Public Facilities 3,589.3 ac. 0 3,591. ac. 17 ac. 0 Fr; Chino Bills Chino Hills is located adjacent to and east of Diamond Bar in an as yet unincorporated portic LA of San Bernardino County. Chino Hills is a planned community which, at buildout, will include approximately 70 0{ residences, community and neighborhood commercial facilities, and other support reside ti. services. It will also include office and business park development. As of late 1990, Chino 11H was approximately 25% to 30% developed, including app roxizriatedy 20,000 residences. City of Chino The City of Chino is located northeast of Diamond Bar. Grand Avenue provides an art Iink between the City of Diamond Bar and the City of Chino. Chino is transitioning fr om a CITY OF DIAMOND BAP. PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 W 33699 DBCirrEL Cha in :; Table 3-2 Comparison of Estimated Daily Tripmabng Productions Attractions Total Existing Conditions 158,645 199,987 348,632 Future Conditions 179,747 285,360 465,107 Difference 21,102 95,373 116,475 Percent Increase 13% 50% 33% r semirural, residential community to a more suburban intensity of development. is is characterized by agricultural land uses located predominantly in the southwestern portion of the City, being replaced by non-residential, employment generating uses especially indust al and warehousing. Based on its General Plan, the City of Chino projects an increase of approximately 6,056 residential units, 4.1 million square feet of commercial uses, 3.2 illion square feet of office/business park uses and 29.3 million square feet of industrial/wareh using. City of Industry Approximately 1,100 acres of undeveloped land lie adjacent to the City of Diamond Bar the City of Industry. The City of Industry is considering potential opportunities to devel land in industrial uses to take advantage of existing rail lines within the area as well as h proximate to regional highway facilities (Route 60 and Route 57). It is anticipated that to/from and circulation within the area would be provided via the extensions of Grand and a future extension of Sunset Crossing Road. City of Pomona The City of Pomona abuts Diamond Bar on the north. With an estimated popul 121,000 in an approximately 23 square mile area, much of Pomona is currently de However, some development opportunities do exist adjacent to Diamond Bar along R The most notable of these is buildout of single-family residential within Phillips Ranch planned development of a regional shopping center at the convergence of Route Route 71. its location at the convergence of a ed traffic in the the r.siimates or future wrough trafflc along these facilities and incorporated into the Citfs travel demand model? ute 60at Los Aug( f Diamond Bar will �velopment within and development it •ou h increased tra 57 and 60 and Gr obtained from SCA( 3. FUTURE ROADWAY SYSTEM WITHIN DIAMOND BARS Las Angeles County Highway Plan The roadway network depicted in the Los Angeles County Highway Plan (November 198 compared to 2010 traffic volumes for each Iand use scenario to evaluate future conditions in the City of Diamond Bar. The planned future network for the City corre, 2 Additional information added for completeness. 3 Additional information added for completeness. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 this Dn of oped. to 60. A the 1 and Ln s acted 7 and ) was 33699.DBUrcELCh3 I C-4 to existing roadway classifications, thus, only minor modifications to the existing network are assumed. Future extensions of both Grand Avenue and Sunset Crossing Road are shown as part of the future regional network. Grand Avenue is displayed as a major arterial extending from its : present terminus at Route 57/64 northwesterly into the City of Industry to the existing segment 5 north of Valley Boulevard. This roadway is currently under construction with completion expected in Iate 1991 or early 1992. Sunset Crossing Road is shown as a secondary arterial extending from its present terminus through the City of Industry to Brea Canyon Road in the _"- vicinity of Washington Street, Table 3-3 describes roadways within the City of Diamond Bar which are shown in the Los Angeles County Highway Plan... Table 3-3 City of Diamond Bar Roadway Classification Los Angeles County Highway Plan (November 1980) Roadway Classification Width ft. Diamond Bar Blvd. Major 100 Colima Rd. Major 100 Golden Springs Dr- Secondary 80 Grand Ave. Major 100 Path -Cinder Rd. (e/o Brea Canyon Rd. - west leg) Major 100 Pathfinder Rd. (w/o Brea Canyon Rd. --west leg) Secondary 80 - Brea Canyon Rd. (s/o Colima Rd.) Secondary 80 Brea Canyon Rd. (n/o Colima Rd.) Major 100 Lemon Ave. Major 100 Sunset Crossing Rd. Secondary 80 Brea Canyon Cut -Off Rd. Limited Secondary 64-80 Chino Hills Pkwy. (referred to as Dudley St.) Major 100 Current and future bu:+dout of the roadway network represented on the Los Angeles County Highway Plan for arteriais within the City of Diamond Bar corresponds to the most recent master plans of the surrounding commitrxities including the cities of Industry and Pomona's circulation elements, and the Chino Hills Specific Plan. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN' FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DB0rcELCh3 C-5 4. YEAR 2010 TRAFFIC VOLUME FORECASTS As deseribeM%-Se�Year 2010 traffic volume forecasts alon xoadwa s within t of Diamond Bar have been developed using the computerized travel forecast model dev as part of this stud ¢ e CitV to ed Year 2010 traffic volume forecasts assume estimated levels development within Diamor which are consistent with the City's Proposed General Pian. Demand to ftrom the surto region is based on estimates included in the SCAG 2010 forecasts for the region. The ro network is based on the s stem depicted in the Los Angeles County HI hwa Pla described above, the existing system built within Diamond Bar closeI conforms tote Angeles Counq Plan therefore. the roadways assumed in teh 2010 forecast resemble a circulations stem within the City with a few notable improvements._ These include: d Bar ndin dwa . As Los 'stin • The completion of Grand Avenue as—a continuous facility through the C Industry. tv of i Widening of Brea Can on Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Via Sor provide two lanes in each direction lla to • The extension of Chino Avenue to intersect Chino Hills Parkway in the nortliev portion of the City. stern Figure 3-1 presents year 2010 averse daily traff"ie volume projections_ along roadways vithin the Ciq of Diamond Bar.4 5. ROADWAY CAPACITY ANTALYSIS To provide an indication of expected traffic flow conditions aithin'the Cily of Diamond Final year 2010 traffic volume projections obtained from the forecast model fife have compared to Fuad•, ftet a ,_ . s � 7 estimated roadway capacity_ For corn aMon RPTEOses, traffic volume Proiections have been Provided for existing conditions and ro osed Ge Plan Land Use conditions. Bar been eral s Table 3-4 summarizes the rc of this analysis. sults 4 Additional information added for completeness. 5 Removed for editing and continuity. � I T Y OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY tevised 3-19-92 3649.DBCiraELCh3 G6 DOCS Associates NOTE: Traffic Volumes shown in Thousands Figure 3-1 YEAR 2010 AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUME Table 3-4 j' City of Diamond Bar Freeways Arterials Existing and Estimated Future Average i I 17,400 rzl Location 1.60 30,000 20,700 Diamond Bar Boulevard: ye/o Brea Canyon Road 30,000 s/o Fountain Springs Road 0.90 s/o Pathfinder Road 1.74 n/o Pathfinder Road 28,200 s/o Grand Avenue a n/o Grand Avenue r No Steep Canyon Road 1.03 slo Golden Springs Drive -: n/o Golden Springs Drive 24,400 SIO Sunset Crossing Road 36,500 n/o Highland Valley Road 30,000 slo Temple Avenue W Colima Road: ;T= w/o Calbouine-Drive 29,300 w/o Lemon Avenue 44,000 e/o Lemon Avenue -� w/o Pomona Freeway 1.09 w/o Brea Canyon Road 1.66 Golden Springs Road: ^ e/o Brea Canyon Road 47,000 w/o Copley Drive = w/o Grand Avenue ~` :3 e/o Grand Avenue 0.94 w/o Prospectors Road 16,700 w/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 25,800 e/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 30,000 slo Temple Avenue Grand Avenue: w/o Golden Springs Drive e/o Golden Springs Drive e/o Diamond Bar Boulevard itlrfinder Road. w/o Peaceful Hills Road wlo Orange Freeway (SB) elo Orange Freeway (NB) W/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 33699.Tabie3-4 Traffic (Without Tonner Canyon GPAC Recommended Existing Existing Future ipacity (a) Volume V/C Volume V/C 30,000 17,400 0.58 48,000 1.60 30,000 20,700 0.69 48,600 1.62 30,000 27,000 0.90 52,300 1.74 30,000 28,200 0.94 54,200 1.81 30,000 31,000 1.03 60,000 2.00 30,000 24,400 0.81 36,500 1.22 30,000 25,000 0.83 38,000 1.27 30,000 29,300 0.98 44,000 1.47 30,000 32,800 1.09 49,900 1.66 30,000 31,300 1.04 47,000 1.57 30,000 18,600 0.62 28,300 0.94 30,000 16,700 0.56 25,800 0.86 30,000 17700 0.59 26,900 0.90 30,000 19,800 0.66 30,000 1.00 30,E 19,900 0.66 30,300 1.01 30,000 22,100 0.74 33,600 1.12 30,000 29,200 0.97 44)400 1.48 30,000 19,300 0.64 29,300 0.98 30,000 18,000 0.60 27,400 0.91 30,E 19,700 0.66 29,300 0.98 30,000 20,700 0.69 31,400 1.05 20,000 16,500 0.83 25,100 1.26 20,000 16,600 0.83 25,200 1.26 20,000 16,400 0.82 24,900 1.25 20,000 10,600 0.53 16,100 0.81 30,000 27,400 091 49,100 1.64 30,000 24,700 0.82 42,000 1.40 30,000 19,700 0.66 55,000 1.83 30,000 4,300 0.14 6,600 0.22 25,E 14,600 0.58 22,200 0.89 30,000 20,200 0.67 30,700 1.02 30,000 13,000 0.43 19,800 0.66 Table 3,4 City of Diamond Bar Freeways Arterials Existing and Estimated Future Average Daily Traffic (Without Tomer Canyon Road) GPAC Recommended Existing Existing Future Location Capacity (a) Volume V/C Volume V/C Brea Canyon Road: s/o Silver Bullet Drive 30,000 8,000 0.27 12,200 0.41 n/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 30,000 4,400 0.15 6,700 0.22 s/o Pathfinder Road 30,000 7,600 0.25 11,600 0.39 No Pathfinder Road 30,000 10,100 0.34 15,400 0.51 s/o Colima Road 30,000 15,500 0.52 23,600 0.79 n/o Colima Road 30,000 28,300 0.94 42,200 1.41 n/o Pomona Freeway 30,000 32,700 1.09 48,700 1.62 n/o Washington Street 30,000 20,500 '0.68 30,600 1.02 Brea Canyon Cut -Off Road: s/o Pathfinder Road 10,000 10,500 1.05 16,000 1.60 Lemon Avenue: n10 Colima Road 30,400 12,100 0.40 18,400 0.61 -" Walnut Drive: £„ w/o Lemon Avenue 20,000 5,200 0.26 7,900 0.40 Chino Hills Parkway: n/o Chino Avenue 30,000 8,100 0.27 35,000 1.17 Chino Avenue: e/o Chino Hills Parkway 10,000 4,500 0.45 17,200 1.72 Pomona Freeway (SR -60): w/o Brea Canyon Road 173,000 255,000 wlo Grand Avenue 233,000 361,000 e/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 147,040 201,000 w/o Phillips Ranch Road 147,000 179,000 Orange Freeway (SR -57): n/o Diamond Bar Boulevard 182,000 308,000 n/o Pathfinder Road 184,000 280,000 n/o Sunset Crossing Road 135,000 187,000 33699.Table3 4 Review of Table 3-4 shows that many of the roadway facilities within 1 ro'ected #o car volumes of traffic at or in excess of recommended Level -- ca aci .6 Diamond Bar Boulevard - Average daily traffic volumes along Diamon immediately south of Grand Avenue are projected to be 60 000vehicles per c LOS C carraying. capacity of a four -lane roadway. South of Grand Avenue Road forecast daily volume along Diamond Bar Boulevard ran es from vehicles per daV. North of Sunset Crossin traffic volumes alon2 Diamond I projected to be within the carrying capacily of a four -lane roadwa.6 Colima Road - Year 2010 traffic volumes along Colima Road west of Brea I ro'ected to exceed LOS C carrying capacity of this four lane roadway. Fro Avenue to the Cily of Diamond Bar boundary,Colima Road is forecast to c sli2htly below the recommended carrying capacity for a four -lane roadway.6 Golden Springs Road - Golden S rips Road is forecast to carry traffic volt of service C carrvina ca aci for a four -lane divided roadway. The Portion o Road east of Grand Avenue is not a divided roadway and therefore,forecas along this segment would represent level of service E conditions.6 Grand Avenue - Year 2010 traffic volume forecasts along the entire len th c - " within the Cit y of Diamond Bar are estimated to be in excess of the eapaci divided roadway. As presently occurs —a siggificant amount of this traffic is through traffic with neither origin nor destination within the Citv.6 Brea Canyon Road - The section of Brea Canyon Road from Colima Roac Street is projected to carry traffic volumes requiring the capaciq of a arterial.6 Routes 57 and 60 - Both the Pomona Freeway (SR -60)_ and the Orange Free forecast to carry traffic volumes signifleantly in excess of their capacity. Tl continued congestion along these facilities with spillover onto City streets a: les_- s coested alternatives 6 lar Bou evard or dou le the BNreacI n00200 Boare a 6. FUTURE CIRCULATION SYSTEM With growth and increased levels of development anticipated to occur within both the Diamond Bar and the surrounding region, most notably the Chino/China Hills area, roadways are projected to carry traffic in excess of estimated carrying capacity. In a& 6 Additional information added for completeness. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699,DBUrcE4Ch3 be are V of 10 other strategies should be adopted to accommodate the City's existing and projected circulation system needs. In some instances, "accommodating" circulation system needs may involve balancing the demand for increased roadway capacity with the vision of the City's community yr`y image, quality of life and other less easily quantifiable elements. The development of Tonner Canyon as an alternative travel corridor around the City of Diamond Bar. With significant development planned for the Chino Hills area, both Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue are expected to carry even larger through traffic volumes from SR -57 into San Bernardino County. Alternative routes to the south would help relieve future congestion along these and other arterials within the City of Diamond Bar. A feasibility study was recently completed for the counties of Orange and San Bernardino by PBQ&D (January 1991) regarding possible extensions of Soquel Canyon Road and/or Tanner Canyon Road with various alignments for each proposed arterial considered.. The Soquel Canyon Road extension is proposed to relieve congestion along Carbon Canyon Road (SR -142) and the Riverside Freeway (SR -91), both east -west routes connecting sections of Orange and San Bernardino counties. The Soquel Canyon Road extension is included in the North Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways as a primary arterial, and has been identified in the Chino Hills Specific Plan as a critical length. This roadway would result in negligible reductions to future traffic volumes within Diamond Bar_ Tonner Canyon Road is proposed as a limited access expressway between Orange County and Chino Hills. The addition of Tonner Canyon to the regional circulation network would relieve congestion along SR -60 and Diamond Bar -Boulevard; in addition to helping reduce future volumes along SR -57 and Grand Avenue. Two different alignments are currently under consideration, each impacting the City of Diamond Bar differently. The western leg of Tanner Canyon Road is proposed as either an upgrading and extension of the current roadway within Orange County, or a newly constructed roadway paralleling the current alignment to the north enabling construction of direct ramp, connections with SR -57 just south of the existing partial interchange with Brea Canyon Road. The roadway would continue northeast into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties through Grand Avenue (just east of the Los Angeles/San Bernardino County line) to Chino Hills Parkway (just south of Diamond Bar Avenue). The entire route would lie outside of the City of Diamond Bar. Future traffic volumes for selected arterials in Diamond Bar were studied for both a no build scenario with neither of these roadways, and with a buildout alternative scenario consisting of both roadways. For the alternative buildout scenario considered, both Tonner Canyon Road and Soquel Canyon Road are assumed to be six -lane roadways, with improved direct ramp connections between the existing alignment of Tonner Canyon Road and SR -57. This alternative would also provide for construction of a new roadway connecting Soquel Canyon Road to Tonner Canyon Road. In the absence of these projected roadways, both Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue would experience significantly higher traffic volumes which greatly exceed their planned capacity. Both roadways are represented an the Los Angeles Highway Flan with existing roadway classifications. Diamond Bar Boulevard ADT volumes south of Grand Avenue are projected CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCircELCh3 C-11 to be as high as 60,000, with average traffic volumes north of Grand Avenue of approimately 32,000 vehicles per day. ADT volumes along Grand Avenue would be expected to ap roach 66,000. With neither an alternative route into San Bernardino County nor the upgrading of the roadways from existing classifications or Iane numbers, both arterials would experience volumes double their current capacities of 30,000 vehicles per day. The availability of these future alternative routes would result in future ADT volumes along Diamond Bar Boulevard between 20,000 and 24,000 vehicles, both well below level of service (LOS) C capacity- however, volumes along Grand Avenue of between 35,000 and 39,000 vehicles per day would still be as qigh as 30% over capacity. Table 3-5 compares future volumes and volume -to -capacity rati s for segments of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue for both alternatives. Both of these scenarios clearly indicate that both the existing circulation system and pr posed Los Angeles County Highway Plan does not contain sufficient roadway capacities to serve anticipated future traffic volumes. Although the addition of an alternative route to the south will significantly decrease through trip movements within Diamond Bar resulting in an acre table level of service for Diamond Bar Boulevard, circulation along Grand Avenue will require mitigation to address the effects of future traffic growth. The City should work together with the appropriate agencies to assure the extension of a by- pass road such as has been proposed for Tonner Canyon Road as a limited access exnr swnv_ Improve Grand Avenue to optimize through traffic carrying capacity. In this concept, Avenue would function like a "superstreet," carrying regionally oriented traffic 1 Routes 57/60.. With the completion, of the extension of .Grand Avenue in the City of Ir Grand Avenue will provide an even more significant role as a regional arterial. Meas enhance Grand Avenue within Diamond Bar would include: b - Optimize signal coordination - Reconstruction to improve interchange at Route 57/60 - Provide bus turnouts out of travel lanes 7 . Removed at direction of GPAC. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M O B I L I T Y Revised 3-19-92 to 336991]BCirc LCW 12 Table 3-5 Future Average Daily Traffic and Volume -to -Capacity Ratios for Selected Arterials With and Without Soquel Canyon Road/Tonner Canyon Road Extension Without With Soquel and Tanner Soquel and Tonner _ Buildout Alternative Daily VIC Daily V/C Roadway Capacily Volume Ratio Volume Ratio Diamond Bar Blvd. Brea Canyon Rd./Pathfinder Rd. 30,000 48,000 Pathfinder Rd./Grand Ave. 30,000 60,000 Grand Ave./Golden Springs Dr. 30,000 34,000 Grand Ave. Golden Springs Dr./Diamond Bar Blvd. 30,000 42,000 Diamond Bar Blvd./San Bernardino Co. 30,000 66,000 1.60 21,000 0.70 2.00 20,000 0.67 1.13 24,000 0.80 1.40 39,000 1.30 2.20 35,000 1.17 Implications: increased capacity would facilitate commuter access (focal residents as well as commuters f -x traveling through Diamond Bar to/from adjacent jurisdictions) to the free way system and to surrounding communities. Limiting access to Grand Avenue will increase traffic carrying capacity but will also limit opportunities for drivers to divert from Grand Avenue and intrude onto the local street system or into neighborhoods. This concept would significantly impact land use adjacent to Grand Avenue by exposure to increased volumes of traffic, potentially reduced access, and in some instance, ,reduced land area if additional right-of-way is required to implement Grand Avenue improvements. Table 3-S presented previously compares future volumes and volume -to -capacity ratios for portions of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard with increased capacity along Grand Avenue resulting from an increase to six lanes_ Future capacities are shown for both future conditions with and without the Soquel -Canyon Road/ronner Canyon Road extensions. Emphasize Diamond Bar Boulevard as a local arterial. lMth the t of V rand CITY o f DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DB0rcELCh3 C-13 f :T fre Since Diamond Bar Boulevard presently provides an attractive alternative to the freeway during congested peak hours for commuters, in addition to improving Grand Avenue, it would be necessary to implement measures to reduce the attractiveness of Diamond Bar Boulevard as a speedy through route during peak commute ours. Measures would include: - Signal coordination to increase through travel time along Diamond Bar - Peak hour turn prohibitions to eliminate the dominant through traffic - Special street treatments (e.g., landmarks, entry features, landscaping, pa v ent treatment, etc.) that convey the special function of Diamond Bar Boulevard as a local street - Where appropriate, emphasize access to adjacent land uses (i.e., Diamond Br as a locally serving commercial corridor) Implications: Through imposition of measures which would increase the travel time along significant of Diamond Bar Boulevard and limit access to connector routes via turn prohibitions, traffic along Diamond Bar Boulevard would reduce. The increased travel time and the inconvenience .of controlled routing would affect Bar residents as well as non-residents travelling through the City. The redefinition of the function of Diamond Bar Boulevard would affect adjacent land) use potential, which should be reflect in the City's land use plan. The widening of the Pathfinder Road bridge over Route 57 is a committed improvement within the City. On its own, the widening of the bridge would provide additional needed capacityto accommodate existing peak hour travel demand and improve freeway access_ Since a Significant percentage of this demand is presently comprised of through traffic, this improvement would provide benefit to non-resident commuters as well as residents and may further contribute, to the problem to traffic diversion through the City. However, when considered in combina Lion with modifications to Grand Avenue and to Diamond Bar Boulevard, the Pathfinder br dge widening would significantly improve freeway access for existing and future residents in the southern portion of the City. At the same time, if Grand Avenue cannot be accessed 40M Diamond Bar Boulevard, the benefit of the Pathfinder improvement to through traffi is significantly reduced. S Removed at direction of GpA,c. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699DBCircEZCh3 _I4 Cul -de -sating of Sunset Crossing Road at the City's western limits and maintaining WashinZton Street cul-de-sac': Sunset Crossing is presently a four -lane roadway providing access to/from a residential area of northwest Diamond Bar. Sunset Crossing west of Route 57 has an interchange with southbound Route 57, extends westerly and terminates east of the City Emits adjacent to a park and Little League field. The County of Los Angeles D~^zcvadwaT'-Musteq4a-a Highway Plano assumes Sunset Crossing is to be extended southwesterly, through the City of Industry to a connection with Washington Street or in the vicinity. The area through which Sunset Crossing is to extend is presently substantially undeveloped. However, the City of Industry is considering development of the area with industrial uses to make maximum advantage of its proximity to freight rail lines. r The extension of Sunset Crossing and the proposed development of industrial uses adjacent to this arterial would significantly increase the volume of traffic along Sunset Crossing and introduce a significant number of trucks into this residential area. An evaluation of the potential impacts of the development of industrial uses adjacent to the City of Diamond Bar and the extension of Sunset Crossing to serve these uses is summarized below: • The area within the City of Industry proposed for industrial development encompasses approximately 1,075 acres. • Assuming that this area is developed in an approximately equal mix of heavy industrial uses and light industrial uses, this area is estimated to generate approximately 37,000 - daily trips with approximately 4,580 trips during the morning peak hour and approximately 4,610 trips during the evening peak hour. • The extension of Grand_ Avenue would provide the backbone of the circulation system U within the area. s, • With the completion of Grand Avenue, it would be assumed that some traffic presently travelling along Brea Canyon Road would divert to Grand Avenue. • For analysis purposes, it has been assumed approximately 20 to 25 percent of traffic on Brea Canyon Road north of Route 60 would divert to Grand Avenue when it is completed. Additionally, some traffic would be attracted to Grand Avenue as a continuous regional arterial. Therefore, it has been assumed that upon completion, Grand Avenue would carry an approximated 10,200 daily trips as "background' traffic. • The trip distribution characteristics of trips travelling to/from the proposed industrial area were estimated as follows: 9 Added at direction of GPAC. r, 10 Correction CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYS ICAI MOB ILITY Revised 3-19-92 C-15 33699.DBCircEXh3 • 15% to/from the north via Grand Avenue • 10% to/from the east via Grand Avenue • 35% to/from the north/east via Route 57 • 25% to/from the west via Route 60 • 15% to/frons the south via Route 57 • With the buildout of the industrial area and the extensions of Grazed Avenu and Sunset Crossings the following intersections are projected to operate at LOS E or worse during one or bath peak hours: - Brea Canyon Road at Washington Street - Brea Canyon Road at WB Route 60 Ramps - Brea Canyon Road at Colima Road - Grand Avenue at NB Route 60 Ramps - Grand Avenue at SB Route 60 Ramps Grand Avenue at Golden Springs Road Sunset Crossing at SB Route 57 Ramps • Traffic volumes along Sunset Grossing Road which presently serves only to acOess a single-family residential neighborhood would increase to approximately 21,000 ve iicles per day with a significant percentage of truck traffic. Summary of Future Conditions _Y • Based on observed and projected trends, the circulation system within the Ci of Diamond Bar will experience significant increases in traffic, beyond the cap C1 of many of its arterials. • Some of the additional traffic will be the result of anticipated development'thi Diamond Bar_ A significant portion of the traffic will be the result of develop er in the immediately surrounding area. • Without modifications of selected arterials. and implementation of transportti management strategies to create an appropriate hierarchy of arterials, increased t of will continue to spill over onto local streets and potentially impact resident neighborhoods within Diamond Bar_ • Three options for managing future traffic demand are to: - increase roadway capacity for streets intended to carry regional through ti - implement transportation demand management strategies to manage and demand and capacity - work to control development growth - discourage local street intrusion - encourage corollary regional improvements CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33699.DBCirc, Wh3 1-16 Di. Goals, Objectives and Strategies Circulation goals, objectives and strategies have been assembled for the City of Diamond Bar to guide policy makers and City staff in the implementation of the Circulation Element. Goals describe the overall direction for circulation planning within the City, while objectives and implementation strategies were defined in response to each of those goals. Objectives are statements of accomplishments that the City will strive to achieve as part of the circulation planning process, while implementation strategies are actions used to actually achieve the objectives. The goals and objectives are presented in priority rank beginning with the most important, based on direction provided by the City. GOAL 1 Enhance the Environment of the City's Street Network by Discouraging the Intrusion of Regionally Oriented Commuter Traffic Through the City and Into Residential Neighborhoods Along With Corollary Programs to Reinforce the Regional Transportation and Circulation System to Adequately Accommodate Regional Needs. Objective 1.1 Assume ongoing responsibility and take an active role in all regional and local transportation related planning and decisionmaking with the specific goal of maintaining a clear distinction between regional and local objectives. Strategies: 3.1.1 Prior to permitting connection of roadways from adjacent jurisdictions into the City of Diamond Bar, ensure that regional benefits are not achieved at the expense of Diamond Bar residents and businesses. Where a potential for adverse impacts to Diamond Bar residents and businesses exists, ensure that the agency proposing the connection provides sufficient mitigations such that the connection is not only of regional benefit, but will have neither short or long-term impacts which will be injurious to either the residential quality of life or the economic health of the impacted areas of the City of Diamond Bar. Examples are: Sunset Crossing extension, Grand Avenue extension, Lycoming, Washington, and Tonner Canyon extensions. 1.1.E Continue active participation in the tri -county planning for alternative access routes from Diamond Bar, particularly, Reorganized to conform more closely to other elements of General Plan. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33697.D3CircELCh4 D-1 alternative access routes for Diamond Bar Boulevard (such as was intended for Tonner Canyon). 1.1.3 Solicit federal and state funds to improve area freeways including grade separating SR -57 and 60, as well as completing an interchange system between the freeways that does not require the use of local streets. Objective 1.2 Balance the need for free traffic flow on City arterials with economic re lities, environmental and aesthetic considerations such that streets are designed to handle normal traffic flow without encouraging through traffic, with tol ranee to allow for potential short -tern delays at peak hours. Strategies: 1.2.1 Prepare programs of the use of through traffic control measures, to restore many of the existing streets in Diamond Bar foi local use, including peak hour turn prohibition, signal coordination and special treatments on City's major arterials (DiamonJ Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue/Golden Springs) to disco rage through traffic during peak travel hours within the City. 1.2.2 Maintain flexibility in the cross sections and configuration of streets within topographically rugged or environmentally sen sitiye areas. Where appropriate, require minimum improvements including street trees and asphaltic berm curbing as approved by the City Engineer_ Within topographically rugged and rural areas maintain flexibility in street light requirements, so s to maintain the rural quality, as perceived by residents of hese areas and by passers-by to whom these areas are visible atight, particularly from freeways and arterials, limiting street light locations to those required for safety for such areas incl ding Tres Hermanos and Sandstone Canyon area and Syca ore Canyon. Objective 1.3 Maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods by discouraging traffic within residential areas - Strategies: Prevent the creation of new major roadway connections Whi would adversely impact the residential character of exiti residential neighborhoods. Examples are: Sunset Cros it Lycoming and Washington, Tres Hermans and Upper Syca o Canyon area. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOI3 f LI'TY Revised 3-19-92 33697.DBCircELCh4 13.2 Implement neighborhood traffic control programs to reduce and divert through traffic from residential neighborhoods. A neighborhood traffic control program would provide a mechanism for review of specific neighborhood traffic problems with programs to be developed and implemented in coordination' with organized neighborhood groups. Neighborhood area studies would respond to specific through traffic, speed or accident problems. Traffic control devices such as signs, signals and pavement markings, as well as traffic management or restraint devices such as medians and traffic diverters would be studied as potential solutions on a case-by-case basis. Montefino Avenue, for example, is frequently used by traffic between eastbound Grand Avenue and southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard to avoid congestion at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard. 1.3.3 To the extent possible, traffic control measures should be integrated with amenities such as landscaping or tot lots to serve the immediate neighborhoods, so that the restored street will not only eliminate through traffic, but enhance residential quality as well. 1.3.4 Within new residential developments such as Tres Hermans and Upper Sycamore Canyon area, encourage_ _organization of neighborhoods into smaller units. 1,3,5 Locate new developments and their access points in such a way that traffic is not encouraged to utilize local residential streets for access to the development and its parking for which local roads were not intended. Areas of concern are Tres Hermanos area, Upper Sycamore Canyon area and Northem Sandstone Canyon area. GOAL 2 Provide a Balanced Transportation System for the Safe and Efficient Movement of People, Goods and Services Throughout the City in a Manner Which Will Protect and Maintain the Residential Quality of Life Which is Diamond Bar. Objective 2.1 Maximize the use of alternative transportation modes and multi passenger vehicles for transportation within and through the City, and decrease reliance on single passenger automobiles. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLA14 FOR PHYSICAL MOB iLITY Revised 3-19-92 33597.,D8CircELCh4 D-3 Strategies: 2.1.1 Maximize the use and availability of public transit service rVithin the City (partticularly on Diamond Bar Boulevard, Colima Road, Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue). 21.2 Investigate the feasibility of establishing a local transit system based on the use of small, electric -powered buses in conjunction with potential mixed-use urban village development hi the existing Diamond. Bar golf course, at such time - 2.13 Support privately funded local transit systems for corm auter residents. Maintain a Iocal transit system for seniors and y uths in conjunction with the potential future mixed-use urban v Ilage development and main commercial developments at the i riajor intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard/Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive, Diamonc Bar Boulevard/Sunset Crossing Road, Colima Road/Brea Canyon Road, and Grand Avenue/Golden Springs Drive - 2.1.4 Pursue a cooperative effort with Caltrans and regional transit providers in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties to develop a major bus transportation facility near or in the City _ of Diamond Bar adjacent to the 57 Freeway and Grand Avc nue. 2.1.5 Encourage participation in carpool matching services by resients and City businesses. 2.1.6 Coordinate to the extent possible with neighboring cities ' the development of a Transportation Demand Management (mm) plan. 2.1.7 Investigate the potential of using vacant land areas such as Tres Hermanos properties at the City's boundaries and near the 57 Freeway and Grand Avenue as park-and-ride sites. 2.1.8 Work with Caltrans and the City of Pomona to expand e ' ing park-and-ride facilities at the interchange of SR -57 and SR -60 and at Lanterman State Hospital, just inside the City of Pomona along Highland Valley Road. 2.1.9 Expand and maintain the system of bicycle routes connec i. residential areas to major community attractions such, as t: City's junior and senior high school's, major shopping Cent locations near arterial intersections, County Park and Syca mD Canyon Park, and the Little League field and park near Su ds CITY OF D IAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33697D,BCirc$1Ch4 2.1.11 Pursue a program to widen State Routes 57 and 60 and I-10, providing carpool lanes connecting to employment areas in Los Angeles and Orange counties. 2.1.12 Develop and promote interconnected equestrian trails similar to that in the City of Walnut_ Crossing Road. Pursue a cooperative effort with San Bernardino County, unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and the cities of Pomona and industry to develop and interconnect the -" Diamond Bar system of bicycle routes with a regional system. 21.10 Pursue a cooperative program with involved agencies in Los ,Angeles and Orange Counties and the City of Brea to provide i? access for Diamond Bar residents to a regional light rail system 'h especially within the Route 57 corridor, and to provide local bus services to the access location. This could be accomplished by a connection to 1-10 or Route 60 to the north. 2.1.11 Pursue a program to widen State Routes 57 and 60 and I-10, providing carpool lanes connecting to employment areas in Los Angeles and Orange counties. 2.1.12 Develop and promote interconnected equestrian trails similar to that in the City of Walnut_ CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAIN OR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33697DBCircELCh4 D-5 GOAL 3 Develop and Construct Transportation Improvements to Provide the Capacity and Performance Necessary to Meet the Service Needs of the Public While Preserving Open Space and the Special Environmental Quality of the City. -" Objective 3.1 Establish a functional classification system for arterial highways with corresponding level of service operating guidelines for arterials and arterial intersections. 'h Strategies: 3.1.1 Through control of land use, access and a program to discourage through traffic, maintain level of service (LOS) D or better u during peak hours at signalized intersections to the extent possible. - 3.1.2 Improve intersections in the City which currently provide peak hour traffic service levels worse than "D" where feasible within existing right-of-way and where no significant environmental impact would result to the City of Diamond Bar. For those streets intended for restoration to local use, improvements should be intended to discourage through traffic. For arterials intended to facilitate movement of traffic, traffic improvements should focus on maximizing operational efficiency and roadway carrying capacity. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAIN OR PHYSICAL MOBILITY Revised 3-19-92 33697DBCircELCh4 D-5 3.13 Improve arterial mid -block segments to provide average daily service levels of "C" or better to prevent use of local and collector streets as alternate routes for commuter and other non - local traffic in the City. 3.1.4 Develop a repaving program for all public roadways thro ghout the City establishing a program and a schedule to mai ain a Ievel of quality which will assure safe and efficient traffi flow. 3.1.5 Develop a program to expand and maintain pedestrian iccess routes throughout the City including sidewalks, walk streel s, and pedestrian bridges. Objective 3.2 Improve the safety and more efficient utilization of the capacities of em'sting transportation facilities first through low-cost improvements such as signaliaation, channelLation and Turning lanes, considering more costly solutions when other altematives have been exhausted 3.2.1 Improve sight distance and correct operating problem at other intersections which do not experience capacity problems b t are shown to experience operational problems. 3.2.2 Prohibit on -street parking and loading/unloading of hoof .children._in selected locations where bus turnouts would rot be practical or effective to better maintain flow of traffic and reduce potential hazards. Examples are Brea Canyon Roat and Pathfinder Road near the City's High School and Diamonfl Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive near the City's Junior High School. 3.2.3 Consider the addition of lanes for through traffic via arteria'. widening only when other measures such as parking prohibition. signal coordination and improved transit service have either beer implemented or are not feasible. Objective 3.3 Explore all available opportunities and mechanisms for funding transpo tion improvements including public and private sources. 3.3.1 All new development shall be required to provide reasonable mitigation measures or pay traffic impact fees for traffic impacts identified by the City, and/or traffic impact study reports. 3.3.2 Explore the use of toll roads for local arterials at peak hours such as Grand Avenue by marketing incentives suc2 as congestion pricing to raise revenue for road improvemen and alternative transportation systems. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PHYSICAL M O B I L I T Y Revised 3-19-92 3369ZDBGrcEWh4 I -4 GOAL 4 Provide Adequate Supply of Parking Both On -Street and Off -Street to Meet the Needs for Both Residents and Commercial Businesses. Strategies: 4.1 Encourage the provision of preferential parking for high occupancy vehicles wherever possible. 4.2 Require all new developments to accommodate project generated parking consistent with encouraging alternate transportation demand management programs. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR P I3YSICAL MOB 1LITY Revised 3-19-92 3359ZDflCircELC1z4 D-7 LAND USE DESIGNATION REQUESTS �a o �o 00 o � a� ;s � w to ;--• d C L-4 ti � cin C7 @ c o w r @ `E w ntz CD Q N o � C:) CDQ w E ' ' p o, 21 Cb n ` 'CS .,te�r'!! W ACD m g `S C7_ ce o cn oco y w y o o CD w C° ara W by CL Gs OQ a w �a N Q N o N A C7% C � cin CD Q Sa o � C:) CDQ E o, �a N Q N o N A C7% C coot--, 0 a A kJ a P o0 0 p iC E 1! t" Diamond Bar City Council, 21660 Copley Drive, Suit 100, Diamond Bar, Ca. 91765. Dear Sir, Today I discovered that our property located on the south east corner of Diamond Bar and Brea Canyon Blvd., was not marked commercial on your proposed general plan. All four corners were previously zoned commercial and a down zoning to residential would not be the highest and best use for this property and may constitute a taking. I hope the, residential zoning for this property was an error on your proposed plan. To insure the best tax base for the City we suggest -to enter this property as General Commercial on your proposed general plan. Please advise me what we have to do to restore a commercial zoning for this property. Sincerely, Fred P. Ja n FPi/n5 ?QJN i D's, N 0 is �clTyflf DfA,�f��T July 15, City Of Diamond Bar Attn: Jim De Stefano, Planning Dept. 21660 E. Copley Drive, Suite 100 Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Re: General plan - Land use designation; Dear Mr. De Stefano, In response to the recent general plan proposed land use designations, I find the designation proposed for the ten acre site located at the corner of Golden Springs and Carpio inconsistent with the needs of North Diamond Bar residents. As you have requested, for all who will benefit from a more practical land use designation, I will make alternate recommendations in G -PAC's July meeting , If you need to contact me for any reason, my office number is (818) 793-9143 or at home on (714) 860-2474. Cordially, p Eric R. Stone G -YAC Member 24401 Darrin Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 _.. Bramales ctliliornle, Ing dna park Picea Sure €100 1lvne, C6WO,pio %?774 (714) 85"•313€ - _ J:xeculwa OH�cea May 4, 1992 Honorable Bruce i larnenbaurn Chairman Planning C'omnlissi(rl City Of Diamond Bar 21650 E. Copley Drive, SLlile 100 Diamond Bar, California 91755-4177 Honorable Chai; man: We are tl,,e own rs of the Upp r Sycamore property defined as the. Bramalea Pro, the draft General Plan presently beim considered by the honorable Planning Come We have reviewed the draft General Plan and object to the. designation of a sub. Portion of the $rarnalea Property as Open spree and for parks. Such designations ( all- use of- the property and we consider. it a tatting of that property witho compensation. 'fiery Truly yours, BRAMALEA CALLI OgNIA INC., Marc Perrin c_ . Assistant Project Manager rnp/pke - mplokt�az.] C7rnmarc;al 4 Aesmder,lial + I'Idusirial Devv�cpera rty in ssiGn. tantial ery us It just Bramalea California, Inc. One Park Plaza, Suite 11 o t , Irvine, California 92714 (714) 851.3131 Executive Offices September 25, 1991 Mr. Jiro De Stefano Community Development Director CITY OF DIAMOND BAR 21660 E. Copley Drive Suite 1.90 Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4177 RE: General Plan Change, Lot 6 & 7, Tract 31.479 Dear Jinn: CIN cle 62, We hereby request- that the City incorporate within their new general plan a zonIng designation of RL on the above referenced property, Iocated at the intersection of Diamc nd Bar Boulevard and Goldrush. This request will bring in line the general plan and ur development plans for this portion of our remaining undeveloped land within the City of Diamond Bar along with the proposed land swap of open space with City of Diamond Blar. We appreciate all of your efforts and cooperation for the mutual benefit of both California, Inc, and City of Diamond Bar. Cordially, BRAMALEA CALIFORNIA, INC. Howard A. man Director of Land Acquisitions HAM/mh a+P51kh—kde terano.h— Commercial •Residential Industrial Developers wo 950 North Tustin Ave. • An,9heim, CA 92807 • (7-14) 6323-ol. September llr 1991 Mr. Jim. DeStefano City of Diamond Bar 21660 East Copley Dr. Suite JOG Bar, CA 91765-4177 6-0r1� -ro wv J ns Re: City of Diamond Bar's - and itseffeots t roPosed General plan o Tena-t:ive Map .,32400 a 45290 Dear Mr. DeStefana; r txave ju-sty r-ceived a draft of , I am very conCerr�ed and u the Cit deli pset with the landCuserznningr and ge City. Placed on 2 pieces of property we currently ow; in the Y• y We have spent ea devha e Years and thousands of dollars trying A a viab? e and wa11 planned residen-taial yi1zg to both o; these properties. Angeles Hath with t Project on and now -with the he County of Los that we were finall City of Dire. nd Bar, We thought asstonishment w e getting somewhere. designation o see ",hat the However, to our rily allows 1 unztnfozPrOPOsed General Plan Properf-ies. Needless ,to sa aczas for berth of our Would wipe out both y. this new prapased zoning Projects. cannot. understand wh consideration the �' the City did not .take into spent in developing these haplanWe s�rhifahincbr athe tine that was City grading ordinance, and u Porate the new m recomendations for se that information x zoning an these properties$ in heir Our projects are consistent, and far the than the and ex�stin most art g single famil part, better y homes. BUILDERS AND r)EVLL0 p 2S 69/12/91 15'49 $ 714 632 5'x50 T Cy 02 Mr. Jim DeStefano September 11, 1991 Page 2 r In the draft general plan there are Written statements that sad, "each piece must be weighed individually, as well as together with surrounding pieces as an integrated whole." I understand this to mean that there should be some assemblance to consistancy with surrounding developments. I don't feel that when developments on three sides of your property have 7,200 to 10,000 square foot lots, that a 2.5 acre lot designation is justifiable and, is certainly not consistent with the developments on the surrounding properties. We feel a tremendous hardship has been placed on our properties as well as feeling that we have been dealt with unfairly by the City. We request that the proposed zoning be changed to conform with our tenative Maps, and that the property remain consistent with the surrounding existing developments. Your ..prompt attention to this matter will -'be greatly appreciated. -- Sincerer, Frank Arciero, Jr. FIJI/ FA/km 09/23/91 11:13 i $ 714 632 5350 ev 9�;U North Tustin Ave. ` A15aheiin, (�A 92007 - (7-14) 632-0.134 Soptember 23, 1991 Mr. Jim DeStefa.no City of Diamond Bar 21660 East Copley Drive, Suite 100 Diamond Bar, Ca 91765--4177 Ref: 9/23/91 Planning Commission Hearing on Proposed. General Plan, Dear Me. DeStefano: Unfortunately I cannot attend tonight'z Planning Commission Hoaring, but would like to go on public notice as to our objections to the proposed zoning that is shown on the new general plan. This would affect our 2 pieces of property known as tenative Snap's 32400 & 45290. The new proposed zoning is not at all consistant with the 6urrounding developments and would place an undue hardship in trying to develope the properties. As you know we have been working for mny years on both of these properties and now to change the rules when we are close to finally setting these properties to a hearing and hopefully approved is not fair:-. We do not agree with the new zoning and we would hope that staff would recommend zoning that would be consistent with the adjoining developments. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, r ..f 'Frank Arcierp, 7ra i AJ/kg i Your favorable consideration is requested. if there are a questions concerning our request, please do not hesitate to conte US. Respectfully, Jerry K. Yeh V N •� 1 F 2 19 January 21, 1992 City Council Jerry K. Yeh City of Diamond Bar 671 Brea Canyon Road 21660 E. Copley Drive Suite 3 Suite 100 Diamond Bar, Ca. 91789 Diamond Bar, Ca. 91765-4177 (714) 598--2661 Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council: As owners of the property described as Parcel 14 of PM 1528 locat c at the end of Blaze Trail, within the Country in the City Df Diamond Bar, we are opposed to the General Plan Advisory Committees recommendation of R -H, 1 unit per 2.5 acres. We fi d this proposed designation .inconsistent with exiting adjoining la . -Id uses in the Country 'and requestt-a land use designation of (R -R :.; rural residential at 1 unit per acre. f Your favorable consideration is requested. if there are a questions concerning our request, please do not hesitate to conte US. Respectfully, Jerry K. Yeh V N •� 1 TkANSAMERICA MINERALS COMPANY August 7, 1991 L F e/T! O ADIA;::"0AID 4: 4 3 � 1991 s City of Diamond Bar 21660 E. Copley Drive, Suite 190 Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4177 Transamerica Minerals Camp 1150 South Oh Los Angeles, C Telephone (2 1.3) Fax (213) 741,�; RE: Proposed General Plan for City of Diamond Bar Gentlemen: Transamerica Minerals Company ("TMC") owns a 12+ acre par el in the southerly portion of Diamond Bar (Assessor's Pax- el No. 8714-028-003). TMC understands that the City of Diamond Bar is in the procss of forming a General Plan for Diamond Bar. _TMC hereby respectfully requests that its property.have all R-1-7,500 zoning placed on it. The R-1-7,500 zoning would be consistent with the area immediately adjacent to the property. Any lots in a proposed subdivision would thereby be consistent with the neighbors. Also, because of the terrain on the property, it is conceivable that a portion of the gropety could be placed in open space classification. Please review the request and inform us of your decision. Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. Very �truly yours, Lyman K. Lokken President LKL:mrp cc: Donald E. Ury, PE Suite 2200 90015 r 12T.N. TICE and ASSOCIATES ^ I'�.'���`n, � If%TITv 7611 YORBA LINDA BLVD. YORBA LINDA, CALIFORNIA 92686 x'!7.14 ,964-0fAS FAX May 4, 1992 f/ Mr. Jim Gardner General Manager Diamond Bar Country Estates Association 22615 Lazy Meadow Dr. Diamond Bar, CA Ref: 80 -acre Property, at the Country Estates, Diamond Bar, CA Dear Mr. Gardner: As the representative of the property owners of an 8( - acre tract contiguous to the Country Estates, 2 write o acquaint your Board with a Tentative Tract Map (46485) that we are currently processing through the City of Diamond Bar.. This project takes it's access through Rocky Trail aid Blaze Trail, and contains 53 residential lots, with an overall project density of 1.6 acres per lot. It contains the high design standards enjoyed by your community, and meets all environmental, safety and aesthetic considerations. We are anxious to develop a high quality development, consisting of custom desiged homes, and be good neighbors to The Country, for our mutual benefit. We are happy -to meet with ._you, your Board and alLy interested residents, especially Rocky Trail and Blaze Tra 1 residents, to share our project information, and to answer your questions. Please let us know if this is convenient, r if we could send you copies of our proposed map for yo information. . We look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Thomas H. Tice President Attachment: Map Copy:Rob Searcy Y Chris Li Todd Shieh Bill McDonald Manny Nunes LAND SURVEYING • CIVIL ENGINEERING - LAND PLANNING - A Division of: TH ICO Consolidated Enterprises, Inc. - arr cmffivr� Tr=r5libc) .Trsct4t,4SS -rmd'47651 (arc) PROPOSED GAC LES %a RIM LAND LISE MAP F7 -D =- CKIL0WDrK5rryRESMENML:I CHILOW-MMUJM EDMEDIUM CO M=TDE NESIDENMAL I ULVIS AC4=, RIMAL RESIDENTUIL i MVAC DIVAC MMENn%L'CnLVAC= .savlum lou4sm UKY.Ar. mrf)ENTUL Fl -i-1 -HICK if, DWAC X0110EN17AL GEhULAL COMM4RCULL REG comi-MCLIU/ OMCZ OS rUBtic TAcniT= WATER nu SCHOOL PARK REC"LASION OrZN SrACYALOPM GEVERAL PLAN i LANNIW, NMV-UK F�t;DMJL- rRerosioNAL omcl TLANTim UEMOMAENM AH. TICE and ASSOCIATES RECCI+ DCOMIUNITY 11 YORBA LINDA BEND. YORBA LINDA, CALIFORNIA 92686 (714) 961-0405 FAX 71 961-1724 1:92 MY( E! R1 12: 4 I May 4, 1992 Hon. Chairman and Commissioners City Planning Commission City of Diamond Bar 21660 E. Copley Dr., Suite 190 Diamond Bar, CA 91.765 Ref: 80-acre Property (Tentative Tract Map 46485) Contiguous to the Country Estates - Diamond Bar, CA. Dear Mr. Chairman and Commissioners: The,purpose at this letter is to acquaint you with the above referenced project. Y write to you as the applicant, representing the owners of the referenced property. The attached map identifies the site in question. At this time, the GPAC is recommending that our 80--acre property (TTM 46485) be placed in the RH - Hillside Residential (1.du/2.5 ac..) land use designation. The current zoning is R-1, 20,000; but we are not pursuing that Lot Size. We are concerned, however and bring to your attention.. that rF' our Tract Map which has been undergoing City review for approximately two years, and is approaching the public hearings stage, conforms to the RR - Rural Residential (ldu/ac.) designation, not RH_ Our site's overall residential density is proposed to be approximately 0.66 du/ac. (1.6 acres per lot). This falls comfortably within the interpretation, and all development guidelines, of the RR land use classification. The tract is fully typical of the residential character of adjacent developments, namely, the Country , and the recently approved JCC (Tract 47851) project. We take our access and utility hook-ups through the Country, over existing easements and feel we should be classified as an extension of this community in every respect. We have followed all City guidelines (including recent Commission and Council development-related resolutions), and Staff instructions since project inception. All hillside management standards, tree preservation policies, grading guidelines, and other conditions now in effect are being followed with this project. In addition an EIR is currently being completed by the City consultant based on our proposed density. LAND SURVEYING • CIVIL ENGINEERING - LANULANN€NG A Division of. THICO Consolidated Enterprises, Inc. { Since the neighboring properties, The country in particular, have physical and other underlying factors similar to our own, and are in the RR -- Rural Residential category, we respectfully request that we be likewise classified, for consistency, and for the reasons previously stated. We urge you to adjust that portion of the GPAC Land Use recommendation which affects, our property, from RH - Hillside Residential, to RR - Rural Residential, so that the new General Plan can reflect this urban -rural section of the City with the same land -use designation in lieu of piecemeal separation which arbitrarily follows land ownership boundaries. We are convinced that this is good planning; - comprehensive, environmentally responsible,, and equitable to all reasonable points of view. It will also justify our diligence in cooperating with City representatives over a lengthy review period and the significant financial expenditures we have' already committed towards this application. That our Tract snap be consistent with the new General Plan, as it is today, is urgent. We would genuinely appreciate the Planning Commission's recognition of our representations, and rectify the matter at this time. Thank you for your attention. Respectfully, Thomas H. Tice President Copy: James DeSte�o Rob Searcy Chris Li Todd Shieh Bill McDonald Manny Nunes Attachment: Map T.H. TICE and ASSOCIATES TV Or Jr Manuel E. Nunes, AICP PLANNING ARCHITECTURE 9731 Flo al Palm Boulevard "w= Garden Grove, California 92641 September 13, 1991 (714)539.5929 Mr.James DeStefano i", IA Director of Planning City of Diamond Bar 21 660 Bast Copely Drive, Suite 100 Diamond Bar, Ca 91765--4177 o 799,�� L. Ref: Tentative Tract 46485, Diamond Bar, California.::,. vt•"% ?U ^� Dear Mr. DeStefano : As a member of the development team and at the request of the property owners, I write to you regarding the subject 80 -acre tract and its status relative to the City's General Plan update. It appears that our plan approximates the proposed Residential Low Density, R -R Zoning District, more than any other shown on the draft plan. For this reason and due to the fact that our tract map ter__ application has been on. file with the City for approximately to '1 one year, we are anxious that we remain appropriately classif from the land use and zoning standpoints, regardless of exist or future land use applications. You already know that we have developed a plan for 53 residential lots on 80 -acres in an area now zoned 1:20,000. Our design approach stems from the fact that this property is contiguous with and is accessed through the Country Estates. This physical continuity and other common factors such as lot sizes, streets circulation, utilities and topographical features, make us a natural extension of this existing community, designed with custom homes. It should be noted that our project density averages less than one dwelling per acre (0.66 du/acre), and'this conforms to the standards applied at the Country Estates. Also, the common interests we share with them make it probable that our tract will become part of that Homeowner's Association, if conditions warrant. Undoubtedly, it would be reassuring if a position is establishes whereby our tract map application is advanced without contravening any standards, existing or proposed. Fames DeStef ano September 13, 1991 Page Two Your leadership in affirming our development position, nurtured over a 16 -month working relationship with the City on this matter, would be deeply appreciated. We look forward to your guidance and collaboration towards a mutually happy result on this question. Please call me if there is anything I can contribute to the process. Thank you. Sincerely, Man E. Nunes, AICD copy: Rob Searcy Todd Shieh Bill Mcdonald Chris Li Tom Tice itE. 'Fait -' Dia?*;ond Bar -General Plan-: Dear Ji;, 1 iti0ulci li=e t0 d75pitte -the =?;115 {:e Res_dentlai � Z�:� Ces4g,, .t, P! aced upO Our pr Ope. ty- by the Genera' Plar, Adv_ 5ory Committee (GPAC). This undeveloped p opertj% is located i, the sou Ll ee_s;,e;_y pol'tion of Diamond Dar and is identified as Tentative Tracts 47850, 47331 and 48487. According to the DP3 T-i_H�iliy;D RA C\rIR:1D 1',t . dated July 5, _9Cr:a:cii:ium cei.sicy ivzthir< hillside -'residential areas faillbe 0.4 dwelling units per gro s acre .(0.4__du/ac`e; _ Tn all probability, GPAC simply designated this land Ri? becat e it is undeveloped hillside property. :� num.ber of facto1,s, though, should lead one to identify this property as approp±i to Ii low density reside.: `al deveiopiment or Rural Resldentia-1 (RR) T his car r hes a maxi:, um del city of '_..0 d,wiacre. tlese factors are: 1. These properties have had Vest zng Ten ta _'uCt �aOS file with the city since 1989, (in fact, they were in1ti l'•�_; slibm{ t ted to t e County of 1.os Angeles before Diamond Ba sA=as _ corpo-raced) . Taken together, these j,11aps hp;.e a density of 0.15 du/ac_•e, which is still a lower density han required undez- the RR c_!Fssification. We feel that it S; u_•d he g_Ossly uifai_ for the city to require the RH density of diVLlli T *'?'ts per acre of ter we have spent e e � s t _?I'A amount of time and money on our present conifiguratior. 2. 1r the I,RAFr D_ M0\D BAR GE.NE AT_ PT A\ dated ,7uly 5 1J ob=jective 2.2 on pave -'-2q states that,. is the C,ity> s tnt0r-t3C?: to ,.,__._... z c01if11cts be wee r, adjacen_ i:ses. pro_ -De ty is adjacent :a "_',e Coi<, - - , o:v access 1s throt:, ' ^`:,e Cou >_.t µ ry a:�� tti-e ;�_te_.e ;.o beco:�:e a part o� "I'he Country" is hen _he v g ; '� � - e ist�n� "soul try' is b-12 t 0u (T30 dw e 11 i ng uP_if, ts 03? SCJ acres,) :ley W4 lie ,q"__:' density of 0.85 du/acre cis compared i0 O proposed de_ls'ty' oz 0.75 du/acre ° DANIEL O. BUFFINGTON, D.P.M. Fellow American College of Foot Orthopedists Podiatrist . Foot Specialist U) 1.168 South Diamond Bar Blvd. DIAMOND BAR, CA. 91765 (714) 86 July 11 1991 , V � p1 91� Ja=des JeStefano, Director of Planning ��Pjlf 1 City of Diamond Bar 21660 East Copley D=ive Suite 100 Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4177 itE. 'Fait -' Dia?*;ond Bar -General Plan-: Dear Ji;, 1 iti0ulci li=e t0 d75pitte -the =?;115 {:e Res_dentlai � Z�:� Ces4g,, .t, P! aced upO Our pr Ope. ty- by the Genera' Plar, Adv_ 5ory Committee (GPAC). This undeveloped p opertj% is located i, the sou Ll ee_s;,e;_y pol'tion of Diamond Dar and is identified as Tentative Tracts 47850, 47331 and 48487. According to the DP3 T-i_H�iliy;D RA C\rIR:1D 1',t . dated July 5, _9Cr:a:cii:ium cei.sicy ivzthir< hillside -'residential areas faillbe 0.4 dwelling units per gro s acre .(0.4__du/ac`e; _ Tn all probability, GPAC simply designated this land Ri? becat e it is undeveloped hillside property. :� num.ber of facto1,s, though, should lead one to identify this property as approp±i to Ii low density reside.: `al deveiopiment or Rural Resldentia-1 (RR) T his car r hes a maxi:, um del city of '_..0 d,wiacre. tlese factors are: 1. These properties have had Vest zng Ten ta _'uCt �aOS file with the city since 1989, (in fact, they were in1ti l'•�_; slibm{ t ted to t e County of 1.os Angeles before Diamond Ba sA=as _ corpo-raced) . Taken together, these j,11aps hp;.e a density of 0.15 du/ac_•e, which is still a lower density han required undez- the RR c_!Fssification. We feel that it S; u_•d he g_Ossly uifai_ for the city to require the RH density of diVLlli T *'?'ts per acre of ter we have spent e e � s t _?I'A amount of time and money on our present conifiguratior. 2. 1r the I,RAFr D_ M0\D BAR GE.NE AT_ PT A\ dated ,7uly 5 1J ob=jective 2.2 on pave -'-2q states that,. is the C,ity> s tnt0r-t3C?: to ,.,__._... z c01if11cts be wee r, adjacen_ i:ses. pro_ -De ty is adjacent :a "_',e Coi<, - - , o:v access 1s throt:, ' ^`:,e Cou >_.t µ ry a:�� tti-e ;�_te_.e ;.o beco:�:e a part o� "I'he Country" is hen _he v g ; '� � - e ist�n� "soul try' is b-12 t 0u (T30 dw e 11 i ng uP_if, ts 03? SCJ acres,) :ley W4 lie ,q"__:' density of 0.85 du/acre cis compared i0 O proposed de_ls'ty' oz 0.75 du/acre C 3. This lard is both topographically and environmentally very similar to that located within "The Country. it is part of an undeveloped 280 acre parcel that together with a portion of the Diamond Ridge Tract (G du/acre) ane a portion. of "Tke Country" makes up the southeasterly border of Diamond Bar. This entire border nuns parallel to and overlooks Tonner Canyon. it seems that this 'bordering property stzould be kept consistent with the neighboring residential property. With these factors in mind, we strongly urge the City of Diamond Bar to change the density of the above mentioned property to "lie Rural Residential (RR) classification of 1.0 dwelling writ per gross acre. Sincerely, Daniel Duffingto n, DB.sa S i $ 4,- ��.a nay. •L-.6,. y �ON W41 Pi y a ?c. A Is 4 U NO, }. � � S} c.F moi. ?` � • f e -z" Y?- - I 5tl - �'2 - - _ice 1 �"rE' T's -F'•, +:;rs ��{ 'lam A _ _ �' ck; :S- ', •y ��.i� � - ' �.rc�, - ' M7 jam �•c� �- j i x � �"fi -� t ' r�'.T ��\ `�� '- r I S •- � ','ifiy _ �_. � t � y;•: -. ] � "Li` � �5 A? - ♦- °'. - T S a�fi--'�� ".2�y 'off J Q L: - Po" - �R x• rl L60r��a •C r3., t e_ \ 1�1E �' K. ♦ ' 1- 7e ' '-v". cam. r J. � � ..:*i.• k, r �,,. .�+"-, Fk •10- <. <, -- •� � Cti X _� �, .cam, M •a :i xs ki L , -- yr ' P C THE DFL PARTNERSHIP cci I Y-- 4251 South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401. &^"A (805) 544-3990 Fax (805) 544-3996 rVAI-k 4 7 January 1992 s�_ 1 City Council City of Diamond Bar 21660 E. Copley Drive, Suite 100 Diamond Bar, California 91765-4177 Honorable Mayor, Member of the City Council: As owners of the property described as Parcel 3 of Parcel Map No. 7409, located on the north side of Steeplechase Lane between Bent Twig Lane and Wagon Train Lane, within the Country in the City of Diamond Bar, we are opposed to the General Plan Advisory Committee's recommendation of R -H, 1 unit per 2.5 acres. We find this proposed designation inconsistent with existing adjoining land uses in the Country and request a land use designation of LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AT 3 UNITS PER ACRE. Our property is currently zoned R-1-8000, and the proposed land use designation would represent an extreme devaluation of our parcel. Your favorable consideration is requested and if there are questions concerning our request, please do not hesitate to contact us. Resp Warren Dolezal, General Partner cc: City or Diamond Bar Planning Commission Mr. Jim DeStefano, Community Dvip. Director Mr. Chuck Cater, Hunsaker and Associates WFD:md R • ./ • Cro wG ey DEVELQER ( RT TIT T) r) I 1700 Rainiree Road, Fullerton, CA 92635-4043 M (714) 773.1041 FAX (714) 773-0298 September 11, 1991 James DeStefano Director of Planning City of Diamond Bar 21660 East Copley Drive, Suite .190 Diamond Bar, CA 91765--4177 Dear Mr. DeStefano, As you are aware, we are currently working out the final de tai of a development agreement with the city to construct an 8o -un condominium project on a 2.2 acre, "L-shaped" parcel of land w own with frontage on Golden Springs Road and Torito Lane. For reference purposes, the site is the location of the old Diamon Bar post office. One of your staff members, Mr. Robert Searcy the Associate Planner in charge of our project, has asked me tc write you a brief letter setting forth our reasons for desirinc to construct such a relatively high density condominium projeci at this location. Our justification falls into four interrelai categories: characteristics of site, suitabilityof site for residential versus commercial use, economic factors and design considerations. Characteristics of Site: The property has a unique topography. There is a considerable, roughly 8 foot, drop-off along Golden Springs Road where we have 205 feet of frontage. Primary acres: to any commercial or office complex should be from Golden Sprint Road, but, because of the nature of the property, is severely restricted. Usable access is only from Torito Lane along which we have 310 feet of frontage. Torito Lane drops about 22 feet You travel the streets, 500 foot length from Golden Springs Roac Sui--abiLitV of Site for Residential versus Commercial Use: The Property is currently zoned commercial. Our studies of the arez indicate that it would be a mistake, both from our point of vieti and that of the city, to develop the site with either office, or retail complexes. We feel that, as the need arises, the best location for new office buildings will be along Golden Springs Road in the vicinity of where your offices are located, and retail complexes along the Diamond Bar Boulevard corridor. Prio to our designing a project for the site, The Meyers Grou known and respected real estate information and consultipg firm was commissioned to do a marketing/pricing/absorption study. s t N s Their conclusions, which were summarized in a report to us, a copy of which you have, concluded that a condominium project would be the most beneficial and desirable use of the site. With regard to the appropriateness of condominiums at this site, the property is bordered on the SW by a large commercial retail complex, the SE by office buildings, the NW by single family homes and NE by condominiums. Placing a commercial project on the site would be detrimental to the surrounding residential projects, whereas the condominium project we have proposed will serve as a natural transition between the present commercial and residential projects. Economic Factors: This piece of land was very expensive. To date we have invested approximately two million_ dollars in the purchase, asbestos abatement and demolition of the old Diamond Bar Post office which was necessary to prepare the site for new development. in addition, soils and geology testing have determined that the old post office was built on uncompacted fill. In order to do anv new development it will be necessary to overexcavate a large portion of the site 25 to 30 feet. This will likely require extensive shoring as well as other special precautions. This is an extremely expensive undertaking. To be able to sell the units at market rates, making the project feasible, it is necessary to spread these costs over a larger number of -units.' l Design Considerations. The topography of our land naturally lends itself to providing parking for the complex within a two story subterranean parking structure. Buildings are placed upon the parking structure as well as on grade. Density limits, as a rule, are set by cities to insure adequate open space. Because most projects "waste" land by covering the property with driveways and on-site parking, not to mention buildings, only minimal space is left for open and recreational purposes. The aesthetics of most projects are not very good. Our design, by contrast, with the use of subterranean parking, has in essence more than doubled the area of the site;. people don't need to compete with cars for - space around their buildings. As even a cursory look at our Site Plan will reveal our project has a significantly larger amount of open space and recreational amenities than is found in most projects, in spite of being at a higher density. The above are just a few of the things we have taken into consideration in designing our project. We feel it is a well thought out and aesthetically pleasing project that will significantly upgrade the area and be a credit to the community. Upon review of the proposed General Plan for the city, we find that our property is designated to remain commercial. We hereby request a change of the zoning classification from commercial to a high density residential. If you have any questions, please feel free to call jae. Very truly yours, Ronald J. Crowley, Ph.D. General Partner SEPTEMBER 4, 1991 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR 21660 E COPLEY DR SUITE 100 DIAMOND BAR CALIFORNIA 91765 ATTENTION: ,TAMES DESTANFANO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR WE UNDERSTAND THAT 1.3 ACRES OF VACANT LAND ON SOUTH CLEAR CREEK CANYON DRIVE, BEHIND TIME CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST FOR LATTER DAY SAINTS, HAS BEEN ZONED TO PROVIDE FOR MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENCES. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT 34 CONDOMINIUM UNITS CAN BE BUILT ON THAT PROPERTY AND WE QUESTION WHETHER THE SPACE CAN ACCOMODATE THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES (RESIDENTS' AND GUESTS') THAT WILL RESULT. THE UNDERSIGNED, WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF SOUTH CLEAR CREEK CANYON, COGBURN LANE- AND RIO LOBOS, OBJECT TO THAT PROPERTY BEING ZONED FOR MULTI- FAMILY OCCUPANCY BECAUSE: 1. IT- WILL --INCREASE THE AMOUNT OFTRAFFIC N THE T EXACERBATE HE PARKING PROBLEM. __I-__-__NEIGfiBORHOOD AND 2_ IT WILL -REDUCE -THE VALUE OF OUR PROPERTY. 3. IN -OUR OPINION, THE CITY OF DIAMOND HAS _R_E_AC_HED_THE_S_A_TURATION POINT _WITH -_MULTI -FAMILY HOUSING AND BUILDING�MORE-WILL DECREASE THE QUALITY-OF-LIFE-IN-OUR`COM_KUNITY. ��---�� PLEASE ADVISE US OF THE PROPER PROCEDURES WE MUST FOLLOW TO HAVE THE ZONING OF THIS LAND CHANGED TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. d&�� 41AU� ALICE TRUAX FOR CONCERNED RESIDENTS 1244 SOUTH CLEAR CREEK CANYON DIAMOND BAR CA 91765 (714) 861-2117 (714) 860-6262 SASAKCORPORATION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Corporate Office: P.O. Box 1153, 858 W. 9th Street, Upland, CA Branch Office: 3420 Lindell, St. Louis, MO 63103 ( May 29, 1992 Mr. Jim DeStefano, Planning Director City of Diamond Bar 21660 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Subject: Land Use Designation - TR = 32576 Dear Mr. DeStefano, 1!-,-)IITY 785-1153 (714) 981,-04219 Fax: (712 I) 371-6700 F 14) 534-1068 It has been brought to my attention that the City of Diamond Bar is near comple of the Draft General Plan. I am the owner of a seven acre parcel located at Morning Sun Sheppard Hills Road. I have already corlamissioried my civil engineer to prepare a tentE tract map application which is due to be submitted to your office in the very near futur 985-7520 """ Ell My purpose in writing is to request that the land use designation that is applied to]thi property be consistent with the current zoning of the property. This will allow me to cantu: the design work and subdivision application. In Finally, I would appreciate your sending me notice of the hearing date at which the i of land use designation will be considered by the City Planning Commission and City Cou. I appreciate your assistance on this matter. Sincerely, Aiuxul-FaTe-1, President Sasak Corporation Leader in Lodging Industry Development and Management