HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/27/1992
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO: MEETING FROM: SUBJECT:
April 21, 1992 Planning Commission
DATE: April 27, 1992
Ann J. Lungu, Planning Technician at)
Conditional Use Permit No. 91-13 to amend Conditional Use Permit No. 495, Development Review No. 91-04, and Sign Review No.
92-6 for K-Mart, located at 249 So. Diamond Bar Blvd.
BACKGROUND:
K-Mart Corporation is proposing interior improvements, exterior improvements and new signage.
The shopping center where K-Mart is located, is comprised of two parcels with different owners. The K-Mart Parcel is owned by
Soman Properties Inc. and the other parcpLi'd owned by Core Investment Corporation and Rikuo Corporation."
This proposed project on December 9, 1992. for the appropriate submitted.
,was last reViewed by the Planning Commission Sindd this time, the City has been waiting signatures of all property owners to be
As per the direction of the Assistant City Attorney, K-Mart will need to obtain the signatures of all property owner of the shopping
center to continue the review of their project. At this time, K- Mart has not been able to obtain signatures for their application from
Core Investment Corporation and Rikuo Corporation.
In anticipation of receiving the appropriate signature, this proposed project was previously advertised for the April 27, 1992
Planning Commission meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission continue this advertised public hearing until the May 11, 1992 Planning
Commission Meeting.
File reviby
on( and is ready for
scanning
File jrw
by
.destruction b a.nd is re
Y City clerk ClY for•
Next Resolution No. 92-12
AGENDA
CM( OF DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
AUDITORIUM
21865 E. COPLEY DRIVE
DIAMOND BAR, CA 91765
April 27 1992 CALL TO ORDER:7:00 pm
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:COMMISSIONERS: Chairman Flamenbaum, Vice Chairman MacBride, Grothe, Li and Meyer
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS:
This is the time and place for the general public to address the members of the Planning Commission on any item that is within
their jurisdiction, allowing the public an opportunity to speak on non-public hearing and non-agenda items. Please complete a
Speaker's Card for the recording Secretary (completion of this form is voluntary). There is a five minute maximum time limit when
addressing the Planning Commission.
* * * * * * * *
CONSENT CALENDAR: The following items listed on the consent calendar are considered routine and are approved by a single
motion. Consent calendar items may be removed from the agenda by request of the Commission only:
1.Minutes of April 13, 1992
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
2.Draft General Plan (continued from April 20, 1992)
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.
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 community throughout the next twenty years.
The Proposed General Plan addresses both the incorporated city limits and its adopted sphere of influence. The Draft Environmental
Impact Report (DEIR) prepared for the Diamond Bar General Plan addresses the environmental impacts created by the Plan as well
as mitigation measures for the impacts.
The Draft Diamond Bar General Plan incorporates the seven required general plan elements (land use, housing, open space,
conservation, safety, noise, and circulation) into five major sections:
The Plan for Public Services and Facilities
The Plan for Resource Management (open Space, Conservation)
The Plan for Public Health and Safety (Noise and Safety)
The Plan for Physical Mobility (Circulation)
The Plan for Community Development (Land Use, Housing)
a.The focus of the April 27, 1992, hearing will be to review the Plan for Public Health and Safety.
b. Review of Plan for Public Services and Facilities with revisions as directed by Planning Commission on April 13, 1992.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3.Conditional Use Permit No. 91-13.A request to amend
Conditional Use Permit No. 495 for property improvements. Development Review No. 91-4 and Sign Review No. 91-4 for tenant
improvement with exterior changes and signs for K- mart located at 249 So. Diamond Bar Blvd. in a CPD zone.
Applicant: K-Mart Corporation
Environmental Determination: Categorically Exempt Section
15061(b)(3)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Staff
Planning Commissioners
ADJOURNMENT:
4.May 4, 1992 7:00 p.m.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 13, 1992
CALL TO ORDER:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL:
Chairman Grothe called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board Meeting Room,
21865 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, seconded by C/Flamenbaum and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of March 23, 1992
of the Consent Calendar.
CD/DeStefano reported that discussion 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 some of the issues of concern.
Chair/Grothe suggested that the Commission send a list of the issues, with the goals and objectives, regarding architectural review,
to the City Council.
C/Flamenbaum proposed to recommend to the City Council that the issue of large buildings, of any nature, should be part of the
Commission's development review. Specifics could be discussed at a later date.
C/Li stated that he is opposed to creating another level of government. The Commission can exchange ideas during a public
hearing, and receive recommendations from staff.
Chair/Grothe stated that the intent of forming a sub-committee would be to review the development review process, to develop
guidelines, and to make appropriate adjustments to the process. The subcommittee would not be permanent.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Minutes of Mar. 23, 1992
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion of Development Review
Ordinance
April 13, 1992Page 2
CD/DeStefano, in response to C/Li, explained that the issue is being brought back, per direction of the Planning Commission, after
the review of a 7,500 sq. ft. home that came before the Commission only because it involved an oak tree removal permit. One of
the issues being raised is to determine if homes of such scale should be reviewed on a regular basis, versus the authority contained
in the ordinance which precludes Commission review. The community is expressing a desire to see these homes, and provide
guidelines to make sure they are architecturally and physically compatible with the setting that they are being placed within. Staff
has the following additional issues regarding the Ordinance: it is not clear when review begins or ends; there needs to be clarity of
the Public Hearing process; and there needs to be further direction to staff on issues of heighth, bulk, shape, mass, size and
compatibility. Staff desires to clean up the grey areas of the ordinance, modify the ordinance pursuant to the direction received by
the Planning Commission, incorporating staff thoughts and, if appropriate, the wording of a subcommittee of the Commission, and
then bring the package back to the Commission for full review, and forward the recommended changes to the City Council.
C/Meyer, noting that the Development Code is supposed to be consistent with the General Plan, suggested that the issue of
whether or not the Commission should review the construction of mansions could be reviewed with respect to the public hearing
process on the General Plan. Once that is concluded, the Commission could take a look at a Development Code that would
implement, and be consistent, with the General Plan.
Motion was made by VC/MacBride and seconded by C/Meyer to table the matter until the completion of the General Plan review.
Chair/Grothe suggested that staff receive some direction for their design review, from a subcommittee of the Commission,
regarding side yard setbacks and architectural style, with the understanding that it will be rewritten upon completion of the General
Plan review.
C/Flamenbaum stated that the purpose of the Development Review Ordinance is to outline the procedures for a review of a
particular development, and describe those applications that falls under the purview and jurisdiction of the
April 13, 1992Page 3
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 setbacks, are in the zoning criteria. The Ordinance indicates that whatever
findings of facts made by the Planning Commission on 5 units or more, staff would make the same findings of facts on
fewer than that.Furthermore, any "size"
determined would be arbitrary and capricious.
Chair/Grothe received a request to speak from a member of the audience.
Martha Brusque, residing at 600 S. Great Bend Dr., referencing the development that occurred on Kiowa Crest on property once
considered undevelopable, stated her concern that there are no levels of government in Diamond Bar, and not much planning.
C/Flamenbaum inquired why the Commission is required to review a 2,000 sq. ft. commercial structure, but yet a 15,000 sq. ft.
home does not come under the Commission's jurisdiction.
The Commission voted on the Motion made by VC/MacBride and seconded by C/Meyer to table the matter. The Motion CARRIED.
AYES:COMMISSIONERS: Li, Meyer, VC/MacBride,
and Chair/Grothe.
NOES:COMMISSIONERS: Flamenbaum.
ABSENT:COMMISSIONERS: None.
Chair/Grothe inquired how the Commission would go about making a change to the side yard setback.
C/Meyer, with CD/DeStefano's confirmation, explained that the item would have to be placed on the Commission's agenda, whereas
a consensus would have to be received to give direction to staff to
modify the zoning ordinance. Staff would then modify the ordinance, per direction of the .Commission, come back with an
environmental review, and a draft ordinance, to be presented to the Commission in a public hearing process.
Chair/Grothe requested staff to place the matter on the agenda as a discussion item.
ReorganizationVC/MacBride suggested that the reorganization of
April 13, 1992Page 4
the Planning Commission item be moved to the last item of the agenda. The Commission concurred.
CD/DeStefano reported that, at the conclusion of the public testimony on the March 23rd meeting, the Commission directed the
applicant and staff to investigate the possibility of incorporating revisions to the tentative map, permitting 16 units on 22 acres,
located at Highcrest Ave. near Goldrush, in order to bring the map closer to current development standards. The applicant and staff
have met to discuss potential alterations to the map. However, because the tentative revisions were submitted to the City for
review'on April 8th, staff has not had an adequate review period to comment, nor discuss the ramifications of the revisions with the
City Attorney and City Engineer. However, staff was able to review the map briefly, from a planning perspective, and noted the
following: it incorporates land form grading to the extent that it provides undulation in the 2:1 slopes being proposed; and the map
has been modified to provide independent access from the street for each lot. The issues were reviewed with the City Attorney's
office, and the issues are generalized in these various areas: if the map were to be continued, the existing map would remain alive
allowing the developer to modify the project, if in agreement, and provide the staff with the appropriate fees based upon the fee
schedule to pursue the modifications to the document; continuing the project keeps the map alive and, therefore, the developer
could submit the final map to the City Council; if continued, and all the conditions of the tentative map have been met, the City
Council has to approve the final map; the extension of time can be approved; the extension of time could be denied; and if denied,
the developer could revise the map to meet the current standards, or to appeal the denial to the City Council. After a brief review,
at this point in time, staff is not convinced that it is a map that should move forward in the system.
DCA/Curley, in response to C/Flamenbaum, stated that since it is a vesting map, any changes and ordinances, that have occurred
since 1990, that require health and safety modifications, can be imposed on the map as a condition of an extension. The applicant
can also consent to accept 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.
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING:
TT Map 31977
April 13, 1992Page 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 Engineer. 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 made to try to meet the intent of the map. He consented that what the Commission is proposing is
acceptable to them.
Andrew King, residing at 1595 S. McFarren, Monterey Park, stated that they do not disagree with any proposal the Commission has
put forth. However, he pointed out that since receiving approval of the tentative map in 1990, they have not received definitive
direction from the City of Diamond Bar as how to proceed with this.
Donald Robertson, residing at 309 N. Pantado Dr., member of the GPAC, inquired if the project falls within the parameters set up by
GPAC at this time.
CD/DeStefano stated that the General plan is designating that site as RL, which is low density residential with 3 dwelling units per
acre. That three dwelling units per acre is consistent with all of the properties surrounding it.
Gary Neely, a GPAC member, stated that, from an audience standpoint, it would be helpful to have a picture of the project.
Andrew King explained that they had presented pictures at the time of the application.
Martha Brusque stated that she hopes there was consideration made for a traffic signal with two left turn lanes at
Goldrush/Diamond Bar Blvd.
The Public Hearing was declared closed.
April 13, 1992Page 6
Draft General Plan
CD/DeStefano, in response to C/Meyer, confirmed that there is a resolution that sets forth the conditions for the vesting map.
Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to recommend to the City Council a one
year continuance to the project subject to the grading being modified to substantially comply with the Hillside Development
Ordinance, that is currently in existence, as interpreted by the Community Development Director and the City Engineer.
Chair/Grothe called a recess at 8:12 p.m.The meeting was called back to order at 8:29 p.m.
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 print
for the 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, 1992Page 7
upcoming scheduled public hearings, as indicated in the staff report. The General Plan, once 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 (CEQA). It is recommended that the Commission begin
the Public Hearing process on the General Plan, receive testimony, forward comments to staff, review the Plan for Public Facilities
and the Plan for Resource Management and continue the Hearing to April 20, 1992. The changes made by the Commission tonight
will be brought back for the April 27th meeting.
Lloyd Zola, of the Planning Network, explained 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 Management; The Plan for Public Health; The Plan for
Public Services and Facilities; and The Plan for Physical
Mobility. In addition to the General Plan document, the Commission will be dealing with the Master Environmental Assessment, and
the EIR. It is requested that the Commission review the 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
recommendations 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 reviewed 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 13, 1992Page 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.
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 30 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, 1992Page 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 organizational 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 Tonner Canyon.". He requested
that the word "Discuss" be changed to "Encourage". He offered to provide a status 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 promote 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 information, 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 made, in the menu, of the postal service, the school system (with special reference to a High School
in the north end of Diamond Bar), a bus system, a comment to the existing YMCA in Diamond Bar, and a comment if there is or is
not a Senior Citizen facility.
C/Flamenbaum concurred with Mr. Neely if the City is going to do a Master Drainage Plan for the "sphere of influence" or the "entire
City". 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 reference to Senior Citizen facilities, as well as
Youth
April 13, 1992Page 10
facilities; page 7, strategy 1.5.2 - He questioned if "an ecological museum 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, 1992Page 11
CD/DeStefano outlined the changes identified: page 2 - Review the issue of the Master Drainage Plan and deal with the conflicting
language; add and expand discussion, on page 2, regarding the school facilities, the post office, the bus system, the YMCA, senior
citizen facilities, and youth facilities.
Lloyd Zola stated that the youth and senior citizen's facility should be added on page 3, section C, because it is not an existing
condition, 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 made to the recreation, stated that, ultimately, there is still a City staff person that is responsible
for recreational activities, whether they are provided through a contract.
CD/DeStefano, concurring with C/Meyer, recommended that page 2, section B, first paragraph not be changed. Additionally, the
issue of whether or not additional fire station(s) are necessary for Tres Hermanos needs to be addressed.
C/Meyer suggested that the issue be tied in with Development Activity as opposed to being site specific.
CD/DeStefano continued outlining the changes made: page 5, strategy 1.1.6a, would read, "Investigate plans by ..."; page 6,
objective 1.3 should read, "Establish and implement comprehensive equitable solutions to the financing..."; page 7, strategy 1.5.2
should read, "...art center 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 section 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 be added to page 5, to become strategy 1.1.7, to read, "Promote the addition of
larger library facilities,
April 13, 1992Page 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, 1992Page 13
Chair/Grothe suggested that the public hearing be opened to allow anyone, who had anticipated 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 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 10:34 p.m.
CD/DeStefano reported that, pursuant to the Ordinance amendment by the City Council, each Commission should handle the annual
reorganization in March of each year, or the first available date following April 7th of this year. Staff recommended that the
Commission consider 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 seconded by C/Grothe to close the nomination.
The Commission voted on the Motion for C/Flamenbaum for Chairman.
AYES:COMMISSIONERS: Meyer,L i ,and
Flamenbaum.
NOES:COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: MacBride and Grothe. The Motion CARRIED.
Motion was made by C/Meyer and seconded by C/Grothe to nominate C/MacBride for Vice Chairman.
Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum, seconded by C/Li to nominate C/Meyer for Vice Chairman.
Motion was made by C/Meyer and seconded by C/Grothe to close the nomination.
NEW BUSINESS: Reorganization
The Commission voted on for Vice Chairman.
AYES:COMMISSIONERS:
NOES:COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
the Motion for C/MacBride
Meyer, Li, Grothe and Chair/Flamenbaum.
None.
MacBride.
April 13, 1992Page 14
INFORMATION ITEMS:
The Motion CARRIED.
VC/MacBride suggested that the Commission recommend to the City Council that, for continuity, they consider having 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.
CD/DeStefano recommended that the Claremont's 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
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:Chairman & Planning Commission
FROM:James DeStefano, Community Development D
SUBJECT:Review of the General Plan Public Health and Sa ty Element and Public Services and Facilities revisi ns
MEETING DATE: April 27, 1992 DATE:April 23, 1992
BACKGROUND
The Planning Commission began a series of public hearings regarding the General Plan on April 13, 1992. The commission has
reviewed and approved the Plan for Public Services and Facilities and the Plan for Resource Management.
Attached for the Commission's information are excerpts from the State of California publication entitled "General Plan Guidelines"
regarding the Noise and Safety Elements. Please also review the Plan for Public Health and Safety as approved by the GPAC on April
22, 1992 (attached) and relevant sections of both the Master Environmental Assessment and the Master Environmental Impact
Report.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Planning Commission open the Public Hearing on the entire General Plan, specifically receive testimony
and approve the Plan for Public Health and Safety and continue the General Plan to May 4, 1992.
1-irst Draft July 16, 1991 - Proposed revisions are a result of GPAC's input through April 23, 1991
Additions: boll and underline Deletions: strikeout
Redline: revised 4-21-92
III. PLAN FOR 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 cause 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 (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 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 construction so as to minimize
identifiable risks to the extent possible.
The Plan for Public Health and Safety addresses the following issues:
•Geology and Seismicity
•Flooding
•Fire Protection Services
•Crime and Protection Services
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised April 23, 1992
•Emergency Services and Facilities
•Hazardous Materials
•Air Quality
•Noise
B.EXISTING CONDITIONS
1.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 soils 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 natural stream channel. For additional information on local drainage, flooding, and flood control, refer
to Section II-C of the Master Environmental Assessment.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992III-2
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 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 Rating 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 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 a fire
protection service cooperative with other local agencies. For additional 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 time 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 Boy Scout Ranch within the sphere of influence
presently has private security. For additional information on crime and protection services, refer to Section II-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 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 20 minute drive. The Los Angeles County Fire Department maintains paramedic service at station 119
just west of the City, as well as at stations 61 and 118 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. For additional information on the emergency services and facilities, refer to Section II-L of the Master
Environmental Assessment.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992111-3
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 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 II-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 II-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 57/60
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- of-way. These include Brea
Canyon Road (1441, 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
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992III-4
along the western boundary of the City and infrequent urban sources (dogs barking, airplane overflights, etc.) For additional
information on local noise, refer to Section II-G of the Master 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 for development in Diamond Bar,
especially in hillside areas.
ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies to adequately protect existing and future 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 schedule at present for the remaining
improvements needed to complete the local drainage and flood control network. In addition, the existing planned improvements are
based on County plans for the area, 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 to its citizens from flooding, and establish a schedule of
improvements based on 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 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 Fire Department 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. Development of the sphere of influence may also
require additional fire protective services.
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 can take appropriate action now to reduce and/or avoid the increase
in local crime, such as urban 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.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992III-5
As the City's population increases, 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.
5.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.
7.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.
ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City should work cooperatively with local agencies to develop innovative policies for reducing regional air
pollution, in addition to implementing the current programs of the South Coast Air Quality
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992111-6
Management Plan.
8.NOISE
Noise is presently a problem for local residents only along major roadways and 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. While noise may be not be a significant problem compared to other cifies, 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 policies on how it will keep noise, primarily
from major roadways, from impacting existing as well as future residents.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992111-7
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
Objective 1.1
Strategies:
"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."
Eliminate the potential for loss of life and minimize physical injury and property damage from seismic groundshaking and other
geologic events.
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 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 a 100-year storm and associated flooding.
Strategies:
event of such a storm.
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
Revised April 23, 1992111-8
1.2.4 The City will prepare a schedule of 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 wild/and fire hazards without
degrading the viability of natural ecosystems.
Strategies:
1 .3.1 Where development is proposed within areas potentially subject to wildland fire hazards, ensure that the Fire Department has
the opportunities to review -reviewed 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 ace4Rear-per-ateelinto the project.
1.3.2 Ensure that new development and intensification of existing development in areas subject to wildland fire are adequately
protected in a manner which 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 currently approved for development.
•Preservation of significant biological resources.
•Approval of new development or intensification of existing development.
Objective 1.4 Ensure an adequate distribution of fire stations, equipment, and manpower such that a maximum five minute
response time to all areas other than wild/and areas wherein a six minute response time capability can be maintained.
Strategies:
1.4.2 Work with the Fire Department to establish a funding mechanism which 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 the enhancement of the minimum fire standards included in
the Uniform Building and Fire Codes (UBC and UFC).
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992111-9
preteetion4Fena4ife-hazafElsT
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.
Residential:
Easily visible strects/strect names, entrances, and home numbers.
Avoidance of flag lots.
•Limitation of access into and between buildings to reduce
escape routes and the potential for undetected entry.
•':: •
. -
curveillance of yards, corridors, entrances, parking areas, streets, and other public and semi public cpaccs.
concealment.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Revised April 23, 1992
III-10
neighbors.
Business:
aLandscaping and location of structures which facilitate
- - -
•Provision of easy access for emergency vehicles.
•Limited 3CCCSS to buildings or building groups.
•Elimination of exterior aCCC:X, to roofs by features sunh-as-flag--peles7.
•Installation of alarm systems on a zone basis so that
•Easily visible street names and addresses. Recreation-Areas:
Adequate night lighting.
aDesign to facilitate surveillance from streets and nearby-buildings:-
•Locate park buildings and high usc activity areas near streets.
1.5.5 Strive to maintain a force of peace officers sufficient to provide an
Objective 1.6 Promote the provision of adequate medical and emergency services to Diamond Bar residents.**
Strategies:
1.6.1 Coordinate with all other appropriate agencies for to ensure the provision of evacuation and ambulance services within
acceptable service levels and response times.
Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992III-11
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. *
a.Encure that the City's disaster response plan involve& the
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 links with all adjacent governmental 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 1.8 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:
andwaetcs.
1.8.3 Pursue establishment of a regular citywide program of household hazardous
waste collection according to the provisions of Section 41500 of the Public
Resources Code AB 2707 (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
Revised April 23, 1992III-12
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 : - . - • - , and by reducing energy use
Re5eur-c-e-Managemet+4.*
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.
"
a
review projects for consistency with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan.
following -p-r-ogfamei-
•Incorporatc design measures into new development and,
:
. -
:
parking areas, bus turnout areas, etc.
•Disseminate information to Diamond Bar residents regarding the advantages of, and procedures involved in, ride sharing
and public transit.
1 .9.5 Where residential or office uses will be located adjacent to or near commercial development, ensure that site designs
facilitate rather than discourage pedestrian movement between uses (e.g. locate buildings adjacent to the street with parking
behind such that pedestrians need not walk through parking lots to reach their destination; provide clear pedestrian 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 April 23, 1992III-1 3
•
area.
gfading--is-eempletedv.
.": efiltil6i9f1S-,-wheFe-feasibler
it is also desirable to stockpile topsoil during the grading process and replace them on finished areas.Such
:
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 BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992III-1 4
Objeetive-1,1-0--- ..Gonsider-rtoi.se-issues-in-the-lamt-tise-planniftg-and-developmem-pertnit preeess-to-ensitr-e.thet-
Imise-genefateri-ley. ene--use•ordoes-nof-adveFsely-af-feet-aigeeen4-uses-.-:
Strategies:
4140.4--------P-revent--the-develoorneryt-of-new-residentia4---uses-within--the 66 GNEL-noise-contoElr-of-State-Route--57-and-
State-Route-60 unless-appropriate-mitigation --is -provided-te-maintain--aeceptable noise -levels,-L''
-171 G1-2Establish- in- the-- De ve lo pment- Code-- proc-educes---te- maintain•a
fri a x ifn t I ro-ac eptable-out do o r-noise-iev-r esidential- activity
areas-of -55-dB C-NE6---)Alhefe-residentia4-afeas--are-4e•be-locate4 adjacent -to readways- pcoducing GNE 4eveic exeess-of-65--d
ensure-that-adequate-mitigation is-provided,
• --EnsuFe the enforcement of. California 4oise•nsulation Standards.inte fw-vv• multiple homily d-wellif)gSr
.-Ensurethat -noise-sensitive land-uses-are located•and•designed-se•as te -rneet-the-follo wing. standards:,
(interior).
40 -GNEL-lsleel3ing-afeas)'
--Schools:Preschools: • 45 -CNE1=(classcooms) 415 GNEL--(play areas
Qbiec;:ti.v.p ... 1..10
Stretegies;
Considernoiseisstiesinlanduse planning anddayelopment_permit.process. to_ ensure thet_noise_generated b_y_ one IISC or thcility
does not adversely affect adjacent uses.
.1.1.0..1. create 4_7Noise_knoct Corridor:A:for areas_exceeding Ole 60 CNEL contour' that is apOg0...gsjinsvqyjay_ mtg. thq
existing_ zoning. clessifications._YVithin this cor.rictor_f_special. development _review procedures .!d standards aye applied ta
gporantee compliance with accepSed. sound levels.
Do not restrict.noise_sensitiye faqilities from .......... in the :Noise Inipact..Corrillor:L. R.:the noise sensitive nses_dp locate
within_the..7.Noise . Impact.gorridor".i.is_pi.pse standards to ensure acceptable interior and exterior noise_levels,
Modified slightly form wording approved by GPAC but with no change in meaning.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992III-15
1.10.3Limit the development Of_projecto which eZpond the "Noise Imp_act Corridor" to existing_residential _a_nd sensitiv_e.
uses
withool mitigating the_impasts retro-fittingeicisting land uses so that they_do not_exceed the standerds for interior ontexterior
noise levels.
•Except for discovery, retrofit with information as to possible mitigation measures
Retrolits_not required for:
•Infill lots
•Existing Development
1.10,4Adopt development standards and encourage enforcement of.theleguletions.
1.10.5 Where possible,_encograge corrective Arpgrodes_to existing development which do not comply__ with___aeceptehle
standards.
,,Update the "Noise Impact Corridor" analysis for the City not less than every five (5) yes.,
.1 Z.1_12,7Apply mitigation measures to noise generators and receptors in of.c!?!..MPEotect 141:14.0..e§.frAng
exc.P.Ogime noise_irneacts.
•Along the_perimeters of the deVelopment place earthen berrnsL sound_yolls, o_ncl vggetation_which would effectiyely
isolate noise sources from
•Incorporate design..alternati_ves .. such as_ location and orientation of building footprint design...of stnrctures, point of
ingress and egress,_parking areas, and elevation of buildingsad and structure,
•_PSItti?le nenetl.W180C1ws.L.nottndin§LtiffliPn,_heav_y. duty_framingmaterials ...... disclosure _reguilements,
•_Initiate an_impact_mitgatiop.proaram in. w ftygli.ple received from developments which increase the ambient noise level
fie, in the form of additional traffic generation). and distribute these funds to retrofit existing_development which is incrernentally
turned into non-conforming.
•__Restrigthours _of operation where needed.
1.10.8Ensure that land uses are located so as to meet the 1.01PPins..dgisAificMiclTs:
Permitted With
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992111-16
Restrictions*
Pgrniittes!NPi$e •Noisg
gaLALLyeLUsesgeneratorRe.geguir
!JP_SPFintiPPLati,INP.,PORL.
5 U.REC.E
66-15c4iio SFRIVIFR REC.L.PEREcu_S.V.3
70VERL.C.PL5.FFILMFR/JYR
flLE REG_,CONL
SFR- Single family...residence 41.1441:EPnlilY
residence
COM- Commercial
Recreation
S.U.- Sensitive Uses
P.F.- Public Facilities
MD- Industrial
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Revised April 23, 1992III-1 7
First Draft July 16, 1991 - Revisions are a result of GPAC's input on February 29, April 9, 1992 and Planning Commission input on
April 13, 1992
GPAC Approved 4/9/92
Additions: bol.c.tand underlinePC Approved 41 /92 Deletions: stfikeout
Planning Commission Changes: redline
IV. PLAN FOR 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 DevelopmentLand Use (for all services & utilities)
Plan for Resource ManagementParks and Recreation
Water (and Reclaimed Wastewater) Energy Systems
Solid Waste
III.Plan 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 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
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES GPAC Revised March 24, 1992 and April 9, 1992 Planning
Commission 4-13-92IV-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. lnhouse 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 School District,.and the Pomona
Unified School Districtancl-orivate-seheels
Other services within Diamond Bar includepostal services,.RTD bus systemsWalnut-Diamond Bar vmcA .Anct.S.enipo or_ganintiorli
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES GPAC Revised March 24, 1992 and April 9,1992 Planning
Commission 4-13-92IV-2
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 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 City ang
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 take 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
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES GPAC Revised March 24, 1992 and April 9, 1992 Planning
Commission 4-13-92IV-3
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 CITY ACQUIRE 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. orprohibit the
extension.
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.
1.1.5 Require that existing public services
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 GPAC Revised March 24, 1992 and April 9, 1992 Planning
Commission 4-13-92
7I: • •
PC
a. Investigate plans by the Metropelitan.Water District Jo 1Q.caAe..elessritoir in imp.e.r.Tgringr.C.anyon.-, or oLlier.pluns to provide-
addiiiovral-whier ciipnity for-the-Fegieith:
d.Disci= with thc appropriate agencies in Los Angeles and Orange
c.Diccuss with the involved agencies the long term supply of
within the City or its sphere of influence. **
its sphere of influence. **
local landfill capacity. **
existing residents and businesses.
Strategies:
the applicant's expenze, and in-the absence of adequate flows, require
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 GPAC Revised March 24, 1992 and April 9, 1992 Planning
Commission 4-13-92IV-5
capabilities.
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 techniques 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 GPAC Revised March 24, 1992 and April 9, 1992 Planning
Commission 4-13-92IV-6
of new facilities, and alternative use of vacant or unused sites.-
Objective 1.5 Ensure the provision of cultural facilities, such as educational institutions, 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, including a multi-use community center.
1.5.2 Work with surrounding jurisdictions to establish joint development of cultural facilities of regional significance, such as a
performing arts center and 0 etiltural museum-0nd. an-wok:laical- pertaining to Diamond Bar's botanical natural and cultural
heritage.
1.5.3 Explore the possibility of locating a major institution of higher learning in Diamond Bar.-
1.5.4or with Los Angeles County. to insure adequate library_Aenr.ices. PrO.Vidgcla
GOAL 2"Achieve a fiscally solvent, financially stable community."
Objective 2.1 Provide sufficient opportunities for retail and other nonresidential commercial 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 existing commercial and office nodes 'pros within the City
(also see provisions in the Land Use section of the Plan for Community Development). *
2.1.2 Work with State officials and local elected representatives to make a determined effort to promote legislation for distribution
of sales taxes to local agencies to reflect a combination of the location where the sales tax was collected and per capita an
equitable distribution based on population.
2.1.3 Analyze the municipal fiscal desirability and necessity of developing high sales tax low traffic generating uses' *-
Routc 57 (also sec provisions in the Land We section of the Plan for Genaminity-Development--'
2.1.4 Pursue the expansion of municipal boundaries to areas which can be utilized
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 FACILITIES GPAC Revised March 24, 1992 and April 9, 1992 Planning
Commission 4-13-92IV-7
to assist in the provision of sufficient municipal income to provide the high level of services and facilities demanded by Diamond Bar
residents. *
GPAC omit
PC reinstate2.1.5
..i1I!.!..iJpal cc:111;0'0'de'rke. model.-te-elefine-Gity-reveoue-and-eest
characteristicc, and as 3 tool for thc determination-ef-414e-amount-amil
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
A4.1600Celifprnip Goverment Code Section 66000 et al, 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 school/office site on Lemon Avenue just north of the 60 Freeway.-
2.3.3 Provide a regular frequent city bulletin to inform citizens of current issues. public safety infommtion, resource management
information, city services, public meeting schedules, hazardous material collection programs, etc.
** Added from goals and objectives approved by GPAC.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES GPAC Revised March 24, 1992 and April 9, 1992 Planning
Commission 4-13-92IV-8
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
NOISE ELEMENT
NOISE ELEMENT
PERTINENT GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS
Government Code Section 65302(0: \[The general plan shall include\] a noise element which Scope shall identify and appraise noise
problems in the community. The noise element shall recognize the guidelines adopted 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 levels for all of the following sources:
(1) Highways and freeways.
(2) Primary arterials and major local streets.
(3) Passenger and freight on-line railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems.
(4) Commercial, general aviation, heliport, helistop, and military airport operations, aircraft overflights, jet engine test stands, and
all other ground facilities and maintenance functions related to airport operation.
(5) Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards.
(6) Other ground stationary noise sources identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment.
Noise contours shall be shown for all of these sources and stated in terms of community Noise Contouss noise equivalent level
(CNEL) or day-night average level (Ldn). The noise contours shall be prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or following
generally accepted noise modeling techniques for the various sources identified in paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive.
The noise contours shall be used as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses in the land use element that minimizes the
exposure of community residents to excessive noise.
The noise element shall include implementation measures and possible solutions that address existing and foreseeable noise
problems, if any. The adopted noise element shall serve as a guideline for compliance with the state's noise insulation standards.
\[Note: See Appendix A-1 of these guidelines for information on the state's noise insulation standards.\]
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.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES135
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
NOISE ELEMENT
Analyze and Quantify
Other Agencies
BACKGROUND
The requirement for noise element preparation was first enacted in 1971. In 1976, the Department of Health Services issued Noise
Element Guidelines (Health and Safety Code Section 46050.1) followed shortly thereafter by a model noise ordinance. AB 2038's
(Chap. 1009, Stats. 1984) revisions to the general plan statutes made extensive changes to the noise element requirements.
Generally, these revisions shortened the list of state required issues and encouraged local governments to design their own
approaches to noise control. The underlying purpose of the noise element, to limit community exposure to excessive noise levels,
remains unchanged.
Major changes to the noise element statute include: (1) deleting the minimum measurement level of 60 dB(A); (2) deleting
references to specific classes of sensitive uses; (3) deleting the requirement for a "community noise exposure inventory. ... which
identifies the number of persons exposed to various levels of noise throughout the community;" (4) shifting the responsibility for
providing noise information from the agencies responsible for identified noise sources to the local jurisdiction; and, (5) deleting
specific reference to consistency with the circulation element. The intent of these changes is to give local governments greater
flexibility in identifying local levels of concern, in identifying sensitive uses, and in tailoring their noise element to local conditions.
Local governments must "analyze and quantify" noise levels and the extent of noise exposure through actual measurement or the
use of noise modeling. As a result, technical data relating to mobile and point sources of noise must be collected and synthesized
into a set of noise control policies and programs that "minimizes the exposure of community residents to excessive noise." Noise
level contours must be mapped and the conclusions of the element used as a basis for land use decision making.
By inference, the noise element should guide the location of new roads and transit facilities as well as land use since these future
arterial roads and transit systems may become major sources of noise. Furthermore, the noise element must include a discussion of
methods to implement noise policies and standards sufficient to comply with state noise insulation requirements.
The 1987 revision of the General Plan Guidelines updated the Noise Element Guidelines. The revised guidelines are found in
Appendix A.
Caltrans administers several programs related to noise control along freeways. In general, these are applied to residential and
school uses that preexisted the particular freeway. For instance, noise attenuating walls are installed along the freeway frontages of
qualified residential development under the "New Construction or Reconstruction" and "Community Noise Abatement" programs. In
addition, there are still a number of schools adjacent to freeways which have qualified for the "School Noise Abatement Program"
funds for the acoustical attenuation of classrooms.
Technical assistance in preparing a local noise ordinance is available from the California Department of Health Services, Office of
Noise Control. Also, the Department of Transportation's Office of Transportation Laboratory publishes the "CALTRANS Noise
Manual" and numerous reports on mitigating transportation noise.
136GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
NOISE ELEMENT
COURT INTERPRETATIONS
As of this writing, no noise element prepared since the statute's 1984 revision has been the subject of an appellate court decision or
Attorney General opinion. However, three past appellate court cases remain germane. The content of this element was one of the
central issues in Camp v. County of Mendocino (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 334. Mendocino County's element did not quantify noise
levels, did not include an inventory of current and expected noise exposure (noise contours), and was apparently not supported by
monitoring data. As a result, the court found the element to be inadequate. The county's argument that the existing element was
sufficient for a quiet rural county was not persuasive of the court, since the statute was neither subjective nor geographical. The
Camp decision underscores the importance of comprehensive data collection and analysis.
The decision in Neighborhood Action Group v. County of Calaveras (1984) 156 Cal.App.3d 1176, highlights the importance of
including the noise element in the land use decision making process. In this instance, where a conditional use permit for a surface
mining operation was at issue, the appeal court stated: "A quantitative inventory of existing transportation noise must be compared
with that added by a particular project. The aggregate noise level must be measured against policy statements and standards
required to be in the general plan." It is apparent that the noise element must be adequate to serve as the basis for analyzing
projects which may potentially increase noise levels.
Pursuant to the decision in Guardians of Turlock's Integrity v. City of Turlock (1983) 149 Cal.App.3d 584, a general plan is invalid ifit
lacks a noise element. Furthermore, in the words of the court: "Unless the general plan sets noise guidelines, an EIR addressing
noise issues lacks meaning."
RELEVANT ISSUES
The contents of the noise element will vary between local jurisdictions. A local element should accurately reflect the noise
environment, the stationary sources of noise, and the impacts of noise on local residents. Based upon the "shoe fits" doctrine, the
noise element will be as detailed as necessary to describe the local situation and mitigate local noise problems. Issues include:
•Identification and appraisal of major noise sources;
•Existing and projected levels of noise and noise contours for major noise sources;
•Determination of the extent of "noise problems in the community;" and,
•Selection and imposition of methods of noise attenuation and the protection of residences from excess noise.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES137
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
NOISE ELEMENT
IDEAS FOR DATA AND ANALYSIS The following are suggested topics for data collection and analysis: Identification and appraisal of
major noise sources
•Identification of major noise sources including:
Highways and freeways
Primary arterials and major local streets
Passenger and freight on-line railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems Commercial, general aviation, heliport, helistop,
and military airport operations, aircraft overflights, jet engine test stands, and all other ground facilities and maintenance functions
related to airport operation
Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards Other ground stationary noise sources identified by
local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment
•Appraisal of major noise sources and the extent of the problems, they may create for the community
Analysis and quantification of the local noise environment
•Selection ofthe method of noise measurement or modeling to be used in the noise element
•Measurement of major sources of noise including, but not limited to, highways and freeways, arterial and major streets,
railroads, railroad yards, ground rapid transit, airports and aviation-related sources, industrial plants, and other stationary ground
sources
•Mapping ofnoise level contours, expressed in CNEL or Ldn, for the area surrounding each of the identified noise sources
•Projections of future noise sources, noise levels, and anticipated impacts upon existing and proposed residences
•Analysis of the current and future impacts on community residents of noise emanating from the identified sources
Minimizing Noise Exposure
•Identifying local noise problems and areas of conflict between noise sources and residential uses.
•Adoption of noise impact and attenuation standards, consistent with the Noise Element Guidelines and the state noise
insulation standards.
•Adoption of policies, plan proposals, and implementation programs for mitigating noise impacts on residential areas,
correlated with the land use and circulation elements. (LU, CI)
IDEAS FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
Again, the content of the local element will reflect the local situation. The following are the types of development policies that might
be contained in a local noise element. The local agency should adopt policies for each of the issues identified in the element. The
policies should:
•Evaluate the location and design of new residential development near identified major noise sources (LU)
138GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
•Evaluate the impacts of noise on the community
•Protect existing developed areas from excess noise levels
•Guide the location and design of transportation facilities to minimize the effects of noise on adjacent land uses (CI)
•Control noise at the source through the use of insulation, berms, building design/
orientation, buffer yards, staggered operating hours, and other techniques (LU, OS)
•Minimize noise exposure around airports in correlation with the policies of the local Airports Land Use Plan (LU)
•Correlate noise element concerns with the land use, circulation, and open space elements in order to minimize community
noise exposure
Technical Assistance
The following state agencies may provide information or assistance for the preparation of the noise element: Department of Health
Services (Local Environmental Health Services Branch - Noise Control Program), and Office of Planning and Research.
Appendix A
GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION
AND CONTENT OF THE NOISE ELEMENT
OF THE GENERAL PLAN
Prepared by
California Department of Health Services
in coordination with
The Governor's Office of Planning and Research
253
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION
II. DEFINITIONS
III. NOISE ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
IV. PROCESS OF NOISE ELEMENT DEVELOPMENT
V. RELATIONSHIP OF THE NOISE ELEMENT TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
VI. SELECTION OF THE NOISE METRIC
VII. CRITERIA FOR NOISE COMPATIBLE LAND USE
VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
254 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
I. INTRODUCTION
The Noise Element of the General Plan provides a basis for comprehensive local programs to control and abate environmental noise
and to protect citizens from excessive exposure. The fundamental goals of the Noise Element are:
•To provide sufficient information concerning the community noise environment so that noise may be effectively
considered in the land use planning process. In so doing, the necessary groundwork will have been developed so that a community
noise ordinance may be utilized to resolve noise complaints.
•To develop strategies for abating excessive noise exposure through cost-effective mitigating measures in combination
with zoning, as appropriate, to avoid incompatible land uses.
•To protect those existing regions of the planning area whose noise environments are deemed acceptable and also those
locations throughout the community deemed "noise sensitive."
•To utilize the definition of the community noise environment, in the form of CNEL or Ldn noise contours as provided in
the Noise Element for local compliance with the State Noise Insulation Standards. These standards require specified levels of
outdoor to indoor noise reduction for new multi-family residential constructions in areas where the outdoor noise exposure exceeds
CNEL (or Ldn) 60 dB.
The 1976 edition of the Noise Element Guidelines, prepared by the State Department of Health Services (DOHS), was a result of SB
860 (Beilenson, 1975), which became effective January 1, 1976. SB 860, among other things, revised and clarified the requirements
for the noise element of each city and county general plan and gave the DOHS authority to issue guidelines for compliance thereto.
Compliance with the 1976 version of these guidelines was mandated only for those noise elements which were not submitted to the
Office of Planning and Research by the effective date of SB 860 and to subsequent revisions of previously submitted noise
elements.
A comparison between the 1976 Noise Element Guidelines and this revised edition will not reveal substantial changes. The basic
methodology advanced by that previous edition remains topical. Where necessary, code references have been updated and the text
revised to reflect statutory changes.
II. DEFINITIONS
Decibel, dB: A unit of measurement describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio
of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).
A-Weighted Level: The sound level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting filter network. The A-
weighting filter deemphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the response
of the human ear and gives good correlation with subjective reactions to noise.
L10: The A-weighted sound level exceeded ten percent of the sample time. Similarly, L50, L90 etc.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES255
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
Leq: Equivalent energy level. The sound level corresponding to a steady state sound level containing the same total energy as a
time varying signal over a given sample period. Leq is typically computed over 1, 8, and 24-hour sample periods.
CNEL: Commun ity No ise Equivalent Level. The average equivalent A-weighted sound level during a 24-hour day, obtained after
addition of five decibels to sound levels in the evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and after addition of 10 decibels to sound levels in
the night from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Lcin: Day-Night Average Level. The average equivalent A-weighted sound level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 10
decibels to sound levels in the night after 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m.
Note: CNEL and Ldn represent daily levels of noise exposure averaged on an annual or daily basis, while Leq represents the
equivalent energy noise exposure for a shorter time period, typically one hour.
Noise Contours: Lines drawn about a noise source indicating equal levels of noise exposure. CNEL and Ldn are the metrics utilized
herein to describe annoyance due to noise and to establish land use planning criteria for noise.
Ambient Noise: The composite of noise from all sources near and far. In this context, the ambient noise level constitutes the normal
or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.
Intrusive Noise: That noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness
of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence, and tonal or informational content as well as
the prevailing noise level.
Noisiness Zones: Defined areas within a community wherein the ambient noise levels are generally similar (within a range of5 dB,
for example). Typically, all other things being equal, sites within any given noise zone will be of comparable proximity to major
noise sources. Noise contours define different noisiness zones.
III. NOISE ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
California Government Code Section 65302(0:
A noise element 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 levels for all of the following sources:
(1) Highways and freeways.
(2) Primary arterials and major local streets.
(3) Passenger and freight on-line railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems.
(4) Commercial, general aviation, heliport, helistop, and military airport operations, aircraft overflights, jet engine test stands, and
all other ground facilities and maintenance functions related to airport operation.
(5) Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards.
(6) Other ground stationary sources identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment.
256 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
NATURE OF THE GENERAL PLAN
Noise contours shall be shown for all of these sources and stated in terms of community noise equivalent level (CNEL) or day-night
average level (Ldn). The noise contours shall be prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or following generally accepted noise
modeling techniques for the various sources identified in paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive.
The noise contours shall be used as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses in the land use element that minimizes the
exposure of community residents to excessive noise.
The noise element shall include implementation measures and possible solutions that address existing and foreseeable noise
problems, if any. The adopted noise element shall serve as a guideline for compliance with the state's noise insulation standards.
IV. PROCESS OF NOISE ELEMENT DEVELOPMENT
The sequential steps for development of a noise element as an integral part of a community's total noise control program are
illustrated in the flow diagram of figures 1A and 1B. The concept presented herein utilizes the noise element as the central focus of
the community's program and provides the groundwork for all subsequent enforcement efforts. The process may be described in
terms of four phases:
A. Noise Environment Definition
B. Noise Compatible Land Use Planning
C. Noise Mitigation Measures
D. Enforcement
These phases encompass a total of eighteen defined tasks, the first thirteen ofwhich relate directly to the statutory requirements
contained in section 65302(f), while the remainder relate to critical supportive programs (noise ordinances etc.). Citations from
section 65302(f) are contained within quotation marks.
Figure JA
1245
Identify
Individual/Agency
for Coordination of
Noise Control Programs
and Define
Agency Responsibilities
Review
Noise Complaint
File
3
Identify
Major Noise Sources
and "Noise Sensitive"
Locations
Conduct
Community Noisemagataw." Survey
6
Collect
Operational and
Activity Data on
Major Sources
7
Obtain Estimates
of Future Activity Levels
and Growth
Define
Similar Intensity
Noise Exposure Zones
By Land Use Category
8
Develop
Current and Future
Noise Exposure Contours
for Major Sources
X+1;:•:•:+Pv
Phase A
Environment Definition
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES257
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
A. Noise Environment Definition
The purpose of this phase is to adequately identify and appraise the existing and future noise environment of the community in
terms of Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or Day-Night Average Level (Ldn) noise contours for each major noise source
and to divide the city or county into noise zones for subsequent noise ordinance application.
Step 1
Identify a specific individual or lead agency within the local government to be responsible for coordination of local noise control
activities. This individual or agency should be responsible for coordinating all intergovernmental activities and subsequent
enforcement efforts.
258 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
Figure 1B
NOISE ELEMENT-4-6-410SUPPORTING PROGRAMS
Phase BPhase CPhase D
Noise CompatibleMitigating MeasuresEnforcement
Land Use Planningfor Noise Control
1415
Adopt
Community Noisecarionotart+ Ordinance
9
Define
Intrusion Standards
for Noise Zones
and Land Use
Compatibility Criteria
sommaspw
Noise Complaint Resolution via Noise Ordinance
10
Tabulate
Number of Persons
Affected by
Major Sources
11
Rank
Local Noise Sources
In Order of
Annoyance
12
Formulate
Land Use Policy Considering Noise Exposure
13
Develop Community
Noise Abatement
Strategy
Design roadways and transit corridors to minimize noise.
Sound Insulation of Public
buildings to meet specified
criteria.
Specification of noise emission standards for city and county owned and operated vehicles.
Animal philosophy.
Cooperation in minimizedI siren usage.
Standards for noise emission
from public works projects,
construction and maintenance
operations.
16
Local Police
Motor Vehicle
Noise Limits and
Muffler Requirements
17
State
Aeronuatics Regulations
Airport Proprietor
County Containing
Airport
18
State Noise Insulation
Standards-
Optional Extension to
Single Family Dwellings
NOISE.;.*:„„/,„,,to. SUPPORTING
ELEMENTIPROGRAMS
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
Step 2
Review noise complaint files as compiled by all local agencies (police, animal control, health, airport, traffic department, etc.) in
order to assess the following:
(1) Location and types of major offending noise sources.
(2) Identification of noise sensitive areas and land uses.
(3) Community attitudes towards specific sources of noise pollution.
(4) Degree of severity of noise problems in the community.
(5) Relative significance of noise as a pollutant.
Step 3
Specifically identify major sources of community noise based upon the review of complaint files and interagency discussion and the
following statutory subjects:
(1) Highways and freeways.
(2) Primary arterials and major local streets.
(3) Passenger and freight on-line railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems.
(4) Commercial, general aviation, heliport, helistop, and military airport operations, aircraft overflights, jet engine test stands, and
all other ground facilities and maintenance functions related to airport operation.
(5) Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards.
(6) Other ground stationary noise sources identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment.
In addition, the land uses and areas within the community that are noise sensitive should be identified at this time.
Step 4
Given the identification ofmajor noise sources and an indication ofthe community's attitude toward noise pollution (when available),
it is advisable to conduct a community noise survey. The purposes of the survey are threefold:
First and foremost, to define by measurement the current noise levels at those sites deemed noise sources and to establish noise
level contours around them. The noise contours must be expressed in terms of CNEL or Ldn.
Second, the collected data will form the basis for an analysis of noise exposure from major sources.
Finally, the survey should define the existing ambient noise level throughout the community. Intrusive noises, over and above this
general predetermined ambient level, may then be controlled through implementation of a noise ordinance.
Step 5
Given the definition of existing ambient noise levels throughout the community, one may proceed with a classification ofthe
community into broad regions ofgenerally consistent land use and similar noise environments. Because these regions will be varying
distances from identified major noise sources, the relative levels ofenvironmental noise will be different from one another.
Therefore, subsequent enforcement efforts and mitigating measures may be oriented towards maintaining quiet areas and
improving noisy ones.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES259
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
Step 6
Directing attention once again to the major noise sources previously identified, it is essential to gather operations and activity data
in order to proceed with the analytical noise exposure prediction. This data is somewhat source specific, but generally should
consist of the following information and be supplied by the owner/operator of the source:
(1) Average daily level of activity (traffic volume, flights per day, hours of operation, etc.).
(2) Distribution of activity over day and night time periods, days of the week, and seasonal variations.
(3) Average noise level emitted by the source at various levels of activity.
(4) Precise source location and proximity to noise impacted land uses.
(5) Composition of noise sources (percentage of trucks on highway, aircraft fleet mix, industrial machinery type, etc.).
Step 7
In addition to collecting data on the variables affecting noise source emission for the existing case, future values for these
parameters need to be assessed. This is best accomplished by correlating the noise element with other general plan elements (i.e.
land use, circulation, housing, etc.) and regional transportation plans and by coordination with other responsible agencies (Airport
Land Use Commission, Caltrans etc.).
Step 8
Analytical noise exposure modeling techniques may be utilized to develop source-specific noise contours around major noise sources
in the community. Noise contours must be prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or following generally accepted noise modeling
techniques.
Simplified noise prediction methodologies are available through the State Department of Health Services for highway and freeway
noise, railroad noise, simple fixed stationary and industrial sites, and general aviation aircraft (with less than twenty percent
commercial jet aircraft activity-- two engine jet only). Noise contours for larger airport facilities and major industrial sites are
sufficiently complex that they must be developed via sophisticated computer techniques available through recognized acoustical
consulting firms. (Airport contours, generally, have already been developed in accordance with requirements promulgated by the
Division of Aeronautics: Noise Standards — Sections 5000 et seq. of Title 21, California Code of Regulations.)
Although considerable effort may go into developing noise contours which, in some instances, utilize rather sophisticated digital
programming techniques, the present state-of-the-art is such that their accuracy is usually no better than +/- 3 dB. In fact, the
accuracy of the noise exposure prediction decreases with increasing distance from the noise source. In the near vicinity of the
source, prediction accuracy may be within the range of +/- 1 dB, while at greater distances this may deteriorate to +/- 5 dB or
greater. At greater distances, meteorological and topographic effects, typically not totally accounted for in most models, may have
significant influence. Thus, while dealing with the concept of noise contours, it is best not to think of them as absolute lines of
demarcation on a map (such as topographical contours), but rather as bands of similar noise exposure.
In addition to assessment of the present day noise environment, it is recommended that the noise exposure data be projected
through the time horizon of the general plan. The noise
260 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
element should be updated and corrected every five years and, at that time, the forecasted noise exposure be projected an
additional five years.
B. Noise Compatible Land Use Planning
A noise planning policy needs to be rather flexible and dynamic to reflect not only technological advances in noise control but also
economic constraints governing application ofnoise control technology and anticipated regional growth and demands ofthe
community. In the final analysis, each community must decide the level of noise exposure its residents are willing to tolerate within
a limited range of values below the known levels of health impairment.
Step 9
Given the definition of the existing and forecasted noise environment provided by the Phase A efforts, the locality preparing the
noise element must now approach the problem of defining how much noise is too much. Guidelines for noise compatible land use
are presented in figure 2. The adjustment factors given in Table 1 may be used in order to arrive at noise acceptability standards
which reflect the noise control goals of the community, the particular community's sensitivity to noise (as determined in Step 2),
and their assessment of the relative importance of noise pollution.
Step 10
As a prerequisite to establishing an effective noise control program, it is essential to know, in quantitative terms, the extent of noise
problems in the community. This is best accomplished by determining, for each major noise source around which noise contours
have been developed, the number of community residents exposed and to what extent. It is also useful to identify those noise
sensitive land uses whose noise exposure exceeds the recommended standards given in figure 2. The exposure inventory can be
accomplished by using recent census data, adjusted for regional growth, and tabulating the population census blocks within given
noise contours.
Step 11
Once the noise exposure inventory is completed, the relative significance of specific noise sources in the community (in terms of
population affected) will become apparent. The local agencies involved may wish to use this information to orient their noise control
and abatement efforts to achieve the most good. Clearly, control of certain major offending sources will be beyond the jurisdiction
of local agencies; however, recognition of these limitations should prompt more effective land use planning. strategies.
Step 12
A major objective of the noise element is to utilize this information to ensure noise compatible land use planning: The noise
contours must be used as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses in the land use element to minimize community residents'
exposure to excessive noise.
The intent of such planning is to:
(1) Maintain those areas deemed acceptable in terms of noise exposure.
(2) Use zoning or other land use controls in areas with excessive noise exposure to limit uses to those which are noise compatible
and to restrict other less compatible uses.
GENERAL PLAN Gr IIDELINES261
APPENDIXM Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
C. Noise Mitigation Measures Step 13
Based upon the relative importance of noise sources in order of community impact and local attitudes towards these sources, the
noise element must include implementation measures and possible solutions that address existing and foreseeable noise problems,
if any. Selection of these noise mitigation measures should be coordinated through all local agencies in order to be most effective.
Minimization of noise emissions from all local government-controlled or sanctioned activities should by a priority item. This includes
low noise specifications for new or county- owned and operated vehicles (and noise reduction retrofitting where economically
possible) and noise emission limits on public works projects.
Cities and counties should insure that public buildings (especially schools) are sufficiently insulated to allow their intended function
to be uninterrupted by exterior noise. Local agencies can work with state and federal bodies to minimize transportation noise,
primarily through transit way design, location, or configuration modifications.
Additional measures might include such policies as limitation of siren useage by police, fire, and ambulance units within populated
areas. Animal control units may be encouraged to minimize barking dog complaints through use of an improved public relations
campaign termed "Animal Philosophy." This involves working with pet owners to determine why the dog barks and attempting
solutions rather than just issuing citations. Local zoning and subdivision ordinances may require the use of noise reducing building
materials or the installation of sound insulating walls along major roads in new construction and subdivisions.
In general, local noise reduction programs need to address the problems specific to each community, with the ultimate goals being
the reduction of complaint frequency and the provision of a healthful noise environment for all residents of the community.
The following steps are beyond the scope of the noise element requirements, but pertain to coordination with other state noise
control programs and achievement of the goals set forth in the noise element through development of an active local noise control
effort.
Step 14
While the noise element identifies problem areas and seeks to develop medium and long-range solutions to them, a community
noise ordinance is the only viable instrument for short-term or immediate solutions to intrusive noise. A model noise ordinance
which may be tailored to the specific needs ofa given community by simply incorporating those sections deemed most applicable
has been developed by the Department of Health Services. The model ordinance also suggests a cure for non-stationary or
transient types of noise events, for which noise contours are generally meaningless.
D. Enforcement
To adequately carry out the programs identified in the noise element and to comply with State requirements for certain other noise
control programs, specific enforcement programs are recommended at the local level.
262 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
Table I
Corrections to be Added to the Measured Community Noise
Equivalent Level (CNEL) to Obtain Normalized CNEL
Amount of
Correction to be Type of CorrectionDescriptionAdded to
Measured CNEL in
dB
Seasonal CorrectionSummer (or year-round operation)0
Winter only (or windows always closed)- 5
Correction for Outdoor Residual Noise Level
Quiet suburban or rural community (remote from large cities and
from industrial activity and trucking).+ 10
Quiet suburban or rural community (not located near industrial
activity).+ 5
Urban residential community (not immediately adjacent to heavily
traveled roads and industrial areas).0
Noisy urban residential community (near relatively busy roads or
industrial areas.- 5
Very noisy urban residential community.- 10
Correction for Previous Exposure and Community Attitudes
No prior experience with the intruding noise.+ 5
Community has had some previous exposure to intruding but little0
effort is being made to control the noise. This correction may also
be applied in a situation where the community has not been
exposed to the noise previously, but the people are aware that
bona fide efforts are being made to control the noise.
Community has had considerable previous exposure to the- 5
intruding noise and the noise maker's relations with the
community are good.
Community aware that operation causing noise is very necessary- 10
and it will not continue indefinitely. This correction can be applied
for an operation of limited duration and under emergency
circumstances.
Pure Tone or ImpulseNo pure tone or impulsive character.0
Pure Tone or impulsive character present.+ 5
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES263
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
Step 15
Adopt and apply a community noise ordinance for resolution of noise complaints.
Step 16
Recent studies have shown that the most objectionable feature of traffic noise is the sound produced by vehicles equipped with
illegal or faulty exhaust systems. In addition, such hot rod vehicles are often operated in a manner that causes tire squeal and
excessively loud exhaust noise. There are a number of statewide vehicle noise regulations that can be enforced by local authorities
as well as the California Highway Patrol. Specifically, Sections 23130, 23130.5, 27150, 27151, and 38275 ofthe California Vehicle
Code, as well as excessive speed laws may be applied to curtail this problem. Both the Highway Patrol and the State Department of
Health Services (through local health departments) are available to aid local authorities in code enforcement and training pursuant
to proper vehicle sound level measurements.
Step 17
Commercial and public airports operating under a permit from the Caltrans Division of Aeronautics are required to comply with both
the State Aeronautics standards governing aircraft noise and also all applicable legislation governing the formation and activities of
a local Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). The function of the ALUC is, among other things, to develop a plan for noise
compatible land use in the immediate proximity of the airport. The local general plan must be reviewed for compatibility with this
Airport Land Use Plan and amended if necessary (Public Utilities Code Section 21676). Therefore, the developers of the noise
element will need to coordinate their activities with the local ALUC to ensure that compatible standards are utilized throughout the
community and that the noise element develops as part ofa coherent master plan, ofwhich theALUP forms an integral component.
Step 18
The adopted noise element must serve as a guideline for compliance with the State's noise insulation standards.Recognizing the
need to provide acceptable habitation environments, State law requires noise insulation of new multi-family dwellings constructed
within the 60 dB (CNEL or Ldn) noise exposure contours. It is a function of the noise element to provide noise contour information
around all major sources in support of the sound transmission control standards (Appendix, Chapter 2-35, Part 2, Title 24, California
Code of Regulations).
V. RELATIONSHIP OF THE NOISE ELEMENT TO
OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
The noise element is related to the land use, housing, circulation, and open space elements. Recognition of the interrelationship of
noise and these four mandated elements is necessary in order to prepare an integrated general plan. The relationship between
noise and these four elements is briefly discussed below.
Land Use - A key objective of the noise element is to provide noise exposure information for use in the land use element. When
integrated with the noise element, the land use element will show acceptable land uses in relation to existing and projected noise
contours. Section 65302(f) of the Government Code states that:
264GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
The noise contours shall be used as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses in the land use element that minimizes the
exposure of community residents to excessive noise.
Housing - The housing element considers the provision of adequate sites for new housing and standards for housing stock. Since
residential land use is among the most noise sensitive, the noise exposure information provided in the noise element must be
considered when planning the location of new housing. Also, state law requires special noise insulation of new multi-family
dwellings constructed within the 60 dB (CNEL or Ldn) noise exposure contour. This requirement may influence the location and cost
of this housing type. In some cases, the noise environment may be a constraint on housing opportunities.
Circulation - The circulation system must be correlated with the land use element and is one of the major sources of noise. Noise
exposure will thus be a decisive factor in the location and design of new transportation facilities and the possible mitigation of noise
from existing facilities in relation to existing and planned land use. The local planning agency may wish to review the circulation and
land use elements simultaneously to assess their compatibility with the noise element.
Open Space - Excessive noise can adversely affect the enjoyment of recreational pursuits in designated open space. Thus, noise
exposure levels should be considered when planning for this kind of open-space use. Conversely, open space can be used to buffer
sensitive land uses from noise sources through the use of setback and landscaping. Open-space designation can also effectively
exclude other land uses from excessively noisy areas.
VI. SELECTION OF THE NOISE METRIC
The community noise metrics to be used in Noise Elements are either CNEL or Ldn (as specified in Section 65302(f)). A significant
factor in the selection of these scales was compatibility with existing quantifications of noise exposure currently in use in California.
CNEL is the noise metric currently specified in the State Aeronautics Code for evaluation of noise impact at specific airports which
have been declared to have a noise problem. Local compliance with the state airport noise standards necessitates that community
noise be specified in CNEL. The Ldn represents a logical simplification of CNEL. It divides the day into two weighted time periods
(Day - 7a.m. to 10 p.m. and Night - 10 p.m. to 7a.m.) rather than the three used in the CNEL measure (Day - 7a.m. to 7p.m.,
Evening - 7p.m.to 10 p.m., and Night - 10 p.m. to 7a.m.) with no significant loss in accuracy.
VII. CRITERIA FOR NOISE COMPATIBLE LAND USE
Figure 2 (next page) summarizes the suggested use of the CNEL/Ldn metrics for evaluating land use noise compatibility. Such
criteria require a rather broad interpretation, as illustrated by the ranges of acceptability for a given land use within a defined range
of noise exposures.
Denotation ofa land use as "clearly acceptable" on Table 2 implies that the highest noise level in that band is the maximum
desirable for existing or conventional construction which does not incorporate any special acoustic treatment. In general, evaluation
of land use which falls into the "normally acceptable" or "normally unacceptable" noise environments should
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES265
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
include consideration of the type of noise source, the sensitivity of the noise receptor, the noise reduction likely to be provided by
structures, and the degree to which the noise source may interfere with speech, sleep, or other activities characteristic of the land
use.
Figure 2 also provides an interpretation as to the suitability of various types of construction with respect to the range of outdoor
noise exposure.
The objective of the noise compatibility guidelines in Figure 2 is to provide the community with a means of judging the noise
environment which it deems to be generally acceptable.
Figure 2
LAND USE COMPATABILITY FOR COMMUNITY NOISE ENVIRONMENTS
Community Noise Exposure
Ldn or CNEL, dB
5560657075
isarsol
Normally Acceptable
Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction,
without any special noise insulation requirements.
Conditionally Acceptable
New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements is made
and needed noise insulation features included in the design. Conventional construction, but with closed windows and fresh air
supply systems or air conditioning will normally suffice.
Normally Unacceptable
New construction or development should generally be discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed
analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise insulation features included in the design.
Clearly Unacceptable
New construction or development should generally not be undertaken.
Land Use Categoric
80
INTERPRETATION:
Residential - Low Density.....
Single Family, Duplex,!. - -
Mobile Homes\[,-
Residential..
Multi. FamilyII''''fr'..—.'
Transient Lodging -"\[.
Motels, Hotels.,(7.17,'
Schools, Libraries,...................
Churches, Hospitals,
Nursing Homes..
Auditoriums, Concert..h4-...
Halls, Amphitheaters
Sports Arena, Outdoor
Spectator SportsI
Playgrounds,..:x.::;:::.::.::::,....,.4
Neighborhood Parks
Golf Courses, Riding
Stables, WaterT..gri:',....1:::-:?.:z '..:!•tt.;.•4:.:::::::.
Recreation, Cemeteries11
Office Buildings, Business.:::
Commercial and
Professional111;i' :1'..
Industrial, Manufacturing,
Utilities, AgricultureI1I\[." 'Y.'‘,:;;;;4,
266 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
Many efforts have been made to account for the variability in perceptions of environmental noise which exist between communities
and within a given community.
Beyond the basic CNEL or Ldn quantification of noise exposure, one can apply correction factors to the measured or calculated
values of these metrics in order to account for some of the factors which may cause the noise to be more or less acceptable than
the mean response. Significant among these factors are seasonal variations in noise source levels, existing outdoor ambient levels
(i.e., relative intrusiveness ofthe source), general societal attitudes towards the noise source, prior history of the source, and tonal
characteristics of the source. -When it is possible to evaluate some or all of these factors, the measured or computed noise
exposure
Figure 3
RANGE OF TYPICAL OUTDOOR NOISE ENVIRONMENTS
EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF DAY-NIGHT SOUND LEVEL (Ld), dB
QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTIONS
Day-Night Sound Level Decibels
90 —
OUTDOOR LOCATIONS
Los Angeles - 3rd floor apartment next to freeway
Los Angeles - 3/4 mile from touch down at 85 —major airport
City Noise (Downtown major metropolis)
Los Angeles - Downtown with some construction activity
Harlem - 2nd floor apartment
80
75 —
•
70 —
IIIBoston - Row Housing on major avenue
65
411Watts -8 miles from touch down at major airport
60'111C."• Newport - 3.5 miles from takeoff at small airport Los Angeles - Old residential area
Very Noisy
Noisy Urban
Suburban
55 —
Small Town &Fillmore - Small town cul-de-sac
Quiet Suburban 50
San Diego - Wooded residential
California - Tomato field on farm
40 —
45
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES267
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
values may be adjusted by means of the correction factors listed in Table 1 in order to more accurately assess local sentiments
towards acceptable noise exposure.
In developing these acceptability recommendations, efforts were made to maintain consistency with the goals defined in the Federal
EPA document entitled Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an
Adequate Margin of Safety, and the State Sound Transmission Control Standards for multifamily housing. In both of these
documents, an interior noise exposure of 45 dB CNEL (or Ldn) is recommended to permit normal residential activity. If one
considers the typical range of noise reduction provided by residential dwellings (12 to 18 dB with windows partially open), the 60 dB
outdoor value identified as "clearly acceptable" for residential land use would provide the recommended interior environment.
Figure 3 has been included in order to better explain the qualitative nature of community noise environments expressed in terms of
Ldn. It is apparent that noise environments cover a broad range and that, in general, if may be observed that the quality of the
environment improves as one moves further away from major transportation noise sources.
VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Airport Land Use PlanningHandbook. A reference guide for local agencies. Prepared for the California Department of Transportation,
Division of Aeronautics by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments, Oakland, CA
July, 1983.
California Code ofRegulations. State Building Code, Part 2, Title 24, Appendix Chapter 35; Noise Insulation Standards for Multifamily
Housing.
Lynch, Kevin and Hack, Gary: Site Planning. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 1984.
Peterson, Arnold P.G. and Gross, Ervin E. Jr.: Handbook of Noise Measurement General Radio Co., Concord, MA, 1974.
Simplified Procedures for Estimating the Noise Impact Boundary for Small and Medium Size Airports in the State ofCalifornia. Wyle
Research Report No. WCR 72-3, prepared for the California Department of Aeronautics by Wyle Laboratories, May 1973.
Swing, J.W. and Pies, D.B.: Assessment ofNoise Environments Around Railroad Operations. Wyle Research Report No. WCR 73-5,
Wyle Laboratories, El Segundo, CA, July 1973.
Swing, J.W.: "Estimation of Community Noise Exposure in Terms of Day-Night Average Level Noise Contours." California Office of
Noise Control, Department of Health, Berkeley, CA, May 1975.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Aircraft Noise Impact- Planning Guidelines for LocalAgencies. Prepared by
Wilsey and Ham, (GPO Stock No. 2300-00214), Pasadena, CA, November 1972.
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, National Highway Institute: Fundamentals and Abatement of
Highway Traffic Noise. (Report No. FHWAHHI-HEV-73-7976-1), June 1973.
268GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare
with an Adequate Margin of Safety. (550/ 9-74-004), March 1974.
Veneklasen, Paul S.: "Development of a Model Noise Ordinance." Performed under contract to the California Office of Noise Control,
Department of Health, Berkeley, CA, March 1975.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES269
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
APPENDIX A-1
CALIFORNIA NOISE INSULATION STANDARDS
STATE BUILDING CODE
(Part 2, Title 24, CCR)
Appendix Chapter 35
SOUND TRANSMISSION CONTROL
Sound Transmission Control
Sec. 3501.
(a) General•
1. Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this section is to establish uniform minimum noise insulation performance standards to
protect persons within new hotels, motels, dormitories, long-term care facilities, apartment houses, and dwellings other than
detached single-family dwellings from the effects of excessive noise, including but not limited to hearing loss or impairment and
interference with speech and sleep.
These regulations shall apply to all applications for building permits made subsequent to August 22, 1974.
2. Definitions. The following special definitions shall apply to this section:
Sound Transmission Class (STC) - A single number rating used to compare walls, floor-ceiling assemblies and doors for their sound
insulating properties with respect to speech and small household appliance noise. The STC is derived from laboratory measurements
of sound transmission loss across a series of 16 test bands.
Laboratory STC ratings should be used to the greatest extent possible in determining that the design complies with this section.
Field Sound Transmission Class (FSTC) - A single number rating similar to STC, except that the transmission loss values used to
derive the FSTC are measured in the field. All sound transmitted from the source room to the receiving room is assumed to be
through the separating wall or floor-ceiling assembly.
This section does not require determination of the FSTC, and field measured values of noise reduction should not be reported as
transmission loss.
Impact Insulation Class (lIC) - A single number rating used to compare the effectiveness of floor-ceiling assemblies in providing
reduction of impact generated sounds such as footsteps. The IIC is derived from laboratory measurements of impact sound
pressure level
December 1988California Department of Health Services Office of Noise Control
270GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
across a series of 16 test bands using a standardized tapping machine. Laboratory 110 ratings should be used to the greatest extent
possible in determining that the design complies with this section.
Field Impact Insulation Class (FIIC) - A single number rating similar to the IIC except that the impact sound pressure levels are
measured in the field.
Noise Isolation Class (NIC) - A single number rating derived from measured values of noise reduction between two enclosed spaces
that ars connected by one or more paths. The N1C is not adjusted or normalized to a standard reverberation time.
Normalized Noise Isolation Class (NNIC) - A single number rating similar to the NIC, except that the measured noise reduction
values are normalized to a reverberation time of 1/2 second.
Normalized A-Weighted Sound Level Difference (Dn) - For a specified source room sound spectrum, Dn is the difference, in
decibels, between the average sound levels produced in two rooms after adjustment to the expected acoustical conditions when the
receiving room under test is normally furnished.
Day-Night AveragQ Sound Level (Ldn) - The A-weighted equivalent continuous sound exposure level for a 24-hour period with a 10
dB adjustment added to sound levels occurring during nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.).
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) - A metric similar to the Lcin, except that a 5 dB adjustment is added to the equivalent
continuous sound exposure level for evening hours (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) in addition to the 10 dB nighttime adjustment used in the
Ldn.
3. Relevant Standards - The current edition of the following standards are generally applicable for determining compliance with this
section. Copies may be obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) at 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa.,
19103.
ASTM C 634 Standard Definitions of Terms Relating to Environmental Acoustics
ASTM E 90 Standard Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions.
ASTM E 336 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Insulation in Buildings
ASTM E 413 Standard Classification for Determination of Sound Transmission Class--
ASTM E 492 Standard Method of Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using
the Tapping Machine
ASTM E 497 Standard Recommended Practice for Installation of Fixed Partitions of Light Frame Type for the Purpose of Conserving
Their Sound Insulation Efficiency
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES271
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
ASTM E 597 Recommended Practice for Determining A Single-Number Rating of Airborne Sound Isolation in Multiunit Building
Specifications
ASTM E 966 Standard Guide for Field Measurement of Airborne Sound Insulation of Building Facades and Facade Elements
ASTM E 989 Standard Classification for Determination of Impact Insulation Class (IIC)
ASTM E 1007 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling
Assemblies and Associated Support Structures
ASTM E 1014 Standard Guide for Measurement of Outdoor A-Weighted Sound Levels
4. Complaints - Where a complaint as to noncompliance with this article requires a field test, the complainant shall post a bond or
adequate funds in escrow for the cost of said testing. Such costs shall be chargeable to the complainant if the field tests show
compliance with these regulations. If the tests show noncompliance, then testing costs shall be borne by the owner or builder.
5. Local Modification - The governing body of any city or county may, by ordinance, adopt changes or modifications to the
requirements of this section as set forth in section 17922.7 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) Interdwelling Sound Transmission Control
1. Wall and Floor-Ceiling Assemblies. Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating dwelling units or guest rooms from each other
and from public or service areas such as interior corridors, garages and mechanical spaces shall provide airborne sound insulation
for walls, and both airborne and impact sound insulation for floor-ceiling assemblies. EXCEPTION: Impact sound insulation is not
required for floor-ceiling assemblies over non-habitable rooms or spaces not designed to be occupied, such as garages, mechanical
rooms or storage areas.
2. Airborne Sound Insulation. All such acoustically rated separating wall and floor-ceiling assemblies shall provide airborne sound
insulation equal to that required to meet a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 50 based on laboratory tests as defined in
ASTM Standards E 90 and E 413. Field tested assemblies shall meet a Noise Isolation Class (NIC) rating of 45 for occupied units and
a Normalized Noise Isolation Class (NNIC) rating of 45 for unoccupied units as defined in ASTM Standards E 336 and E 413.
ASTM Standard E 597 may be used as a simplified procedure for field tests of the airborne sound isolation between rooms in
unoccupied buildings. In such tests the minimum value of Dn is 45 dB for compliance.
Entrance doors from interior corridors together with their perimeter seals shall have Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings not
less than 26. Such tested doors shall operate normally with commercially available seals. Solid core wood slab doors 1 3/8 inch thick
minimum or 18 gauge insulated steel slab doors with compression seals all around, including the threshold, may be considered
adequate without other substantiating information.
272GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENMX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
Field tests of corridor walls should not include segments with doors. If such tests are impractical, however, the NIC or NNIC rating
for the composite wall-door assembly shall not be less than 30.
Penetrations or openings in construction assemblies for piping, electrical devices, recessed cabinets, bathtubs, soffits, or heating,
ventilating or exhaust ducts shall be sealed, lined, insulated or otherwise treated to maintain the required ratings.
3. Impact Sound Insulation. All acoustically rated separating floor- ceiling assemblies shall provide impact sound insulation equal to
that required to meet an Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating of 50 based on laboratory tests as defined in ASTM Standards E 492
and E 989. Field tested assemblies shall meet a Field Impact Insulation Class (RC) rating of 45 for both occupied and unoccupied
units as defined in ASTM Standards E 1007 and E 989, with the exception that the measured impact sound pressure levels shall not
be normalized to a standard amount of absorption in the receiving room.
Floor coverings may be included in the assembly to obtain the required ratings. These coverings must be retained as a permanent
part of the assembly and may be replaced only by other floor coverings that provide the required impact sound insulation.
4. Tested Assemblies.
A. Laboratory tested wall or floor-ceiling designs having STC or IIC ratings of 50 or more may be used by the building official to
determine compliance with this section during the plan review phase. Field tests shall be required by the building official when
evidence of sound leaks or flanking paths is noted, or when the separating assembly is not built according to the approved den.
B. Generic sound transmission control systems as listed in the Catalog of STC and liC Ratings for Wall and Floor-Ceiling Assemblies,
as published by the Office of Noise Control, California Department of Health Services, or the Fire Resistance Design Manual, as
published by the Gypsum Association, may be used to evaluate construction assemblies for their sound transmission properties.
Other tests from recognized laboratories may also be used. When ratings for essentially similar assemblies differ, and when ratings
are below STC or IIC 50, field testing may be used to demonstrate that the building complies with this section.
C. For field testing, rooms should ideally be large and reverberant for reliable measurements to be made in all test bands. This is
often not possible for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways or rooms with large amounts of sound absorptive material. Field tests results
should, however, report the measured values in all bands, noting those which do not meet relevant ASTM criteria for diffusion.
D. It should be noted that STC ratings do not adequately characterize the sound insulation of construction assemblies when the
intruding noise is predominantly low pitched, as is often produced by amplified music or by large pieces of mechanical equipment.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES273
APPENDIX A: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
It should also be noted that the transmission of impact sound from a standardized tapping machine may vary considerably for a
given design due to differences in specimen size, flanking transmission through associated structure and the acoustical response of
the room below. Laboratory IIC values should therefore be used with caution when estimating the performance of hard surfaced
floors in the field. Additionally, IIC ratings may not always be adequate to characterize the subjectively annoying creak or boom
generated by footfalls on a limber floor.
5. Certification. Field testing, when required, shall be done under the supervision of a person experienced in the field of acoustical
testing and engineering and who shall forward test results to the building official showing that the sound isolation requirements
stated above have been met. Documentation of field test results should generally follow the requirements outlined in relevant ASTM
standards.
(c) Exterior Sound Transmission Control
1. Application. Consistent with local land use standards, residential structures located in noise critical areas, such as proximity to
highways, county roads, city streets, railroads, rapid transit lines, airports, or industrial areas shall be designed to prevent the
intrusion of exterior noises beyond prescribed levels. Proper design shall include, but shall not be limited to, orientation of the
residential structure, setbacks, shielding, and sound-insulation of the building itself.
2. Allowable Interior Noise Levels. Interior noise levels attributable to exterior sources shall not exceed 45 dB in any habitable room.
The noise metric shall be either the Day-night Average Sound Level (L.dn) or the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL),
consistent with the noise element of the local general plan.
NOTE: Ldn is the preferred metric for implementing these standards.
Worst case noise levels, either existing or future, shall be used as the basis for determining compliance with this section. Future
noise levels shall be predicted for a period of at least ten years from the time of building permit application.
3. Airport Noise Sources. Residential structures to be located where the annual Ldn or CNEL (as defined in Title 21, Subchapter 6,
CCR) exceeds 60 dB shall require an acoustical analysis showing that the proposed design will achieve the prescribed allowable
interior level. For public use airports or heliports, the Ldn or CNEL shall be determined from the airport land use plan prepared by
the county wherein the airport is located. For military bases, the Ldn shall be determined from the facility Air Installation Compatible
Use Zone (AICUZ) plan. For all other airports or heliports, or public use airports or heliports for which a land use plan has not been
developed, the Ldn or CNEL shall be determined from the noise element of the general plan of the local jurisdiction.
When aircraft noise is not the only significant source, noise levels from all sources shall be added to determine the composite site
noise level.
274 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
APPENDIX k. Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan
4. Other Noise Sources. Residential structures to be located where the 1--dn or CNEL exceeds 60 dB shall require an acoustical
analysis showing that the proposed design will limit exterior noise to the prescribed_allowable interior level. The noise element of
the local general plan shall be used to the greatest extent possible to identify sites with noise levels potentially greater than 60 dB.
5. Compliance. Evidence of compliance shall consist of submittal of an acoustical analysis report, prepared under the supervision of
a person experienced in the field of acoustical engineering, with the application for a building permit. The report shall show
topographical relationships of noise sources and dwelling sites, identification of noise sources and their characteristics, predicted
noise spectra and levels at the exterior of the proposed dwelling structure considering present and future land usage, basis for the
prediction (measured or obtained from published data), noise attenuation measures to be applied, and an analysis of the noise
insulation effectiveness of the proposed construction showing that the prescribed interior noise level requirements are met.
If interior allowable noise levels are met by requiring that windows be unopenable or closed, the design for the structure must also
specify a ventilation or air conditioning system to provide a habitable interior environment. The ventilation system must not
compromise the dwelling unit or guest room noise reduction.
6. Field Testing. When inspection indicates that the construction is not in accordance with the approved design, or that the noise
reduction is compromised due to sound leaks or flanking paths, field testing may be required. A test report showing compliance or
noncompliance with prescribed interior allowable levels shall be submitted to the building official.
Measurements of outdoor sound levels shall generally follow the guidelines in ASTM E 1014.
Field measuiements of the A-weighted airborne sound insulation of buildings from exterior sources shall generally follow the
guidelines in ASTM E 966. For the purpose of this standard, sound level differences measured in unoccupied units shall be
normalized to a receiving room reverberation time of 1/2 second. Sound level differences measured in occupied units shall not be
normalized to a standard reverberation time.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES275
SAFETY ELEMENT
PERTINENT CALIFORNIA CODE SECTIONS
Government Code Section 65302(g): \[The general plan shall include a\] safety element for Contents 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 wild land and urban fires. The safety element shall include mapping of known seismic
and other geologic hazards. It shall also address evacuation routes, pealdoad water supply requirements, and minimum road widths
and clearances around structures, as those items relate to identified fire and geologic hazards. Prior to the periodic review of its
general plan and prior to preparing or revising its safety element, each city and county shall consult the Division of Mines and
Geology of the Department of Conservation and the Office of Emergency Services for the purpose of including information known
by and available to the department and the office required by this subdivision.
To the extent that a county's safety element is sufficiently detailed and contains appropriate policies and programs for adoption by
a city, a city may adopt that portion of the county's safety element that pertains to the city's planning area in satisfaction of the
requirement imposed by this subdivision.
At least 45 days prior to adoption or amendment of the safety element, each county and Review city shall submit to the Division of
Mines and Geology of the Department of Conservation one copy of a draft of the safety element or amendment and any technical
studies used for developing the safety element. The division may review drafts submitted to it to determine
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES139
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
whether they incorporate known seismic and other geologic hazard information, and report its findings to the planning agency
within 30 days of receipt of the draft of the safety element or amendment pursuant to this subdivision. The legislative body shall
consider the division's findings prior to final adoption of the safety element or amendment unless the division's findings are not
available within the above prescribed time limits or unless the division has indicated to the city or county that the division will not
review the safety element. If the division's findings are not available within those prescribed time limits or unless the division has
indicated to the city or county that the division will not review the safety element. If the division's findings are not available with
those prescribed time limits, the legislative body may take the division's findings into consideration at the time it considers future
amendments to the safety element. Each county and city shall provide the division with a copyof adopted safety element or
amendments. The division may review adopted safety elements or amendments and report its findings. All findings made by the
division shall be advisory to the planning agency and legislative body.
Government Code Section 65302.5: With respect to the safety element required in the general plan, pursuant to subdivision (g) of
Section 65302, each county which contains state responsibility areas, as determined pursuant to Section 4125 of the Public
Resources Code, shall comply with Section 4128.5 of the Public Resources Code.
Public Resources Code Section 4102: "State responsibility areas" means areas of the state in which the financial responsibility of
preventing and suppressing fires has been determined by the \[State Board of Forestry\] pursuant to \[Public Resources Code\] Section
4125, to be primarily the responsibility of the state.
Seismic Hazard Public Resources Code Section 2697: (a) Cities and counties shall require, prior to approval of a project located in a
seismic hazard zone, a geotechnical report defining and delineating any seismic hazard. If the city or county finds that no undue
hazard of this kind exists, based on information resulting from studies conducted on sites in the immediate vicinity of the project
and of similar soil composition to the project site, the geotechnical report may be waived. After the report has been approved or a
waiver granted, subsequent geotechnical reports shall not be required, provided that new geological datum, or data, warranting
further investigation is not recorded. Each city and county shall submit one copy of each approved geotechnical report, including
the mitigation measures, if any, that are to be taken, to the State Geologist within 30 days of its approval of the report.
(b) In meeting the requirements of this section, cities and counties shall consider the policies and criteria established pursuant to
this chapter. If a project's approval is not in accordance with the policies and criteria, the city or county shall explain the reasons for
the differences in writing to the State Geologist, within 30 days of the project's approval. \[Note: these policies and criteria must be
developed by the state Mining and Geology Board by January 1, 1992, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 2695 (Chapter
1168, Stats.
1990).\]
Public Resources Code Section 2699: Each city and county, in preparing the safety element to its general plan pursuant to
subdivision (g) of Section 65302 of the Government Code, and in adopting or revising land use planning and permitting ordinances,
shall take into account the information provided in available seismic hazard maps. \[Note: these maps will not be available until
sometime after 1992, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 2696 (Chapter 1168, Stats. 1990).\]
Seismic Hazard Maps
140GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
USEFUL SAFETY ELEMENT DEFINITIONS
Critical Facility: Facilities which either (1) provide emergency services or (2) house or serve many people who would be injured or
killed in case ofdisaster damage to the facility. Examples include hospitals, fire stations, police and emergency services facilities,
utility facilities, and communications facilities.
Fault: A fracture or zone of closely associated fractures along which rocks on one side have been displaced with respect to those on
the other side. A fault zone is a zone of related faults which commonly are braided, but which may be branching. A fault trace is the
line formed by the intersection of a fault and the earth's surface.
Active Fault: A fault which has exhibited surface displacement within Holocene time (approximately the past 11,000 years).
Potentially Active Fault: A fault which shows evidence of surface displacement during Quaternary time (the last 2 million years).
Flooding: A rise in the level of a water body or the rapid accumulation of runoff, including related mudslides and land subsidences,
that results in the temporary inundation of land that is usually dry. Riverine flooding, coastal flooding, mud floods or mudflows, lake
flooding alluvial fan flooding, flash flooding, levee failures, tsunamis, and fluvial stream flooding are among the many forms that
flooding takes.
Ground Failure: Mudslide, landslide, liquefaction or soil compaction.
Hazardous Building: A building that may be hazardous to life in the event of an earthquake because of partial or complete collapse.
Hazardous buildings may include:
(1) Those constructed prior to the adoption and enforcement of local codes requiring earthquake resistant building design;
(2) Those constructed of unreinforced masonry;
(3) Those which exhibit any of the following characteristics:
•exterior parapets or ornamentation which may fall on passersby;
•exterior walls that are not anchored to the floors, roof or foundation;
•sheeting on roofs or floors incapable of withstanding lateral loads;
•large openings in walls that may cause damage from torsional forces;
•lack of an effective system to resist lateral forces; or
•non-ductile concrete frame construction.
Hazardous Material: An injurious substance, including pesticides, herbicides, toxic metals and chemicals, liquefied natural gas,
explosives, volatile chemicals, and nuclear fuels.
Landslide: A general term for a falling mass of soil or rocks.
Liquefaction: A process by which water-saturated granular soils transform from a solid to a liquid state during strong ground
shaking.
Peakload Water Supply: The supply ofwater available to meet both domestic water and fire fighting needs during the particular
season and time of day when domestic water demand on a water system is at its peak.
Seiche: An earthquake-induced wave in a lake, reservoir, or harbor.
Continued-4-
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES141
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan SAFETY ELEMENT
Subsidence: The gradual, local settling or sinking of the earth's surface with little or no horizontal motion (subsidence is usually the
result of gas, oil, or water extraction, hydrocompaction, or peat oxidation, and not the result of a landslide or slope failure).
Seismically Induced Surface Rupture: A break in the ground's surface and associated deformation resulting from the movement of a
fault.
Tsunami: A wave, commonly called a tidal wave, caused by an underwater seismic disturbance, such as sudden faulting, landslide,
or volcanic activity.
Wildland Fire: A fire occurring in a suburban or rural area which contains uncultivated lands, timber, range, watershed, brush or
grasslands. This includes areas where there is a mingling of developed and undeveloped lands.
Board of Forestly Review
Public Resources Code Section 4125: (a) The \[State Board of Forestry\] shall classify all lands within the state, without regard toy
classification of lands made by or for any federal agency or purpose, for the purpose of determining areas in which the financial
responsibility of preventing and suppressing fires in all areas which are not so classified is primarily the responsibility of local or
federal agencies, as the case may be.
(b) On or before July I, 1991, and every 5th year thereafter; the \[Department of Forestry and Fire Protection\] shall provide copies
of maps identifying the boundaries of lands classified as state responsibility pursuant to subdivision (a) to the county assessor for
every county containing any such lands. The department shall also notify county assessors of any changes to state responsibility
areas within the county resulting from periodic boundary modifications approved by the board,
Public Resources Code Section 4128.5: (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that decisions affecting the use of land in state
responsibility areas result in land uses which protect life, property, and natural resources from unreasonable risks associated with
wild land fires.
(b) At least 90 days prior to the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan, the planning agency of each
county which contains state responsibility areas shall submit the draft element or draft amendment to the \[State Board of Forestry\]
and to every local agency which provides fire protection to unincorporated territory in the county. The board shall, and a local
agency may, review the draft and report its written recommendations to the planning agency within 60 days of its receipt of the
draft. The board and local agency shall review the draft for consistency with the intent of this section. The board and local agency
may offer written recommendations for changes to the draft which would make the draft consistent with the intent of this section.
(c) Prior to the adoption of its draft element or draft amendment, the board of supervisors of the county shall consider the
recommendations made by the \[State Board of Forestry\] and any local agency which provides fire protection to unincorporated
territory in the county. If the board of supervisors determines not to accept all or some of the recommendations, if any, made by
the board or local agency, the board of supervisors shall communicate in writing to the board or local agency its reasons for not
accepting the recommendations. The communication shall explain how its decisions affecting the uses of land and policies in state
responsibility areas will protect lives, property, and natural resources from unreasonable risks associated with wild land fires.
142GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan SAFETY ELEMENT
(d) If the \[State Board of Forestry\] or local agency's recommendations are not available within the time limits set by this section,
the board of supervisors may act without them. The board of supervisors shall take the recommendations into consideration at the
next time it considers future amendments to the safety element.
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
In 1975 the Legislature adopted SB 271 (Chapter 1104) making the safety element a mandatory part ofthe general plan. When it
took effect in 1976 this legislation required cities and counties to adopt, at a minimum, general plan policies relating to fire safety,
flooding, and geologic hazards.
Nine years later the Legislature adopted AB 2038 (Ch. 1009, Stats. 1984) expanding the list of mandatory safety element issues.
The additional concerns focused on seismic safety. Essentially, the Legislature took the issues previously considered in the seismic
safety element and made them safety element requirements. At the same time, the Legislature deleted the seismic safety element
from the list of mandatory general plan elements.
The safety element aims at reducing death, injuries, property damage, and the economic and social dislocation resulting from
natural hazards. While it focuses on fire, flooding, geologic, and seismic hazards, it may also address other locally relevant safety
issues such as vehicle accidents, hazardous materials spills, crime, power failures, and storm drainage. Some local jurisdictions have
even chosen to incorporate their hazardous waste management plans into their safety elements.
The safety element is the primary vehicle for relating local safety planning to city and county land use decisions. A city or county
should establish land use planning policies, standards, and designations based on the criteria set forth in the safety element.
Likewise, local decisions related to zoning, subdivisions, entitlement permits, and the like should be tied to the safety element's
identification of hazards and hazard abatement provisions. The element is a suitable forum for hazard reduction design criteria. It is
also the appropriate locale for local government policies supporting hazard mitigation measures - such as land use regulations and
project conditions of approval.
For example, the safety element must identify urban fringe and rural-residential areas that are prone to wildland fire hazards. It
also analyzes systems, such as adequate evacuation routes and pealdoad water supplies, that can reduce fire hazards. The safety
element should then take the next step of setting forth project design requirements to reduce fire hazard levels. It may also form
the basis for the adoption of strategic fire defense system zoning within hazard prone areas.
Seismic Safety
Hazard Mitigation
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES143
CHAPTER HI: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
Fire Safety Regulations
Information Services
The fire safety provisions denoted in the safety element should be prepared and adopted in conjunction with the State Board of
Forestry's fire safety regulations. Public Resources Code section 4290 requires the board to pass minimum statewide fire safety
standards pertaining to:
•Road standards for fire equipment access.
•Standards for signs identifying streets, roads, and buildings.
•Minimum private water supply reserves for emergency fire use.
•Fuel breaks and greenbelts.
With certain exceptions, all new construction in state responsibility areas after July 1, 1991 must meet these new standards. The
state requirements, however, will not supersede more restrictive local regulations.
The State Board of Forestry and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are excellent sources of information regarding fire
hazard abatement planning and regulatory measures. The Office of Emergency Services and the Division of Mines and Geology can
also supply safety element advice, particularly in the areas of emergency response, inundation resulting from dam failure, seismic
hazards, and geologic hazards. In addition, the Department of Water Resources, pursuant to Government Codes Section 65303.4
may develop site design and planning policies to assist local agencies which request help in implementing flood control objectives
and other land management needs.
COURT INTERPRETATIONS
As of this writing, the provisions of a safety element have not been the subject of an interpretation by either an appellate court or
the California Attorney General.
RELEVANT ISSUES
The safety element must examine the issues related to protecting the community from any unreasonable risks associated with:
•Seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure;
•Slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides;
•Subsidence and other known geologic hazards;
•Flooding; and
•Wildland and urban fires.
It must also address the following as they relate to known fire and geologic hazards:
•Evacuation routes;
•Peakload water supply requirements;
•Minimum road widths; and
•Clearances around structures.
The safety element must contain a map or maps of known seismic and other geologic hazards.
144GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
Recommendations for Wildland Fire Planning Standards
In anticipation of state regulations, local governments should consider adopting the following recommended fire safety standards in
state responsibility areas. Local governments may also apply these recommendations to wildland fire areas outside of state
responsibility areas.
Access and Evacuation Routes: There should be sufficient access for emergency vehicles and for the evacuation of residents. Two
or more routes of access should be provided, preferably on different sides of the development.
Road and Structural Identification: All roads in wildland fire areas should be well marked and homes should have addresses in plain
view.
Roadway Widths Roadways should allow for two-way traffic with room for parking on at least one side.
Water Supply: There should be sufficient water supply for fire suppression units in the event of a wildland fire.
IDEAS FOR DATA AND ANALYSIS
The following are suggested as topics for consideration during the data collection and analysis phase of preparing a safety element.
The general geology and seismic history of the region and the planning area (OS)
•Map known seismic and geologic hazards (map) (OS)
The potential for seismically induced surface rupture
•Location of Special Studies Zones designated by the State Geologist under the AlquistPriolo Special Studies Zones Act (see
Chapter VI) (map) (OS)
•Geotechnical evaluation of the potential for displacement along active and potentially active faults in the planning area
(map) (OS)
The potential for seismically induced ground shaking
•Identification of active and potentially active faults in the region (map) (OS)
•Historical data on seismic ground shaking within the planning area
•Geotechnical evaluation of the potential for localized ground shaking based on a maximum credible earthquake (map)
•Identification of hazardous or substandard structures which may be subject to collapse in the event of an earthquake
including, but not limited to, unreinforced masonry buildings pursuant to Government Code section 8875 et seq.
The potential for seismically induced ground failure
•Geote'chnical evaluation of the potential for seismically induced landslide, mudslide, liquefaction, and soil compaction
(map) (OS)
The potential for seismically induced seiches and tsunamis
•Historical data on the occurrence of tsunamis and seiches within the planning area (OS)
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES145
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
•Geotechnical evaluation of the potential "run-up" of tsunami and seiche waters (map) (OS)
The potential for seismically induced dam failure
•Identification of the areas that would be inundated in the event of a dam failure (map) (OS)
•Identification of the development, facilities, and people potentially at risk in areas subject to inundation (OS)
Slope instability and the associated risk of mudslides and landslides
•Historical data on landslides and mudslides (OS)
•Identification of areas that are landslide-prone by using, among other resources, the State Geologist's landslide hazard
maps prepared pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 2628 (map) (OS)
•Geotechnical evaluation of the local potential for landslides and mudslides (map) (OS)
The potential for land subsidence and other known geologic hazards
•Historical data on land subsidence resulting from extraction of groundwater, natural gas,
oil, and geothermal resources and from hydrocompaction and peat oxidation (OS)
•Geotechnical evaluation of the potential for further subsidence (map)
•Evaluation of potential risks associated with other known geologic hazards, such as volcanic activity, avalanche, or cliff
erosion
The potential for flooding
•Historical data on flooding, such as frequency and intensity (LU, CO, OS)
•Identification of areas within floodplains or subject to inundation by a 100-year flood (map) (LU, CO, OS)
The risk of wildland fires
•Identification and classification of areas of varying fire hazard severity based on degree of development, fuel loading
(vegetation), weather and slope, accessibility to fire protection assistance (i.e., response time, availability of helispots, proximity of
air tanker attack bases, etc.), historic data, and other pertinent information (map) (OS)
The risk of fires in urban areas
•Identification and classification of areas of varying fire hazard severity based on age, condition, size, occupancy and use
of structures, spacing between them, access, fire flows, fire crew and equipment availability, response time, historical fire data, and
other pertinent information (map)
Emergency evacuation routes, as they relate to known fire and geologic hazards
•Evaluation of the adequacy of access routes to and from hazardous areas relative to the degree of development or use
(e.g., road width, road type, length of dead-end roads, etc. (OS, CI)
•Potential improvements necessary to avoid unreasonable community risk
Peakload water supply requirements necessary to avoid unreasonable risks from known fire and geologic hazards
•Evaluation of the adequacy of the existing peakload water supply
•Projection of future pealdoad water supply, demand, and needed improvements, if any, to ensure the provision of
adequate water supplies
146GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
Minimum road widths and dearances around structures necessary to avoid unreasonable risks from known fire and geologic hazards
•Evaluation of the adequacy of existing standards
•Analysis of the need for revised standards.
IDEAS FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
The safety element should contain goals, objectives, policies, principles, plan proposals and standards to protect the community
from fire, flooding, earthquakes, and other geologic hazards. A safety element may also address other issues of local concern such
as hazardous materials handling, crime prevention, and disaster/emergency services coordination.
Here are some ideas for the general types ofpolicies which may be incorporated into the safety element. Policies may take the
following forms:
•Development standards and restrictions within Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones including limits on allowable
development, development intensity, and setbacks from the fault trace (OS)
•Requirements for geotechnical evaluation, prior to site development, of the potential for displacement along identified
active and potentially active faults (OS)
•Removal or rehabilitation ofhazardous or substandard structures which may be expected to collapse in the event of an
earthquake including, but not limited to, unreinforced masonry buildings pursuant to Government Code section 8875 et seq.,
bridges, and critical facilities
•Requirements for geotechnical evaluation, prior to site development, of the potential for seismically induced landslide,
mudslide, liquefaction, and soil compaction in areas where such hazards have been identified (OS)
•Development standards and restrictions such as limits on the types ofallowable development, development
intensity/density standards, and subdivision design policies for sites subject to seismically induced landslide, mudslide, liquefaction,
or soil compaction
•Use of "geologic hazard abatement districts" for the purpose of prevention, mitigation, abatement or control of geologic
hazards pursuant to Public Resources Code Sections 26500 et seq.
•Development standards and restrictions such as subdivision design policies and building setbacks within areas subject to
inundation as a result of a tsunami or seiche (OS)
•Development standards and restrictions to minimize potential risk within areas that would be inundated as a result of dam
failure (OS)
•Requirements for geotechnical evaluation, prior to site development, of the potential for landslides and mudslides in
identified hazard areas (OS)
•Development standards and restrictions such as density/intensity standards for slopes, subdivision design policies, and
generalized performance standards for sites subject to landslides and mudslides
•Requirements for geotechnical evaluation, prior to development, of subsidence potential in areas of known risk
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES147
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
•Development standards and restrictions such as limits on density and restrictions on water wells in areas subject to
subsidence
•Development policies, standards, and requirements which reduce the risk of geologic hazards relative to:
- Evacuation routes
-Minimum road widths
•Setback requirements and subdivision design within areas subject to other known geologic hazards, e.g., volcanic activity,
avalanches, or cliff erosion
•Contingency plans for immediate post-earthquake response and longer term reconstruction activities in areas potentially
subject to significant damage
•Requirements for evaluating the potential risks associated with other known geologic hazards, such as volcanic activity,
avalanches or cliff erosion, prior to development
•Development standards and restrictions within identified floodplains or areas subject to inundation by a 100-year flood.
These might include subdivision design, setback requirements, and development intensity/density standards. (LU, CO, OS)
•Development policies, standards, and restrictions which reduce the risk of urban and wildland fires to a reasonable level,
including:
Design, reservation, and requirements regarding evacuation routes
Pealdoad water supply requirements and performance standards for urban, suburban, and rural development
-Minimum road widths
Clearances around structures
Fire equipment response time
Land use intensity/density standards Subdivision design for fire safety Fire safe building materials
•Standards conforming to the fire safety standards established by the State Board of Forestry for state responsibility areas
(Public Resources Code Section 4290):
- Road Standards for fire equipment access
- Standards for signs identifying streets, roads, and buildings
- Minimum private water supply reserves for emergency fire use
-Fuel breaks and greenbelts
-Land use policies and safety standards that take into account the recurrent nature of wildland fires
-Design standards establishing minimum road widths and clearances around structures - Emergency preparedness protocol
and procedures
148GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
CHAPTER III: The Required Elements of the General Plan
SAFETY ELEMENT
Technical Assistance
The following state agencies may provide information or assistance for the preparation of the safety element: Department of
Conservation Division of Mines and Geology, Office of Emergency Services, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Seismic
Safety Commission, Caltrans, Department of Water Resources, and Office of Planning and Research.
USEFUL SAFETY ELEMENT REFERENCES
County Comprehensive Earthquake Preparedness PlanningGuidelines (1985), BayArea Regional Earthquake Preparedness Project,
MetroCenter, 101 Eighth St., Suite 152, Oakland, CA 94607, (415) 540-2713. 49+ pp.
Checklist of Nonstructural Earthquake Hazards (1985), Bay Area Regional Earthquake Preparedness Project, MetroCenter, 101
Eighth St., Suite 152, Oakland, CA 94607, (415) 540-2713. 86 pp.
A Discussion ofthe County General Plan and Role ofStrategic Fire Protection Planning (1989), by Bob Irwin, available from the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 1416 Ninth St., P.O. Box 944246, Sacramento, CA 94244-2460
Earthquake Vulnerability Analysis for Local Governments (1989), Bay Area Regional Earthquake Preparedness Project, MetroCenter,
101 Eighth St., Suite 152, Oakland, CA
94607, (415) 540-2713. 14 PP-
Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones in Califirnia (Rev. 1988), Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones Act of 1972 with Index to Special Studies
Zones Maps, Special Publication 42, Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1341,
Sacramento, CA 95814.
Fire Safe Guides for Residential Development in California (1980), available from the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection, 1416 Ninth St., P.O. Box 944246, Sacramento, CA 94244-2460. 32 pp.
Guidebook to Identift and Mitigate Seismic Hazards in Buildings (1987), with separate appendix; free from the California Seismic
Safety Commission, 1900 "K" St., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 322-4917. 76 pp.
Landslide Loss Reduction: A Guide for State and Local Government Planning (1989), Federal Emergency Management
Administration, Earthquake Hazards Reduction Series 52, FEMA 182. 50 pp.
Landslide Hazard Maps California State Geologist
Putting Seismic Safety Policies to Work (1988), available from the Bay Area Regional Earthquake Preparedness Project,
MetroCenter, 101 Eighth St., Suite 152, Oakland, CA
94607, (415) 540-2713. 40 PP.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES149