HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/1/1994i
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7.00 P.I.
South Coast Air Quality Management District
Auditorium
21865 East Copley
./il1d Bar, California
Chairman Daidd Meyer
Vice Chairwoman LyWa Plunk
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Connw&ioner Don p Sc/d
Copies of staff reports or other. written documentation relating to agenda items are on file in the Community
Development Office, located at 21660 E. Copley Drive, Suite 190, and are available for public inspection.
If you have questions regarding an agenda item, please call (909) 396-5676 during regular business hours.
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City of Diamond Bar requires that any person in need of any type of special equipment, assistance or
accomodation(s) in order to communicate at a.City public meeting must inform the Community
Development Department at (909) 396-5676 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
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'he City of Diamond Bar uses recycled � paper
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
August 1, .1994. Next Resolution No. 94-19
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS: Chairman David Meyer, Vice Chairwoman
Lydia Plunk, Bruce Flamenbaum, Don Schad and Franklin Fong
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS:
This is the time and place for the general public to address the members of the Planning Commis-
sion 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.
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Adoption of the 1994 General Plan. The General Plan is a statement
of goals, objectives and strategies to guide the long-range physical
development of the City. The Plan is required by State law and
determines the size, form and character of the City over the next 20
years. It is the most significant tool utilized by the community to
ensure a balanced, comfortable environment in which to live and
work. It represents the community's view of its future and serves as
the "blueprint" to define the long term character of the City. In
January the City Council appointed a General Plan Advisory
Committee to develop the Draft General Plan. Fifteen public
hearings have been conducted to identify key planning issues and
define General Plan policy. The results have been forwarded to the
Planning Commission for consideration.
The purpose of the August 1, 1994 public hearing is to continue the
Planning Commission's review of the Draft 1994 General Plan from
July 25, 1994, commencing with the Public Health and Safety
Element, Housing Element, Circulation Element, and concluding with
the Land Use Element.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Planning
Commission. open the public hearing, receive a presentation from
staff, receive public testimony, forward comments to City staff and
continue the Public Hearing.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS:
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
ADJOURNMENT: August 8, 1994
i
W*004OW161
TO: Chairman and Planning Commissioners
FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development Dill, f
SUBJECT': Informational Items
DATE: July 28, 1994
Attached for your information please find the following items:
1. Agenda for August 1, 1994 Planning Commission Meeting.
.2. Planning Commission revisions to Public Health & Safety
Element from July 25, 1994.
3. Memo from Cotton/Beland/Associates, Inc. dated -July 28,
1994 regarding ."Noise Standards for General Plan".
.4. Letter to Planning Commissioners from Terry Birrell dated
July 25, 1994.
5. Letter to Planning Commissioners from Dorian Johnson,
Bramalea California, Inc., dated July 28, 1994.
[ RECEIVED 07/20 15:00 1994 AT 909-1361-3117 PAGE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2)
JUL 28 '94 03:IePM CBA PASADENA P.2/37-
COTTON/B ELAN WASSOCIATES, INC.
URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING CONSULTANTS
Memorandum
DATE: July 28, X 994
TO: James DeStefano, Community Development Director
City of Diamond Bar
FROM: P. Patrick Mann, AICA, Principal/%...
SUBJECT: Noise Standards for General ,Plan
The Planning Commission at its meeting of July 25 requested that.the General Plan
include additional noise standards which are not based on energy averages (such as CNEL
and L ) because of the perception of the Commission that.energy averages do not deal
adequately with certain noise problems.
While I agree that the energy average noise level (such as CNEL and Lech do not address
certain noise problems, it was and is my recommendation that these noise problems be
addressed through standards outlined in the Noise Ordinance based on general guidance
from the General Plan.
It is my experience, supported by most studies recommending specific noise measures for
use in setting community Iroise standards, that the CNEL provides an excellent general
indicator of the quality of the environment with regard -to noise. It deals very well with
the tradeoff between loudness and duration of noise events in defining the human response
to the noise environment. It is superior to noise standards which establish specific time
limits and instantaneous noise levels because it provides a continuous duration/level
function rather than the stepwise function in such noise standards. The stepwise function
may be used in an ordinance implementing, the CNEL standards because it provides very
clear guidelines for field measurements for noise sources that are not continuous,
7be shortcoming of the MEL value is in dealing with noise sources that have specific
characteristics that make the noise more attention -getting than would be indicated simply
by the noise level itself. These noises include such things as human speech; music;
alarms, whistles, bells and sirens; amplified sound, and impact noises such as hammering,
tennis and helicopters. It is my recommendation that these issues be addressed within the
noise ordinance, supported. by language in the General Plan that recognizes the wide
variation in types of noise problems and ways each noise problem interferes with human
activities_
If noise guidelines are' to be included in the Genera Plan based on instantaneous noise
level (dB(A)) and duration, I recommend that these levels and time durations be, based on
the CNEL standards outlined in the plan, with additional penalties for special noise
sources.
747 EAST GREEN STREET SUITE 400 • PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91101 -2219
(818) 304.0102 FAX (818) 30¢0402
6310 GREENWICH DRIVE SUI'T'E 220 • SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92122 -5ssa
(6191625-0056 FAX(619)625-0543
[ RECEIVED 07/28 15:00 1994 AT 909-861-3117 PAGE 3 (PRINTED PAGE 3)
JLC. 28 '94 03:18PM CBA PASADENA .3/3 -
The .following noise levels and time durations are included in the Los Angeles County
Noise Ordinance and are sufficiently like the CNEL standards of Table 1V-1 to be
consistent. These are the noise standards currently applicable in Diamond Bar:
1 ue Uourtty Noise Ordinance provides that if the actual background noise level 'where the
noise intrusion is being measured ,already exceeds the noise levels in the table, the actual
noise in the environment exceeded for each time period shall be used.
The noise levels in this table would be exceeded by a number of everyday activities in
ese standards would
residential areas. On residential properties in quiet areas, th
effectively prohibit use of gas Iawn mowers, starting cars or closing car doors outside of
garages, use of hammers, power saves or drills outdoors, knocking on doors near adjacent
Pr°Parties, etc. However, because a typical car driveby on a residential street may peals at
70 to 75 dB in a residential front yard, and a trash truck or other utility vehicle may peak
at 75 to 85 dB, the actual noise level used to determine whether noises violate the
standard would probably be higher in many cases. In areas near freeways and arterial
streets, these standards would often be exceeded by the background noise level, which
would become the effective standard for that area. Because the standards would prohibit
some normal activities, a special exception is included in the ordinance for legal operation
of legal motor vehicles on private property. Other exceptions are provided for
construction and other specific activities.
Basic Noise
Limit- Not
to be
Not to be
Not to be
Not to be
exceeded
exceeded
exceeded
exceeded
more than
30 minutes
more than
15
more than 5
more than 1
Not to be
Land Use
in any hour
minutes
in one hour
minutes in
orne hour
ruinute'in
one hour
exceeded at
any time
.Noise-
45
50
55
60
65
sensitive
area
Residential-
10:00 p.m.
45
50
55
60
65
- 7:00 am.
Residential-
50
55
60
tis
7:00 a.m. -
70
10:00 ,m.
Commercial
55
6070
6S
10:00 P.M.
75,
- 7:0.0 a.m.
Commercial
60
65
70
75
7:00 a.m.
80
10:00 P.1n.
Industrial
70
75
80
85
90
1 ue Uourtty Noise Ordinance provides that if the actual background noise level 'where the
noise intrusion is being measured ,already exceeds the noise levels in the table, the actual
noise in the environment exceeded for each time period shall be used.
The noise levels in this table would be exceeded by a number of everyday activities in
ese standards would
residential areas. On residential properties in quiet areas, th
effectively prohibit use of gas Iawn mowers, starting cars or closing car doors outside of
garages, use of hammers, power saves or drills outdoors, knocking on doors near adjacent
Pr°Parties, etc. However, because a typical car driveby on a residential street may peals at
70 to 75 dB in a residential front yard, and a trash truck or other utility vehicle may peak
at 75 to 85 dB, the actual noise level used to determine whether noises violate the
standard would probably be higher in many cases. In areas near freeways and arterial
streets, these standards would often be exceeded by the background noise level, which
would become the effective standard for that area. Because the standards would prohibit
some normal activities, a special exception is included in the ordinance for legal operation
of legal motor vehicles on private property. Other exceptions are provided for
construction and other specific activities.
WZZI-Mp
25, 1994
Planning Commission
City of Diamond Bar
21660 East Copley Drive, Suite 109
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4177
Re: 1994 Draft General Plan
Dear Members of the Planning Commission:
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As a GPAC member, I wish to respond to certain submitted comments and to submit my
comments regarding the 1.994 General Plan.
Mr. Daniel Wildish, in a letter dated July 15, 1994; expressed his opinion that the
alteration in "voting makeup of the General Plan Advisory Commission ("GPAC") ...has
resulted in an abrupt and obvious change in the direction of the GPAC." Having made this
sweeping statement, Mr. Wildish does not give one concrete example of such a change in
direction unless he considers the "open space ideology" which he later criticizes to be such
a change in direction. I would note for the record that the GPAC's vote to designate as
open space areas subject'to map restrictions preceded the relinquishment of voting rights
by the developers. Therefore, there was no such "abrupt and obvious change in direction".
Mr. Wildish also offers his opinion as a land use attorney that "the document fails to meet
the California Government Code requirement of internal consistency." His sole example of
an alleged inconsistency is:
"For example, the proposed General Plan opens with a statement
that the "primary good" is to preserve a 'rural and country
environment and later specifies specific goals designed to promote
new commercial development to bolster needed revenues."
1528 S. Gold Canyon Drive, Walnut, CA 91789
Planning Commission
City of Diamond Bar
1994 Draft General Plan
July 25, 1994
Page 2 of 3
The city presently has many developed and undeveloped commercial areas with high
vacancy rates. The General Plan as drafted by GPAC is based on the propositions that
empty buildings act only as prey to vandals and a drain on the community and that, having
been built, the city would be better served by having them occupied. In addition, there are
graded pads, such as those at Gateway Corporate Center, awaiting development.
Encouraging the development of vacant lots surrounded by other buildings is not
detrimental to a rural environment in those areas which still maintain a rural environment.
This is not an example of an internal inconsistency.
I do agree with Mr. Wildish when he states that he "cannot divorce (him)self from (his)
years of experience as a land use attorney". His letter is on business letterhead rather than
personal stationery; furthermore, Mr. Wildish has for years argued the case of real estate
developers, including some Diamond Bar real estate developers with close relationships to
the owners of the land proposed to be designated as open space. In my opinion, he is still
arguing their case and acting as their advocate rather than representing the people of
Diamond Bar.
The GPAC deliberations in which I participated were cognizant and respectful of the
property rights of developers. Areas designated for open space use were so designated
because the previous owner had placed map. restrictions on the property -generally in
order to obtain density transfers from the County. By designating the property as open
space, GPAC did not take anything away from the owner. GPAC merely did not change
land use designations in order to enrich the present owner. Furthermore, GPAC respected
the property rights of the thousands of residents of Diamond Bar who purchased their
homes in Diamond Bar because of the open space areas. Since the restrictions were placed
on the maps in approximately 1980 and the average California resident moves every seven
years, the majority of the residents of Diamond Bar moved here based upon the promise of
having those open spaces. Mr. Wildish never considers the property rights of anyone but
the developers. I request the Planning Commission to maintain a balanced outlook.
In conclusion, I have noted that the Planning Commission has already rejected many of the
recommendations made by the 1994 GPAC. Rejection of the recommendations of the
1994 GPAC will result in a General Plan essentially the same as the 1992 and 1993
General Plans. Over four thousand residents of Diamond Bar rejected both the 1992 and
1993 General Plans so that the City Council had to rescind each of them. It would be
terribly unresponsive to the will of the people of Diamond Bar for the Planning
Commission to again present them with the same, rejected plan.
Planning Commission
City of Diamond Bar
1994 Draft General Plan
July 25, 1994
Page 3 of 3
I encourage the Planning Commission to seriously, favorably consider the 1994 draft
General Plan forwarded to them by GPAC. I encourage the Commission to reconsider
many of those recommendations which have already been peremptorily thrown out.
Sincerely,
Terry . irrell
cc: Mr. James DeStephano
GPAC Membership
Mayor Gary Werner
Mayor Pro Tem Clair Harmony
Councilmember Eileen Ansari
Councilmember Gary Miller
Councilmember Phyllis Papen
chron.db\gpac7a94.doc
Bramalea Cehfotnla. Inc.
100 Hayview Ctrclo
Suits 2000
Newport Beach. Cahfornia 926130
(714) 609.4600
July 28, 1994
David Meyer, Chairman
Lydia Plumb Vice -Chairman
Bruce Flamenbaum, Commissioner
Franklin Fong, Commissioner
Don Schad, Commissioner
City of Diamond Bar
21660 East Copley Drive
-suite 190
Diamond Bar, California 91763
RE: Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element
Dear Honorable Commissioner:
My previous correspondence reported my strong opposition to. the "Open Space" land use
designation proposed under the Draft General Plan to be .placed upon the Bramalea
property. The intent of this letter is not to repeat my objections; rather, it is to propose an
alternative, land use designation. We hope to find a land use designation which will. meet
the City's desires- and our needs as memorialized* in the Memorandum of Understanding
entered into by the City of Diamond Bar and Bramalea California, Inc. on October 20, 1992.
We propose that the Bramalea property (Tract 31479, Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 and Tract 42576,
Lots 50 and 51) instead of being designated as a combination of open space, rural
residential and planned development, all be designated as Planned Development I ("Pl)17 ).
This PD I designation would include the following development provisions for the Bramalea
property. Each of these items is consistent with or expressly stated in the Memorandum of
Understanding:
1. Require a minimum of 75% open space. Such open space would be required to be
dedicated to the City for open space and/or park purposes, with the dedication to
occur, at the time the property is subdivided.
2. A maximum of 1 unit per, 2.5 acres .would be allowed. The total gross acreage,
including the open spaces, would be used in calculating the maximum number of
units for the property.
3. Clustering would be required within a contiguous development area.
4. Clustering from non-contiguous parcels within the ,property would be allowed.
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In order to minimize impact and maximize clustering, buildable lots shall be no
greater than 10,000 and no less than 6,000 square feet.
This proposal gives Bramalea far less than it is entitled to under the constitutional principles
set forth in my previous letter. However, in the spirit of compromise, we believe that this
alternative land use designation would allow the City to secure lawful fee title to the open
space which it desires and retain for the Planning Commission and the City Council the.
flexibility needed to secure superior design solutions. We hope the Planning Commission
gives full consideration to the open space and residential aspects of our package proposal.
This proposal is made solely for the purpose of avoiding dispute in the context of the City's
General Planning effort. It should not be construed as an admission that the City could
lawfully obtain the benefits of alternative land use designation through its regulatory powers
or a waiver of 23ramatea'c riot,+. +� the reasonable economic vse of our land:
Vice President,
CC., City Council Members
Gary H Werner, Mayor
Clair W. Harmoy, Mayor Pro Tem
Phyllis E. Papen, Councilmember
Gary E. Miller, Councilmember
Eileen R. Ansari, Councilmember
James DeStefano
Deborah Rosenthal, Esq.
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• Crime and Protection Services
• Emergency Services and Facilities
• Hazardous Materials
• Air Quality
• Noise
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS
The following summarizes information presented in the City of Diamond Bar Master Environmental
Assessment.
1. Geology and Seismicity
The Diamond Bar is located in 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_ s=a _ne4
There are numerous existing landslides and potential unstable hillside areas in Diamond Bar.
Diamond Bar is also located in aamort of Southern California which is a hig& seismically active,- *d4 ie
^�•� �� region and where there are 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 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.
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 stili a few links and improvements that have not been constructed. The City
presently lacks a master plan of drainage. The sphere of influence is drained by Tonner Canyon Creek. This
area presently has no major flood control improvements and flooding can occur along the entire length of this
natural stream channel.
D>amondBar eneral Plan Public Health and Saety Element
July 25, 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions IV -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 Service Organization (ISO) gives the developed portions of the City.a rating of 3,
which is considered good for urbanized areas. The sphere of influence and the undeveloped hillsides in the
City that are adjacent to Tonner Canyon do not presently have (or need) these same levels of protection.
Fire protection services for the area are presently provided by the Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire
Protection District, which maintains three stations in or adjacent to the City.. County stations 119, 120, and
121 are fully equipped and staffed. Analysis of available service level data indicates that the City will
probably not need an additional fire station, although any significant development in the sphere of influence
area might require additional protection.
4. Crime and Protection Services
The level of major crime in Diamond Bar is presently half of that experienced in communities of comparable
size. The types of local crimes are typical of suburban communities in the Los Angeles region, including
vandalism, traffic accidents, and theft. Protection services are provided under contract to the City by the Los
Angeles County Sheriff's Department out of the Walnut -San Dimas Regional Station. 'The City is presently
served by 29 deputies and 18 patrol vehicles. The County maintains an average emergency response time of
4.5 minutes within the City. Diamond Bar will need additional protective'services as it grows, although it
may not need additional facilities within the City limits. The Firestone Boy Scout Ranch within the sphere
of influence presently has private security.
5. Emergency Services and Facilities
The Diamond Bar area is served by a number of hospitals and related medical facilities within Los Angeles,
San Bernardino, and Orange counties. Although there is no major treatment facility within Diamond Bar,
there are seventeen hospitals or major treatment centers within a 15 mile d4ye radius. The Los Angeles
County Consolidated Fire Protection Distriet'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 eleyi� developed a response plan for major emergencies.
6. Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials presently create a potential threat to the City. The primary threat facing the City would
come from a major traffic or train accident involving spillage of hazardous or toxic materials. There are
industrial or other businesses within the City or in the nearby City of Industry that treat, handle, or store
hazardous materials. As the area continues to grow; the likelihood of an accident or the potential for illegal
dumping increases. The Los Angeles County consolidated Fire Protection District maintains "Hazmat"
Response Teams to handle emergencies involving these materials, but the City must deal with the local
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implications of hazardous wastes. rR:� As per State law, the City is--iced-te has developed= a
"Household Hazardous Waste Element."
Marnong Bar General Plan Puglic ffe= NN3 Mety E ement
July 25, 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions IV -3
JuLY 13, 1994 ERRATA
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. However, local ozone levels have still exceeded
state standardson 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.
8. Noise
The City of. Diamond Bar is relatively quiet except for noise.corridors created by traffic on major 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., VP_'TT . 6c PR To BE T14E TuRgsl4al r) FOR URBAN AND
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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 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 (144'), Golden Springs Drive (w/o Brea Canyon Rd.) (125'), Diamond Bar
Boulevard (121'), Grand Avenue (107'), Pathfinder Road (89'), Lemon Avenue (78'), Golden Springs Drive
(77'), and Sunset Crossing (35'). Other major sources of local noise are the railroad lines along the western
boundary of the City and infrequent urban sources (dogs barking, airplane overflights).
C. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFE'T'Y ISSUES
1. Geology and Seismicity
Because of the high seismic and 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 u protect existing and future residents
from local geologic and seismic -related ifs- hazards.
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.
JULY 13, 1994 ERRATA
Diamond Bar �c a ener Plan u th and Sgety---Element
July 25, 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions IV -4
ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies to minimize the threat to its citizens from flooding,
and establish a schedule of improvements based on an updated master plan
of drainage. As part of these policies, specific standards for protection from
various size storms (10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, and 500 year) are needed.
3. Fire Protection Services
A major fire represents a significant potential'threat to local residents. In addition to the loss of structures
and life, a major fire could destroy valuable biological resources within the City or its sphere of influence.
As development continues in the interface between natural and developed areas, the threat of fire also
increases. The Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire Protection District currently provides adequate service
to the residents of Diamond Bar in terms of protection from the threat of fire. However, the City may wish
to pursue other administrative arrangements for financial or other reasons. As the City grows, it may be
necessary to provide additional equipment, personnel, or stations to continue adequate service levels.
ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies emphasizing the importance of fire prevention, and
protection, .., ........
4. Crime and Protection Services
Although crime rates in the City are presently low, the threat of gang or other criminal activity creeping into
the community from neighboring urban areas could become a major issue. The City should take appropriate
action now to reduce and/or avoid the increase in local crime, such as urban design concepts which help
protect property and residents. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department presently provides an adequate
level of service to the community, as evidenced by the currently low crime rate.
As the City's population increases, there will be an increased need for protective services. Additional services
may also be .needed as urban crime may continue to spread to suburban areas. To combat this, local
community and neighborhood involvement will be needed to help prevent or observe and report various
criminal activities. Any significant development in the sphere of influence would also require additional
protective services.
ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs policies to emphasize the importance of careful design and
community action to minimize criminal activity_ in Diamend Bar.
S. Emergency Services and Facilities
At present, there appears to be an adequate number and variety of medical facilities and programs available
to City residents. However, as a new city, Diamond Bar must assess its own desires regarding the
convenience of medical services and determine if or how it will encourage certain medical uses into the City',
Paramedic and ambulance services likewise appear to be adequate, although additional services may be needed
as the community grows. Development in the sphere of influence may require additional medical or other
emergency facilities. The provision of daily emergency services must also be coordinated with a. local plan
for responding to regional disasters.
ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City needs to decide if any additional medical facilities are needed, and
if so, where and how should they be located to best serve local residents.
The City ake needs to implement the a disaster preparedness plan to
respond to regional or local emergencies.
Damon Bar Z7en;r;rTra-n PuMic TIMM an Mety ement
July 25,, 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions IV -5
D. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES
"ITIS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PLAN TO PROVIDEA SAFEAND HEALTHYENVIRONMENT
FOR THE RESIDENTS OF DIAMOND BAR. "
GOAL I. "Create a secure public environment which minimizes potential loss of life and
property damage, as well as social, economic, or environmental disruption
resulting from natural and manmade disasters."
Objective 1.1 Minimize' the potential for loss of life, physical injury, and property damage from seismic
groundshaking and other geologic � hazards.
Strategies:
1.1.1 Require that new emergency facilities including but not limited to fire stations,
paramedic services, police stations, hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency
operations centers be designed to withstand and remain in operation following the
maximum credible seismie earthquake event.
1.1.2 As required by the Uniform Building Code, require site-specific a s of soils in
e,y L' L LF FF F 4i, 4 r+F . nt
r -e ., geotechnical investigation be performed to
determine appropriate design parameters for construction ofu� and n
facilities in order to minimize the effects of an eon and seismic hazard on such
development.
1.1.3 Adopt aram manual to supplement the. C� of Diamond Bar Gradin Code with
detailed information re ardin rules, interpretations, standard specifications,
procedures, requirements, forms and other informationapplicable to control
excavation.,grading, and earthwork construction and r guidelines for
preparation of geotechnical reports in the C
Objective 1.2 Eliminate the potential for loss of life, and minimize physical injury, property damage, public
health hazards, and nuisances from the effects of a 100 year storm and associated flooding.
Strategies:
1.2.1 As a prerequisite to new development or the intensification of existing development,
ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer, 'certifying
that the proposed development will be adequately protected, and that implementation
of the development proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards.
1.2.2 In coordination with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, develop and
maintain a master plan of drainage, including an inventory of existing facilities, and
present development plans, to adequately assess existing and future flood control
needs and improvements within Diamond Bar.
1.2.3 Prepare a capital improvement program for flood control improvements needed to
complete a master plan of drainage. This schedule will be coordinated with
improvement plans by the County and address funding and timing of prioritized
improvements.
r7amonR Bar Z7ener=an PuG11,C Health -and Sety ement
July 25; 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions 1V-7
Objective 1.3 'Require that properties in and adjacent to wildland areas are reasonably protected from
wildland fire hazards without degrading the viability of natural ecosystems, providing a
balance between removal offiammable vegetation, introduction offire resistantvegetation,
and preservation of natural vegetation.
Strategies:
1.3.1 Where development is proposed within areas potentially subject to wildland fire
hazards, ensure that the Consolidated Fire District has the opportunities to review
the proposal in terms of its vulnerability to fire hazard and its potential source as a
source of fire. Ensure that Fire Department recommendations regarding mitigation
of fire hazard risks are addressed.
1.3.2 Require new development in areas subject to wildland fire to be adequately protected
in a manner which minimizes the destruction of natural vegetation. Prioritize this
balance as follows:
Protection of existing developed areas and areas currently approved for
development.
Preservation of significant biological resources to the extent feasible.
Objective 1.4 Require that an adequate distribution of fire stations, equipment, and manpower, and
maintain a maximum five minute response time to all urban areas.
Strategies:
1.4.1 Work with the Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire District to establish a funding
mechanism which would ensure that cost of providing new facilities and equipment,
including paramedic services, to support new development is assessed against the
developments creating that need.
1.4.2 Where appropriate, support increased protection levels from that provided by the
minimum fire standards included in the Uniform Building and Fire Codes (UBC and
UFC).
Objective 1.5 Minimize the risk and fear of crime through physical planning strategies.-Matwillmag". e
_ er
Create 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 Sheriffs Department prior to approval.
1.5.2 Promote the establishment of neighborhood watch and business watch programs to
encourage community participation in the patrol of neighborhood and business areas,
and to facilitate increased awareness of potential criminal activities.
Objective 1.6 Promote the provision of adequate medical and emergency services to Diamond Bar residents.
Strategies:
1.6.1 Coordinate with appropriate agencies for the provision of evacuation and ambulance
services within acceptable service levels and response times.
Diamond Par ener an u is ealth and 9.7afety Plernent
July 25, 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions IV -8
JULY 13, 1994 ERRATA
1.6.2 Investigate the need and feasibility of locating a major medical facility within the
City of Diamond Bar.
Objective 1.7 19gFe a maintain Implement effective emergency preparedness and response programs.
Strategies:
1.7.1 Coordinate the City's disaster preparedness plans with the State Office of Emergency
Management, County, schools, and other neighboring jurisdictions, and participate
in the development of a regional system to respond to daily emergencies and major
catastrophes.
1.7.2 The City's disaster plan shall integrate community resources into municipal
emergency management, including a list of local resources such as personnel,
equipment, material, specialized medical and other training, and auxiliary
communications.
1.7.3 Provide areawide mutual aid agreements and communication links with adjacent
governmental authorities and other participating jurisdictions.
1.7.4 Disseminate public information regarding actions which residents and businesses
should take to minimize damage in a natural disaster, as well as actions which would
be taken to facilitate recovery from a natural disaster.
Objective 1.8 Protect life and property from the potential detrimental effects (short and long term) of the
transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. in the
City.
Strategies:
1.8.1 Pursue establishment of aFegular r ► i T citywide program of
household hazardous waste collection according to the provisions of Section 41500
of the Public Resources Code (see also the solid waste section of the Plan for
Resource Management for additional policies).
1.8.2 Coordinate emergency response personnel to respond to hazardous materials
incidents.
1.8.3 Require development to meet the requirements of the County's urban stormwater
discharge permit.
Objective 1.9 The City should seek to improve local and regional air quality by encouraging ride -sharing,
use of public transit, and other transportation demand management techniques.
Strategies:
1.9.1 Promote the provision of non-polluting transportation alternatives such as a citywide
system of bikeways and pedestrian sidewalks.
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July 25, 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions IV -9
JULY 13, 1994 ERRATA
1.9.2 Work with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to establish a program of
District review and comment on major proposed development projects within the City.
1.9.3 Implement the provisions of the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan; review
projects for consistency with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan.
1.9.4 Include trip reduction requirements consistent with SCAQMD Regulation XV and the
requirements of the Los Angeles County Congestion Management Plan in the
development code with the goal of reducing home -to -work trips by facilitating and
participating in the following programs:
• Incorporate design measures into new development and, where feasible, into
existing.developments proposed for intensification, including preferential parking
areas for car and van pools, employee drop off areas, secure bicycle. 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 Ensure that site designs facilitate rather than discourage pedestrian movement between
nearby uses.
1.9.6 Require grading plans to include appropriate and feasible measures to minimize fugitive
dust.
1.9.7 The City will cooperate with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to be a
"test facility" or a laboratory for testing new air pollution control programs where such
programs can be safely conducted at no expense to the City or its residents.
1.9.8 The City will offer to local governmental agencies, educational institutions, and
businesses the opportunity to test new technologies and/or programs designed to reduce
air pollution, either directly or indirectly.
Objective 1.10 Consider noise issues in land use planning and development permit processing to require that noise
generated by one use or facility does not adversely affect adjacent uses or facilities.
Strategies:
1.10.1 Within identified 65 dB CNEL noise contours, require that site-specific noise studies be
prepared to verify site-specific noise conditions and to ensure that noise considerations
are included in project review.
1. 10.2 Within identified 65dB CNEL noise corridors, ensure that necessary reduction measures
are applied to meet adopted interior and exterior noise standards.
He L
as 'Z Alumfow.lum
Miamona Var enerPan ublic HeMN ang 97ety ement
IV -10
July 25, 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions
JuL-k 13, 1994 ERRATA
Natural noise
barriers, such as hillsides, shall not be modified or removed without evaluating noise
' im��� to surrounding residential neighborhoods. .
1.10.5 1.10.3Through the CEQA process, analyze new projects which mighrtave-a-sigaificant
impact on noise sensitive uses (projects are defined as actions havin&,'t% �ftntial
to unreasonably increase projected CNEL noise levels). Require rt€strfe
esri�x�tr mitigation measures to ensure that adopted noise standards within sensitive
land_use areas are not exceeded as the result of the proposed project. fawn
1.10.6 1.10.4 As part of the Development Code, adopt noise -related development standards.
1. 10.7 1.18.5 Where possible, encourage reduction of existing noise problems within existing
development where adopted noise standards are being reached or exceeded.
1.10.8 1.10.6 As part of future General Plan review, a * b `' : "` "dway and f ee. a-
;
. or
1.10.9 1.10.7 Apply mitigation measures as needed to noise generators and receptors to ensure
that adopted noise standards are met and to protect land uses from excessive noise
impacts.
Diamond Bar ener an PuSHic ealth and Mety ement
July 25, 1994 Planning Commisison Revisions IV -11
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