Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOP Comment Letters.pdf06licOFLOS ANGELES Health JONATHAN E. FIELDING, M.D., M.P.H. Director and Health Officer JOHN F. SCHUNHOFF, Ph.D. Chief DepUty Director Environmental Health Terrance Powell, R.E.H.S. Acting Director of Environmental Health ALFONSO MEDINA, R.E.H.S. Director of Environmental Protection Bureau 5050 Commerce Drive Baldwin Park, California 91706 TEL (626) 430-5280 - FAX (626) 960-2740 www lapublchealth.oro June 04, 2007 Nancy Fong, ACIP Community Development Director, City of Diamond Bar 21825 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Gloria Molina First Distnd Yvonne S. Burke Second Dmoct Zev Yaroale.ky Third D,Wd Don KnabeFourthDislnd Michael D. Antonovich Fifth Distad T am U PLANNED COMMUNITY This is in response to your Letter of May 2, 2007 requesting Responsible Agencies to submit comments regarding the project titled: Aera Master Planned Community EIR. The staff from the following programs: Solid Waste, Water Quality, Land Use, Environmental Hygiene, Water Quality, and the Cross Connections Programs have provided the following comments; Solid Waste Program I have reviewed the Notice of Preparation circulated by the City of Diamond Bar for the Aera Energy Master Planned Community and the Initial Study/Environmental Evaluation. A review of the Solid Waste Management Program (S WMP) records found no landfills or waste transfer stations located within the proposed area of the Aera Energy Master Planned Community (site). The proposed development will include 3600 housing units which will require waste collection services. 3600 household units will generate approximately 3285 tons of municipal solid waste per year. There will be sufficient waste disposal and diversion capacity as described in the County of Los Angeles County Wide — Wide Waste Management Plan to manage this amount of additional waste. Because the site is located in the Los Angeles County unincorporated area, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works will award an exclusive waste collector contract to service the site and regulatory expenses incurred by the SWMP will be recovered by permitting fees. The proposed development includes the phased development of up to 3600 residential units, and 300,000 square feet of commercial uses. The Land Use Program will be involved with the review of subdivision maps (tentative and parcel maps) for areas located within Los Angeles County. The document does not have clear information on the method of sewage disposal and the source of potable water source. Once that is clear, the Land Use Program will be able to determine it's involvement in those areas. We do not have any objections to the proposed development project at this time. Environmental Hygiene Program This is a Notice of Preparation that has not yet reached the stage where Regional Planning issues a Conditional Use Permit (CUSP). At that stage Regional Planning either sends: a referral to us to do a Noise Element Review or decides that noise will be of no impact. A Notice of Preparation is premature for us to take any action on. We wait for Regional Planning to issue a CUP referral for us to do a CUP noise element review. We would normally do a CUP noise element review for a large housing tract development such as this one after we receive a referral from Regional Planning. I have checked our CUP Noise Element Review log and this project is thus far not listed, therefore, we have not received a referral from Regional Planning on this project. In reading the documentation provided it appears that this tract will ultimately be annexed by the City of Diamond Bar. At that point, when the tract is annexed by the City of Diamond Bar, it would no longer fall under our jurisdiction. In any event, we at present have nothing to review until Regional; Planning issues a CUP and make a referral to us for a noise element review. Water Quality Program The Aera Master Planned Community will be annexed to the Walnut Valley and Rowland Water Districts, The City of Diamond Bar will be the lead agency and specific plan will allow for the phased development of a maximum of 3,600 dwelling units, a golf course, park uses, open space preservation areas on a 2,935 acre site, and housing, commercial and mixed uses on. approximately one half of the project site. The proposed project site is located on the border of Los Angeles and Orange Counties, just west of San Bernardino County in Southern California. The project site consists of an active oil field and cattle grazing uses. These uses will be phased out and the wells abandoned and oil -impacted soils will be remediated Nancy Fong June 4, 2007 Page 3 of 3 The LA County water quality program has referred the project site to the State Department of Health Services Drinking Water Branch on May 23, 2007. The number of service connections and population are not within the jurisdiction of the LPA small water systems program. Cross Connections Program This Report makes no reference to the use of Recycled Water on this project. However, if Recycled Water is to be used at any of the sites on this project, then Plans have to be submitted to this Cross — Connection Section for Approval. If no recycled water is to be used, then no plans are required but we will inspect each site to make sure there are no cross connections. If you have any questions on the above or need further information you may contact Ken Habaradas Environmental Health Specialist IV, Environmental Protection Administration at 626) 430-5270. Very Truly Your, a, Director Protection Bureau c: Ken Murray Swati Bhatt Cole Landowski Eric Edwards Paul Wong Ken Habaradas Roberta Hollis Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning Planning for the Challenges Ahead June 4, 2007 Nancy Fong, AICP Community Development Director City of Diamond Bar 21825 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, Calif 91765-4178 SUBJECT: AERA Notice of Preparation Dear Ms. Fong: Bruce W. McClendon PAICP Director of Planning Thank you for providing the opportunity to comment regarding the preparation of the AERA Master Planned Community Environmental Impact Report (EIR). It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet you during the May 16t1 Scoping Meeting. As you may recall many of the comments and questions received from the public during the Scoping meeting related to the project review conducted by this Department's Significant Ecological Area Technical Advisory Committee (SEATAC). The first meeting took place on September 9, 2002. Subsequent meetings took place on January 9, 2006, February 6, 2006, March 27, 2006 and June 5, 2006. For your convenience I have attached a copy of the minutes from each of the five meetings. SEATAC noted that the principle adverse effect associated with the proposed project would be impacts to connectivity for wildlife resources in the Puente -Chino Hills region. SEATAC recommended that the project be developed in such a manner that Significant Ecological Area No. 15 and surrounding natural areas remain as functionally viable as possible. The Committee also commented on remediation of oil drilling areas, the likelihood that bats inhabit the site, the need to evaluate impacts upon several species including Hutton' vireo, the California gnatcatcher and impacts to on-site walnut woodlands. SEATAC recommended that an alternative project design be developed that preserves and restores sensitive habitats and resources in place rather than recommends the creation of new habitats in areas where the habitat does not currently exist and one that provides connectivity and living space within the site between the preserved sensitive habitats and the wildlife corridor connecting Tonner Canyon to the Harbor Boulevard undercrossing. The Department of Regional Planning respectfully requests that the EIR respond in detail to all of the comments made by SEATAC as described in the attached Minutes. 320 West Temple Street e Los Angeles, CA 90012 - 213-974-641 1 • Fax: 213-626-0434 • TDD: 213-617-2292 AERA NOTICE OF PREPARATION Page 2 A second area of concern relates to the Rowland Heights Community Plan (Community Plan). Although reference has been made to the Countywide General Plan in the project description provided within the Notice of Preparation (NOP), no specific reference to the Community Plan was made. Several inquiries during the Scoping meeting related to the Community Plan. The Department believes that it will be necessary to include within the EIR an overlay that clearly depicts the boundaries of the Community Plan within the project boundaries and to provide a determination regarding the number of residential units that would be allowed within the project boundaries under said current plan. We are also requesting that the EIR evaluate potential impacts generated by the higher densities included within the proposed project in comparison to impacts that could be generated per current plan densities. The Department also looks forward to having the opportunity to review in depth discussions within the EIR which address potential impacts relating to geology, including the Whittier Fault, location of on-site oil wells and proposed remedial programs and a thorough discussion regarding the pros and cons of constructing a roadway which bisects the entire project site from east to west. We understand that such a roadway is not currently proposed. The Department believes there is a need to include within the EIR an evaluation of global climate change/sustainable growth issues as required by the provisions of Assembly Bill 32. As a Responsible Agency we are requesting that a copy of each Screencheck EIR be forwarded to the Department for our review and comment prior to the preparation of the Draft EIR. I you have any questions concerning this correspondence, please feel free to contact myself at (213) 974-6461, Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Our offices are closed on Fridays. Very truly yours, DEPARTMENT OF REGIONAL PLANNING Bruce W. McClendon, FAICP Director of Planning Paul D. McCarthy, Section Head Impact Analysis Section PMC:PMC:pmc Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning Planning for the Challenges Ahead MINUTES OF THE SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREA lames E. Rarrl, AICPDirectorofPlanning TECIINICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEATAC) MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2002 Approved October 7, 2002 PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE: SEATAC MEMBERS REGIONAL PLANNING STAFF Martin Cody, PhD Hsiao-Ching Chen, PhD Janet Fahey, PhD Samuel Dea Richard Friesen, PhD Joe Decruyenaere Frank Hovore Daryl Koutnik Mickgy Long 760) 322-1417 Project 01-197 Representative Ryan Shields 805) 689-9191 Project 02 109 Representatives and Interested Parties (*) George Basye 714) 577-9146 Russell Bell* 626) 913-0012 Sam Couch 714)577-9146 Bob Henderson* 562) 698-9644 Steve Nelson 949) 753-7001 Mike Popovek* 626) 912-2677 Claire Schlotterbeck* 714) 996-0502 Proiect02-176/PM26805 Representatives Larry Lodwick 818) 879-1100 Efrain Olivares 818) 507-1602 Tom Reu 818)345-1666 Eric Sakowicz 818) 879-1100 Chic Van Dagriff 760) 322-1417 There were no project representatives for discussion of Project 87-222 320 West Temple Street • Los Angeles, CA 90012 - 213-974-6411 • Fax: 213-626-04.34 • TDD: 213-67-2292 SEATAC — September 9, 2002 PAGE 4of8 SEATAC REPORT AND COMMENTS PROJECT 02-109 - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT SEATAC MEETING DATE September 9, 2002 ITEM 3 Biological Constraints Analysis Dated August 2002 Initial Formal SEATAC Meeting PROPOSED PROJECT: 02-109 —The proposed project. is a specific plan for a Master Planned Community of up to 3600 residential units, a golf course, an undetermined amount of localcommercialuses, and open space'(994 acres) on 2,935 acres located on both sides of State Route 57 within the Tonner Canyon/Chino Hills SEA (SEA No. 15). This project -falls under the jurisdiction of both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. (A biological constraints analysis for this project was sent ,as attachment 2 with the June 3, 2002 SEATAC agenda and was reviewed informally at the July 1, 2002 SEATAC meeting.) SEA DESCRIPTION: Tonner Canyon is one of three areas in the hilly region of eastern Los Angeles County that still supports relatively undisturbed stands of southern coast live oak woodland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian woodland complexes that were once common throughout southern California but have been converted largely to agricultural and urban uses.' This is true throughout southern California, resulting in the rapid disappearance of these habitat types from the region. Three areas within Los Angeles County (SEA Nos. 15, 17 and 44) were chosen to serve as representative examples of these once widespread vegetative associations. The vegetation in Tonner Canyon supports heavily forested areas of California walnut (Juglanscalifomica) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). The former species is uncommon outside Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and has one of its major populations in this portion of Los Angeles County. Tonner and Brea Canyons are of sufficient size, and in close enough proximity to the otherdesignatedSEASinthisregion, that they should be able to continue to support relatively healthy wildlife populations if preserved. This probability is increased by the presence of riparian woodlands and intermittent streams in the canyon bottoms. SEATAC COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT 02-109: 1. The principle adverse effect associated with the development of the project site will be the potential impacts to connectivity in the Puente -Chino Hills region. The discussion of connectivity addresses the "pinch points" to ingress and egress on the site periphery but does not adequately address movement within the site. The entire SEA and surrounding natural areas need to remain as functionally viable as possible, and an understanding of within -site connectivity will be essential to the proper planning of project design to maintain corridors. Discuss the minimum corridor configuration that can fully sustain movement within this area. The potential for movement into the undeveloped areas to the north of the project site, which may also provide connectivity to open space west of i SEATAC — September 9, 2002 PAGE 5 of S Harbor Boulevard needs further elaboration. The potential for movement across Brea Canyon (and Road) under St. Rte 57 has not been assessed. A single secondary corridor is not realistic, and others are likely to exist. The project design should maintain existing on-site wildlife movement to the greatest extent possible; wildlife must continue to be able to cross the north project boundary. The diversity (mosaic) of habitats must be maintained. 2. Removal of oil -drilling infrastructure and equipment for remediation purposes shall be planned to generate the minimum impact practicable, including leaving in place any oil infrastructure not required to be removed; any habitat restoration conducted in relation to development of the site should be as unobtrusive as possible and should not involve areas that do not need to be remediated to regain their function; oil field remediation and its phasing should be a component of the specific plan and should include mitigation for remediation actions. 3. Discuss the species to whidh the "High Activity Areas" on Figure 4.3 refer. 4. Sensitive bats are very likely to occur in the area; a bat survey or habitat analysis with specific regard to bats should be conducted. 5. Several species (e.g. Hutton's vireo) not cited in the floral and faunal compendia are very likely to be present on the site; more information, such as range and habitat information, is needed to justify the presumed absence of plant taxa—"absence of evidence is not evidence of absence;" the biota report will require a higher degree of technical review regarding species absence, occurrence or potential to occur. 6. California gnatcatcher is not depicted in Figure 5.1. 7. Provide a discussion of the on-site walnut woodlands in relation to SEA No. 15 and to the regional existence of the same habitat. ACTION TAKEN: Further SEATAC review is required; prepare a full Biota Report which considers the project plan in light of the biological constraints of the project site. MINUTES OF THE SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREA TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEATAC) MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2006 PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE SEATAC MEMBERS REGIONAL PLANNING STAFF Frank Hovore Mickey Long Ruben Ramirez Joe Decruyenaere Project CUP 00-196/VTTM 53108 Representatives Glenn Adam ek Keith Babcock Josh Phillips Tom Worthington 661)255-4003 916) 652-6300 510)267-0494, 805)437-1900 Project TR53653/RCUPT200500088/ROAKT200500039 Representatives Russ Baggerly (805) 646-6045 JaschJanowicz (815) 889-7252 David Magney (805) 646-6045 Project CUP 04-069/TR061037/RCUPT200500011 Representatives R. Mitchel Beauchamp 619) 477-5333 Travis Cullen 818) 879-4700 Adam Gile 818) 879-4700 Nick Ni 909) 481-6388 Proiect CUP 02-109 Representatives and Interested Parties Ray Anderson 626)712-0735 George Bayse 714) 577-9146 Tony Bomkamp 949) 837-0404 Ingrid Chlup 949) 837-0404 Bob Henderson (observing) 562) 698-9644 Michael Huff 619) 992-9161 Claire Schlotterbeck (observing) 714) 996-0502 MINUTESTES January 9, 2006 AGENDAITEMS SEATAC —January 9, 2006 Page 2 of 8' I. Fahey moved and seconded to approve via email the December 5, 2005 SEATAC meeting minutes as OLD BUSINESS 2. Project CUP 007196NTTM 53108 —See Attachment Item 2. 3. Project RCUPT200500088/ROAKT200500039/TR53653 —See Attachment Item 3. 4. Project CUP 04-069(TR061037/RCUPT200500011 —See Attachment Item 4. NEW BUSINESS 5. Project CUP 02-109 —See Attachment Item 5. NOTE: SEATAC MEETINGS ARE INFORMAL WORKING SESSIONS. MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED VOLUNTEERS IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY. MINUTES ARE PREPARED BY PLANNING STAFF PRIMARILY FROM NOTES. SESSIONS ARE ALSO TAPE RECORDED BUT THE TAPES ARE PRIMARILY FOR BACK-UP USE BY STAFF. VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE PROPER NOTES AND/OR RECORD THE SESSION. ISSUES NOT DISCUSSED BY SEATAC DO NOT IMPLY TACIT APPROVAL. NEW OR CLARIFIED INFORMATION PRESENTED IN SUBSEQUENT SUBMITTALS MAY RAISE NEW ISSUES AND MAY REQUIRE FURTHER ANALYSIS. MINUTES ARE GENERALLY APPROVED AT THE NEXT SEATAC MEETING. DRAFT MINUTES MAY BE REQUESTED BUT ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION. SEATAC Item 5—January 9, 2006 Page 8 of 8 SEATAC REPORT AND COMMENTS PROJECT 02-109 SEATAC MEETING DATE JANUARY 9, 2006, ITEM 5 Biota Report Prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, dated December 2005 Initial SEATAC meeting for Biota Report PROPOSED PROJECT: CUP 02-109 — A General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and, Specific Plan application to allow the phased development of 3,600 dwelling units, an 18 -hole golf course, local and community park uses, local community commercial uses, internal greenbelts and open space preservation on a 2.935 acre site. Approximately 1,435 acres are proposed for residential and commercial development, and the remaining acreage is proposed for active and passive open space uses and habitat restoration. The proposed project is located east and west of State Route 57, partially within the Tonner Canyon/Chino Hills SEA (SEA No. 15). This project falls under the jurisdiction of both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. SEA DESCRIPTIONS: Termer Canyon (SEA No. 15) is one of three areas in the hilly region of eastern Los Angeles County that still supports relatively undisturbed stands of southern coast live oak woodland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian woodland complexes that were once common throughout southern California but have been converted largely to agricultural and urban uses. This is true throughout southern California, resulting in the, rapid disappearance of these habitat types from the region. Three areas within Los Angeles County (SEA Nos. 15, 17 and 44) were chosen to serve as representative examples of these once widespread vegetative associations. The vegetation in Tonner Canyon supports heavily forested areas of California walnut (Juglans californica) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). The former species is uncommon outside Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and has one of its major populations in this portion of Los Angeles County. Tonner and Brea Canyons are of sufficient size, and in close enough proximity to the other designated SEAS in this region, that they should be able to continue to support relatively healthy wildlife populations if preserved. This probability is increased by the presence of riparian woodlands and intermittent streams in the canyon bottoms. SEATAC COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT CUP 02-109: 1) Clarify the amount of disturbance that will be associated with the oil facilities remediation. 2) Connectivity must be maintained throughout the processes of construction and remediation. 3) Development in the eastern portion of the project, west of the freeway constrains on- site movement throughout that area. 4) Corridors must be designed to be as wide as possible. 5) The document conveys the tone that if the site is not developed, the property will continue to be degraded; cattle grazing should be discontinued on the site in the near term. ACTION TAKEN: Further SEATAC review of the project is required; revise the Biota Report addressing the above SEATAC Comments and Recommendations. MINUTES OF THE SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREA TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEATAC) MEETING OF FEBRUARY 6, 2006 PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE SEATAC MEMBERS REGIONAL PLANNING STAFF Ty Garrison Mickey Long Ruben Ramirez Samuel Z. Dea Joe Decruyenaere Daryl Koutnik Project CUP 02-109 Representatives and Interested Parties Ray Anderson George Bayse Tony Bomkamp Bill Boyd Ingrid Chlup Bob Henderson (observing) Michael Huff Jeff Maisch AGENDAITEMS 626) 712-0735 714)577-9146 949)837-0404 510) 528-7722 949) 837-0404 562)698-9644 619)992-9161 714)577-8258 MINUTES February 6, 2006 1. Long moved and Ramirez seconded to approve the January 9, 2006 SEATAC meeting minutes as written. OLD BUSINESS 2. Project CUP 02-109 — See Attachment Item 2. DISCUSSION ITEM 3. A follow-up SEATAC field trip to the 02-109 (Aera Specific Plan) project site was discussed. The date and time of the follow-up site visit will be noticed on the Department's website. SEATAC — February 6, 2006 Page 2 of 4 NOTE: SEATAC MEETINGS ARE INFORMAL WORKING SESSIONS. MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED VOLUNTEERS IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY. MINUTES ARE PREPARED BY PLANNING STAFF PRIMARILY FROM NOTES. SESSIONS ARE ALSO TAPE RECORDED BUT THE TAPES ARE PRIMARILY FOR BACK-UP USE BY STAFF. VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE PROPER NOTES ANWOR RECORD THE SESSION. ISSUES NOT DISCUSSED BY SEATAC DO NOT IMPLY TACIT APPROVAL. NEW OR CLARIFIED INFORMATION PRESENTED IN SUBSEQUENT SUBMITTALS MAY RAISE NEW ISSUES AND MAY REQUIRE FURTHER ANALYSIS. MINUTES ARE GENERALLY APPROVED AT THE NEXT SEATAC MEETING. DRAFT MINUTES MAY BE REQUESTED BUT ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION. SEATAC Item 2 —February 6, 2006 Page 3 or 4' SEATAC REPORT AND COMMENTS PROJECT 02-109 SEATAC MEETING DATE FEBRUARY 6, 2006, ITEM 2 Biota Report Prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, dated December 2005 Continuation from January 9 2006 of initial SEATAC review of Biota Report PROPOSED PROJECT: 'CUP 02-109 - A General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and Specific Plan application to allow the phased development of 3,600 dwelling units; an 18 -hole golf course, local and community park uses, local community commercial uses, internal greenbelts and open space preservation on a 2,935 acre site. Approximately 1,435 acres are proposed for residential and commercial development, and the remaining acreage is proposed for active and passive open space uses and habitat restoration. The proposed project is located east and west of State Route 57, partially within the Tonner Canyon/Chino Hills SEA (SEA No. 15). This project falls under the jurisdiction of both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. SEA DESCRIPTIONS: Tonner Canyon (SEA No. 15) is one of three areas in the hilly region of eastern Los Angeles County that still supports relatively undisturbed stands of southern coast live oak woodland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian woodland complexes that were once common throughout southern California but have been converted largely to agricultural and urban uses. This is true throughout southern California, resulting in the rapid disappearance of these habitat types from the region. Three areas within Los Angeles County (SEA Nos. 15, 17 and 44) were chosen to serve as representative examples of these once widespread vegetative associations, The vegetation in Tonner Canyon supports heavily forested areas of California walnut (Juglans californica) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). The former species is uncommon outside Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and has one of its major populations in this portion of Los Angeles County. Tonner and Brea Canyons are of sufficient size, and in close enough proximity to the other designated SEAS in this region, that they should be able to continue to support relatively healthy wildlife populations if preserved. This probability is increased by the presence of riparian woodlands and intermittent streams in the canyon bottoms. SEATAC COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT CUP 02-109: 1) The tone of the report is biased in favor of the project and utilizes normative language throughout in its descriptions of resources and impacts. 2) The report must present more quantifiable information, e.g. acreages of habitat areas, rather than open-ended qualifiers such as `moderate,' `substantial,' etc. 3) Summary tables and consistency in the use of units (as opposed to switching between acreage and percentage of habitat areas, for example) would improve the readability of the report. Detailed tables may be retained in appendices. 4) The species lists are accurate and reasonably up to date; however, a few bird species may have been left o££. Consult the recent Partners in Flight or CDFG Special Animals lists for any new inclusions. 5) Discussion of impacts to sensitive species and habitats, particularly gnatcatcher and spadefoot, needs strengthening; SEATAC disagrees that the woodland habitats are unlikely to rebound naturally from grazing impacts. SEATAC Item 2 —February 6, 2006 Page 4 of 4 6) Habitat linkages are too linear and lack sufficient living space for many species that will not traverse them within a day's journey. 7) The handling of `open space' is confusing, and some discussion is needed on what final uses are to be considered open space. For the purposes of the Biota Report and subsequent discussions of biological impacts in the DEIR, habitat areas are not considered fully functional unless they are fully undeveloped and untraintained. 8) The observation of red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) on the project property is the northernmost record for that species. ACTION TAKEN: Further SEATAC review of the project is required; revise the Biota Report addressing the above SEATAC Comments and Recommendations. MINUTES OF THE SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREA TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEATAC) George Bayse MEETING OF MARCH 27, 2006 Tony Bomkamp PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE SEATAC MEMBERS REGIONAL PLANNING STAFF Jeff Maisch Jonathon Baskin, PhD Joe Decruyenaere Ty Garrison Daryl Koutnik Mickey Long Project T2004-00716 Representatives Tillie Alvacado 661) 268-1214 Sean Bergquist 310) 260-1520 Art Gallindo 661) 268-1214 Irena Mendez 310)260-1520 Project TR053653 Representative David Magney (805) 646-6045 Proiect 02-109 Representatives Ray Anderson 626)712-0735 George Bayse 714) 577-9146 Tony Bomkamp 949) 837-0404 Michael Huff 619) 992-9161 Jeff Maisch 714) 577-8258 MINUTES March 27, 2006 AGENDAITEMS 1. Garrison moved and Long seconded to approve the January 9, 2006 SEATAC meeting minutes as written. SEATAC — March 27, 2006 Page 2 of 8 OLD BUSINESS 2, Project T2004-00716 —See Attachment Item 2. 3, Project TRO53653 —See Attachment Item 3. 4. Project 02-109 —See Attachment Item 4. NOTE: SEATAC MEETINGS ARE INFORMAL WORKING SESSIONS. MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED VOLUNTEERS IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY. MINUTES ARE PREPARED BY PLANNING STAFF PRIMARILY FROM NOTES. SESSIONS ARE ALSO TAPE RECORDED BUT THE TAPES ARE PRIMARILY FOR BACK-UP USE, BY STAFF. VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE PROPER NOTES AND/OR RECORD THE SESSION. ISSUES NOT DISCUSSED BY SEATAC DO NOT IMPLY TACIT APPROVAL. NEW OR CLARIFIED INFORMATION PRESENTED IN SUBSEQUENT SUBMITTALS MAY RAISE NEW ISSUES AND MAY REQUIRE FURTHER ANALYSIS., MINUTES ARE GENERALLY APPROVED AT THE NEXT SEATAC MEETING. DRAFT MINUTES MAY BE REQUESTED BUT ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION. SEATAC Item 4 — March 27, 2006 Page 7 of 8 SEATAC REPORT AND COMMENTS PROJECT 02-109 — Aera Specific, Plan SEATAC MEETING DATE MARCH 27, 2006, ITEM 4 Biota Report Prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, dated December 2005 Continuation from January 9 and February 6 2006 of initial SEATAC review of Biota Report PROPOSED PROJECT: CUP 02-109 — A General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and Specific Plan application to allow the phased development of 3,600 dwelling units; an 18 -hole golf course, local and community park uses, local community commercial uses, internal greenbelts and open space preservation on a 2,935 acre site. Approximately 1,435 acres are proposed for residential and commercial development, and the remaining acreage is proposed for active and passive open space uses and habitat restoration. The proposed project is located east and west of State Route 57, partially within the Tonner Canyon/Chino Hills SEA (SEA No. 15). This project falls under the jurisdiction of both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. SEA DESCRIPTIONS: Tonner Canyon (SEA No. 15) is one of three areas in the hilly region of eastern Los Angeles County that still supports relatively undisturbed stands of southern coast live oak woodland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian woodland complexes that were once common throughout southern California but have been converted largely to agricultural and urban uses. This is true throughout southern California, resulting in the rapid disappearance of these habitat types from the region. Three areas within Los Angeles County (SEA Nos. 15, 17 and 44) were chosen to serve as representative examples of these once widespread vegetative associations, The vegetation in Tonner Canyon supports heavily forested areas of California walnut (Juglans californica) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). The former species is uncommon outside Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and has one of its major populations in this portion of Los Angeles County. Tonner and Brea Canyons are of sufficient size, and in close enough proximity to the other designated SEAS in this region, that they should be able to continue to support relatively healthy wildlife populations if preserved. This probability is increased by the presence of riparian woodlands and intermittent streams in the canyon bottoms. SEATAC COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT CUP 02-109: 1) Normative language is prevalent throughout the document; phrases using words such as only,, just,' most of,' etc. may lead the reader to an interpretation of the site as non - sensitive or of the project as minimally impactful. Remove such language and replace it with unequivocal language and data, so that readers may make their own interpretations. 2) The emphasis on the disturbed nature of the SEA is inappropriate, as it obscures the facts that several sensitive species and habitats occur on the site. This is the condition of the area when it was designated an SEA, and the site is a crucial part of an important regional habitat linkage. 3) The proposed project decimates the portions of the SEA on site; there is no way to meet the SEA -CUP Burden of Proof with the currently proposed design. An excessively large number of trees are proposed for removal, and internal habitat corridors on manufactured slopes do not afford sufficient space to be functional. SEATAC Item 4— Match 27, 2006 Page 8 of 8 4) SEATAC recommends substantial redesign of the project that preserves as open space areas of the site that are currently most ecologically functional, rather than a design that proposes restoration and habitat creation as mitigation for the destruction of the site's most valuable resources. ACTION TAKEN: Further SEATAC review of the project is required; revise the Biota Report addressing the above SEATAC Comments and Recommendations and those of the January 9 and February 6, 2006 SEATAC minutes. MINUTES OF THE SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREA TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEATAC) MEETING OF JUNE 5, 2006 Approved as written, November 6, 2006) PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE SEATAC MEMBERS REGIONAL PLANNING STAFF Jonathon Baskin, PhD Ty Garrison Mickey Long Joe Decmyenaere Daryl Koutnik Prdiect 04-069/RCUPT 200500011/OT 04-069/ZC 04-069/TR061037 Representatives Johanna Falzarano Adam Gale Nick Ni Carl Wishner 818) 879-4700 818)879-4700 909) 481-6388 818)961-7558 Proiect 02-109/SP 02-109/PL 02-109/ZC 02-109 Representatives Ray Anderson Tony Bomkamp Michael Huff Jeff Maisch Claire Schlotterbeck (observing) AGENDAITEMS 626)712-0735 949) 837-0404 619) 992-9161 714)577-8258 714) 996-0502 MINUTES June 5, 2006 Long moved and Garrison seconded to approve the April 3, 2006 SEATAC meeting minutes as written. Claire Schlotterbeck of Hills for Everyone inquired as to the process of further review and public hearings for Project 02-109 subsequent to the present meeting. County staff informed Ms. Schlotterbeck that the applicant will be responsible for drafting an EIR that reflects County perspective, and that a joint hearing of both Los Angeles and Orange County Planning Commissions will subsequently be held for the project. SEATAC — June 5, 2006 Page 2 of 6 NEW BUSINESS 2. Project 04-069/TRO61037 —See Attachment Item 2. OLD BUSINESS 3. Project 02-109— See Attachment Item 3. NOTE: SEATAC MEETINGS ARE INFORMAL WORKING SESSIONS. MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED VOLUNTEERS IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY. MINUTES ARE PREPARED BY PLANNING STAFF PRIMARILY FROM NOTES. SESSIONS ARE ALSO TAPE RECORDED BUT THE TAPES ARE PRIMARILY FOR BACK-UP USE, BY STAFF. VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE PROPER NOTES AND/OR RECORD THE SESSION. ISSUES NOT DISCUSSED BY SEATAC DO NOT IMPLY TACIT APPROVAL. NEW OR CLARIFIED INFORMATION PRESENTED IN SUBSEQUENT SUBMITTALS MAY RAISE NEW ISSUES AND MAY REQUIRE FURTHER ANALYSIS. MINUTES ARE GENERALLY APPROVED AT THE NEXT SEATAC MEETING. DRAFT MINUTES MAY BE REQUESTED BUT ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION. SEATAC Item 3 June 5, 2006 Page 5 of 6 SEATAC REPORT AND COMMENTS PROJECT 02-109/SP 02-109/PL 02-109/ZC 02-109 SEATAC MEETING DATE JUNE 5, 2006, ITEM 3 Biota Report Prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, dated April 2006 Previous SEATAC Review: January 9, February 6 and March 27, 2006 for Biota Report prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates PROPOSED PROJECT: 02-109/SP 02-109/PL 02-109/ZC 02-109 — A General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and Specific Plan application to allow the phased development of 3,600 dwelling units, an 18 -hole golf course, local and community park uses, local community commercial uses, internal greenbelts and open space preservation on a 2,935 acre site. Approximately 1,435 acres are prpposed for residential and commercial development, and the remaining acreage is proposed for active and passive open space uses and habitat restoration. The proposed 'project is located east and west of State Route 57, partially within the Tonner Canyon/Chino Hills SEA (SEA No. 15). This project falls under the jurisdiction of both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. SEA DESCRIPTIONS: Tonner Canyon (SEA No. 15) is one of three areas in the hilly region of eastern Los Angeles County that still supports relatively undisturbed stands of southern coast live oak woodland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian woodland complexes that were once common throughout southern California but have been converted largely to agricultural and urban uses. This is true throughout southern California, resulting in the rapid disappearance of these habitat types from the region. Three areas within Los Angeles County (SEA Nos. 15, 17 and 44) were chosen to serve as representative examples of these once widespread vegetative associations. The vegetation in Tonner Canyon supports heavily forested areas of California walnut (Juglans californica) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). The former species is uncommon outside Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and has one of its major populations in this portion of Los Angeles County. Tonner and Brea Canyons are of sufficient size, and in close enough proximity to the other designated SEAS in this region, that they should be able to. continue to support relatively healthy wildlife populations if preserved. This probability is increased by the presence of riparian woodlands and intermittent streams in the canyon bottoms. SEATAC COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT CUP 02-109: 1) The table on page 236 and other similar tables of impacts to wooded habitats, as well as the summary tables in Appendix J are hard to reconcile — acreages of oak woodlands do not obviously match among the various tables, and a matrix of preserved, impacted and restored habitats both inside and outside the SEA is needed. 2) Present a project design that is consistent with the SEA Compatibility Criteria — i.e. one that preserves and restores sensitive habitats and resources in place rather than one that depends on the creation of new habitats in areas where the habitat does not currently exist, and one that provides connectivity and living space within the site between the preserved sensitive habitats (especially woodlands) and the wildlife corridor connecting Tonner Canyon to the Harbor Boulevard undercrossing. SEATAC Item 3 — June 5, 2006 Page 6 of 6 3) SEATAC is of the opinion that preservation of currently existing sensitive habitat is more important than creating new ones, and that woodlands and other upland habitat areas are important living space for wildlife that are likely to use the corridor. 4) SEATAC stands by their earlier assertion of the opinion that oak and walnut woodlands will recover in place once grazing is removed. Nevertheless, SEATAC recognizes that opinions may vary among experts and endorses a study to assess the likelihood of woodland recovery in order to ascertain the relative merits of habitat restoration and creation. ACTION TAKEN: No further SEATAC review of the project biota report is required; SEATAC requests to review a Screencheck EIR that incorporates a revised project' design consistent with SEATAC Comments and Recommendations. DONALD L. WOLFE, Director June 7, 2007 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS To Enrich Lives Through Effective and Caring Service" 900 SOUTH FREMONT AVENUE ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA 91803-1331 Telephone:(626) 458-5100 http://dpw.lacounty.gov Ms. Nancy Fong, AICP Community De el-: piilent DI:-;Dc'Or' City of Diamond Bar 21825 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178 Dear Ms. Fong: AERA MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY CITY OF DIAMOND i LAJ ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: P.O. BOX 1460 ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA 91802-1460 IN REPLY PLEASE REFER TO FILE: LD -0 Thank you for the opportunity to review the notice of preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the above project. We offer the following comments for your consideration as you prepare the DEIR. Hydrology and Drainage The hydrology and drainage impacts to the unincorporated Los Angeles County area need to be specified and addressed. A drainage concept must be submitted and approved by the Department of Public Works for incorporation into the DEIR upon review of the DEIR. Sewer Maintenance The DEIR should discuss the collection and disposal of the wastewater that would be generated by the proposed project. The DEIR should also include discussion on the impact of the proposed project on the existing local and trunk sewer facilities. Public Works Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District (CSMD) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the local sewers within the CSMD unincorporated area of Diamond Bar. Therefore, the entire project will be required to be annexed to the CSMD. We will require that the proposed sewer construction complies with Public Works sewer design standards. This will be in addition to compliance with the County Sanitation Ms. Nancy Fong, AICP June 7, 2007 Page 2 Districts of Los Angeles County's requirements for trunk sewer system disposal facilities. Traffic The traffic study currently being review is incomplete and shall be revised to address the comments noted in the Public Works' December 20, 2006, letter to LSA Associates Inc. (copy enclosed). Sewer and Water We agree with the discussion in Section XVI, Utilities and Service Systems, paragraph B, that the construction of the proposed project would have potentially significant impacts to the wastewater treatment and collection systems. The construction of these systems themselves may have potentially significant environmental impacts and these issues need to be analyzed in the DER. A sewer Area Study should be submitted to Public Works for approval and incorporation into the DER. An approved Water Supply Assessment and supporting documents, including meeting the minimum domestic flow requirements as well as fire flow/fire hydrants requirements, from water purveyor of the project should be furnished in the DEIR. We recommend the Water Supply Assessment and the Statement of Water Service from water purveyor be submitted for approval by Public Works prior to circulation of the DER. When it is ready, please send five copies of the DER to Mr. Conal McNamara, AICP County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Land Development Division P.O. Box 1460 Alhambra, CA 91802-1460 If the DER is available electronically or on-line, please forward it or the link to Mr. McNamara at cmcnamara(a)dpw.lacounty.gov. Ms. Nancy Fong, AICP June 7, 2007 Page 3 If you have any questions, please contact Mr. McNamara at (626) 458-4948. Very truly yours, DONALD L. WOLFE Director of Public Works STE BURGER Assistant Division Engineer Land Development Division SPC:ca PA1dpub\CEQA\Cona1\Aera Energy NOP Comments.doe Enc. DONALD L WOLFE, M,,C,WI' December 20, 2006 Mr. Ken Wilhelm COUNTY OF Los ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS To Enrich Lives Through Effective and caring Service' 900 SOUTH FREMONT AVENUE ALHAMERA, CALIFORNIA 91803-1331 Telepk.,, E626) 458-5100 www.ladpwuig ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO'. P O. BOX 1460 ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA 91802-I d60 IN REPLY PLEASE REFER To FILE T-4 LSA Associates, Inc. 20 Executive Park, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92614 Dear Mr. Wilhelm: AERA MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS (MARCH 2006)' UNINCORPORATED ROWLAND HEIGHTS AREA As requested, we reviewed the traffic impact study for the proposed Aera Master Planned Community located north of the Cities of La Habra and Brea, east of the City of La Habra Heights, south of the unincorporated area of Rowland Heights, and west of the City of Diamond Bar in the unincorporated County. The proposed project consists of the construction of 3,600 single-family dwelling units and 300,000 square feet of commercial space. The project is estimated to generate approximately 44,218 vehicle trips daily, with 2,646 and 3,923 vehicle trips during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours, respectively. Of the two proposed project alternation, we prefer the reduced road alternation. A complete east -west connection through the project site will exacerbate an already congested condition along Harbor Boulevard/Fullerton Road and along the Colima Corridor. The traffic study is currently incomplete and shall be revised to address the comments noted below. Based on these revisions, additional comments may be forthcoming during our subsequent review. Page ES -1, paragraph 1. We disagree with this paragraph that the Aera development is an infill type of project. This statement is misleading and implies that the development is infilling scattered properties within a developed urban area while preserving open space. The references to infill development should be ornitted from the study. Mr. Ken Wilhelm December 20, 2006 Page 2 Page ES -3, paragraph 4/5, and TS -81, 83-87, we disagree with the statement that the improvement of Brea Canyon Road along the project frontage will result in additional roadway capacity for the SR -57 Corridor. The proposed improvements to Brea Canyon Road provide project access and enhanced local circulation, but even with these improvements, Brea Canyon Road will remain a two-lane roadway both north and south of the project. This conclusion of additional capacity shall be revised in both the Executive Summary and the Traffic Study. Page ES -3, paragraph 5, Table ES -A, TS -79-91, we disagree with the traffic study's unsubstantiated use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to mitigate the project's significant impacts. In order for the project to mitigate its impacts with ITS improvements, the traffic study will have to quantitatively correlate the improvement in travel time and delay achieved through ITS improvements with an improvement in the level of service at the studied intersections. In addition, although ITS studies conducted by other agencies were included in the traffic study, applying the results achieved in those ITS studies to the project's studied intersections are not relevant as the effect of an ITS system varies from area to area. The before and after ITS conditions in the ITS studies are not comparable with the current and proposed ITS conditions in the traffic study. In order to more accurately reflect the probable improvement from ITS at the studied intersections, a separate analysis of the ITS results achieved when the before conditions include full traffic actuated signals and level of service E or F congestion should be included in the traffic study. Page 79, Two-lane Road Way Mitigation Analysis, we disagree with the fair share percentage to widen Brea Canyon Road from Diamond Bar Boulevard to SR -57 northbound on-ramp. The project shall be fully responsible to widen Brea Canyon Road to four lanes at this location. The traffic counts used in the analysis should not be more than a year old. New counts shall be taken to replace the outdated counts. All related calculations, tables, figures, and text shall be revised accordingly. Page 30 and 31, Figures 13A/13B, the following intersection lane configurations are incorrect and shall be revised to reflect the existing condition. All related tables, figures, and level of service calculations shall reflect the correct configuration. Mr. Ken Wilhelm December 20, 2006 Page 3 Fullerton Road at State Route (SR) 60 Westbound Off -Ram North approach: Three through lanes instead of two through lanes and one exclusive right -turn lane. East approach: One left -turn lane, one shared left -/right -turn lane, and one exclusive right -turn lane instead of one left -turn lane, one shared through/left-/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right -turn lane. South approach: Two through lanes and one free right -turn lane instead of two through lanes and one exclusive right -turn lane. Fullerton Road at SR -60 Eastbound Off -Ramp North approach: One left -turn lane, two through lanes, and one free right -turn lane instead of one left -turn lane, two through lanes, and one exclusive right -turn lane. West approach: One left -turn lane, one shared through/left-turn lane, and one free right -turn lane instead of one left -turn lane, one shared through/left-turn lane, and one exclusive right -turn lane. Fullerton Road at Pathfinder Road North approach: One left -turn lane and two through lanes instead of one left -turn lane, one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane. Nogales Street at SR -60 Westbound Ramps North approach: Three through lanes and one free right -turn lane instead of three through lanes and one exclusive right -turn lane. East approach: One shared left -/right -turn lane and one exclusive right -turn lane instead of one shared through/left-/right-turn lane and one exclusive right turn lane. South approach: Three through lanes and one free right -turn lane instead of three through lanes and one exclusive right -turn lane. Mr. Ken Wilhelm December 20, 2006 Page 4 Nogales Street at SR -60 Eastbound Ramps West approach: One left -turn lane and one shared left -/right -turn lane instead of one shared left -/right -turn lane. Fairway Drive at SR — 60 Eastbound Ramps North approach: Two through lanes and one free right -turn lane instead of two through lanes and one exclusive right -turn lane. South approach: Two through lanes instead of one through lane and one shared through/right-turn lane. West approach: One left -turn lane and one shared left -/right -turn lane instead of one left -turn lane and one shared through/left-/right-turn lane. Brea Canyon Cutoff at Pathfinder Road North approach: One left -turn lane and one shared through/right-turn lane instead of one left -turn lane, one through lane, and one exclusive right -turn lane. The study shall address potential impacts along the following roadway segments and determine the project's contribution towards improving each segment to its ultimate highway plan designation. Brea Canyon Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Central Avenue Brea Canyon Cutoff between Colima Road and SR -57 Harbor Road/Fullerton Road between Fullerton Road (south) and SR -60 Brea Canyon cut-off Road/Fairway Drive is potentially a major cut -through by the project traffic as the junctions of SR-60/SR-57 exceed/approach its' capacity. This roadway could conservably service approximately 46 percent of the project volume during the peak periods. Mr. Ken Wilhelm December 20, 2006 Page 5 The study shall provide figures showing the following turning movement counts at all study intersections: a. Existing b. Existing + Ambient (2018) c. Project (2018) d. Existing + Ambient + Project (2018) e. Related Projects (2018) f. Existing + Ambient + Project + Related Projects (2018) All study intersections on Colima Road shall be analyzed for weekend peak -hour impacts. The traffic study shall include all major internal intersections. The study shall address the potential cut through traffic from Brea Canyon Road to Harbor Boulevard. The study shall be stamped and signed by a registered Professional Engineer in the State of California in the field of Civil or Traffic Engineering. In addition, a determination shall be made regarding whether the project has significant impact on the nearby freeways. Caltrans shall be consulted in order to select the methodology to use when determining the impact to the freeways, as well as to obtain their written concurrence with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) level of significance determination. If Caltrans finds that the project has a CEQA significant impact on the freeways, Caltrans shall be requested to include the basis for this finding in their response. If fees are proposed to mitigate the freeway impact, Caltrans shall be requested to identify the specific project to which the fees will apply, These written comments from Caltrans shall be submitted to Public Works and included with the project environmental document. The traffic study will not be approved without written comments from Caltrans. The study shall also be reviewed by the Cities of Brea, the City of Industry, Diamond Bar, La Habra Heights, and the County of Orange for potential CEQA impacts within their jurisdiction. Written comments from these jurisdictions shall be submitted to Public Works and included in the study. Mr. Ken Wilhelm December 20, 2006 Page 6 If you have any further questions regarding the review of this document, please contact Mr. Patrick Arakawa of our Traffic Studies Section at (626) 300-4867. Very truly yours, DONALD L. WOLFE Director of Public Works J)At' U WILLIAM J. WINTER Assistant Deputy Director Traffic and Lighting Division PA:cn P-AtlpubAWPPILES\FILESASTUAPat AERAAEIR 06136-AERA MasoF Planned Communitydoe cc: Department of Regional Planning bc: Land Development (Chong, Witler) P. MICHAEL FREEMAN FIRE CHIEF FORESTER & FIRE WARDEN January 23, 2008 Nancy Fong, AICID City of Diamond Bar 21825 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178 1320 NORTH EASTERN AVENUE LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90063-3294 323) 890-4330 Dear Ms. Fong: NOTICE OF PREPARATION, AERA MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, "CITY OF DIAMOND BAR" — (FFER #200700116) The Notice of Preparation has been reviewed by the Planning Division, Land Development Unit, and Forestry Division of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. The following are their comments: Please see our previous correspondence on this project, enclosed (reference numbers 1680, 1806, and 200600088). The information provided under Planning Division is still valid. The Initial Study refers to "the City and County Fire Department." The County of Los Angeles Fire Department also serves the City of Diamond Bar. The map and project description provided in the NOP are conceptual. More detailed information and maps would be required for a thorough analysis by the Fire Department. These would include a breakdown of the 3,000 total housing units by type and density and a full street network The Notice states: "Analysis will be done to evaluate regional infrastructure connection options to the north..." As stated in our previous correspondence, direct access from Fire Station 145 to the north is essential for adequate fire protection and emergency medical service, even with the provision of a fully equipped fire station within the project area. The developer should be required to provide such access. SERVING THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF: AGOURA HILLS BRADBURY CUDAHY HAWTHORNE LA MIRADA MALIBU POMONA SIGNAL HILL ARTESIA CALABASAS DIAMOND BAR HIDDEN HILLS LA PUENTE MAYWOOD RANCHO PALOS VERDES SOUTH EL MONTE AZUSA CARSON DUARTE HUNTINGTON PARK LAKEWOOD NORWALK ROLLING HILLS SOUTH GATE BALDWIN PARK CERRITOS EL MONTE INDUSTRY LANCASTER PALMDALE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES TEMPLE CITY BELL, CLAREMONT GARDENA INGLEWOOD LAWNDALE PALOS VERDES ESTATES ROSEMEAD WALNUT BELL GARDENS COMMERCE GLENDORA IRWINDALE LOMITA PARAMOUNT SAN DIMAS WEST HOLLYWOOI BELLFLOWER COVINA HAWAIIAN GARDENS LA CANADA-FLINTRIDGE LYNWOOD PICO RIVERA SANTA CLARITA WESTLAKE VILLA( LA HABRA W HITTIER Nancy Fong, AICP January 23, 2008 Page 2 LAND DEVELOPMENT UNIT -- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The proposed development may necessitate multiple ingress/egress access for the circulation of traffic, and emergency response issues. 2. The development of this project must comply with all applicable code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire flows and fire hydrants. 3. This property is located within the area described by the Forester and Fire Warden as a Fire Zone 4, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). All applicable fire code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire hydrants, fire flows, brush clearance and fuel modification plans, must be met. 4. Every building constructed shall be accessible to Fire Department apparatus by way of access roadways, with an all-weather surface of not less than the prescribed width. The roadway shall be extended to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls when measured by an unobstructed route around the exterior of the building. 5. Access roads shall be maintained with a minimum of ten (10) feet of brush clearance on each side. Fire access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance clear -to -sky with the exception of protected tree species. Protected tree species overhanging fire access roads shall be maintained to provide a vertical clearance of 13 feet, 6 inches. When a bridge is required to be used as part of a fire access road, it shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards and designed for a live load sufficient to carry a minimum of 75,000 pounds. All water -crossing designs are required to be approved by the Department of Public Works prior to installation. The maximum allowable grade shall not exceed 15% except where topography makes it impractical to keep within such grade; in such cases, an absolute maximum of 20% will be allowed for up to 150 feet in distance. The average maximum allowed grade, including topographical difficulties, shall be no more than 17%. Grade breaks shall nol exceed 10% in 10 feet. 8. When involved with a subdivision in unincorporated areas within the County of Los Angeles, Fire Department requirements for access, fire flows and hydrants are addressed at the Los Angeles County Subdivision Committee meeting, during the subdivision tentative map stage. 9. The County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Land Development Unit's comments are only general requirements. Specific fire and life safety requirements will be addressed at the building and fire plan check phase. There may be additional requirements during this time. Nancy Fong, AICP January 23, 2008 Page 3 COMM ERCIALIHIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: 10. Fire sprinkler systems are required in some residential and most commercial occupancies. For those occupancies not requiring fire sprinkler systems, it is strongly suggested that fire sprinkler systems be installed. This will reduce potential fire and life losses. Systems are now technically and economically feasible for residential use. 11. The development may require fire flows up to 5,000 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for up to a five-hour duration. Final fire flows will be based on the size of the buildings, their relationship to other structures, property lines, and types of construction used. 12. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 300 feet and shall meet the following requirements: a. No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 200 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. b. No portion of a building shall exceed 400 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. c. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. d. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 200 feet on a commercial street, hydrants shall be required at the corner and mid -block. e. A cul-de-sac shall not be more than 500 feet in length, when serving land zoned for commercial use. 13. Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet. This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. 14. All on-site driveways/roadways shall provide a minimum unobstructed width of 28 feet, clear -to -sky. The on-site driveway is to be within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any building. The centerline of the access driveway shall be located parallel to, and within 30 feet of an exterior wall on one side of the proposed structure. 15. Driveway width for non-residential developments shall be increased when any of the following conditions will exist: a. Provide 34 feet in width, when parallel parking is allowed on one side of the access roadway/driveway. Preference is that such parking is not adjacent to the structure. b. Provide 42 feet in width, when parallel parking is allowed on each side of the access roadway/driveway. c. Any access way less than 34 feet in width shall be labeled "Fire Lane" on the final recording map, and final building plans. Nancy Fong, AICP January 23, 2008 Page 4 d. For streets or driveways with parking restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE" in three-inch high letters. Driveway labeling is necessary to ensure access for Fire Department use. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: 16. Single-family detached homes shall require a minimum fire flow of 1,250 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for a two-hour duration. Two- family dwelling units (duplexes) shall require a fire flow of 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for a two-hour duration. When there are five or more units taking access on a single driveway, the minimum fire flow shall be increased to 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for a two-hour duration. 17. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 600 feet and shall meet the following requirements: a. No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 450 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. b. No portion of a structure should be placed on a lot where it exceeds 750 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. c. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 450 feet on a residential street, hydrants shall be required at the corner and mid -block. d. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. 18. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. 19. Fire Department access shall provide a minimum unobstructed width of 28 feet, clear -to - sky and be within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any single unit. If exceeding 150 feet, provide 20 feet minimum paved width "Private Driveway/Fire Lane" clear -to -sky to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the unit. Fire Lanes serving 3 or more units shall be increased to 26 feet. 20. Streets or driveways within the development shall be provided with the following: a. Provide 36 feet in width on all streets where parking is allowed on both sides. b. Provide 34 feet in width on cul-de-sacs up to 700 feet in length. This allows parking on both sides of the street. c. Provide 36 feet in width on cul-de-sacs from 701 to 1,000 feet in length. This allows parking on both sides of the street. Nancy Fong, AICP January 23, 2008 Page 5 d. For streets or driveways with parking restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE" in three-inch high letters. Driveway labeling is necessary to ensure access for Fire Department use. e. Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet. This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. HiQYMA M?Ix•1& 21. Should any questions arise regarding subdivision, water systems, or access, please contact the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Land Development Unit's EIR Specialist at (323) 890-4243. FORESTRY DIVISION — OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS: The statutory responsibilities of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Forestry Division include erosion control, watershed management, rare and endangered species, vegetation, fuel modification for Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or Fire Zone 4, archeological and cultural resources, and the County Oak Tree Ordinance. Potential impacts in these areas should be addressed in the Draft Environmental Impact Report. If you have any additional questions, please contact this office at (323) 890-4330. Very truly yours, XUQ JOH . TODD, CHIEF, FORESTRY DIVISION PREVENTION SERVICES BUREAU JRT:Ic Enclosures ENCLOSURE 323) 890-4330 July 3, 2003 Mr. Daryl Koutnik Impact Analysis Section Department of Regional Planning 320 West Temple Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dear Mr. Koutnik: NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE AERA ENERGY MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY PROJECT, "LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND ORANGE COUNTY/ROWLAND HEIGHTS" — (EiR #1680/2003) The Notice of Preparation of a Draft for the Aera Energy Master Planned Community Project has been reviewed by the Planning Division, Land Development Unit, and Forestry Division of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. The following are their comments: The subject development will receive fire protection and paramedic service from the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Fire Station 145, located at 1525 South Nogales Avenue; Rowland Heights, CA 91748-2256 and Fire Station 119 located at 20480 East Pathfinder Road, Walnut, CA 91789-4620, are the jurisdictional engine companies for this property. Station 145 has a 4 -person engine company and a 2 -person EST (Emergency Support Team for manpower augmentation in major incidents). It is approximately 2.5 air miles from the center of the development. Station 119 has a 3 -person engine company and a 2 -person paramedic squad. It is approximately 2 air miles from the center of the development. Nlr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 2 Existing resources are not sufficient to serve this master -planned community. Additional manpower, equipment, and facilities will be needed. Limited tax revenues have restricted the Fire Department's ability to meet new growth needs. Mitigation of this problem should be required prior to granting approval of this development. In order to provide adequate fire service and response times to this development and to mitigate the substantial impact this project would have on existing resources, the project should be required to provide a fully constructed and equipped fire station facility within the project area, as well as fund the purchase of a pumper engine that meets the Fire Department's standards. Generally, a 9,500 square -foot fire station on a 1.2 -acre buildable pad will be needed. The site's actual size, specifications, configuration, and location must be reviewed and approved in writing by the Fire Department. Please contact Barbara Herrera, Chief, Planning Division, at (323) 881- 2404. Without the construction and equipping of a new fire station by the project, response times to the proposed project would be unacceptable, and its impacts on existing fire protection and emergency medical resources would be significant. The "Project Description" says that access to the master planned community is planned only from the west and the east. An access route should also be provided from the north, to allow for reasonable response times by existing fire stations, especially Station 145. Even with a new fire station inside the development, Station 145 would still be the 2°d -closest to most of the project area. One station cannot by itself offer adequate fire protection. A significant incident requires multiple units from several stations. For example, a.single-family residential fire receives 4 engines, I ladder company, 1 squad, 1 EST, and 1 battalion chief in the first alarm. An apartment or commercial building fire receives an additional engine, Iadder company, and battalion chief. Thus, access to the development should be planned with the locations of nearby fire stations in mind. SERVICE RESPONSIBILITY: Due to the fact that only limited information is available on this project at the present time, we are not able to respond completely as to how this project will affect our Department. We would like to reserve the right to respond further at a future date when more specific information is available. In particular, we would need a detailed map showing the location of proposed land uses and existing and proposed roads to calculate response distances/times. The environmental document should provide a breakdown of dwelling units by housing type. It should also include approximate square footage or FAR of commercial development as well as the golf club house and any other community structures. Mr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 3 LAND DEVELOPMENT UNIT -- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The proposed development may necessitate: multiple ingress/egress access for the circulation of traffic, and emergency response issues. The Department may condition future development to provide additional means of access. The development of this project must comply with all applicable code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire flows and hydrants. This property is located within the area described by the Forester and Fire Warden as a Fire Zone 4, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). All applicable fire code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire hydrants, fire flows, brush clearance and fuel modification plans, must be met. Specific fire. and life safety requirements for the construction phase will be addressed at the building fire plan check. There may be additional fire and life safety requirements during this time. Every building constructed shall be accessible to Fire Department apparatus by way of access roadways, with an all-weather surface of not less than the prescribed width, unobstructed, clear - to -sky. The roadway shall be extended to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls when measured by an unobstructed route around the exterior of the building_ When a bridge is required, to be used as part of a fire access road, it shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards and designed for a live load sufficient to carry a minimum of 75,000 pounds. The maximum allowable grade shall not exceed 15% except where the topography makes it impractical to keep within such grade, and then an absolute maximum of 20% will be allowed for up to 150 feet in distance. The average maximum allowed grade, including topography difficulties, shall be no more than 17%. Grade breaks shall not exceed 10% in 10 feet. When involved with a subdivision, Fire Department requirements for access, fire flows and hydrants are addressed at the Los Angeles County Subdivision Committee meeting, during the subdivision tentative map stage. Fire sprinkler systems are required in some residential and most commercial occupancies. For those occupancies not requiring fire sprinkler systems, it is strongly suggested that fire sprinkler systems be installed. This will reduce potential fire and life losses. Systems are now technically and economically feasible for residential use. Mr. Daryl Kautnik July 3, 2003 Page 4 COMMERCIAL: Development may require fire flows up to 5,000 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for up to a five-hour duration. Final fire flows will be based an the size of the buildings, their relationship to other structures, property lines, and types of construction used. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 300 feet and shall meet the following requirements: 1. No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 200 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. 2. No portion of a building shall exceed 400 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. 3. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. 4. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 200 feet on a commercial street, hydrants shall be required at the corner and mid -block. 5. A cul-de-sac shall not be more than 500 feet in length, when serving land zoned for commercial use. 6. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided at the end of a cul-de-sac. Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet. This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. All on-site driveways shall provide a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet, clear -to -sky. The on-site driveway is to be within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any building. Driveway width for non-residential developments shall be increased when any of the following conditions will exist: 1. Provide 28 feet in width, when a building has three or more stories, or is more than 35 feet in height, above access level. Also, for using fire truck ladders, the centerline of the access roadway shall be located parallel to, and within 30 feet of the exterior wall on one side of the proposed structure. 2. Provide 34 feet in width, when parallel parking is allowed on one side of the access roadway/driveway. Preference is that such parking is not adjacent to the structure. 3. Provide 42 feet in width, when parallel parking is allowed on each side of the access roadway/driveway. Mr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Pave 5 4. "Fire Lanes" are any ingress/egress, roadway/driveway with paving less than 34 feet in width, and will be clear -to -sky. All "Fire Lanes" will be depicted on the final map. For streets or driveways with parking restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NQ PARKING — FIRE LANE" in three-inch high letters. Driveway labeling is necessary to ensure access for Fire Department use. SINGLE-FAitiIILY DWELLING UNITS: Single-family detached homes shall require a fire flow of 1,250 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for a two-hour duration. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 600 feet and shall meet the following requirements: I . No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 450 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. 2. No portion of a structure should be placed on a lot where it exceeds 750 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. 3. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 450 feet on a residential street, hydrants shall be required at the corner and mid -block. 4. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. Fire Department access shall be provided to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any single unit. If exceeding 150 feet, provide 20 feet, paved width "Private Driveway/Fire Lane" to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the unit. Fire Lanes serving 3-4 units shall be increased to 24 feet in width, and if serving 5 or more units, the Fire Lane shall be increased to 26 feet. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. Streets or driveways within the development shall be provided with the following: Provide 36 feet in width on all collector streets and those streets where parking is allowed on both sides. 2. Provide 34 feet in width on cul-de-sacs up to 700 feet in length. This allows parking on both sides of the street. Provide 36 feet in width on cul-de-sacs from 701 to 1,000 feet in length. This allows parking on both sides of the street. Mr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 6 4. For streets or driveways with parking restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NO PARKING — FIRE LADLE" in three-inch high letters. Driveway labeling is necessary to ensure access for Fire Department use. 5. Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet. This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. 6. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided, at the end of a driveway of 300 feet or more in length. LIMITED ACCESS DEVICES (GATES ETC.): All access devices and gates shall meet the following requirements: 1. Any single gated opening used for ingress and egress shall be a minimum of 26 feet in width, clear -to -sky. 2. Any divided gate opening (when each gate is used for a single direction of travel - i.e., ingress or egress) shall be a minimum width of 20 feet clear -to -sky. 3. Gates and/or control devices shall be, positioned a minimum of 50 feet from a public right-of-way, and shall be provided with a turnaround having a minimum of 32 feet of taming radius. If an intercom system is used, the 50 feet shall be measured from the right-of-way to the intercom control device. 4. All limited access devices shall be of a type approved by the Fire Department. 5. Gate plans shall be submitted to the Fire Department, prior to installation. These plans shall show all locations, widths and details of the proposed gates. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES: All proposals for traffic calming measures (speed humps/bumps, traffic circles, roundabouts, etc.) shall be submitted to the Fire Department for review, prior to implementation. Should any questions arise regarding design and construction, and/or water and access, please contact Inspector J. Scott Greenelsh at (323) 890-4235. Mr, Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 7 1'V1CL'.J lllI LLY1JiVi—vx.1IL`i\,L`1t-v xxvvi.rxa...-i Baa. .. The statutory responsibilities of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Forestry Division include erosion control, watershed management, rare and endangered species, vegetation, fuel modification for Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or Fire Zone 4, archeological and cultural resources, and the County Oak Tree Ordinance. Potential impacts in these areas should be addressed. Under the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Ordinance, a permit is required to cut, destroy, remove, relocate, inflict damage or encroach into the protected zone of any tree of the Oak genus which is 25 inches or more in circumference (eight inches in diameter), as measured 4%2 feet above mean natural grade. The applicant should incorporate innovative design to reduce or eliminate the impact to the Oak resources. Areas designated as open space shall not be utilized for equipment or vehicle storage, or for access to the area of development. Such areas shall not be used for dumping of fill materials. This property is located within the area described by the Forester and Fire Warden as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Fire Zone 4. The development of this project must comply with all Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone code and ordinance requirements for fuel modification. Landscape design and construction should consider utilizing low -fuel volume and drought tolerant species. In order to limit the potential threat of wildfire, the use of native/low-fuel volume plants should be mandatory in the re -vegetation plan for this project. Due to the wildland fire hazard surrounding the project, we do not recommend using highly flammable and heavy -fuel volume Eucalyptus, Pines, Junipers or Cypress plant species. As required by Section 1117.2.1 of the County of Los Angeles Fire Code, a fuel modification plan, a landscape plan, and an irrigation plan shall be submitted with any subdivision of land or prior to any new construction, remodeling, modification or reconstruction where such activities increase the square footage of the existing structure by at least 50% within a 12 -month period, and where said structure or subdivision is located within an area designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or within Fire Zone 4. A fuel modification plan, a landscape plan, and an irrigation plan shall be developed and approved prior to construction. Said plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Forestry Division. Specific questions regarding fuel modification requirements should be directed to the Fuel Modification Office at (626) 969-5205. Mr. Daryl 1Coutnik July 3, 2003 Page 8 The flora and fauna analysis should address any rare, endangered and/or sensitive species that exist on the project site. The preservation, relocation and/or construction impacting any of these species should be fully explained in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This project will require an EIR fee deposit of $1,000 payable to the Los Angeles County Fire Department at the time the DEIR is submitted for review (see enclosed). If you have any additional questions, please contact this office at (323) 890-4330 Very truly yours, e , DAVID R. LEINING CHIEF, FORESTRY DIVISION PREVENTION BUREAU DRL:Ic Enclosure NU WA i i u4my 161 Effective September 11, 1991, whenever a review for impact on the fire prevention, natural resources, and/or fire resource allocation responsibilities of the Fire Department is required, as part of the environmental review process, the applicant shall pay a minimum deposit fee of $1,000 from which actual costs shall be billed and deducted. Additional deposits may have to be made if actual review costs exceed 80% of deposited funds. A larger deposit may be made for more complex projects to ensure prompt continuation of environmental review efforts. All unused funds shall be refunded to the applicant. All Environmental Review Deposits should be made payable and sent to: Los Angeles County Fire Department P.O. Box 910901 Commerce, CA 90091-0901 Attn: Fiscal Services Division If you have any questions regarding the Environmental Review Fee or Deposit amount, please call the Forestry Division at (323) 890-4330. If you have any questions regarding your Environmental Review Deposit status, please contact the Fiscal Services Division at (323) 838-2345. c\My Documents\Environmental Review Fees & Deposits Form\Word) Revised 08/06/02 o of cosgHo r r. 4pfo0.MP.f _. O .A9RTM' P. MICHAEL FREEMAN FIRE CHIEF FORESTER & FIRE WARDEN January 8, 2008 1320 NORTH EASTERN AVENUE LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90063-3294 323)890-4330 Nicole Morse, Director of Environmental Sciences Templeton Planning Group 1470 Jamoree Road, Suite 200 Newport Beach, CA 92660-6202 Dear Ms. Morse: ENCLOSURE The Notice of Preparation has been reviewed by the Planning Division, Land Development Unit, and Forestry Division of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. The following are their comments: r a:; Most the information provided under Planning Division in our two previous letters is still valid. The only changes are: a. The County of Los Angeles Consolidated Fire Protection now serves the City of La Habra. Fire Station 192, located at 520 South Harbor Boulevard in La Habra, is currently the closest fire station to the western portion of the Aera Master Planned Community. This station has a 3 -person assessment engine, which is an engine company with some limited paramedic capabilities. It is about 3.2 air miles from the center of the subject property. b. Mitigation of the impact on fire services is addressed in the July 3, 2003 letter. However, the fire station facility referenced in that letter as a "9.500 square -foot fire station on a 1.2 -acre buildable pad" should be a "10,500 square foot station on a 1.3 acre buildable pad," which is the current size of a medium-sized fire station. SERVING THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF: AGOURA HILLS BRADBURY CUDAHY HAWTHORNE LA MIRADA MALMO POMONA SIGNALHILL ARTESIA CALABASAS DIAMOND BAR HIDDEN HILLS LA PUENTE MAYWOOD RANCHO PALOS VERDES SOUTH ELMONTE AZUSA CARSON DUARTE HUNTINGTON PARK LAKEWOOD NORWALK ROLLING HILLS SOUTH GATE BALDWIN PARK CERRITOS EL MONTE INDUSTRY LANCASTER PALMDALE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES TEMPLE CITY HELL CLAREMONT GARDENA INGLEWOOD LAWNDALE PAWS VERDES ESTATES ROSEMEAD WALNUT BELL GARDENS COMMERCE GLENDORA IRWINDALE LOMITA PARAMOUNT SAN DIMAS WEST HOLLYWOOI BELLFLOWER COVINA HAWAIIAN GARDENS LA CANADA-FLINTRIDGE LYNWOOD PICO RIVERA SANTA CLARITA WESTLAKE VILLA( LA HABRA WHITTIER Nicole Morse, Director of Environmental Sciences January 8, 2008 Page 2 2. In reference to the question regarding the Fire District's ability to provide fire protection to the entire protect site, the Fire District has the authority, under California law, to enter into agreements with other agencies for the provision of their fire protection services. To formally initiate a study of the feasibility of such service to the Orange County portion of the Aera Energy Master Planned Community, the request for a study must come from Orange County's governing body to the Fire District. The Fire Prevention Division, Land Development Unit has no additional comments regarding this project. The conditions that were addressed in EIR #1806/2003, dated 01/26/03, have not been changed at this time. The County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Land Development Unit appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project. Should any questions arise regarding subdivision, water systems, or access, please contact the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Land Development Unit's EIR Specialist at (323) 890-4243. The statutory responsibilities of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Forestry Division include erosion control, watershed management, rare and endangered species, vegetation, fuel modification for Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or Fire Zone 4, archeological and cultural resources, and the County Oak Tree Ordinance. Potential impacts in these areas should be addressed. If you have any additional questions, please contact this office at (323) 890-4330. Very truly yours, J N R. TODD, CHIEF, FORESTRY DIVISION PREVENTION SERVICES BUREAU JRT:Ic 323)890-4330 January 26, 2003 ENCLOSURE Nicole Morse, Project Manager Templeton Planning Group 1470 Jamboree Road, Suite 200 Newport Beach, CA 92660-6202 Dear Ms. Morse: NO'PICE OF4 PREPARATION OF-A`d-ENVIRONMENTAL INIP3CT- REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED AERA ENERGY MASTER PLANNED CONINHINITY IN THE COUNTIES OF LOS ANGELES/ORANGE — "CALIFORNIA" (FIR #1806/2003) We have reviewed the Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Aera Energy Master Planned Community Project. The document has been reviewed by the Planning Division, Land Development Unit, and Forestry Division of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. The following are their comments: PLANNING DIVISION: Most of the information you requested has been provided to the County Regional Planning Department in response to the Notice of Preparation of an EIR for this project. Please refer to our enclosed letter dated July 3, 2003. Additional information is provided below per your request. The accepted national standard for Fire Department emergency response time is five (5) minutes in urbanized areas. There is no standard for non -emergency situations. Existing fire protection service in the area appears to be adequate for the existing conditions and land use. The project area and its surroundings are rural at present and accordingly receive a rural level of service. Existing aid agreements with other fire protection agencies are based upon the present natural state of the land. Development of the area would require that new aid agreements be negotiated based upon each agency's new responsibilities and capabilities. LAND DEVELOPMENT UNIT/GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The proposed development will necessitate multiple ingress/egress access for the circulation of traffic, and emergency response issues. The Department may condition future development to provide additional means of access. The development of this project must comply with all applicable code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire flows and hydrants. Nicole Morse, Project Manager January 26, 2004 Page 2 This property is located within the area described by the Forester and Fire Warden as a Fire Zone 4, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). All applicable fire code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire hydrants, fire flows, brush clearance and fuel modification plans must be met. Specific fire and life safety requirements for the construction phase will be addressed at the building fire plan check. There may be additional fire and life safety requirements during this time. Every building constructed shall be accessible to Fire Department apparatus by way of access roadways, with an all-weather surface of not less than the prescribed width, unobstructed, clear -to -sky. The roadway shall be extended to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls when measured by an unobstructed route around the exterior of the building. Access roads shall be maintained with a minimum of ten (10) feet of brush clearance on each side. Fire access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance clear -to -sky. Trees overhanging fire access roads shall be maintained to provide a vertical clearance of thirteen (13) feet, six (6) inches. When a bridge is required to be used as part of a fire access road, it shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards and designed for a live load sufficient to carry a minimum of 75,000 pounds. The maximum allowable grade shall not exceed 15% except where the topography makes it impractical to keep within such grade, and then an absolute maximum of 20% will be allowed for up to 150 feet in distance. The average maximum allowed grade including topography difficulties shall be no more than 17%. Grade breaks shall not exceed 10% in ten (10) feet. When involved with a subdivision in unincorporated areas within the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, requirements for access, fire flows and hydrants are addressed at the Los Angeles County Subdivision Committee meeting during the subdivision tentative map stage. When involved with a subdivision in a city contracting fire protection with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, requirements for access, fire flows and hydrants are addressed during the subdivision tentative map stage. Fire sprinkler systems are required in some residential and most commercial occupancies. For those occupancies not requiring fire sprinkler systems, it is strongly suggested that fire sprinkler systems be installed. This will reduce potential fire and life losses. Systems are now technically and economically feasible for residential use. NON-RESIDENTIAL.— COMMERCIAL — INDUSTRIAL — INSTITUTIONAL: Development may require fire flows up to 5,000 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for up to a five-hour duration. Final fire flows will be based on the size of buildings, their relationship to other structures, property lines, and types of construction used. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 300 feet and shall meet the following requirements: 1. No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 200 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. Nicole Morse, Project Manager January 26, 2004 Page 3 2. No portion of a building shall exceed 400 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. 3. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. 4. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 200 feet on a commercial street, hydrants shall be required at the comer and mid -block. 5. A cul-de-sac shall not be more than 500 feet in length when serving land zoned for commercial use. 6. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided at the end of a cul-de-sac. Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet. This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. All on-site driveways shall provide a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet, clear -to -sky. The on-site driveway is to be within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any building. Driveway width for non-residential developments shall be increased when any of the following conditions will exist: 1. Provide 28 feet in width when a building has three or more stories, or is more than 35 feet in height above access level. The height of the building is measured from the lowest point of access to the height of the eaves. Also, for using fire truck ladders, the centerline of the access roadway shall be located parallel to, and within 30 feet of an exterior wall on one side of the proposed structure. 2. Provide 34 feet in width when parallel parking is allowed on one side of the access roadway/driveway. Preference is that such parking is not adjacent to the structure. 3. Provide 42 feet in width when parallel parking is allowed on each side of the access roadway/driveway. 4. Any access way less than 34 feet in width shall be labeled "Fire Lane" on the final recording map, and final building plans. 5. For streets or driveways with parking restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" in three-inch high letters. Driveway labeling is necessary to ensure access for Fire Department use. HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL: Development may require fire flows up to 5,000 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for up to a five-hour duration. Final fire flows will be based on the size of the buildings, their relationship to other structures, property lines, and types of construction used. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 300 feet and shall meet the following requirements: 1. No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 200 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. 2. No portion of a building shall exceed 400 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced fire hydrant. 3. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 200 feet, hydrants will be required at the comer and mid - block. 4. Additional hydrants will be required if the hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. Nicole Morse, Project Manager January 26, 2004 Page 4 Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet, This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. When serving land zoned for residential uses having a density of more than four units per net acre: 1. A cul-de-sac shall be a minimum of 34 feet in width and shall not be more than 700 feet in length. 2. The length of the cul-de-sac may be increased to 1,000 feet if a minimum of 36 feet in width is provided. 3. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided at the end of a cul-de-sac. All on-site driveways shall provide a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet, clear -to -sky. The on-site driveway is to be within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any building. The 26 feet width does not allow for parking, and shall be designated as a "Fire Lane," and have appropriate signage. The 26 feet in width shall be increased to: 1. Provide 28 feet in width when a building has three or more stories, or is more than 35 feet in height above access level. The height of the building is measured from the lowest point of access to the height of the eaves. Also, for using fire truck ladders, the centerline of the access roadway shall be located parallel to, and within 30 feet of an exterior wall on one side of the proposed structure. 2. Provide 34 feet in width when parallel parking is allowed on one side of the access way. 3. Provide 36 feet in width when parallel parking is allowed on both sides of the access way. 4. Any access way less than 34 feet in width shall be labeled "Fire Lane" on the final recording map, and final building plans. 5. For streets or driveways with parking restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" in three-inch high letters. Driveway labeling is necessary to ensure access for Fire Department use. SINGLE-FAtMILY/TWO-FAMILY DWELLING UNITS: Single-family detached homes shall require a minimum fire flow of 1,250 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for a two-hour duration. Two-family dwelling units (duplexes) shall require a fire flow of 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for a two-hour duration. When there are five or more units taking access on a single driveway, the minimum fire flow shall be increased to 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for a two-hour duration. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 600 feet and shall meet the following requirements: 1. No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 450 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. 2. No portion of a structure should be placed on a lot where it exceeds 750 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. 3. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 450 feet on a residential street, hydrants shall be required at the comer and mid -block. 4. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. Nicole Morse, Project Manager January 26, 2004 Page 5 Fire Department access shall be provided to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any single -unit. If exceeding 150 feet, provide 20 feet, paved width "Private Driveway/Fire Lane" clear -to -sky to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the unit. Fire Lanes serving 3-4 units shall be increased to 24 feet in width, and if serving five (5) or more units, the Fire Lane shall be increased to 26 feet. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. Streets or driveways within the development shall be provided with the following: 1. Provide 36 feet in width on all collector streets and those streets where parking is allowed on both sides. 2. Provide 34 feet in width on cul-de-sacs up to 700 feet in length. This allows parking on both sides of the street. 3. Provide 36 feet in width on cul-de-sacs from 701 to 1,000 feet in length. This allows parking on both sides of the street. 4. For streets or driveways with parking restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" in three-inch high letters. Driveway labeling is necessary to ensure access for Fire Department use. 5. Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet. This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. 6. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided at the end of a driveway of 300 feet or more in length. LIMITED ACCESS DEVICES (GATES. ETC.: All access devices and gates shall meet the following requirements: 1. Any single -gated opening used for ingress and egress shall be a minimum of 26 feet in width, clear -to -sky. 2. Any divided gate opening (when each gate is used for a single direction of travel — i.e., ingress or egress) shall be a minimum width of 20 feet clear -to -sky. 3. Gates and/or control devices shall be positioned a minimum of 50 feet from a public right-of-way, and shall be provided with a turnaround having a minimum of 32 feet of turning radius. If an intercom system is used, the 50 feet shall be measured from the right-of-way to the intercom control device. 4. All limited access devices shall be of a type approved by the Fire Department. 5. Gate plans shall be submitted to the Fire Department prior to installation. These plans shall show all locations, widths and details of the proposed gates. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES: All proposals for traffic calming measures (speed humps/bumps, traffic circles, roundabouts, etc.) shall be submitted to the Fire Department for review prior to implementation. Should any questions arise regarding design and construction, and/or water and access, please contact Inspector Marvin Dorsey at 323) 890-4243. Nicole Morse, Project Manager January 26, 2004 Page 6 FORESTRY DIVISIOPUU Inax "N v 1 m. ...... The statutoryresponsibilities of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Forestry Division includeerosioncontrol, watershed management, rare and endangered species, vegetation, fuel modification for Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or Fire Zone archeological and cultural resources and the4, archeolog County Oak Tree Ordinance. Potential impacts in these areas should be addressed in the Fina] Environmental Impact Report. If you have any additional questions, please contact this office at (323) 890-4330. Very truly yours, DAVID R. LEININGER, CHIEF, FORESTRY DIVISION PREVENTION BUREAU DRL:sc Enclosures P. MICHAEL FREEMAN FIRE CHIEF FORESTER & FIRE WARDEN July 3, 2003 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT NIr. Daryl KoutnA Impact Analysis Section Department of Regional Planning 320 West Temple Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dear Mr. Koutnik: 1320 NORTH EASTERN AVENUE LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90063-3294 323)890-4330 ENCLOSURE The Notice of Preparation of a Draft for the Aera Energy Master Planned Community Project has been reviewed by the Planning Division, Land Development Unit, and Forestry Division of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. The following are their comments: M11111111IRM JLlI 11VLVHLILL1raL`1 LrLa—'—'_-- t development will receive fire protection and paramedic service from the County of les Fire Department. Fire Station 145, located at 1525 South Nogales Avenue, eights, CA 91743-2256 and Fire Station 119 located at 20480 East Pathfinder Road, 91789 4620, are the jurisdictional engine companies for this property. Station 145 rson engine company and a 2 -person EST (Emergency Support Team for manpower ion in major incidents). It is approximately 2.5 air miles from the center of the development. Station 119 has a 3 -person engine company and a 2 -person paramedic squad. It is approximately 2 air miles from the center of the development. SERVING THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF: HAWDLORNE LA MIRAOA MAUBU POMONA SIGNALHILL AGOURA HILLS BRADBURYSA CUDAHYDIAMOND HIDDEN HILLS LA PUENTE MAYWOOD RANCHO PALOS VERDES so UTH EL MONTE ARTESIA CALABABAS DIAMOND BAR CARSON DUARTE HUNTINGTON PARK LAKEWOOD NORWALK - ROLLING HILLS SOUTH GAT AZUSA LANCASTER PALMDALE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES TEMPLE CRY BALOWIN PARK CERflR05 EL MONTE INDUSTRY WALNUT ri cwnnn LAWNOALE PALOS VERDES ESTATES ROSEMEA Mr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 2 Existing resources are not sufficient to serve this master -planned community. Additional manpower, equipment, and facilities will be needed. Limited tax revenues have restricted the Fire Department's ability to meet new growth needs. Nlitigation of this problem should be required prior to granting approval of this development. In order to provide adequate fire service and response times to this development and to mitigatethesubstantialimpactthisprojectwouldhaveonexistingresources, the project should be required to provide a fully constructed and equipped fire station facility within the project area, as well as fund the purchase of a pumper engine that meets the Fire Department's standards. Generally, a 9,500 square -foot fire station on a 1.2 -acre buildable pad will be needed. The site'sactualsize, specifications, configuration, and location must be reviewed and approved in writingbytheFireDepartment. Please contact Barbara Herrera, Chief, Planning Division, at (323) 881- 2404. Without the construction and equipping of a new fire station by the project, response times to the proposed project would be unacceptable, and its impacts on existing fire protection and emergency medical resources would be significant. The "Project Description" says that access to the master planned community is planned onlyfromthewestandtheeast. An access route should also be provided from the north, to allow forreasonableresponsetimesbyexistingfirestations, especially Station 145. Even with a new fire station inside the development, Station 145 would still be the 2°d -closest to most of the projectarea. One station cannot by itself.offer adequate fire protection. A significant incident requiresmultipleunitsfromseveralstations. Fbr example, a single-family residential fire receives 4engines, 1 ladder company, 1 squad, 1 EST, and 1 battalion chief in the first alarm. An apartment or commercial building fire receives an additional engine, ladder company, and battalion chief. Thus, access to the development should be planned with the locations of nearby fire stations in mind. SERVICE RESPONSIBILITY. Due to the fact that only limited information is available on this project at the present time, wearenotabletorespondcompletelyastohowthisprojectwillaffectourDepartment. We wouldliketoreservetherighttorespondfurtheratafuturedatewhenmorespecificinformationis available. In particular, we would need a detailed map showing the location of proposed land uses and existing and proposed roads to calculate response distances/times. The environmental document should provide a breakdown of dwelling units by housing type. It should also include approximate square footage or FAR of commercial development as well as the golf club house and any other community structures. Mr. Daryl Koutuik July 3, 2003 Page 3 LAID DEVELOPMENT UNIT — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The proposed development may necessitate multiple ingress/egress access for the circulation of traffic, and emergency response issues. The Department may condition future development to provide additional means of access. The development of this project must comply with all applicable code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire flows and hydrants. This property is located within the area described by the Forester and Fire Warden as a Fire Zone 4, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). All applicable fire code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire hydrants, fire flows, brush clearance and fuel modification plans, must be met. Specific fire and life safetyrequirements for the construction phase will be addressed at the building fire plan check. There may be additional fire and life safety requirements during this time. Every building constructed shall be accessible to Fire Department apparatus by way of access roadways, with an all-weather surface of not less than the prescribed width, unobstructed, clear - to -sky. The roadway shall be extended to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls when measured by an unobstructed route around theexterior of the building. When a bridge is required, to be used a' part of a fire access road, it shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards and designed for a live load sufficient to carry a minimum of 75,000 pounds. The maximum allowable grade shall not exceed 15% except where the topography makes it impractical to keep within such grade, and then an absolute maximum of 20% will be allowed for up to 150 feet in distance. The average maximum allowed grade, including topography difficulties, shall be no more than 17%. Grade breaks shall not exceed 10% in 10 feet. When involved with a subdivision, Fire Department requirements for access, fire flows and hydrants are addressed at the Los Angeles County Subdivision Committee meeting, during the subdivision tentative map stage. Fire sprinkler systems are required in some residential and most commercial occupancies. For those occupancies not requiring fire sprinkler systems, it is strongly suggested that fire sprinkler systems be installed. This will reduce potential fire and life losses. Systems are now technically and economically feasible for residential use. iVlr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 4 CONEMERCIAL: Development may require fire flows up to 5,000 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for up to a five-hour duration. Final fire flows will be based on the size of the buildings, their relationship to other structures, property lines, and types of construction used. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 300 feet and shall meet the following requirements: 1. No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 200 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. 2. No portion of a -building shall exceed 400 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. 3. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. 4. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 200 feet on a commercial street, hydrants shall be required at the comer and mid -block. 5. A cul-de-sac shall not be more than 500 feet in length, when serving land zoned for commercial use. 6. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided at the end of a cul-de-sac. Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet. This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. All on-site driveways shall provide a minimum_ -unobstructed width of 26 feet, clear -to -sky. The on-site driveway is to be within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any building. Driveway width for non-residential developments shall be increased when any of the following conditions will exist: 1. Provide 28 feet in width, when a building has three or more stories, or is more than 35 feet in height, above access level. Also, for using fire truck ladders, the centerline of the access roadway shall be located parallel to, and within 30 feet of the exterior wall on one side of the proposed structure. 2. Provide 34 feet in width, when parallel parking is allowed on one side of the access roadway/driveway. Preference is that such parking is not adjacent to the structure. 3. Provide 42 feet in width, when parallel parking is allowed on each side of the access roadway/driveway. Mr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003. Pave 5 4. "Fire Lanes" are any ingress/egress, roadway/driveway with paving less than 34 feet in width, and will be clear -to -sky. All "Fire Lanes" will be depicted on the final map. 5. For streets or driveways with parking restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" in three-inch high letters. Driveway labeling is necessary to ensure access for Fire Department use. SINGLE-FAMILY DbVELLING UNITS: Single-family detached homes shall require a fire flow of 1,250 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for a two-hour duration. Fire hydrant spacing shall be 600 feet and shall meet the following requirements: No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 450 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. 2. No portion of a structure should be placed on a lot where it exceeds 750 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. When cul-de-sac depth exceeds 450 feet on a residential street, hydrants shall be required at the comer and mid -block. 4. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. Fire Department access shall be provided to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any -single unit. If exceeding 150 feet, provide 20 feet, paved width "Private Driveway/Fire Lane" to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the unit. Fire Lanes serving 3-4 units shall be increased to 24 feet in width, and if serving 5 or more units, the Fire Lane shall be increased to 26 feet. A Fire Department approved taming area shall be provided for all driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and at the end of all cul-de-sacs. Streets or driveways within the development shall be provided with the following: 1. Provide 36 feet in width on all collector streets and those streets where parking is allowed on both sides. 2. Provide 34 feet in width on cul-de-sacs up to 700 feet in length. This allows parking on both sides of the street. 3, Provide 36 feet in width on cul-de-sacs from 701 to 1,000 feet in length. This allows parking on both sides of the street. Mr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 6 4. For streets or driveways with parking. restrictions: The entrance to the street/driveway and intermittent spacing distances of 150 feet shall be posted with Fire Department approved signs stating "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" in three-inch high letters. DrivewaylabelingisnecessarytoensureaccessforFireDepartmentuse. 5. Turning radii shall not be less than 32 feet. This measurement shall be determined at the centerline of the road. 6. A Fire Department approved turning area shall be provided, at the end of a driveway of300feetormoreinlength. LIMITED ACCESS DEVICES (GATES ETC.I: All access devices and gates shall meet the following requirements: 1. Any single gated opening used for ingress and egress shall be a minimum of 26 feet in width, clear -to -sky. 2. Any divided gate opening (when each gate is used for a single direction of travel - i.e., ingress or egress) shall be a minimum width of 20 feet clear -to -sky. 3. Gates and/or control devices shall be positioned a minimum of 50 feet from a public right-of-way, and shall be provided with a turnaround having a minimum of 32 feet of turning radius. If an intercom system is used, the 50 feet shall be measured from the right-of-way to the intercom control device. 4. All limited access devices shall be of a type approved by the Fire Department. 5. Gate plans shall be submitted to the Fire Department, prior to installation. These plans shall show all locations, widths and details of the proposed gates. TRAFFIC CAL nNL G MEASURES: All proposals for traffic calming measures (speed humps/bumps, traffic circles, roundabouts, etc.) shall be submitted to the Fire Department for review, prior to implementation. Should any questions arise regarding design and construction, and/or water and access, please contact Inspector J. Scott Greenelsh at (323) 890-4235. NIn Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 7 FORESTRY DIVISION — OTHER ENVIRONINIENTAL CONCERNS: The statutory responsibilities of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Forestry Division include erosion control, watershed management, rare and endangered species, vegetation, fuel modification for Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or Fire Zone 4, archeological and cultural resources, and the County Oak Tree Ordinance. Potential impacts in these areas should be addressed. Under the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Ordinance, a permit is required to cut, destroy, remove, relocate, inflict damage or encroach into the protected zone of any tree of the Oak genus which is 25 inches or more in circumference (eight inches in diameter), as measured 4%: feet above mean natural grade. The applicant should incorporate innovative design to reduce or eliminate the impact to the Oak resources. Areas designated as open space shall not be utilized for equipment or vehicle storage, or for access to the area of development. Such areas shall not be used for dumping of fill materials. This property is located within the area described by the Forester and Fire Warden as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Fire Zone 4. The development of this project must comply with all Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone code and ordinance requirements for fuel modification. Landscape design and construction should consider utilizing low -fuel volume and drought tolerant species. In order to limit the potential threat of wildfire, the use of native/low-fuel volume plants should be mandatory in the re -vegetation plan for this project. Due to the wildland fire hazard surrounding the project, we do not recommend using highly flammable and heavy -fuel volume Eucalyptus, Pines, Junipers or Cypress plant species. As required by Section 1117.2.1 of the County of Los Angeles Fire Code, a fuel modification plan, a landscape plan, and an irrigation plan shall be submitted with any subdivision of land or prior to any new construction, remodeling, modification or reconstruction where such activities increase the square footage of the existing structure by at least 50% within a 12 -month period, and where said structure or subdivision is located within an area designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or within Fire Zone 4. A fuel modification plan, a landscape plan, and an irrigation plan shall be developed and approved prior to construction. Said plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Forestry Division. Specific questions regarding fuel modification requirements should be directed to the Fuel Modification Office at (626) 969-5205. Mr. Daryl Koutnik July 3, 2003 Page 8 The flora and fauna analysis should address any rare, endangered and/or sensitive species that exist on the project site. The preservation, relocation and/or construction impacting any of these species should be fully explained in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This project will require an EIR fee deposit of $1,000 payable to the Los Angeles County Fire Department at the time the DEIR is submitted for review (see enclosed). If you have any additional questions, please contact this office at (323) 890-4330. Very truly yours, DAVID R. LEINING CHIEF, FORESTRY DIVISION PREVENTION BUREAU Enclosure LOS ANGELES T FIRE DEPARTMENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FEES & DEPOSITS Effective September 11, 1991, whenever a review for impact on the fire prevention, natural resources, and/or fire resource allocation responsibilities of the Fire Department is required, as part of the environmental review process, the applicant Shall pay a minimum deposit fee of $1,000 from which actual costs shall be billed anddeducted. Additional deposits may have to be made if actual review costs exceed80% of deposited funds. A larger deposit may be made for more complex projects to ensure prompt continuation of environmental review efforts. All unused funds shallberefundedtotheapplicant. All Environmental ReVi Los Angeles County Fire Department P.O. Box 910901 Commerce, CA 90091-0901 Attn: Fiscal -Services Division If you have any questions regarding the Environmental Review Fee or Depositamount, please call the Forestry Division at (323) 890-4330. If you have any questions regarding your Environmental Review Deposit status, pleasecontacttheFiscalServicesDivisionat (323) 838-2345. c:\My Documents\Environmental RevieW Fees & Deposits form\Word) Revlseo 08/06/02