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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA- 6 Environmental Checklist Form CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 1 of 15 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM 1. Project Title: 613 –615 North Azusa Avenue: Dr. Ralph Reyes Professional Dental Practice 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Azusa Redevelopment Agency, 213 East Foothill Boulevard, Azusa Calif. 91702 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Jose Amador, Assistant Director of Economic Development/Redevelopment (626) 812-5101 4. Project Location: 613 –615 North Azusa Avenue 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Dr. Ralph Reyes (“Developer”) 105 East Tenth Street Azusa, Ca 91702 6. General Plan Designation: Central Business District 7. Zoning: Central Business District 7. Description of Project: (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off-site features necessary for its implementation. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary.) The proposed project involves the new construction of a mixed-use commercial and multi-family residential building containing approximately 7,787 square feet of gross building area. The building will house a 3,862 square foot of medical office space the first floor. The second floor will contain three residential rental units ranging in size from 890 to 910 square with exterior balconies ranging in size from 30 to 45 square feet. Also included on the second floor is a large conference room and administrative office that will serve the medical uses on the first floor. Three parking carports will be provided for the apartment uses at the rear of the property. 8. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: (Briefly describe the project's surroundings.) The subject site is located in the Downtown core area of Azusa. Surrounding land uses include commercial, office, and residential uses. The structure is located on Azusa Avenue, Azusa’s main north-south traffic thoroughfare. 9. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement): Following Redevelopment Agency Board/City Council action on the proposed DDA, the project will be required to be submitted to the City of Azusa Community Development Department, for planning, zoning, and building plan check review and approval. CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 2 of 15 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.  Aesthetics  Agriculture Resources  Air Quality  Biological Resources  Cultural Resources  Geology / Soils  Hazards & Hazardous Materials  Hydrology / Water Quality  Land Use / Planning  Mineral Resources  Noise  Population / Housing  Public Services  Recreation  Transportation / Traffic  Utilities / Service Systems  Mandatory Findings of Significance DETERMINATION (To be completed by the Lead Agency): On the basis of this initial evaluation:  I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.  I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.  I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.  I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.  I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. ________________________________ Signature Date Printed Name For CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 3 of 15 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g. the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be cross-referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analyses Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7) Supporting Information Sources. A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project’s environmental effects in whatever format is selected. CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 4 of 15 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance. SAMPLE QUESTIONS Issues: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact I. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?     b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, tress, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?     c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?     d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?     I. (a-d) The proposed project involve the full renovation/rehabilitation of an existing single-story structure, with a minor addition to the rear of the structure. The renovation will upgrade the visual character of the area, adding exterior building façade improvements, lighting, and other positive visual features. II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 5 of 15 a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use?     b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?     c) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use?     II. (a-c) The proposed project involves the renovation of an existing structure in its existing urbanized context and condition. There is no impact as a result of the project on any agricultural or farmland resources. III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?     b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?     c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions, which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?     d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?     e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?     CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 6 of 15 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?     b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?     c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?     d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?     e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?     f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?     CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 7 of 15 IV. (a-f) The proposed project involves the renovation/rehabilitation of an existing structure with a small addition in its existing urbanized context and condition. In its existing condition and location, no unique habitant, species, or other biological resource will be impacted or affected by the proposed project. V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in ' 15064.5?     b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to ' 15064.5?     c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?     d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?     VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving:     i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.     ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?     iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?     iv) Landslides?     b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?     CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 8 of 15 c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?     d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property?     e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater?     VI. (a-e). The renovation/rehabilitation of the existing structure and the condition of the building addition will be subject to all applicable Building Code requirements to ensure proper structural integrity. The subject site and building are located in a liquefaction zone; the project may require a soils report to confirm appropriate recommendations for building foundation. VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?     b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?     c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?     d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?     CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 9 of 15 e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?     f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?     g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?     h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? VII. (a-h). The proposed project and planned land uses will not create a condition whereby hazards and/or hazardous materials will be created.     VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements?     b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?     c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner, which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?     d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or     CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 10 of 15 substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?     f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?     g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map?     h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures, which would impede or redirect flood flows?     i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?     j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?     VIII. (a-j). Completion of the project will not result in any negative impacts with respect to hydrology or water quality. IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community?     b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?     c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan?     IX. (a-c) Completion of the project and the associated land uses will be fully consistent with the General plan and zoning ordinance for the area, a well as the Downtown Azusa Vision and Positioning Strategy, prepared to focus the City’s efforts on CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 11 of 15 attracting unique businesses and uses to the Downtown district. X. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state?     b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally- important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?     XI. NOISE. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?     b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?     c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?     d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?     e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?     f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?     XI. (a-f) Completion of the project will not create substantial increase in noise levels, either during construction or following completion of the project. CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 12 of 15 XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of road or other infrastructure)?     b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?     c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?     XII. (a-c) There is no impact on existing housing units as a result of the project. Rather, the project will add one additional housing unit in the Downtown area, promoting a mix of uses, which will contribute to enhancing the vitality of the district as various renovation projects in the area continue to be implemented. XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project: a) Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection?     Police protection?     Schools?     Parks?     Other public facilities?     XIV. RECREATION. Would the project: CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 13 of 15 a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?     b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which have an adverse physical effect on the environment?     XV. TRANSPORTATION / TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)?     b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways?     c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks?     d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?     e) Result in inadequate emergency access?     f) Result in inadequate parking capacity?     g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?     XV. (a-g) The proposed project is a renovation/ rehabilitation of an existing Downtown structure with a small addition to the rear of the building 2,244 s.f. in size. Taking into consideration the existing commercial uses in the structure, the net new building area and associated traffic activity are anticipated to be negligible. Adequate parking to support the project is CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 14 of 15 located to the rear of the site. XVI UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?     b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?     c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?     d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? In making this determination, the City shall consider whether the project is subject to the water supply assessment requirements of Water Code Section 10910, et. seq. (SB 610), and the requirements of Government Code Section 664737 (SB 221).     e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?     f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs?     g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste?     XVII MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat or a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number     CITY/RVPUB/2020/313785 FORM "J" Page 15 of 15 or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current project, and the effects of probable future projects.)     c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?     XVII (a-c) The project includes the renovation/rehabilitation of an existing 3,256 s.f. single-story structure with the addition of approximately 2,244 s.f. to the rear of the existing structure. The proposed project is designed to fit within the context and fabric of the Downtown district, adding uses which will promote pedestrian activity within the district. The project I considered to be consistent with the City’s goal for Downtown district revitalization.