HomeMy WebLinkAbout15-21 PC Resolution PC RESOLUTION NO. 15-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA CERTIFYING
THE SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT PREPARED FOR THE AUDI OF TEMECULA
PROJECT, ADOPTING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, AND
ADOPTING A MITIGATION MONITORING AND
REPORTING PROGRAM IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
FOR THE AUDI OF TEMECULA PROJECT TO BE
LOCATED AT 40955 TEMECULA CENTER DRIVE,
GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF
TEMECULA CENTER DRIVE BETWEEN TEMECULA
CENTER DRIVE AND INTERSTATE 15,
APPROXIMATELY 1,000 FEET WEST OF YNEZ ROAD
(A PORTION OF A.P.N. 916-400-032)
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals and Procedural Findings. The Planning Commission hereby
finds and determines that:
A. On April 6, 2015, Andrew Dzulynsky of Ware Malcomb Architects and Kathryn
Conniff of the Horine Group filed Planning Application No. PA15-0513, Development Plan,
which application is hereby incorporated by reference. The Project applicant proposes to
develop an automobile dealership encompassing a showroom and offices, auto parts and
service facility, and a bay for car washing and detailing totaling approximately 37,500 square
feet.
B. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City is the
lead agency for the Project because it is the public agency with the Authority and principal
responsibility for approving the Project.
C. The City proceeded with a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR)
for the Audi of Temecula Project pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15163 because the project site
falls within the Harveston Specific Plan which was the subject of a separate EIR (SCH#
1999041033) and only minor additions would be necessary to make this previously certified
EIR adequately apply with regard to the Audi of Temecula Project.
D. In addition, a Supplemental EIR is in compliance with CEQA for the Audi of
Temecula Project because the conditions as described in Public Resources Code 21166 and
in CEQA Guidelines 15162 and 15163 exist because the development of an Audi dealership
on the Project site constitutes new information of substantial importance that was not known at
the time of the previous Harveston Specific Plan EIR.
E. The previous Harveston Specific Plan EIR involved extensive environmental
review on a variety of environmental topics for both the current project site as well as the
surrounding area covered by the Harveston Specific Plan. As such, the Mitigation Monitoring
and Reporting Program for the prior Specific Plan EIR is hereby incorporated by reference to
the extent any mitigation measures articulated in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program are applicable to the Audi of Temecula Project site In addition, the mitigation
measures in this Specific Plan EIR Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program will be
adopted as conditions of approval of the Audi of Temecula Project to the extent they are
applicable to the project site. However, no mitigation measures regarding a fair-share
contribution to regional traffic improvements systems shall be applicable to the Audi of
Temecula Project as this fair-share contribution has been satisfied by the original developer
applicant. Additionally, any mitigation measures regarding specific infrastructure
improvements identified in the Harveston Specific Plan Mitigation Monitoring Plan have been
satisfied and are therefore not applicable to the Audi of Temecula Project. The Harveston
Specific Plan EIR and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program are available for public
review at the City of Temecula Planning Department.
F. In addition to the prior Harveston Specific Plan EIR, the project site and the
surrounding Harveston Specific Plan Area is the subject of a development agreement entered
into between the City of Temecula, and Lennar Homes, Inc. and Winchester Hills, LLC
(collectively "owner") in 2001. This prior development agreement provides certain vested
rights to the owners. The subject site is part of the Harveston Specific Plan that is addressed
in the development agreement and all action taken by the City with regard to the Mercedes-
Benz project site, including CEQA environmental review and required mitigation, is in full
compliance with all legal rights articulated in the development agreement.
G. On May 5, 2015, in accordance with CEQA Guideline Section 15082, the City
published a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report ("Draft SEIR") and circulated it to governmental agencies, organizations, and persons
that may be interested in the Project, including nearby landowners, homeowners, and tenants.
The NOP requested comments from the public by June 8, 2015.
H. In response to the NOP, written comments were received from the South Coast
Air Quality Management District. The comment letter assisted the City in formulating the
analysis in the Draft SEIR.
On March 25, 2015 and August 13, 2015, community meetings were held to
solicit public input and comment on the scope of the Supplemental EIR and on the proposed
Project.
J. Upon completion of the Draft SEIR dated July 2015, the City initiated a 45-day
public comment period by filing a Notice of Completion with the State Office of Planning and
Research on July 20, 2015.
K. The City also published a Notice of Availability for the Draft SEIR in a
newspaper of general circulation within the City. Copies of the Draft EIR were sent to public
agencies, organizations, and individuals. In addition, the City placed copies of the Draft SEIR
at the City's library and made copies available for review at City offices. The public comment
period for the Draft SEIR was from July 20, 2015 through September 8, 2015.
L. Before, during and after the official public review period for the Draft SEIR, the
City received five (5) written comment letters from the State Clearinghouse, California
Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Transportation, Eastern Municipal
Water District, and Rancho California Water District, all of which were responded to by the
City. Those comments and the responses are included as part of the Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Report/Response to Comments document (Final SEIR).
M. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21092.5 and CEQA Guideline
15088, the City provided its responses to all public agency comments 10 days prior to any
certification of the SEIR.
N. Environmental impacts identified in the SEIR that are found to be less than
significant and do not require mitigation are described in Exhibit A, Section IV, attached hereto
and incorporated herein by reference.
O. Environmental impacts identified in the SEIR as potentially significant but that
can be reduced to less than significant levels with mitigation are described in Exhibit A,
Section V, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
P. No environmental impacts are identified in the SEIR as significant and
unavoidable.
Q. Alternatives to the Project that might eliminate or reduce significant
environmental impacts are described in Exhibit A, Section VI, attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference.
R. Prior to taking action, the Planning Commission reviewed and considered and
has exercised its independent judgment on the proposed Final SEIR and all of the information
and data in the administrative record, and all oral and written testimony presented to it during
meetings and hearings and finds that the Final SEIR is adequate and was prepared in full
compliance with CEQA. No comments or any additional information submitted to the City
have produced any substantial new information requiring circulation or additional
environmental review of the SEIR under CEQA requiring additional public review because no
new significant environmental impacts were identified, and no substantial increase in the
severity of any environmental impacts would occur.
Section 2. The Planning Commission of the City of Temecula, California, hereby
certifies the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report and all changes to the Supplemental
Environmental Impact Report as described in the Errata which is part of the Final SEIR, adopts
findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act as set forth in Exhibit A attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference; adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated herein by reference and imposes each
mitigation measure as a condition of Project approval, and incorporates by reference the
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Harveston Specific Plan EIR (SCH#
1999041033), and imposes all mitigation measures therein that are applicable to the project
site as conditions of Project approval. City staff shall implement and monitor the mitigation
measures as described in Exhibit B and those applicable to the Project site from the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program from the Harveston Specific Plan EIR.
Section 1 . PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City of Temecula
Planning Commission this 21st day of October 2015.
/ 1
r. a a rejo, Chairperson
ATTES •
uke Watson, Secretary
[SEAL]
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE )ss
CITY OF TEMECULA )
I, Luke Watson, Secretary of the Temecula Planning Commission, do hereby
certify that the forgoing PC Resolution No. 15-21 was duly and regularly adopted by
the Planning Commission of the City of Temecula at a regular meeting thereof held on
the 21st day of October, 2015, by the following vote:
AYES: 3 PLANNING COMMISSIONERS: Telesio, Turley-Trejo, Youmans
NOES: 0 PLANNING COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 PLANNING COMMISSIONERS: Guerriero
ABSTAIN: 0 PLANNING COMMISSIONERS: None
t 'p
Luke Watson, Secretary
EXHIBIT A
Findings and Facts in Support of Findings
I. Introduction
The California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code § 21000, et seq.
("CEQA") and the State CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15000, et seq.
(the "Guidelines") provide that no public agency shall approve or carry out a project
for which an environmental impact report has been certified that identifies one or
more significant effects on the environment caused by the project unless the public
agency makes one or more of the following findings:
A. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project,
which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effects
identified in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
B. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been
adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other
agency.
C. Specific economic, social, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation
measures or project alternatives identified in the EIR.1
Pursuant to the requirements of CEQA, the City Council of the City of Temecula
hereby makes the following environmental findings in connection with the proposed
Audi of Temecula project (the "Project"), as more fully described in the Final
Supplemental EIR (SEIR). These findings are based upon written and oral
evidence included in the record of these proceedings, comments on the Draft SEIR
and the written responses thereto, and reports presented to the Planning
Commission by City staff and the City's environmental consultants.
II. Project Objectives
As set forth in the SEIR, objectives that the City of Temecula and applicant seek to
achieve with this Project (the "Project Objectives") are as follows:
Cal, Pub. Res.Code§ 21081; 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15091.
The City's project objectives include:
• Plan and implement a project that is consistent with the goals and policies of
the City of Temecula General Plan.
• Provide for high quality, high-end service commercial uses consistent with the
Harveston Specific Plan that serve the needs of the City residents.
• Create job growth for the local economy.
The applicant's project objectives are:
• To adequately serve the existing Audi customer base in the Temecula area.
• To maximize Audi's market share in Riverside County and the Temecula area.
• To construct a high-end facility of architectural quality that complements other
commercial uses in the area.
III. Previous Environmental Review
The project is located within the Harveston Specific Plan that was approved in
2001. This Specific Plan covers approximately 550 acres and is located between
Margarita Road and Interstate 15, along the Temecula City limits, in the northwest
section of the City. The Specific Plan depicts a land use designation of Service
Commercial for the project site. The proposed use, an automotive dealership, is
consistent with the applicable land use and zoning designation in the Specific Plan.
The SEIR has been prepared to address the anticipated environmental effects of
the project in conformance with the provisions of CEQA and CEQA Guidelines, as
amended. City staff has determined that only minor changes to the previously
certified Harveston Specific Plan EIR are necessary to address the impacts of the
project. Therefore, the project does not require a major revision to the previously
certified Harveston Specific Plan EIR, and a Supplemental EIR, in accordance with
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15163, is the appropriate document to
respond to these minor project-specific changes. The environmental analysis for
the project assessed whether the project would result in a new significant
environmental effect not previously addressed in the Harveston Specific Plan EIR
or a substantial increase in severity of a previously identified significant
environmental effect.
Section 15150(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines states that an EIR:
may incorporate by reference all or portions of another document which is a
matter of public record or is generally available to the public. Where all or part
of another document is incorporated by reference, the incorporated language
shall be considered to be set forth in full as part of the text of the EIR.
In light of the previous environmental review contained in the Harveston Specific
Plan EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 1999041033), the SEIR incorporates by
reference the relevant analysis of environmental topics considered in the
Harveston Specific Plan EIR.
The level of specificity of an EIR is determined by the nature of the project and the
rule of reason. The City, as lead agency, has determined the key environmental
issues that could have significant impacts associated with the project, and which
are the focus of this SEIR analysis, include: (A) aesthetics, (B) air quality, (C)
greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, (D) noise, (E) biological resources,
(F) transportation and traffic, and (G) hydrology/water quality and water supply.
Based on previous environmental analysis, existing conditions of the project site,
and project details, the following environmental effects were adequately evaluated
in the Harveston Specific Plan EIR and determined not to be significant for the
project; and, therefore, are were not analyzed in the SEIR: agriculture and forestry,
land use, geology and soils, public services and utilities, cultural resources,
population and housing, and growth-inducing impacts.
A. On May 6, 2015, in accordance with CEQA Guideline Section 15082, the City
published a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft SEIR and circulated it to
governmental agencies, organizations, and persons that may be interested in
the Project, including land owners, tenants, and business owners in proximity to
the site. The NOP requested comments by June 8, 2015. Responses to the
NOP were received from the following agencies: the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
No project-specific concerns were raised by these agencies. In addition to the
pubic noticing required under CEQA, City staff held an informational meeting on
March 25, 2015 at the Harveston clubhouse with the residents of the Harveston
community to explain the project and listen to any concerns. The community
raised concern about the need for a traffic signal at the intersection of Waverly
and Ynez to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street at the
intersection.
IV. Effects Determined to be Less Than Significant Without Mitigation
The Draft Supplemental EIR completed in July 2015 found that the proposed
Project would have a less than significant impact without the imposition of
mitigation on a number of environmental topic areas. The less than significant
environmental impact determination was made for each of the following topic areas
listed below, based on the more expansive discussions contained in the
Supplemental EIR.
A. Aesthetics
1 . The Project would not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.
2. The Project would not substantially damage scenic resources, including, but
not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state
scenic highway.
3. The Project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or
quality of the site and its surroundings.
B. Air Quality
1. The Project would not violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation.
2. The Project would not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of
any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard.
3. The Project would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations.
4. The Project would note create objectionable odors affecting a substantial
number of people.
C. Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change
1. The Project would not generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly,
that may have a significant impact on the environment.
2. The Project would not conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation
of an agency adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs.
D. Noise
1 . The Project would not expose persons to, or generate, excessive ground-
borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels.
2. The Project would not result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project.
3. The Project would not result in a substantial temporary or periodic increase
in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the
project.
4. The Project would not expose people residing or working in the project area
to excessive noise levels 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.
5. The Project would not expose people residing or working in the project area
to excessive noise levels for a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip.
E. Biological Resources
1 . The Project would not have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
2. The Project would not 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.
3. The Project would not 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.
4. The Project would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance.
5. The Project would not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
F. Transportation and Traffic
1. The Project would not conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy
establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation
system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass
transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation
system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit.
2. The Project would not conflict with an applicable congestion management
program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel
demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or highways.
3. The Project would not 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.
4. The Project would not substantially increase hazards due to a design feature
(e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g.,
farm equipment).
5. The Project would not result in inadequate emergency access.
6. The Project would not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs
regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise
decrease the performance or safety of such facilities.
7. The Project would not result in a change in level of service conditions at an
intersection from LOS D to LOS E or LOS F.
8. The Project would not result in an increase in vehicle delay by two seconds
or more at an intersection operating at LOS E or F.
9. The Project would not result in a cumulative impact due to an increase in
delay of two or more seconds at an intersection currently operating at LOS E
or F.
G. Hydrology and Water Quality
1. The Project would not violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements.
2. The Project would not 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.
3. The Project would not 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.
4. The Project would not place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures
which would impede or redirect flood flows.
5. The Project would not 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.
V. Potentially Significant Environmental Impacts Determined to be Mitigated to a
Less Than Significant Level
The Draft Supplemental EIR identified the potential for the Project to cause
significant environmental impacts in the areas of: aesthetics: noise; biological
resources; hydrology and water quality; and noise. Measures have been identified
that would mitigate all of the impacts in this section to a less than significant level.
The City Council finds that the feasible mitigation measures for the Project
identified in the Final Supplemental EIR would reduce the Project's impacts to a
less than significant level. The City Council adopts all of the feasible mitigation
measures for the Project described in the Final Supplemental EIR as conditions of
approval of the Project and incorporates those into the Project, as discussed more
fully in Exhibit C.
A. Aesthetics
1. New Source of Light and Glare
The project would establish a new use on an undeveloped site which would
result in increased light and glare sources. The project would include
nighttime building lighting, security lighting, and landscape lighting. This new
source of light could have adverse effects on nighttime views and
surrounding communities in proximity of the site. As described below, these
impacts can be mitigated to less than significant levels.
a) Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in or incorporated into the
Project, including the mitigation measure described below, which ensure
that the Project's potential light and glare impacts remain less than
significant.
Mitigation Measure MM-AES-1: The following measures to reduce light
and glare are required:
• The applicant shall ensure that all lighting fixtures contain "sharp cut-
off' fixtures, and shall be fitted with flat glass and internal and
external shielding. "Sharp cut-off' fixtures are designed to provide
controlled light distribution to minimize light spillover and create little-
to-no glare. This fixture contains a sharp cut-off to reduce waste light.
The lamp is deeply recessed within the reflector to eliminate glare.
• The applicant shall ensure that all fixtures shall be parallel with the
finished grade of the project site and no fixtures shall be tilted above
a 90-degree angle.
• The applicant shall incorporate step-down lighting into the project to
the satisfaction of the City Community Development Director. The
step-down lighting shall occur each evening between the following
intervals: 6:00 P.M., 7:30 P.M. and 10:30 P.M.
• The applicant shall ensure that site lighting systems and showroom
lighting shall be grouped into control zones to allow for open, closing,
and night light/security lighting schemes. All control groups shall be
controlled by an automatic lighting control system utilizing a time
clock, photocell, and low voltage relays.
• The applicant shall ensure that design and layout of the site shall take
advantage of landscaping to block light sources and reflection from
cars. Well-placed landscaping would reduce glare from cars in the
parking lot and from metal/glass building surfaces, and help to shield
nighttime security lighting from adjacent roadway systems.
• Prior to the issuance of construction permits for a project-specific
development within the project area that includes outdoor lighting, the
applicant shall submit an outdoor lighting plan and photometric plan
to be reviewed and approved by the City Community Development
Director. The lighting plan shall be in compliance with Ordinance No.
655 as adopted by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and
shall include, but not be limited to, the following information and
standards:
o Light fixtures shall not exceed 4,050 lumens;
o Light fixtures shall be fully shielded so that light rays emitted by
the fixtures are projected below the horizontal plan passing
through the lowest point of the shield;
o A map showing all lamp locations, orientations, and intensities,
including security, roadway, and task lighting;
o Specification of each light fixture and each light shield;
o Total estimated outdoor lighting footprint, expressed as lumens
per acre; and,
o Specification of motion sensors and other controls to be used,
especially for security lighting.
• The City shall conduct a post-installation inspection to ensure that the
site is in compliance with the design standards in Mitigation Measure
MM-AES-1 and Riverside County Ordinance No. 655.
• In order to mitigate potential impacts to the Mount Palomar
Observatory, all lighting plans shall be reviewed by the City to assure
utilization of low pressure sodium vapor lamps, step-down lighting
techniques, shielding to prevent upward and outward illumination.
• The use of highly reflective construction materials on exterior wall
surfaces shall be prohibited. The exterior of permitted buildings shall
be constructed of materials such as high performance tinted non-
mirrored glass, painted metal panels and pre-cast concrete or
fabricated wall surfaces.
b) Facts in Support of Findings
The Project will be required to comply with existing Riverside County
Mount Palomar Ordinance No. 655 requiring lighting to fully shielded,
where feasible, and partially shielded, in all other cases. Lighting for on-
premises advertising displays would be shielded and focused to
minimize spill light into the night sky or adjacent properties. With the
implementation of MM-AES-1, potential light and glare impacts
associated with the project will be less than significant.
B. Noise and Vibration (operations)
1. Operational Noise
New development within the Project area may introduce noise levels that
could exceed the City's exterior noise standards at existing properties that
are located adjacent to and/or near the new development sites. Specifically,
new development within the Project area could expose nearby sensitive
receptors to noise levels exceeding 69 dBA Ldn over ambient levels due to
operation of the outdoor loudspeaker paging system.
a) Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in or incorporated into the
Project, including the following mitigation measures that reduce the
potential noise impacts to sensitive receptors to less than significant.
Mitigation Measure MM-N01-1: The applicant shall implement a silent
paging system throughout the project to eliminate loudspeaker paging
noise.
b) Facts in Support of Findings
Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM-N01-1 would ensure that a
silent paging system would be used for the project in lieu of a
loudspeaker paging system. With implementation of this mitigation, this
impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.
C. Biological Resources
1. Special Status Species, Sensitive Species, or Candidate Species
The project could have potential adverse effects on special-status wildlife
species, including the burrowing owl, as well as other migratory birds and
raptors protected under California Fish and Game Code and/or the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act that have the potential to occur on or in the vicinity
of the project site. It is possible that direct and indirect impacts to wildlife
from project-level development activities (e.g., grading, vegetation removal,
excavation and construction, temporary changes to the hydrology, and
increased dust and noise levels during construction) could occur.
a) Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in or incorporated into the
Project, including the mitigation measures described below, to ensure
that the Project's potential impacts to special status species remain less
than significant.
Mitigation Measure MM-B10-1: Impacts to raptors and other migratory
birds shall be avoided by the implementation of the following measure:
A pre-construction clearance survey for active nests of raptors and
migratory birds shall be conducted by a qualified biologist who is
knowledgeable in the nesting requirements of the avian species in the
region. The survey shall occur no more than 3 days_prior to any
construction or ground-disturbing activities. If active nest(s) (with
eggs or fledglings) are identified within the project site, (CDFW for
state listed species, species of special concern, and MSHCP covered
species; USFWS for birds covered under the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act and listed species) they shall not be disturbed until the young
have hatched and fledged (matured to a state that they can leave the
nest on their own). An appropriate buffer from construction setback
from any active nesting location shall be adhered to in order to avoid
disturbance of the nest until the young have fledged or the nest is no
longer considered active, as determined by a qualified biologist. On-
site monitoring during construction by a biological monitor may also
be required based on sensitivity of the species and proximity of the
nest to construction activities. If no active nests are identified,
construction may commence.
Mitigation Measure MM-B10-2: Impacts to burrowing owl shall be
avoided through implementation of the following measure:
• Due to the project site's location within a burrowing owl survey area
and presence of suitable habitat on the project site (regardless of the
findings of the focused burrowing owl survey), a 30-day pre-
construction survey for burrowing owl is required in accordance with
the MSHCP. The one-day survey will be conducted by a qualified
biologist within all suitable habitat areas on the project site and study
area, and will focus on areas previously identified during the focused
surveys as containing suitable habitat and potentially suitable
burrows. If no burrowing owls are observed construction may
commence. If burrowing owls are observed the RCA and/or City will
be notified and additional measures will be required to demonstrate
compliance with the MSHCP. Since burrowing owl is a covered
species under the MSCHP, burrowing owls (less than 3 pairs) that
occupy the site may be evicted from their burrows and allowed to
move offsite.
b) Facts in Support of Findings
Although, implementation of the proposed Project could result in impacts
to special status species as discussed above, implementation of
Mitigation Measures MM-BIO-1 and MM-BIO-2 which require pre-
construction and construction biological surveys, measures to protect
species and habitat if they are encountered, and compliance with the
MSHCP, potential impacts to special status species, sensitive species, or
candidate species would be minimized to a less than significant level.
D. Hydrology and Water Quality
1 . Impacts from Stormwater Runoff
Operation of the proposed Project would involve the conversion of the
current undeveloped lot into a new automobile dealership with the addition
of new impermeable surfaces that would alter the direction, volume and rate
of overland flows during storm events.
a) Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in or incorporated into the
Project, including the mitigation measures described below, to ensure
that the Project's potential impact associated with stormwater runoff is
less than significant.
Mitigation Measure MM-HYD-1: Prior to issuance of a grading permit, a
final drainage study shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer and
submitted to Public Works with the initial grading plan check in
accordance with City, Riverside County and engineering standards. The
study shall identify storm water runoff quantities (to mitigate the 100-year
storm event) from the development of this site and upstream of the site.
It shall identify all existing or proposed offsite or onsite, public or private,
drainage facilities intended to discharge this runoff. Runoff shall be
conveyed to an adequate outfall capable of receiving the storm water
runoff without damage to public or private property. The study shall
include a capacity analysis verifying the adequacy of all facilities. Any
upgrading or upsizing of drainage facilities necessary to convey the
storm water runoff shall be provided as part of development of this
project.
b) Facts in Support of Findings
In addition to Mitigation Measure MM-HYD-1, compliance with the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction
General Permit and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
Permit in effect at the time of construction would minimize temporary
increases in stormwater runoff per the implementation of Best
Management Practices (BMPs). As a result, construction activities would
not contribute runoff that would exceed the capacity of the adjacent
existing drainage system, or the capacity of new system components
installed under implementation of Mitigation Measure MM-HYD-1.
Adherence to requirements of the City and the Riverside Flood Control
and Water Conservation District (RCFCWCD) drainage control
requirements, as stated in Mitigation Measure MM-HYD-1, in effect at the
time of construction would ensure no substantial increases in stormwater
runoff. Impacts related to increases in stormwater runoff and drainage
capacity would be less than significant with mitigation.
2. Erosion and Siltation
The project would develop the currently vacant site and create new
impervious surfaces (approximately 127,800 square feet) that could create
additional stormwater flows offsite potentially increasing the potential for
increased erosion and siltation if not designed appropriately.
a) Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in or incorporated into the
Project, including the mitigation measures described below, to ensure
that the Project's potential impacts related to erosion and siltation to less
than significant.
Mitigation: Implement Mitigation Measure MM-HYD-1 .
b) Facts in Support of Findings
Adherence to requirements found in the MS4 permit in effect at the time
of construction, as outlined in Mitigation Measure HYD-1, would ensure
no substantial increases in stormwater runoff through maximizing onsite
infiltration through permeable paving and bio-retention basins and
thereby minimizing the potential for erosion and siltation. Impacts would
be less than significant with mitigation.
VI. Project Alternatives
A. Alternatives Considered But Rejected in the Program EIR
An EIR must briefly describe the rationale for selection and rejection of
alternatives. The Lead Agency may make an initial determination as to which
alternatives are potentially feasible and, therefore, merit in-depth consideration.
and which are clearly infeasible. Alternatives that are remote or speculative, or
the effects of which cannot be reasonably predicted, need not be considered
(CEQA Guidelines, Section 15126.6(f)(3)).
An alternative site or location for the project need not be considered when its
implementation is "remote and speculative' such as the site being out of the
purview of the lead agency or beyond the control of a project applicant.
Alternative sites were not selected for evaluation. The CEQA Guidelines
Section 15126.6(f)(2) specifies that the key question with alternative sites is
"whether any of the significant effects of the project would be avoided or
substantially lessened by putting the project at another location." While other
similar-sized areas of land could be found, based on the known general
conditions, allowed uses in the area, and the magnitude of the proposal, an
alternative site in the area would likely have the same or similar impacts after
mitigation as the project. In addition, an alternative location is beyond the
control of the applicant and would be difficult to still proceed within a reasonably
similar time frame for project completion. Therefore, it would not be feasible to
consider other site locations for this Project. The Supplemental EIR analyzed
three other project alternatives. These three alternatives were considered but
ultimately found not to meet the project's objectives as for the various reasons
stated below.
B. Alternatives Considered in the Program EIR
1. Alternative One — No Project Alternative (No Development)
a) Summary of Alternative
This alternative is analyzed within project-level EIR as it is required
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e). According to Section
15126.6(e)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, the "no project" analysis shall
discuss, "...what is reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable
future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and
consistent with available infrastructure and community services." When
the project is a development project, CEQA Guidelines
§15126.6(e)(3)(B) states that "the No Project Alternative is the
circumstance under which the project does not proceed." So, for the
purposes of this EIR, the No Project Alternative represents a scenario
under which the Project would not be built and the site would remain in
its existing undeveloped condition. The site would continue to contain a
temporary storm water siltation basin and non-native grasses and ruderal
forbs on a previously graded lot.
b) Reasons for Rejecting Alternative
The No Project/No Development Alternative would result in fewer
impacts to aesthetics, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and climate
change, noise, biological resources, transportation and traffic, and
hydrology, water quality, and water supply than the proposed project
because no changes would occur at the site. However, this Alternative
would not meet any of the project objectives. In addition, this Alternative
would not support the development objectives for the Harveston Specific
Plan Service Commercial area. For these reasons, the Planning
Commission rejects this alternative as infeasible.
2. Alternative Two — Reduced Project Alternative
a) Summary of Alternative
Under this alternative, the project's building square footage would be
reduced by one-third from approximately 37,470 square feet to
approximately 24,730 square feet. The project components would be
similar to the project as proposed, but at a smaller scale.
b) Reasons for Rejecting Alternative
As a result of the reduced amount of development under Alternative 2,
there would be a shortened construction period, less construction
equipment usage, and reduced vehicle trips to the site generated by
employees and patrons. and thus a reduction in all impacts areas. This
includes impacts to aesthetics, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions
and climate change, noise, biological resources, transportation and
traffic, and hydrology, water quality, and water supply. Alternative 2
would meet several of the proposed Project objectives; however by
reducing the size of the facility it fails to meet these specific project
objectives: to adequately serve the Audi customer base in the Temecula
area, and to maximize Audi's market share in the Temecula area and
Riverside County. Therefore, Alternative 2 would not fully achieve all of
the project objectives. For this reason, the Planning Commission rejects
this alternative as infeasible.
3. Alternative Three — Retail Use Alternative
a) Summary of Alternative
Under this alternative, the project site would be developed as a
commercial retail center comprised of a typical mix of uses found in such
centers, such as sales offices, restaurants, banks and financial
institutions; and permitted in the Service Commercial area of the
Harveston Specific Plan. Using the target floor area ratio (FAR) in the
Harveston Specific Plan for Service Commercial of 0.4 FAR, the building
square feet of commercial under this alternative would more than double
to approximately 78.400 square feet as compared to the project's
approximately 37,470 square feet.
b) Reasons for Rejecting Alternative
Alternative 3 would result in greater building mass that would increase
light and glare effects. Alternative 3 would likely have a longer
construction period resulting in increased temporary air quality and noise
impacts. Alternative 3 would more than double the proposed
development intensity on the site thereby increasing employees and
patronage to the site, which would result in greater operational
emissions. greenhouse gas emissions, and increased vehicular traffic
noise, as compared to the project. Alternative 3 would result in nearly
three times as many vehicle trips as the proposed Project; therefore the
alternative would result in greater impacts to the circulation system as
compared to the Project. Under Alternative 3, a similar area of ground
would be disturbed and impacts to biological resources would be similar
to those under the proposed project. Although there would be more
impervious surfaces on the site under Alternative 3, the project would be
required to adopt a water quality management plan and best
management practices in both cases to ensure that it also did not have
significant impacts to hydrology and water quality. Alternative 3 would
result in a greater demand for potable water than the proposed Project.
Alternative 3 would meet several of the project objectives; however by
developing a use on the site other than a new car dealership, it fails to
meet these specific objectives: to adequately serve the Audi customer
base in the Temecula area, and to maximize Audi's market share in the
Temecula area and Riverside County. Therefore, the Planning
Commission rejects this alternative as infeasible.
C. Environmentally Superior Alternative
The CEQA Guidelines, Section 15126.6(e)(2), requires the identification of the
environmentally superior alternative. The No Project Alternative (No
Development) would be environmentally superior to the project based on the
minimization or avoidance of physical environmental impacts. However, the No
Project Alternative (No Development) does not meet any of the project
objectives. In addition, CEQA Guidelines (Section 15126.6(c)) require that, if
the environmentally superior alternative is the No Project Alternative (No
Development), the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior
alternative among the other alternatives.
A summary comparison of the ability of the alternatives to meet project
objectives and potential impacts associated with the alternatives as compared
to the project is provided in Tables A-1 and A-2, below. Based on this
comparison, Alternative 2 (Reduced Project Alternative) is the environmentally
superior alternative. However, Alternative 2 fails to meet certain project
objectives as shown in Tales A-1.
TABLE A-1
ABILITY OF ALTERNATIVES TO MEET PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Alt. 1: No
Project Alt. 2:
Alternative Reduced Alt.3:
(No Project Retail Use
Project Objectives Development) Alternative Alternative
Plan and implement No Yes Yes
a project that is
consistent with the
goals and policies of
the City of
Temecula General
Plan.
Provide for high No Yes Yes
quality, high-end
service commercial
uses consistent with
the Harveston
Specific Plan that
serves the needs of
the City residents.
Create job growth No Yes Yes
for the local
economy.
To adequately serve No No No
the existing Audi
customer base in
the Temecula area.
To maximize Audi's No No No
market share in
Riverside County
and the Temecula
area.
To construct a high- No Yes Yes
end facility of
architectural quality
that complements
other commercial
uses in the area.
TABLE A-2
IMPACT SUMMARY COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROJECT
Alternative Alternative Alternative
Potential 1: No 2: 3:
Project Project Reduced
Impacts Alternative Project Retail Use
Aesthetics Fewer Similar Increased
Air Quality Fewer Fewer Increased
GHG
Emissions/ Fewer Fewer Increased
Climate
Change
Noise Fewer Fewer Increased
Biological Fewer Similar Similar
Resources
Traffic Fewer Fewer Increased
Hydrology
and Water Fewer Fewer Increased
Quality
D. The Project As Proposed
1. Summary of Project
The Project involves the development of an Audi dealership on the site and
is described in detail in the Supplemental EIR.
2. Reasons for Selecting Project as Proposed
The City Council has carefully reviewed the attributes and environmental
impacts of all the alternatives analyzed in the Final Supplemental EIR and
has compared them with those of the proposed Project. The City Council
finds that each of the alternatives is infeasible for various environmental, .
economic, technical, social, or other reasons set forth above. The City
Council further finds that the Project as proposed is the best combination of
features to serve the interest of the public and achieve the Project
objectives.
More specifically, the Project as proposed is consistent with the uses
prescribed to the site in the Harveston Specific Plan while meeting each of
the Project objectives. The Project is the only proposal that meets the
objective to adequately serve the Audi customer base in the Temecula area,
and to maximize Audi's market share in the Temecula area and Riverside
County. Furthermore, each of the Project's effects on the environment that
were identified in the Supplemental EIR can be adequately mitigated to less
than significant levels. If the proposed Project is not built, it is possible that
another development could be proposed for the site at a greater density that
would have increased effects on the environment. For these reasons, the
City Council selects the Project as proposed.
Mitigation Monitonng and Reporting Program
EXHIBIT B
AUDI OF TEMECULA MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Responsible Action Verification of Compliance
Monitoring Enforcement Monitoring Indicating
Mitigation Measures Phase Agency Agency Compliance Initials Date Remarks
Aesthetics
Mitigation Measure MM-AES-1:The following measures to reduce Pre-Construction/ City of City of City of
light and glare are required' Construction 1 Temecula Temecula Temecula
• The applicant shall ensure that all lighting fixtures contain Post-Construction Building Official project approval
"sharp cut-off"fixtures,and shall be fitted with flat glass and or other and field
internal and external shielding."Sharp cut-off'fixtures are Designee verification and
designed to provide controlled light distribution to minimize sign-off by City
light spillover and create little-to-no glare.This fixture of Temecula
contains a sharp cut-off to reduce waste light.The lamp is
deeply recessed within the reflector to eliminate glare.
• The applicant shall ensure that all fixtures shall be parallel
with the finished grade of the project site:no fixtures shall be
tilted above a 90-degree angle
• The applicant shall incorporate step-down lighting into the
project to the satisfaction of the City Community Development
Director.The step-down lighting shall occur each evening
between the following intervals:6.00 P.M.,7-30 P.M.and
10:30 P M.
• The applicant shall ensure that site lighting systems and
showroom lighting shall be grouped into control zones to
allow for open,closing,and night light/security lighting
schemes.All control groups shall be controlled by an
automatic lighting control system utilizing a time clock,
photocell, and low voltage relays
• Through the design review process.the applicant shall
ensure that design and layout of the site shall take advantage
of landscaping to Moot(light sources and reflection from cars.
Well-placed landscaping would reduce glare from the cars in
the parking lot and from metal/glass building surfaces,and
help to shield nighttime security lighting from adjacent
roadway systems
• Prior to the issuance of construction permits for a project-
specific development within the project area that includes
outdoor lighting,the applicant shall submit an outdoor lighting
plan and photometric plan to be reviewed and approved by
the City Community Development Director.The lighting plan
shall be in compliance with Ordinance No.655 as adopted by
the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and shall include.
Avoi of Temecula
MMRP ESA)150165 •
September 2015
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
AUDI OF TEMECULA MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Responsible Action Verification of Compliance
Monitoring Enforcement Monitoring Indicating
Mitigation Measures Phase Agency Agency Compliance Initials Date Remarks
but not be limited to,the following information and standards:
o Light fixtures shall not exceed 4,050 lumens
o Light fixtures shall be fully shielded so that light rays
emitted by the fixtures are projected below the
horizontal plan passing through the lowest point of the
shield.
o A map showing all lamp locations,orientations.and
intensities, including security,roadway,and task
lighting:
o Specification of each light fixture and each light shield,
o Total estimated outdoor lighting footprint,expressed as
lumens per acre,and
o Specification of motion sensors and other controls to
be used,especially for security lighting
• The City shall conduct a post-installation inspection to ensure
that the site is in compliance with the design standards in
Mitigation Measure MM-AES-1 and Riverside County
Ordinance No.655.
• In order to mitigate potential impacts to the Mount Palomar
Observatory,all lighting plans shall be reviewed by the City to
assure utilization of low pressure sodium vapor lamps;step-
down lighting techniques,and shielding to prevent upward
and outward illumination.
The use of highly reflective construction materials on exterior wall
surfaces shall be prohibited.The exterior of permitted buildings shall
be constructed of materials such as high performance tinted non-
mirrored glass,painted metal panels and pre-cast concrete or
fabricated wall surfaces.
Biological Resources
Mitigation Measure MM-B10-1:Impacts to raptors and other Pre-Construction/ City of City of Issuance of •
migratory birds shall be avoided by the implementation of the Construction Temecula Temecula grading permit
following measure: Qualified and sign-off by
• A pre-construction clearance survey for active nests of Biologist City of
raptors and migratory birds shall be conducted by a Temecula
qualified biologist who is knowledgeable in the nesting
requirements of the avian species in the region.The
survey shall occur no more than 3 days prior to any
construction or ground-disturbing activities If active
nest(s)(with eggs or fiettglin•s)are identified within the
A.d d Terin;�a __.. 2 _-- ESA,150189
WARP
SepremWr 2015
AUDI OF TEMECULA MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Responsible Action Verification of Compliance
Monitoring Enforcement Monitoring Indicating
Mitigation Measures Phase Agency Agency Compliance Initials Date Remarks
project site,(CDFW for state listed species,species of
special concern,and MSHCP covered species:USFWS
for birds covered under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and
listed species)they shall not be disturbed until the young
have hatched and fledged(matured to a state that they
can leave the nest on their own) An appropriate buffer
from construction setback from any active nesting location
shall be adhered to in order to avoid disturbance of the
nest until the young have fledged or the nest is no longer
considered active.as determined by a qualified biologist.
On-site monitoring during construction by a biological
monitor may also be required based on sensitivity of the
species and proximity of the nest to construction activities.
If no active nests are identified,construction may
commence.
Mitigation Measure MM-BlO-2:Impacts to burrowing owl shall be Pre-Construction City of City of Issuance of
avoided through implementation of the following measure: Temecula Temecula grading permit
• Due to the project site's location within a burrowing owl Qualified and sign-off by
Biologist City of
survey area and presence of suitable habitat on the Temecula
project site(regardless of the findings of the focused
burrowing owl survey),a 30-day pre-construction survey
for burrowing owl is required in accordance with the
MSHCP. The one-day survey will be conducted by a
qualified biologist within all suitable habitat areas on the
protect site and study area,and will focus on areas
previously identified during the focused surveys as
containing suitable habitat and potentially suitable
burrows If no burrowing owls are observed construction
may commence. If burrowing owls are observed the RCA
and/or City will be notified and additional measures, such
as avoidance or installation of exclusion devices to evict
the owls,will be required to demonstrate compliance with
the MSHCP Since burrowing owl is a covered species
under the MSCHP,burrowing owls(less than 3 pairs)that
occupy the site may be evicted from their burrows and
allowed to move offsite.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Mitigation Measure MM-HYD•1:Prior to issuance of a grading Pre-Construction City of City of Issuance of
rener is --- __ 3 ESA 1 150189
NOAH
September All
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
AUDI OF TEMECULA MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Responsible Action Verification of Compliance
Monitoring Enforcement Monitoring Indicating
Mitigation Measures Phase Agency Agency Compliance Initials Date Remarks
permit,a final drainage study shall be prepared by a registered civil Temecula ' Temecula grading permit
engineer and submitted to Public Works with the initial grading plan Building Official and sign-off by
check in accordance with City,Riverside County and engineering or other City of
standards. The study shall identify storm water runoff quantities(to Designee Temecula
mitigate the 100-year storm event)from the development of this site
and upstream of the site It shall identify all existing or proposed
offsite or onsite,public or private,drainage facilities intended to
discharge this runoff. Runoff shall be conveyed to an adequate
outfall capable of receiving the storm water runoff without damage
to public or private property The study shall include a capacity
analysis verifying the adequacy of all facilities. Any upgrading or
upsizing of drainage facilities necessary to convey the storm water
runoff shall be provided as part of development of this project
Noise
Mitigation Measure MM-N01-1:The applicant shall implement a Construction City of City of Issuance of
silent paging system throughout the project to eliminate loudspeaker Temecula Temecula Certificate of
paging noise. Building Official Occupancy by
or other City of
Designee I Temecula
Audi of Temecula - 4 -.. ---
WARP ESA/750169
September 2015