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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-123 , 1 RESOLUTION NO. 93-123 2 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR WATER 3 CONSERVATION IN THE LANDSCAPE ENVIRONMENT THROUGHOUT THE CITY. 4 WHEREAS, The City of San Bernardino, California has adopted a 5 General Plan by resolution on June 2, 1989 that established a new 6 framework of land use policies and a new official land use plan for 7 all incorporated property in the city of San Bernardino; 8 WHEREAS, the General Plan requires the establishment of design 9 standards in the Development Code of the City; 10 WHEREAS, Development Code Amendment 92-11 is concurrently 11 12 13 14 15 adopted with these design guidelines; and NOW, THEREFORE, THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, DO HEREBY FIND, RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Renumber Section G19.28.120 LANDSCAPE DESIGN 16 GUIDELINES of the Development Code to Section G19. 28 .130 (See 17 Exhibit "A", Page III-78 of the Development Code, attached hereto 18 and incorporated herein by reference.) 19 SECTION 2. The Design Guidelines of the San Bernardino 20 Development Code are amended to add Section G19.28.130(5) WATER 21 CONSERVATION for the implementation of water saving measures within 22 the City of San Bernardino, to read as shown in Exhibit "B" 23 attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, Pages III-80 24 25 26 and III-81 of the Development Code. SECTION 3. This resolution shall take effect upon the effective date of an accompanying ordinance adopting Development 27 Code Amendment 92-11, which incorporates the standards for water 28 conservation in the City of San Bernardino. II / / 1 RES 93-123 1 RESOLUTION ...ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR WATER CONSERVATION IN THE LANDSCAPE ENVIRONMENT. 2 3 4 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was duly Bernardino at a adopted by the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San TPqular 5 day of lQt-h 6 wit: 7 Council Members 8 ESTRADA 9 REILLY 10 HERNANDEZ 11 MAUDSLEY 12 MINOR 13 POPE-LUDLAM 14 MILLER 15 Apri 1 16 17 AYES ----X...- ----X...- ----X...- ----X...- ----X...- -X- meeting therefore, held on the , 1993, by the following vote, to NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT x Ce~~ The foregoing resolution is hereby approved this 18 of 19 20 April , 1993. 21 Approved as to form and legal content: 22 JAMES F. PENMAN, 23 City Attorney 24 .:k? ;1 25 B() ~ . ilC:~, 26 27 28 day 2 RES 93-123 LANDSCAPE DESIGN GUIDELINES-Gl9. 28 Gl9.28.l30 LANDSCAPE DESIGN GUIDELINES 1 . PURPOSE The following design guidelines are intended as a reference framework to assist the designer in understanding the city's goals and objectives for high quality development. The guidelines will be utilized during the City's design review process to encourage the highest level of design quality while at the same time providing the flexibility necessary to encourage creativity on the part of project designers. 2. APPLICABILITY The provisions of this section apply to all development projects within the city, unless otherwise specified herein. Any addition, remodeling, relocation, or construction requiring a building permit subject to review by the DRC, shall adhere to these guidelines where applicable. Unless there is a compelling reason, these design guidelines shall be followed. If a guideline is waived by the Development Review Committee, the Mayor and Common Council shall be notified. An appeal, which does not require a fee, may be filed by the Mayor or any Council person within 15 days of the waiver approval. 3. GENERAL GUIDELINES A. Landscaping and open spaces should be designed as an integral part of the overall site plan design. Landscaping and open spaces should enhance the building design, enhance public views and spaces, provide buffers and transitions, provide for a balance of solar uses, and provide screening. B. Landscape design should accent the overall design theme through the use of structures such as arbors and trellises which are appropriate to the particular architectural style of adjacent structures. C. Landscaped areas should incorporate plantings utilizing a three tier system; 1) grasses and ground covers, 2) shrubs, and 3) trees. D. The following are common planting design concepts that should be used whenever possible: 1. Specimen trees used in informal grouping and rows at major focal points 2. Extensive use of flowering vines both on walls and arbors 3. Pots, vases, walls or raised planters 4. The use of planting to create shadow and pattern against walls 5. Trees to create canopy and shade, especially in parking areas 6. The use of flowering trees in informal groups to provide color. 111-78 Exhibit "A" RES 93-123 LANDSCAPING STANDARDS-19.28. s. WATER CONSERVATION CRITERIA Each project shall be Conservation in Landscape a minimum of 75 points in in compliance with the Water Ordinance. A project must receive the landscape category. A. Landscape Techniaue Points 1. Water conserving plants used in 75% or more of the total landscaped area. 20 2. Turf limited as follows: 20 a. Residential Projects - 50% of total landscaped area b. All Other projects* - 30% of total landscaped area. (* Except those areas designated as "Recreational Areas") 3. Plants placed or grouped into hydro zones according to their watering needs. 10 4. Polymers incorporated into the soil to improve water holding capacity in turf and ground cover areas. 10 5. A maintenance Program consisting of: 10 a. periodic irrigation system repair. b. Seasonal adjustments to the irrigation system. c. Practices which foster long term landscape water conservation. 6. Hardscape (non-irrigated) surfaces, such as 5 non-removable alluvial rock or decorative paving, used in 10% or more of total landscaped area. 7. Where turf is used, utilize varieties which 5 have been proven to have low water requirements, such as "marathon." 8. Where no ground cover is used, utilize wood 5 chips, bark, or other organic mulch, to a depth of three inches on top of exposed soil or landscape fabric, such as underneath shrubs. 9. Organic soil amendments to improve water 5 holding capacity of soil, where soil conditions merit. 111-80 Exhibit "B" RES 93-123 LANDSCAPING STANDARDS-19.2S' B. Irriqation Technique Each project shall be in Conservation in Landscape receive a minimum of 75 category. compliance Ordinance. points in with the Water A proj ect must the irrigation Points 1. Low gallonage irrigation system, or higher 20 gallonage systems with automatic controller capable of repeat cycling, used for more than 75% of the total landscaped area. Turf areas must utilize "spray" coverage, drip systems may not be used for turf. 2. Automatic controller for irrigation system. 20 3. Irrigation system designed using hydrozones 10 to water plants according to their water needs (i.e. - landscape materials which require different watering needs are irrigated by separate control valves). 4. Rain sensors used in conjunction with an 10 automatic controller. 5. Soil-moisture sensors used in conjunction 5 with an automatic controller. 6. Wind sensors (e.g. - anemometer) used in 5 conjunction with an automatic controller. 7. In-head or in-line check valves are utilized (whenever the cross gradient is greater than three feet in elevation). 5 8. Irrigation is sensitive to slope factors (i.e. 5 - low gallonage heads, repeat start times, water basins). Plan notes shall delineate how slopes are addressed to conserve water. 9. Use of reclaimed or recycled water. 5 10. Irrigation schedule which varies by season, 5 and developed through the use of Evapotranspiration data (ET). 11. Provide on-site public information through 5 models, illustrations, examples, literature, or any combination of the above, on water conservation in landscaping. III-S1 RE S93-123 CITY(7MN~ cemw. PMlN11HGSBMCES . . CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES DEPARTMENT AGENDA ITEM HEARING DATE WARD 3 03/16/93 Citywide SUMMARY APPLICANT: City of San Bernardino w Ul < o Development Code Amendment No. 92-11 OWNER: City of San Bernardino I- Ul W ~ a w a: This is a City initiated Development Code Amendment to incorporate water conservation requirements, as outlined in State Assembly Bill AB 325, into the landscape portion (Chapter 19.28) of the Development Code for the City of San Bernardino. -. This amendment will affect the entire incorporated portion of the City of San Bernardino. < w a: < PROPERTY EXISTING LAND USE ZONING GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION This amendment is Citywide, encompassing all land use designations. GEOLOGIC I SEISMIC 0 YES HAZARD ZONE: 0 NO FLOOD HAZARD 0 YES o ZONE A ( SEWERS: DYES ) ZONE: o NO OZONE B o NO AIRPORT NOISE! 0 YES REDEVELOPMENT DYES CRASH ZONE: PROJECT AREA: 0 NO o NO o POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT Z a APPROVAL EFFECTS WITH 0 MITIGATING MEASURES j::: NO E.I.R. < 0 CONDITIONS 11.0 o E.l.R. REQUIRED BUT NO II.Z 0 DENIAL SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS <w WITH MITIGATING t)::E MEASURES ::E 0 CONTINUANCE TO o SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS 0 0 SEE ATTACHED E.R.C. W MINUTES a: PLAN.9.02 PAGE 1 OF 1 (4.go) Attachment IlA" HIGH FIRE 0 YES HAZARD ZONE: 0 NO ...I 0 NOT < APPLICABLE I- ZUl w" ::E Z 0 EXEMPT Z- OO a:i: -II. S; ~ NO SIGNIFICANT W EFFECTS RES 93-123 . . DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 92-11 AGENDA ITEM: HEARING DATE: 3-16-93 Page 1 REOUEST This is a City-initiated Development Code Amendment to incorporate water conservation requirements, as outlined in state Assembly Bill AB 325, into the landscape portion (Chapter 19.28) of the Development Code for the City of San Bernardino. LOCATION The amendment is applicable to the entire incorporated portion of the City of San Bernardino. DEVELOPMENT CODE AND GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE Development Code Amendment 92-11 will modify Section 19.28, Landscaping Standards, of the Development Code to incorporate water conservation measures in the landscape environment in conformance with State Assembly Bill 325. The Amendment conforms to the City's General Plan, Section 11.1, to reduce the rates of energy and water consumption in the City of San Bernardino through architectural design, use of efficient utility systems, trip reduction, and other techniques. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL OUALITY ACT (CEOAI STATUS An Initial Study was prepared by staff and presented to the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) on November 5, 1992 (Exhibit D). The ERC determined that no significant impacts would result from the proposal and recommended a Negative Declaration. The proposed Negative Declaration was advertised and the Initial Study was available for public review and comment from November 12, 1992 to December 3,1992. No comments were received from the pUblic during that period. BACKGROUND Assembly Bill AB 325, Water Conservation in Landscaping, requires that each city and county agency, unless exempted by State law, address water conservation in landscaping through the ordinance process by January 1, 1993. If the agency does not adopt its own ordinance, it must adopt findings which state that a water efficient landscape ordinance is unnecessary, or the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance will become effective by default. RES 93-123 . . DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 92-11 AGENDA ITEM: HEARING DATE: 3-16-93 Page 2 The city of San Bernardino, being a Charter City, is legally exempt from the requirements of Assembly Bill AB 325, however, staff is proposing adoption of a water conservation ordinance as discussed below. ANALYSIS Staff has reviewed the requirements of AB 325 and discussed the options available to the City. OPTION 1 Do nothing, which implies a water efficient landscape ordinance is unnecessary. The City of San Bernardino currently has a substantial ground water reserve, however, the City still utilizes some State supplied water resources. If the City chooses not to address efficient water usage in landscaping, it could potentially jeopardize future allocations from the State. OPTION 2 Adopt the State's Model Ordinance. The State's Model Ordinance is a very thorough and comprehensive document. It covers, in detail, the many aspects of water conservation in the landscape environment. It also establishes separate criteria and processes for determining if a project meets the minimum requirements set forth in the provisions of the Ordinance. There is a significant amount of research, data compilation and analysis required to satisfy the demands of the Ordinance. OPTION 3 Adopt a City generated ordinance to address water conservation in the landscape. staff has developed a water conservation ordinance which addresses the requirements of AB 325 and the needs of the citizens of the City of San Bernardino at the same time. Some of the requirements and criteria for water conservation which have been incorporated into this ordinance were taken from the State Model Ordinance and surrounding jurisdictions which have had positive results from their ordinances. A water efficient landscape and irrigation system will be beneficial to both the city and to its applicants, in that costs are usually reduced when efficiency increases. RES 93-123 . . DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 92-11 AGENDA ITEM: HEARING DATE: 3-16-93 Page 3 In addition, many of the ordinance requirements being proposed are current landscape practices and will not impact the development industry. state Model Ordiance - Required provisions The following is a list of the provisions required by Assembly Bill AB 325 relating to developing a Water Conservation Ordinance. 1. provisions for water conservation through the appropriate use and groupings of plants that are well adapted to particular sites and to particular climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. The ordinance shall not prohibit or require specific plant species. 2. provisions for the use of automatic irrigation systems and seasonal irrigation schedules, incorporating water conservation design and utilizing methods appropriate for specific terrains, soil types, wind conditions, temperatures, and other environmental factors, in order to ensure a high degree of water efficiency. 3. provisions for grading and drainage to promote healthy plant growth and to prevent excessive erosion and runoff, and the use of mulches in shrub areas, garden beds, and landscaped areas where appropriate. 4. Provisions for the use of reclaimed water supplied through dual distribution systems, if feasible and cost effective, and subject to appropriate health standards. 5. provisions to educate water users on the efficient use of water and benefits of doing so. 6. provisions addressing regional differences where necessary and feasible, including fire prevention needs. 7. provisions to exempt landscaping which is part of a registered historical site, where feasible. 8. Provisions for the use of economic incentives to promote the efficient use of water, where feasible. 9. provisions for landscape maintenance practices which foster long-term landscape water conservation. 10. The ordinance shall exempt cemeteries. RES 93-123 . . DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 92-11 AGENDA ITEM: HEARING DATE: 3-16-93 Page 4 IMPLEMENTATION The implementation of water conserving measures can be addressed through the Ordinance/Resolution process to amend the Development Code. Ordinance The Ordinance (Exhibit B) will will create the requirement for water conservation in the landscape by amending the Development Code, which includes guidelines for applicability, implementation and exemptions to the water conservation requirements. Resolution - The Resolution (Exhibit C) will establish the criteria by which water conservation in the landscape can be measured. There are two areas which are evaluated; Landscape Techniques and Irrigation Techniques. Each project will be reviewed against the landscape and irrigation criteria and given points for water conservation measures incorporated into the design. The resolution establishes the points awarded, and the number of points needed for the project to be acceptable in terms of water conservation. CONCLUSION The Development Code Amendment is being initiated by the City to conform to State Assembly Bill AB 325 which requires local governments to adopt a Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance. No significant environmental impacts will be created by establishing a Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance, and modifying the Development Code to include water conservation techniques. The referenced Ordinance and Resolution are a result of the combined efforts of several City Departments including Parks, Recreation & Community services, Public Works, the Water Department and Planning & Building Services. RES 93-123 . . DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 92-11 AGENDA ITEM: HEARING DATE: 3-16-93 Page 5 RECOMMENDATION staff recommends that the Planning commission recommend to the Mayor and Common Council the: 1. Adoption of the Negative Declaration; and, 2. Approval of Development Code Amendment No. 92-11 subject to the Findings of Fact (Exhibit A). (r) ly kilbmitted, . i~kor Exibit: A - Findings of Fact B - Ordinance C - Resolution o - Initial study RES 93-123 . EXHIBIT "A" . DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 92-11 AGENDA ITEM: HEARING DATE: 3-16-93 Page 6 FINDINGS OF FACT DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 92-11 1. The amendment is consistent with the General Plan in that General Plan Obj ecti ve 11.1 states that it shall be the objective of the city of San Bernardino to reduce the rates of energy and water consumption in the City through architectural design, use of efficient utility systems, trip reduction, and other techniques. 2. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience or welfare of the city in that the implementation of water conservation measures will result in long term benefits to the city and its residents by preventing or delaying the imposition of water rationing or restrictions. RES 93-123 Exhibit "D" CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES DEPARTMENT INITIAL STUDY XJiTJ:TXAL STUDY FOR BllVJ:ROHMBHTAL XMPACT FOR Development Code Amendment DCA 92-11 project Description/Location: To amend the Development Code, section 19.28 relating to landscaping, to implement the State mandated water conservation landscape ordinance. The amendment is citywide in its application. Date: October 28, 1992 Prepared for: City of San Bernardino Planning and Building Services 300 North "0" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418 Prepared by: Jeffery S. Adams Assistant Planner City of San Bernardino Planning and Building Services 300 North "0" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418 CITYOFSN<lBERNA,RDINO C~mRAl~NnNGSEAYlCES PLAN-8.07 PAGE 1 OF 1 (4-90) RES 93-123 e e e . . J:NJ:TIAL STUDY FOR DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 92-11 Introduction the city of San Bernardino for It contains an evaluation of occur if the proposed amendment This Initial Study is provided by Development Code Amendment 92-11. potential adverse impacts that can is approved and adopted. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires the preparation of an Initial Study when a proposal must obtain discretionary approval from a governmental agency and is not exempt from CEQA. The purpose of the Initial Study is to determine whether or not a proposal, not exempt from CEQA, qualifies for a Negative Declaration or whether or not an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared. The following components constitute the Initial Study for Development Code Amendment 92-11: 1- 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Project Description site and Area Characteristics Environmental Setting Environmental Impact Checklist Discussion of Environmental Evaluation and Mitigation Measures ConClusion/Environmental Determination Combined, these components constitute the complete Initial Study for Development Code Amendment 92-11. 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project is a proposal to amend the City of San Bernardino's Development Code relating to landscaping requirements. The state of California has approved an Assembly Bill, AB 325 which mandates that each city or county adopt a water efficient landscape ordinance by January of 1992, or the state's Model Ordinance will become effective by default. The intent of AB 325 is to promote the conservation of water in the landscape through the selective choice of plant material, efficient irrigation practices, and education of the public. Development Code Amendment 92-11 will incorporate the objectives of AB 325 into the City's Development Code. 2. SITE AND AREA CHARACTERISTICS The proposal will apply to the entire city of San Bernardino. The City covers approximately 55 square miles and is at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. RES 93-123 ; CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO PLANNING. AND BUILDING SERVICES DEPARTMENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CHECKLIST A. BACKGROUND Application Number: Development Code Amendment DCA 92-11 Project Description: To amend the Development Code. Section 19.28 relating to landscaping, to implement the State mandated water conservation landscape ordinance. L~tion: The proposal will encompass the entire City of San Bernardino. Environmental Constraints Areas: N / A General Plan Designation: Citywide Zoning Designation: Citywide B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Explain answers, where appropriate, on a separate attached sheet 1. Earth Resources Will the proposal resu~ in: a. Earth movement (cut and/or IiII) of 10,000 cubic yards or more? No Maybe Yes x b. Development and/or grading on a slope greater than 15% natural grade? c. Development w~hin the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone as defined in Section 12.0 - Geologic & Seismic, Figure 47,01 the C~'s General Plan? d. Modffication 01 any unique geologic or physical leature? x x x e. Development within areas delined lor high potential lor water or wind erosion as identffied in Section 12.0 - Geologic & Seismic, Figure 53, 01 the C~'s General Plan? x X t Modffication 01 a channel, creek or river? arr~aMlI!IIUfDIC) --- pLAN-a.06 PAGE 10F (11-90) RES 93-123 g. Development within an area subject to landslides, Yes No Maybe mudslides, liquelaction or other similar hazards as identnied in Section 12.0. Geologic & Seismic, X Figures 48, 52 and 53 01 the c~'s General Plan? h. Other? X 2. Air Resources: Will the proposal resu~ in: a. Substantial air emissions or an effect upon ambient X air quality as delined by AQMD? b. The creation 01 objectionable odors? X c. Development within a high wind hazard area as identffied in Section 15.0 - Wind & Fire, Figure 59, 01 the City's X General Plan? 3. Watar Resources: Will the proposal resu~ in: a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff due to X impermeable surfaces? b. Changes in the course or llow of flood waters? X c. Discharge into surface waters or any a~eration X 01 surface water quality? d. Change in the quantity of quality of ground water? X e. Exposure 01 people or property to llood hazards as identilied in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Insurance Rate Map, Community Panel Number 060281 - _ , and Section 16.0 - Flooding, Figure 62, 01 the City's General Plan? X l. Other? X 4. Biological Resources: Could the proposal resu~ in: a. Development within the Biological Resources Management Overlay, as identffied in Section 10.0 - Natural Resources, Figure 41,01 the c~'s X General Plan? b. Change in the number 01 any unique, rare or endangered species 01 plants or their habitat including stands 01 trees? X c. Change in the number 01 any unique, rare or endangered species 01 animals or their habitat? X d. Removal 01 viable, mature trees? (6" or greater) X Other? X e. 5. Noise: Could the proposal resu~ in: a. Development 01 housing, hedh care lacilities, schools, libraries, religious lacilities or other 'noise" sensitive uses in areas where existing or future noise levels exceed an Ldn 01 65 dB(A) exterior and an Ldn of 45 dB(A) interior as identffied in Section 14.0 - Noise, Figures 14-6 and X 14-1301 the c~'s General Plan? c:ny CF au! IIENWIMO PLAN-D.os PAGE 2 OJ:::: _ ("..go) --- RES 93-123 b. Development 01 new or expansion 01 existing industrial, Yes No Maybe commercial or other uses which generate noise levels on areas containing housing, schools, heahh care lacilities or other sensitive uses above an Ldn of 65 dB(A) exterior X or an Ldn 0145 dB(A) interior? c. Other? X 6. Land Use: Will the proposal resu~ in: a. A change in the land use as designated on the General Plan? X b. Development within an Airport District as identffied in the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AlcUZ) Report and X the Land Use Zoning District Map? c. Development within Fcothill Fire Zones A & B, or C as idenlffied on the Land Use Zoning District Map? X d. Other? X 7. Man-Made Hazards: Will the project: a. Use, store, transport or dispose of hazardous or toxic materials (including but not limited to oil, X pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? b. Involve the release 01 hazardous substances? X c. Expose people to the potential hea~h/salety hazards? X d. Other? X 8. Housing: Will the proposal: a. Remove existing housing or create a demand lor additional housing? X b. Other? X 8. Transportation I Circulation: Could the proposal, in comparison with the Circulation Plan as identified in Section 6.0 . Circulation 01 the c~'s General Plan, resu~ in: a. An increase in traffic that is greater than the land use designated on the General Plan? X b. Use 01 existing, or demand lor new, parking X lacilitieSfstructures? Impact upon existing public transportation systems? X c. d. A~eration 01 present patterns 01 circulation? X e. Impact to rail or air traffic? X l. Increased salety hazards to vehicles, bicyclists or X pedestrians? g. A disjointed pattern 01 roadway improvements? X h. Signfficant increase in traffic volumes on the roadways or intersections? X L Other? x ~CI=:'= PLAN.1l.D6 PAGE 3 OF 11'-90) RES 93-123 ClTYOFMN~ --- 10. Public Services: Will the proposal impact the lollowing Yes No Maybe beyond the capabil~y to provide adequate levels of service? a. Fire protection? X b. Police protection? X c. Schools (I.e., attendance, boundaries, overload, etc.)? X d. Par1<s or other recreational lacilities? X e. Medical aid? X l. Solid Waste? X g. Other? X 11. utilities: Will the proposal: a. Impact the following beyond the capability to provide adequate levels 01 service or require the construction 01 new lacilities? 1. Natural gas? X 2. Electricity? X 3. Water? X 4. Sewer? X 5. Other? X b. Resu~ in a disjointed pattern of utility extensions? X c. Require the construction 01 new lacil~ies? X 12. Aesthetics: a. Could the proposal resu~ in the obstruction 01 any scenic view? X b. Will the visual impact 01 the project be detrimental to the surrounding area? X c. Other? X 13. Cultural Resources: Could the proposal resu~ in: a. The a~eration or destruction 01 a prehistoric or historic archaeological site by development within an archaeological sensitive area as identffied in Section X 3.0. Historical, Figure 8, 01 the City's General Plan? b. A~eration or destruction 01 a historical site, structure or object as listed in the City's Historic Resources Reconnaissance Survey? X c. Other? X PLAN-8.D6 PAGE 4 OF" (1'-~\ RES 93-123 14. Mandatory Findings 01 Significance (Section 15065) The caJffornia Environmental Quality Act states that ff any of the following can be answered yes or maybe, the project may have a signfficant effect on the environment and an Environmental Impact Report shall be prepared. Yes a. Does the project have the polentialto degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the hab~at 01 a lish or wildlile species, cause a lish or wildlffe population to drop below seW sustaining leveis, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range 01 a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples 01 the major periods of calffornia history or prehistory? b. Does the project have the polentialto achieve short- term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively briel, delinitive period 01 time while long-term impacts will endure well into the future.) c. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effect 01 the total of those impacts on the environment is signfficant) d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? C. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION AND MITIGATION MEASURES (Attach sheets as necessary.) See Attached c:rfTCI'IMJt~ --- No Maybe x x x x PlAN-O.os PAGE 5 OF (11-90) RE S93-l23 e e e . . 3. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING The City of San Bernardino is adjacent to and intrudes into the San Bernardino Mountains, as well as spreading out onto the valley floor, The local climate is mediterranean in nature, with low annual rainfall and is prone to periodic drought, There are seasonal Santa Ana Winds which create additional negative impacts to the area, 4. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION AND MITIGATION MEASURES 1, Earth Resources: The proposal to implement a water efficient landscape ordinance will not impact any earth resources due to its secondary nature, No development will occur as a result of this proposal. 2, Air Resources: The implementation of efficient irrigation and water saving practices will not negatively impact air resources, nor cause objectionable odors. 3, Water Resources: a, The proposal may result in changes to the absorption rate of landscaped areas, However, by increasing the efficiency of the irrigation practices the absorption rate should improve thereby reducing potential run-off. No negative impacts are anticipated. b 'C, The proposal will not any impact on flood waters, nor will it cause any discharge into surface waters. There is a potential for an improvement to surface waters if run-off is reduced, but further study is not required to determine the positive impact a proposal may have. d, The proposal may impact the quantity of groundwater available by reducing the demand and thereby increasing groundwater reserves. The quality of groundwater will not be impacted by the proposal. e. The proposal, since it does not provide for development will not expose people to flood hazards. 4, Biological Resources: Biological resources will not be impacted by the s~nce water conservation practices will apply artificially installed or maintained landscapes. proposal only to RES93-l23 e e e . . 5. Noise: Noise will not be generated by the proposal, nor will the proposal allow development which will produce noise. Irrigation practices and plant material is a normal portion of development and this proposal will only enhance the water conserving aspects the that process. 6. Land Use: The proposed proj ect will not alter the current land use designation of any portion of the city. 7. Man-Made Hazards: The proposal will not involve toxic or hazardous material or expose people to any health risks. 8. Housing: The proposal applies to commercial/industrial but will for housing. residential as well as not create or lessen the demand 9. Transportation/circulation: There is no development accompanying this proposal, No traffic will be generated nor will there be impacts to circulation or any transportation systems be created by this proposal. 10 , 11. Public services , Utilities: The project will not have any impact on any public service or utility due to its nature. The incorporation of guidelines for drought tolerant landscaping and water conservation may improve water availability to some degree, but would not create any negative impacts. 12. Aesthetics: a. The proposal will not be a development of any kind so it cannot obstruct any views. b, The incorporation of "xeriscape" (meaning "dry landscape") guidelines into the landscape portion of the Development Code will not create any negative visual impacts. Like any other type of landscape, it needs to be properly maintained, If it .. is not, it has the potential to become an eyesore, There is an advantage to xeriscape over conventional landscaping in that since there is less water being used, there are usually less weeds to contend with and maintenance is usually easier, RE S93-l23 e e e . . 13, CUltural Resources: There will not be any impacts to cultural resources since the application of water conservation practices will only occur in conjunction with development proposals which will be review for site specific impacts to cultural resources. T RES 93-123 ; D. DETERMINATION On the basis 01 this initial study, ~ The proposed project COULD NOT have a signfficant effect on the environment and a NEGATIVE DECLARA- TION will be prepared. D The propos,ed project could have a signfficant effect on the e~vironment, a~hough there will not be a signfficant effect In thiS case because the mrtlgatlOn measures descnbed above have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. D The proposed project MAY have a signfficant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA Larry E. Reed Assistant Director Name and Title "~i C~/ Date: :J~ S- , I rr ~ J c:m'ClF.....~ --- PL.AN-8.D8 PAGE_OF_ (11-110)