HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - October 20, 2004 G-03 PHAGENDA ITEM CA qroj�
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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Public Hearing to consider Planning Commission's recommendation to certify the
Environmental Impact Report and approve the 2003-2009 Housing Element.
MEETING DATE: October 20, 2004
PREPARED BY: Community Development Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Conduct Public Hearing to consider the Planning Commission's
recommendation to certify the Environmental Impact Report and
approve the 2003-2009 Housing Element.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: As the City Council may recall, the City of Lodi began a process of
preparing a new Housing Element of the General Plan
approximately two years ago following the adoption of the San
Joaquin Regional Housing Needs Allocation. The City retained the services of Cotton/Bridges
Associates (CBA) to prepare the Element. In March 2003 the Planning Commission hosted a workshop
to review the State mandated requirements for the Element as well as take public comment regarding the
community's perspective of housing need. Shortly thereafter, the City Council held a shirtsleeve to
review the data collected and take any further input. The Draft Housing Element and Environmental
Impact Report were released for public comment in December 2003. During this time, we received one
comment; a letter from Ms. Ann Cerney dated February 19, 2004. Also, during this time, the Element
was submitted to the State Department of Housing and Community Development. The document before
the City Council includes revisions (highlighted) requested by the State in order to find the Element in
compliance with State law.
As noted in the Element, the document is broken down into three parts: a community profile, an analysis
of resources and constraints, and a housing strategy. The third part being the most important by
containing the goals, policies, implementing actions and quantified objectives.
Planning Commission Hearing 9-29-04
The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on September 29, 2004 to consider the Housing
Element and Draft EIR. The Commission suggested minor clarifications and found typographical errors
on five pages as follows:
Page III -2, Table III -IA, Total acres should read 540 which also changes the average density to 9.31acre.
APPROVED:
Janet S Keeter, rntarim City Manager
Council Communication
October 20, 2004
Page 2
Page 111-3, The time frame for completion of the annexation area noted should read December 2005, not
2004.
Page 111-4, The table should read: Vacant Parcels in Proposed Annexation Area
Page 111-9, The title Central Valley Low Income Housing Coalition (CVLIHC) should be in bold.
Page 111-26, Under Secondary Units on the second paragraph, the size of such units is limited to four
hundred square feet, not four thousand as shown.
Environmental Impact Report
In order to adequately address potential impacts associated with this program the City has prepared an
Environmental Impact Report. This report is a program document that has analyzed the "build -out" of the
Element and its implementation measures. As such, some generalities are associated with this
document, but it does cover the anticipated areas of concern. As the document notes, there are
mitigation measures proposed where appropriate. Further, there are several significant and unavoidable
impacts noted. These impacts are, for the most part, cumulative in nature. Again I would point out that
as a program document the level of specificity is not provided or expected. Further environmental
documentation will occur at a project level as the implementation of the Housing Element occurs.
Finally, I'm pleased to report that we have received State approval of our Housing Element as submitted
to the City Council. As such, I would recommend that the City Council certify the Final Environmental
Impact Report and adopt the 2003-2009 Housing Element.
FUNDING: NIA
Respectfully Submitted,
Vonpradt Ba
Community Development Director
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Attachments
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FROM : CERNEY g MARKS
Via Facsimile: (209) 333-6842
February 19, 2004
City of Lodi
Planning Department
221 W. Pine Strcet
Lodi, CA. 95240
FAX N0. : 209 948 0706
Ann M. Cerney
900 W. Vine Street-
Lodi,
treetLodi, California 95240
Telephone: (209) 368-0942
Facsimile: (209) 948-0706
aeerney(q_�inrcach.com
Re: 2000 - 2009 l lousing Element, City of i.,odi
Gentlepersons:
Feb. 19 2004 04:52PM P1
These comments address the issue of affordable housing in Lodi. The housing element states words
setting forth programs and practices which would increase the number of affordable housing units
for city residents with very low inco ne, low income, and moderate income. The City'sprior housing
clement also addressed the Subject with suggested programs aimed to result in increased numbers
of affordable housing units.
While goals have been set in the past and programs enunciated, there has not been a proportionate
increase in the number of affordable unit:~ available vis a vis the growth of our City.
The inclusion of Table iII Financial Resources for affordable housing is commendable in that it
provides a comprehensive list of federal, state, and private resources that focus on doing something;
to increase numbers of affordable housing units_ It is also importmit and helpful that the draft gives
our City an informational base describing the dimension and nature of theproblem of lack of housing;
for the poor.
13ut the history of I.odi's lack of progress in providing adequate numbers of housing units for low
income residents will not change unless the City leaders designate �peci is actions to be taken to
attack the problem. These actions need to be varied, creative, and flexible. The program of action
should be monitored, and criteria for measurement of success should be stated.
I ask that the City Leaders, when considering; this document at the same time set forth a concerted
plan to do something about the .lack of affordable housing. Deeds, not words, build shelter for
homeless people among us.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann M. C erney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA -BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Division of Housing Policy Development
1800 Third Street, Suite 430
P. O. Box 952053
Sacramento, CA 94252-2053
(916) 323-3177
FAX (916) 327-2643
'.Ic. ✓' j' i f 1.�
October 7, 2004
Mr. Konradt Bartlam, Director
Community Development Department
City of Lodi
221 West Pine Street
Lodi, CA 95240
Dear Mr. Bartlam:
RE: Review of the City of Lodi's Draft Housing Element
Thank you for submitting the City of Lodi's draft housing element received on August 19, 2004, with
additional revisions transmitted on September 9, 2004. Pursuant to Government Code Section
65585(b), the Department is required to review draft housing elements and report its findings to the
locality. Telephone conversations with you and Mr. Jeff Goldman, the City's consultant, assisted in
the review of Lodi's housing element.
The Department is pleased to find the revised draft element addresses the statutory requirements of
State housing element law (Article 10.6 of the Government Code). The housing element will be in full
compliance when adopted and submitted to this Department for review pursuant to Government Code
Section 65585(g). The Department commends Lodi for taking action to expand opportunities for
multifamily development, reducing barriers to housing construction, and providing incentives to
encourage a variety of housing types for all income groups.
For your information, passage of Proposition 46 in 2002 resulted in a historic increase in fields
available, on a competitive basis, through the Department to assist in addressing housing and
community development needs. Information on these programs, including Notices of Funding
Availability (NOFA), is posted on the Department's website.
The Department thanks you and Mr. Goldman for the assistance provided in the review of Lodi's draft
housing element and looks forward to receiving the adopted housing element. If you have any
questions, please contact Rita Levy, of our staff, at (916) 324-9629.
Mr. Konradt Bartlam, Director
Page 2
In response to requests under the Public Records Act, a copy of this letter will be sent to all below
individuals.
Sincerely,
Cathy E. Creswell
Deputy Director
cc: Jeff Goldman, Consultant, City of Lodi
Mark Stivers, Senate Committee on Housing & Community Development
Suzanne Ambrose, Supervising Deputy Attorney General, AG's Office
Terry Roberts, Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Nick Cammarota, California Building Industry Association
Marcia Salkin, California Association of Realtors
Marc Brown, California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
Rob Weiner, California Coalition for Rural Housing
John Douglas, AICP, Civic Solutions
Deanna Kitamura, Western Center on Law and Poverty
S. Lynn Martinez, Western Center on Law and Poverty
Alexander Abbe, Law Firm of Richards, Watson & Gershon
Michael G. Colantuono, Colantuono, Levin & Rozell, APC
Ilene J. Jacobs, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.
Richard Marcantonio, Public Advocates
Ted Kreines, AICP
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-223
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL
CERTIFYING THE FINAL PROGRAM
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR 03-03)
FOR THE 2003-09 HOUSING ELEMENT
WHEREAS, the Community Development Department and Planning
Commission have studied and are recommending the certification of this
document; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, a Notice
of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report was prepared and posted on
October 20, 2003; and
WHEREAS, the Notice of Availability for the Draft Environmental Impact
Report was published in the Lodi News -Sentinel on December 26, 2003, with a
public review period to close on February 19, 2004; and
WHEREAS, written comments were received on the Draft Environmental
Impact Report; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lodi has responded to each comment received
pursuant to requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act; and
WHEREAS, a Final Program Environmental Impact Report has been
completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act; and
WHEREAS, a notice of public hearing was published in the Lodi News -
Sentinel on September 18, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lodi Planning Commission has reviewed and
considered the information contained and referenced in the Program
Environmental Impact Report prior to recommending its certification to the City
Council; and
WHEREAS, a copy of the Program Environmental Impact Report is kept
on file for public review within the Community Development Department, located
at 221 West Pine Street, Lodi, CA.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE iT RESOLVED, DETERMINED, AND
ORDERED as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
2. All mitigation measures as specified in the Final Environmental Impact
Report are hereby incorporated.
3. The separate document entitled, "Findings of Fact and Statement of
Overriding Consideration for the City of Lodi 2003-09 Housing Element is
hereby approved, adopted, and attached to this Resolution, marked
Exhibit A.
4. The City Council of the City of Lodi hereby certifies the Program
Environmental Impact Report to the City Council.
Dated: October 20, 2004
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2004-223 was passed and adopted by the
City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held October 20, 2004, by the
following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Beckman, Hitchcock, Howard,
Land, and Mayor Hansen
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2004-223
EXHIBIT A
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
CEQA FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING
CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Element Update
City of Lodi
1. INTRODUCTION
The following findings are presented to comply with the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA - California Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.)
and Sections 15091, 15092, 15093, and 15162 of the State CEQA Guidelines (California
Government Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq.). The following findings
are made relative to the conclusions of the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR,
State Clearinghouse Number 2003102099) for the Lodi Housing Element Update. The Final
EIR prepared for the Housing Element Update addresses the environmental impacts of the
implementation of the proposed Project and is incorporated herein by reference.
Mitigation measures associated with potentially significant impacts of this Project will be
implemented through the Mitigation Monitoring Program for this Project, which are the
responsibility of the City, thereby ensuring that the Housing Element Update will have no
significant adverse environmental impacts, except as noted herein.
The Final EIR was completed in compliance with CEQA, and reflects the City of Lodi's
independent judgment. The City of Lodi has considered evidence and arguments presented
during consideration of this matter. In determining whether the Project has a significant
impact on the environment, and in adopting Findings pursuant to Public Resources Code
Section 21081, the City of Lodi has complied with Public Resources Code Sections 21081.5
and 21082.2.
11. PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Description
The Goals, Policies, and Programs of the Housing Element Update are incorporated herein
by reference.
Project Objectives
The objectives of the proposed Project include:
1. Achieve certification by the California Housing and Community Development
Department.
Meet Lodi's housing needs through 2008 without enlarging the city's General Plan
boundaries.
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 7
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
3. Adhere to goals and policies of other adopted City plans, including the Downtown
Revitalization Plan.
4. Ensure that the Update is consistent and complementary to existing programs identified
in other General Plan Elements.
5. Ensure that new housing growth is managed in a responsible manner.
Project Location
Lodi is located in the northern San Joaquin Valley, along the Mokelumne River and between
State Route 99 and Interstate 5. The city is approximately 10 square miles in area, with a
Sphere of Influence that extends beyond the jurisdictional borders. The Project area
includes the entire city limits and areas in the City's Sphere of Influence.
III. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
For purposes of CEQA and these Findings, the Record of Proceedings for the Project
consists of the following documents, at a minimum:
• The Notice of Preparation, Notice of Completion, Notice of Availability, and all other
public notices issued by the City of Lodi in conjunction with the Project;
• The Draft EIR;
• The Final EIR;
• All comments and correspondence submitted by agencies or members of the public
during the public comment period (December 22, 2003 through February 19, 2004)
on the Draft EIR, including oral comments made at a Planning Commission on
September 29, 2004;
• The Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP);
• All findings and resolutions adopted by the City of Lodi decision makers in
connection with the Project, and all documents cited or referred to therein;
• All final reports, studies, memoranda, maps, staff reports, or other planning
documents relating to the Project prepared by the City of Lodi, consultants, or
responsible or trustee agencies with respect to the City of Lodi's compliance with
the requirements of CEQA and with respect to the City of Lodi's actions on the
Project;
• All documents submitted to the City of Lodi by other public agencies or members of
the public in conjunction with the Project, up through the close of any required
public hearing;
• Minutes and/or verbatim transcripts of all public meetings and/or public hearings
held by the City of Lodi in connection with the Project;
• Matters of common knowledge to the City of Lodi, including but not limited to
federal, State, and local laws and regulations;
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
• Any documents expressly cited in these Findings, in addition to those cited above;
and
• Any other materials required to be in the record of proceedings by Public Resources
Code Section 21167.6 (e).
The custodian of the documents comprising the record of proceedings is the Planning
Director, Community Development Department, City of Lodi, 221 West Pine Street, Lodi,
CA 95240
Copies of all these documents, which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the
City of Lodi's decision is based, are and have been available upon request at all times at the
offices of the Community Development Department, City of Lodi, the custodian for such
documents or other materials.
The City of Lodi has relied on all of the documents listed above in reaching its decision on
the Housing Element Update.
IV. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM
CEQA requires the lead agency approving a project to adopt a Mitigation Monitoring
Program (MMP) for the changes to the project that it has adopted or made a condition of
project approval in order to ensure compliance with project implementation. An MMP has
been defined and serves that function for this Final EIR.
The MMP, provided under a separate cover, designates responsibility and anticipated timing
for the implementation of mitigation measures. The City of Lodi will serve as the overall
MMP Coordinator.
The MMP prepared for this Project has been adopted concurrently with these Findings.
(See Pub. Res. Code Section 21081.6(a)(1). The City of Lodi will use the MMP to track
compliance with Project mitigation measures. The MMP will remain available for public
review during the compliance period.
V. IMPACTS DETERMINED TO BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT
The Final EIR concluded that the following Project impacts will be less than significant or not
significant because: (1) mitigating features are incorporated into the Project, (2) existing
standard regulations that apply to Project development will mitigate the impact, (3) the level
of impact will not exceed the identified thresholds of significance, or (4) the impacts of the
Project will be beneficial.
• Long-term operational emissions
• Consistency with air quality management plans
• Potential impact on sensitive biological habitats
• Impact on jurisdictional wetlands
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 3
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
• Potential for seismic effects
• Increased erosion potential
• Interference with potential mineral extraction
• Effects on public safety
• Exposure to flood hazards
• Increased runoff effects
• Creation of light spillage and glare
• Potential for growth inducement
• Potential fragmentation of development pattern
• Result in the need for expanded or new public facilities
• Effect on police and fire services and schools
• Demand for transit service
VI. SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS THAT CAN BE AVOIDED OR MITIGATED TO A
LESS -THAN -SIGNIFICANT LEVEL
The following describes Project -level impacts determined to be significant in the Final EIR,
followed by mitigation measures that result in less -than -significant levels of impacts.
• Impact on known and undiscovered cultural resources
• Short-term construction related emissions
• Exposure to, or creation of, toxic emissions
• Safety issues associated with potentially hazardous sites
• Potential impact on water quality
A. Cultural Resources
Significant Impact: Impact on Known and Undiscovered Cultural Resources
Accidental exposure of an unidentified resource could occur during construction. There is
always a remote possibility that previous activities (both natural and cultural) may have
obscured prehistoric or historic period artifacts or habitation areas, leaving no surface
evidence that would permit discovery of these hypothetical resources.
Mitigation Measure C/HR-1
Should grading or excavation activities reveal the presence of archaeological and/or
paleontological resources, work activities in the vicinity of the find shall be temporarily
halted and a qualified archaeologist consulted to assess the significance of the resource.
Proper management recommendations for significant resources could include avoidance or
data recovery excavation. Should human skeletal remains be encountered, State law
requires immediate notification of the County Coroner. Should the County Coroner
determine that such remains are in an archaeological context, the Native American Heritage
Commission in Sacramento shall be notified immediately, pursuant to State law, to arrange
for Native American participation in determining the disposition of the remains.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 4
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
Mitigation Measure C/HR-2
Existing structures, ages 45 years old and older, on redevelopment sites identified within the
Housing Element Update shall be evaluated by a qualified professional architectural
historian prior to demolition/removal to determine the suitability of the structure for historic
status. If disturbance to an historic resource cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation shall
be identified. Appropriate mitigation may include preservation in place or relocation and
rehabilitation. A mitigation program shall be implemented to ensure implementation of the
measure.
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have
been required in, or incorporated into, the Project which avoid or substantially lessen the
significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR. Potential impact is less than
significant as a result of implementation of Mitigation Measures C/HR-1 and C/HR-2.
B. Air Quality
Significant Impact. Short -Term Construction Emissions
Grading, excavation, and travel on unpaved construction site roadways can generate dust,
and construction equipment engines emit carbon monoxide, PM,o, and ozone precursors.
Mitigation Measure AQ -1:
The City shall coordinate with the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District
(SJVUAPCD) to assess and properly mitigate short-term construction related air pollution.
For projects over which the City has some discretionary authority, the City shall require the
following mitigation measures, where applicable, or measures deemed to be similarly
effective in reducing short-term construction related emissions of PM,o, carbon monoxide,
and ozone precursors:
Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph; and
Install sandbags or other erosion control measures to prevent silt runoff to public
roadways from sites with a slope greater than one percent.
The following control measures are strongly encouraged at construction sites that are large
in area, located near sensitive receptors, or which for any other reason warrant additional
emissions reductions:
• Install wheel washers for all exiting trucks, or wash off all trucks and equipment leaving
the site;
• Install wind breaks at windward side(s) of construction areas;
• Suspend excavation and grading activity when winds exceed 20 mph; and
• Limit area subject to excavation, grading, and other construction activity at any one
time.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 5
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
Construction Equipment Mitigation Measures for Heavy duty equipment (scrapers, graders,
trenchers, earth movers, etc.):
• Use of alternative fueled construction equipment
• Minimize idling time (e.g., 10 minute maximum)
• Limit the hours of operation of heavy duty equipment and/or the amount of equipment
in use
• Replace fossil -fueled equipment with electrically driven equivalents (provided they are
not run via a portable generator set)
• Curtail construction during periods of high ambient pollutant concentrations; this may
include ceasing of construction activity during the peak -hour of vehicular traffic on
adjacent roadways
• Implement activity management (e.g. rescheduling activities to reduce short-term
impacts
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have
been required in, or incorporated into, the Project which avoid or substantially lessen the
significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR. Potential impact is less than
significant as a result of implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ -1.
Significant Impact: Exposure to, or Creation of, Toxic Emissions
Urban development of lands to the south and west of the city could expose future residents
to toxic air pollutant emissions associated with ongoing agricultural operations. Certain
types of crops and certain methods of agricultural operations involve application of
chemicals for fertilization, suppression of insects, and control of unwanted plants. Some of
these chemicals could become airborne and affect nearby residents.
Mitigation Measure AQ -2
The City in preparing environmental documents for proposed residential development near
agricultural lands or near operational industrial/manufacturing facilities, shall consider
impacts related to exposure of residential development to airborne hazardous air pollutants.
A risk assessment shall be conducted, where necessary, to support environmental
documentation. The City shall coordinate with the State Department of Toxic Substances
Control and the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District and implement
recommendations of these agencies as a part of future residential projects deemed to be at
risk of exposure to sources of hazardous air pollutants. Based on this environmental analysis
the City shall either:
Ensure that the proposed project is located away from sources of airborne pollution;
Ensure that the proposed project is not located downwind of significant point sources of
air pollution such as smoke stacks and agricultural fields where chemicals are used;
and/or,
Require buffers of other compatible uses of adequate width between residential areas
and sources of pollution.
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 6
CEOA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
Finding. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have
been required in, or incorporated into, the Project which avoid or substantially lessen the
significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR. Potential impact is less than
significant as a result of implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ -2.
C. Health and Safety
Significant Impact: Safety Issues Associated with Potentially Hazardous Sites
The reuse of sites within the developed city as recommended by the Housing Element
Update may potentially expose construction workers and future residents to hazardous
conditions. For example, potential development of former industrial sites may have hazards
associated with prior accidental release of contaminants that may not meet standards for
residential uses.
Mitigation Measure HS -1
Applications for development identified by the Housing Element Update as "Areas within
Reuse/Infill Potential" and within the City's designated redevelopment area shall complete a
health and safety plan to prevent worker and public exposure to hazardous substances.
This plan must comply with the requirements of the City Department of Public Works, San
Joaquin County Department of Environmental Health, Regional Water Quality Control
Board, and California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Health and safety plans in the case of soil contamination typically include:
Investigation of the site determines whether there has been a hazardous material
discharge into soils. If so, characterize the nature and extent of soil contamination that
is present prior to the start of construction.
Determination of need for further investigation and/or remediation of soils based on
proposed reuse and level of future human contact. For example, commercial uses could
require only industrial clean-up levels.
If potential for extensive human contact with contaminated soils following development,
undertake a Phase II investigation involving soil sampling at a minimum, at the expense
of the property owner or responsible party. Should further investigation reveal high
levels of hazardous materials in the onsite soils, mitigate health and safety risks
according to City of Lodi, San Joaquin County Department of Environmental Health, and
Regional Water Quality Control Board regulations. Also, if buildings are located atop
soils that are significantly contaminated, undertake measures to either remove the
chemicals or prevent contaminants from entering and collecting within the building.
If remediation is infeasible, a deed restriction shall be required to limit site use and
eliminate unacceptable risks to health or the environment.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
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CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
Health and safety plans in the case of surface or groundwater contamination typically
include:
• Investigation of the site determines whether there has been a hazardous material
discharge into surface water or groundwater. If so, characterize the nature and extent of
soil contamination that is present prior to the start of construction.
• Installation of drainage improvements to prevent transport and spreading of hazardous
materials that may spill or accumulate.
• If site investigation determines presence of hazardous materials within site surface water
and/or groundwater, mitigation acceptable to the RWQCB shall be incorporated prior
to the start of construction.
• Inform construction personnel of the proximity to recognized contaminated sites and
advise them of health and safety procedures to prevent exposure to hazardous materials
in surface water and/or groundwater.
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have
been required in, or incorporated into, the Project which avoid or substantially lessen the
significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR. Potential impacts are less than
significant as a result of implementation of Mitigation Measure HS -1.
D. Hydrology and Water Quality
Significant Impact: Potential Impact on Water Quality
The pace of new development called for in the Housing Element may result in negative
impacts to water quality. Water quality degradation could occur from increases in urban
runoff and effluent discharge causes by urban development. Effluent discharge increases
occur as a result of population growth, with wastewater disposal needs proportional to
population increase. Increases in sewage into the treatment plant (White Slough Water
Pollution Control Facility) will result in corresponding increases to discharge from that plant
into area waterways, including Dredger Cut, the main disposal site for treated effluent.
Mitigation Measure HYDRO -1
All residential projects of one acre or more in size shall prepare a Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP), as required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board under
the NPDES General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Construction
Activity. Prior to the start of construction, a SWPPP shall be prepared to address water
quality impacts associated with construction of Project facilities and roadways. The Project
Proponent shall incorporate into construction contract specifications the requirement that all
contractors comply with and implement the provisions of the SWPPP. The objectives of the
SWPPP are to identify pollutant sources that could affect the quality of stormwater
discharge, to implement control practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges,
and to protect receiving water quality.
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have
been required in, or incorporated into, the Project which avoid or substantially lessen the
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE A
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR. Potential impacts are less than
significant as a result of implementation of Mitigation Measure HYDRO -1
VI 1. SIGNIFICANT, UNAVOIDABLE AND IRREVERSIBLE CUMULATIVE
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The Final EIR identifies the following significant cumulative impacts for which no mitigation
measures have been identified to reduce the cumulative impact to a less -than -significant
level.
A. Air Quality
Significant Impact. Carbon monoxide hot spots
Though roadway improvements in the city are designed to meet LOS standards that will
prevent substantial congestion and carbon monoxide concentrations, infill development
may introduce traffic -attracting or traffic -generating land uses in areas where roadway
improvements are infeasible or undesirable.
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(] ), no changes, alterations, or
mitigation measures have been identified, or incorporated into, the Project which can avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
Potential impacts are significant and unavoidable.
Significant Impact. Adverse impact to air quality attainment efforts
Construction and operation of development projects envisioned in General Plan buildout
would adversely affect the Air District's efforts to achieve compliance with State and federal
ozone and particulate matter standards. Mitigation is included in this EIR, the General Plan
EIR, and mitigating policies are included in the Housing Element and General Plan.
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), no changes, alterations, or
mitigation measures have been identified, or incorporated into, the Project which can avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
Potential impacts are significant and unavoidable.
B. Land Use Planning, Agricultural Resources, and Visual Resources
Significant Impact. Conversion of prime agricultural lands
Annexation and conversion of prime agricultural lands outside the city limits, as envisioned
in the General Plan and Housing Element Update, represents a potentially significant impact.
Mitigating policies are included in both documents, including a prime agricultural land
mitigation fee, agricultural buffers, establishment of an agricultural greenbelt around the city,
and adoption of a "right -to -farm" ordinance. Beyond outright prohibition of development of
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CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
prime agricultural lands, there are no other available mitigation measures.
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), no changes, alterations, or
mitigation measures have been identified, or incorporated into, the Project which can avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
Potential impacts are significant and unavoidable.
Significant Impact: Loss of scenic resources
Annexation and conversion of agricultural lands, which are considered important scenic
resources for the community, represents a potentially significant impact. Beyond outright
prohibition of development of agricultural lands, there are no other available mitigation
measures.
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(] ), no changes, alterations, or
mitigation measures have been identified, or incorporated into, the Project which can avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
Potential impacts are significant and unavoidable.
C. Noise
Significant Impact. Cumulative noise increase
Implementation of the Housing Element and buildout of the General Plan would add traffic
to city streets, and would potentially result in noise above local compatibility standards
where mitigation would be infeasible. Noise would be generated by development of
undeveloped areas, increasing the ambient noise levels substantially. Residential
development along busy streets or along the railroad tracks may create incompatibility
related to noise exposure. The City has detailed noise analysis and mitigation requirements,
and no further mitigation is available.
Finding: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), no changes, alterations, or
mitigation measures have been identified, or incorporated into, the Project which can avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
Potential impacts are significant and unavoidable.
D. Transportation
Significant Impact. Adverse effect on intersection and roadway segment level of service
Introduction of additional residential development into areas of the city with congested
roadways may reduce intersection levels of service to unacceptable levels. Increased
density and infill development would create challenges for transportation planning.
Development encouraged by the Housing Element also may create congestion where
roadways previously functioned at uncongested levels, or may change the distribution of
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 10
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
traffic patterns in such a way that levels of service are adversely affected. In some already
developed areas of the city, if additional development occurs, typical automobile traffic
mitigation may not be feasible or appropriate to relieve peak hour congestion. Additional
right-of-way may be difficult to acquire. Other than traffic analysis and fair -share
transportation improvements requirements, no other feasible mitigation remains.
Finding. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), no changes, alterations, or
mitigation measures have been identified, or incorporated into, the Project which can avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
Potential impacts are significant and unavoidable.
VI11. GROWTH INDUCEMENT
The Final EIR includes the following statement relative to potential growth -inducing effects of
the Project:
Future residents of Lodi living in homes encouraged or facilitated by Housing
Element policies will require goods and services, both private and public.
Public facilities and services impacts are reviewed explicitly in this EIR.
However, the Housing Element does not increase the projected buildout
population of the city. All housing development envisioned within the
Housing Element update is projected to take place within existing city limits
and the adopted Sphere of Influence. The timing and spatial arrangement of
residential development in the City may be influenced by Housing Element
policies, but the overall level of growth is not expected to be substantially
increased.
IX. FEASIBILITY OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
Because the Project will cause significant environmental effects, as outlined in Section VII of
these Findings, the City of Lodi must consider the feasibility of any environmentally superior
alternative to the Project, as finally approved. The City of Lodi must evaluate whether one
or more of these alternatives could avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effects. Because it is a judgment call whether an alternative is
environmentally superior, these Findings contrast and compare all of the alternatives
analyzed in the Final EIR with the Project.
The Final EIR for the Project examined a range of reasonable alternatives to the Project to
determine whether stated Project objectives could be met while avoiding or substantially
lessening one or more of the Project's significant impacts. Following are descriptions of the
alternatives identified and analyzed in the EIR:
Section 15126.6(e)(1) of the CEQA Guidelines provides the following direction relative to
the "No Project" alternative:
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE j
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
Alternative 1: Southern Expansion Alternative
Assume that infill residential and redevelopment are not feasible, and that residential needs
will have to be met outside of existing developed areas. Infill residential along Cherokee
Lane or in the industrial areas could have significant air quality, noise, traffic, and land use
compatibility issues (because of higher intensity adjacent uses and higher traffic roadways),
which could be mitigated by relocating growth to areas south of Harney Road.
Alternative 2: Increased Density Alternative
Reduce the amount of land required for residential development by increasing the minimum
density in unmapped areas designated for residential development (this could be for single
and/or multi -family areas). This could lessen air quality, noise, and other impacts associated
with lower density development.
Alternative 3: Increased Infill Alternative
Identify different sites for infill residential, perhaps on parcels presently designated for
commercial or institutional development. This may reduce some of the impacts listed in
Alternative #1, and not require any additional urban expansion.
Alternative 4: No Project Alternative
Section 15126.6(e)(1) of the Government Code provides the following direction relative to
the "No Project" alternative:
The specific alternative of "no project" shall also be evaluated along with its
impact. The purpose of describing and analyzing a no project alternative is
to allow decision makers to compare the impacts of approving the proposed
Project with the impacts of not approving the proposed Project. The no
project alterative analysis is not the baseline for determining where the
proposed Project's environmental impacts may be significant, unless it is
identical to the existing environmental setting analysis which does establish
that baseline (see Section 15125).
If the Housing Element Update were not adopted, the City would be out of compliance with
State housing law, and residential development would be expected to continue in a manner
consistent with existing Housing Element and General Plan policies. It is expected that infill
development would be less frequent in the No Project alternative, as this form of
development has not occurred much in the city. In addition, the density of infill
development that did occur would likely be lower than with the Project, as specific policies
in the Update encourage development at the higher end of the allowable density range.
Overall population and residential unit growth would be expected to be the same, although
the reductions in infill development would likely force growth to the urban fringes along the
southern and southwestern edges of the city.
Among the five choices (the proposed Project and the four alternatives), Alternative 2:
Increased Density Alternative is the environmentally superior choice. Rankings of each of
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 12
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
the alternatives with respect to environmental superiority are found in Table 4-1 of the Final
EIR. This alternative, as well as Alternative 3: Increased Infill Alternative, are environmentally
superior to the Project and meet all five of the project objectives.
X. STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
As discussed in Section VII of these CEQA findings, the Final EIR concludes that the
proposed Project, even with incorporation of all feasible mitigation measures and
consideration of alternatives, will nonetheless cause significant and unavoidable cumulative
impacts.
The City of Lodi has adopted all feasible mitigation measures with respect to these impacts,
which may have substantially lessened the impacts, but have not been successful in
reducing them below a level of significance.
Under CEQA, before a project which is determined to have significant, unmitigated
environmental effects can be approved, the public agency must consider and adopt a
"statement of overriding considerations" pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15043 and 15093.
As the primary purpose of CEQA is to fully inform the decision makers and the public as to
the environmental effects of a proposed Project and to include feasible mitigation measures
and alternatives to reduce any such adverse effects below a level of significance, CEQA
nonetheless recognizes and authorizes the approval of projects where not all adverse
impacts can be fully lessened or avoided. However, the agency must explain and justify its
conclusion to approve such a project through the statement of overriding considerations,
setting forth the proposed Project's general social, economic, policy or other public benefits
which support the agency's informed conclusion to approve the proposed Project.
The City of Lodi finds that the proposed Project meets the following stated project
objectives - which have substantial social, economic, policy and other public benefits -
justifying its approval and implementation, notwithstanding the fact that not all
environmental impacts were fully reduced below a level of significance:
The proposed Project will achieve the following objectives:
1. Achieves certification by the California Housing and Community Development
Department.
2. Meets Lodi's housing needs through 2008 without enlarging the city's General Plan
boundaries.
3. Adheres to goals and policies of other adopted City plans, including the Downtown
Revitalization Plan.
4. Ensures that the Update is consistent and complementary to existing programs identified
in other General Plan Elements.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 13
CEQA Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
5. Ensures that new housing growth is managed in a responsible manner.
XI. CONCLUSION
The mitigation measures listed in conjunction with each of the findings set forth above, as
implemented through the Mitigation Monitoring Program, have eliminated or reduced, or
will eliminate or reduce to a level of insignificance, all adverse environmental impacts,
except for the significant and unavoidable impacts identified herein.
Taken together, the Final Environmental Impact Report, the mitigation measures, and the
Mitigation Monitoring Program provide an adequate basis for approval of the City of Lodi
Housing Element Update.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CITY OF LODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 14
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-224
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY
COUNCIL ADOPTING THE 2003-09
HOUSING ELEMENT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lodi has heretofore considered the
request for the approval of the 2003-09 Housing Element of the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65300 et seq. specifies cities shall adopt
and periodically update their General Plans; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lodi has conducted surreys and studies in connection
with the updated Housing Element of the General Plan of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after conducting a public hearing and
after consideration of all public comment including comments from the California
Department of Housing and Community Development, recommended that the City
Council adopt the 2003-09 Housing Element; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FOUND, DETERMINED, AND RESOLVED by the
City Council of the City of Lodi as follows:
1. The updated Housing Element conforms to the provision of the Planning and
Zoning Law in the California Government Code Title 7 Division 1 beginning with
Section 6500.
2. The City Council hereby adopts the 2003-09 Housing Element.
Date: October 20, 2004
------------------
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2004-224 was passed and adopted by the
City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held October 20, 2004, by the
following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS -- Beckman, Hitchcock, Howard, Land, and
Mayor Hansen
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2004-224
PROOF OF PUBLICATION
(2015.5 C.C.C.P.)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
County of San Joaquin
I ain a citizen of the United States and a resident
of the County aforesaid: T am over the age of
eighteen years and not a party to or interested
in the above entitled hatter. I am the principal
clerk of the printer° of the Lodi News -Sentinel, a
newspaper of general circulation, printed and
published daily except Sundays and holidays, in
the City of Lodi, California, County of San Joaquin
and which newspaper had been adjudicated a
newspaper of general circulation b. y the Superior
Court, Department 3, of the County of San Joaquin,
State of California, under the date of May 26th,
1953. Case Number 65990; that the notice of which
the annexed is a printed copy (set in type not
smaller than non-areil) has been published in
each regular and entire issue of said newspaper
and not in any supplement thereto on the following
dates to -wit:
October gtb
all in the year 2004.
I certify (or declare) under the penalty of perjury
that the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated at Lodi, California, this 9th day of
October, 2PI. 4
Signature
PROFFUB1.A S
This space is for the County Clerk's Filing Stamp
Proof of Publication of
Notice of Public Hearing
City of Dodi, October 2061, 2004
Environmental Impact Report
7186
Eil
Please immediately confirm receipt
of this fax by calling 333-6702
CITY OF LODI
P.O. BOX 3006
LODI, CALIFORNIA 95241-1910
ADVERTISING INSTRUCTIONS
SUBJE T: SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR OCTOBER 20, 2004 TO CONSIDER PLANNING
COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION TO CERTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT AND APPROVE THE 2003-09 HOUSING ELEMENT
PUBLISH DATE: SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2004
TEAR SHEETS WANTED: Three (3) please
SEND AFFIDAVIT AND BILL TO: SUSAN BLACKSTON, CITY CLERK
City of Lodi
P.O. Box 3006
Lodi, CA 95241-1910
DATED: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2004
ORDERED BY:
JACQUELINE L. TAYLOR, CMC
DEPUTY CITY CLERK
,J 01-1-0
KART J. qf4j DWI C1<
ADMINIRRATIVE CLERK
JENNIFER M. PERRIN, CMC
DEPUTY CITY CLERK
E� erify Appearance of this Legal in the Newspaper --- Copy to File
SEND PROOF OF ADVERTISEMENT THANK YOU!!
Faxed to the Sentinel. at 369-1084 at %(time) on _ 10 17L6 _(date (pages)
LITS -.-_-„_ Phoned to confirm receipt of all pages at '0 o ime) _Ja _Jen (initials)
formsWvins.doc
DECLARATION OF POSTING
COMfPUBLIC HEARING FOR OCTOBER 20, 2004 TO CONSIDER PLANNING
SSION'S RECOMMENDATION TO CERTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT AND APPROVE THE 2003-09 HOUSING ELEMENT
On Friday, October 8, 2004, in the City of Lodi, San Joaquin County, California, a
copy of a Notice of Public Hearing to consider Planning Commission's
recommendation to certify the Environmental Impact Report and approve the 2003-09
Housing Element, (attached hereto, marked Exhibit "A"), was posted at the following
four locations:
Lodi Public Library
Lodi City Clerk's Office
Lodi City Halt Lobby
Lodi Carnegie Forum
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on October 8, 2004, at Lodi, California.
Kari J. adwick
AdmirWrative Clerk
N:Wdnunb ation\CLERKIFORMSIDECPOST3.DOC
ORDERED BY:
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
CITY CLERK
Jacqueline L. Taylor, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
Jennifer M. Perrin, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF LODI
M
Carnegie Forum
345 'West Pine Street, Lodi
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Date: October 20, 2004
Time: 7:09 p.m.
For information regarding this notice please contact:
Susan J. Blackston
City Clerk
Telephone: (209) 333-6702
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at the hour of 7:00 p.m., or as soon
thereafter as the matter may be heard, the City Council will conduct a Public Hearing at the Carnegie Forum,
305 West Pine Street, Lodi, to consider the following matter:.
a) Planning Commission's recommendation to certify the Environmental Impact Report and approve
the 2003-09 Housing Element.
Information regarding this item may be obtained in the office of the Community Development Department,
221 West Pine Street, Lodi, California. All interested persons are invitod to present their views and
comments on this matter. Written statements may be tiled with the City Clerk at any time prior to the hearing
scheduled herein, and oral statements may be made at said hearing.
If you challenge the subject matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone
else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City
Clerk, 221 West Pine Street, at or prior to the Public Hearing.
By Order of the Lodi City Council:
Susan J. Biackston
City Aerk
Date* October 7, 2004
Approved as to form:
D. Stephen Schwabauer
City Atlkimey
N:VAmin rAfMimr CLERIMUSHEAAW071Cr;"OTCDD.DOC 1 OWN
0
DECLARATION OF MAILING
SEI' PUBLIC HEARING FOR OCTOBER 2,0, 2004 TO CONSIDER PLANNING
COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION TO CERTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT AND APPROVE THE 2003-09 HOUSING ELEMENT
On October 7, 2004, in the City of Lodi, San Joaquin County, California, I deposited in the
United States mail, envelopes with first-class postage prepaid thereon, containing a notice
to set public hearing for October 20, 2004 to consider Planning Commission's
recorrtmendation to certify the Environmental Impact Report and approve the 2003-09
Housing Element, marked Exhibit "A"; said envelopes were addressed as is more
particularly shown on Exhibit "B" attached hereto.
There is a regular daily communication by mail between the City of Lodi, California, and the
places to which said envelopes were addressed.
I declore under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on October 7, 2004, at Lodi, California.
ORPORED BY:
JACGRIELINE L. TAYLOR
DEPUtY CITY CLERK
ltiJ
I I J. ADWICK
ADMI)I RATIVE CLERK
Fmns/demail.doc
ORDERED BY:
SUSAN BLACKSTON
CITY CLERK, CITY OF LODI
JENNIFER M. PERRIN
DEPUTY CITY CLERK
LUSO
Attn:'' Marnie Starr
13051. Vire Street
Lodi,CA 95240
Department of Conservation
Attn: Mennis O'Bryant
80 14 Street
Sacraedto,. CA 95814
Annerney
900 '1. Vine Street
Lodi, CA 95242
Bob J"on
1311 Midvale Road
Lodi, to 95240
ACLG
Attn: his. Omelas
42 N. Cutter Street
Stockin, CA 95202
FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
r'
V7,
41-
OF'
*7. CO. Al
fit r
CottonBriclge"sociates
A Division of P&D Consultants
Environmental Impact Report
City of Lodi
Housing Element Update
State Clearinghouse Number 2003102099
FINAL
October 2004
Lead Agency:
City of Lodi
Community Development Department
221 W. Pine Street
Lodi, CA 95240
Attention: Konradt Bartlam, Community Development Director
Prepared by.
cdk 1
Cotton/Bridges/Associates
A avision ofP&D Consultants
Urban Planning and Environmental Consultants
3840 Rosin Court, Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95834-1699
(048178083.0000)
Responses to Comments
Introduction
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Lodi (City), as Lead Agency,
is required to undertake the following after completing the Draft Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) for the Lodi Housing Element:
oo Consult with and obtain comments from public agencies having jurisdiction by law over
aspects of the proposed Housing Element; and,
oo Provide the general public with opportunities to comment on the Draft EIR.
The Lead Agency also is required to respond to significant environmental points raised in the
review and consultation process.
The City of Lodi directed preparation of, and circulation for public review of, a Draft EIR for the
proposed Lodi Housing Element. The public review period commenced on December 22, 2003
and ended on February 19, 2004. Written oomments were received by the City, and oral
comments were received at the Planning Commission hearing on September 29, 2004. All
comments received during the public review period are given responses in this Final EIR.
As set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15132, the Final EIR consists of:
0o The Final EIR, which is the Draft EIR with additions shown in underline and deletions shown
in stF+keeu format;
oo Comments and recommendations received on the Draft EIR, which are included later in this
section;
0o A list of persons, organizations, and public agencies commenting on the Draft EIR; and,
oo The responses of the Lead Agency to significant environmental points raised in the review
and consultation process, which are also included later in this section.
The Final EIR, which is the Draft EIR with changes, is attached to this document. The Draft EIR
and Final EIR are available for review at the following location:
City of Lodi
Community Development Department
221 West Pine Street
Lodi, CA 95240
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT FEIR-1 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Responses to Comments
Minor Administrative Changes
In addition to comments responded to in this section, minor changes to the Draft EIR have been
made pursuant to lead agency direction. The City has determined that these minor changes
clarify and make minor modifications to the EIR and do not alter significance characterizations
made in the Draft EIR, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5. Public comments on the
Draft EIR do not conflict with the administrative changes directed by the City. Changes are
made in the text using strikeout/underline form, identical to changes from comment letters.
No alterations to the Draft EIR were warranted.
Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR
This section of the Final EIR contains comment letters and responses to comments received
during the public review period for the Draft EIR. The EIR was reviewed by the following parties
and the availability of the document for public review was advertised publicly.
oo State Clearinghouse
oo California Department of Conservation
oo California Department of Toxic Substances Control
oo California Department of Fish and Game
oo California Department of Water Resources
oo California Department of Transportation, District 4
oo California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Region
oo California State Water Resources Control Board
oo California Air Resources Board
oo U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
oo U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
oo San Joaquin County
oo San Joaquin Council of Governments
oo San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission
oo Lodi Unified School District
oo San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District
The following persons, public agencies, and organizations submitted comment letters or
provided verb al testimony at the September 29, 2004 Planning Commission public hearing on
the Draft EIR:
0o Ann M. Cerney, 900 West Vine Street, Lodi
A single letter is included at the end of this section, and comments pertaining to physical
environmental impacts of the Housing Element are individually numbered in the right margin.
The responses to each comment (which follow) have corresponding numbers. Where changes
CITYOFLODI FEIR-2 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Responses to Comments
to the EIR were made in response to the comments, they are shown in the attached EIR in
etFokeeu and underline format.
Ann M. Cerney Letter
February 19, 2004
Comment 1-1: The commentor states that the previous Housing Element contained programs
designed to encourage the construction of more affordable housing, but there has not been a
proportionate increase in affordable housing as compared with the growth of the City.
This comment addresses issues in the Housing Element, and does not address potential
environmental impacts evaluated in the Draft EIR.
Comment 1-2: The commentor commends the inclusion of a table in the Housing Element that
outlines financial resources for affordable housing.
This comment addresses issues in the Housing Element, and does not address potential
environmental impacts evaluated in the Draft EIR.
Comment 1-3: The commentor urges the City to take specific actions to attack the problem of
a lack of affordable housing, and to set forth a concerted plan to address the problem. This
comment addresses issues in the Housing Element, and does not address potential
environmental impacts evaluated in the Draft EIR. However, it should be noted that the Housing
Element contains programs designed to encourage the production of more affordable housing.
The City acknowledges that implementation is a key to success of these programs.
Ann M. Cerney Verbal Comments
September 29, 2004 Planning Commission
Ms. Cerney made comments on the Draft Housing pertaining to circulation of the Draft, the
public participation process, and second dwelling units.
These comments address issues in the Housing Element, and do not address potential
environmental impacts evaluated in the Draft EIR. No response required.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT FEIR-3 CfIY OFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Responses to Comments
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CITYOFLODI FEIR-4 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAIL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY....................................................................................ES-1
1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................... 1-1
Purposeof the Draft EIR............................................................................................1-1
Scopeand Methodology.............................................................................................1-2
Previous and Concurrent Environmental Analysis.....................................................1-4
RequiredActions........................................................................................................1-4
2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION................................................................... 2-1
ProjectLocation..........................................................................................................2-1
ProjectObjectives.......................................................................................................2-1
Project Characteristics................................................................................................2-1
Description of Proposed Project.................................................................................2-5
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSES............................................................ 3-1
Organizationof EIR....................................................................................................3-1
Scopeand Methodology.............................................................................................3-2
3.1
Air Quality....................................................................................................3.1-1
3.2
Biological Resources...................................................................................3.2-1
3.3
Cultural and Historic Resources..................................................................3.3-1
3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources......................................................3.4-1
3.5
Health and Safety........................................................................................3.5-1
3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality......................................................................3.6-1
3.7
Land Use Planning, Agricultural and Visual Resources
.............................3.7-1
3.8
Noise............................................................................................................3.8-1
3.9
Population and Housing..............................................................................3.9-1
3.10
Public Facilities and Services....................................................................3.10-1
3.11
Transportation............................................................................................3.11-1
4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES................................................................... 4-1
Statutory Requirements..............................................................................................4-1
ProjectObjectives.......................................................................................................4-1
Identification of Project Alternatives...........................................................................4-2
Comparison of Environmental Impacts......................................................................4-3
Comparative Environmental Superiority...................................................................4-11
5.0 CUMULATIVE AND LONG-TERM IMPACTS ......................................... 5-1
Cumulative and Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes..............................5-1
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT TOC -1 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Table of Contents
GrowthInducing Impacts............................................................................................5-2
CumulativeImpacts....................................................................................................5-2
CITYOFLODI TOC -2 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Table of Contents
6.0 REFERENCES.....................................................................................6-1
7.0 PERSONS AND AGENCIES CONTACTED ............................................. 7-1
8.0 PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARATION OF EIR............................ 8-1
Appendices
Appendix A: Notice of Preparation and Responses
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT TOC -3 CITYOFLODI
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Table of Contents
List of Tables
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ES -1 Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ..................ES -7
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSES
3.1 Air Quality
3.1-1
Attainment Status, Lodi Portion of SJVAB.....................................3.1-2
3.1-2
Air Pollution Standards, Sources, and Effects................................3.1-3
3.1-3
Ozone Measurements (in parts per million) Hazelton Street
Station..............................................................................................3.1-5
3.1-4
Ozone Measurements (in parts per million) Elk Grove- Brucevi Ile
Road Monitoring Station..................................................................3.1-6
Stockton -Wagner -Holt School Station.............................................3.1-6
3.1-5
PM,o Statistics (in Micrograms per cubic meter)
Stockton -Wagner -Holt School Station.............................................3.1-7
3.1-6
PM,o Statistics (in Micrograms per cubic meter)
Hazelton Street Station....................................................................3.1-7
3.1-7
SJVUAPCD Thresholds of Significance........................................3.1-14
3.8 Noise
3.8-1 April 2003 Estimated Distance to 60 and 65 CNEL Noise Contour3.8-3
3.8-2 Federal Land Use Compatibility Standards....................................3.8-7
3.8-3 Maximum Outdoor Ambient Noise Levels by Land Use.................3.8-8
3.8-4 Construction Equipment Noise......................................................3.8-11
3.10 Public Facilities and Services
3.10-1 Student Generation Rates for New Development .........................3.10-4
3.11 Transportation
3.11-1 Transit Routes................................................................................3.11-2
3.11-2 Roadway Volumes and General Plan Capacity............................3.11-5
4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
4-1 Comparison of Project with Alternatives......................................................4-11
5.0 CUMULATIVE AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS
5-1 Cumulative Impacts of Housing Element Implementation.............................5-3
CITYOFLODI TOC -4 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Table of Contents
List of Figures
Page
2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION
2-1
Regional Location...........................................................................................2-3
2-2
Lodi City Limits................................................................................................2-4
3.7-3
2-3
Lodi Vacant Lands........................................................................................2-10
2-4
Multi -Family Vacant Lands...........................................................................2-11
2-5
Areas with Reuse/Infill Potential
...................................................................2-12
2-6
Eastside Residential Properties
...................................................................2-22
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSES
3.1 Air Quality
3.1-1 Average Ozone Levels at the Hazelton Street Monitoring
Station, 1992-2001..........................................................................3.1-5
3.1-2 Ozone Precursor Trends in San Joaquin Valley Air Basin .............3.1-6
3.6 Hydrology and Water Quality
3.6-1 Flood Hazard Areas.........................................................................3.6-4
3.7 Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
3.7-1
Agricultural Land in Western Lodi Sphere of Influence Area.......... 3.7-2
3.7-2
Agricultural Land in Southern Lodi Sphere of Influence Area.........
3.7-3
3.7-3
Williamson Act Properties near Lodi, 2002 .....................................3.7-9
3.8 Noise
3.8-1
Roadway Noise Levels (1990)........................................................3.8-2
3.10 Public Facilities and Services
3.10-1
Existing and Proposed Well Sites .................................................3.10-2
3.11 Transportation
3.11-1
2007 Roadway Network................................................................3.11-3
3.11-2
Existing Daily Traffic Volumes .......................................................3.11-6
CITYOFLODI TOC -6 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pursuant with State law, the City of Lodi (City) is updating the Housing Element of its General
Plan. State law (Government Code Sections 65580 through 65589) mandates the contents of
the Housing Element, which, at the most basic level include:
oo An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to
meeting those needs;
oo A statement of the community's goals, quantified objectives, and policies relevant to the
maintenance, improvement, and development of housing; and
oo A program that sets forth a five-year schedule of actions that the local government is
undertaking, or intends to undertake, to implement the policies and to achieve the goals and
objectives of the Housing Element.
The housing program must also identify adequate residential sites available for a variety of
housing types for all income levels; assist in developing adequate housing to meet the needs of
low- and moderate -income households; address governmental constraints to housing
maintenance, improvement, and development; conserve and improve the condition of the
existing affordable housing stock; and promote housing opportunities for all persons.
This Environmental Impact Report (EIR) addresses the potential adverse physical
environmental impacts of the Goals, Policies, and Programs included in the Housing Element
Update, and where necessary, provides feasible mitigation measures to reduce those impacts.
Project Location
Lodi is located in the northern San Joaquin Valley, along the Mokelumne River and between
State Route 99 and Interstate 5. The city is approximately 10 square miles in area, with a
Sphere of Influence extending beyond the jurisdictional borders, as shown in Figure 1-1. The
city is surrounded by agricultural land.
Project Objectives
The Lodi Housing Element is part of the City's General Plan, a comprehensive policy statement
regarding the physical, economic, and social development of the City; the preservation and
conservation of natural and human features of the landscape, and the redevelopment and re-
use of land and buildings within the City. The Housing Element represents a critical link
between land use and transportation policies, which define the location, layout, and movement
of people and goods, and environmental/resource policies. Although housing represents a high
priority, planning for housing must be balanced with the community's economic needs and
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ES -1 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Executive Summary
environmental, resource, and open space protection policies, which are also essential aspects
of the City's General Plan.
There are several goals for the Housing Element Update process, as summarized below:
1. Achieve certification by the California Housing and Community Development Department.
2. Meet Lodi's housing needs through 2008 without enlarging the city's General Plan
boundaries.
3. Adhere to goals and policies of other adopted City plans, including the Downtown
Revitalization Plan.
4. Ensure that the Update is consistent and complementary to existing programs identified in
other General Plan Elements.
5. Ensure that new housing growth is managed in a responsible manner.
Project Characteristics
The Project consists of the following principal components:
Goals
The Goals of the Housing Element present a general statement of intent, or purpose, for both
the Policies and the Programs identified in the Element. Goals represent the most general of
the City's visions for the Housing Element, and were developed in close consultation with
members of the community and appropriate service providers through workshops and public
review and comment. Due to their general nature, changes to Housing Element Goals do not
lend themselves to environmental analysis, though they do indicate the intent of the City in
implementing Policy and Program changes, the impacts of which will be analyzed.
Policies
Policies are specific methods of implementing the Goals. The most important Policies for this
EIR are those that would accommodate or require activities that would have physical
environmental consequences.
Programs
Programs specify the methods and timelines for implementing Housing Element Goals and
Policies. Typically, programs identify the specific department or division of the City charged with
their implementation. Programs are directly tied to Housing Element Policies and designed to
achieve the Goals through the management of land use and development, regulatory
concessions or restrictions, and utilization of appropriate financing and subsidy programs.
CITYOFLODI ES -2 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Executive Summary
Quantified Objectives
Quantified objectives are useful in implementing the Housing Element, tracking its
implementation through annual Housing Element and General Plan reporting and assessment,
and can be helpful in identifying the level of environmental impact of the Housing Element's
Policies and Programs. While some Policies and Programs would be too general to precisely
define likely environmental impacts, attaching quantified objectives allows a more precise
assessment, and a more sophisticated form of environmental analysis.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
The City has directed the preparation of this EIR to analyze the potentially significant
environmental impacts associated with the implementation of the updated Housing Element,
and to identify mitigation measures capable of avoiding or substantially reducing the impacts. A
summary of the potentially significant environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and level of
impact remaining after mitigation is presented in Table E-1, Summary of Environmental Impacts
and Mitigation Measures, which is located at the end of this Executive Summary.
The analysis contained in this EIR uses the words "significant" and "less than significant" in the
discussion of impact. These words specifically define the degree of impact and coincide with
language used in the CEQA Guidelines. As required by CEQA, mitigation measures have been
included in this EIR to avoid or substantially reduce the level of impact. When certain impacts,
even with the inclusion of mitigation measures cannot be reduced to a level below significance,
they are identified as "significant and unavoidable impacts."
Significant and Unavoidable Impacts
CEQA defines a significant impact on the environment as "a substantial, or potentially
substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within an area affected by the
project including land, air, water, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic
significance." In order to approve a project with an unavoidable significant impact, the lead
agency (in this case, the City) must adopt a statement of overriding considerations (SOC). In
adopting such a statement, the lead agency finds that it has reviewed the EIR, has balanced the
benefits of the project against its unavoidable significant effects, and has concluded that the
benefits of the project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects, and thus, the
adverse environmental effects may be considered "acceptable" [CEQA Guidelines, Section
15093(a)].
The EIR identifies the following areas of significant impact which cannot be avoided by feasible
mitigation measures implemented by the City:
oo Exposure to, or creation of, carbon monoxide hotspots
oo Consistency with land use policy, zoning, Williamson Act, conversion of agricultural land
oo Adverse effect on scenic resources
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ES -3 CITYOFLODI
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Executive Summary
oo Adverse effect on roadway and intersection level of service
oo Adverse impact to air quality attainment efforts
oo Conversion of prime agricultural lands
oo Loss of scenic resources
oo Cumulative noise increase
oo Adverse effect on intersection and roadway segment level of service
oo Construction noise and vibration
oo Exposure to existing sources of noise
oo Traffic noise impact on surrounding land uses
oo Increase in noise above ambient level
Potentially Significant Impacts that Can Be Mitigated
This EIR identifies the following areas of potentially significant impacts that can be mitigated to
less -than -significant levels through the incorporation of mitigation measures identified in this
EIR:
oo Impact on known and undiscovered cultural resources
oo Short-term construction related emissions
oo Exposure to, or creation of, toxic emissions
oo Safety issues associated with potentially hazardous sites
oo Potential impact on water quality
Less than Significant Impacts
The analysis documented in this EIR concluded that the following project impacts will be less
than significant or not significant because: (1) mitigating features are incorporated into the
Project; (2) existing standard regulations that apply to Project development will mitigate the
impact; (3) the level of impact will not exceed the identified thresholds of significance; (4) the
impacts of the Project will be beneficial; or, (5) the impacts were fully addressed in previously
certified environmental documents:
oo Long-term operational emissions
oo Consistency with air quality management plans
oo Potential impact on sensitive biological habitats
oo Impact on jurisdictional wetlands
oo Potential for seismic effects
oo Increased erosion potential
oo Interference with potential mineral extraction
oo Effects on public safety
oo Exposure to flood hazards
oo Increased runoff effects
oo Creation of light spillage and glare
oo Potential for growth inducement
oo Potential fragmentation of development pattern
CIT(OFLODI
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Executive Summary
oo Result in the need for expanded or new public facilities
oo Effect on police and fire services and schools
oo Demand for transit service
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ES -5 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Executive Summary
Alternatives to the Project
This EIR analyzes alternatives, including the "No Project" alternative required by CEQA. The
analysis includes consideration of four alternatives, including the Increased Density Alternative,
which is the most environmentally superior of the alternatives.
Alternatives Analyzed
oc Alternative 1 : Southern Expansion Alternative
Assumes that infill residential and redevelopment are not feasible, and that residential needs
will have to be met outside of existing developed areas. Infill residential along Cherokee
Lane or in the industrial areas could have significant air quality, noise, traffic, and land use
compatibility issues (because of higher intensity adjacent uses and higher traffic roadways),
which could be mitigated by relocating growth to areas south of Harney Road.
oo Alternative 2: Increased Density Alternative
Reduces the amount of land required for residential development by increasing the
minimum density in unmapped areas designated for residential development (this could be
for single and/or multi -family areas). This could lessen air quality, noise, and other impacts
associated with lower density development.
oo Alternative 3: Increased Infill Alternative
Identify different sites for infill residential, perhaps on parcels presently designated for
commercial or institutional development. This may reduce some of the impacts listed in
Alternative #1, and not require any additional urban expansion.
0o Alternative 4: No Project Alternative
If the Housing Element Update were not adopted, residential development would be
expected to continue in a manner consistent with existing Housing Element and General
Plan policies. It is expected that infill development would be less frequent in the No Project
alternative, as this form of development has not occurred much in the city. In addition, the
density of infill development that did occur would likely be lower than with the Project, as
specific policies in the Update encourage development at the higher end of the allowable
density range. Overall population and residential unit growth would be expected to be the
same, although the reductions in infill development would likely force growth to the urban
fringes along the southern and southwestern edges of the city.
CIT(OFLODI
ES -6 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Executive Summary
Notice of Preparation and Responses
Through the Notice of Preparation (NOP) process, several environmental issues were raised,
which are addressed in the EIR. Responses to the NOP are included in Appendix A along with
the NOP form.
Mitigation Monitoring Program
In accordance with Section 21081.6 of CEQA, a mitigation monitoring program will be prepared
for the proposed Project for adoption by the City prior to certification of the Final EIR. The
mitigation monitoring program will be designed to ensure compliance with adopted mitigation
measures contained in the Final EIR.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ES -7 CITYOFLODI
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Executive Summary
Table ES -1
Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
TOPIC/IMPACT
IMPACT
MITIGATION
RESIDUAL
SIGNIFICANCE
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
MEASURE
SIGNIFICANCE
Air Quality
Si o rt -Te rm
Impact AQ -1
Construction Related
Pote ntia I ly
significant
MM AQ -1
Lessthan significant
Em issio ns
Exposure to, or
Potentially
Impact AQ -2
Creation of, Toxic
significant
MM AQ -2
Lessthan significant
Em issio ns
Impact AQ -3
Long -Term
Less than
None required
Less than significant
Operational Emissions
significant
Exposure to, or
Potentially
Significant and
Impact AQ -4
Creation of, Carbon
significant
None available
unavoidable
Monoxide Hotspots
Consistency with Air
Lessthan
Impact AQ -5
Quality Management
None required
Less than significant
Plans
significant
Biological Resources
Potential Impact on
Less than
Impact BIO -1
Sensitive Biological
None required
Less than significant
Ha b ita is
significant
Impact on
Less than
Impact BIO -2
Jurisdictional
significant
None required
Less than significant
Wetlands
Cultural and Historic Resources
Impact on Known
Potentially
MM-C/HR-1
Impact C/HR1
and Undiscovered
significant
Lessthan significant
Cultural Resources
MM-C/HR-2
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Impact GED -1
Potential for Seismic
Less than
None required
Less than significant
Effects
significant
Impact GED -2
Increased Erosion
Lessthan
None required
Lessthan significant
Potential
significant
Impact GEO-3
Interference with
Less than
[None required
Less than significant
CIT(OFLODI
ES -8 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Executive Summary
Table ES -1
Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
TOPIC/IMPACT
IMPACT
MITIGATION
RESIDUAL
SIGNIFICANCE
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
MEASURE
SIGNIFICANCE
Potential Mineral
significant
Extraction
Health and Safety
Impact HS -1
Effectson Public
Less than
None required
Less than significant
Safety
significant
Safety Issues
Impact HS2
p
Associated with
Potentially
MM -HS -1
Less than significant
Potentially Hazardous
significant
Sites
Hydrology and Water Quality
Impact HYDRO-
Potential Impact on
Potentially
1
Water Quality
significant
MM -HYDRO -1
Impact HYDRO-
Exposure to Flood
Less than
None required
Less than significant
2
Haza rd s
significant
Impact HYDRO-
Increased Runoff
Less than
None required
Less than significant
3
Effects
significant
Land Use Planning, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Consistency with
Land Use Policy,
Potentially
Significant and
Impact LU -1
Zoning, Williamson
None available
Act, Conversion of
significant
unavoidable
Agricultural Land
Impact LU -2
Adverse Effect on
Potentially
None available
Significant and
Scenic Resources
significant
g
unavoidable
Impact LU -3
Creation of Light
Less than
None required
Le ss than significant
Spillage and Glare
significant
Noise
Impact N-1
Construction Noise
Potentially
None available
Significant and
and Vibration
significant
unavoidable
Impact N-2
Exposure to Existing
Potentially
None available
Significant and
Sourcesof Noise
significant
unavoidable
Impact N-3
Traffic Noise Impact
Potentially
None available
Significant and
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ES -9 CITYOFLODI
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Executive Summary
Table ES -1
Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
TOPIC/IMPACT
IMPACT
MITIGATION
RESIDUAL
SIGNIFICANCE
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
MEASURE
SIGNIFICANCE
on Surrounding Land
significant
unavoidable
Uses
Increase in Noise
Potentially
Significant and
Impact N-4
above Ambient Level
significant
None available
unavoidable
Population and Housing
Impact PH -1
Potential for Growth
Less than
None required
Less than significant
Inducement
significant
Potential
Impact PH -2
Fragmentation of
No impact
None required
No impact
Development Pattern
Public Facilities and Services
Result in the Need for
Impact PFS -1
Expanded or New
Less than
None required
Less than significant
Public Facilities
significant
Effect on Police and
Impact PFS -2
Fre Servicesand
Less than
None required
Lessthan significant
Schools
significant
Transportation
Adverse Effect on
Impact TC -1
Roadway and
Potentially
None available
Significant and
Intersection Level of
significant
unavoidable
Service
Impact IC -2
Demand for Transit
Less than
None required
Le ss than significant
Service
sig nifica nt
Cumulative and Long -Term Impacts
Carbon monoxide
Potentially
None available
Significant and
Cumulative:
hot spots
significant
unavoidable
Air Quality
Impact
Adverse impact to air
Potentially
Significant and
quality attainment
None available
effo its
significant
unavoidable
Cumulative:
Conversion of prime
Potentially
Significant and
Land Use
agricultural lands
significant
None available
unavoidable
CIT(OFLODI
ES -1 0 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Executive Summary
Table ES -1
Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
TOPIC/IMPACT
IMPACT
MITIGATION
RESIDUAL
SIGNIFICANCE
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
MEASURE
SIGNIFICANCE
Planning,
Ag ric u ltu ra I
Resources, and
Lossof scenic
Potentially
Significant and
Visual
resources
significant
g
None available
unavoidable
Resources
Impact
Cumulative:
Cumulative noise
Potentially
Significant and
Noise Impact
increase
significant
g
None available
unavoidable
Cumulative:
Adverse effect on
Transportation
intersection and
Potentially
None available
Significant and
roadway segment
significant
unavoidable
Impact
level of service
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ES -11 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 1.0
Introduction
1.0 Introduction
Purpose of the Draft EIR
This Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been prepared by the City of Lodi (City), in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines. As
provided in Section 15121(a) of the Guidelines, this Draft EIR is intended to serve as an
informational document that will:
...inform public agency decision makers and the public generally of the significant
environmental effects of a project, identify possible ways to minimize the significant
effects, and describe reasonable alternatives to the project...
Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines defines a "project" as the whole of an action, which may
be subject to several discretionary approvals, and which has the potential to result in an adverse
physical change in the environment, directly or indirectly. The Project analyzed in this Draft EIR
is described in full in Section 2 of this document.
Prior to approving the proposed Project, findings must be made pursuant to Section 15091 of
the CEQA Guidelines. This section mandates that one or more of the following findings must be
made for each significant environmental effect identified through the Draft EIR process:
oo Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which
avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the
final EIR.
oo Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction 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.
oo Specific economic, social, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation
measures or project alternatives identified in the EIR.
In addition, Section 15093 of the Guidelines requires that the decision makers balance the
benefits of a proposed project against any unavoidable environmental effects which would result
from the implementation of the project. If the benefits of the project outweigh the unavoidable
adverse effects, then the environmental effects may be considered acceptable and a statement
of overriding considerations (SOC) adopted.
The Guidelines stipulate that EIRs should be prepared as early as feasible in the planning
process to enable environmental considerations to influence project design (Section 15004) and
that, to the extent possible, the EIR process should be combined with the existing planning,
review, and project approval process used by each public agency (Section 15080).
Consequently, this Draft EIR is to be completed prior to formal consideration by the City of the
Housing Element update to ensure an opportunity to develop measures which would minimize
the potential adverse environmental effects associated with the Project.
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 1-1 CrFYOFLODI
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Section 1.0
Introduction
In accordance with State law, the EIR is subject to a public review and comment period,
beginning with the circulation of the document to all responsible, trustee, and other interested
State, federal, and local agencies. Availability of the EIR and the specified review period is
publicly noticed in the manner prescribed by law to afford general knowledge of the review
process and access to the environmental document. Written comments on environmental
aspects of a project are submitted to the lead agency during this review period, which allows the
public and interested agencies the opportunity to participate in the environmental review
process.
Following the review period, any comment received will be evaluated, and a written response is
prepared. These comments and responses are incorporated into the Final EIR, along with a list
of all persons, organizations, and agencies commenting on the Draft EIR. The City may then
certify that the EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA and that the information
contained in the EIR has been reviewed and considered prior to making a decision on the
Project. Along with CEQA findings, if mitigation measures are included in the EIR, the lead
agency adopts a mitigation monitoring and reporting program. This program is required by law
to ensure that mitigation measures determined to be necessary and feasible by the lead agency
are implemented. Adoption of a mitigation monitoring and reporting program is independent of
the EIR certification process.
Scope and Methodology
City staff determined that implementation of the Housing Element update could have a
significant effect on the environment, thus, requiring an EIR. The following are the
environmental topic areas that receive full analysis in this EIR:
oo Air quality
oo Biological resources
oo Cultural and historic resources
oo Geology, soils, and mineral resources
oo Health and safety
oo Hydrology and water quality
oo Land use planning, agricultural and visual resources
oo Noise
oo Population and housing
oo Public facilities and services
oc Transportation
This document is a Program EIR prepared pursuant to the provisions of Section 15168 of the
CEQA Guidelines. A Program EIR is an EIR prepared on a series of actions such as those that
may be anticipated as a result of the update of the Housing Element.
A Program EIR allows later activities, for example, a subsequent project, to be approved
provided that the effects of such project were examined in the Program EIR, and no new effect
could occur or no new mitigation measure would be required upon implementation of such
subsequent project. At the time of proposed construction of each Housing Element related
CRY FLODI 1-2 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 1.0
Introduction
activity, the City will review each individual project to determine whether the Program EIR fully
addressed potential impacts and identified appropriate mitigation measures of the project. If so,
no further CEQA environmental review would be required.
On October 20, 2003, a Notice of Preparation (NOP) with a Project Description was filed with
the State Clearinghouse and distributed to various Responsible and Trustee agencies. A copy
of the Notice of Preparation (NOP) is contained in the Appendix A of this document. Written
responses to the NOP are also contained in Appendix q as is the list of Responsible and
Trustee agencies to which these documents were sent.
This EIR analyzes the potential effects of the Housing Element, including Project components
such as:
x Updated Housing Element Goals, Policies, and Programs;
oo General Plan land use designation changes and rezoning, if any, required by the Housing
Element;
oo Increases in density or intensity of use accommodated or facilitated by the Housing Element
and,
oo Reasonably foreseeable changes in level, character, and location of development resulting
from any alteration to the City's growth management ordinance.
The Draft EIR addresses the reasonably foreseeable effects of the Housing Element, as well as
the cumulative and growth -inducing effects implementation of the Housing Element may have
upon the local and regional environment.
Following is a summary description of the environmental topics addressed in this Draft EIR,
based on the requirements of CEQA and comments received in response to the NOP.
Air Quality. This section addresses the incremental and cumulative effect the Project will have
on the air quality of the Project vicinity, San Joaquin County, and the San Joaquin Valley Air
Basin.
Biological Resources. This section addresses the impacts on the diversity and number of
plant and animal species that may be present in the city, threatened and endangered plants and
wildlife, new species introduction, jurisdictional wetlands, and habitat deterioration.
Cultural and Historic Resources. This section addresses the impacts of the Housing Element
on recognized known and unknown cultural resources, including paleontological and historic
resources.
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources. This section addresses impacts associated with site
development, including changes in topography, soil erosion, geologic and seismic hazards, and
loss of significant mineral resources.
Health and Safety. This section addresses impacts associated with potential contamination
and release of hazardous substances, and Project impacts on risk to public safety.
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Section 1.0
Introduction
Hydrology and Water Quality. This section addresses Project impacts related to changes to
the hydrological structure, alteration of drainage patterns, depletion of groundwater supplies,
degradation of water quality or substantial increase in stormwater quantity, and exposure to
flood hazard.
Land Use Planning, Agricultural and Visual Resources. This section addresses
inconsistencies with land use planning and other City policies designed to reduce environmental
impacts. Also included is an assessment of the Housing Element's impact to neighborhood
continuity and character, as well as disclosure of impacts to scenic views and important
agricultural resources.
Noise. This section addresses noise generated by activities encouraged, required, or
accommodated by the Housing Element.
Population and Housing. This section examines Housing Element impacts resulting from
population growth, displacement of people or housing, conflict with housing or population
policies, and changes to the city's jobs -to -housing relationship.
Public Facilities and Services. This section addresses demands on public services and
facilities imposed by implementation of the Housing Element, including impacts to water service,
sewer service, police service, fire protection, public schools, parks and recreation, and sDlid
waste.
Transportation. Addresses direct and cumulative effects of the Housing Element on the
roadway system, vehicular circulation, parking, transit, and pedestrian circulation.
Alternatives. This section provides an analysis of viable alternatives to the proposed Housing
Element, as prescribed in Section 15126.6(a) of the CEQA Guidelines and recent case law.
Cumulative and Long -Term Impacts. Provides an analysis of potential irreversible changes
that would occur as a result of the Project, as required by Section 15126(c) of the CEQA
Guidelines.
Previous and Concurrent Environmental Analysis
Existing environmental analysis of the impacts of the City's General Plan and Redevelopment
Plan provide background and mitigation measures useful to examination of the impacts of the
Housing Element. An EIR for the Lodi General Plan was completed in 1991 and a 2002 EIR
addressed the impacts of adoption and implementation of the Lodi Redevelopment Plan by the
Lodi Redevelopment Agency. Other environmental documents prepared recently addressing
projects in Lodi are referenced where they apply to specific aspects of the Project.
Required Actions
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Introduction
As defined by CEQA, the City of Lodi is the Lead Agency for this Project. The Lodi City Council
is responsible for the environmental determination and final action on the Project.
Initially, City action on this EIR will be necessary to adopt the Housing Element. Subsequent to
City action, other agencies may consider actions, permits, and approvals that may be necessary
prior to development and implementation of future projects associated with the updated Housing
Element. This Draft EIR may be used for evaluation of such subsequent actions. Projects
implemented under the Housing Element may not be addressed in this EIR at a level of detail to
avoid additional project -level consideration of impacts under CEQA. However, this EIR is
structured to assess environmental impacts in as much detail for as many aspects of Housing
Element implementation as possible. The City and other lead agencies with projects in Lodi will
make a determination as to whether further CEQA analysis is required when future housing
projects or other related projects are proposed.
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2.0 Project Information
Project Location
Lodi is located in the northern San Joaquin Valley, along the Mokelumne River and between
State Route 99 and Interstate 5. The city is approximately 10 square miles in area, with a
Sphere of Influence that extends beyond the jurisdictional borders (Figures 2-1 and 2-2). The
Project area includes the entire city limits and areas in the City's Sphere of Influence.
Project Objectives
There are several goals for the Housing Element Update process, as summarized below:
1. Achieve certification by the California Housing and Community Development Department.
2. Meet Lodi's housing needs through 2008 without enlarging the city's General Plan
boundaries.
3. Adhere to goals and policies of other adopted City plans, including the Downtown
Revitalization Plan.
4. Ensure that the Update is consistent and complementary to existing programs identified in
other General Plan Elements.
5. Ensure that new housing growth is managed in a responsible manner.
Project Characteristics
The Project analyzed in this Program EIR is the Draft 2003-2008 Housing Element of the Lodi
General Plan, which is an update of the Housing Element that was adopted in 1991. The Draft
2003-2008 Housing Element Update is hereby incorporated by reference in this Project
description and consists of the principal components described below.
Goals
The Goals of the Housing Element present a general statement of intent, or purpose, for both
the Policies and the Programs identified in the Element. Goals represent the most general of
the City's visions for the Housing Element, and were developed in close consultation with
members of the community and appropriate service providers through workshops and public
review and comment. Due to their general nature, changes to Housing Element Goals do not
lend themselves to environmental analysis, though they do indicate the intent of the City in
implementing Policy and Program changes, the impacts of which will be analyzed.
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Policies
Policies are specific methods of implementing the Goals. The most important Policies for this
EIR are those that would accommodate or require activities that would have physical
environmental consequences.
Programs
Programs specify the methods and timelines for implementing Housing Element Goals and
Policies. Typically, programs identify the specific department or division of the City charged with
their implementation. Programs are directly tied to Housing Element Policies and designed to
achieve the Goals through the management of land use and development, regulatory
concessions or restrictions, and utilization of appropriate financing and subsidy programs.
Quantified Objectives
Quantified objectives are useful in implementing the Housing Element, tracking its
implementation through annual Housing Element and General Plan reporting and assessment,
and can be helpful in identifying the level of environmental impact of the Housing Element's
Policies and Programs. While some Policies and Programs would be too general to precisely
define likely environmental impacts, attaching quantified objectives allows a more precise
assessment, and a more sophisticated form of environmental analysis.
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Figure 2-1
Regional Location
Source: Cotton/ Bidges Associates, 2003
City Boundary
H4 -mi
M"�
0 .5 , 2 Fbgional Location and Vicinity Map
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Figure 2-2
Lodi City Limits
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Description of Proposed Project
Due to the unique nature of the Housing Element, particularly the fact that many of the
components of the Element involve programs whose operation are not expected to result in
potential environmental effects, the approach to the environmental analysis requires particular
attention.
This section identifies those components of the Housing Element Update that have been
determined to have potentially significant environmental effects. As previously noted, while the
Housing Element Update in its entirety is the Project, for the purpose of environmental analysis
the components described in this section — extracted from Section IV Strategy, Subsection B
(Goals and Policies), and Section C (Implementation Programs) - constitute the Project that is
the subject of this Program EIR. These changes are the basis for the environmental analysis
contained in Sections 3.0 through 3.12 of this Program EIR.
The numbers assigned to Housing Element Goals and Policies are as described in the Housing
Element Update.
Goals and Policies
GOAL A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use
of land.
Policies
1. The City shall promote the development of a broad mix of housing types through the
following mix of residential land uses: 65 percent low density, 10 percent medium density,
and 25 percent high density.
2. The City shall regulate the number of housing units approved each year to maintain a
population -based annual residential growth rate of 2.0 percent, consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force and the growth management ordinance.
3. The City shall continue to exempt senior citizen housing projects from the growth
management ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance.
5. The City shall maintain and regularly update its land use database to monitor vacant
residential land supply.
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6. The City shall pursue available and appropriate state and federal funding programs and
collaborate with nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing.
7. The City shall promote the expeditious processing and approval of residential projects that
conform to General Plan policies and City regulatory requirements.
8. The City shall seek to reduce the cost impact of its policies, regulations, and permit
procedures on the production of housing, while assuring the attainment of other City
objectives.
9. The City shall grant density bonuses of at least 25 percent and/or other incentives in
compliance with state law for projects that contain a minimum specified percentage of very
low-income, low-income, qualifying senior housing units or units designed to facilitate
individuals with physical challenges.
10. The City shall seek to intersperse very low- and low-income housing units within new
residential developments and shall ensure that such housing is visually indistinguishable
from market -rate units.
11. The City shall continue to allow and encourage the development of a variety of housing and
shelter alternatives, both renter and owner, to meet the diverse needs of the City's
population.
12. The City shall promote the development of senior and other special needs housing near,
and/or with convenient public transportation access to, neighborhood centers, governmental
services, and commercial service centers.
13. The City shall encourage infill residential development and higher residential densities within
the existing City limits near transit stops, and compact development patterns in annexation
areas to reduce public facility and service costs, avoid the premature conversion of natural
resource and agricultural lands, and reduce the number of trips from private vehicles.
Program 1: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The City shall revise Title 17 of the Lodi Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) to reduce barriers
to, and provide incentives for, the construction and conservation of a variety of housing types.
Revisions to Title 17 will include the following:
a. The addition of a chapter that provides for density bonuses and other incentives for projects
that include ten percent very low-income housing, 20 percent low-income housing, 50
percent qualifying senior housing, or 20 percent moderate -income hosing in condominium
conversion projects, in compliance with Sections 65915 — 65918 of the California
Government Code. The City shall work with the San Joaquin County Housing Authority in
developing procedures and guidelines for establishing income eligibility for the "reserved"
units and for maintaining the "reserved" units as affordable units for at least 30 years. The
City shall seek Housing Authority administration of the reserved units. The City shall
establish a program to publicize the availability of the density bonus program through the
City's website, program information at the Community Development Department public
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counter, and pre -development meetings with housing providers (such as the housing unit
allocation stage). The City shall encourage prospective housing developers to use the
density bonus program at pre -development meetings. In conjunction with density bonuses,
the City will offer one or more regulatory incentives, as needed and appropriate, such as:
00 Reduced parking for projects oriented to special needs groups and/or located close to
public transportation and commercial services;
Expedited permit processing; or
00 Deferral of fees for an appropriate time period to allow for the project to begin generating
income.
b. Conformance with California Government Code sections 65852.3 and 65852.7, which
require that manufactured homes in single-family zones on permanent foundations be
permitted under the same standards as site -built homes (with limited exceptions) and that
mobilehome parks be permitted in any residential zone (although the City may require a use
permit).
c. Addition of standards for emergency shelters and transitional housing to clearly identify
appropriate zoning districts and locations for such facilities and to make these sites readily
accessible. Until the adoption of such revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, the City will
continue to allow by right the development of such facilities in areas zoned C -M or C-2.
d. Addition of a definition of farmworker housing that does not conflict with state law definitions
for employees housing (beginning with California Government Section 17000) and
specification of the zoning districts and standards under which such housing will be
permitted.
e. Clarification of standards for permitting residential care facilities (such as group homes). The
City will specify that all such facilities with six or fewer residents are permitted in residential
zoning districts. The City will also designated zoning districts in which facilities of seven or
more persons will be permitted through a use permit and standards for such facilities.
f. Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two spaces
per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due to the
characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or low-income
single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public transit route or in
the downtown area).
g. Revision of standards for second dwelling units to allow the conversion of accessory
buildings to second units subject to compliance with all other zoning and parking standards,
an appropriate minimum lot size for detached second units, and architectural compatibility
with the main dwelling unit. The City will permit second dwelling units through an
administrative permit process in compliance with state law (California Government Code
section 65852.2).
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h. Elimination of single-family homes as permitted uses in the RGA, R MD, R -HD, and R C -P
zones, except on parcels constrained by lot size, environmental, or other factors that would
make the construction of multifamily housing infeasible.
Reduction in the number of non-residential uses permitted in multifamily residential zones to
public and quasi -public uses and supportive services for multifamily residents.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete zoning code amendments as part of a new unified development
code by June 2004.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Reduce regulatory barriers to the provision of housing
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
The City will revise its growth management program to exempt housing units affordable to very
low- or low-income households with long-term affordability restrictions.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Begin second round of allocations, if needed, in 2005 and annually
thereafter
Funding: Application fees
Objective: Expedite the residential development approval process
Program 3: Personal Security Standards
The City will continue to implement design standards applicable to all new residential projects
with the objective of improving the personal security of residents and discouraging criminal
activity. Design standards will address issues such as the placement of landscaping, accessory
buildings, and accessory structures in a manner that does not impede the City's ability to
conduct neighborhood police patrols and observe potential criminal activity; lighting and other
security measures for residents, and the use of materials that facilitate the removal of graffiti
and/or increase resistance to vandalism.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009
Funding: Permit fees
Objective: Reduce the susceptibility of residential properties and neighborhoods to
criminal activity and increase residents' perception of personal safety
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned parcels
and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information available to the public
and developers, including information on underutilized sites within the downtown area with
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residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall update the inventory and list at
least annually. The City will promote the land inventory and the availability of each update
through the City's web site, a notice at the Community Development Permit Counter, and a
press release subsequent to each update.
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will also
conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and commercial
sites along Cherokee Lane, South Sacramento Street, South Stockton Street, and West
Kettleman Lane. Properties along these corridors may be suitable for future residential
development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such development feasible (see
Figures 2-3 through 2-5, which follow). These areas are characterized by obsolete patterns of
land development, older structures in substandard condition, odd -sized lots, and marginally
viable commercial and industrial uses that would make properties ripe for redevelopment in the
next five to ten years. If Lodi determines that residential development is feasible along these
streets, the City will initiate a planning process with property owners (which may be a special
area plan or a specific plan meeting state law requirements) to define specific properties
suitable for residential or mixed-use development, appropriate development standards, and
improvements needed to support residential development.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete study of residential development potential by December 2006;
prepare and adopt area plan(s) by December 2009.
Funding: General Fund, contributions from property owners
Objective: Increase the potential for infill development, thereby reducing the need to
prematurely annex land and convert agricultural land to urban use
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2-10
Figure 2-3
Lodi Vacant Lands
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Figure 2-4
Multi -Family Vacant Lands
High Density Residential (HDR)
Medium Density Residential (MDR)
25%HDR 110%MDR
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Figure 2-5
Areas with Reuse 1
Infill Potential
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Program 5: Pursuit of State and Federal Funds in Support of Housing
Construction
The City shall pursue available and appropriate state and federal funding sources b support
efforts to construct housing meetings the needs of low -and moderate -income households, to
assist persons with rent payments required for existing housing units, to provide supportive
services, and to provide on- and off-site improvements and public facilities, in support of
affordable housing projects. The City will take the following actions in pursuit of state and
federal funding:
a. Meet annually with private nonprofit and for-profit affordable housing providers and public
agencies that are interested in constructing affordable housing, providing special needs
housing or shelter, and/or providing supportive services for low-income and special needs
residents. The purpose of the annual meetings will be to discuss priorities for lending City
support for funding requests for affordable housing projects and programs during the
subsequent 12 to 24 months. The City will promote these annual meetings through direct
notices to private and public entities that have provided housing or supportive services in
Lodi, or that expressed an interest in doing so, in the past.
b. Provide support to other entities (nonprofit organizations, for-profit affordable housing
providers, and public agencies) that apply directly for state or federal funds. Examples of
support to be provided by the City include: 1) expedited processing of planning permits that
are needed before an applicant can submit a state or federal funding request or receive
funds; 2) providing information to complete a funding request (such as demographic,
housing, or economic statistics in support of an application); and 3) letters of support for
projects or programs that the City has approved (including preliminary or conceptual
approval).
c. Apply directly for state and federal funding under programs in which the City must be the
applicant. The City will directly apply for funding only when there is no feasible alternative.
Given limitations on City staff expertise and availability, the preferred method of accessing
state and federal funding will be actions 7(a) and 7(b).
In pursuing state and federal funding, and working with other private and public entities to
provide affordable housing, the City will seek to increase the availability of housing and
supportive services to the most vulnerable population groups and those with the greatest unmet
needs, such as very low-income and frail seniors, persons with disabilities who cannot live
independently, farmworkers and their families, low-income large families, and single -parent
households, particularly those with small children.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: For action 7(a), annual meetings, 2003 — 2009; for action 7(b), quarterly
each year, depending on funding deadlines for specific state and federal
programs, 2003 — 2009; for action 7(c) semi-annual review and
assessment of funding opportunities based on: 1) funding cycles and
eligible activities for various state and federal programs, 2) projects and
programs proposed to the City for state or federal funding, and 3) City
staff capacity to prepare funding requests
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Funding:
Objective:
California Multifamily Housing Program
California Housing Finance Agency (HELP Program)
Low -Income Housing Tax Credits (state & federal)
CalHome Program
Federal Home Loan Bank — Affordable Housing Program
Enterprise Foundation
Special Housing Needs and Supportive Services, Federal Department of
Housing and Urban Development Programs — Section 221(d), Section
202 (elderly), Section 811 (persons with disabilities)
Child Care Facilities Finance Program (administered through the State of
California)
150 very Low-income housing units
100 low-income housing units
Program 6: Encourage Efficient Use of Land for Residential Development
The City will investigate incentive and regulatory tools to encourage efficient use of land
designated or held in reserve for urban development within the existing Lodi Sphere of Influence
to reduce the premature conversion of agricultural land to urban use. If determined to be
feasible, the City will adopt one or more incentives or regulations. Examples of approaches the
City will study and consider are:
00 A requirement to mitigate the loss of Prime Farmland through the payment of a fee. Fees
collected by the City will be used to foster agricultural production in the Lodi area. This
program may fund marketing, research, land acquisition and other programs necessary to
promote agricultural production. An option that the City may consider to promote the
production of affordable housing is to have this program tied to a sliding scale based on
dwelling units per acre. If a development is at the Land Use Element mandated 65% Low
Density/10% Medium Density/35% High Density, equivalent to 9.85 dwelling units per acre,
then no fee would be collected, a higher density would be provided with a credit while a
lower density would be subject to the fee.
00 The use of transferred development rights (TDRs) that can be applied to designated areas
within the Sphere of Influence. The TDRs might be combined with a density bonus program
for agricultural preservation to increase the number of opportunities to use the TDRs. An
option that the City of Lodi may consider is to designate sending and receiving areas. A
potential sending area for the program could be approximately 0.25 miles south of Harney
Lane to Armstrong Road in the area currently designated as Planned Residential Reserve
by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The receiving area for this program could
then be designated to areas north of Harney Lane in the Planned Residential portion of the
General Plan.
00 The use of transitional land use categories, such as residential estates, to provide a further
buffer between more intense urban land uses and agricultural land uses.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council,
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Timeframe: Complete study and recommend incentives and regulations by June
2005; City Council to adopt incentives or regulations by December 2005.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Preserve agricultural land and reduce the amount of land needed to meet
future urban growth needs
Program 7: Rental Assistance
The City shall continue to support the San Joaquin County Housing Authority in its
administration of the Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program (formerly called
Section 8 Program). The City's support will include distribution of program information at the
Community Development public counter, distribution of program information to rental property
owners as part of the City's code enforcement activities, creation and maintenance of a link to
the Housing Authority's website on the City's web site, and annual meetings with
representatives of the Housing Authority to discuss actions the City can take to encourage
greater participation in the Voucher Program by rental property owners.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Distribution of Housing Choice Voucher Program information, current and
ongoing, 2003 — 2009; create website link to Housing Authority website
by March 2004, maintain link thereafter, 2003 — 2009.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Increase rental property owner awareness of, and participation in, rental
assistance programs
Program 8: Neighborhood Improvement
The City will continue to designate a staff position, Community Improvement Manager (CIM),
within the Community Development Department to focus on the implementation of housing and
neighborhood improvement programs. Among the duties of the CIM are to:
00 Enforce City codes and ordinances pertaining to neighborhood maintenance and supervise
code enforcement staff;
00 Develop programs and plans to produce housing, especially affordable housing, by means
of new construction, rehabilitation or acquisition;
Go Implement neighborhood improvement programs on a city-wide basis and develop
neighborhood improvement strategies;
00 Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and consistency with local
objectives and community requirements;
00 Prepare a variety of reports on housing preservation and development, neighborhood
improvement and code enforcement, and other related City activities; and
Go Manage programs for housing rehabilitation, first-time buyer and code enforcement.
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Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2001 — 2009
Funding: CDBG, fees, General Fund
Objective: Improve the City's ability to focus on the implementation of housing and
neighborhood improvement programs
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current City
limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to the City so
that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet Lodi's future
housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney Lane, Lower
Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western SOI boundary. The
City has facilitated a specific planning process with property owners of approximately 300 acres
to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The development potential for the properties to
be annexed is summarized in Table 11-1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to six years to meet housing
construction needs given the backlog of unused housing allocations and available sites within
the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property owners during the 2003 — 2009
period.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
December 2009.
Funding: Annexation and permit fees
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to accommodate its
share of the region's future housing construction needs between 2001
and 2009, and subsequent years, under the San Joaquin County Council
of Governments housing allocation plan
Program 10: Homebuyer Assistance
The City will continue to implement a first-time homebuyer down payment assistance program.
The City will continue to participate with the Housing Authority in a countywide consortium for
the issuance of mortgage revenue bonds or mortgage credit certificates to assist first-time
homebuyers. The City will promote the program by providing information at the Community
Development Department's public counter and by providing a link to the program on the City's
web site. The City's Community Improvement Manager will contact real estate agents active in
Lodi to identify opportunities for program participation. Because the availability of homes within
the program price limits is extremely limited in Lodi, there will likely be a small number of
assisted homebuyers.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009; provide website link and information
at the public counter by June 2004; Community Improvement Manager to
meet with local realtors by June 2004.
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Funding: CDBG, HOME, CalHOME, CaIHFA Down payment Assistance Programs,
Mortgage Credit Certificates or Mortgage Revenue Bonds (through San
Joaquin County or a local government consortium)
Objective: 50 homebuyers
Program 1 1 : Commercial Linkage Fee
The City will undertake a "nexus" study to determine whether a direct connection exists between
non-residential development in Lodi that creates jobs and the need for housing affordable to
lower-income workers who will fill some of those jobs. The study will attempt to estimate:
00 Projected employment growth by industry and occupation based on land use policies in the
General Plan, zoning regulations, and development trends;
00 The difference between the cost to develop housing in Lodi and amount that lower-income
households can afford to pay for housing (the subsidy gap needed to make housing
affordable); and
00 The dollar amount per square foot, by industry or land use category, that non-residential
developments would need to pay to close the subsidy gap.
Should the City determine that both: 1) a nexus exists between nonresidential development and
the demand for housing affordable to lower-income households and 2) a significant subsidy gap
exists between the cost to develop housing and the amount that lower-income households can
afford to pay for housing, the City will consider assessing an impact fee ("commercial linkage
fee") on nonresidential development that will be used to provide affordable housing in Lodi.
The City will rely on the following criteria in its decision on whether to charge an impact fee and
the amount of such a fee, if assessed:
1. The cost impact on nonresidential development and the whether a commercial linkage fee
would adversely affect achievement of the City's economic development goals;
2. Similar impact fees, if any, charged in nearby jurisdictions and whether such a fee in Lodi
would affect the City's competitive position in attracting job -creating land uses; and
3. The potential of such a fee, compared to other techniques, to significantly increase the
supply of affordable housing in Lodi.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, City Council
Timeframe: Complete nexus study and determine the feasibility of adopting a
commercial linkage fee by December 2004; if determined to be feasible,
adopt a fee by June 2005
Funding: General Fund to conduct study, linkage fee to fund affordable housing (if
adopted)
Objective: Increase local funding options for affordable housing and improve the
balance between the supply of housing affordable to the local workforce
and anticipated job creation
GOAL B: To encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of
the City's existing housing stock and residential neighborhoods,
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particularly in the Eastside area.
Policies
1. The City shall encourage private reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and private
rehabilitation of housing.
2. The City shall prohibit the conversion of existing single-family units to multifamily units on
residentially zoned properties less than 6,000.
3. The City shall use available and appropriate state and federal funding programs and
collaborate with nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate housing and improve older
neighborhoods.
4. Housing rehabilitation efforts shall continue to be given high priority in the use of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, especially in the Eastside area.
5. The City shall support the revitalization of older neighborhoods by keeping streets and other
municipal systems in good repair.
6. The City shall allow reconstruction of existing housing in the Eastside area and in
commercially or industrially designated areas in the event such housing is destroyed or
damaged.
7. The City shall implement historic preservation guidelines to preserve historically significant
residential structures and ensure that infill projects fit within the context of the neighborhood.
(See the Urban Design and Cultural Resources Element for implementation of this policy.)
8. The City shall continue to enforce residential property maintenance standards.
Program 12: Demolition of Residential Structures
The City shall implement policies and procedures for evaluating applications for demolition of
residential structures. This evaluation shall consider the implications of the demolition with
respect to the retention of affordable housing. If demolitions are deemed to result in a reduction
of the amount of affordable housing in Lodi, the City shall require the proponent of the
demolition to cooperate with the City in providing relocation assistance to displaced residents
and in determining the means for replacing demolished units. The City will provide information
regarding its policies and procedures on the City's website and at the Community Development
Department's public counter.
The City will determine the most appropriate method of implementing this program through a
review of past demolition permits and conditions.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Complete review by December 2004; implement new review procedures
by June 2005, ongoing thereafter through 2009, based on proposals to
demolish residential structures
CfIYO FLODI 2-18 FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
Funding: Permit fees, property owner contribution
Objective: Maintain or replace existing affordable housing
Program 13: Housing Rehabilitation and Code Enforcement
The City will continue to combine code enforcement and housing rehabilitation assistance, targeted to
the Eastside area. The City will promote its program through the Eastside Improvement
Committee, a neighborhood organization that provides direct outreach to area residents and
property owners, by providing information at the Community Development Department's public
counter, and through a link to the program on the City's website. The City's Community
Improvement Manager will work with the Committee to continue marketing the program to
Eastside area residents and property owners.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009
Funding: CDBG and HOME, CalHOME
Objective: Improvement of 1,000 housing units (including private investment to
correct code violations) over five years
Program 14: Property Maintenance and Management Standards
The City will continue to implement standards for private property maintenance (Chapter 15.30
of the Municipal Code) to 1) control or eliminate conditions that are detrimental to health, safety,
and welfare; 2) preserve the quality of life and alleviate certain socioeconomic problems created
by physical deterioration of property; and 3).protect property values and further certain aesthetic
considerations for the general welfare of all residents of the City of Lodi.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Code enforcement on both complaint and pro -active basis, 2003 — 2009
Funding: Inspection fees, code violation penalties, CDBG funds (for dwelling units
occupied by low-income households)
Objective: Eliminate substandard building and property conditions
Program 15: Housing Condition Survey
The City will conduct a housing survey to document its efforts at improving housing conditions
and to identify future areas and housing types for targeting its code enforcement, housing
rehabilitation assistance, and neighborhood improvement efforts.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Complete survey and report to the City Council by June 2005
Funding: CDBG, General Fund
Objective: Document housing conditions and establish priorities for future code
enforcement, housing rehabilitation assistance, and neighborhood
improvement efforts
Program 16: Preservation of Affordable Rental Housing
FINALENVIRONMENTALIM PACTREPORT 2-19 CRYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
There is one subsidized rental housing project in Lodi (Creekside South Apartments) that
contains 40 housing units affordable to low-income households. These units are at risk of
converting to market rate housing. To preserve Creekside South as affordable rental housing for
low-income households, the City will coordinate a meeting or series of meetings between the
Housing Authority, local nonprofits, and the owner (or owner's representative) to discuss the
owner's intentions to remain or opt out of the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Program and future plans for the property. If the owner intends to convert the apartments to
market rate housing or sell the property, Lodi will seek to facilitate the acquisition of the property
by a nonprofit or other entity to preserve the rental units as affordable housing. The City will not
take part directly in negotiations regarding the property, but will apply for state or federal funding
on behalf of an interested nonprofit entity, if necessary, to protect the affordability of the rental
units. Lodi will request that the property owner provide evidence that it has complied with state
and federal regulations regarding notice to tenants and other procedural matters related to
conversion and contact HUD, if necessary, to verify compliance with notice requirements.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Meet with property owner and other interested parties by December 2004
Funding: Minimal administrative cost to coordinate meetings; CDBG, HOME
CaIHFA, Multifamily Housing Program, and Section 207 Mortgage
Insurance for Purchase/Refinance (HUD) as potential funding sources for
preservation
Objective: To preserve 40 affordable rental housing units
Program 17: Mobilehome Park Preservation
Lodi will meet with mobilehome park owners to discuss their long-term goals for their properties
and the feasibility of preserving these parks. Feasibility will be evaluated based on the condition
of park infrastructure and buildings, the condition of mobile homes located in the park, parcel
size, accessibility to services, and surrounding land uses. Several of the parks are small (with
fewer than 50 spaces) and may not be prime candidates for preservation. For those parks that
are feasible to preserve, the City will:
00 Assist property owners in accessing state and federal funds for park improvements by
preparing funding requests, providing information to park owners on state and federal
programs, and/or providing referrals to nonprofit organizations who can assist in preparing
funding requests.
00 Facilitate a sale to park residents of those mobile home parks the City has targeted for
preservation and whose owners do not desire to maintain the present use. If necessary to
facilitate a sale, the City will seek state and federal funding to assist residents in purchasing,
improving, and managing their parks and/or seek the assistance of a nonprofit organization
with experience in mobile home park sales and conversion to resident ownership and
management.
The City shall also require, as condition of approval of change of use, that mobilehome park
owners who desire to close and/or convert their parks another use provide relocation or other
assistance to mitigate the displacement of park residents, as required by California Government
CfIYO FLODI 2-20 FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
Code Section 65863.7. The City shall also require the park owner to provide evidence of
resident notification of intent to close and/or convert the mobilehome park, as required by state
law.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Meet with property owner and other interested parties by December 2004
Funding: CDBG, HOME California Housing Finance Agency HELP program;
California Mobilehome Park Resident Ownership Program
Objective: To preserve approximately 400 mobilehomes and spaces in mobilehome
parks with the highest feasibility for continued operation
Program 18: Preservation of the Eastside Area
The City will continue to target a portion of its annual CDBG allocation for public improvements
in the Eastside area in support of its housing rehabilitation and neighborhood improvement
activities (see Figure 2-6). The City will also maintain the Eastside single-family residential
zoning as a regulatory tool to preserve the character of the neighborhood and encourage private
investment in older homes.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annual CDBG allocation, maintain zoning, 2003 - 2009
Funding: CDBG, permit fees, impact fees
Objective: To preserve and improve the Eastside area.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IM PACTREPORT 2-21 CHYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
CfIYO FLODI
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT 2-22
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Figure 2-6
Eastside Residential
Properties
Section 2.0
Project Information
Program 19:Redevelopment Agency Funding
Should the City Council adopt a redevelopment project area between 2003 and 2009, at least
20 percent of any tax increment funds accruing to the Agency will be used to support low- and
moderate -income housing projects and programs. The City will also adopt an implementation
plan that provides funding for public improvements to the downtown and residential
neighborhoods within the redevelopment project area.
Responsibility: City Council, Community Development Department
Timeframe: Unknown at present—depends on the City Council's decision to activate
the Agency and implement the plan
Funding: Redevelopment tax increment
Objective: To preserve and improve the downtown and residential areas within the
proposed redevelopment project area
GOAL C: To ensure the provision of adequate public facilities and services to
support existing and future residential development.
Policies
1. The City shall support the use of CDBG funds for the upgrading of streets, sidewalks, and
other public improvements.
2. The City shall ensure that new residential development pays its fair share in financing public
facilities and services and will pursue financial assistance techniques to reduce the cost
impact on the production of affordable housing.
3. The City shall ensure that all necessary public facilities and services shall be available prior
to occupancy of residential units.
4. The City shall require that park and recreational acquisitions and improvements keep pace
with residential development.
Program 20: Development Impact Fees and Improvement Requirements
The City will continue to collect a unified development impact fee to pay for off-site public
facilities and services needed for residential development and require that residential
developers continue to provide on-site infrastructure to serve their projects. The City shall
continue to charge fees that reflect the actual cost of service provided to housing units
anticipated by this Element. Prior to the issuance of building permit, the City will require
evidence that the developer has paid the required school impacts fees.
The City will review and adjust its fee formula for multifamily dwelling units in the medium and
high density general plan land use designations so that the fee encourages the development of
higher density affordable housing units while corresponding with the estimated public facility and
service impact for the specific project being proposed. The review and adjustment is anticipated
to result in a reduction of fees for some multifamily projects.
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
Water: The City shall ensure the integrity of water delivery service by constructing and
operating wells.
Wastewater: The City shall ensure the provision adequate facilities and lands to effectively
treat domestic wastewater while minimizing potential land use conflicts.
Streets: The City shall ensure that streets are designed and constructed that meet the
intended development density while minimizing housing costs.
Parks: See Program 22.
Emergency Services: The City shall continue to ensure that new housing developments are
serviced in accordance with the goals and policies of the Safety Element.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Submit proposed fee schedule adjustment to Planning Commission by
July 2004, City Council to adopt new fee schedule by December 2004
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Reduce impact fees for multifamily projects based on actual project
densities
Program 21: Growth Management Program
The City will continue to use its gowth management program to ensure that the pace of
development is consistent with the City's, the Lodi Unified School District's, and other public
facility and service providers' abilities to provide public facilities and services and maintain
minimum facility and service standards for the entire community. The City will contact other
public facility and service providers annually during the housing unit allocation process to
ensure that these agencies can serve the increased number of housing units to be allocated.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annually during housing allocation process, 2003 - 2009
Funding: Application fees, development impact fees
Objective: To provide public facilities and services meeting minimum City standards
Program 22: Use of CDBG Funds
The City will continue to use CDBG funds to upgrade public facilities and services in older
neighborhoods (see Program 17 for implementation).
Program 23: Park and Recreation Facilities
The City will annually review its Park and Recreation impact fee to ensure that these fees, in
combination with other funds that may be available to the City, will allow Lodi to acquire and
CfIYO FLODI 2-24 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
improve sufficient parkland and provide recreation facilities according to the minimum standards
contained in the General Plan Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annually prior to the adoption of a City budget, 2003 - 2009
Funding: Development impact fees, state grants for parkland acquisition, private
foundation and individual donations
Objective: To provide park and recreation facilities and services meeting minimum
General Plan standards
Program 24: Transit Facilities and Transit -Oriented Development
To coordinate the availability of public transit as Lodi develops and to support transit -oriented
development on infill sites and properties with re -use potential, the City shall:
a. Ensure the continued construction of transit facilities, to be paid from traffic impact fees, state, and
federal funding sources, and "Measure K' sales tax funds to facilitate service provision and lower the
cost of living within the community.
b. Determine whether areas with infilUreuse potential (see Program 4) qualify as infill opportunity zones.
The City shall designate qualified areas that are appropriately located for higher density residential and
mixed-use developments in such zones, near transit facilities.
c. If adopted under action "b," promote development opportunities in infill zones through a link on the
City's website, an information bulletin to be distributed to property owners within these zones, and
developers and business organizations in Lodi, and one or more meetings with business and
community organizations to explain the benefits and implications of infill zone designation for
development opportunities.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Action a: annually prior to the adoption of a City budget, 2003 - 2009
Action b: Identify eligible areas by December 2004, designate infill
opportunity zones by June 2005, and identify and adopt zoning
amendments that are needed and appropriate to develop within infill
opportunity zones by December 2005
Action c: Create website link and distribute promotional literature by
December 2005; conduct one or more community meetings between
January and June, 2006
Funding: Development impact fees, state, and federal transportation funds
Objective: To increase housing opportunities near transit facilities and encourage
forms of travel other than private vehicles
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
Goal D: To promote equal opportunity to secure safe, sanitary, and
affordable housing for all members of the community regardless of
race, sex, or other arbitrary factors.
Program 25: Fair Housing Services
The City shall continue to promote equal housing opportunity for all persons in compliance with
state and federal laws by continuing to provide funding for the operation of the City's Affirmative
Fair Housing Program. Under the program, the City provides information to the public on state
and federal fair laws, provides referrals to county, state, and federal agencies for investigation of
fair housing complaints, and provides financial support to Stockton/San Joaquin Community
Housing Resource Board (CHRB), which provides landlord -tenant mediation services.
The City will collaborate with CHRB to promote fair housing information and resources at an
annual community event. Lodi will promote fair housing activities and resources by providing
links through its website to nonprofit, county, state, and federal agencies; providing fair housing
information at the Community Development Department public counter; designating a point of
contact within the Department to handle fair housing inquiries; and distributing fair housing
information at public locations in the City (such as the Lodi Public Library and the Loel Senior
Center).
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009; annual community event for display of fair
housing information beginning in 2005
Funding: CDBG
Objective: To provide public facilities and services meeting minimum City standards
Program 26: Special Housing Needs
The City shall continue to implement zoning standards, provide regulatory incentives, work with
nonprofit and other private housing providers, and provide financial assistance, within the City's
limited fiscal capacity, to facilitate the development and operation of housing meeting the needs
of special population groups. See programs 1, 5, and 18 for implementation
Program 27: Condominium Conversion
The City shall continue to regulate the conversion of rental housing and mobilehome parks to
condominium or stock cooperative ownership to reduce the displacement of low- and moderate -
income households. The City will implement requirement in Title 15 of the Lodi Municipal Code,
which govern condominium conversion. (See Program 16 for implementation cn mobilehome
park conversion.)
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 - 2009
Funding: Application fees
CfIYO FLODI 2-26 FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
Objective: To minimized the impact of displacement of low- and moderate -income
households
Program 28: Regional Solutions to Homeless Needs
The City shall continue to support regional solutions to homelessness through its participation in
San Joaquin County's Continuum of Care strategy and collaboration with the Salvation Army.
The City provides annual contributions to nonprofit organizations that assist in the
implementation of the strategy. Programs and services under the Continuum of Care strategy
include overnight shelter for individuals and families in immediate need of assistance,
transitional shelter, rent assistance for homeless individuals and families ready to live in
conventional housing, and supportive services to assist homeless individuals and families in
making a successful transition from homelessness to independent living. Nonprofit
organizations that provide services under the strategy include the Central Valley Low Income
Housing Corporation (CVLIHC), Center for Positive Prevention Alternatives (CPPA), Gospel
Center Rescue Mission, and New Directions.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009; annual review of applications by
nonprofit organizations for use of City's share of CDBG funds
Funding: CDBG
Objective: To provide regional solutions to homelessness through continuum of care
strategy
Goal E: To encourage residential energy efficiency and reductions in
residential energy use.
1. The City shall require the use of energy conservation features in the design and
construction of all new residential structures and shall promote the use of energy
conservation and weatherization features in existing homes.
2. The City shall require solar access in the design of all residential projects.
3. The City shall pursue residential land use and site planning policies, and promote
planning and design techniques, that encourage reductions in residential energy
consumption.
Program 29: Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Improvements for Older
Homes
The City shall continue to permit energy conservation and weatherization improvements as
eligible activities under the Lodi Housing Rehabilitation Program. The City will post and
distribute information on currently available weatherization and energy conservation programs
operated by the City, nonprofit organizations, and utility companies through the Lodi website,
RNALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 2-27
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 2.0
Project Information
the Community Development Department public counter, the Lodi Public Library, the Loel
Senior Center, and other public locations.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009
Funding: CDBG, HOME, public and private utilities, nonprofit organizations
Objective: To increase energy efficiency in older homes
Program 30: Energy Conservation for New Homes
The City shall enforce state requirements for energy conservation, including Title 24 of the
California Code or Regulations (state building code standards), in new residential projects and
encourage residential developers to employ additional energy conservation measures in the
design of new residential developments with respect to the following:
00 Siting of buildings
x Landscaping
00 Solar access
00 Subdivision design
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009 as part of review of planning and
building permit applications
Funding: Permit fees
Objective: To increase energy efficiency in the design and construction of new
homes
CfIYO FLODI 2-28 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.0
Environmental Analyses
3.0 Environmental Analyses
Organization of EIR
The discussion of each of the environmental topics addressed in this Draft EIR, as identified in
Section 1.0 is organized in the following manner:
Environmental Setting
This sub -section provides a description of the environmental conditions that may be affected by
the Project.
Regulatory Background
This sub -section identifies local, regional, State, and federal agencies which have jurisdictional
control over some environmental resource or relevant regulation or approval. The section will
explain the presiding agency's jurisdictional power and list the specific documents, standards, or
policies that will govern the environmental analysis. This section will appear only where there
are applicable controlling agencies for the environmental topic.
Thresholds of Significance
This sub -section identifies the thresholds, or evaluation criteria, by which potential impacts are
measured and determined to be significant or less than significant. Impact evaluation criteria
include local, State, and federal standards, where applicable, and criteria contained in Appendix
"G" of the CEQA Guidelines.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
This section includes two sub -sections, as described below:
oo Description of Potential Impacts: Each potential impact associated with the
environmental topic area is described relative to the relevant impact threshold criterion.
Each potential impact is given a summary heading and a number for future reference and to
correspond with mitigation measures.
oo Mitigation Measures: To the extent practicable, a mitigation measure is recommended for
each identified potential impact. Each mitigation measure is numbered for future reference
and states to which impact the mitigation would apply.
DRAFTENVIRONM ENTAL IM PACTREPO RT 3-1 CfIYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.0
Environmental Analyses
The level of significance following application of recommended mitigation measures is identified
as being either significant and unavoidable or less than significant.
The above-described text organization conforms to the standards for adequacy of an EIR set
forth in Section 15151 of the CEQA Guidelines, which states:
An EIR should be prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis to provide decision
makers with information which enables them to make a decision which intelligently takes
account of environmental consequences. An evaluation of the environmental effects of a
proposed project need not be exhaustive, but the sufficiency of an EIR is to be reviewed
in the light of what is reasonably feasible. Disagreement among experts does not make
an EIR inadequate, but the EIR should summarize the main points of disagreement
among the experts. The courts have looked not for perfection but for adequacy,
completeness, and good faith effort at full disclosure.
Scope and Methodology
City staff determined that the proposed Project could have a significant effect on the
environment, requiring an EIR. The following are the environmental topic areas that receive full
analysis in the following sections:
oo Air quality
oo Biology
oo Cultural resources
oo Geology, soils, and mineral resources
oo Hydrology and water quality
oo Land use planning, agricultural resources, and visual resources
oo Noise
oo Population and housing
oo Public facilities and services
oo Safety
oo Transportation
CRY FLODI
3-2 DRAFTENVIRONMENTALIMPAC lREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
3.1 Air Quality
This section examines the potential air quality impacts resulting from implementation of the
Housing Element update. Air quality impacts are considered both in the short term and in the
long term. Short-term effects are those impacts resulting from construction activities. Long-
term effects are primarily the result of increased traffic, but can include other impacts.
Cumulative air quality impacts are addressed in Section 5.0.
Environmental Setting
Weather and topography both influence air quality. The California Air Resources Board (ARB)
has divided California into regional air basins for monitoring and regulation of air quality. Lodi is
located within fie San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAB), a 250 -mile -long and 35 -mile -wide
valley in the central and southern portion of California's great central valley. Air pollutants are
confined by the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the east, the Coast Ranges in the west, and the
Tehachapi transverse mountain range to the south. An opening in the valley exists at the
Carquinez Straits where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers empty into the San Francisco
Bay. The valley's surrounding topographic features and resulting weak air flow, which becomes
blocked vertically by high barometric pressure, causes air pollutants to accumulate.
Summer winds usually originate at the northern end of the valley and flow to the south or
southeast. During the winter, wind occasionally originates from the south end of the valley,
flowing in a north to northwesterly direction. Low wind speeds, combined with low inversion
layers in the winter, encourage high carbon monoxide and particulate matter concentrations.'
Sea breezes from the north occur during the day, while land breezes can predominate at night.
Upslope mountain flow occurs during the day, while downslope (valley) flow can predominate at
night.
The SJVAB has an Inland Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, humid
winters.
Daytime surface temperature inversions during the summer are more frequent in the southern
portion of the San Joaquin Valley than near Lodi, but winter inversions occur with some
frequency, trapping pollutants near the ground. Subsidence inversions also occur due to the
relative proximity of mountain ranges and the subsequent differential pressure changes in the
atmosphere as air moves from mountain ranges down into the valley.
Regulatory Background
Lodi is located in the SJVAB, and is under the jurisdiction of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air
Pollution Control District (SJVUAPCD) at the local level, and the California Air Resources Board
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1-1 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
(CARB) at the State level. Local air pollution control districts are charged with monitoring and
regulating air quality within these air basins based on federal and State legislation.
CRY FLODI
3.1-2 FINAL ENVIRONMEN1ALIMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
Criteria Pollutants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for implementation of the
Federal Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended. This act requires the EPA to establish National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in order to protect the public health. Both the federal
government and the State of California have set ambient air quality standards based on the
health-related impacts of six pollutants (criteria pollutants), which could potentially be affected
by construction and operation of housing accommodated through the Housing Element update:
oo Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
oc Lead (Pb)
oo Carbon monoxide (CO)
oo Fine particulate matter (PM10)
oo Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
oo Ozone (03)
The Lodi portion of the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin is in nonattainment for ozone and RAO, as
shown in Table 3.1-1. About 60 percent of the valley's ozone problems come from cars, diesel
trucks, and other mobile sources? The other 40 percent is a result of business and industrial
operations.
Table 3.1-1
Attainment Status, Lodi Portion of SJVAB
Pollutant
Designation/Classification
Federal Standards
State Standards
Ozone
Severe Nonattainment
Severe Nonattainment
PM 10
SeriousNonattainment
Nonattainment
CO
Unclassified/Attainmen
Attainment
Nitrogen Dioxide
Unclassified/Attainmen
Attainment
SLlfur Dioxide
Unclassified
Attainment
Lead (Particulate)
No Designation
Attainment
Hydrogen Sulfide
No Federal Standard
Unclassified
Sulfates
No Federal Standard*
Attainment
Visibility Reducing Particles
No Federal Standard
Unclassified
Source: SJVUAPCD web site, 2003.
The standards have been designed to protect sensitive populations from illness or discomfort
(with a margin of safety). The California standards are more stringent than federal standards,
and in the case of PM,o and SO2, far more stringent. Table 3.1-2 outlines federal and State
ambient air quality standards.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1-3 CITYOFLODI
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
Table 3.1-2
Air Pollution Standards, Sources, and Effects
CRYO FLODI
3.1-4 FINAL ENVIRONMENmLIMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Federal
Air
State Standard
Primary
Sources
Primary Effects
Pollutant
Standard
Ozone
0.09 ppm
0.12 ppm
Atmospheric reaction of
Aggravation of respiratory and
1-houravg.
1-houravg.
organic gaseswith
card iovasculard iseases,
(03)
nitrogen oxidesin sunlight
irritation of eyes, impairment of
cardiopulmonary function, plant
leaf injury
Carbon
9.0 ppm, 8 -hour
9.0 ppm
Incomplete combustion of
Reduced tolerance forexercise,
Monoxide
avg.,
8-houravg.
fuelsand othercarbon-
impairmentofinentalfunction,
20 ppm, 1 -hour
35 ppm
containing substances
impairment of fetal
(CO)
avg.
1-houravg.
such asmotorvehicle
development,
exhaust, natural events,
death at high levelsof exposure,
such asdecomposition of
aggravation of some heart
organic matter
diseases(angina)
Nitrogen
0.25 ppm,
0.053 ppm
Motorvehicle exhaust,
Aggravation of respiratory
Dioxide
1-houravg.
annual
high-temperature
illness, reduced visibility,
avg.
stationary combustion,
reduced plant growth,
(NO2)
atmospheric reactions
formation of acid rain
Sulfur
0.25 ppm
0.03 ppm
Combustion of sulfur-
Aggravation of respiratory
Dioxide
1-houravg.
annual
containing fossil fuels,
diseases (asthma, emphysema),
0.05 ppm
avg.
smelting of sulfur -bearing
reduced lung function, irritation
(SO2)
24-houravg.
0.14 ppm
metal ores, industrial
of eyes, reduced visibility, plant
with ozone > =
24-hour
processes
injury, deterioration of metals,
0.10 ppm,
avg.
textiles, leather, finishes,
1 houravg. or
coatings, etc.
TSP > = 100
Ing/m3
24-houravg.
Fine
30 pg/m3,
50pg/m3
Stationary combustion of
Reduced lung function,
annual
annual
solid fuels, construction
aggravation of the effectsof
Particulate
geometric
arithmetic
activities, industria I
gaseous pollutants, aggravation
Matter
mean;> 50
mean
processes, industrial
of resp iratory a nd cardio-
(PMIo)
Ng/m3
150 pg/m3
chemical reactions,
respiratory diseases, increased
24-houravg.
24-hour
agricultural operations
coughing and chest discomfort,
avg.
soiling, reduced visibility
Lead (Pb)
1.5 pg/m3
1.5 pg/m3
Contaminated soil
Increased body burden,
30 -day avg.
calendar
impairment of blood formation
quarter
and nerve conduction
Visibility
Sufficientto
Visibility impairment on days
Reducing
reduce visual
when relative humidity isless
range to less
than 70 percent
Particles
than 10 milesat
relative humidity
lessthan 70%,
8-houravg.
(9am -5pm)
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
Notes: Ng/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter of air; ppm = parts per million of air, by volume.
Source: California Air Resources Board Web Site: www.ca.arb.gov
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
Because lead-based gasoline has been phased out in California, airborne lead pollution is no
longer a problem in the valley -- neither is SO2 nor NO2 pollution. Most wide -scale pollution
control programs have relied on development and application of cleaner technology and
emission control devices for vehicular and industrial sources, such as catalytic converters for
automobiles. But more recent efforts have been directed at how emission sources are used
(e.g., the Inspection and Maintenance Program, High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes, Heavy Duty
Vehicle and Equipment Incentive Program, and mandatory procedures on industrial sources).
The efforts of the SJVUAPCD are focused primarily on attainment of State and federal
standards for ozone and particulate matter and maintaining attainment standards for all criteria
pollutants, as well as permitting and monitoring toxic emissions.
Toxic Air Pollutants
The federal government and state governments have implemented programs to control toxic air
emissions. The Federal Clean Air Act provides a program for the control of hazardous air
pollutants. In particular, the federal government includes a list of Hazardous Air Pollutants
(HAPs), which are controlled by the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants,
known as NESHAPs (CFR, Title 40, Chapter I, Part 61). Likewise, the California legislature has
enacted programs including the Tanner Toxics Act, the Air Toxics Hot Spot Assessment
Program, the Toxics Emissions Near Schools Program, and the Disposal Site Air Monitoring
Program. Sources of toxic air pollutants are required to comply with conditions established in
the SJVUAPCD's stationary source permitting process, through which the aforementioned
statutes are implemented.
Air Quality Trends in the Project Area
Several air quality monitoring stations operated by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution
Control District are located in relative proximity to Lodi, though none operate within its
jurisdictional boundaries. The following air quality monitoring stations are located in San
Joaquin County (approximate distances from Lodi are indicated in parentheses):
oo 4987 Claremont Boulevard, Stockton (12 miles south)
oo 13521 East Mariposa, Stockton (20 miles south-southeast)
oo 1593 East Hazelton Street, Stockton (14 miles south)
co 8778 Brattle Place, Stockton (12 miles southwest)
oo 24371 Patterson Pass Road, Tracy (45 miles south-southwest)
The Stockton -Wagner -Holt School monitoring station on Brattle Place is closest to the city, but
only monitors particulate matter. The closest monitoring station to Lodi that monitors ozone is
the Hazelton Street station in Stockton.
Ozone
For ozone, no clear increasing or decreasing trend is discernable for the Stockton -Lodi area in
the past five years, though it appears ozone levels may have increased in 1998 and 1999 and
then decreased again (Table 3.1-3). At the Hazelton Street station, average ozone levels
CrIYOFLODI 3.1-6 FINAL ENVIRONMEN1,LIMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
decreased during the mid-1990s and then increased again at the end of the decade (Figure 3.1-
1). The ozone levels in the wider SJVAB, however, have shown improvement over time, with
fewer federal exceedance days, and a slight reduction in the number of State exceedance days
(Figure 3.1-2). The SJVAB has shown less improvement in ozone air quality than coastal areas
nearby due to higher rates of growth.3
Table 3.1-3
Ozone Measurements (in parts per million)
Hazelton Street Station
�� •�%�����iZ�Z���iZ�Ii�iZ�i►�ii
Highest
Aug.
June
No
Aug. 7
0.102
Aug.4
0.126
25
0.144
Aug. 2
0.107
16
0.103
Date
0.10
2nd
Sept.
June
Highest
23
0.092
Aug. 5
0.105
July 11
0.130
Oct. 1
0.104
15
0.101
n/a
n/a
3rd Highest
Sept.
July
June
Aug.8
.090
4
0.104
Oct. 10
0.107
29
0.095
22
0.100
n/a
n/a
4th Highest
Sept.
Sept.
June
28
0.090
7
0.104
July 10
0.105
Aug. 1
0.095
21
0.096
n/a
n/a
CA days
1
10
6
4
5
2
Fed days
j 0
1
2
j 0
j 0
j 0
Note: *2002 data is classified on the ARB web site as being "preliminary." n/a = not available.
Source: California Air Resources Board web site.
Figure 3.1-1
Average Ozone Levels at the Hazelton Street Monitoring Station, 1992-2001
50
45
40
a 35
U
30
E GEO
a 25 — - Alts
U 20
E 15
c�
10
5
0
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1-7 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
CRYO FLODI
Source: Air Resources Board; Cotton/Bridges/Associates, 2003.
Note: Annual geometric and arithmetic averages are based on the highest
24-hour observations collected each day throughout the year. The
California annual average standard is exceeded when the annual
geometric average is greater than 30 micrograms per cubic meter.
The national annual average standard is exceeded when the average
of three consecutive annual arithmetic averages is greater than 50
micrograms per cubic meter.
3.1-8 FINAL ENVIRONMENmLIMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
Figure 3.1-2
Ozone Precursor Trends in San .Joaquin Valley Air Basin
1200
m
1000
m
`6 800
m NOx All Sources
FOG All Sources
m 600
' NOx Vehicles
L
400 ...... • FOG Vehicles
Q
c 200
0
0
Lo o LO o LO o Lo o
I- ao ao M rn o o
rn rn rn rn rn o 0 0
N N N
Source: California Air Resources Board, 2002; Cotton/Bridges/Associates, 2003.
The Elk Grove-Bruceville Road monitoring station in Sacramento County monitors ozone and is
located approximately 20 miles north of Lodi (Table 3.1-4). The ozone levels at this monitoring
station were similar to those measured at the Hazelton Street Station, with a spike in 1998 and
1999 and then some reduction in ozone concentrations during the four worst days and a lack of
days where concentrations exceeded the federal standard. The Elk Grove station, however,
had 10 days in 2001 where concentrations exceeded California standards, compared to only
five at the Hazelton Street Station in Stockton.
Table 3.1-4
Ozone Measurements (in parts per million)
Elk Grove- BruceviIle
Road Monitoring Station
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Highest Aug. Sept. June
Aug. 7 0.121 Aug . 4 0.147 25 0.160 30 0.104 22 0.103 July 10 0.096
2nd Aug. June
Highest Aug. 6 0.101 11 0.110 July 10 0.118 Oct. 1 0.099 15 0.101 July 9 0.087
3rd Highest June Aug. Aug. Sept.
19 .0999 29 0.102 24 0.112 20 0.097 July 3 0.100 July 12 0.085
4th Highest Sept. Aug. Sept. June Aug.
23 0.096 13 0.101 Oct. 1 0.111 12 10.092
FlNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1-9
16
0.096
10
0.082
CA days
5
7
16
3
10
1
Fed days
0
1
1
0
0
0
CIlYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
Source: California Air Resources Board web site.
Particulate matter became more of a problem for the Lodi area between 1997 and 2001 -
annual average particulate matter levels steadily increased since 1996 at the Stockton -Wagner -
Holt School monitoring station (Table 3.1-5). Particulate matter concentrations may have
increased between 1997 and 1999, decreased in 2000, and then increased again in the area
around the Hazelton Street monitoring station (Table 3.1-6).
Table 3.1-5
PM,o Statistics (in micrograms per cubic meter)
Stockton -Wagner -Holt School Station
1997 1998 1999* 2000 2001
High
Dec. 31
130
Dec. 31
99
Dec. 20
104
Nov. 20
104
Jan.1
119
2nd High
Feb. 15
63
Dec. 13
80
Dec. 26
90
Dec.2
76
Nov.9
87
3rd High
Oct. 25
57
Nov. 13
75
Jan.30
63
Dec. 20
75
Jan. 19
77
4th High
Jan. 10
55
Oct. 20
61
Dec. 14
52
Nov. 29
72
Nov. 21
77
CA days** 1
20
25
1
24
1
51
30
Federal Days** 1
0
0
1
n/a
1
0
0
Note: In 1999, this station had only 52 percent coverage, whereas in the other years shown, the coverage was in
the 90 to 100 percent range.
**CA and Federal days are the estimated number of days that a measurement would have been greater
than the level of the standard had measurements been collected every day. The number of days above the
standard is not necessarily the number of violations of the standard for the year.
Source: California Air Resources Board web site.
Table 3.1-6
PM,o Statistics (in micrograms per cubic meter)
Hazelton Street Station
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
High
Dec. 30
98
Dec. 25
106
Oct. 21
150
Nov. 20
91
Jan.7
140
2nd High
Jan. 10
72
Dec. 31
95
Oct. 15
123
Oct. 21
86
Nov. 9
97
3rd High
Oct. 25
69
Oct. 20
89
Dec. 20
119
Dec. 20
64
Nov. 21
77
4th High
Feb. 15
58
Dec. 13
76
Dec. 26
84
Dec. 2
62
Nov. 21
77
CA days*
1 26
43
1
60
1 45
60
Federal Days*
1 0
0
1
0
1 0
0
Note: *CA and Federal days are the estimated number of days that a measurement would have been greater than
the level of the standard had measurements been collected every day. The number of days above the
standard is not necessarily the number of violations of the standard for the year.
Source: California Air Resources Board web site.
CRY 0FLODI 3.1-10 FINAL ENVIRONMENmLIMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
For the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin as a whole, there has been an overall downward trend in
the average annual concentrations of particulate matter, and the number of State and federal
exceedance days4
Air Quality Management Plans
Both California and the federal government require nonattainment areas to prepare a plan to
reduce air pollution to federal and State health levels. The San Joaquin Valley Air Basin failed
to attain federal PM10 standards by December 31, 2001 and is therefore required to submit a
new plan demonstrating for an annual reduction of PM10 of five percent. With the 2001
reclassification from Serious to Severe Ozone Nonattainment, the SJVUAPCD is required to
prepare plans demonstrating attainment of the standard by November 15, 2005 and rate of
progress plans (ROPs) demonstrating reduction of ozone precursor emissions at a rate of three
percent per year, averaged over a three-year period.
Methodology
The air quality analysis and reporting contained in this EIR follows the most recent version of
the SJVUAPCD document, Guide for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts. The EIR
follows the SJVUAPCD analysis methods recommended for general plan updates, specific
plans, and general plan amendments. A similar level of detail is afforded to the Housing
Element. Both direct and reasonably foreseeable indirect emissions are assessed.
The SJVUAPCD's approach to CEQA analyses of construction impacts involves implementation
of effective and comprehensive control measures rather than to require detailed quantification of
emissions.
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference to this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to air quality have been
analyzed. Mitigation measures included in the General Plan EIR that would reduce impacts to
air quality are not altered by the Housing Element or the Housing Element EIR and are
considered as a part of the impact analysis in this section. The following excerpt includes all
relevant Housing Element policies and programs (including policies and programs that would
reduce potential air quality impacts:
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use of
land.
1. The City shall promote the development of a broad mix of housing types through the
following mix of residential land uses: 65 percent low density, 10 percent medium
density, and 25 percent high density.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1 -1 1 CITYOFLODI
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
2. The City shall regulate the number of housing units approved each year to maintain a
population -based annual residential growth rate of 2.0 percent, consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force and the growth management ordinance.
3. The City shall continue to exempt senior citizen housing projects from the growth
management ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance if necessary to meet the City's share of regional housing
needs, as required by state law.
10. The City shall seek to intersperse very low- and low-income housing units within new
residential developments and shall ensure that such housing is visually
indistinguishable from market -rate units.
13. The City shall encourage infill residential development and higher residential
densities within the existing City limits near transit stops, and compact development
patterns in annexation areas to reduce public facility and service costs, avoid the
premature conversion of natural resource and agricultural lands, and reduce the
number of trips from private vehicles.
Program 1: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The City shall revise Title 17 of the Lodi Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) to reduce
barriers to, and provide incentives for, the construction and conservation of a variety of
housing types. Revisions to Title 17 will include the following:
a. The addition of a chapter that provides for density bonuses and other incentives for
projects that include ten percent very low-income housing, 20 percent low-income
housing, 50 percent qualifying senior housing, or 20 percent moderate -income
hosing in condominium conversion projects, in compliance with Sections 65915 —
65918 of the California Government Code. The City shall work with the San Joaquin
County Housing Authority in developing procedures and guidelines for establishing
income eligibility for the "reserved" units and for maintaining the "reserved" units as
affordable units for at least 30 years. The City shall seek Housing Authority
administration of the reserved units. The City shall establish a program to publicize
the availability of the density bonus program through the City's website, program
information at the Community Development Department piblic counter, and pre -
development meetings with housing providers (such as the housing unit allocation
stage). The City shall encourage prospective housing developers to use the density
bonus program at pre -development meetings. In conjunction with density bonuses,
the City will offer one or more regulatory incentives, as needed and appropriate, such
as:
00 Reduced parking for projects oriented to special needs groups and/or located
close to public transportation and commercial services;
00 Expedited permit processing; or
00 Deferral of fees for an appropriate time period to allow for the project to begin
generating income.
b. Conformance with California Government Code sections 65852.3 and 65852.7, which
require that manufactured homes in single-family zones on permanent foundations
be permitted under the same standards as site -built homes (with limited exceptions)
CRY FLODI
3.1-12
FINAL ENVIRONMENmLIMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
and that mobilehome parks be permitted in any residential zone (although the City
may require a use permit).
c. Addition of standards for emergency shelters and transitional housing to clearly
identify appropriate zoning districts and locations for such facilities and to make these
sites readily accessible. Until the adoption of such revisions to the Zoning Ordinance,
the City will continue to allow by right the development of such facilities in areas
zoned GM or C-2.
d. Addition of a definition of farmworker housing that does not conflict with state law
definitions for employees housing (beginning with California Government Section
17000) and specification of the zoning districts and standards under which such
housing will be permitted.
e. Clarification of standards for permitting residential care facilities (such as group
homes). The City will specify that all such facilities with six or fewer residents are
permitted in residential zoning districts. The City will also designated zoning districts
in which facilities of seven or more persons will be permitted through a use permit
and standards for such facilities.
f. Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two
spaces per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due
to the characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or
low-income single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public
transit route or in the downtown area).
g. Revision of standards for second dwelling units to allow the conversion of accessory
buildings to second units subject to compliance with all other zoning and parking
standards, an appropriate minimum lot size for detached second units, and
architectural compatibility with the main dwelling unit. The City will permit second
dwelling units through an administrative permit process in compliance with state law
(California Government Code section 65852.2).
h. Elimination of single-family homes as permitted uses in the I'GA, R -MD, R -HD, and
R -C -P zones, except on parcels constrained by lot size, environmental, or other
factors that would make the construction of multifamily housing infeasible.
Reduction in the number of non-residential uses permitted in multifamily residential
zones to public and quasi -public uses and supportive services for multifamily
residents.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete zoning code amendments as part of a new unified
development code by June 2004.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Reduce regulatory barriers to the provision of housing
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
The City will revise its growth management program to exempt housing units affordable
to very low or low-income households with long-term affordability restrictions.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1-13 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Begin second round of allocations, if needed, in 2005 and annually
thereafter
Funding: Application fees
Objective: Expedite the residential development approval process
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned
parcels and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information
available to the public and developers, including information on underutilized sites within
the downtown area with residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall
update the inventory and list at least annually. The City will promote the land inventory
and the availability of each update through the City's web site, a notice at the Community
Development Permit Counter, and a press release subsequent to each update.
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will
also conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and
commercial sites along Cherokee Lane, South Sacramento Street, South Stockton
Street, and West Kettleman Lane. Properties along these corridors may be suitable for
future residential development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such
development feasible (see Figures 23 through 2-5, which follow). These areas are
characterized by obsolete patterns of land development, older structures in substandard
condition, odd -sized lots, and marginally viable commercial and industrial uses that would
make properties ripe for redevelopment in the next five to ten years. If Lodi determines
that residential development is feasible along these streets, the City will initiate a
planning process with property owners (which may be a special area plan or a specific
plan meeting state law requirements) to define specific properties suitable for residential
or mixed-use development, appropriate development standards, and improvements
needed to support residential development.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete study of residential development potential by December 2006;
prepare and adopt area plan(s) by December 2009.
Funding: General Fund, contributions from property owners
Objective: Increase the potential for infill development, thereby reducing the need to
prematurely annex land and convert agricultural land to urban use
Program 6: Encourage Efficient Use of Land for Residential Development
The City will investigate incentive and regulatory tools to encourage efficient use of land
designated or held in reserve for urban development within the existing Lodi Sphere of
Influence to reduce the premature conversion of agricultural land to urban use. If
determined to be feasible, the City will adopt one or more incentives or regulations.
Examples of approaches the City will study and consider are:
00 A requirement to mitigate the loss of Prime Farmland through the payment of a fee.
Fees collected by the City will be used to foster agricultural production in the Lodi
area. This program may fund marketing, research, land acquisition and other
programs necessary to promote agricultural production. An option that the City may
consider to promote the production of affordable housing is to have this program tied
to a sliding scale based on dwelling units per acre. If a development is at the Land
Cr1YO FLODI
3.1-14 FINAL ENVIRONMEN1,LIMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
Use Element mandated 65% Low Density/10% Medium Density/35% High Density,
equivalent to 9.85 dwelling units per acre, then no fee would be collected, a higher
density would be provided with a credit while a lower density would be subject to the
fee.
00 The use of transferred development rights (TDRs) that can be applied to designated
areas within the Sphere of Influence. The TDRs might be combined with a density
bonus program for agricultural preservation to increase the number of opportunities
to use the TDRs. An option that the City of Lodi may consider is to designate sending
and receiving areas. A potential sending area for the program could be approximately
0.25 miles south of Harney Lane to Armstrong Road in the area currently designated
as Planned Residential Reserve by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The
receiving area for this program could then be designated to areas north of Harney
Lane in the Planned Residential portion of the General Plan.
00 The use of transitional land use categories, such as residential estates, to provide a
further buffer between more intense urban land uses and agricultural land uses.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council,
Timeframe: Complete study and recommend incentives and regulations by June
2005; City Council to adopt incentives or regulations by December 2005.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Preserve agricultural land and reduce the amount of land needed to
meet future urban growth needs
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current
City limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to
the City so that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet
Lodi's future housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney
Lane, Lower Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western
SOI boundary. The City has facilitated a specific planning process with property owners
of approximately 300 acres to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The
development potential for the properties to be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to six years to meet
housing construction needs given the backlog of unused housing allocations and
available sites within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property
owners during the 2003 — 2009 period.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
December 2009.
Funding: Annexation and permit fees
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to accommodate its
share of the region's future housing construction needs between 2001
and 2009, and subsequent years, under the San Joaquin County Council
of Governments housing allocation plan
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1-15 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
Goal B: To encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of
the City's existing housing stock and residential neighborhoods,
particularly in the Eastside area.
1. The City shall encourage private reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods
and private rehabilitation of housing.
2. The City shall use available and appropriate state and federal funding programs
and collaborate with nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate housing and improve
older neighborhoods.
3. The City shall support the revitalization of older neighborhoods by keeping
streets and other municipal systems in good repair.
4. The City shall allow reconstruction of existing housing in the Eastside area and in
commercially or industrially designated areas in the event such housing is
destroyed or damaged.
5. The City shall implement historic preservation guidelines to preserve historically
significant residential structures and insure that infill projects fit within the context
of the neighborhood. (See the Urban Design and Cultural Resources Element for
implementation of this policy.)
GOAL C: To ensure the provision of adequate public facilities and services to
support existing and future residential development.
Program 21: Growth Management Program
The City will continue to use its growth management program to insure that the pace of
development is consistent with the City's, the Lodi Unified School District's, and other
public facility and service providers' abilities to provide public facilities and services and
maintain minimum facility and service standards for the entire community. The City will
contact other public facility and service providers annually during the housing unit
allocation process to insure that these agencies can serve the increased number of
housing units to be allocated.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annually during housing allocation process, 2003 - 2009
Funding: Application fees, development impact fees
Objective: To provide public facilities and services meeting minimum City standards
Goal E: To encourage residential energy efficiency and reductions in
residential energy use.
Policies
The City shall require the use of energy conservation features in the design and
construction of all new residential structures and shall promote the use of energy
conservation and weatherization features in existing homes.
2. The City shall require solar access in the design of all residential projects.
CRY FLODI
3.1-16 FINAL ENVIRONMENmLIMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
3. The City shall pursue residential land use and site planning policies, and promote
planning and design techniques; that encourage reductions in residential energy
consumption.
Program 29: Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Improvements for Older Homes
The City shall continue to permit energy conservation and weatherization improvements
as eligible activities under the Lodi Housing Rehabilitation Program. The City will post
and distribute information on currently available weatherization and energy conservation
programs operated by the City, nonprofit organizations, and utility companies through the
Lodi website, the Community Development Department public counter, the Lodi Public
Library, the Loel Senior Center, and other public locations.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009
Funding: CDBG, HOME, public and private utilities, nonprofit organizations
Objective: To increase energy efficiency in older homes
Program 30: Energy Conservation for New Homes
The City shall enforce state requirements for energy conservation, including Title 24 of
the California Code or Regulations (state building code standards), in new residential
projects and encourage residential developers to employ additional energy conservation
measures in the design of new residential developments with respect to the following:
00 Siting of buildings
00 Landscaping
00 Solar access
00 Subdivision design
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009 as part of review of planning and
building permit applications
Funding: Permit fees
Objective: To increase energy efficiency in the design and construction of new
homes
Thresholds of Significance
Based on standards of significance established by the SJVUAPCD (see Table 3.1-7), the
proposed Project would result in a significant air quality impact if it would:
oo Have the potential to frequently expose members of the public to objectionable odors;
oo Have the potential to expose sensitive receptors (including residential areas) or the general
public to substantial levels of toxic air contaminants; or
oo Fail to carry out appropriate controls for construction dust. (The SJVUAPCD significance
threshold for construction dust impacts is based on the appropriateness of construction dust
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1-17 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.1
Air Quality
controls. The SJVUAPCD guidelines provide feasible control measures for construction
emission of PM10 beyond that required by District regulations. If the appropriate
construction controls are to be implemented, then air pollutant emissions for construction
activities would be considered less than significant); or,
oo Result in increased carbon monoxide and ozone precursors (ROG and NOX);
Table 3.1-7
SJVUAPCD Thresholds of Significance
Criteria Pollutant
Threshold
Reactive Organic Gases(ROG)
10tonsperyear
Oxidesof Nitrogen (NO.)
10tonsperyear
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
9 partsper million (ppm) averaged over8 hoursor20 ppm for 1 hour.
Source: SJVUAPCD, 1998.
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3.1-18 FINAL ENVIRONMEN1ALIMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.1
Air Quality
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact AQ -1 Short -Term Construction Emissions
Grading, excavation, and travel on unpaved construction site roadways can generate dust, and
construction equipment engines emit carbon monoxide, PM10, and ozone precursors.
Construction emissions during implementation of the Housing Element could be higher
compared to recent periods if Housing Element policies accommodate substantially more
growth by exempting affordable or senior housing from the City's growth limitation.
With higher densities, smaller units, and less land area per unit, construction emissions would
be lower on a per-unit basis, and could be lower overall than in recent years depending on the
rate of infill and development. The reduction of parking requirements (Goal A, Program 1) will
decrease potential construction -related emissions, especially ROG and NOx, associated with
multi -family development. Construction -related emissions would also occur if construction
occurred on lands annexed to the City to accommodate residential development.
SJVUAPCD Regulation VIII, Fugitive Dust Control Measures, is meant to reduce PM10
generated from man-made dust sources. Compliance with this regulation is required under
existing regulatory conditions. Enhanced and Additional Control Measures are also available
from the Air District that provides a greater degree of PM,o reduction than Regulation VIII. The
SJVUAPCD recommends implementing all feasible control measures as a part of development
projects. Short-term construction emissions are potentially significant and requires mitigation.
Mitigation Measure AQ -1:
The City shall coordinate with the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control
District (SJVUAPCD) to assess and properly mitigate short-term construction related air
pollution. For projects over which the City has some discretionary authority, the City
shall require the following mitigation measures, where applicable, or measures deemed
to be similarly effective in reducing short-term construction related emissions of PM,o,
carbon monoxide, and ozone precursors:
co Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph; and
oo Install sandbags or other erosion control measures to prevent silt runoff to public
roadways from sites with a slope greater than one percent.
The following control measures are strongly encouraged at construction sites that are
large in area, located near sensitive receptors, or which for any other reason warrant
additional emissions reductions:
oo Install wheel washers for all exiting trucks, or wash off all trucks and equipment
leaving the site;
x Install wind breaks at windward side(s) of construction areas;
oo Suspend excavation and grading activity when winds exceed 20 mph; and
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oo Limit area subject to excavation, grading, and other construction activity at any one
time.
Construction Equipment Mitigation Measures for Heavy duty equipment (scrapers,
graders, trenchers, earth movers, etc.):
oo Use of alternative fueled construction equipment
oo Minimize idling time (e.g., 10 minute maximum)
0o Limit the hours of operation of heavy duty equipment and/or the amount of
equipment in use
x Replace fossil -fueled equipment with electrically driven equivalents (provided they
are not run via a portable generator set)
oo Curtail construction during periods of high ambient pollutant concentrations; this
may include ceasing of construction activity during the peak -hour of vehicular traffic
on adjacent roadways
oo Implement activity management (e.g. rescheduling activities to reduce short-term
impacts)
With incorporation of the identified mitigation, the impact is considered less than significant.
Impact AQ -2 Exposure to, or Creation of, Toxic Emissions
Urban development of lands to the south and west of the city could expose future residents to
toxic air pollutant emissions associated with ongoing agricultural operations. Certain types of
crops and certain methods of agricultural operations involve application of chemicals for
fertilization, suppression of insects, and control of unwanted plants. Some of these chemicals
could become airborne and affect nearby residents.
Infill residential development may place future Lodi residents in relatively close proximity to
existing industrial or commercial sources of harmful air pollutant emissions. These are
potentially significant impacts that require mitigation.
Mitigation Measure AQ -2
The City in preparing environmental documents for proposed residential development
near agricultural lands or near operational industrial/manufacturing facilities, shall
consider impacts related to exposure of residential development to airborne hazardous
air pollutants. A risk assessment shall be conducted, where necessary, to support
environmental documentation. The City shall coordinate with the State Department of
Toxic Substances Control and the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control
District and implement recommendations of these agencies as a part of future residential
projects deemed to be at risk of exposure to sources of hazardous air pollutants. Based
on this environmental analysis the City shall either:
0o Ensure that the proposed project is located away from sources of airborne pollution;
oo Ensure that the proposed project is not located downwind of significant point
sources of air pollution such as smoke stacks and agricultural fields where
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chemicals are used; and/or,
oo Require buffers of other compatible uses of adequate width between residential areas
and sources of pollution.
With the incorporation of identified mitigation, the impact is considered less than significant.
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Impact AQ -3 Long -Term Operational Emissions
Long-term operational air pollutant emissions are those associated with the function of projects
developed under, or accommodated by the Housing Element. Housing Element policies do not
affect manufacturing or other land uses associated with emission of substantial air pollutant
emissions (except the possibility of encouraging vacant or underutilized lands to be removed
from industrial or commercial operation — Programs 4 and 6). Long-term air quality impacts are
primarily associated with indirect impacts of residential development such as:
0o Additional vehicle traffic;
oo Operation of landscape maintenance equipment;
co Power generation to supply electricity;
oo Fireplaces and other indoor climate control; and,
oo Other activities with less substantial air quality consequences.
The Housing Element includes exemptions to the growth ordinance for affordable housing and
senior housing. The extent to which housing developers would take advantage of this new
growth management limit exemption is unknown. However, this program could increase the
number of housing units that could constructed or occupied in any given year, and ultimately
increase the level of air pollution attributable to construction. The effect of this exemption on the
overall population of Lodi is also difficult to estimate, but the program could increase long-term
air pollutant emissions, to the extent that pollution is related to residential population increases.
Density bonuses and second unit programs increase the number of units that can be developed
per land area d' the city, and air pollution attributable to the use of housing units. Land
inventory and infill programs could result in a higher population density in developed areas of
the city, and may lead to transportation related air quality problems if adequate circulation
infrastructure is not provided. Annexation of land for urban development would result in
additional automobile trips, fireplaces, energy needs, all aspects of residential development that
impact air quality.
Several goals, policies, and programs included in the Housing Element would have a mitigating
effect on long-term air quality impacts that might otherwise occur. Senior and special needs
housing is encouraged near services and public transportation, which could reduce dependence
on automobiles, the major source of air pollution from new development in this portion of the
SJVAB. Infill residential development, which also places residences in closer proximity to jobs
and services, may also reduce dependence on the automobile. There are various goals,
policies, and programs intended to encourage higher density residential development, creating
land use patterns that support transit and other alternative travel modes. Programs ensuring
adequate transportation and transit facilities will reduce potential congestion and automobile
related air pollutant emissions. Finally, the Housing Element specifies goals and programs
related to residential efficiency, which would reduce air pollution associated with off-site
electricity generation. The City's General Plan Circulation Element Goals C, D, E, G, I, and the
associated policies also establish the City's desire to reduce automobile trips and promote
alternatives to this mode of transportation.
The SJVUAPCD's Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans (AQGGP) identifies goals, policies,
and implementation strategies for use in land use planning documents. The Air District
recommendations focus on automobile use, which typically account for 90 percent or more of
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total emissions attributable to new commercial and residential projects. Housing Element
programs that encourage increased density and infill development are consistent with some of
the factors that could reduce non -work automobile trips, as cited by SJVUAPCD and the
California Air Resources Board:"'
oo Residential and commercial developments must be of sufficient density to support transit
service;
oo Neighborhoods must be sufficiently compact to encourage walking and biking for errands,
socializing, etc;
oo Houses, jobs, and services should be located close enough together to allow walking and
biking for at least some trips;
oo The circulation network and the design of individual streets should provide a safe and
attractive environment for bicyclists and pedestrians;
oo The community should have a rough balance between the number of jobs and the number
of employed residents;
oo Increase density near transit corridors;
0o Increase density near transit stations;
oo Encourage mixed-use development;
0o Encourage infill and densification;
oo Develop concentrated activity centers;
oo Strengthen downtowns;
oo Develop interconnected street network; and,
oo Provide strategic parking facilities.
Some Housing Element components may have adverse long-term operational air quality
impacts while other components may reduce operational emissions in the short and/or long term
compared to continued growth with recent development patterns. Future housing projects will
be subjected to CEQA review and mitigation. Overall, the impact is considered less than
significant.
Impact AQ -4 Exposure to, or Creation of, Carbon Monoxide
Hotspots
Traffic congestion can create localized concentrations of carbon monoxide, otherwise known as
hot spots. The federal and State governments created standards for carbon monoxide
concentrations that, if not exceeded, would ensure no public health risk. The housing element
is intended to encourage a more efficient use of land as well as infill development, which could
strain public infrastructure, including roadways. If an intersection operating at satisfactory level
of service becomes congested (LOS E or F) during peak demand as a result of housing
development, this congestion (depending on the location of nearby sensitive receptors, the mix
of vehicle types, the level of delay, the surrounding topography and wind patterns, the ambient
concentration of carbon monoxide, and other factors) could cause one or more hot spots.
Increased density in areas with existing transit service and with a mix of land uses would make
walking, bicycling, and use of transit more attractive and convenient, thus reducing the demand
on local roadways, consistent with General Plan Circulation Element Goals C, E, and G.
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Introduction of additional residential development into areas of the city with congested roadways
may increase congestion and associated pollutant concentrations. As future housing projects
are proposed throughout the Lodi, they are required to analyze the site specific, development
specific traffic congestion impacts and mitigate, wherever feasible. Levels of service for
affected intersections and roadway segments would be analyzed under pre- and post -project
conditions and cumulative conditions. Wherever the housing project contributed to an
unacceptable level of service (LOS E or F), the project would be required to provide
signalization, additional lanes, intersection improvements, or other solutions to reduce travel
demand and/or increase roadway capacity.
In some built out areas of the city, if additional housing development or additional density is
accommodated through future housing projects, typical automobile traffic mitigation may not be
feasible or appropriate to relieve peak hour congestion. Additional right-of-way may be difficult
to acquire. These potential problems were anticipated in the Circulation Element (Goal A,
Policy 4), which indicates that meeting City congestion standards in redeveloping areas may be
infeasible or undesirable. The Housing Element encourages redevelopment and infill
development. This may place housing in areas where existing or future congestion levels may
create carbon monoxide hot spots. In some areas, roadway improvements to reduce peak hour
congestion may not be feasible or desirable. This is a significant and unavoidable impact.
Impact AQ -5 Consistency with Air Quality Management Plans
SJVUAPCD Attainment Plans regulate the creation and emission of non -attainment pollutants
within the Project area. To ensure that short-term and long-term impacts of development are
sufficiently addressed, the District created and adopted these plans, which assume that
development throughout the region will occur based on local and regional growth projections,
and contain standards for emissions based on these projections. A project is considered to be
in compliance with the Attainment Plans if it does not exceed the thresholds and does not
contribute a significant percentage of the California Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Annexation areas identified in the Housing Element are within the City's current Sphere of
Influence, and annexation and development of these properties, as well as development of
affordable and senior housing under an exemption to the residential growth limits would only
occur if necessary to meet the regional housing needs allocation (Program 2 and Program 9).
The City's General Plan establishes a growth management program implemented by the City
through Ordinance 1521, which regulates residential growth to two percent per year through
2007 and designates residential land sufficient to meet the City's needs. To ensure a two
percent growth rate per year, Lodi established a residential permit allocation system. The
residential allocation system establishes the number of units that can be permitted on a yearly
basis within the established two percent limit of Ordinance 1521. The system is applied to all
residential projects of five dwellings or more, except senior housing developments. Unused
allocations may roll over into subsequent years without limit. Even though the growth
management program establishes an upper limit to growth, in recent years, residential
development has not approached the two percent limit and there are approximately 3,000
unused allocations.
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The San Joaquin County Regional Transportation Plan and the applicable air quality attainment
plans for PM10 and ozone are based on San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG)
projections, without consideration of any local growth control ordinances. The Housing Element
does not include any measures that would accommodate or encourage population growth
beyond SJCOG population projections. No specific housing projects are identified in the
Housing Element. The impact is considered less than significant.
Notes and References
1 San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. Guide for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts.
August, 1998 (revised June 1999).
2 San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. An Extreme Choice. www.valleyair.org.
3 California Air Resources Board. California Air Quality Almanac. 2002.
4 Ibid. Page 43.
e San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. Guide for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts.
August, 1998 (revised June 1999).
6 Ibid. Page 56.
California Air Resources Board. Transportation -Related Land Use Strategies to Minimize Motor Vehicle
Emissions: An Indirect Source Research Study. 1995.
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Section 3.2
Biological Resources
3.2 Biological Resources
This section provides a general description of the important biological features of Lodi, including
plants, animals, special -status species, and wetlands. The information and analysis in this
section draw heavily from existing documents, including the Lodi General Plan EIR (1988), Lodi
General Plan Background Report (1990), and the Lodi Redevelopment Plan EIR (2002). Each
of these reports is available for review at the Lodi City Hall.
Environmental Setting
The Project area is characterized by a variety of natural and altered habitats, ranging from fully
urbanized areas to natural river channels. Seven habitat types have been identified within the
city and Sphere of Influence', with multiple plant and animal species of interest to local, State,
and federal agencies. Some sensitive habitat areas, including the Lodi Lake Nature Area, are
already protected from development under existing ordinances and plans.
Of the seven habitat types found in the city and SOI, four are manmade and three are natural.
The seven habitat types are described below. Refer to the Lodi General Plan EIR Background
Report for a full explanation of each habitat type and their locations within the community.
River Channels:
River channels provide habitat for a number of aquatic and land species, and are essential to
adjacent wetland communities which feed from the river channels. The major river in Lodi,
Mokelumne River, has its water levels controlled by releases from the Comanche Reservoir and
the Woodbridge diversion dam. Chinook salmon and steelhead are the major species of
concern in this habitat type within Lodi.
Ponds and Marshes:
This habitat type, including freshwater marshes, is considered valuable due to its relative
scarcity in the Central Valley and its ability to provide habitat for a rich variety of species.
Locations of ponds and marshes are primarily within the Lodi Lake Nature Area, although
scattered sites also exist along the Mokelumne River and along ditches and drainage areas.
Potential sensitive species that can reside or utilize such habitat include endangered,
threatened, and special -status raptors, migratory birds, snakes, and rodents.
Riparian Stands:
Riparian stands include vegetated tree and shrub communities occurring along waterways,
providing habitat for plants and animals, stabilizing river banks, and serving as a natural filter for
contaminants carried by urban runoff toward adjacent waterways. Various endangered,
threatened, and special -status species can reside in this habitat, and riparian stands are known
to support a greater diversity of species than any other habitat type in the area. Although once
abundant in the area, this habitat type currently exists only along portions of the Mokelumne
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River within the Project area, generally within the Lodi Lake Nature area and immediately west
thereof.
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Old Fields:
Old Fields habitat represents the state of land following abandonment of urban or agricultural
use. Abandoned lands once developed with urban or agricultural uses will transition into a
natural -type habitat, but during such transition are known as old field habitat. Vegetation in this
habitat is typified by ruderal species, generally hardy and aggressive, than can colonize vacated
lands quickly and efficiently. Wildlife species supported by this habitat are similar to those in
agricultural areas. This habitat type is found throughout the city, although the majority is located
on the periphery of the urbanized area.
Fence Rows:
This habitat type occurs along the undeveloped edges of agricultural areas, or along previously -
disturbed sites no longer in urban or agricultural use. Trees and scattered vegetation can occur
in these areas, providing supporting habitat for sensitive plant and animal communities. This
habitat is most abundant in rural areas, although scattered portions exist throughout urban
areas as well. Tremendous variety exists in these habitats, depending on the size, location,
former use, and surrounding land uses of the site.
Agricultural Areas:
Agricultural areas consist primarily of cultivated fields, vineyards, orchards, and irrigated
pastures. Common crops grown in Lodi and surrounding areas include tomatoes, grapes,
apples, leafy vegetables, cherries, and assorted nuts. Livestock farming is also known to occur.
Species supported by this habitat type very greatly according to the type of crop grown on the
land and the types and extent of chemical (pesticide and herbicide) use on the property. This
habitat type is the dominant type found in non -urban areas, and throughout the Sphere of
Influence.
Urban Areas:
This habitat type includes physically developed areas typified by pavement, structures, and
other site disturbances. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Non-native
landscaping is the most common plant type here, and the urban environment is not generally
considered supportive of endangered, threatened, or special -status species of plants or
animals. While not considered ideal habitat for any such species, it is possible that such
species can utilize urban areas for foraging, nesting, or mating. This habitat type is common
throughout the city.
Uses within the Project area range from urban to agricultural to natural, with most areas inside
the City limits characterized by urban development. Agricultural and preserved open space
areas exist within the Sphere of Influence, serving as residence and foraging habitat for a range
of species.
Previous Studies
The Project area considered in this EIR is the same as was considered in the Lodi General Plan
EIR in 1988. This previous report assessed potential environmental impacts to biological
resources within the Planning area resulting from planned urban development of Lodi.
In addition to the General Plan EIR and its corresponding Background Report, multiple EIRs
have been prepared within the city addressing biological impacts. Most recently, the Lodi
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Redevelopment Agency prepared an EIR for the Lodi Redevelopment Plan, adopted in 2002.
This EIR considered impacts to biological resources throughout the redevelopment area, which
includes 1,184 acres of land within the city limits. Both EIRs provided analyses of potential
impacts to plant and animal species resulting from urban development in the Project area.
Regulatory Background
The following section describes relevant federal and State regulations governing biological
resources that could be applicable to development within the Project area. Specific agencies
and applicable laws depend on the type of habitat affected and the type of development
proposed.
Special -Status Species Regulation
Federal Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires that projects ensure their actions do not jeopardize
the continued existence of species listed as endangered or threatened or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of the critical habitat of these species.
California Endangered Species Act
The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) is responsible for protection and
conservation of fish and wildlife resources in California. Under the California Endangered
Species Act of 1984 (CESA), CDFG is responsible for ensuring that projects do not adversely
affect a species listed as endangered or threatened under the California ESA (Section 2090 of
the Fish and Game Code).
The State and federal Endangered Species Acts are intended to operate in conjunction with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
to help protect the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend. The
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for implementation of the
federal ESA, while CDFG implements the California ESA.
Native Plant Protection Act
The legal protection afforded listed plants under the Native Plant Protection Act involves
provisions that prohibit the taking of plants from the wild and a salvage requirement for
landowners. Once they have been notified of the presence of a listed species on their property,
landowners are required to inform CDFG at least ten days prior to any land use change. This
allows for the salvaging of plants that would otherwise be destroyed.
California Environmental Quality Act
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In addition to formal listing under FESA and CESA, plant and wildlife species receive additional
consideration during the CEQA process. Species that may be considered for review are
included on a list of "Species of Special Concern," developed by the CDFG. It tracks species in
California whose numbers, reproductive success, or habitat may be threatened. This EIR
considers Species of Special Concern, in compliance with CEQA requirements.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act / Fish and Game Code
Raptors (birds of prey), migratory birds, and other avian species are protected by both State and
federal laws. Disturbance to nesting raptors is prohibited by Section 3503 of the California Fish
and Game Code and by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Section 3503.5 of the
California Fish and Game Code states that it is "unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds
in the order Falconiformes or Strigiformes or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any
such bird except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation adopted pursuant
thereto."
The federal MBTA also states that it is "unlawful to take any migratory bird listed in 50 CFR (10),
including nests, eggs, or products." It prohibits the killing, possessing, or trading of migratory
birds except in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Interior. Disturbance
that causes nest abandonment is considered "taking", and is prohibited.
San .Joaquin County Habitat Conservation Plan
San Joaquin County maintains a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) which provides protection for
sensitive habitat areas within the County. The San Joaquin Council of Governments and the
consultant who prepared the HCP have indicated that the HCP is based on an assumption that
areas planned for urban uses will be developed to 100 percent levels. Thus, the HCP assumed
that development of a parcel would result in its elimination as potential habitat for species of
concern. The HCP considered that all areas within the city limits and in the sphere of influence
will develop with urban uses, and considered that all lands within the existing city limits and SOI
will lose any value as habitat for species of plants and animals.
Wetlands Regulation
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulates discharge of dredged or fill material into
waters of the United States, including wetlands, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(CWA). "Discharge of fill material' is defined as the addition of fill material into waters of the
U.S., including, but not limited to, the following: placement of fill that is necessary for the
construction of any structure, or impoundment requiring rock, sand, dirt, or other material for its
construction; site -development fills for recreational, industrial, commercial, residential, and other
uses; causeways or road fills; fill for intake and outfall pipes and subaqueous utility lines [33
C.F.R. §328.2(f)].
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Waters of the U.S. include a range of wet environments such as lakes, rivers, streams (including
intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, and wet meadows. Boundaries
between jurisdictional waters and uplands are determined in a variety of ways depending on
which type of waters is present. Methods for delineating wetlands and non -tidal waters are
described below.
Wetlands are defined as "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater
at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and under normal circumstances do support, a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions" [33 C.F.R.
§328.3(b)]. Presently, to be a wetland, a site must exhibit three wetland criteria: hydrophytic
vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology existing under the "normal circumstances" for
the site.
The lateral extent of non -tidal waters is determined by delineating the ordinary high water mark
(OHWM) [33 C.F.R. §328.4(c)(1)]. The OHWM is defined by the Corps as "that line on shore
established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical character of the soil,
destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means
that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas" [33 C.F.R. §328.3(e)].
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act
In addition, Section 401 of the CWA (33 U.S.C. 1341) requires any applicant for a federal
license or permit to conduct any activity that may result in a discharge of a pollutant (including
fill material) into waters of the United States to obtain a certification that the discharge will
comply with the applicable effluent limitations and water quality standards.
Section 1600 - 1607 of the California Fish and Game Code
The CDFG has jurisdiction under Section 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code
over fish and wildlife resources of the state. Under Section 1603, a private party must notify the
CDFG if a proposed project will "substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow or substantially
change the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake designated by the department, or
use any material from the streambeds... except when the department has been notified pursuant
to Section 1601." If an existing fish or wildlife resource may be substantially adversely affected
by the activity, the CDFG may propose reasonable measures that will allow protection of those
resources. If these measures are agreeable to the party, they may enter into an agreement with
the CDFG identifying the approved activities and associated mitigation measures.
Methodology
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference to this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to biological resources
have been analyzed. The following excerpt includes all relevant Housing Element policies and
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programs, including policies 2 and 13 from Goal A, and Programs 6 and 9 of the Housing
Element:
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use
of land.
Policies
2. The City shall regulate the number of housing units approved each year to maintain
a population -based annual residential growth rate of 2.0 percent, consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force and the growth management
ordinance.
13. The City shall encourage infill residential development and higher residential
densities within the existing City limits near transit stops, and compact development
patterns in annexation areas to reduce public facility and service costs, avoid the
premature conversion of natural resource and agricultural lands, and reduce the
number of trips from private vehicles.
Program 6: Encourage Efficient Use of Land for Residential Development
The City will investigate incentive and regulatory tools to encourage efficient use of land
designated or held in reserve for urban development within the existing Lodi Sphere of
Influence to reduce the premature conversion of agricultural land to urban use. If
determined to be feasible, the City will adopt one or more incentives or regulations.
Examples of approaches the City will study and consider are:
oo A requirement to mitigate the loss of Prime Farmland through the payment of a fee.
Fees collected by the City will be used to foster agricultural production in the Lodi area.
This program may fund marketing, research, land acquisition and other programs
necessary to promote agricultural production. An option that the City may consider to
promote the production of affordable housing is to have this program tied to a sliding
scale based on dwelling units per acre. If a development is at the Land Use Element
mandated 65% Low Density/10% Medium Density/35% High Density, equivalent to
9.85 dwelling units per acre, then no fee would be collected, a higher density would be
provided with a credit while a lower density would be subject to the fee.
oo The use of transferred development rights (TDRs) that can be applied to designated
areas within the Sphere of Influence. The TDRs might be combined with a density
bonus program for agricultural preservation to increase the number of opportunities to
use the TDRs. An option that the City of Lodi may consider is to designate sending and
receiving areas. A potential sending area for the program could be approximately 0.25
miles south of Harney Lane to Armstrong Road in the area currently designated as
Planned Residential Reserve by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The
receiving area for this program could then be designated to areas north of Harney Lane
in the Planned Residential portion of the General Plan.
oo The use of transitional land use categories, such as residential estates, to provide a
further buffer between more intense urban land uses and agricultural land uses.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council,
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Timeframe: Complete study and recommend incentives and regulations by June
2005; City Council to adopt incentives or regulations by December
2005.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Preserve agricultural land and reduce the amount of land needed to
meet future urban growth needs
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current
City limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to
the City so that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet
Lodi's future housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney
Lane, Lower Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western
SOI boundary. The City has facilitated a specific planning process with property owners
of approximately 300 acres to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The
development potential for the properties to be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to six years to meet
housing construction needs given the backlog of unused housing allocations and
available sites within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property
owners during the 2003 — 2009 period.
ResponsibiIity:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
December 2009.
Funding: Annexation and permit fees
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to accommodate its
share of the region's future housing construction needs between 2001
and 2009, and subsequent years, under the San Joaquin County Council
of Governments housing allocation plan
Thresholds of Significance
Based on CEQA and federal guidelines, the proposed Project would have a significant biological
resources impact if it would:
oc 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;
oo Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California
Department of Fish and Game of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
CIT(OFLODI
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Section 3.2
Biological Resources
oo 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;
oo 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;
oo Conflict with City of Lodi General Plan policies or City ordinances protecting biological
resources; or
oo Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan.
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.2
Biological Resources
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact 13I0-1 Potential Impact on Sensitive Biological
Habitats
The Project includes changes to the housing policy of the City, including increases in density in
some urban areas, and various growth policies that could affect locations and timing of
residential growth. In addition, policies encourage preservation of transition areas and other
open space areas. The pace of growth called for in the Housing Element will affect outward
expansion and impact sensitive habitat or foraging areas for regulated species of
plants/animals. All four elements of Program 6 would affect biological resources with regard to
this potential impact. The location of the land uses or agricultural areas preserved would likely
be habitat for plant or animal species, and there is potential for fragmentation or removal of
sensitive habitat.
Mitigation measures were adopted in previous City environmental documents, including the
General Plan E/R, which help to mitigate this impact. The General Plan Conservation Element
includes policies and implementation programs designed to mitigate impacts to special -status
species, sensitive habitat areas, biological diversity, and water quality impacts. These
mitigation measures and General Plan policies were found to reduce impacts of urban
development on biological resources in the area to a level of less than significant. Relevant
policies for biological resource protection are provided below.
Policy E-1
The City shall protect the river channel, pond and marsh, and riparian vegetation and
wildlife communities and habitats in the Mokelumne River and floodplain areas.
Policy E-2
The City shall prohibit the removal of large valley oak trees that are defined as "heritage
trees".
Policy E-3
New development shall be sited to maximize the protection of native tree species and
sensate plants and wildlife habitats.
Policy E-5
The City shall require site-specific surveys to identify significant vegetation and wildlife
habitat for development projects located in or near sensitive habitat areas.
Policy E-6
The City shall support federal and state laws and policies preserving rare, threatened,
and endangered species by ensuring that development does not adversely affect such
species or by fully mitigating adverse effects consistent with the recommendations of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game.
Implementation Program 8
The City shall adopt a heritage tree ordinance that defines and identifies mature trees to
be protected and establishes regulations for their protection and removal.
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Section 3.2
Biological Resources
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Section 3.2
Biological Resources
Mitigation Measure (Biological Resources)
The City should work with DFG in identifying an area or areas suitable for Swainson's
hawk and burrowing owl habitat; this land should be preserved and put into a mitigation
land bank to mitigate impacts on existing habitat for these species.
Mitigation Measure (Biological Resources)
The City shall manage portions of storm drainage detention ponds and drainage ponds,
and other appropriate areas, as wildlife habitat.
The added potential environmental impacts associated with the density increases, open space
preservation policies, and growth levels called for in the Housing Element will be effectively
mitigated by the existing Conservation Element policies and General Plan EIR mitigation
measures. Increases to density of urban uses will not increase the level of impact to biological
resources, and potential fragmentation of open space areas will be mitigated by existing policies
requiring consultation with California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and
special -status species surveys prior to development of lands within the city limits or proposed
annexation areas.
In addition to these existing policies, the encouragement of infill development can have a
potentially positive impact on biological resources by facilitating a reduction in land
consumption. Given existing policies and mitigation measures in place, as well as the infill
encouragement provisions of the Housing Element, this impact is considered less than
significant.
Another aspect of impacts to sensitive biological communities is the consistency of the Project
with the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The HCP considers development of the lands within
the city limits and sphere of influence, assessing the impacts associated with such
development. The HCP assumes that development of these lands will eliminate any potential
habitat value of the lands within the study area. The Project does not increase the boundaries
of the SOI or the city limits, and thus has no impact on lands identified as potentially valuable
habitat for special species in the area. While Program 9 of the Housing Element does call for
annexation of up to 600 acres on the west side of the community to meet projected residential
development needs, this land is within the existing Sphere of Influence for the city, and the
impacts of development of this area were adequately considered in the General Plan EIR and
accounted for in the HCP. The Project is consistent with the adopted Habitat Conservation Plan
for San Joaquin County. The impact to the adopted Habitat Conservation Plan is less than
significant.
Impact 13I0-2 Impact on ,Jurisdictional Wetlands
Expanding residential development into outlying areas hcreases the potential for impact to
jurisdictional wetlands. While the Housing Element does not increase the planned urban
boundaries of the city or proposes changes to the city limits and sphere of influence, the policies
contained in the Element have the potential to alter the density and timing of development in
outlying areas. The increases in density on residential sites could increase impacts of urban
runoff and water quality degradation associated with increased construction or infrastructure
necessary to support the planned housing.
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Section 3.2
Biological Resources
Major wetland areas in the city of Lodi are the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake, as well as
adjacent ponds formed during high water periods. The Lodi General Plan E/R considered
impacts to water quality in these areas, as it is associated with urban development. Multiple
policies and mitigation measures were put in place to alleviate projected impacts. Following are
the relevant policies and mitigation measures from the General Plan E/R.
Policy A-8
The City shall support efforts on a county, regional, state, and federal level to reduce
runoff of toxic chemicals from agricultural lands.
Policy E-7
The City shall prohibit the development of facilities and trails in Lodi Lake Park that will
degrade or destroy riparian habitat values.
Mitigation Measure (Biological Resources)
The City shall manage portions of storm drainage detention ponds and drainage ponds,
and other appropriate areas, as wildlife habitat.
In addition to local policies and mitigation measures, there are a variety of federal laws
prohibiting the degradation or impact to federal wetlands or waters of the United States. As
noted in the regulatory background portion of this section, both the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the California Department of Fish and Game have regulatory authority over any
projects that have the potential to modify, divert, or affect wetlands. Because the potential
impacts to wetlands associated with future development will depend heavily on project -specific
design characteristics including density, amount and location of pavement, drainage, and other
factors, it is not possible to accurately gage impacts at this level of review. Future residential
projects within the city that have the potential to impact wetlands will be required to undergo
subsequent environmental review and mitigate all impacts associated with jurisdictional
wetlands. With all impacts required to be addressed at the later point of review, the impact is
considered less than significant.
Notes and References
'City of Lodi. General Plan Background Report (1990), Page 12-2.
2 Personal communications with Gerald Park (San Joaquin COG) and Amy Augustine 6ugustine Land Use
Planning). October 7, 2003.
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Section 3.3
Cultural and Historic Resources
3.3 Cultural and Historic
Resources
This section provides an evaluation of the potential effects the Housing Element Update may
have on cultural and historic resources.
Environmental Setting
Prehistoric Resources
Historically, the Plains Miwok Indians inhabited the northern portion of the San Joaquin Valley,
within the area that includes modern-day Lodi. The Miwok Indians are generally characterized
as hunters and gatherers that lived a semi -sedentary lifestyle. Several studies within the project
region have provided evidence that the Miwok Indians utilized the Mokelumne River, located
along the northern boundary of Lodi. In general, the majority of Native American sites found in
the Lodi area are located along the southern banks of the Mokelumne River, near the town of
Woodbridge.
Historical Resources
Lodi is best known for its thousands of acres of agricultural land mainly devoted to Tokay Flame
grape vineyards, which were first planted in the area in 1864, and increasingly planted over
time. Lodi is an agriculturally -oriented community that was established in 1869 when the Town
of Mokelumne Station was founded by the Central Pacific Railroad. It later incorporated as the
City of Lodi in 1907.
The presence of these unique vineyards in the Lodi area served to shape the character of the
city. In 1907, the Lodi Arch, considered a State Historical Landmark and listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, was constructed to commemorate the first of what would eventually
be an 80 -year tradition, the annual Lodi Grape Festival. The Lodi Arch is constructed in the
Mission Revival style and is considered the foremost historic resource in the city. The arch was
rehabilitated in 1984 and remains in its original condition. The arch is located at the western
intersection of Pine Street and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Downtown Lodi and serves
as the "gateway" into the downtown area.
In addition to the Lodi Arch, two other structures are currently listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. The Hotel Lodi, located on School Street, was originally operated from 1915 to
1922. The hotel is characterized as a three story L -shape, made of reinforced masonry, and
constructed in the Renaissance Revival manner. The building was renovated in 1990. The
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Section 3.3
Cultural and Historic Resources
Women's Club of Lodi, located on Pine Street, was constructed in 1923. The building is a
classic example of early 20th century neo-classical architecture. It is also considered a
significant historic resource given its intended use was originally for non-commercial purposes,
rare for its time.
Lodi is also home to several other historically significant buildings. The downtown area was
established during the early days of the city, between 1869 and 1920. Currently, the area
includes approximately 70 historic buildings. Within a 22 -block radius of the downtown area, 45
of the buildings are considered to make a significant collection of historic resources. A 1987
preliminary study of the Downtown Lodi area concluded that the entire collection of downtown
buildings is eligible for local listing and could also be considered a National Register district.
More specifically, buildings found in a two -block area within the downtown are considered
architecturally significant, regardless of weathering that has occurred over time.
Historical resources play an important role in the lives of the residents of Lodi, as indicated by
the existing residential neighborhoods to the east and west of the downtown area. These areas
consist of an abundance of historical homes that have been preserved on an owner -driven basis
through rigorous maintenance and renovation. Some homes of note outside the downtown area
include the Towne Farmhouse (approximately 1920), the Beckman Ranch House (1900), and
the Hill House (1902). However, the City of Lodi does not administer any specific programs
related to preservation of historical homes.
Methodology
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference to this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to cultural and historic
resources have been analyzed. The following excerpt includes all relevant Housing Element
policies and programs:
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned
parcels and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information
available to the public and developers, including information on underutilized sites within
the downtown area with residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall
update the inventory and list at least annually. The City will promote the land inventory
and the availability of each update through the City's web site, a notice at the
Community Development Permit Counter, and a press release subsequent to each
update.
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will
also conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and
commercial sites along Cherokee Lane, South Sacramento Street, South Stockton
Street, and West Kettleman Lane. Properties along these streets may be suitable for
future residential development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such
development feasible. These areas are characterized by obsolete patterns of land
development, older structures in substandard condition, odd -sized lots, and marginally
CITYOFLODI 3.3-2 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.3
Cultural and Historic Resources
viable commercial and industrial uses that would make properties ripe for redevelopment
in the next five to ten years. If Lodi determines that residential development is feasible
along these streets, the City will initiate a planning process with property owners (which
may be a special area plan or a specific plan meeting state law requirements) to define
specific properties suitable for residential or mixed-use development, appropriate
development standards, and improvements needed to support residential development.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete study of residential development potential by December
2006; prepare and adopt area plan(s) by December 2008.
Funding: General Fund, contributions from property owners
Objective: Increase the potential for infill development, thereby reducing the need
to prematurely annex land and convert agricultural land to urban use
Thresholds of Significance
Impact on cultural and historic resources is considered potentially significant if the Housing
Element Update will:
oo Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historic resource and/or
archaeological resource, as defined in Section 15064.5.
oo Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature.
oo Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact C/HR-1 Impact on Known and Undiscovered Cultural
Resources
The cultural resource sites that have been previously identified within the Project area
considered by the Housing Element Update are located along the southern banks of the
Mokelumne River. There are also identified historical resources within the developed portion of
Lodi. Program 4, included above, identifies vacant land and land for potential reuse within the
Planning Area that could be used to accommodate the City's anticipated housing needs. As
seen in Figures 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5, there are no sites located along the southern bank of the
Mokelumne River identified for residential use. However, given the presence of Native
Americans throughout this region of the valley, there is a potential for development of previously
undisturbed sites to uncover cultural sites and features that have not been previously
discovered. Undiscovered cultural resources could be potentially damaged as a result of site
development activities. If left unmitigated, impacts to previously undiscovered cultural
resources would be significant.
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Section 3.3
Cultural and Historic Resources
The City does not specifically implement any policies or programs to promote preservation of
historical structures within Lodi. The majority of historic properties within the city are
concentrated in the downtown area, which is within the City's established Redevelopment Area.
As such, the Housing Element Update identifies some areas that could be reused for residential
purposes. Development of infill sites for residential uses could result in impacts to potentially
historic structures. If left unmitigated, implementation of the Housing Element Update would
result in potentially significant impacts to historic structures.
Mitigation Measure C/HR-1
Should grading or excavation activities reveal the presence of archaeological and/or
paleontological resources, work activities in the vicinity of the find shall be temporarily
halted and a qualified archaeologist consulted to assess the significance of the resource.
Proper management recommendations for significant resources could include avoidance
or data recovery excavation. Should human skeletal remains be encountered, State law
requires immediate notification of the County Coroner. Should the County Coroner
determine that such remains are in an archaeological context, the Native American
Heritage Commission in Sacramento shall be notified immediately, pursuant to State law,
to arrange for Native American participation in determining the disposition of the
remains.
Mitigation Measure C/HR-2
Existing structures, ages 45 years old and older, on redevelopment sites identified within
the Housing Element Update shall be evaluated by a qualified professional architectural
historian prior to demolition/removal to determine the suitability of the structure for
historic status. If disturbance to an historic resource cannot be avoided, appropriate
mitigation shall be identified. Appropriate mitigation may include preservation in place or
relocation and rehabilitation. A mitigation program shall be implemented to ensure
implementation of the measure.
Following implementation of the mitigation measures identified above, potential impacts related
to cultural and historic resources resulting from implementation of policies and programs within
the Housing Element Update are considered less than significant.
CITYOFLODI 3.3-4 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
3.4 Geology, Soils, and Mineral
Resources
This section describes potential impacts of the Housing Element Update due to geologic
conditions, seismic activity, soil conditions, and mineral resources.
Environmental Setting
Geology
The Great Valley is a 400 -mile long northwest -trending trough, which has been, and continues
to be, filled with alluvial sediment from tectonic uplift and erosion of the mountains to the east.
Groundwater
The Central Valley is underlain by major groundwater basins and several smaller basins along
the foothills and mountain valley areas. The City of Lodi utilizes a groundwater basin for its
domestic water supply however; the basin is not considered a major aquifer within the Central
Valley system. The groundwater basin underlying Lodi was created over time by a vast
thickness of alluvium that has become saturated to a relatively shallow depth. Water can be
encountered at approximately 50 feet below ground surface. As seen in Figure 3.2-1, the
Mokelumne River is located along the northern boundary of the city. The river is the main
source of local groundwater recharge in the project area. There has been a problem with
overdrafting of the groundwater basin for over approximately four decades. The water level
varies seasonally and is dependant upon rainfall. The presence of shallow groundwater is
known to play a role in the occurrence of liquefaction and has been recorded as a contributing
factor of subsidence in the southern San Joaquin County area of California. See Sections 3-5,
Hydrology and 3-9, Public Facilities of this EIR for further discussion of groundwater availability
and water quality.
Seismic Safety
In general, the state of California in its entirety is potentially subject to groundshaking
associated with seismic activity, given the extensive network of faults that are present
throughout the state. The major fault zone nearest to Lodi is the San Joaquin fault, located to
the south along the hills just southwest of Tracy. The San Joaquin fault extends south, along
the foothills, for approximately 35 miles. There are no Alquist Priolo fault zones identified within
the city boundary or within San Joaquin County. The nearest identified Alquist Priolo fault zone
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Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
is located within Contra Costa and Alameda counties, approximately 50 miles southwest of the
city.
Given Lodi's location in relation to known faults, the potential for groundshaking experienced
within the city has been estimated to be between a 6.0 magnitude and an 8.0 magnitude
earthquake event, originating from the major faults of the San Andreas Fault system, the
Midland Fault, or the Tracy -Stockton Fault. The way in which the human environment is
impacted by groundshaking effects is related to the presence and level of groundwater, as well
as the type and texture of the substrate in which they occur. Areas adjacent to and near the
Mokelumne River will experience groundshaking events differently from the southeastern area
of Lodi because of the differing levels of groundwater. Lodi is located within the potential
liquefaction zone of the Midland Fault (see discussion below).
However, given the absence of known faults within the Lodi area, the risk of surface rupture is
considered minimal. Damage resulting from a large earthquake event would mainly be
associated with structural damage to poorly built, masonry structures and may cause some level
of widespread fear. In the event of the anticipated maximum 8.0 magnitude event, structural
damage could occur to even well -made structures.
Liquefaction
Liquefaction occurs when sediment, saturated with water, temporarily loses strength, causing
ground failure. This can be caused by earthshaking. Soils most susceptible to liquefaction are
loose, clean and uniformly graded fine grained sands. Silty sands can also liquefy during strong
groundshaking. Lodi is located in the potential liquefaction zone for the Midland Fault because
the city is underlain by saturated, clay -free sand and silt, which can liquefy with the passage of
seismic energy.
Soil Stability
The topography of Lodi is generally flat, ranging in elevation from 10 feet above mean sea level
on the west side of the city to 20 feet above mean sea level on the east side of the city.
Because of its location in the Central Valley and the surrounding flat topography, Lodi is not
exposed to any landslide risks.
The majority of soils within the Project area consist of variants of the Tokay soil series, as
mapped by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. The three variants of the Tokay series present
are all fine sandy loam. There are also small mapped units of Tujunga loamy sands throughout
the project area, and Clear Lake clay and Columbia fine sandy loams located near the
Mokelumne River.
Constituents of the Tokay soils series are generally well -drained, permeable soils that have low
shrink -swell potential and provide a competent base for all types of development. However,
Tokay soils are also considered prime agricultural soils because of their exceptional ability to
support crop production. Although only occasional occurrences of Tujunga soils are found in
Lodi, it is important to note that when these soils are denuded of vegetative cover, they present
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Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
a significant wind erosion hazard. Tujunga soils are typically well drained and have low
shrink/swell potential.
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Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Mineral Resources
There are no significant identified mineral resources within Lodi. The alluvium that underlies the
area is generally suitable for use as construction aggregate.
Regulatory Background
Regional Water Quality Control Board
A National Pollution Discharge Elimination (NPDES) General Permit for Storm Water
Discharges Associated with Construction Activities, issued by the Central Valley Regional Water
Quality Control Board (RWQCB), is required when site development involves clearing, grading,
disturbances to ground, such as stockpiling, or excavation that results in soil disturbances of at
least five acres of total land area. Erosion potential from exposed soils is controlled through
compliance with Permit requirements, including the implementation of a stormwater pollution
prevention plan (SWPPP) that includes utilization of Best Management Practices (BMPs). The
BMPs may include such measures as:
x Avoidance of excavation and grading activities during wet weather;
oc Construction diversion dikes to channel runoff around the site, and lining channels with
grass or roughened pavement to reduce velocity of runoff;
oo Covering stockpiles and excavated soil with tarps or plastic sheeting;
oo Removal of existing vegetation only when absolutely necessary;
oo Planting temporary vegetation for erosion control on slopes or where construction is not
immediately planned, and planting permanent vegetation as soon as possible; and,
oo Other measures, as deemed necessary by the RWQCB.
Methodology
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference to this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to geology, soils, and
mineral resources have been analyzed. The following excerpt includes all relevant Housing
Element policies and programs:
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use
of land.
Policies
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Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
1. The City shall promote the development of a broad mix of housing types through
the following mix of residential land uses: 65 percent low density, 10 percent
medium density, and 25 percent high density.
13. The City shall encourage infill residential development and higher residential
densities within the existing City limits near transit stops, and compact
development patterns in annexation areas to reduce public facility and service
costs, avoid the premature conversion of natural resource and agricultural lands,
and reduce the number of trips from private vehicles.
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
The City will revise its growth management program to exempt housing units affordable
to very low- or low-income households with long-term affordability restrictions.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Begin second round of allocations, if needed, in 2005 and annually
thereafter
Funding: Application fees
Objective: Expedite the residential development approval process
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned
parcels and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information
available to the public and developers, including information on underutilized sites within
the downtown area with residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall
update the inventory and list at least annually. The City will promote the land inventory
and the availability of each update through the City's web site, a notice at the Community
Development Permit Counter, and a press release subsequent to each update.
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will
also conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and
commercial sites along Cherokee Lane, South Sacramento Street, South Stockton
Street, and West Kettleman Lane. Properties along these streets may be suitable for
future residential development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such
development feasible. These areas are characterized by obsolete patterns of land
development, older structures in substandard condition, odd -sized lots, and marginally
viable commercial and industrial uses that would make properties ripe for redevelopment
in the next five to ten years. If Lodi determines that residential development is feasible
along these streets, the City will initiate a planning process with property owners (which
may be a special area plan or a specific plan meeting state law requirements) to define
specific properties suitable for residential or mixed-use development, appropriate
development standards, and improvements needed to support residential development.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete study of residential development potential by December
2006; prepare and adopt area plan(s) by December 2008.
Funding: General Fund, contributions from property owners
Objective: Increase the potential for infill development, thereby reducing the need
to prematurely annex land and convert agricultural land to urban use
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
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Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current
City limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to
the City so that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet
Lodi's future housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney
Lane, Lower Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western
SOI boundary. The City has facilitated a specific planning process with property owners
of approximately 300 acres to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The
development potential for the properties to be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to five years to meet
housing construction need given the backlog of unused housing allocations and available
sites within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property owners during
the 2003 — 2008 period.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
December 2008.
Funding: Annexation and permit fees
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to accommodate
its share of the region's future housing construction needs between
2001 and 2008, and subsequent years, under the San Joaquin County
Council of Governments housing allocation plan
Goal B: To encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of
existing housing and residential neighborhoods, particularly in the
Eastside area, and the preservation of existing affordable housing.
Program 13: Housing Rehabilitation and Code Enforcement
The City will continue to combine code enforcement and housing rehabilitation
assistance, targeted to the Eastside area. The City will promote its program through the
Eastside Improvement Committee, a neighborhood organization that provides direct
outreach to area residents and property owners, by providing information at the
Community Development Department's public counter, and through a link to the program
on the City's website. The City's Community Improvement Manager will work with the
Committee to continue marketing the program to Eastside area residents and property
owners.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2008
Funding: CDBG and HOME, CalHOME
Objective: Improvement of 1,000 housing units (including private investment to
correct code violations) over five years
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Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Program 18: Preservation of the Eastside Area
The City will continue to target a portion of its annual CDBG allocation for public
improvements in the Eastside area in support of its housing rehabilitation and
neighborhood improvement activities. The City will also maintain the Eastside single-
family residential zoning as a regulatory tool to preserve the character of the
neighborhood and encourage private investment in older homes.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annual CDBG allocation, maintain zoning, 2003 - 2008
Funding: CDBG, permit fees, impact fees
Objective: To preserve and improve the Eastside area.
Thresholds of Significance
According to the CEQA Guidelines, impact would be significant if a project associated with the
Housing Element Update:
oo Exposes people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground
shaking, seismic -related ground failure, or landslides
oo Results in substantial soil erosion or loss of top soil
oo Is 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 an on-site or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse.
oo Is located on expansive soil
oo Has soil incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems.
oo 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.
oo 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.
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact GEO-1 Potential for Seismic Effects
Standard City of Lodi practices for issuance of building permits will be relied upon to reduce
impacts related to geotechnical/seismic issues because there are no major geologic
features/issues within the Planning area. As indicated above, the city is located within the
potential liquefaction zone for the Midland Fault. The soil in and around the Lodi area is
predominately a sandy loam type that is characterized by well -drained soil with a hardpan layer
approximately five feet under the surface, which can be susceptible to the occurrence of
liquefaction. Strict adherence to the construction standards mandated for Seismic Area 3 by the
Uniform Building Code are expected to mitigate any structural concerns associated with the
construction of dwelling units recommended within the Housing Element Update. Impacts
related to potential seismic effects are considered less than significant.
Impact GEO-2 Increased Erosion Potential
Expanding residential development into outlying areas increases the potential for impacts
related to erosion as a result of ground disturbance during the site development process.
The most common form of erosion within the Lodi area, given the relatively flat topography is
wind erosion. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District currently exceeds both EPA
and California Air Resources Board standards for dust of 10 microns or less, commonly known
as PM,o. As a result, the District has promulgated rules regarding dust under the 2003 PM,o
Attainment Plan. The policies and programs identified in the Housing Element Update could
result in an incremental increase of the formation of PM,o through construction activities related
to recommended housing development. The routine implementation of provisions in the
District's 2003 PM,o Attainment Plan is expected to reduce erosion effects to a point below
significance.
There is potential for erosion caused by surface runoff to increase during construction activities
as well as during operation of projects due to an increase in impervious surfaces. Surface water
runoff picks up sediment as it flows over disturbed soils and urban surfaces resulting in erosion.
Consequently, residential development that occurs from implementation of the Housing Element
Update may result in increased soil erosion. Projects will be required to comply with the
provisions established by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
system, which regulates municipal and industrial discharges to surface water of the lhited
States, administered by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Compliance with
the NPDES permit requires that any construction activity affecting one acre or more obtain a
General Construction Activity Stormwater Permit and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP identifies Best Management Practices (BMPs), source control and
erosion control measures, that will be installed during construction activities to reduce
construction effects on receiving water quality. BMPs that will serve to reduce the occurrence of
soil erosion include, but are not limited to, preservation of existing vegetation, temporary
Cr1YO FLODI 3.4-8 FINAL ENVIRONIM ENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.4
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
mulching, seeding, or other stabilization measure to protect disturbed soils, silt fencing, as well
as velocity reduction mechanisms.
Impacts related to potential erosion resulting from implementation of the policies and programs
of the Housing Element Update are considered less than significant.
Impact GEO-3 Interference with Potential Mineral Extraction
As identified in Program 9 of the Housing Element Update, the City anticipates relying upon
annexation to accommodate the majority of its expected residential development. The area
identified for potential annexation is located adjacent to the southeastern corner of the
developed city, outside the city limits and within the Sphere of Influence. The area
encompasses approximately 600 acres and a specific planning process has been initiated.
There are currently no mineral extraction activities occurring within this area.
Any potential mineral extraction sites will be rendered unsuitable for extraction by expanding
residential development into outlying areas. However, there are presently no extraction
operations in or around the immediate Lodi area; therefore, this impact is expected to be less
than significant.
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.5
Health and Safety
3.5 Health and Safety
Potential threats to public safety, including those related to hazardous materials and wildland
fires are assessed and evaluated in this section. Hazards associated with geology, flooding,
and noise are discussed in other sections of this EIR.
Environmental Setting
Two railroad lines run through Lodi on the east and west sides of State Route 99. A third set of
inactive tracks runs east -west along Railroad Avenue. These rail lines commonly transport
hazardous materials. In general, the trains that run on these lines could be transporting
liquefied petroleum gasoline, flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials. Several federal
and State agencies, as well as railroad companies, administer programs associated with
labeling, safe packaging, limitations on quantities of shipments, as well as proper actions
following an incident in order to prevent negative impacts to the human environment associated
with railroad transportation activities. Lodi's municipal code includes provisions that limit the
transport of corrosive and flammable materials by commercial vehicles within the residential
areas of the city.
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the California Department of
Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) maintains a Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites List
(Cortese List). As part of the Cortese list, DTSC also tracks "Calsites," which are mitigation or
brownfield sites that are subject to Annual Workplans and/or are listed as Backlog sites,
confirmed release sites that are not currently being worked on by DTSC, in Health and Safety
Code Section 25356. Before placing a site in the backlog, DTSC ensures that all necessary
actions have been taken to protect the public and environment from any immediate hazard
posed by the site.
There are ten sites within Lodi listed with the DTSC that no longer require remediation activities.
One site, associated with Hughes Spray Chemical, was referred to the Regional Water Quality
Control Board for clean up of soil contamination associated with onsite storage drums and
pesticide washdown activities. The Lodi Door and Metal site, located east of State Route 99 in
an industrially zoned area, consisted of an evaporation pond that was shown to be
contaminated with chromium and nickel, which are known carcinogens; lead, which is toxic, and
zinc, which is potentially toxic. The site was remediated and was issued a closure certification
by DTSC in 1991. The eight remaining sites listed within Lodi required minimal investigation of
potentially hazardous situations and were quickly deemed to need no further action.
There are four identified Calsites within Lodi that are currently considered active remediation
sites and are all somewhat related. The Lodi Groundwater Area of Contamination consists of a
groundwater plume that is approximately 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide and is located in the
central part of the city. Perchloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), and 1,1,1 -trichloroethene
(1,1,1 -TCA) were discovered within the groundwater and the City has since taken two of its
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.5
Health and Safety
drinking water wells out of service. The three other listed sites in Lodi have been determined to
be contributing factors to the groundwater plume. They include the Lustre -Cal Nameplate
Corporation, the Guild Cleaners, and the Busy Bee Cleaners.
Two sites associated with PG&E manufactured gas plants are listed as active DTSC sites within
Lodi. Preliminary Endangerment Assessments have yet to be prepared that would determine
the exact level of threat, if any, associated with these sites. The San Joaquin County
Environmental Health Department administers an Underground Storage Tank (UST) program
that includes permitting procedures for the installation and/or removal of USTs, repair and
retrofit, and closure in place of existing USTs. The program also includes the compilation and
maintenance of the UST Site Mitigation Database, which identifies all contaminated sites
associated with USTs throughout the jurisdiction. As of May 2002, there were 24 USTs within
Lodi listed within the database that were associated with some level of contamination to either
the groundwater and/or soil around them.
Fire risk in Lodi is generally associated with urban uses such as commercial development,
construction sites, and various residential developments. The presence of the historical
downtown district presents a unique fire hazard given that the buildings are not protected by
modern fire walls or equipped with sprinkler systems. The City of Lodi Fire Department
provides fire protection for residents and buildings within the city (See Section 39, Public
Facilities of this EIR for further discussion).
Because of the quantity of irrigated agricultural land surrounding the city, Lodi is well protected
from the risk of wildland fires. However, during the summer months, Lodi is often subject to
grass fires. The Lodi Fire Department administers a weed abatement program, which
somewhat reduces the hazard of grass land fires.
Regulatory Background
Hazardous materials and waste regulations are implemented by a number of government
agencies
including, but not limited to, the following:
oo United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA);
oo California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Division of Toxic Substances Control;
oo Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB);
oo California Division of Industrial Safety;
oo California State Fire Marshall;
oo California Highway Patrol; and,
oo Local police and fire departments.
Each of the aforementioned agencies has established regulations regarding the proper
transportation, handling, management, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials for
specific operations and activities.
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Section 3.5
Health and Safety
Methodology
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference in this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to health and safety
issues have been analyzed. The following excerpt includes all relevant Housing Element
policies and programs:
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use
of land.
Program 3: Personal Security Standards
The City will continue to implement design standards applicable to all new residential
projects with the objective of improving the personal security of residents and
discouraging criminal activity. Design standards will address issues such as the
placement of landscaping accessory buildings, and accessory structures in a manner that
does not impede the City's ability to conduct neighborhood police patrols and observe
potential criminal activity, lighting and other security measures for residents, and the use
of materials that facilitate the removal of graffiti and/or increase resistance to vandalism.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2008
Funding: Permit fees
Objective: Reduce the susceptibility of residential properties and neighborhoods to
criminal activity and increase residents' perception of personal safety
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned
parcels and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information
available to the public and developers, including information on underutilized sites within
the downtown area with residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall
update the inventory and list at least annually. The City will promote the land inventory
and the availability of each update through the City's web site, a notice at the Community
Development Permit Counter, and a press release subsequent to each update.
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will
also conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and
commercial sites along Cherokee Lane, South Sacramento Street, South Stockton
Street, and West Kettleman Lane. Properties along these streets may be suitable for
future residential development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such
development feasible. These areas are characterized by obsolete patterns of land
development, older structures in substandard condition, odd -sized lots, and marginally
viable commercial and industrial uses that would make properties ripe for redevelopment
in the next five to ten years. If Lodi determines that residential development is feasible
along these streets, the City will initiate a planning process with property owners (which
may be a special area plan or a specific plan meeting state law requirements) to define
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Section 3.5
Health and Safety
specific properties suitable for residential or mixed-use development, appropriate
development standards, and improvements needed to support residential development.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete study of residential development potential by December
2006; prepare and adopt area plan(s) by December 2008.
Funding: General Fund, contributions from property owners
Objective: Increase the potential for infill development, thereby reducing the need
to prematurely annex land and convert agricultural land to urban use
Goal B: To encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of
existing housing and residential neighborhoods, particularly in the
Eastside area, and the preservation of existing affordable housing.
Program 13: Housing Rehabilitation and Code Enforcement
The City will continue to combine code enforcement and housing rehabilitation
assistance, targeted to the Eastside area. The City will promote its program through the
Eastside Improvement Committee, a neighborhood organization that provides direct
outreach to area residents and property owners, by providing information at the
Community Development Department's public counter, and through a link to the program
on the City's website. The City's Community Improvement Manager will work with the
Committee to continue marketing the program to Eastside area residents and property
owners.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2008
Funding: CDBG and HOME, CalHOME
Objective: Improvement of 1,000 housing units (including private investment to
correct code violations) over five years
Program 14: Property Maintenance and Management Standards
The City will continue to implement standards for private property maintenance (Chapter
15.30 of the Municipal Code) to 1) control or eliminate conditions that are detrimental to
health, safety, and welfare; 2) preserve the quality of life and alleviate certain
socioeconomic problems created by physical deterioration of property; and 3).protect
property values and further certain aesthetic considerations for the general welfare of all
residents of the City of Lodi.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Code enforcement on both complaint and pro -active basis, 2003 — 2008
Funding: Inspection fees, code violation penalties, CDBG funds (for dwelling
units occupied by low-income households)
Objective: Eliminate substandard building and property conditions
Program 17: Mobilehome Park Preservation
Lodi will meet with mobilehome park owners to discuss their long-term goals for their
properties and the feasibility of preserving these parks. Feasibility will be evaluated
based on the condition of park infrastructure and buildings, the condition of mobile homes
located in the park, parcel size, accessibility to services, and surrounding land uses.
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3.5-4 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.5
Health and Safety
Several of the parks are small (fewer than 50 spaces) and may not be prime candidates
for preservation. For those parks that are feasible to preserve, the City will:
oc Assist property owners in accessing state and federal funds for park improvements
by preparing funding requests, providing information to park owners on state and
federal programs, and/or providing referrals to nonprofit organizations who can assist
in preparing funding requests.
oo Facilitate a sale to park residents of those mobile home parks the City has targeted
for preservation and whose owners do not desire to maintain the present use. If
necessary to facilitate a sale, the City will seek state and federal funding to assist
residents in purchasing, improving, and managing their parks and/or seek the
assistance of a nonprofit organization with experience in mobile home park sales and
conversion to resident ownership and management.
The City shall also require, as condition of approval of change of use, that mobilehome
park owners who desire to close and/or convert their parks another use provide
relocation or other assistance to mitigate the displacement of park residents, as required
by California Government Code Section 65863.7. The City shall also require the park
owner to provide evidence of resident notification of intent to close and/or convert the
mobilehome park as required by state law.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Meet with property owner and other interested parties by December
2004
Funding: CDBG, HOME California Housing Finance Agency HELP program,
California Mobilehome Park Resident Ownership Program
Objective: To preserve approximately 400 mobilehomes and spaces in
mobilehome parks with the highest feasibility for continued operation
Program 18: Preservation of the Eastside Area
The City will continue to target a portion of its annual CDBG allocation for public
improvements in the Eastside area in support of its housing rehabilitation and
neighborhood improvement activities. The City will also maintain the Eastside single-
family residential zoning as a regulatory tool to preserve the character of the
neighborhood and encourage private investment in older homes.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annual CDBG allocation, maintain zoning, 2003 - 2008
Funding: CDBG, permit fees, impact fees
Objective: To preserve and improve the Eastside area.
Thresholds of Significance
According to the CEQA Guidelines, hazards and hazardous materials impacts would be
significant if the Housing Element Update:
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Section 3.5
Health and Safety
oo Creates a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
x Creates 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.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact HS -1 Effects on Public Safety
The Housing Element Update identifies areas within the developed portion of the city that have
reuse potential to accommodate residential land uses. Some of these sites are located near the
railroad tracks that traverse Lodi. The tracks are straight and flat, with a minor curve north of
the Mokelumne River. Activities associated with active operation of the railroad tracks are
regulated by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration,
and a variety of other agencies.
The Federal Railroad Administration administers a safety program that oversees the movement
of hazardous materials, including dangerous goods, such as petroleum, chemical, and nuclear
products throughout the Nation's rail transportation system. The current hazardous materials
safety regulatory program includes a hazardous materials incident reduction program, a tank car
facility conformity assessment program, tank car owner maintenance program evaluations,
spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste program, and several others. Union Pacific
Railroad also implements its own safety program, which includes programs related to public
awareness, vegetation control, crossing accident reduction enforcement, "near hit" program,
and crossing closure activities.
Neither the railroad companies nor the federal government provide a record of each type of
cargo transported along a particular line. However, railroad companies are required to log all
hazardous materials that are transported. In general, railroad lines can be used for any type of
freight moved by train, including fuels, finished and unfinished commercial goods, industrial and
construction equipment, wastes, lumber, and raw materials. The type and amount of particular
cargo is not known in advance and schedules for rail traffic on particular lines can be changed
multiple times daily. Typically, containers that are used to transport hazardous materials are
double -walled iron or steel cars, designed to hold cargo without spill even in the event of a
derailment.
Pedestrian and vehicular crossings include safeguards such as dual reflectorized gates, with
mast mounted flashing lights and bells, stop lines and railroad crossing symbols painted on the
pavement on both sides of each crossing. Safety barriers can be used to provide a physical
obstruction between a railroad track and sites developed with urban land uses. The form of
such barriers can include stone or masonry walls, wooden or chain link fences, or some
combination thereof. Projects developed near the railroad as result of recommendations within
the Housing Element Update may be required to include safety and sound barriers in the event
Cr1YO FLODI 3.5-6 FINAL ENVIRONIM ENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.5
Health and Safety
that there is a need to mitigate significant physical or acoustic impact. See Section 3-8, Noise,
of this EIR for further discussion of noise related to the railroad.
There is no published information regarding the distance from the tracks that a train or materials
from a train could reach in the event of an accident or derailment, which typically depends on
various factors including physical properties of the materials, speed of the train, severity of
impact, topography of surrounding land, and intervening structures and vegetation. The
potential for harmful effects due to the release of gaseous hazards would vary significantly
depending on the type, density, and amount of gas involved, the prevailing winds, and
conditions at release.
The transportation of explosives in trucks is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation
National Safety Standards, as incorporated into the California Vehicle and Health and Safety
Codes. Explosives and corrosives may only be transported on routes established by the local
jurisdiction and the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and violations are issued
by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). In addition, the California Administrative Code sets
forth procedures established by the CHP for safe stopping and parking of vehicles loaded with
these types of materials.
Program 3 of the Housing Element Update recommends the continued inclusion of personal
security standards such as lighting, roadway design standards, placement of landscaping, b
deter theft and criminal activity within the residential developments constructed pursuant to the
Housing Element. These impacts will be beneficial to the health and safety of current and future
residents of Lodi. Additionally, the housing rehabilitation, code enforcement, maintenance, and
mobile home park preservation programs included in the Update may also result in beneficial
impacts through alleviation of various hazardous conditions that currently exist. For example,
preservation of a mobile home park would involve bringing outdated and possibly unsafe
electrical, sewer, and natural gas connections up to current code standards. Rehabilitation,
code enforcement, and maintenance standards will ensure that housing within the city is not
substandard and unsafe to its residents.
Considering the level of existing regulation mandated by the State, City, and federal
government, as well as internal control within most lending institutions related to health and
safety issues, impacts resulting from implementation of the policies and programs included in
the Housing Element Update are considered less than significant.
Impact HS -2 Safety Issues Associated with Potentially
Hazardous Sites
The reuse of sites within the developed city as recommended by the Housing Element Update
may potentially expose construction workers and future residents to hazardous conditions. For
example, potential development of former industrial sites may have hazards associated with
prior accidental release of contaminants that may not meet standards for residential uses.
A portion of the area identified in Program 4 of the Housing Element Update for reuse is located
within the City's designated redevelopment area, which is also located atop the Lodi
Groundwater Area of Contamination. As such, the Redevelopment Plan EIR prepared in March
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.5
Health and Safety
2002 indicates that activities within the area are subject to comply with all applicable existing
federal, State, and City -mandated site assessment, remediation, removal and disposal
requirements for soil, surface water, and/or groundwater contamination. There is evidence of
both soil and groundwater contamination. hipacts related to the exposure of construction
workers and future residents to hazardous materials are potentially significant.
Mitigation Measure HS -1
Applications for development identified by the Housing Element Update as "Areas within
Reuse/Infill Potential" and within the City's designated redevelopment area shall
complete a health and safety plan to prevent worker and public exposure to hazardous
substances. This plan must comply with the requirements of the City Department of
Public Works, San Joaquin County Department of Environmental Health, Regional Water
Quality Control Board, and California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Health and safety plans in the case of soil contamination typically include:
0o Investigation of the site determines whether there has been a hazardous material
discharge into soils. If so, characterize the nature and extent of soil contamination
that is present prior to the start of construction.
oo Determination of need for further investigation and/or remediation of soils based on
proposed reuse and level of future human contact. For example, commercial uses
could require only industrial clean-up levels.
oo If potential for extensive human contact with contaminated soils following
development, undertake a Phase II investigation involving soil sampling at a
minimum, at the expense of the property owner or responsible party. Should further
investigation reveal high levels of hazardous materials in the onsite soils, mitigate
health and safety risks according to City of Lodi, San Joaquin County Department of
Environmental Health, and Regional Water Quality Control Board regulations. Also, if
buildings are located atop soils that are significantly contaminated, undertake
measures to either remove the chemicals or prevent contaminants from entering and
collecting within the building.
0o If remediation is infeasible, a deed restriction shall be required to limit site use and
eliminate unacceptable risks to health or the environment.
Health and safety plans in the case of surface or groundwater contamination typically
include:
x Investigation of the site determines whether there has been a hazardous material
discharge into surface water or groundwater. If so, characterize the nature and extent
of soil contamination that is present prior to the start of construction.
oo Installation of drainage improvements to prevent transport and spreading of
hazardous materials that may spill or accumulate.
Cr1YO FLODI 3.5-8 FINAL ENVIRONIM ENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.5
Health and Safety
oo If site investigation determines presence of hazardous materials within site surface
water and/or groundwater, mitigation acceptable to the RWQCB shall be incorporated
prior to the start of construction.
oo Inform construction personnel of the proximity to recognized contaminated sites and
advise them of health and safety procedures to prevent exposure to hazardous
materials in surface water and/or groundwater.
Adherence to the mitigation measure identified above will result in less -than -significant
impacts related to the safety issues associated with exposure to potentially hazardous sites
resulting from implementation of the policies and programs and subsequently, recommended
development of housing, of the Housing Element Update.
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Section 3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality
3.6 Hydrology and Water Quality
This section describes impacts associated with the implementation of the Housing Element
Update on surface hydrology and water quality within the Project area.
Environmental Setting
Local Hydrology
Lodi and its surrounding areas are located in a former floodplain of the Mokelumne River. The
area is generally level, with slight slopes and an elevation ranging from 10 to 20 feet above sea
level. Lodi, as well as the California Central Valley, is underlain by alluvial soils deposited by
surrounding mountain ranges. Soils were transported to this area through rivers and streams
and deposited in floodplain areas. The alluvium is saturated below a relatively shallow depth,
making the sedimentary layers underneath the area part of the major aquifer system that
extends throughout the Central Valley.
The Mokelumne River serves as the northern boundary of Lodi and is the only above -ground
waterway in the community. This river serves to recharge groundwater aquifers as well a;
provide surface water for irrigation of agricultural lands. Further west, this river provides
drinking water and irrigation water to agricultural lands and communities in the eastern San
Francisco Bay.
Water Resources
The City of Lodi draws fresh water from both surface and ground sources. Surface water is
provided from the Mokelumne River, located to the north of the city. Water from the Mokelumne
provides irrigation for agricultural lands in and around the city, as well as for recreational uses
and freshwater habitat. This surface water is not currently used for human consumption in Lodi,
but the City recently purchased water rights for approximately 6,000 acre-feet of water from the
Mokelumne for municipal use. The City's water supply comes from groundwater via 25
municipal wells. Saturated alluvial soils underlay much of the city, extending throughout the
Central and San Joaquin Valleys.
The Water Master Plan indicates that the water supply is sufficient to meet future demand,
maintaining a service standard of approximately one well per 2,000 people. The system is
continually undergoing upgrades; although the placement of future wells may be limited by
contamination in some areas east of the Lodi (proposed expansion to meet future housing
needs is to the west and will not be affected by contamination). Anticipated water demand in
2009, approximately 49 million gallons per day, will be met by Lodi's existing system of
municipal wells and transmission pipelines.
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Section 3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality
Water Quality
Water drawn from the Mokelumne River is unsuitable for human consumption due to high
concentrations of bacterial contamination. Water quality tests have indicated levels of fecal
coliform beyond the maximum concentration levels allowed by the State for drinking water.
Concentrations of minerals and inorganic chemicals are below the State thresholds, thus
making the water suitable for use in agricultural irrigation, wildlife habitat, and recreational
areas. General Plan policies call for regular testing of water from the Mokelumne River for
coliform and other contaminants.
Groundwater from the aquifers below Lodi serves all municipal uses, and is drawn by a series of
wells throughout the city.
Flood Hazards
The City of Lodi participates in the Flood Insurance program operated by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA produces Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRMs) that illustrate areas likely to be affected by 100 -year and 500 -year floods. The levee
system along the Mokelumne River protects most of the Project area from effects of a 100 -year
flood. Only small portions of developed property immediately adjacent to the river are within the
100 -year floodplain. Figure 3.6-1 illustrates portions of the Project area within the 100 -year
floodplain. The flood hazard map has not been updated for Lodi since 1987.
Storm Drainage
The City of Lodi provides a municipal storm drainage system to serve the Project area. This
system consists of an integrated series of trunk lines, detention basins, and pump stations.
Surface infrastructure such as gutters, alleys, and ditches provide for collection of storm water
into the system. Ultimate discharge of collected storm water within Lodi is into the Mokelumne
River or the Woodbridge Irrigation District (WID) canal.
Detention basins are used to store stormwater runoff so that discharge into the Mokelumne
River and WID canal can be done gradually, reducing potential flooding impacts. Design
standards for new detention basins require that they be sufficient to accommodate 100 -year, 48-
hour floods. Many of the existing detention basins are not sufficient to meet this standard. Most
basins within the Project area are operating at full capacity, although some remain available for
expansion to accommodate additional growth in stormwater runoff and drainage.
Regulatory Background
Two agencies hold regulatory authority over water quality within the Project area. The California
Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control
Board (CVRWQCB) each are charged with maintaining water quality and reducing potential
CIT(OFLODI
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Section 3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality
impacts to water quality within the area. The California DWR controls use of Rivers and other
surface waters, while the CVRWQCB monitors water quality and remediation.
The CVRWQCB is responsible for implementing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The CVRWQCB has delegated
responsibility over the NPDES compliance to the City of Lodi for issuance of compliance permits
and monitoring. All projects resulting in the disturbance of more than five acres of land are
required to obtain a NPDES permit, which includes mitigation for stormwater discharge impacts
associated with the project.
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Section 3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality
Figure 3.6-1
Flood Hazard Areas
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Section 3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality
Methodology
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference in this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to health and safety
issues have been analyzed. The following excerpt includes all relevant Housing Element
policies and programs:
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use
of land.
Policies
2. The City shall regulate the number of housing units approved each year to maintain a
population -based annual residential growth rate of 2.0 percent, consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force and the growth management ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance.
9. The City shall grant density bonuses of at least 25 percent and/or other incentives in
compliance with state law for projects that contain a minimum specified percentage of
very low-income, low-income, qualifying senior housing units or units designed to
facilitate individuals with physical challenged.
13. The City shall encourage infill residential development and higher residential
densities within the existing City limits near transit stops, and compact development
patterns in annexation areas to reduce public facility and service costs, avoid the
premature conversion of natural resource and agricultural lands, and reduce the
number of trips from private vehicles.
Program 1: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The City shall revise Title 17 of the Lodi Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) to reduce
barriers to, and provide incentives for, the construction and conservation of a variety of
housing types. Revisions to Title 17 will include the following:
00 The addition of a chapter that provides for density bonuses and other incentives for
projects that include ten percent very low-income housing, 20 percent low-income
housing, 50 percent qualifying senior housing, or 20 percent moderate -income
hosing in condominium conversion projects, in compliance with Sections 65915 —
65918 of the California Government Code. The City shall work with the San Joaquin
County Housing Authority in developing procedures and guidelines for establishing
income eligibility for the "reserved" units and for maintaining the "reserved" units as
affordable units for at least 30 years. The City shall seek Housing Authority
administration of the reserved units. The City shall establish a program to publicize
the availability of the density bonus program through the City's website, program
information at the Community Development Department public counter, and pre -
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Section 3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality
development meetings with housing providers (such as the housing unit allocation
stage). The City shall encourage prospective housing developers to use the density
bonus program at pre -development meetings. In conjunction with density bonuses,
the City will offer one or more regulatory incentives, as needed and appropriate.
00 Addition of standards for emergency shelters and transitional housing to clearly
identify appropriate zoning districts and locations for such facilities and to make these
sites readily accessible. Until the adoption of such revisions to the Zoning Ordinance,
the City will continue to allow by right the development of such facilities in areas
zoned GM or C-2.
00 Clarification of standards for permitting residential care facilities (such as group
homes). The City will specify that all such facilities with six or fewer residents are
permitted in residential zoning districts. The City will also designated zoning districts
in which facilities of seven or more persons will be permitted through a use permit
and standards for such facilities.
00 Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two
spaces per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due
to the characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or
low-income single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public
transit route or in the downtown area).
00 Revision of standards for second dwelling units to allow the conversion of accessory
buildings to second units subject to compliance with all other zoning and parking
standards, an appropriate minimum lot size for detached second units, and
architectural compatibility with the main dwelling unit. The City will permit second
dwelling units through an administrative permit process in compliance with state law
(California Government Code section 65852.2).
00 Elimination of single-family homes as permitted uses in the RGA, R -MD, R -HD, and
R -C -P zones, except on parcels constrained by lot size, environmental, or other
factors that would make the construction of multifamily housing infeasible.
00 Reduction in the number of non-residential uses permitted in multifamily residential
zones to public and quasi -public uses and supportive services for multifamily
residents.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete zoning code amendments as part of a new unified
development code by June 2004.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Reduce regulatory barriers to the provision of housing
Program 6: Encourage Efficient Use of Land for Residential Development
The City will investigate incentive and regulatory tools to encourage efficient use of land
designated or held in reserve for urban development within the existing Lodi Sphere of
Influence to reduce the premature conversion of agricultural land to urban use. If
determined to be feasible, the City will adopt one or more incentives or regulations.
Examples of approaches the City will study and consider are:
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oo A requirement to mitigate the loss of Prime Farmland through the payment of a fee.
Fees collected by the City will be used to foster agricultural production in the Lodi area.
This program may fund marketing, research, land acquisition and other programs
necessary to promote agricultural production. An option that the City may consider to
promote the production of affordable housing is to have this program tied to a sliding
scale based on dwelling units per acre. If a development is at the Land Use Element
mandated 65% Low Density/10% Medium Density/35% High Density, equivalent to
9.85 dwelling units per acre, then no fee would be collected, a higher density would be
provided with a credit while a lower density would be subject to the fee.
oo The use of transferred development rights (TDRs) that can be applied to designated
areas within the Sphere of Influence. The TDRs might be combined with a density
bonus program for agricultural preservation to increase the number of opportunities to
use the TDRs. An option that the City of Lodi may consider is to designate sending and
receiving areas. A potential sending area for the program could be approximately 0.25
miles south of Harney Lane to Armstrong Road in the area currently designated as
Planned Residential Reserve by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The
receiving area for this program could then be designated to areas north of Harney Lane
in the Planned Residential portion of the General Plan.
oo The use of transitional land use categories, such as residential estates, to provide a
further buffer between more intense urban land uses and agricultural land uses.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council,
Timeframe: Complete study and recommend incentives and regulations by June
2005; City Council to adopt incentives or regulations by December
2005.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Preserve agricultural land and reduce the amount of land needed to
meet future urban growth needs
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current
City limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to
the City so that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet
Lodi's future housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney
Lane, Lower Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western
SOI boundary. The City has facilitated a specific planning process with property owners
of approximately 300 acres to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The
development potential for the properties to be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to six years to meet
housing construction needs given the backlog of unused housing allocations and
available sites within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property
owners during the 2003 — 2009 period.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
December 2009.
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Funding: Annexation and permit fees
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to
accommodate its share of the region's future housing construction
needs between 2001 and 2009, and subsequent years, under the
San Joaquin County Council of Governments housing allocation plan
Goal B: To encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of
the City's existing housing stock and residential neighborhoods,
particularly in the Eastside area.
Policies
5. The City shall support the revitalization of older neighborhoods by keeping streets
and other municipal systems in good repair.
Program 18: Preservation of the Eastside Area
The City will continue to target a portion of its annual CDBG allocation for public improvements in
the Eastside area in support of its housing rehabilitation and neighborhood improvement
activities. The City will also maintain the Eastside single-family residential zoning as a regulatory
tool to preserve the character of the neighborhood and encourage private investment in older
homes.
ResponsibiIity:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annual CDBG allocation, maintain zoning, 2003 - 2009
Funding: CDBG, permit fees, impact fees
Objective: To preserve and improve the Eastside area.
Thresholds of Significance
Based on CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project would have a significant drainage or water
quality impact if it would:
oo Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements;
oo 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;
oo Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of an area, including through the alteration
of the course of a stream or river, in a manner that would result in substantial erosion,
siltation, or flooding;
oo Create or contribute runoff water that would exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems to provide substantial additional sources or polluted runoff;
oo Otherwise substantially degrade water quality;
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Hydrology and Water Quality
oo 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;
oo Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures that would impede or redirect flood
flows;
oo 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; or
x Expose people or structures to inundation of seiche, tsunami, or mudflow.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact HYDRO -1 Potential Impact on Water Quality
The pace of new development called for in the Housing Element may result in negative impacts
to water quality. Water quality degradation could occur from increases in urban runoff and
effluent discharge causes by urban development. Effluent discharge increases occur as a
result of population growth, with wastewater disposal needs proportional to population increase.
Increases in sewage into the treatment plant (White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility) will
result in corresponding increases to discharge from that plant into area waterways, including
Dredger Cut, the main disposal site for treated effluent.
Urban runoff results from the pavement of lands with non -porous materials, reducing the ability
of the land to absorb water. This water runs along paved areas until reaching an area where
soils allow for infiltration, or reaching a waterway. Urban pollutants such as hydrocarbons (oil
and diesel gasoline), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and nickel), fertilizers, and other chemicals
can be transported by runoff into waterways and groundwater, thus degrading water quality.
In addition to these potential sources of water quality contamination, additional Mter quality
impacts could occur with new construction activities. Construction of housing, infrastructure,
roadways, and other improvements has the potential to increase sedimentation and erosion
from construction site runoff.
The Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program, open space preservation policies, and
transitional land use categories called for in the Housing Element have the potential to affect
water quality. These programs are designed to limit land use conflicts and preserve a suitable
transition from urban to rural uses on the edges of the city. The impacts to water quality
associated with implementation of each of these programs will depend heavily on the density
and layout of developments. The flexibility inherent in these programs makes accurate
assessment of potential impacts difficult.
Several provisions of the housing element are designed to reduce potential impacts on water
quality. Reduction in land consumption associated with increased densities in some residential
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Section 3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality
zones will help reduce the amount of impervious surface constructed and reduce the amount
and time of construction necessary.
Impacts associated with the contamination and degradation of water quality are addressed in
the Conservation Element of the General Plan, which sets forth policies to offset water quality
impacts from new development. The following policies from the Conservation Element relate to
water quality.
Policy Q1
The City shall require developers to prepare an erosion and sediment control plan, prior
to approving development, which includes features such as mitigation of sediment runoff
beyond proposed project boundaries, and complete revegetation and stabilization of all
disturbed soils (including details regarding seed material, fertilizer, and mulching).
Policy A-1
The City, together with the County, shall monitor the water quality of the Mokelumne
River and Lodi Lake to determine when the coliform bacteria standard for contact
recreation and the Maximum Concentration Levels of Priority Pollutants, established by
the California Department of Health Services (DHS), are exceeded ... The City shall
participate in implementing remedial action as feasible.
Policy A-5
The City shall regularly monitor water quality in municipal wells for evidence of
contamination from DBCP, saltwater intrusion, and other toxic substances that could
pose a health hazard to the domestic water supply.
Policy A-6
The City shall close or treat municipal wells that exceed the action level for DBCP.
Even with application of the Conservation Element policies, the overall impacts to water quality
associated with the Housing Element are considered potentially significant, and will require
mitigation.
Mitigation Measure HYDRO -1
All residential projects of one acre or more in size shall prepare a Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP), as required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board
under the NPDES General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with
Construction Activity. Prior to the start of construction, a SWPPP shall be prepared to
address water quality impacts associated with construction of Project facilities and
roadways. The Project Proponent shall incorporate into construction contract
specifications the requirement that all contractors comply with and implement the
provisions of the SWPPP. The objectives of the SWPPP are to identify pollutant sources
that could affect the quality of stormwater discharge, to implement control practices to
reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges, and to protect receiving water quality.
With incorporation of the above mitigation measure and continued application of City policies,
the impacts related to degradation of water quality associated with the adoption of the Housing
Element will be reduced to a level of less than significant.
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Impact HYDRO -2 Exposure to Flood Hazards
Exposure of persons and structures to hazards of flooding is a potential impact associated with
all urban development. Development of outlying areas, especially where located near
watercourses, can result in potential exposure to seasonal flooding hazards.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains maps of the 100 -year
floodplain, representing the areas of the community most likely to be adversely impacted by a
major flood. The City has adopted numerous policies to address potential impacts of flooding
on both existing and new development. The following relevant policies are provided from the
Lodi General Plan Health and Safety Element.
Policy A-1
The City shall continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and
ensure that local regulations are in full compliance with standards adopted by FEMA.
Policy A-2
The City shall ensure that the storm drainage facilities are constructed to serve new
development adequate to store runoff generated by a 100 -year storm.
Policy A-3
The City shall ensure that storm drainage facilities are provided for all new development
to make certain that all surface runoff generated by the development is adequately
handled.
Policy A-4
The City shall evaluate the degree of flood protection afforded to currently developed
areas compared to standards for new development.
Policy A-5
The City shall only permit structures in the 100 -year floodplain consistent with FEMA
regulations.
Policy A-6
The Qty shall not support approval of land uses or projects that have the potential of
greatly increasing flood hazards in Lodi.
Policy A-7
The City shall support the implementation of flood hazard reduction measures in
neighboring areas.
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Section 3.6
Hydrology and Water Quality
New policies and programs set forth in the Housing Element have the potential to increase
density and location of new development in the city. The existing General Plan policies set forth
in the Health and Safety Element are sufficient to ensure that both new and infill developments
are not subjected to substantial adverse risks associated with flooding and flood hazards. The
impact is considered less than significant.
Impact HYDRO -3 Increased Runoff Effects
Increasing density within developments will increase the amount of impervious surface
associated with development and may affect surface hydrology and drainage. Adding
impervious surfaces has the potential to increase the amount of runoff, the amount of
contamination of urban chemicals and contaminants in runoff, and reduce groundwater
recharge in residential areas. Existing municipal codes and standards require preparation of an
erosion control plan, as well as consistency with the City's Drainage Master Plan and utilization
of BMPs from the City's SWPPP. These existing requirements, along with those set forth in
mitigation measure HYDRO -1 in this report, will educe potential impacts to a level of less than
significant.
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Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
3.7 Land Use Planning,
Agricultural and Visual Resources
The following section assesses the extent to which implementation of the updated Housing
Element would adversely affect important agricultural or visual resources, conflict with adopted
environmental policies, and create land use conflicts. Adopted policies that would reduce
impacts are summarized. Where further impacts are identified, feasible mitigation is
recommended.
Environmental Setting
Following is a description of land use and agricultural resources in Lodi and the surrounding
area that would affect, or be affected by Project development.
Existing Land Use
Historically, Lodi has long been one of San Joaquin County's population centers, second only to
Stockton. As of Lodi's 2003 population estimate of 60,521 people, Lodi was surpassed by
Tracy to become the third largest city in the county. The Lodi General Plan Area includes
approximately 11,929 acres.
Throughout the past decade, Lodi experienced a moderate rate of population growth at a time
when surrounding jurisdiction's populations were nearly doubling. A major theme of the 1991
City General Plan is maintenance of Lodi's small-town character. Policies developed to
implement this goal may be responsible for the more moderate pace of growth compared to
surrounding communities.
While Lodi is surrounded by land subject to agricultural activities, the City's economy is mainly
influenced by the manufacturing, retail, health care, and hospitality industries though cnly 36
percent of Lodi residents are employed within these industries. More than half of the residents
commute outside of the city for work, a pattern that has become more common for San Joaquin
County cities over the past decade.
The predominant land use in Lodi is residential. Approximately 70 percent of Lodi's housing
stock consists of detached, single-family residences. Yet, in 2000, only 55 percent of Lodi
residents were homeowners, slightly below fie state average of 57 percent. The city is also
comprised of commercial, office, industrial, public/quasi public land uses, as well as vacant land.
Agricultural Resources
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Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Lodi is located in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, and a large portion
of economic activity in the wider area is directly or indirectly related to the production,
processing, or sale of agricultural
products of several varieties. Figure 3.7-1
Agricultural Land in Western Lodi Sphere of
Agricultural Land Uses .._r..._.___
As of 1987, 201 acres of city land was
in agricultural use, mostly in the
northeastern corner of the city, mixed in
with industrial and light industrial uses.'
Currently, approximately 100 acres of
land in thee city is farmland, some of
which is actively farmed and some of
which is fallow. Within the Study Area
for the Lodi General Plan, which
includes land within the city limits and
within Lodi's Sphere of Influence, 4,838
acres was in agricultural use (as of
1987). Currently, no land in the city has
agricultural land use designations or
agricultural zoning, and land currently in
agricultural production is designated for
eventual urban use.
Grapes are the most prevalent type of
crop grown in San Joaquin County, (in
terms of overall value) and milk is the
top valued commodity overall. Corn,
nuts, tomatoes, and alfalfa are
additional crop types. The gross value
of agricultural production for 2001 in
San Joaquin County is approximately
$1.4 million, a 4 percent increase from
the estimated 2000 figure.2
The 1982 Department of Water
Resources survey identified vineyards
on the majority of agricultural lands
surrounding Lodi, and to a lesser
extent, deciduous fruit and nut
operations, corn, and alfalfa.3 (Refer to
Figure 3.7-1 for illustration of
agricultural lands in the western Lodi
Sphere of Influence area and Figure
3.7-2 for agricultural lands in the
southern Lodi Sphere of Influence
Sc
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area).
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Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Important Farmland
Farmland of Local Importance is land that is determined by each county's local advisory
committee (and adopted by its Board of Supervisors) to be important to the local economy.
Farmland of Local Importance is, or has the potential to be, agriculturally productive, but does
not meet the criteria of Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, or Unique
Farmland. Farmland of Local Importance in San Joaquin County includes all farmable land
within San Joaquin County not meeting the definitions of "Prime Farmland," "Farmland of
Statewide Importance," or "Unique Farmland." This includes land that is, or has been used for
irrigated pasture, dry land farming, confined livestock or dairy facilities, aquaculture, poultry
facilities, and dry grazing, including lands with soils previously designated as "Prime Farmland,"
"Farmland of Statewide Importance," and "Unique Farmland" that has since become idle.4
According to the State Department of Conservation, 2,533 acres of important farmland in the
County were converted to urban use between 1996 and 1998, and another 2,345 acres were
converted between 1998 and 2000.5 This conversion is predominantly a result of housing,
commercial and industrial development in areas adjacent to Tracy, Stockton, Manteca, and
Lodi.6
Figure 3.7-2
Agricultural Land in Southern Lodi Sphere of Influence Area
Nuisance Issues
Urban encroachment upon agricultural areas introduces issues such as land use conflicts,
vandalism, increased land values and taxes, and other issues. The State recognized potential
land use conflicts, and through AB 1190 (Chapter 97, Statutes of 1992), attempted to avoid
impact to agricultural operations associated with urban uses "coming to a nuisance." By
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Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
amending provisions of the Civic Code of the State of California, under AB 1190, existing
agricultural processing facilities do not constitute a nuisance, provided they operate in a manner
consistent with historic operations.
Important Visual Features
The agricultural lands surrounding the city are an important aesthetic resource, especially the
vineyards .7 Lodi's tree -lined streets are a valuable aesthetic resource, as are the older homes
and other historic structures in and around downtown and the public parks and public spaces.
The Mokelumne River and associated riparian areas in the northern portion of Lodi are
considered a valuable natural aesthetic resource, as well (refer to Figure 2-1, Regional
Location).
Regulatory Background
Relevant policies and regulations guiding land use in Lodi and its Sphere of Influence are
discussed below.
Land Use Planning and CEQA
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) establishes that a significant effect on the
environment is an adverse change to the physical environment. In CEQA documents, land use
is evaluated in terms of compatibility with existing land uses and consistency with local plans
and other local land use controls (general plans, zoning codes, specific plans, etc.), which are
summarized below. State agencies involved in land use regulation and planning include the
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection (CDF), California Department of Conservation, and California Department of Fish and
Game (CDFG).
The California Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) Model is used by many lead
agencies in assessing agricultural land conversions quantitatively in the environmental review
process (Public Resources Code Section 21095), including in CEQA review. The LESA is a
point -based approach for rating the relative importance of agricultural land resources, and
considers soil quality, parcel size, water resource availability, surrounding agricultural lands, and
surrounding protected resource lands. For a given project, the factors are rated, weighted, and
combined, resulting in a single numeric score. The score associated with the agricultural
resource becomes the basis for making a determination of a project's potential significance.
Growth Management
The City's General Plan establishes a growth management program implemented by the City
through Ordinance 1521, which regulates residential growth to two percent per year through
2007 and designates residential land sufficient to meet the City's needs. Given that Lodi will
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Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
continue to grow after 2007, the General Plan also establishes "reserve" land; land designated
for development of specific land use types, which is recognized for development in the future.
To ensure a two percent growth rate per year, Lodi established a residential permit allocation
system. The residential allocation system establishes the number of units that can be permitted
on a yearly basis. The system is applied to all residential projects of five dwellings or more,
except senior housing developments. Housing units constructed on individual lots that existed
prior to the adoption of Ordinance 1521 or in new subdivisions or multi -family projects of one to
four housing units are exempt from the annual allocation limit.
According to the City's General Plan Background Report, Measure A, is intended to: "preserve
and protect agricultural land; preserve the scenic resources of the area; protect wildlife habitats
and natural resources; and, to maintain the small -city character of Lodi within the designated
Greenbelt."9
General Plan Policies
Lodi's 1991 General Plan policies that would reduce land use, aesthetic resources, and
agricultural resources impacts are summarized below. The policies may be erployed in
developing mitigation measures for the Project, and, since assessment of visual resources
impacts is somewhat subjective, the policies are utilized to guide characterization of visual
impacts.
Agricultural Resources
Section 3/Land Use and Growth Management Element:
Goal B:
To preserve agricultural land surrounding Lodi and to discourage premature
development of agricultural land with nonagricultural uses, while providing for urban
needs.
Policies to Support Goal B:
1. The City shall encourage the preservation of agricultural land surrounding the City.
2. The City should designate a continuous open space greenbelt around the urbanized
area of Lodi to maintain and enhance the agricultural economy.
3. The City should cooperate with San Joaquin County and the San Joaquin County
LAFco to ensure that the greenbelt is maintained.
4. The City shall support the continuation of agricultural uses on lands designated for
urban uses until urban development is imminent.
5. The City shall promote land use decisions within the designated urbanized area that
allow and encourage the continuation of viable agricultural activity around the City.
6. The City shall encourage San Joaquin County to retain agricultural uses on lands
adjacent to the City.
Relevant Implementation Programs:
10. The City shall coordinate with San Joaquin County and the City of Stockton to
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identify and designate an agricultural and open space greenbelt around the
urbanized area of the City.
11. The City shall establish an ongoing process by which it will coordinate its planning
with San Joaquin County and the City of Stockton to ensure consistency with their
plans.
Section 7/Conservation Element:
Goal C:
To promote the economic viability of agriculture in and surrounding Lodi and to
discourage the premature conversion of agricultural lands to nonagricultural uses, while
providing for urban needs.
Policies to Support Goal C:
1. The City shall ensure, in approving urban development near existing agricultural
lands, that such development will not constrain agricultural practices or adversely
affect the economic viability of adjacent agricultural practices.
2. The City shall require new development to establish buffers between urban
development and productive agricultural uses consistent with the recommendations
of the San Joaquin County Department of Agriculture.
3. The City shall adopt a "right -to -farm" ordinance for the purpose of protecting
agricultural land from nuisance suits brought by surrounding landowners.
4. The City shall support economic programs established by San Joaquin County for
farm preservation.
Relevant Implementation Programs:
7. The City shall adopt a "right -to -farm" ordinance.
Visual Resources/Land Use Compatibility
Section 10/Urban Design and Cultural Resources Element:
Goal A:
To provide a strong and clear definition to the edges and overall form of the City.
Policies to Support Goal A:
1. The City should designate a continuous open space greenbelt around the urbanized
area of Lodi to maintain visual definition and a clearly delineated edge to the City's
urbanized area within its agricultural and rural setting, and to protect the scenic
resources of the surrounding rural, agricultural, and natural landscape (including the
Lodi Lake Park and the Mokelumne River corridor).
2. The City shall formulate an Urban Design Plan to guide the overall three-dimensional
organization and quality of the physical development. This plan shall be designed to
achieve the following objectives:
00 Identify and protect the major physical features that serve to define Lodi's small-
town character, such as the parks, boulevards, public and civic areas, historic
downtown, and historic/older buildings;
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.7-7 CITYOFLODI
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Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
00 Identify and maintain the primary physical features that give the City its overall
visual image and scenic quality, such as the street trees, older residential
neighborhoods, surrounding agricultural lands, river corridor, and civic buildings;
00 Identify and enhance the principal physical elements that give the City its basic
form and structure, such as the Central Business District (CBD), key major
streets, and railroad corridors;
00 Organize the open space areas into a coherent system, including parks,
schools, civic area, open space, and greenbelts within developments; and,
00 Establish an interconnected system of pedestrian and bicycle paths linking
scenic resources with other uses.
3. The City shall revise its Site Plan and Architectural Review Guidelines to ensure
consistency with the Urban Design Plan.
Goal C:
To maintain and enhance the aesthetic quality of major streets and public/civic areas.
Policies to Support Goal C:
1. The City shall develop special design standards to upgrade roadways, including SR
12 and SR 99. Such standards shall include provisions for setbacks, signs,
landscaping, parking, and upgrading commercial development along these streets,
and screening of visually unattractive commercial and industrial uses.
2. The City shall develop a street tree program, with an emphasis on enhancing major
arterial streets and unifying the CBD, civic center, and other public areas. The street
tree program should include strategies for providing street trees through boulevard
plants on City property, developer -provided plantings on either City property or
private property (front yards), and City -furnished, planted, and maintained trees on
private property (front yards).
Goal E:
To maintain and enhance the aesthetic quality of the CBD and civic center, to maintain a
clear definition and distinction between the CBD and the surrounding areas, and to
preserve the small-town character.
Policies to Support Goal E:
CIT(OFLODI
The City shall prepare and adopt a CBD/Civic Center Design Plan as part of the
citywide Urban Design Plan as set forth in Policy A-2. The plan should be designed
to achieve the following objectives:
00 Assess the urban design potential of each of the vacant parcels in the CBD and
establish an overall urban design strategy;
0 Provide a clearer visual and functional link between the CBD and civic center
through unified street lights, street trees, street furniture, and parking;
00 Ensure that parking lots do not destroy or dominate the fabric of the CBD/civic
center area including avoiding parking lots at street intersections;
00 Provide unified landscaping (including street trees) in the CBD;
00 Establish design standards and design review procedures for ensuring that the
height, bulk, setbacks, facades, entryways, signs, and pedestrian areas (such as
courtyards and walkways) contribute to creating a coherent, attractive, and lively
CBD;...
00 Upgrade the visual quality of the SPRR corridor within the CBD, particularly
3.7-8 RNALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
between East Pine Street and East Elm Street, through measures such as
landscaping , improved building maintenance, and converting building uses from
industrial to retail uses (including converting the SPRR Depot into a civic -related
function); and,
00 Provide stronger visual and pedestrian linkages between the CBD/civic center
and adjacent City parks, schools, and other open spaces.
Goal F:
To preserve existing community character and fabric, and promote the creation of a
small-town atmosphere in newly developing areas.
Policies to Support Goal F:
1. The City shall respect existing neighborhood scale and character when infilling
and/or upgrading existing residential areas;
2. The City shall promote the creation of well-defined residential neighborhoods in
newly developing areas. Each of these neighborhoods should have a clear focal
pint, such as a park, school, or other open space and community facilities, and
should be designed to promote pedestrian convenience.
3. The visual impact of automobiles shall be minimized in all new development...
5. Open space provide within new developments shall be configured to link with
existing urban open space.
Relevant Implementation Programs:
1. The City shall adopt and periodically update an Urban Design Plan consistent with
the objectives outlined in Policy A-2.
3. The City shall develop and adopt design standards for roadways consistent with the
objectives outlined in Policy C-1.
4. The City shall develop and adopt a street tree and civic area landscape program
consistent with the objectives outlined in Policy G2.
6. The City shall formulate and adopt a CBD/Civic Center Design Plan consistent with
the objectives outlined in Policy E-1.
7. The City shall appoint a Citizens' Task Force to oversee the formulation of the
CBD/Civic Center Design Plan.
Though some of these policies are very general, depending upon the degree to which they are
implemented through zoning, land use, subdivision, and development application processing
decisions, these policies have the potential to substantially reduce unnecessary conversion of
agricultural lands. The City's intent to identify and reserve land for agriculture is a stabilizing
force in agricultural production. With appropriate land use designations, zoning designations,
and clear indications of where rezoning and general plan amendments would and would not be
allowed and where annexation would and would not be appropriate, the City has reduced the
likelihood of unnecessary loss of productive agricultural land. Decisions about urban land use
density, location of infrastructure, management of growth, and similar decisions not directly
related to the use of agricultural land would also have substantial impacts on the future loss of
agricultural land. The City has indicated that it will coordinate with fie County on land use
decisions. IVbst of the City's Sphere of Influence is designated as Agricultural Urban Reserve,
with areas beyond that designated as General Agriculture.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.7-9 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Williamson Act Program
The Williamson Act establishes a mechanism for contracts between local governments and
private landowners, restricting parcels of land to agricultural or related open space use.
Landowners are taxed on the farming and open space land value instead of the full market
value, and local governments receive an annual subvention of forgone property tax revenues
from the State via the Open Space Subvention Act of 1971. Figure 3.7-3 illustrates the location
of Williamson Act properties near the city.
CIT(OFLODI
3.7-10 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Figure 3.7-3
Williamson Act Properties near Lodi, 2002
T
OP 6
F
l
i
.11 .
GENT RD
t
II.
1
ARMS�T RD
4
l 1
rf 056 31
Williamson Act - Eorcnland Security Zone Land
Wil3iamsan Act - Prime Agrieullurel tend Mon -Enrolled Land
WlIliamson Act - Prime Land in Nan -Renewal Urban and Built -Up land
WPI lin rnmrk Act - Nan -Prime Agricultural tarod alar
Willi-- Ari - M -Pi- 1 n 4 in "-P.-I No SC&C- N
Notes:
Williamson Act - Prime Agricultural Land = Land enrolled under California Land Conservation Act contract which meets any of the following criteria: 1) Land which is
class I or class II in the Natural Resources Conservation; 2) Service land use capability classification system; 3) Land which rates 80 to 100 in the Stone Index Rating
system; 4) Land which supports livestock used for the production of food and fiber and which has an annual carrying capacity equivalent to at least one animal unit per
acre as defined by the United Stales Department of Agriculture; 5) Land planted with fruit or nut -bearing trees, vines, bushes or crops, which have a nonbearing period
of less than five years and which will normally return during the commercial bearing period on an annual basis from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant
production not less than two hundred dollars per acre; or 6) Land returned from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant production having an annual gross
value of not less than two hundred dollars per acre for three of the previous five years.
Williamson Act - Non -Prime Agricultural Land = Land enrolled under California Land Conservation Act contract which does not meet any of the criteria for classification
as Prime Agricultural Land. Non -Prime Land is defined as Open Space Land of Statewide Significance under the California Open Space Subvention Act and may be
identified as such in other documents. Most Non -Prime Land is in agricultural uses such as grazing or non -irrigated crops. However, Non -Prime Land may also include
other open space uses which are compatible with agriculture and consistent with local general plans.
Williamson Act - Land in Non -Renewal = A Notice of Non -Renewal starts the non -renewal period. During the Non -renewal process, the annual tax assessment
gradually increases. At the end of the non -renewal period, the contract is terminated
Williamson Act — Farmland Security Zone Land = A Farmland Security Zone is an area created within an Agricultural Preserve by a Board of Supervisors upon request
by a land owner or group of land owners. The minimum initial term for (he contract is 20 years. Agricultural Preserves allow local jurisdictions to designate priority
areas for farmland and open space conservation. The establishment of a preserve indicates the willingness of the jurisdiction to enroll parcels within the preserve under
the Williamson Act contract. Agricultural Preserves must generally t>e at least 100 acres in size.
Non -Enrolled Land = County land not enrolled with the Williamson Act Program
Urban and Built-up Land = Land occupied by structures with a density of at least one unit to one and one-half acre. Developed Land data is provided by the
Department of Conservation's Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
Source: Department of Conservation, 2003.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.7-11 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
San ,Joaquin LAFCO
The San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) coordinates logical and timely
changes in local governmental boundaries, including:
oo Annexations and detachments of territory;
oo Incorporations of cities;
oo Formations of special districts; and
oo Consolidations, mergers, and dissolutions of districts.
The LAFCO also oversees development and updating of spheres of influence (SOI) for cities
and special districts in the county. Territory must be within a city or district's sphere in order to
be annexed. LAFCo's powers, procedures, and functions are set forth in the Cortese -Knox -
Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000.
State law requires input from affected agencies and the public for all jurisdictional boundary
changes. Also, LAFCO must comply with CEQA when considering boundary change proposals.
LAFCOquidelines for reviewing proposed revisions to agency structure (including annexation)
include:'
oo Local agencies should be so constituted and organized as to best provide... controls
required to conserve environmental resources;
oo The public interest shall be served by considering "resource" in a broad sense to include
ecological factors such as open space, wildlife and agricultural productivity in addition to the
commonly accepted elements of land, water, and air;
oo Annexations to agencies providing urban services shall be progressive steps toward filling in
the territory designated by the affected agency's adopted Sphere of Influence;
oo Proposed growth shall be from inner toward outer areas;
oo A proposal establishing urban encroachment of areas designated by the County General
Plan for open space or agricultural use will be opposed unless it complies with a previously
adopted Sphere of Influence of an incorporated City;
Methodology
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference to this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to land use planning,
agricultural resources, and visual resources have been analyzed. Mitigation measures included
in the General Plan EIR that would reduce impacts to land use planning, agricultural resources,
and visual resources are not altered by the Housing Element or the Housing Element EIR and
are considered as a part of the impact analysis in this section. The following excerpt includes all
relevant Housing Element goals, policies, and programs (including policies and programs that
would reduce potential land use, visual resources, and agricultural resources impacts, such as
CITYOFLODI 3.7-12 RNALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Goal A, Program 6, which establishes a Prime Farmland mitigation fee process):
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use
of land.
Policies:
2. The City shall regulate the number of housing units approved each year to maintain a
population -based annual residential growth rate of 2.0 percent, consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force and the growth management ordinance.
3. The City shall continue to exempt senior citizen housing projects from the growth
management ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance.
10. The City shall seek to intersperse very low- and low-income housing units within new
residential developments and shall ensure that such housing is visually
indistinguishable from market -rate units.
Programs:
Program 1: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The City shall revise Title 17 of the Lodi Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) to reduce
barriers to, and provide incentives for, the construction and conservation of a variety of
housing types. Revisions to Title 17 will include the following:
a. The addition of a chapter that provides for density bonuses and other incentives for
projects that include ten percent very low-income housing, 20 percent low-income
housing, 50 percent qualifying senior housing, or 20 percent moderate -income
hosing in condominium conversion projects, in compliance with Sections 65915 —
65918 of the California Government Code. The City shall work with the San Joaquin
County Housing Authority in developing procedures and guidelines for establishing
income eligibility for the "reserved" units and for maintaining the "reserved" units as
affordable units for at least 30 years. The City shall seek Housing Authority
administration of the reserved units. The City shall establish a program to publicize
the availability of the density bonus program through the City's website, program
information at the Community Development Department public counter, and pre -
development meetings with housing providers (such as the housing unit allocation
stage). The City shall encourage prospective housing developers to use the density
bonus program at pre -development meetings. In conjunction with density bonuses,
the City will offer one or more regulatory incentives, as needed and appropriate, such
as:
00 Reduced parking for projects oriented to special needs groups and/or located
close to public transportation and commercial services;
00 Expedited permit processing; or
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 3.7-13 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Go Deferral of fees for an appropriate time period to allow for the project to begin
generating income.
b. Conformance with California Government Code sections 65852.3 and 65852.7, which
require that manufactured homes in single-family zones on permanent foundations
be permitted under the same standards as site -built homes (with limited exceptions)
and that mobilehome parks be permitted in any residential zone (although the City
may require a use permit).
c. Addition of standards for emergency shelters and transitional housing to clearly
identify appropriate zoning districts and locations for such facilities and to make these
sites readily accessible. Until the adoption of such revisions to the Zoning Ordinance,
the City will continue to allow by right the development of such facilities in areas
zoned C -M or C-2.
d. Addition of a definition of farmworker housing that does not conflict with state law
definitions for employees housing (beginning with California Government Section
17000) and specification of the zoning districts and standards under which such
housing will be permitted.
e. Clarification of standards for permitting residential care facilities (such as group
homes). The City will specify that all such facilities with six or fewer residents are
permitted in residential zoning districts. The City will also designated zoning districts
in which facilities of seven or more persons will be permitted through a use permit
and standards for such facilities.
f. Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two
spaces per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due
to the characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or
low-income single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public
transit route or in the downtown area).
g. Revision of standards for second dwelling units to allow the conversion of accessory
buildings to second units subject to compliance with all other zoning and parking
standards, an appropriate minimum lot size for detached second units, and
architectural compatibility with the main dwelling unit. The City will permit second
dwelling units through an administrative permit process in compliance with state law
(California Government Code section 65852.2).
h. Elimination of single-family homes as permitted uses in the R -GA, R -MD, R -HD, and
R -C -P zones, except on parcels constrained by lot size, environmental, or dher
factors that would make the construction of multifamily housing infeasible.
i. Reduction in the number of non-residential uses permitted in multifamily residential
zones to public and quasi -public uses and supportive services for multifamily
residents.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete zoning code amendments as part of a new unified
development code by June 2004.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Reduce regulatory barriers to the provision of housing
CITYOFLODI 3.7-14 RNAL[ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
The City will revise its growth management program to exempt housing units affordable
to very low- or low-income households with long-term affordability restrictions.
Responsibility:Community Development Department
Timeframe: Begin second round of allocations, if needed, in 2005 and annually
thereafter
Funding: Application fees
Objective: Expedite the residential development approval process
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned
parcels and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information
available to the public and developers, including information on underutilized sites within
the downtown area with residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall
update the inventory and list at least annually. The City will promote the land inventory
and the availability of each update through the City's web site, a notice at the Community
Development Permit Counter, and a press release subsequent to each update.
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will
also conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and
commercial sites along Cherokee Lane, South Sacramento Street, South Stockton
Street, and West Kettleman Lane. Properties along these corridors may be suitable for
future residential development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such
development feasible (see Figures 23 through 2-5, which follow). These areas are
characterized by obsolete patterns of land development, older structures in substandard
condition, odd -sized lots, and marginally viable commercial and industrial uses that would
make properties ripe for redevelopment in the next five to ten years. If Lodi determines
that residential development is feasible along these streets, the City will initiate a
planning process with property owners (which may be a special area plan or a specific
plan meeting state law requirements) to define specific properties suitable for residential
or mixed-use development, appropriate development standards, and improvements
needed to support residential development.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete study of residential development potential by December 2006;
prepare and adopt area plan(s) by December 2009.
Funding: General Fund, contributions from property owners
Objective: Increase the potential for infill development, thereby reducing the need to
prematurely annex land and convert agricultural land to urban use
Program 6: Encourage Efficient Use of Land for Residential Development
The City will investigate incentive and regulatory tools to encourage efficient use of land
designated or held in reserve for urban development within the existing Lodi Sphere of
Influence to reduce the premature conversion of agricultural land to urban use. If
determined to be feasible, the City will adopt one or more incentives or regulations.
Examples of approaches the City will study and consider are:
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 3.7-15 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Go A requirement to mitigate the loss of Prime Farmland through the payment of a fee.
Fees collected by the City will be used to foster agricultural production in the Lodi
area. This program may fund marketing, research, land acquisition and other
programs necessary to promote agricultural production. An option that the City may
consider to promote the production of affordable housing is to have this program tied
to a sliding scale based on dwelling units per acre. If a development is at the Land
Use Element mandated 65% Low Density/10% Medium Density/35% High Density,
equivalent to 9.85 dwelling units per acre, then no fee would be collected, a higher
density would be provided with a credit while a lower density would be subject to the
fee.
00 The use of transferred development rights (TDRs) that can be applied to designated
areas within the Sphere of Influence. The TDRs might be combined with a density
bonus program for agricultural preservation to increase the number of opportunities
to use the TDRs. An option that the City of Lodi may consider is to designate sending
and receiving areas. A potential sending area for the program could be approximately
0.25 miles south of Harney Lane to Armstrong Road in the area currently designated
as Planned Residential Reserve by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The
receiving area for this program could then be designated to areas north of Harney
Lane in the Planned Residential portion of the General Plan.
00 The use of transitional land use categories, such as residential estates, to provide a
further buffer between more intense urban land uses and agricultural land uses.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council,
Timeframe: Complete study and recommend incentives and regulations by June
2005; City Council to adopt incentives or regulations by December 2005.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Preserve agricultural land and reduce the amount of land needed to
meet future urban growth needs
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current
City limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to
the City so that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet
Lodi's future housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney
Lane, Lower Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western
SOI boundary. The City has facilitated a specific planning process with property owners
of approximately 300 acres to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The
development potential for the properties to be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to six years to meet
housing construction needs given the backlog of unused housing allocations and
available sites within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property
owners during the 2003 — 2009 period.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
December 2009.
Funding: Annexation and permit fees
CITYOFLODI 3.7-16 RNALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to accommodate its
share of the region's future housing construction needs between 2001
and 2009, and subsequent years, under the San Joaquin County Council
of Governments housing allocation plan
Goal B: To encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of
the City's existing housing stock and residential neighborhoods,
particularly in the Eastside area.
Policies:
2. The City shall prohibit the conversion of existing single-family units to multifamily
units on residentially zoned properties less than 6,000 square feet.
3. The City shall use available and appropriate state and federal funding programs and
collaborate with nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate housing and improve older
neighborhoods.
4. Housing rehabilitation efforts shall continue to be given high priority in the use of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, especially in the Eastside area.
5. The City shall support the revitalization of older neighborhoods by keeping streets
and other municipal systems in good repair.
8. The City shall continue to enforce residential property maintenance standards.
Program 13: Housing Rehabilitation and Code Enforcement
The City will continue to combine code enforcement and housing rehabilitation
assistance, targeted to the Eastside area. The City will promote its program through the
Eastside Improvement Committee, a neighborhood organization that provides direct
outreach to area residents and property owners, by providing information at the
Community Development Department's public counter, and through a link to the program
on the City's website. The City's Community Improvement Manager will work with the
Committee to continue marketing the program to Eastside area residents and property
owners.
Responsibility:Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009
Funding: CDBG and HOME, CalHOME
Objective: Improvement of 1,000 housing units (including private investment to
correct code violations) over five years
Program 14: Property Maintenance and Management Standards
The City will continue to implement standards for private property maintenance (Chapter
15.30 of the Municipal Code) to 1) control or eliminate conditions that are detrimental to
health, safety, and welfare; 2) preserve the quality of life and alleviate certain
socioeconomic problems created by physical deterioration of property; and 3).protect
property values and further certain aesthetic considerations for the general welfare of all
residents of the City of Lodi.
Responsibility:Community Development Department
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 3.7-17 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Timeframe:Code enforcement on both complaint and pro -active basis, 2003 — 2009
Funding: Inspection fees, code violation penalties, CDBG funds (for dwelling units
occupied by low-income households)
Objective: Eliminate substandard building and property conditions
Program 17: Mobilehome Park Preservation
Lodi will meet with mobilehome park owners to discuss their long-term goals for their
properties and the feasibility of preserving these parks. Feasibility will be evaluated
based on the condition of park infrastructure and buildings, the condition of mobile homes
located in the park, parcel size, accessibility to services, and surrounding land uses.
Several of the parks are small (with fewer than 50 spaces) and may not be prime
candidates for preservation. For those parks that are feasible to preserve, the City will:
cc Assist property owners in accessing state and federal funds for park improvements
by preparing funding requests, providing information to park owners on state and
federal programs, and/or providing referrals to nonprofit organizations who can assist
in preparing funding requests.
00 Facilitate a sale to park residents of those mobile home parks the City has targeted
for preservation and whose owners do not desire to maintain the present use. If
necessary to facilitate a sale, the City will seek state and federal funding to assist
residents in purchasing, improving, and managing their parks and/or seek the
assistance of a nonprofit organization with experience in mobile home park sales and
conversion to resident ownership and management.
The City shall also require, as condition of approval of change of use, that mobilehome
park owners who desire to close and/or convert their parks another use provide
relocation or other assistance to mitigate the displacement of park residents, as required
by California Government Code Section 65863.7. The City shall also require the park
owner to provide evidence of resident notification of intent to close and/or convert the
mobilehome park, as required by state law.
Responsibility:Community Development Department
Timeframe: Meet with property owner and other interested parties by December
2004
Funding: CDBG, HOME California Housing Finance Agency HELP program,
California Mobilehome Park Resident Ownership Program
Objective: To preserve approximately 400 mobilehomes and spaces in mobilehome
parks with the highest feasibility for continued operation
Program 18: Preservation of the Eastside Area
The City will continue to target a portion of its annual CDBG allocation for public
improvements in the Eastside area in support of its housing rehabilitation and
neighborhood improvement activities (see Figure 26). The City will also maintain the
Eastside single-family residential zoning as a regulatory tool to preserve the character of
the neighborhood and encourage private investment in older homes.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annual CDBG allocation, maintain zoning, 2003 - 2009
Funding: CDBG, permit fees, impact fees
CITYOFLODI 3.7-18 RNAL[ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Objective: To preserve and improve the Eastside area.
Goal C: To ensure the provision of adequate public facilities and services to
support existing and future residential development.
Program 21: Growth Management Program
The City will continue to use its growth management program to insure that the pace of
development is consistent with the City's, the Lodi Unified School District's, and other
public facility and service providers' abilities to provide public facilities and services and
maintain minimum facility and service standards for the entire community. The City will
contact other public facility and service providers annually during the housing unit
allocation process to insure that these agencies can serve the increased number of
housing units to be allocated.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annually during housing allocation process, 2003 - 2009
Funding: Application fees, development impact fees
Objective: To provide public facilities and services meeting minimum City standards
Thresholds of Significance
The Project will have a significant impact if it will:
oo Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction
over the project, adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect
(i.e., if it would be inconsistent with any of the City of Lodi General Plan policies;
oo Physically divide an established community;
oo Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g., through projects in an
undeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure);
oo Result in the conversion to non-agricultural use any lands identified as significant (point
value of 80 or greater) in accordance with the California Department of Conservation Land
Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA);
oo Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract;
oo Have a substantial adverse effect on scenic vistas or scenic resources; or,
oo Create a new source of substantial light or glare.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 3.7-19 CITYOFLODI
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Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Environmental
Impact and
Mitigation
Measures
Impact LU -1
Consistency
with Land
Use Policy, Zoning,
Williamson Act, Conversion of Agricultural
Land
The Lodi Housing Element is part of the City's General Plan, a comprehensive policy statement
regarding the physical, economic, and social development of the City. The Housing Element is
being updated separately from the General Plan, which is common because of State housing
law requirements. The Housing Element identifies certain changes to land use policy and
zoning regulations to which the City will commit, with the intent of accommodating its regional
housing need. This commitment to meeting the City's regional housing need may involve
changes to local policy that was enacted to reduce environmental impacts of development
projects.
Annexation of fertile farmland west and south of Lodi may conflict with City and County policies
intended to preserve important farmland for agricultural, economic, and aesthetic purposes.
Increased density and infill may make City level of service standards more difficult to achieve
and may conflict with City urban design goals that emphasize the importance of Lodi's small
town, rural character. Infill residential development and residential development on vacant or
underutilized land may conflict with city policies regarding noise exposure. Annexation of
County lands west of Lodi may conflict with Williamson Act requirements, according to maps
provided by the California Department of Conservation.
To promote a uniform and compatible vision for the development of the community, the General
Plan must be internally consistent in its goals and policies as required by California Government
Code Section 65300.5. Government Code section 65583(c) requires that a housing element
describe how consistency has been achieved a-nong the general plan elements. The most
important aspect of consistency among general plan elements is that policies and
implementation measures do not conflict, but support one another, to achieve the overall goals
and vision of a general plan. In preparing the 2003 Housing Element, the City reviewed goals
and policies of the various elements of the Lodi General Plan. The City has concluded that the
2003 Housing Element is consistent with the vision of the General Plan. Policies included in
other General Plan elements that affect housing are summarized below (and as summarized in
the Housing Element Section I -G).
General Plan Land Use Element
1. The City shall establish a growth management ordinance that ensures a population -based
housing growth rate of 2.0 percent (compounded) per year consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force on Measure A.
2. The City shall require specific development plans in areas of major new development.
Housing Element:
3. The City shall encourage the preservation of agricultural land surrounding the City.
4. The City shall support the continuation of agricultural uses on lands designated for urban
CITYOFLODI 3.7_20 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
uses until urban development is imminent.
5. The City shall promote land use decisions within the designated urbanized area that allow
and encourage the continuation of viable agricultural activity around the City.
6. The City shall maintain an adequate supply of residential land in appropriate land use
designations and zoning categories to accommodate a population -based 2.0 percent per year
housing growth rate.
7. The City shall promote the development of affordable housing to meet the needs of low- and
moderate -income households.
10. The City shall encourage higher density housing to be located in areas served by the full
range of urban services, preferably along collector, arterial, and major arterial streets, and
within walking distance of shopping areas.
General Plan Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element
12. The City shall assess a park development fee on all new residential, commercial, office, and
industrial development sufficient to fund the acquisition and development of new parkland
consistent with the City standards identified in the policy above.
13. The City shall expand the neighborhood and community park system with the goal of
providing park facilities within walking distance of all new residential areas.
14. The City shall require that more open space be provided within multifamily developments
through wider setbacks and greater building separation.
15. The City shall promote the provision of private open space and recreational facilities as part
of new large-scale residential developments to meet a portion of the recreation and open
space needs that would be generated by the development.
General Plan Health and Safety Element
16. The City shall assess development fees on all new residential, commercial, office, and
industrial development sufficient to fund capital improvements and equipment required to
provide fire protection.
17. The City shall assess development fees on all new residential, commercial, office, and
industrial development sufficient to fund capital improvements and equipment required to
provide police protection.
General Plan Urban Design and Cultural Resources Element
18. The City shall respect existing neighborhood scale and character when infilling and/or
upgrading existing residential areas.
19. The City shall promote the creation of well-defined residential neighborhoods in newly
developing areas. Each of these neighborhoods should have a clear focal point, such as a
park, school, or other open space and community facilities, and should be designed to
promote pedestrian convenience.
20. The City shall provide home improvement incentives for upgrading landscaping and parking
areas in the Eastside neighborhood.
The Housing Element includes policies and programs that ensure consistency with the General
Plan and help to mitigate any adverse impacts related to land use policies, agricultural
resources, aesthetics, and agricultural zoning:
The Housing Element is found to be consistent with the other elements of the General Plan, as
well as documents and plans adopted in accordance with the General Plan.
The General Plan EIR identified inconsistencies with agricultural land use designations of the
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 3.7-21 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
San Joaquin County General Plan south of the city. Mitigation included in the General Plan EIR
requires the City to establish an ongoing process to coordinate planning with the County. In
addition, any future annexation of County lands for urban development would require
coordination with the San Joaquin LAFCo to address planning consistency issues and impacts
on agricultural resources.
Agriculture has multiplier effects throughout various sectors of the economy. Agricultural
purchases stimulate private sector sales; personal income derived through farming leads to
purchases of goods and services in other sectors; and agricultural operations create jobs in
agricultural processing and other sectors of the economy. The loss of agricultural land affects
industries supportive of, or dependent upon agriculture, such as agricultural machinery
manufacturers, chemical manufacturers, processors, and people working in retail food trade
have jobs related to agriculture.
The Housing Element proposes transfer of development rights, agricultural buffers, and efficient
use of land that would avoid unnecessary conversion of farmland (Programs 4, 6, and 9 of the
Housing Element). The growth management ordinance and infrastructure/services concurrency
requirements also limit unnecessary urban land conversion (Program 2 of the Housing
Element). Nonetheless, annexation of areas of Prime Farmland and conversion to urban use
represents a potentially significant impact. Apart from the policies in the Housing Element that
reduce impacts in this regard, there are no feasible mitigation measures available. This impact
is significant and unavoidable.
Impact LU -2 Adverse Effect on Scenic Resources
Annexation of farmland west and south of Lodi would have an aesthetic impact. Increased
density and infill may alter Lodi's small town, rural character. Increased density, infill, and
housing development on the outskirts of the city may involve the removal of trees and other
vegetation.
Enforcement of property maintenance, rehabilitation programs, and neighborhood preservation
and revitalization may improve the overall aesthetic presentation of certain parts of the city.
Housing Element policies meant to promote residential density and infill would also prevent the
unnecessary conversion of agricultural and other open space outside of the developed city.
Transfer of development rights, agricultural buffers, and more efficient use of land would avoid
unnecessary conversion of farmland. The Housing Element requires affordable housing
included in the context of an overall development to be visually indistinguishable from the other
housing, which may provide some aesthetic benefit.
The Housing Element does not propose development of particular projects on particular pieces
of property, and does not recommend development of areas along the Mokelumne River.
However, policies and programs in the Housing Element could encourage or accommodate
conversion of scenic farmland west of the city to meet the regional housing needs allocation.
Depending on the level and intensity of development, this could represent a significant impact.
Even though more compact development patterns are promoted as a method of conserving
agricultural lands compared to what would be developed under recent lower -density
development patterns, impacts of development of agricultural lands outside the city limits
represents a potentially significant and unavoidable impact.
CITYOFLODI 3.7_22 RNALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.7
Land Use, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Impact LU -3 Creation of Light Spillage and Glare
Infill residential development and residential development on vacant or underutilized land may
introduce sources of light and glare into areas of the city that previously were mostly dark at
night. Annexation of areas south and west of Lodi, and urban development there would
introduce light and glare. Personal security standards for development may increase the level
of light and glare associated with new development, if not properly mitigated. Increased
development density may increase the density of security and other lighting, producing more
light pollution than would occur with lower density development.
The General Plan identifies important urban design considerations for future development and
redevelopment of the city. Urban design guidelines are to be developed for certain important
areas of the city such as downtown and the Eastside neighborhood, while many General Plan
policies and guidelines to be developed apply on a citywide basis (refer to pages 10-3 through
10-11 of the City of Lodi General Plan Policy Document). Future housing projects will be
developed using City guidelines and will require CEQA review. Lighting standards, cut-off
standards, and glare reduction will be required through future City design review and CEQA
review. The Housing Element does not encourage or facilitate development of outdoor
stadiums, car lots, or other land uses associated with high levels of light or glare. The impact is
considered less than significant.
Notes and References
'City of Lodi. Draft General Plan Background Report. 1990.
z San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner. Annual Report of Agricultural Production in San Joaquin County.
2002.
3 Survey compiled by the California Department of Water Resources, 1982. Cited in the Lodi General Plan
Background Report, Figure 2-8.
a California Department of Conservation. www.consrv.ca.gov/.
5 California Department of Conservation. Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. Statistics and Reports.
County, Regional & Statewide Farmland Conversion Tables. www.consrv.ca.gov.
s California Department of Conservation. California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program. 2000 FIELD REPORT, COUNTY: San Joaquin. 2001.
City of Lodi. General Plan Background Report. Page 2-24.
a City of Lodi. Draft General Plan Environmental Impact Report, 1990; City of Lodi, General Plan Policy Document,
1991.
9 Ibid.
10 San Joaquin County Local Agency Formation Commission. Guidelines for Formation and Development of Local
Governmental Agencies. No date.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 3.7-23 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
3.8 Noise
This section describes noise impacts resulting from construction and operation of projects
encouraged or accommodated by implementation of the Housing Element Update. Noise
impacts are considered both in the short term and in the long term. Short-term effects are those
resulting from construction or other activities with a short duration. Long-term effects are the
result of increased traffic in the area attributable to Housing Element implementation and
exposure of sensitive land uses to existing or future sources of noise.
Background
Noise is unwanted sound. Noise is measured on a decibel scale, which allows practical
measurement and characterization. The decibel scale is adjusted for community noise impact
assessment to consider the additional sensitivity to certain pitches (through the Aweighting
mechanism) and to consider the additional sensitivity during evening and nighttime hours
(through the Community Noise Equivalent Level and Day -Night Average).
Day -Night Average Sound Level
Average sound exposure over a 24-hour period is often presented as a day -night average
sound level (Ldn). Ldn values are calculated using hourly Leq values, with the Leq values for the
nighttime period (10:00 P.M. -7:00 A.M.) increased by 10 dB to reflect the greater disturbance
potential from nighttime noises.
Community Noise Equivalent Level
The community noise equivalent applies weighting factors for both evening and nighttime sound
levels. Leq values for the evening period (7:00 P.M. -10:00 P.M.) are increased by 5 dB, while Leq
values for the nighttime period (10:00 P.M. -7:00 A.M.) are increased by 10dB.
Environmental Setting
Lodi experiences typical urban noise from sources such as automobile traffic, operation of
mechanical equipment and construction equipment, vocalizations, loud stereos, and related
sources. Primary sources of noise include highways and other roadways (especially Highway
99) and railroad noise (see Figure 3.8-1). Construction noise is an intermittent and temporary
contributing source, and industrial noise is generated in the central and eastern portions of the
city. Existing noise levels in the central portion of Lodi are in the range of 53 — 65 Leq.' Most
recent traffic counts available for the City are from April of 2003. Traffic noise can be estimated
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.8-1 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
using assumptions about traffic mix, timing, intervening surfaces, and related variables. The
estimated distance to the 60 and 65 dB(A) CNEL noise contours from city roads is shown in
Table 3.8-1.
CIT(OFLODI
3.8-2 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
Figure 3.8-1
Roadway Noise Levels (1990)
No Scale.
Source: City of Lodi General Plan Policy Document, 1991; Adapted by Cotton/Bridges/Associates, 2003.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.8-3 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
Table 3.8-1
April 2003 Estimated Distance to 60 and 65 CNEL Noise Contour
Roadway
between
and
Estimated Distance
to 60 dB(A) CNEL
Contour
Estimated Distance to
65 dB(A) CNEL
Contour (in feet from
centerline)
umer
Evergreen Dr
Woodhaven Ln
130
bb
umer
Woodhaven Ln
LowerSacramento
Rd
90
umer
wer cramen O Rd
M ills Ave
215
104
umer
M ills Ave
Ham Ln
199
96
umer
California 9
Church
umer
aockton U
Cherokee
umer
Cherokee Ln
CluffAve
821
41
umer
Cluff Ave
Guild Ave
bb
35
Lockeford
M ills Ave
Ham Ln
14
42
Lockeford
Ham Ln
Hutchinsa
Lockeford
HutchinsUChurch
c eor—Church
oc on 9
168
83
c e or
oc on
Cherokee Ln IN
150
[b
Lockeford
aockton a N
Cherokee
Lockeford
Beckman Rd
CluffAve
154
it
m
ergreen Ur
Lower Sa cramen o
Rd
67
40
m
Lower cramen O Rd
M ills Ave
bt
48
m
M ills Ave W
Ham Ln IN
59
m
Ham Ln E
Ham Ln E
131
66
m
Ham Ln IN
Hutchins,4
m
Hutchins,4
Church
mChurch
oc on 9
62
37
m —
9ockton 9
Cherokee Ln
67
40
Lodi
West of Lower cramen O Pd
61
Lodi
Lower cramen O Rd
M ills Ave
119
61
Lodi
ills Ave
Ham Ln
142
ti
LOCI I
Ham Ln
F u c Ins
Lodi
Hutchinsa
Church
Lodi
Church 9
9ockton 9
183
89
Lodi
Cen ra I Ave
Cherokee Ln
174
85
Lodi
Cherokee Ln
Highway99
Lodi
Beckman
U ve
48
Lodi
Cluff Ave
Guild Ave
bU
36
1OKay
Lower Cramen O Rd
W
M ills Ave IN
51
33
IoKay
Lower 18cramento Rd
E
S Ave
1OKay
M ills Ave
Ham Ln
_M1
61
CIT(OFLODI
3.8-4 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
Table 3.8-1
April 2003 Estimated Distance to 60 and 65 CNEL Noise Contour
Roadway
between
and
Estimated Distance
to 60 dB(A) CNEL
Contour
Estimated Distance to
65 dB(A) CNEL
Contour (in feet from
centerline)
1OKay
Ham Ln
Hutchinsa
1OKay
HutchinsU
Church
loKay
Church El
Elockton El
122
63
IoKay
Stockton a
CentralAve
92
bU
loKay
Centra I Ave
Cherokee Lin
tb
43
Vine
Lower cramen o M
W
M ills Ave W
79
45
Vine
Lower cramen o Rd
E
M ills Ave E
84
4t
Vine
M ills Ave
Ham Ln
88
46
Vine
Ham Ln W
Hutchins a W
91
49
Vine
Ham Ln E
Hutchins a E
ti
41
Vine
HutchinsSt
Church
Vine
Stockton U
en ra I Ave
—48
32
Vine
Centra I Ave
Cherokee Lin
bb
3b
Kettleman
West of Lower bacramento
Kettleman
Lower cramen o M MillsAve
323
152
Kettleman
Ham Ln Hutchinsa
Kettleman
HutchinsU urc
353
166
e eman
Stockton a Almondr
300
142
e eman —
Hig hway 99 Beckman Rd
2121
103
Kettleman
East ot Beckman Rd
144
t2
en ury
West of M ills Ave
bu
33
Century
M ills Ave W Ham Ln W
7T
4b
en ury
M ills Ave E TFam
en t ury
Ham Ln W Hutchins a W
107
56
Century
Ham Ln E Hutchins
Century
HutchinsEl Stockton a
94
51
Harney
M ills Ave Ham Ln
63
Harney
Ham Ln HutchinsSt
Harney
HutchinsSt Stockton St
188
91
Harney
Stockton U FentralAve
157
78
Lower
Sacramento
North of Hamey
Lower
Sacramento
Sbuth of Kettleman Ln
199
96
Lower
Sacramento
Kettleman Ln
Vine a
255
121
Lower
Sacramento
TokayUi
ve
—M7
122
Lower
Sacramento
Lodi Ave
8m a
237
ill
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.8-5 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
Table 3.8-1
April 2003 Estimated Distance to 60 and 65 CNEL Noise Contour
Roadway
between
and
Estimated Distance
to 60 dB(A) CNEL
Contour
Estimated Distance to
65 dB(A) CNEL
Contour (in feet from
centerline)
Lower
Sacramento
Elm a
Turner Rd
66
39
Lower
Sacramento
lumer Hd
Woodhaven Ln
-762
80
• ills
Harney Ln S
Century B S
14
43
• ills
Hamey Ln N
Century EN N
t3
42
• ills
Century Ell S
Kettleman Ln S
86
47
• ills
Century Ell N
Kettleman
• ills
Kettleman Ln 6
Vine St S
98
b2
• ills
eman Ln N
Vine
• illsVine
o kay S:
133
151
• ills
o ay a
Lodi Ave
137
69
• ills
i Ave S
Bm St S
133
67
• ills
Lodi Ave N
Bm
• is
mLockeford
a
126
64
• ills —
Lockeford a
Turner M
112f
59
Ham
Harney Ln b
Century B 6
125
64
Ham
Hamey Ln N
Century
Ham
Century B S
Kettleman Ln S
146
73
Ham
Century B N
Kettleman Ln N
170
84
Ham
To ayi
ve
Ham
Lodi Ave
Rne a
196
9b
Ham
Lockeford S: 6
lumer M 6
155
it
Ham
Lockeford S: N
TumerM
Hutchins
amey Ln
Century B
194
94
Hutchins
en ury
aeman
Hutchins
o kay
i Ave
147
73
Hutchins
i Ave
Pine S:
143
12
Hutchins
BmLockeford
a
146
73
Church
Century a
Kettleman Ln
116
60
Church
eman Ln
Vine S:
121
62
Church
o ay a
Lod i Ave
121
62
Church
i Ave
Rne S:
141
ti
Church
m
c ke for
Church
c ke for
umer Pd
91
49
o kt on
Harney Ln
Century H
116
60
oc kton
Almond ur
Kettleman Ln
44
;JU
,Sto kton
eman Ln
Vine S:
1221
63
oc kton
o ay a
Lod i Ave
123
63
oc kton
i Ave
Rne S:
105
bb
,Stockton
m
c e or
CIT(OFLODI
3.8-6 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
Table 3.8-1
April 2003 Estimated Distance to 60 and 65 CNEL Noise Contour
Roadway
between
and
Estimated Distance
to 60 dB(A) CNEL
Contour
Estimated Distance to
65 dB(A) CNEL
Contour (in feet from
centerline)
,Sto kton
Lo c ke for
umer M S
it
44
,Sto kton
LOCKetord 4 N
Tumerl`�d
Central
eman Ln
Vine a
92
50
Central
Vine 4
To kay
Central
o kay
I Ave
106
bb
Cherokee
Almond Dr
Kettleman Ln
itz
84
Cherokee
Kettleman Ln
Vine
CherokeeVine
4
76-Fa—y
Cherokee
o kay
I ve
206
100
Cherokee
I Ave
Rne Et
223
107
Cherokee 6
Rne 4
Lockeford
Highway 99
SDuthof Harney Ln
T(M
471
Highway 99
Harney Ln
lKettleman Ln
1037
482
Highway 99
Kettleman Ln
JVIctorM
Highway 99
Northof Turner Rd
T07
482
c man
Kettleman Ln
Vine
t3eC Kman
Vine El
Tokay El
110
58
c Kman
Jokay a
Lodi Ave
1101
bb
Beckman
Rne a
Lockeford
Note: The "roadway' column identifies the road and the "between" and "and" columns identify the specific roadway
segment. If the "between" and "and" columns identify roads and a direction (i.e., N, S, E, or W), this indicates that
there are data for two points along the roadway segment. Directions are included to distinguish the two data
points from one another.
Source: Traffic counts from the City of Lodi web site; noise analysis based on FHWA noise modeling methods.
Regulatory Background
Noise is regulated by government agencies at the federal and State levels, though authority and
responsibility for regulating, monitoring, and enforcing noise regulations typically occurs at the
local level. Existing regulations provide a basis for examining the impacts of projects under
CEQA, and the enforcement of local noise regulations can reduce noise -related impacts of
projects.
Federal Standards
The federal Noise Control Act of 1972 requires that all federal agencies promote an
environment free of noise that would jeopardize public health or welfare. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was given the responsibility for establishing noise
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.8-7 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
standards. Outdoor Ldn limits of 55 dB and indoor Ldn limits of 45 dB are identified as desirable
to protect against speech interference and sleep disturbance for residential, educational, and
healthcare areas.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted criteria for evaluating noise impacts of
federally funded highway projects. The criteria are based on peak hourly Leq sound levels, not
Ldn or 24-hour Leq values. The maximum allowable peak 1 -hour Leq for residential, educational,
and healthcare facilities is 67 dB outdoors and 52 dB indoors.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established guidelines for
evaluation of noise impacts on federally funded residential projects. Prior to development of
federally funded residential projects, the surrounding noise environment is assessed and
characterized according to the following standards:
oo Acceptable if exposed to outdoor Ldn values of 65 dB or less;
oc Normally unacceptable if exposed to outdoor Ldn values of 65-75 dB; and,
oo Unacceptable if exposed to outdoor Ldn values above 75 dB.
The Federal Interagency Committee on Urban Noise, which is composed of representatives
from the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the EPA, and the Veterans Administration, published guidelines for
considering noise in land use planning, summarized in Table 3.8-2 for residential uses.
Residential development is appropriate under these guidelines in areas with a noise
environment up to 65 Ldn.
Table 3.8-2
Federal Land Use Compatibility Standards
Land Use
Yearly Ldn
Below 65
Above 65
Residential
Y
N
Y = Yes, land use and related structure compatible without restrictions;
N = No, land use and related structure not compatible and should be
prohibited.
Source: Federal Interagency Committee on Urban Noise (FICUN). Guidelines
for Considering Noise in Land -Use Planning and Control. June 1980.
California State Land Use Compatibility Standards
The California Department of Health Services Office of Noise Control studied the relationship
between noise and various land uses, and provided land use compatibility guidelines for the
noise elements of local general plans. The guidelines are the basis for most noise element land
use compatibility guidelines in California, including those adopted by the City. The Land Use
Compatibility Standards generated by the State and adopted by Lodi are presented in Table
3.8-3 below.
CITYOFLODI 3.8-8 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
Lodi Noise Standards
Lodi's General Plan includes Noise Compatibility Guidelines, (see Table 3.8-2) which identify
acceptable noise levels for different types of land use development. All residential development
is addressed through the same noise compatibility standard regardless of density or location. A
noise environment of up to 65 dB (Ldn or CNEL) is presumed to be acceptable without any
special requirements for mitigation. The Noise Element also contains policies that:
oo Apply the State noise insulation standards to all residential dwellings, hospitals,
convalescent homes, and rest homes;
oo Prohibit new residential development in areas exposed to Ldn levels above 75 dB unless
effective noise shielding of indoor and outdoor areas can be achieved; and
0o Reduce exterior Ldn levels, where possible, to less than 65 dB for new noise -sensitive land
uses.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.8-9 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
Table 3.8-3
Maximum Outdoor Ambient Noise Levels by Land Use
CIT(OFLODI 3.8-10 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.8
Noise
According to the Lodi General Plan EIR,
The most noticeable increases in traffic noise would occur along roadways serving future
development sites and roadways providing freeway access. Such roadways include
portions of Kettleman Lane (estimated increase of 2.5-3 dB), Harney Lane (2.5 dB),
Lower Sacramento Road (2.5-3 dB), Turner Road (2.5-4 dB), Pine Street (2-2.5 dB), and
Mills Avenue (2.5 dB). A noise -level increase of 2.5 dB represents a 19 -percent increase
in apparent loudness, 3 dB a 23 -percent increase, and 4 dB a 32 -percent increase.
The Noise Element contains the following policies and implementation programs to minimize
noise impacts associated with future development:'
Policy Art: The City shall use the outdoor CNEL criteria on the attached land use
compatibility chart as a primary guide to determine whether all or part of an existing or
proposed development site should be considered "noise impacted"; areas shall be
considered noise impacted if current or projected exterior noise levels would classify the
area as "conditionally acceptable," "normally unacceptable," or "presumed to be
unacceptable" for the existing or proposed use.
Policy Ar2: The City shall recognize that a CNEL measure does not adequately reflect
the disturbance effects of intermittent noise events or noise sources that operate for only
part of a day. Intermittent or discontinuous noise sources should be evaluated on a case-
by-case basis to determine appropriate land use compatibility classifications.
Policy Ar3: The City shall require a noise impact analysis for development projects on
sites that are wholly or partially noise impacted under existing or projected future
conditions.
Policy A-4: The City shall require a noise impact analysis for development projects that
may cause or significantly contribute to adjacent properties becoming noise impacted.
Policy A-5: Noise impact analyses required by Policies A-3 and A-4 above shall:
00 Be included in any environmental impact study prepared for the proposed project;
00 Be the responsibility of the project applicant;
00 Be prepared by persons with adequate experience and training to properly address
the noise impact and noise mitigation issues that may arise;
GO Include at the discretion of City staff, ambient noise monitoring of the project site and
adjacent areas for sufficient time periods and at appropriate seasons to clarify the
land use compatibility status of the property under current conditions;
00 Estimate future noise levels and land use compatibility conditions following buildout
of the proposed project;
00 Include an evaluation of the magnitude, duration, and temporal pattern of noise
impacts associated with intermittent noise sources that will be associated with the
proposed project or that will affect the project site;
00 Include identification of noise mitigation measures required to produce "presumed to
be acceptable" conditions on the potentially noise impacted property;
00 Include an evaluation of the effectiveness of berms, sound walls, or wall -berm
combinations for areas significantly affected by noise from railroad operations or
traffic on state highways;
' City of Lodi. General Plan. 1991.
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00 Include recommendations regarding feasible noise mitigation measures and an
evaluation of their expected effectiveness if it is judged infeasible to reduce noise
levels at the noise impacted property to a "presumed to be acceptable" level;
00 Include a discussion of mitigation monitoring procedures that can be used to ensure
that recommended mitigation measures are implemented.
Policy Ar6: The City shall require a comprehensive, objective analysis of alternative
land uses for the proposed site and alternative sites for the proposed uses for:
GO Any development projects that contain areas that would be classified as "normally
unacceptable" or "presumed to be unacceptable" after implementation of
recommended noise mitigation measures, or
00 Any development projects that would cause adjacent properties to be classified as
"normally unacceptable" or "presumed to be unacceptable" even with implementation
of recommended noise mitigation measures.
Policy AJ: The City shall recognize residential uses (including apartments and mobile
homes), motels, hotels, other transient lodgings, hospitals, convalescent facilities, and
schools as noise -sensitive land uses.
Policy X48: The City should deny development projects that would be classified as
"normally unacceptable" or "presumed to be unacceptable" unless one of the following
findings can be made:
Finding A:
00 The uses proposed for the noise impacted area are not noise -sensitive and are fully
contained within enclosed structures that meet or exceed the indoor noise criteria
listed in (Figure 6-4) [Figure 16-3 of this EIR]; and
00 The proposed uses will not expose employees, occupants, or visitors to outdoor
noise conditions for longer than required to enter or leave the property; and
00 The proposed uses will not create or significantly contribute to noise problems on
other properties.
Finding B:
00 The uses proposed for the noise impacted area are not noise -sensitive; and
00 Noise exposures inherent in the proposed uses will significantly exceed the pre -
project ambient noise level; and
00 The proposed uses will not create or significantly contribute to noise problems on
other properties.
Finding C:
00 There are no other reasonable uses for the property; and
GO The proposed uses will not create or significantly contribute to noise problems on
other properties.
Policy A-9: The City shall apply the State Noise Insulation Standards (California
Administrative Code, Title 24) and Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building Code to all new
convalescent facilities, hospitals, and single family residential developments in addition to
the multifamily and transient lodging developments covered by the State Noise Insulation
Standards.
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Policy A-10: The City shall actively pursue opportunities provided by highway and utility
construction projects to install or obtain sound walls or other noise reduction measures
for existing noise sensitive land uses located in noise impacted areas.
Policy A-11: The City shall establish a noise ordinance to regulate intermittent,
temporary, or permanent stationary noise sources associated with land uses in the City of
Lodi.
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Section 3.8
Noise
Methodology
Existing literature, application of accepted noise prediction techniques, and known
characteristics of sound were used to predict changes in ambient noise levels resulting from the
Project. Specific noise sources evaluated in this section include traffic and construction noise.
Traffic Noise Impact Assessment Methodology
To describe noise levels associated with project traffic, an application based on the Federal
Highway Administration Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA RD -77-108) is used.
The FHWA model is the analytical method used by most State and local agencies for predicting
traffic noise impacts. The FHWA model yields estimates of hourly Leq values for free-flowing
traffic conditions. To predict Ldn and CNEL values, noise levels were averaged over 24 hours, a
reasonable day/night distribution of traffic was assumed, and evening and nighttime penalties
were applied.
Construction Noise Impact Assessment Methodology
Implementation of the Housing Element may encourage or accommodate construction,
especially housing construction that may occur during the Housing Element planning period
(2001 - 2008). During construction, noise from construction activities would add to the noise
environment in the immediate vicinity. A typical array of construction equipment would be
expected to generate maximum noise levels ranging from 85 to 90 dB at a distance of 50 feet
(Table 3.8-4). Construction activities would be temporary in nature and are anticipated to occur
during normal daytime working hours. Reasonable assumptions of construction activities are
used to predict and describe the temporary impact of construction activities.
Table 3.8-4
Construction Equipment Noise
Type of Equipment
Typical Noise Level, dB(A)
50 Feet From Source
Backhoe
80
Grader
85
Loader
85
Roller
75
Bulldozer
85
Truc k
88
Scraper
89
Source: Federal Transit Administration 1995.
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference in this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in any
CITYOFLODI 3.8-14 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.8
Noise
adverse physical environmental impact. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those
policies, goals, and programs that may result in noise effects have been analyzed. Mitigation
measures included in the General Plan EIR that would reduce impacts to the city's noise
environment are not altered by the Housing Element or the Housing Element EIR and are
considered as a part of the impact analysis in this section. The following excerpt includes all
relevant Housing Element policies and programs:
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use
of land.
Policies:
3. The City shall continue to exempt senior citizen housing projects from the growth
management ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance.
10. The City shall seek to intersperse very low- and low-income housing units within new
residential developments and shall ensure that such housing is visually
indistinguishable from market -rate units.
13. The City shall encourage infill residential development and higher residential
densities within the existing City limits near transit stops, and compact development
patterns in annexation areas to reduce public facility and service costs, avoid the
premature conversion of natural resource and agricultural lands, and reduce the
number of trips from private vehicles.
Program 1: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The City shall revise Title 17 of the Lodi Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) to reduce
barriers to, and provide incentives for, the construction and conservation of a variety of
housing types. Revisions to Title 17 will include the following:
a. The addition of a chapter that provides for density bonuses and other incentives for
projects that include ten percent very low-income housing, 20 percent low-income
housing, 50 percent qualifying senior housing, or 20 percent moderate -income
hosing in condominium conversion projects, in compliance with Sections 65915 —
65918 of the California Government Code. The City shall work with the San Joaquin
County Housing Authority in developing procedures and guidelines for establishing
income eligibility for the "reserved" units and for maintaining the "reserved" units as
affordable units for at least 30 years. The City shall seek Housing Authority
administration of the reserved units. The City shall establish a program to publicize
the availability of the density bonus program through the City's website, program
information at the Community Development Department public counter, and pre -
development meetings with housing providers (such as the housing unit allocation
stage). The City shall encourage prospective housing developers to use the density
bonus program at pre -development meetings. In conjunction with density bonuses,
the City will offer one or more regulatory incentives, as needed and appropriate, such
as:
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00 Reduced parking for projects oriented to special needs groups and/or located
close to public transportation and commercial services;
00 Expedited permit processing; or
00 Deferral of fees for an appropriate time period to allow for the project to begin
generating income.
b. Conformance with California Government Code sections 65852.3 and 65852.7, which
require that manufactured homes in single-family zones on permanent foundations
be permitted under the same standards as site -built homes (with limited exceptions)
and that mobilehome parks be permitted in any residential zone (although the City
may require a use permit).
c. Addition of standards for emergency shelters and transitional housing to clearly
identify appropriate zoning districts and locations for such facilities and to make these
sites readily accessible. Until the adoption of such revisions to the Zoning Ordinance,
the City will continue to allow by right the development of such facilities in areas
zoned GM or C-2.
d. Addition of a definition of farmworker housing that does not conflict with state law
definitions for employees housing (beginning with California Government Section
17000) and specification of the zoning districts and standards under which such
housing will be permitted.
e. Clarification of standards for permitting residential care facilities (such as group
homes). The City will specify that all such facilities with six or fewer residents are
permitted in residential zoning districts. The City will also designated zoning districts
in which facilities of seven or more persons will be permitted through a use permit
and standards for such facilities.
f. Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two
spaces per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due
to the characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or
low-income single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public
transit route or in the downtown area).
g. Revision of standards for second dwelling units to allow the conversion of accessory
buildings to second units subject to compliance with all other zoning and parking
standards, an appropriate minimum lot size for detached second units, and
architectural compatibility with the main dwelling unit. The City will permit second
dwelling units through an administrative permit process in compliance with state law
(California Government Code section 65852.2).
h. Elimination of single-family homes as permitted uses in the RGA, R -MD, R -HD, and
R -C -P zones, except on parcels constrained by lot size, environmental, or other
factors that would make the construction of multifamily housing infeasible.
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Reduction in the number of non-residential uses permitted in multifamily residential
zones to public and quasi -public uses and supportive services for multifamily
residents.
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Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete zoning code amendments as part of a new unified
development code by June 2004.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Reduce regulatory barriers to the provision of housing
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
The City will revise its growth management program to exempt housing units affordable
to very low- or low-income households with long-term affordability restrictions.
Responsibility:Community Development Department
Timeframe: Begin second round of allocations, if needed, in 2005 and annually
thereafter
Funding: Application fees
Objective: Expedite the residential development approval process
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned
parcels and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information
available to the public and developers, including information on underutilized sites within
the downtown area with residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall
update the inventory and list at least annually. The City will promote the land inventory
and the availability of each update through the City's web site, a notice at the Community
Development Permit Counter, and a press release subsequent to each update.
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will
also conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and
commercial sites along Cherokee Lane, South Sacramento Street, South Stockton
Street, and West Kettleman Lane. Properties along these corridors may be suitable for
future residential development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such
development feasible (see Figures 23 through 2-5, which follow). These areas are
characterized by obsolete patterns of land development, older structures in substandard
condition, odd -sized lots, and marginally viable commercial and industrial uses that would
make properties ripe for redevelopment in the next five to ten years. If Lodi determines
that residential development is feasible along these streets, the City will initiate a
planning process with property owners (which may be a special area plan or a specific
plan meeting state law requirements) to define specific properties suitable for residential
or mixed-use development, appropriate development standards, and improvements
needed to support residential development.
ResponsibiIity:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete study of residential development potential by December 2006;
prepare and adopt area plan(s) by December 2009.
Funding: General Fund, contributions from property owners
Objective: Increase the potential for infill development, thereby reducing the need to
prematurely annex land and convert agricultural land to urban use
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
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The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current
City limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to
the City so that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet
Lodi's future housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney
Lane, Lower Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western
SOI boundary. The City has facilitated a specific planning process with property owners
of approximately 300 acres to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The
development potential for the properties to be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to six years to meet
housing construction needs given the backlog of unused housing allocations and
available sites within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property
owners during the 2003 — 2009 period.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
December 2009.
Funding: Annexation and permit fees
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to accommodate its
share of the region's future housing construction needs between 2001
and 2009, and subsequent years, under the San Joaquin County Council
of Governments housing allocation plan
Program 13: Housing Rehabilitation and Code Enforcement
The City will continue to combine code enforcement and housing rehabilitation assistance,
targeted to the Eastside area. The City will promote its program through the Eastside
Improvement Committee, a neighborhood organization that provides direct outreach to area
residents and property owners, by providing information at the Community Development
Department's public counter, and through a link to the program on the City's website. The City's
Community Improvement Manager will work with the Committee to continue marketing the
program to Eastside area residents and property owners.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009
Funding: CDBG and HOME, CalHOME
Objective: Improvement of 1,000 housing units (including private investment to
correct code violations) over five years
Goal B: To encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of
the City's existing housing stock and residential neighborhoods,
particularly in the Eastside area.
Policies:
3. The City shall use available and appropriate state and federal funding programs and
collaborate with nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate housing and improve older
neighborhoods.
4. Housing rehabilitation efforts shall continue to be given high priority in the use of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, especially in the Eastside area.
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Section 3.8
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5. The City shall support the revitalization of older neighborhoods by keeping streets
and other municipal systems in good repair.
8. The City shall continue to enforce residential property maintenance standards.
Program 14: Property Maintenance and Management Standards
The City will continue to implement standards for private property maintenance (Chapter
15.30 of the Municipal Code) to 1) control or eliminate conditions that are detrimental to
health, safety, and welfare; 2) preserve the quality of life and alleviate certain
socioeconomic problems created by physical deterioration of property; and 3).protect
property values and further certain aesthetic considerations for the general welfare of all
residents of the City of Lodi.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe:Code enforcement on both complaint and pro -active basis, 2003 — 2009
Funding: Inspection fees, code violation penalties, CDBG funds (for dwelling units
occupied by low-income households)
Objective: Eliminate substandard building and property conditions
Program 18: Preservation of the Eastside Area
The City will continue to target a portion of its annual CDBG allocation for public
improvements in the Eastside area in support of its housing rehabilitation and
neighborhood improvement activities (see Figure 26). The City will also maintain the
Eastside single-family residential zoning as a regulatory tool to preserve the character of
the neighborhood and encourage private investment in older homes.
Responsibility:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annual CDBG allocation, maintain zoning, 2003 - 2009
Funding: CDBG, permit fees, impact fees
Objective: To preserve and improve the Eastside area.
Goal E: To encourage residential energy efficiency and reduce residential
energy use.
Policies:
1. The City shall require the use of energy conservation features in the design and
construction of all new residential structures and shall promote the use of energy
conservation and weatherization features in existing homes.
2. The City shall require solar access in the design of all residential projects.
3. The City shall pursue residential land use and site planning policies, and promote
planning and design techniques; that encourage reductions in residential energy
consumption.
Program 29: Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Improvements for Older Homes
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.8-19 CITYOFLODI
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Section 3.8
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The City shall continue to permit energy conservation and weatherization improvements
as eligible activities under the Lodi Housing Rehabilitation Program. The City will post
and distribute information on currently available weatherization and energy conservation
programs operated by the City, nonprofit organizations, and utility companies through the
Lodi website, the Community Development Department public counter, the Lodi Public
Library, the Loel Senior Center, and other public locations.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009
Funding: CDBG, HOME, public and private utilities, nonprofit organizations
Objective: To increase energy efficiency in older homes
Thresholds of Significance
Based on the CEQA Guidelines, the City of Lodi General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and Title
24 of the California Building Code, the proposed project would have a significant noise impact if:
oo Land uses would be exposed to noise levels exceeding the City's established guidelines for
noise and land use compatibility (see Table 3.8-3). The City of Lodi General Plan identifies
any use as "noise impacted" if the levels exceed the "presumed -to -be -acceptable" range,
oo Noise levels would increase substantially; or,
oo People would be exposed to excessive groundbourne noise or vibration levels.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact N-1 Construction Noise and Vibration
Multi -family development of larger buildings and supportive infrastructure may involve
excavation and foundation work that would produce noise and vibration. Infill development by
definition involves construction or redevelopment in close proximity to existing developed areas,
and as such, this development may expose more people to groundbourne noise and vibration
compared to development of previously undeveloped areas. Heavy trucks and heavy
earthmoving and construction equipment may affect existing residential development, schools,
and commercial properties in the city.
Activities involved in construction typically generate maximum noise levels ranging from 85 to
90 dB at a distance of 50 feet. When combined, the sound level of the three loudest pieces of
equipment (scraper, truck, and bulldozer) would be approximately 92 dB(A) measured at 50
feet.2 If a grader [85 dB(A)] and a scraper [89 dB(A)] operate concurrently, the combined sound
level would be approximately 90 dB(A) at a distance of 50 feet from a construction site.3 The
actual level of noise experienced at adjacent land uses would be reduced by distance, air
absorption (1-2 dB per 1,000 feet), and wind and thermal attenuation (1 dB per 1,000 feet).
CITYOFLODI 3.8-20 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.8
Noise
The Housing Element Update may encourage or facilitate an increase in construction activity
associated with density bonus provisions, second units, annexation for housing development,
land inventory work, and affordable/senior housing exemptions to the growth management
ordinance. Any increase in construction would result in construction noise. The Housing
Element intent to encourage infill and increased density may increase exposure to construction
noise compared to a scenario similar to the past several years in Lodi where more residential
development occurred in low-density, undeveloped areas. Construction noise would not only
impact residential and other land uses adjacent to project sites, but also residential and other
land uses located adjacent to roadways used to transport equipment and construction workers
to and from construction sites. Rehabilitation of structures, revitalization of neighborhoods, and
property maintenance may also involve the use of noisy equipment, moving of equipment on -
and off-site, and other noise -generating activity.
Chapter 9.24 of the Lodi Municipal Code prohibits excessive, offensive and disturbing noise. It
is unlawful to use sound systems that are clearly audible at a distance of 50 feet. It is unlawful
to generate any noise or sound between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M., which exceeds
the ambient noise level at the property line of any residential property by more than five
decibels. This applies to both commercial and noncommercial activity. Exemptions to the noise
ordinance are available for:
oo Any bell, siren or similar device on any vehicle, which is required by law, and which is
automatically activated by placing the vehicle transmission in reverse, or by any backing
movement;
oc Any sound equipment operating under a city license or permit;
oo Emergency repair work as defined herein; and,
oo Noise necessarily generated in conjunction with health or sanitation services, including but
not limited to refuse collection.
Housing construction project proponents may find it necessary to obtain a City permit to create
noise in excess of City standards during site preparation and construction. Current City
guidelines in the Noise Element establish a process for reviewing noise impacts of development
projects, which will apply to future housing projects facilitated or encouraged by the Housing
Element. Future construction projects will require CEQA review, but infill development in
particular may create substantial temporary noise and/or vibration impacts. It may not be
feasible to avoid such impacts in every instance. This is a significant and unavoidable
impact.
Impact N-2 Exposure to Existing Sources of Noise
Development of property along Highway 99 and the railroad in the eastern portion of the city
would expose future residents to the noise associated with these transportation facilities.
Development of residential property in proximity to industrial areas and commercial areas may
expose future residents to truck noise, manufacturing noise, and other urban sources of noise.
The Housing Element encourages the development of senior and special needs housing in
proximity to public transit and community services. Public transit routes in Lodi tend to be
located along relatively busy streets, and community service centers may also be located in
areas where existing levels of noise are relatively high. Annexation and urban development of
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.8-21 CITYOFLODI
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Section 3.8
Noise
land adjacent to agricultural areas would expose new residents to noise from tractors and other
farm equipment.
The City's General Plan Noise Element requires noise analysis for projects that could expose
sensitive receptors to existing sources of noise. The City, according to Policy X48 of the Noise
Element will `deny development projects that would [result in a land use noise compatibility
environment] classified as normally unacceptable or presumed to be unacceptable unless
certain findings can be made. The findings establish situations where unacceptable land use
noise compatibility environments would be tolerated by the City, and these findings are fairly
restrictive. Nonetheless, it is possible that a housing project encouraged or facilitated by goals,
policies, and/or programs in the Housing Element could be constructed in an area with an
incompatible noise environment, creating a significant impact. Beyond Noise Element policies
and the Noise Ordinance, there are no feasible additional mitigation measures. This is a
significant and unavoidable impact.
Impact N-3 Traffic Noise Impact on Surrounding Land Uses
Implementation of the Housing Element will include land uses that attract and generate
vehicular traffic. The operation of this vehicular traffic will result in noise impacts along the city's
roadways, potentially affecting sensitive land uses such as medical facilities, schools,
community centers, residences, and churches. Existing traffic volumes along Kettleman Lane,
Turner Road, Cherokee Lane, and Highway 99 create potentially incompatible noise
environments for residential development. Without berms, soundwalls, or other noise
attenuating features, residential development in these areas would create a potential impact.
Housing development encouraged or facilitated by the Housing Element would generate traffic
that would use Lodi's roadways, creating additional noise. Since no specific project and no
specific property are proposed for development by the Housing Element, it is not possible to
predict the level of traffic generation or traffic -related noise. Future projects will be subject to
CEQA review, which would include traffic analysis and noise analysis and mitigation, where
necessary. Future projects encouraged or accommodated by the Housing Element may
produce traffic noise in levels that exceed city standards for noise sensitive land uses in the
developed areas of the City. Housing development in undeveloped areas can analyze traffic
noise impacts and include noise attenuating features into development plans. Mitigation for off-
site traffic noise impacts may or may not be feasible, depending on the specific situation. It may
not be feasible to implement mitigation measures that would effectively reduce all off-site traffic
noise impacts to less -than -significant levels. Beyond Noise Element policies and the Noise
Ordinance, there are no feasible additional mitigation measures. This is a significant and
unavoidable impact
Impact N-4 Increase in Noise Above Ambient Level
Implementation of the Housing Element accommodates urban development in agricultural areas
and on vacant land, where ambient noise levels would be expected to be low. Construction and
rehabilitation of housing identified in the Housing Element and supportive infrastructure will
temporarily increase ambient noise levels. Long-term operation of urban development will
increase the noise level as a result of automobile traffic and other urban noise sources. In
CITYOFLODI 3.8-22 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
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Section 3.8
Noise
addition, development of hard surfaces may result in increased transmission of noise and a
further increase in ambient noise levels. This is a significant and unavoidable impact.
Notes and References
LN is another variation on the decibel scale that represents a time averaged noise level. The existing noise
environment is from the Lodi Redevelopment Plan EIR, 2002, page 9-7. The noise measurements were taken at
intervals from 9 to 30 minutes.
2 State Water Resources Control Board. Farad Diversion Dam Replacement Project Draft Environmental Impact
Report. March 2002.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.8-23 CITYOFLODI
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Section 3.9
Population and Housing
3.9 Population and Housing
This section provides supplemental information and evaluation of the Housing Element's
potential effects on population and housing.
Environmental Setting
Population
Historically, Lodi has long been one of San Joaquin County's population centers, second only to
Stockton. As of Lodi's 2003 population estimate of 60,521 people, Lodi was surpassed by
Tracy to become the third largest city in the county. Lodi has been experiencing moderate rates
of population growth, whereas the surrounding jurisdiction's populations have been doubling.
For example, between 1990 and 2000, Lodi's population increased by 9.8 percent as compared
with all other cities in San Joaquin County, which experienced population growth rates of 20
percent or more during the same time period.
Over the next 20 years, the population of Lodi is expected to increase by 21.3 percent, or
12,157 people, according to the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG). On an annual
basis, the 20 -year population growth pojection is the same as the city's historic population
growth rate of approximately one percent per year during the 1990s. The other cities within San
Joaquin County are projected to continue to add population at a much faster rate than Lodi at 36
percent and higher over the next twenty years.
Because population growth trends tend to play a major role in development of land use patterns,
the City's desire to retain the historic small town character and quality of life throughout Lodi
may influence the rate of growth. In addition, City policy related to housing and relevant
services may also play a role in impeding significant population growth.
Housing
Growth and Composition
Lodi is a community consisting primarily of single-family homes. As of January 2003, the total
number of housing units was 22,189, of which 63 percent, or 14,017 housing units, are
traditional detached single-family homes. During the 1990s, nearly 90 percent of the housing
that was constructed was comprised of traditional single-family homes. The increase in overall
housing stock over the last decade was also influenced by additional attached single-family
homes and multiple -family apartments in buildings of five units or more. Since the year 2000, a
significant majority of housing units that have been constructed have been traditional single-
family or attached single-family homes.
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Section 3.9
Population and Housing
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Section 3.9
Population and Housing
Tenure
Approximately 70 percent of Lodi's housing stock consists of single-family residences, which are
typically associated with homeownership. Fbwever, in 2000, only 55 percent of Lodi residents
were homeowners, which is slightly below the statewide average of 57 percent and significantly
below the countywide level of 60 percent. Rising housing costs have limited homeownership
opportunities for hcreasing numbers of Lodi residents. As a result, Lodi is now home to a
higher percentage of renter -occupied single-family homes than has historically been the case.
Over the last decade, the proportion of rented single-family homes has increased from 24
percent to 25 percent of such housing units. Countywide, only about 20 percent of single family
homes are rented. The increase may be indicative of the inability of many Lodi residents to
afford homeownership.
Vacancy Rates
The California Department d: Finance estimates that as of January 2003, approximately 97
percent of all housing units in Lodi were occupied. Vacancy rates of both rental properties and
for sale properties have been decreasing over the last decade. According to the 2000 Census,
the effective vacancy rate, or the percentage of units available for sale or rent at a given time,
was 2.9 percent for rental housing, a significant decrease from the 4.4 percent effective vacancy
rate for rental housing in 1990. The effective vacancy rate br ownership housing was 1.2
percent in 2000, as indicated by the Census.
A survey of local rental property managers indicates that the most recent vacancy rate for rental
housing in Lodi for both apartments and single-family homes is probably less than one percent.
On average, each property estimates that approximately three units are vacant per year and
that they are typically rented very quickly. Low vacancy rates create upward pressure on
housing costs because the increase in demand is significantly higher than the increase in
supply.
Housing Costs and Overpayment
The imbalance between housing supply and demand as indicated by the low vacancy rates may
be the cause of the rise in housing costs in Lodi that has occurred over the last decade.
Housing costs have risen to over five times Lodi's median income of $39,489. Rents for market
rate apartments and homes have also increased at a faster rate than local incomes. The
median cost for a home in Lodi in 2003 was nearly $210,000 and the median market rent was
over $800.
Because the cost of housing is increasing at a faster rate than local income, there has been an
increase in overpayment by Lodi's residents over the last decade. Households that pay more
than 30 percent of their income for housing expenses are considered to be overpaying. In
2000, over 44 percent of renters in Lodi overpaid for housing while 24 percent of homeowners
overpaid for housing, which are significant increases for both households types from ten years
ago. This increase indicates that there is a growing portion of Lodi's population that is unable to
afford homeownership.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.9-3 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.9
Population and Housing
In general, low-income households could typically access housing units that are rent -restricted
to be affordable to low- and very -low income households. However, rent -restricted housing is
extremely limited in Lodi. At present, only 43 units of government assisted, rent -restricted
housing, which provides long-term affordability, are available to Lodi residents of modest
means.
Housing Age and Condition
The challenges many Lodi residents face from rising housing costs are compounded by the
significant percentage of housing units that are in substandard condition. Nearly half of Lodi's
housing is more than 30 years old. Nearly 20 percent is more than 50 years old. Based on past
housing condition surveys, the City estimates that as many as 5,500 dwelling units,
approximately 25 percent of the housing stock, may need repairs from deferred maintenance to
substantial rehabilitation to replacement.
Housing Needs
According to the 2001-2009 Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan prepared by the SJCOG,
Lodi should plan to accommodate 4,014 additional residential units between 2001 and 2009,
about 535 units per year. Of those residential units, 1,654 (40 percent) should be affordable to
households earning no more than 80 percent of the countywide median income (approximately
$40,480 annually). About 2,500 new homes have been added to Lodi's housing stock since
1990, at a construction rate that is less than half of the City's future housing need under the
SJCOG regional housing needs plan.
Much of the gap between the prior rate of housing construction and projected housing need may
be due to weak demand during the early to mid-1990s. However, the shortage of large, easily
developable sites, the City's annual housing permit allocation process as well as other City
policies and regulations may also impact the rate of housing construction.
Regulatory Background
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65302 (c), all cities and counties are
mandated to prepare a housing element as part of their comprehensive general plan. California
Government Code Section 65583 specifies the contents of housing elements. In general, a
housing element will assess the condition and availability of existing housing, analyze the
information in relation to anticipated population growth, and determine the future housing needs
of a jurisdiction. The housing element is subject to review and approval by the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in order to ensure that the
analysis, goals, policies, and programs are sufficient to meet a jurisdiction's needs. The
housing element is required to be updated every five years to accurately reflect a community's
changing needs.
CITYOFLODI 3.9-4 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.9
Population and Housing
Thresholds of Significance
Impact on population and housing is considered potentially significant if the project will:
oo Induce substantial population growth is an area, either directly (by proposing new homes
and businesses) or indirectly (through extension of roads or other infrastructure).
oo Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere.
oo Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere.
Methodology
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference to this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to population and
housing have been analyzed. The following excerpt includes all relevant Housing Element
policies and programs:
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use of
land.
Policies
2. The City shall regulate the number of housing units approved each year to maintain
a population -based annual residential growth rate of 2.0 percent, consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force and the growth management
ordinance.
3. The City shall continue to exempt senior citizen housing projects from the growth
management ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance.
9. The City shall grant density bonuses of at least 25 percent and/or other incentives in
compliance with state law for projects that contain a minimum specified percentage
of very low-income, low-income, qualifying senior housing units or units designed to
facilitate individuals with physical challenged.
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.9-5 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.9
Population and Housing
The City will revise its growth management program to exempt housing units affordable to very
low- or low-income households with long-term affordability restrictions.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Begin second round of allocations, if needed, in 2005 and annually thereafter
Funding: Application fees
Objective: Expedite the residential development approval process
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current
City limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to
the City so that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet
Lodi's future housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney
Lane, Lower Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the
western SOI boundary. The City has facilitated a specific planning process with property
owners of approximately 300 acres to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The
development potential for the properties to be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to five years to meet
housing construction need given the backlog of unused housing allocations and
available sites within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property
owners during the 2003 — 2008 period.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
December 2008.
Funding: Annexation and permit fees
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to accommodate
its share of the region's future housing construction needs between
2001 and 2008, and subsequent years, under the San Joaquin
County Council of Governments housing allocation plan
Program 21: Growth Management Program
The City will continue to use its growth management program to ensure that the pace of
development is consistent with the City's ability to provide public facilities and services
and maintain minimum facility and service standards for the entire community. The City
will contact other public facility and service providers annually during the housing unit
allocation process to ensure that these agencies can serve the increased number of
housing units to be allocated.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact PH -1 Potential for Growth Inducement
The Lodi General Plan establishes a growth management program implemented through
Ordinance 1521, which regulates residential growth to two percent per year through 2007 and
CIT(OFLODI
3.9-6 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.9
Population and Housing
designates residential land sufficient to meet anticipated housing needs. The continuation of
the Growth Management Program is indicated in the Housing Element Update. To ensure that
the two percent residential growth rate per year is maintained, Lodi established a residential
permit allocation system, which establishes the number of units that can be permitted on a
yearly basis. The system is applied to all residential projects of five dwellings or more, except
senior housing developments. Housing units constructed on individual lots that existed prior to
the adoption of Ordinance 1521 or in new subdivisions or multifamily projects of one to four
housing units are also exempt from the annual allocation limit. The City has established
separate allocation limits for single-family and multi -family units.
The City grants residential allocations pursuant to a point system established by the Growth
Management Ordinance, which awards points based on issues such as agricultural land
conflicts, onsite agricultural land mitigation, relationship to public services, promotion of open
space, traffic and circulation levels of service, required traffic improvements, housing and site
plan and project design. No individual single family development is allowed to receive more
than one third of the permits available in any single year unless the number of applications is
less than the total permits available for the year.
Although the City's residential permit allocation process establishes an annual upper limit on the
annual allocations, unused allocations may roll over into subsequent years without limit. As of
June 2003, the City calculates that there are 1,143 unused low density (single-family) housing
unit allocations, 381 medium density (high density single-family or low density multifamily)
housing unit allocations, and 1,441 unused high density (multifamily) housing unit allocations.
Based on the two percent annual limit in housing unit allocations, the Community Development
Department projects that, between June 2003 and June 2008, approximately 2,300 additional
housing unit allocations can be approved, of which 25 percent (575) could be high density
housing. The City's share of regional housing needs, as determined by the San Joaquin
Council of Governments, totals 4,014 housing units, which includes 1,654 housing units that
must be affordable to very low- and low-income households.
Through mechanisms such as the growth management ordinance and allowing higher density
development, the City supports its vision to develop in a compact, dense manner, as opposed to
the type of urban sprawl commonly seen throughout California. As indicated in Program 9 of
the Housing Element Update, the City is expecting to rely on annexation to support the
anticipated residential demand.
The City's General Plan establishes "reserve" land; land designated for development of specific
land use types, which is recognized for development in the future. The reserve designations
include Planned Residential Reserve (PRR), discussed above, and Industrial Reserve (IR).
Land identified for annexation in the Housing Element is currently designated for eventual
residential development by the General Plan.
The Housing Element Update identifies types of residential development that are exempt from
the requirements of the Growth Management Ordinance. These exceptions include housing for
seniors and housing that is affordable to low- and very -low income households. The Housing
Element Update includes a policy to award density bonuses of at least 25 percent to projects
that accommodate affordable housing units. Given that the exceptions are specific to particular
residential uses, the "cap" on growth that is provided through implementation of the residential
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.9-7 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.9
Population and Housing
allocation system will not be significantly affected. The impacts related to the potential for
growth inducement resulting from implementation of the policies and programs contained in the
Housing Element Update are considered less than significant.
Impact PH -2 Potential Fragmentation of Development
Pattern
As indicated by Program 9 in the Housing Element Update, the City will be required to annex
land within the City's Sphere of Influence (SOI) to accommodate anticipated residential demand.
Development within the annexation area will be encouraged to be designed in a compact
development pattern that compliments existing development throughout Lodi.
The City has a policy of encouraging infill residential development to ensure that new
development has sufficient access to municipal utilities and other infrastructure. In addition, infill
development is subject to comply with the City's design and improvement standards, which will
serve to ensure that infill development is compatible with existing surrounding land uses. The
General Plan also indicates that, "The City shall promote the preservation of and shall endeavor
to protect the integrity of existing stable residential neighborhoods." In accordance with
standard City practice, infill development will be reviewed prior to issuance of requisite permits
for compatibility with the surrounding environment.
Implementation of the policies and programs in the Housing Element Update will not result in
impacts related to fragmentation of the development pattern of Lodi. There is no impact.
CITYOFLODI 3.9-8 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
3.10 Public Facilities and Services
This section describes the public facilities and services offered to the residents of Lodi by the
City and the potential effects of Housing Element implementation on continued provision of
services and facilities.
The Lodi General Plan E/R considered the environmental impacts associated with the
development of the housing units projected in the Housing Element. This EIR will augment and
support the analysis conducted for the General Plan, assessing potential impacts brought about
by new or modified Housing Element policies. Public Facilities and Services, as defined in this
section, include provision of water service, sewer service, solid waste service, parks and
recreation, schools, police, fire, and emergency response services.
Environmental Setting
Water Service
The City of Lodi provides water service to all residents within the Project area. The City utilizes
25 wells in and around Lodi to access underground water supplies. The local groundwater table
exists 60 feet beneath ground, and existing City wells and treatment facilities serve all residents
in the Project area. Surface water is drawn from the Mokelumne River to provide irrigation to
agricultural lands within the Planning area, but is not used for human consumption.
The City has adopted and maintains a Water Master Plan to project future demand and ensure
that treatment and supply of urban water are provided in a manner suitable to accommodate
anticipated growth. Continuous planned upgrades to the water system are called for to ensure
that desired levels of service are met. The current City standards require the construction of
one well for each additional 2,000 persons added to Lodi's population. With an estimated
57,500 persons residing in Lodi, the City is slightly behind the desired ratio of wells to
population. Refer to Figure 3.10-1 for an illustration of existing and proposed well sites.
Expansion of the water system is continuous, with new wells and facilities being added or
upgraded as opportunities and funding allow. The Water Master Plan provides for the
necessary improvements to meet projected service demands through 2007.
Sewer Service
The City of Lodi provides sanitary sewer service to all residents within the Project area. The
collection system includes separate domestic, industrial, and storm sewers and related pumping
facilities. Untreated sewage is piped to the City's treatment plant through pipes, utilizing both
gravity flow and lift stations, where appropriate. The City's sewage treatment plant, known as
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility, has the capacity to handle 8.5 million gallons
per day (mgd). Current estimated waste generation is 6.67 mgd within the Project area.
Figure 3.10-1
Existing and Proposed Well Sites
LEGEND
8a EXISTING CITY WELLS
QPROPOSED LOCATION OF FUTURE WELLS , w " l MIL!
0 "M MW 3000 ren
CIT(OFLODI
3.10-2 RNALIENVIRONMIENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
The City has adopted and maintains a Wastewater Master Plan to estimate future infrastructure
and service demands within Lodi. Planned upgrades and improvements to the infrastructure and
plant will ensure that adequate sewer service is provided to residents of the Project area.
Police Service
There are two providers of police services for the Project area. The City of Lodi provides police
protection services to the residents within the city limits, while the San Joaquin Sheriff's Office
provides police services for residents within the unincorporated areas of the Sphere of
Influence. As unincorporated areas within the Project area are annexed into the city to
accommodate planned urban expansion, police services will transition to the City of Lodi Police
Department.
The Health and Safety Element of the Lodi General Plan sets a target ratio of 1.3 police officers
per 1,000 population within the city. The Lodi Police Department, however, strives to maintain a
ratio of 1.5 police officers per 1,000 population. As of November 2001, the department
employed 78 sworn officers, with a ratio of 1.36 officers per 1,000 residents. The department
plans facilities and patrolling to maintain a maximum three-minute response time for emergency
calls and 40 minutes for non -emergency calls.
Fire Protection
The City of Lodi Fire Department provides all fire protection services for residents of the city.
The department operates four fire stations within the city. Equipment available for use by the
Lodi Fire Department staff includes a ladder truck, a grass fire protection unit, three fire engines,
a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) unit, as well as two engines in reserve status. The fire
department has plans to acquire a new "tiller" ladder truck to further improve service. The fire
department has special training for HazMat operations, fire investigations, technical rescue, and
an on -staff apparatus technician.
The Lodi General Plan establishes a performance threshold of three minutes for response to
emergency medical and fire calls. Location of new facilities, staffing levels, and departmental
organization are based on meeting this threshold.
The City's Water Master Plan addresses infrastructure needs required to maintain sufficient fire
flow to meet fire department needs. The Health and Safety Element of the Lodi General Plan
requires that new developments not reduce water pressure below that required for minimum fire
flow rates, and water pressure is monitored throughout the system to ensure that fire flow can
be met in all areas of the city.
Public Schools
Public school service for the Project area is provided by the Lodi Unified School District (LUSD),
which serves the cities of Lodi, North Stockton, and parts of San Joaquin County. The LUSD
provides kindergarten through Grade 12 education in 38 schools and eight additional special
purpose facilities.
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Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
The LUSD annually prepares a Needs Analysis Report to predict student enrollment growth
within the District. This report estimates student enrollment growth by dwelling unit type within
Lodi. The estimates are based on projections of the District and serves as the basis for analysis
within this section. The following table illustrates the projected student increase per new
dwelling unit.'
Table 3.10-1
Student Generation Rates for New Development
School Type Low Density Res.
Medium Density Res.
High Density Res.
Elementary 0.55
0.27
0.13
Middle 0.14
0.06
0.04
Hig h 0.27
0.13
0.10
Source: Lodi USD Needs Analysis Report
Current school enrollment within the District is estimated at 27,853, with 31 percent high school
students and 69 percent elementary and middle school students. Enrollment at most schools
within the District exceeds design capacities. The District has implemented various program
changes to accommodate additional students, including year-round and independent study
schedules. State law limits the amount of impact fees a school district can charge new
development to offset the costs of providing facilities and infrastructure for new students. In
2003, the maximum rate that can be assessed for new residential development is $2.14 per
square foot. It is estimated that this amount is far short of the actual costs necessary to fund
needed improvements.
Parks and Recreation
All parks and recreation services within the Project area are provided by the City of Lodi. As of
March, 2002, the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department maintained 201 acres of parkland and
an additional 181 acres of combined parks and detention basins. Lodi's public recreational
facilities include a community center, an interpretive center, 20 multi -use football/soccer fields,
18 playgrounds, 11 tennis courts, seven basketball courts, one baseball field, three softball
fields, three swimming pools, a 24 -space campground, and 3.5 miles of trails. Of the 382 total
acres of parkland within the city, 282.5 acres are considered developed, while 99.5 acres
remain undeveloped.Z
The City of Lodi Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan has an overall goal of providing 3.4
acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. This includes 1.5 acres of neighborhood parkland, 1.8
acres of community parkland, and 1,800 square feet of community center space for each 1,000
residents. As of 2001, the City maintained a ratio of 1.51 acres of usable parkland per 1,000
residents3, well below the stated goal.
CIT(OFLODI
3.10-4 RNALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
Solid Waste
The City contracts with Central Valley Waste Services for refuse and solid waste collection
within the Project area. The City maintains a transfer station which receives solid waste
generated within the Project area. The North County Sanitary Landfill, in operation since 1991,
is used for permanent storage of solid waste from Lodi, with a permitted daily capacity of 850
tons. Based on current and projected refuse generation, the landfill has sufficient capacity to
remain in operation until 2030.
The City of Lodi Public Works Department works with Central Valley Waste Services and San
Joaquin County to address projected future needs with regard to services and locations for
disposal.
Methodology
The entire Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference to this EIR. Implementation of
the majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in
potential environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies,
goals, and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to public facilities and
services have been analyzed. The following excerpt includes all relevant Housing Element
policies and programs:
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic
segments of the community while emphasizing high quality
development, homeownership opportunities, and the efficient use
of land.
Policies
2. The City shall regulate the number of housing units approved each year to maintain a
population -based annual residential growth rate of 2.0 percent, consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force and the growth management ordinance.
3. The City shall continue to exempt senior citizen housing projects from the growth
management ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance.
9. The City shall grant density bonuses of at least 25 percent and/or other incentives in
compliance with state law for projects that contain a minimum specified percentage of
very low-income, low-income, qualifying senior housing units or units designed to
facilitate individuals with physical challenged.
12. The City shall promote the development of senior and other special needs housing
near, and/or with convenient public transportation access to, neighborhood centers,
governmental services, and commercial service centers.
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
Program 1: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The City shall revise Title 17 of the Lodi Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) to reduce
barriers to, and provide incentives for, the construction and conservation of a variety of
housing types. Revisions to Title 17 will include the following:
co The addition of a chapter that provides for density bonuses and other incentives for
projects that include ten percent very low-income housing, 20 percent low-income
housing, 50 percent qualifying senior housing, or 20 percent moderate -income
hosing in condominium conversion projects, in compliance with Sections 65915 —
65918 of the California Government Code. The City shall work with the San Joaquin
County Housing Authority in developing procedures and guidelines for establishing
income eligibility for the "reserved" units and for maintaining the "reserved" units as
affordable units for at least 30 years. The City shall seek Housing Authority
administration of the reserved units. The City shall establish a program to publicize
the availability of the density bonus program through the City's website, program
information at the Community Development Department public counter, and pre -
development meetings with housing providers (such as the housing unit allocation
stage). The City shall encourage prospective housing developers to use the density
bonus program at pre -development meetings. In conjunction with density bonuses,
the City will offer one or more regulatory incentives, as needed and appropriate.
00 Addition of standards for emergency shelters and transitional housing to clearly
identify appropriate zoning districts and locations for such facilities and to make these
sites readily accessible. Until the adoption of such revisions to the Zoning Ordinance,
the City will continue to allow by right the development of such facilities in areas
zoned GM or C-2.
00 Clarification of standards for permitting residential care facilities (such as group
homes). The City will specify that all such facilities with six or fewer residents are
permitted in residential zoning districts. The City will also designated zoning districts
in which facilities of seven or more persons will be permitted through a use permit
and standards for such facilities.
co Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two
spaces per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due
to the characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or
low-income single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public
transit route or in the downtown area).
00 Revision of standards for second dwelling units to allow the conversion of accessory
buildings to second units subject to compliance with all other zoning and parking
standards, an appropriate minimum lot size for detached second units, and
architectural compatibility with the main dwelling unit. The City will permit second
dwelling units through an administrative permit process in compliance with state law
(California Government Code section 65852.2).
00 Elimination of single-family homes as permitted uses in the RGA, R -MD, R -HD, and
R -C -P zones, except on parcels constrained by lot size, environmental, or other
factors that would make the construction of multifamily housing infeasible.
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HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
oo Reduction in the number of non-residential uses permitted in multifamily residential
zones to public and quasi -public uses and supportive services for multifamily
residents.
ResponsibiIity:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Complete zoning code amendments as part of a new unified
development code by June 2004.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Reduce regulatory barriers to the provision of housing
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
The City will revise its growth management program to exempt housing units affordable
to very low- or low-income households with long-term affordability restrictions.
Responsibility:Community Development Department
Timeframe: Begin second round of allocations, if needed, in 2005 and annually
thereafter
Funding: Application fees
Objective: Expedite the residential development approval process
Program 6: Encourage Efficient Use of Land for Residential Development
The City will investigate incentive and regulatory tools to encourage efficient use of land
designated or held in reserve for urban development within the existing Lodi Sphere of
Influence to reduce the premature conversion of agricultural land to urban use. If
determined to be feasible, the City will adopt one or more incentives or regulations.
Examples of approaches the City will study and consider are:
oc A requirement to mitigate the loss of Prime Farmland through the payment of a fee.
Fees collected by the City will be used to foster agricultural production in the Lodi area.
This program may fund marketing, research, land acquisition and other programs
necessary to promote agricultural production. An option that the City may consider to
promote the production of affordable housing is to have this program tied to a sliding
scale based on dwelling units per acre. If a development is at the Land Use Element
mandated 65% Low Density/10% Medium Density/35% High Density, equivalent to
9.85 dwelling units per acre, then no fee would be collected, a higher density would be
provided with a credit while a lower density would be subject to the fee.
oo The use of transferred development rights (TDRs) that can be applied to designated
areas within the Sphere of Influence. The TDRs might be combined with a density
bonus program for agricultural preservation to increase the number of opportunities to
use the TDRs. An option that the City of Lodi may consider is to designate sending and
receiving areas. A potential sending area for the program could be approximately 0.25
miles south of Harney Lane to Armstrong Road in the area currently designated as
Planned Residential Reserve by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The
receiving area for this program could then be designated to areas north of Harney Lane
in the Planned Residential portion of the General Plan.
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Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
oo The use of transitional land use categories, such as residential estates, to provide a
further buffer between more intense urban land uses and agricultural land uses.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council,
Timeframe: Complete study and recommend incentives and regulations by June
2005; City Council to adopt incentives or regulations by December
2005.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Preserve agricultural land and reduce the amount of land needed to
meet future urban growth needs
Goal C: To ensure the provision of adequate public facilities and services to
support existing and future residential development.
Program 21: Growth Management Program
The City will continue to use its growth management program to insure that the pace of
development is consistent with the City's, the Lodi Unified School District's, and other
public facility and service providers' abilities to provide public facilities and services and
maintain minimum facility and service standards for the entire community. The City will
contact other public facility and service providers annually during the housing unit allocation
process to insure that these agencies can serve the increased number of housing units to
be allocated.
ResponsibiIity:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annually during housing allocation process, 2003 - 2009
Funding: Application fees, development impact fees
Objective: To provide public facilities and services meeting minimum City
standards
Program 23: Park and Recreation Facilities
The City will annually review its Park and Recreation impact fee to ensure that these
fees, in combination with other funds that may be available to the City, will allow Lodi to
acquire and improve sufficient parkland and provide recreation facilities according to the
minimum standards contained in the General Plan Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
Element.
CIT(OFLODI
ResponsibiIity:Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City
Council
Timeframe: Annually prior to the adoption of a City budget, 2003 - 2009
Funding: Development impact fees, state grants for parkland acquisition,
private foundation and individual donations
Objective: To provide park and recreation facilities and services meeting
minimum General Plan standards
3.10-8 RNALENVIRONMIENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
Thresholds of Significance
The proposed project would have a potentially significant impact on public services if it would:
Water Service
oo Conflict with applicable environmental plans adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the
project, or with policies of the community pertaining to water service;
oo Require or result in the construction of new water treatment facilities or expansion of existing
facilities; or
oo Require the agency providing water service to obtain new or expanded water entitlements.
oo Contribute to overdraught of local groundwater without demonstrating that replacement
water is available.
Sewer Service
oo Conflict with applicable environmental plans adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the
project, or with policies of the community pertaining to sewer service;
oo Require or result in the construction of new wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of
existing facilities; or
oo Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that it does not have
adequate capacity to serve the project's demand in addition to the provider's existing
commitments.
Police Service
oo Result in the need for new or altered police service (i.e., require the Police Department to
hire new sworn officers to maintain the Department's current staff -to -population ratio or fall
below the Department's staff -to -population goal of 1.5 officers per 1,000 population);
oo Impair implementation of or result in possible interference with an emergency response plan
or emergency evacuation plan; or
oo Result in a public service condition that is inconsistent with pertinent adopted City of Lodi
General Plan policies.
Fire Protection
oo Result in the need for new or altered fire service (i.e., require the Fire Department to hire
new staff members to maintain the current staff -to -population ratio);
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Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
oo Impair implementation of or result in possible interference with an emergency response plan
or emergency evacuation plan; or
CIT(OFLODI
3.10-10 RNALENVIRONMETITAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
oo Result in a public service condition that is inconsistent with pertinent adopted City of Lodi
General Plan policies.
Public Schools
oo Result in a public school condition that is inconsistent with adopted local plans and policies,
including the City of Lodi General Plan; or
oo Result in a need for new or altered school services.
Parks and Recreation
oo Result in a parks or recreation condition that is inconsistent with adopted local plans and
policies, including the City of Lodi General Plan and the City of Lodi Park, Recreation and
Open Space Plan;
oo Result in a need for new or altered parks or recreation services (e.g., based on established
City park acreage standards of 3.4 acres per 1,000 population (excluding detention basin
facilities); or
oc 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.
Solid Waste
oo Result in a solid waste condition that is inconsistent with adopted local plans and policies,
including the City of Lodi General Plan;
oo Result in a need for new or altered solid waste services;
oo Be served by a landfill with insufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid
waste disposal needs; or
oo Result in the inability of the City of Lodi to comply with federal, State and local statutes and
regulations related to solid waste.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact PFS -1 Result in the Need for Expanded or New Public
Facilities
Various policies and programs presented in the Housing Element have the potential to impact a
variety of City services and facilities, either through exemptions to the growth management
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 3.10-11 CfIYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
ordinance or through approval of second dwelling units. Exemptions from the growth
management ordinance may require the construction and operation of additional public facilities,
or may negatively impact existing facilities. The transfer of development rights program could
affect the location and scale of public facility improvements as densities and locations of
development change under the program.
While variations in the location and density of development have the potential to affect public
facilities, such impacts are primarily related to the design of individual lines and systems. The
Housing Element does not increase the projected buildout population of the city, nor does it
require additional increases in capacity, flow pressure, treatment, or design of water and sewer
systems. Increases in densities or locations of new developments may have slight impacts on
the provision of solid waste services and need for parks, although major changes are not
foreseen. Necessary changes to the designs of individual lines or systems brought about by
policies of the Housing Element are best addressed during creation of Improvement Plans for
residential projects.
All housing development called for within the Housing Element update is projected to take place
within existing city limits and the adopted Sphere of Influence. Specific Plans for new
developments within the planned annexation areas will be required to include infrastructure
master plans to public utilities and services are extended in accordance with standards and
levels of service set forth in the city's existing planning documents. With these policies and
regulations in place, it is not anticipated that the Housing Element will result in significant
impacts related to the provision of necessary public services. The impact is considered less
than significant.
Impact PFS -2 Effect on Police and Fire Services and Schools
Increased residential development will affect the ability of the Police and Fire departments and
schools to maintain adequate service levels. This potential effect is analyzed below.
Police Services
Increases in density of development and location of new residential structures can affect the
ability of the Police Department to effectively provide services. As population of the community
grows, additional police facilities, infrastructure, staff, and resources will be necessary to
maintain adopted levels of service. The following General Plan policies are found in the Health
and Safety Element relating to the provision of police services.
Policy 4
The Lodi Police Department will continue to participate in the development review
process to ensure that crime prevention considerations are incorporated into the design
of new development.
Policy 5
The City shall endeavor through adequate staffing and patrol arrangements to maintain
the minimum feasible police response times for police calls. The goal for average
response time to emergency calls shall be 3 minutes and no longer than 40 minutes for
non -emergency calls.
CIT(OFLODI
3.10-12 RNALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
Policy 6
The City shall endeavor to maintain the existing staff ratio of 1.3 officers per 1,000
population. The city shall translate this ratio to dwelling unit equivalents to correspond to
the City's fee ordinance.
Policy 7
The City shall assess development fees on all new residential, commercial, office, and
industrial development sufficient to fund capital improvements and equipment required to
provide police protection.
The City has adopted and maintains an impact fee to cover the anticipated costs of providing
capital improvements and equipment necessary to serve the growing population. This Housing
Element Update does not change the projected buildout population, nor does it create a
development pattern or type that will raise policing costs above and beyond those considered in
the General Plan. The present impact fee and policies set forth in the General Plan are
sufficient to ensure that impacts of new development on police services are mitigated. The
impact of the Project on police services is considered less than significant.
Fire Services
Increases in density of development and location of new residential structures can affect the
ability of the Fire Department to effectively provide services. As population of the community
grows, additional firefighting facilities, infrastructure, staff, and resources will be necessary to
maintain adopted levels of service. The following General Plan goals and policies are found in
the Health and Safety Element relating to the provision of police services.
Goal C
To prevent loss of lives, injury, and property damage due to urban fires.
Policy 2
The City shall require new development to comply with minimum fire flow rates
determined jointly by the City Fire Department and the Public Works Department.
Policy 3
The City shall monitor fire flow capability throughout the City and set a high priority on
improving fire flow in those areas where fire flow is not adequate.
Policy 6
The City shall endeavor to at least maintain the existing overall fire insurance (ISO) rating
of three.
Policy 7
The City shall endeavor through adequate staffing and station locations to maintain the
minimum feasible response time for fire and emergency calls. The goals for travel time
by the fire department in responding to an emergency shall be 3 minutes. As areas are
developed beyond the 3 -minute standard, additional fire stations, capital equipment, and
personnel shall be provided or alternative fire protection measures shall be required.
Policy 8
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 3.10-13 CfIYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
The City shall endeavor to maintain a firefighting staff level consistent with the provision
of three-person companies and a 3 -minute emergency travel time. The City shall
translate this ratio to land use equivalents to correspond to the City's fee ordinance.
CIT(OFLODI
3.10-14 RNALIENVIRONMIENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3. 10
Public Facilities and Services
Policy 10
The City shall assess development fees on all new residential, commercial, office, and
industrial development sufficient to fund capital improvements and equipment required to
provide fire protection.
The City assesses a development impact fee on all new residential development to help offset
projected costs of providing infrastructure and equipment to meet the growing demands of the
fire department. This Housing Element Update does not change the projected buildout
population, nor does it create a development pattern or type that will raise firefighting costs
above and beyond those considered in the General Plan. The present impact fee and policies
set forth in the General Plan are sufficient to ensure that impacts of new development on
provision of fire services are mitigated. The impact of the Project on fire services is considered
less than significant.
Schools
The impacts of development on school services in the State of California led to Assembly Bill
2926 in 1986, which authorized school districts to levy developer fees. The Leroy F. Greene
School Facilities Act of 1998 (SB 50) set caps on fees that school districts can levy against
residential projects, and sets the CEQA standard for full and complete school facilities
mitigation. Codified as Section 65995 of the Public Resources Code, this law states that a
project developer can only be required to pay the adopted school impact mitigation fee of a
jurisdiction, with no additional financial or regulatory requirements to mitigate impacts on
schools. The maximum fees for residential and non-residential development continue to be set
by the State, and are adjusted every two years for inflation. The current maximum for
residential development is $2.14 per square foot.
Larger residential projects and specific plans may be required to dedicate a certain amount of
land necessary to meet school expansion needs, including sites for new schools. For smaller
projects or larger projects where the school district determines that additional sites are not
necessary or feasible for a new school, payment of adopted school fees is considered sufficient
to mitigate impacts of residential and commercial development on the Lodi Unified School
District. Impacts related to the programs and policies of the Housing Element are less than
significant.
Notes and References
Lodi Unified School District, as referenced in City of Lodi General Plan Policy Document 1991.
2 City of Lodi. ICMA Center for Performance Measurement, FY 2001, Parks and Recreation Template.
3 Ibid
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 3.10-15 CrFYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.11
Transportation
3.11 Transportation
The impact of the Housing Element Update related to transportation, circulation, and parking is
assessed in this section. The analysis considers existing traffic conditions prior to Housing
Element adoption as the baseline and outlines impacts directly associated with Housing Element
implementation. Cumulative conditions associated with future development in Lodi and the
surrounding areas are also addressed.
Environmental Setting
Characteristics of transportation systems in the area are described below.
Study Area Streets and Intersections
Lodi is served by State Routes 99 and 12 (SR 99 and SR 12) and is located along the main line
of the Union Pacific Railroad. Interstate 5 (1-5) is located to the west of the city. Lodi's
automobile circulation system is comprised of various San Joaquin County roads, City -
maintained roads, and SR 99 and SR 12.
State Routes 99 and 12
SR 99 is one of the major north -south travel corridors traversing central California. SR 99
originates at an interchange with Interstate 5 and State Route 36 in Red Bluff in the northern
Sacramento Valley, and rejoins Interstate 5 south of Bakersfield. SR 99 is oriented north and
south, and is located along the eastern portion of the city. It is a four -lane controlled -access
freeway with interchanges at Kettleman Lane (SR 12), Turner Road, Victor Road, Harney Lane,
Century Boulevard, and Armstrong Road. SR 12, also known as Kettleman Lane, is oriented
east to west, and is located on the southern side of Lodi. It has five lanes, and is an at -grade
arterial.
Major City Streets
Other major existing roadways include the following (number of lanes is indicated in
parentheses):
oo Lodi Avenue
(4)
oo Cherokee Lane
(5)
oo Turner Road
(4)
oo Lockeford Street
(2-4)
oo Church Street
(2-4)
oo Stockton Street
(2-3)
oo Elm Street
(2)
oo Pine Street
(2)
oo Hutchins Street
(2-3)
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.1 1 -1 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.11
Transportation
oo Ham Lane (4)
oo Lower Sacramento Road (2)
oo Harney Lane (2)
oo Century Boulevard (2-4)
Future Street Network
As identified by Lodi's General Plan, several roadways are expected to require lane additions to
accommodate planned development. Figure 3.11-1 summarizes these roadway expansion
plans. As shown, Kettleman Lane is expected to be a six -lane, divided arterial; Lower
Sacramento Road is expected to be a four -lane, undivided roadway; and Lodi Avenue is
expected to be a four -lane, undivided road.
Non -Automotive Transportation
Lodi Transit, operated by the City, offers scheduled daily bus service from origins and
destinations throughout the city, including the following routes (Table 3.11-1):
Table 3.1 1-1
Transit Routes
Route
Route Name
Path
Number
Church/
Travelsalong North Church Street, Tumer Road, Lodi Lake and
Route 1
Lower
Lower Sacramento Road to Wal-Mart and Target.
Sacramento
Route 2
Central
Travelsalong Central Avenue and Kettleman Lane to Wal-Mart
and Target.
Route 3
Ham
Travelsalong Lockeford Street, Om Street, Ham Lane to Harney.
Travelsalong Lodi Avenue, Fairmont Avenue, Vine Street, South
Route 4
Century
Church Street, Century Boulevard, Mills Lane to Wal-Mart and
Target.
Route 5
Cherokee
Travelsthrough Northeast Lodi, Cluff Avenue, Cherokee Lane to
Almond Drive.
Source: City of Lodi web site, 2003.
Lodi Transit coordinates connections to Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, and Stockton through San
Joaquin Regional Transit and to Galt, Elk Grove, and Sacramento through Sacramento South
County Transit. The City also provides Dial -A Ride service, a demand -response transit service
throughout the Lodi area seven days a week.
An Amtrak stop is located at the Lodi Transit Center, 24 South Sacramento Street, in a recently
renovated facility. Amtrak San Joaquin motor coaches connect to San Joaquin trains in Stockton
and to California Zephyr, Capitol Trains, and the Coast Starlight in Sacramento.
CITYOFLODI 3.11-2 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAIL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Figure 3.1 1-1
2007 Roadway Network
LEGEND
6F 6 LANE FREEWAY
4F 4 LANE FREEWAY
61D 6 LANE DIVIDED ARTERIAL
41D 4 LANE DIVIDED ARTERIAL
Q — 4 LANE UNDIVIDED ARTERIAL
2A 2 LANE ARTERIAL
2C ^••••^•^••- 2 LANE COLLECTOR
aw< OTHER LOCAL STREETS
INTERCHANGEIMPROVEMENTS
Section 3.11
Transportation
Source: City of Lodi General Plan Policy Document, 1991; Adapted by Cotton/Bridges/Associates,
gnn-q
FINAL ENV IRO, NMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 3.11-3 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.11
Transportation
Sidewalks exist along Lodi streets for pedestrian travel, and bicycle lanes provide additional non -
automobile transportation options. Class II Bikeways exist along both north -south and east -west
roadways, especially in the western and southwestern portions of the city. A Class II Bikeway is
a bike lane that lies along the edge of the paved area of a road, is designated as a bike lane, and
is demarcated with striping and signing. Proposed Class II Bikeways would extend the existing
bike lane along Elm Street westward to Peterson Park and connect Hale Park to areas east of
the downtown (also along Elm Street.
Existing Levels of Service
Level of Service (LOS) is a measure of traffic operating conditions whereby a letter grade, "A"
through "F," corresponding to progressively worsening operating conditions, is assigned to an
intersection or roadway segment.
The City tracks traffic conditions on each of its roadways, and plans infrastructure improvements
to prevent congestion. For improvements planning, the City uses the following method to
convert the volume over capacity ratio to LOS:
Volume/Caoacity LOS
0-0.60 .......................
LOS A
0.61-0.70 ..................
LOS B
0.71-0.80 ..................
LOS C
0.81-0.90 ..................
LOS D
0.91 - 1.00 ..................
LOS E/F
The City has planned roadway improvement projects to facilitate the array of land uses
envisioned in the General Plan at buildout. Table 3.11-2 shows roadway segments where
existing traffic volumes are at 50 percent or more of the planned capacity of the roadway.
Existing daily traffic volumes for all city roadways are available from the City (Figure 3.11-2).
Daily traffic volumes on Kettleman Lane are approaching 28,000 near Hutchins Street and
26,000 near the intersection with Ham Lane. Traffic on Lodi Avenue near Hutchins Street is at
approximately 16,000.
CITYOFLODI 3.11-4 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAIL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.11
Transportation
Table 3.11-2
Roadway Volumes and General Plan Capacity
Street
Segment
Existin
g Daily
Volum
e
Planned
Geometry
Planne
d
Capacit
Planne
d V/C
Cherokee Ln.
Lockeford St. - Lodi Ave.
20,100
4 Lanes W/ LT
35,000
0.57
Cherokee Ln.
Lodi Ave. - Kettleman Ln.
20,400
4 Lanes W/ LT
35,000
0.58
Church St.
Lodi Ave. - Kettleman Ln.
7,100
2 Lanes
12,500
0.57
Church St.
Kettleman Ln. -Century Blvd.
6,600
2 Lanes
12,500
0.53
Ham Ln.
Lockeford St. - Elm St.
13,000
4 Lanes
25,000
0.52
Ham Ln.
Elm St. - Lodi Ave.
15,000
4 Lanes
25,000
0.60
Ham Ln.
Lodi Ave. -Vine St.
15,000
4 Lanes
25,000
0.60
Ham Ln.
Vine St. - Kettleman Ln.
15,000
4 Lanes
25,000
0.60
Kettleman Ln. (Hwy
12)
LwrSac Rd. -Ham Ln.
24,500
6 Lanes W/ LT
45,000
0.54
Kettleman Ln. (Hwy
12)
Ham Ln. - Hutchins St.
25,500
6 Lanes W/ LT
45,000
0.57
Kettleman Ln. (Hwy
12)
Hutchins St. -Stockton St.
28,000
6 Lanes W/ LT
45,000
0.62
Lodi Ave.
Ham Ln. - Hutchins St.
14,000
4 Lanes
25,000
0.56
Lodi Ave.
Hutchins St. -Church St.
16,100
4Lanes
25,000
0.64
Lodi Ave.
Stockton St. - Central Ave.
13,500
4 Lanes
25,000
0.54
Lower Sacramento
Rd.
Vine St. - Kettleman Ln.
17,900
4 Lanes W/ LT
35,000
0.51
Mills Ave.
Turner Rd. - Elm St.
7,500
2 Lanes
12,500
0.60
Mills Ave.
Elm St. - Lodi Ave.
8,200
2 Lanes
12,500
0.66
Mills Ave.
Lodi Ave. -Vine St.
8,600
2 Lanes
12,500
0.69
Tokay St.
Mills Ave. - Ham Ln.
7,200
2 Lanes
12,500
0.58
Tokay St.
Ham Ln. - Hutchins St.
5,900
2 Lanes
12,500
0.47
Tokay St.
Hutchins St. - Stockton St.
7,200
2 Lanes
12,500
0.58
Turner Rd.
N.LwrSacRd. -Mills Ave.
17,400
4Lanes
25,000
0.70
Turner Rd.
Mills Ave. - Ham Ln.
15,400
4 Lanes
25,000
0.62
Turner Rd.
Ham Ln. -Church St.
14,500
4 Lanes
25,000
0.58
Turner Rd.
Church St. - Hwy 99
13,800
4 Lanes
25,000
0.55
Source: City of Lodi, 2003.
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORr 3.11-5 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.11
Transportation
Figure 3.1 1-2
Existing Daily Traffic Volumes
3 1
=11^
TURNER
RD
7.900
13,700
17.400
15 400
Q
14,500
13,800
r
44y
i
o
N g
Q
2i
D
0
b
d
Q
N
Z
8 �''
P
w
q
Ow
yQ� $+
a
LO
o
v
n ST
6'100
n ELM
8.100
10,2009 11'900
9.900 8.
2,800
O
4.100
6 300 6.ODD
8
4.900 PINE
$
a ri ST
2.
n J
2.
ST 2.800
1.700
2.500
4,500 5.900
8.�
a
g
5m�
F J
Q
g
N 25
AVE
N
°a LODI
m °
6.900
6.900
1 9.140
14,000
16.100 g 3.500
12.5M
4
-
TOKAY
°�' ST
1,500
3,000
Q 8,800
a25d
5,900
5,740 7
4.'�0
,210
w
VINE
ST
O
J
3,500
3.900
4,200
4.400
2,900
1.300
1,800
8
Z
0
w
n QK
=
U J
0
_
0
<
Of
g
C $
g
U g N
$$
iS Z
ri w
~ _
U
KETTLEMAN
R
LN
U
12
9.400
24.500
PJF,
�
26,500
28,000
21,900
8
Sd
~
8
z
R
_d
=
o
ALMOND DR
S
=
3.200
1,430
CENTURY
BLVD
St
eri
3,500 6,300
5.800
8,900
4.700
3.250
�gg
Q
^
^ HARNEY
~
o IN
7,200 9,2
14,100
10,700
20.000
10,000
2,000
TRAFFlC
VOLUME SCALE
NOTE:
Figures
based on
weekday counts, no
seasonal
adjustment
except
State
Highway counts
are annual average days.
Peak month
days
are approximately 20%
higher.
Source: City of Lodi. April 2003.
CITYOFLODI 3.11-6 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAIL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.11
Transportation
Parking
Parking is adequate to satisfy existing demand, according to the City's 1991 General Plan.'
Some short-term parking deficit occurs in the downtown area, and there are some parking
shortages in some older commercial centers where road widening has removed some on -street
parking.
Parking ratios for residential uses in Lodi are determined by dwelling unit type, regardless of
occupancy. For all residential uses including mobile homes, two spaces per unit is the standard
parking requirement. Lodging and retirement homes are required to provide one parking space
per two sleeping rooms. Convalescent homes and rest homes are subject to different
standards that require one parking space per three beds. The City provides an administrative
process for approving minor deviations from zoning standards; including parking requirements.
Current parking requirements are summarized below:
oo Single-family and duplex, all zones....................................................2 covered spaces per unit
oo Three-family and four -family dwelling, R -LD zone ...................2 spaces per unit, 2/3'd covered
oo Multifamily, R -GA zone.............................................................2 spaces per unit, 2/3`d covered,
oc Multifamily, R -MD and R -HD zones.................................................................2 spaces per unit
ooMobilehome Park.............................................................................................2 spaces per unit
oo Lodginghouse or retirement home..................................1 space per each two sleeping rooms
Program 1 of the Housing Element involves the following changes to parking requirements:
The City shall encourage prospective housing developers to use the density bonus program
at pre -development meetings. In conjunction with density bonuses, the City will offer one or
more regulatory incentives, as needed and appropriate, such as:
00 Reduced parking for projects oriented to special needs groups and/or located close to
public transportation and commercial services...
00 Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two
spaces per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due to
the characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or low-
income single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public transit
route or in the downtown area).
General Plan Circulation Element Key Policies
The City's General Plan Circulation Element establishes goals and policies for the transportation
network, including infrastructure improvements that will be necessary during the Housing
Element planning period. New development consistent with the Circulation Element is required
to pay its fair share of traffic impact fees to fund transportation improvements, while
development determined to generate more traffic than assumed in the Circulation Element
requires special study and funding of additional traffic improvements. The following summarizes
some of the most important Circulation Element policies:
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORr 3.11-7 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.11
Transportation
Goal A Policies:
1. The City shall strive to maintain Level of Service C on local streets and at intersections.
The acceptable level of service goal will be consistent with the financial resources
available and limits of technical feasibility.
2. The City shall time the construction of new development such that the time frame for
completion of the needed circulation improvements will not cause the level of service
goals to be exceeded.
4. The City shall require dedication, widening, extension, and construction of public
streets in accordance with the City's street standards. Major street improvements
shall be completed as abutting land develop or redevelop. In currently developed areas,
the City may determine that improvements necessary to meet City standards are either
infeasible or undesirable.
5. The City shall review new developments for consistency with the GP Circulation
Element and the capital improvements program. Those developments found to be
consistent with the circulation Element shall be required to pay their fair share of traffic
impact fees and/or charges. Those developments found to be generating more traffic
than that assumed in the Circulation Element shall be require to prepare a site-specific
traffic study and fund needed improvements not identified in the capital improvement
program, in addition to paying their fair share of the traffic impact fee and/or charges.
Goal B Policies:
1. The City shall require new developments to provide an adequate number of off-street
parking spaces in accordance with City parking standards. These parking standards
should be periodically reviewed and updated.
Methodology
The Housing Element Update is incorporated by reference by this EIR. Implementation of the
majority of the programs included within the Housing Element Update will not result in potential
environmental effects. For the purposes of this section of the EIR, only those policies, goals,
and/or programs that may result in environmental effects related to transportation systems have
been analyzed. Mitigation measures included in the General Plan EIR that would reduce impacts
to the transportation system are not altered by the Housing Element or the Housing Element EIR
and are considered as a part of the impact analysis in this section. The following excerpt
includes all relevant Housing Element policies and programs (including those that will reduce
potential environmental impacts of Housing Element implementation, such as Goal A, Program
3, which ensures emergency access):
Goal A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all
economic segments of the community while emphasizing high
quality development, homeownership opportunities, and the
efficient use of land.
3. The City shall continue to exempt senior citizen housing projects from the growth
management ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance if necessary to meet the City's share of regional housing
needs, as required by state law.
CITYOFLODI 3.11-8 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAIL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 3.11
Transportation
10. The City shall seek to intersperse very low- and low-income housing units within new
residential developments and shall ensure that such housing is visually
indistinguishable from market -rate units.
13. The City shall encourage infill residential development and higher residential densities
within the existing City limits near transit stops, and compact development patterns in
annexation areas to reduce public facility and service costs, avoid the premature
conversion of natural resource and agricultural lands, and reduce the number of trips
from private vehicles.
Program 1: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The City shall revise Title 17 of the Lodi Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) to reduce
barriers to, and provide incentives for, the construction and conservation of a variety of
housing types. Revisions to Title 17 will include the following:
a. The addition of a chapter that provides for density bonuses and other incentives for
projects that include ten percent very low-income housing, 20 percent low-income
housing, 50 percent qualifying senior housing, or 20 percent moderate -income hosing in
condominium conversion projects, in compliance with Sections 65915 — 65918 of the
California Government Code. The City shall work with the San Joaquin County Housing
Authority in developing procedures and guidelines for establishing income eligibility for
the "reserved" units and for maintaining the "reserved" units as affordable units br at
least 30 years. The City shall seek Housing Authority administration of the reserved
units. The City shall establish a program to publicize the availability of the density
bonus program through the City's website, program information at the Community
Development Department public counter, and pre -development meetings with housing
providers (such as the housing unit allocation stage). The City shall encourage
prospective housing developers to use the density bonus program at pre -development
meetings. In conjunction with density bonuses, the City will offer one or more regulatory
incentives, as needed and appropriate, such as:
00 Reduced parking for projects oriented to special needs groups and/or located close
to public transportation and commercial services;
00 Expedited permit processing; or
00 Deferral of fees for an appropriate time period to allow for the project to begin
generating income.
b. Conformance with California Government Code sections 65852.3 and 65852.7, which
require that manufactured homes in single-family zones on permanent foundations be
permitted under the same standards as site -built homes (with limited exceptions) and
that mobilehome parks be permitted in any residential zone (although the City may
require a use permit).
c. Addition of standards for emergency shelters and transitional housing to clearly identify
appropriate zoning districts and locations for such facilities and to make these sites
readily accessible. Until the adoption of such revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, the
City will continue to allow by right the development of such facilities in areas zoned C-
M or C-2.
d. Addition of a definition of farmworker housing that does not conflict with state law
definitions for employees housing (beginning with California Government Section 17000)
and specification of the zoning districts and standards under which such housing will
be permitted.
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e. Clarification of standards for permitting residential care facilities (such as group
homes). The City will specify that all such facilities with six or fewer residents are
permitted in residential zoning districts. The City will also designated zoning districts in
which facilities of seven or more persons will be permitted through a use permit and
standards for such facilities.
f. Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two
spaces per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due to
the characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or low-
income single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public transit
route or in the downtown area).
g. Revision of standards for second dwelling units to allow the conversion of accessory
buildings to second units subject to compliance with all other zoning and parking
standards, an appropriate minimum lot size for detached second units, and
architectural compatibility with the main dwelling unit. The City will permit second
dwelling units through an administrative permit process in Compliance with state law
(California Government Code section 65852.2).
h. Elimination of single-family homes as permitted uses in the RGA, R -MD, R -HD, and R
C -P zones, except on parcels constrained by lot size, environmental, or other factors
that would make the construction of multifamily housing infeasible.
i. Reduction in the number of non-residential uses permitted in multifamily residential
zones to public and quasi -public uses and supportive services for multifamily residents.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Timeframe: Complete zoning code amendments as part of a new unified development
code by June 2004.
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Reduce regulatory barriers to the provision of housing
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
The City will revise its growth management program to exempt housing units affordable to
very low- or low-income households with long-term affordability restrictions.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
Timeframe: Begin second round of allocations, if needed, in 2005 and annually
thereafter
Funding: Application fees
Objective: Expedite the residential development approval process
Program 3: Personal Security Standards
The City will continue to implement design standards applicable to all new residential
projects with the objective of improving the personal security of residents and discouraging
criminal activity. Design standards will address issues such as the placement of
landscaping, accessory buildings, and accessory structures in a manner that does not
impede the City's ability to conduct neighborhood police patrols and observe potential
criminal activity; lighting and other security measures for residents, and the use of
materials that facilitate the removal of graffiti and/or increase resistance to vandalism.
Responsibility: Community Development Department
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Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2003 — 2009
Funding: Permit fees
Objective: Reduce the susceptibility of residential properties and reighborhoods to
criminal activity and increase residents' perception of personal safety
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned
parcels and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information available
to the public and developers, including information on underutilized sites within the
downtown area with residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall update
the inventory and list at least annually. The City will promote the land inventory and the
availability of each update through the City's web site, a notice at the Community
Development Permit Counter, and a press release subsequent to each update.
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will also
conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and
commercial sites along Cherokee Lane, South Sacramento Street, South Stockton Street,
and West Kettleman Lane. Properties along these corridors may be suitable for future
residential development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such development
feasible (see Figures 23 through 25, which follow). These areas are characterized by
obsolete patterns of land development, older structures in substandard condition, odd -sized
lots, and marginally viable commercial and industrial uses that would make properties ripe
for redevelopment in the next five to ten years. If Lodi determines that residential
development is feasible along these streets, the City will initiate a planning process with
property owners (which may be a special area plan or a specific plan meeting state law
requirements) to define specific properties suitable for residential or mixed-use
development, appropriate development standards, and improvements needed to support
residential development.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Timeframe: Complete study of residential development potential by December 2006;
prepare and adopt area plan(s) by December 2009.
Funding: General Fund, contributions from property owners
Objective: Increase the potential for infill development, thereby reducing the need to
prematurely annex land and convert agricultural land to urban use
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current City
limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to the City
so that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet Lodi's
future housing construction needs. The 600 acres is located between Harney Lane, Lower
Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western SOI boundary.
The City has facilitated a specific planning process with property owners of approximately
300 acres to prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The development potential for
the properties to be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to six years to meet
housing construction needs given the backlog of unused housing allocations and available
sites within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property owners during
the 2003 — 2009 period.
Responsibility: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Timeframe: Annex initial 300 acres by December 2005; annex remaining land by
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December 2009.
Funding: Annexation and permit fees
Objective: Increase the City's residential development capacity to accommodate its
share of the region's future housing construction needs between 2001 and
2009, and subsequent years, under the San Joaquin County Council of
Governments housing allocation plan
Thresholds of Significance
Project impacts would be significant if the Project would:
oo Degrade acceptable (LOS A, B, C or D) operating conditions at a signalized intersection to
LOS E or F operating conditions. For intersections already operating at an unacceptable
LOS E or F, the Project impact would be considered significant if the Project would increase
volumes passing through the intersection by five percent or more;
oc Degrade acceptable (LOS A, B, C or D) operating conditions on all all -way -stop intersections
to LOS E or F operation. For all -way -stop intersections with unacceptable LOS E or F, the
project impact would be considered significant if the Project would increase volumes passing
through the intersection by five percent or more;
oo Cause volumes at all -way -stop intersection with volumes less than CalTrans Warrant #11
urban peak hour signal warrant criteria levels to meet or exceed signal Warrant #11 criteria
levels. For intersections with volumes already exceeding peak hour signal warrant criteria
levels (e.g., LOS E or F), the Project impact would be considered significant if the Project
would increase peak hour volumes passing through the intersection by five percent or more;
oo Result in increased use of local transit above projected capacities and expansion of transit
capacity would have significant impacts;
oo Result in on- or off-site parking demand exceeding the projected supply of available spaces;
or
oo Prevent or obstruct emergency access.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures
Impact TC -1 Adverse Effect on Roadway and Intersection
Level of Service
Introduction of additional residential development into areas of the city with congested roadways
may reduce intersection levels of service to unacceptable levels. Increased density and infill
development would create challenges for transportation planning. Development encouraged by
the Housing Element Update also may create congestion where roadways previously functioned
at uncongested levels, or may change the distribution of traffic patterns in such a way that levels
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Section 3.11
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of service are adversely affected. Introduction of urban development into agricultural areas of the
city to the south and west would present capacity issues for rural roadways.
As future housing projects are proposed throughout the city, they will be required to analyze the
site specific, development specific traffic impacts and mitigate, wherever feasible. Housing
development of undeveloped areas would occur under a development plan with an
accompanying traffic impact analysis. Levels of service for affected intersections and roadway
segments would be analyzed under pre- and post -project conditions and cumulative conditions.
Wherever the housing project contributed to an unacceptable level of service, the project would
be required to provide signalization, additional lanes, intersection improvements, or other
solutions to reduce travel demand and/or increase roadway capacity.
The City requires new development to be consistent with, and pay a fair share toward traffic
improvements identified in the Circulation Element and capital improvements program.
Inconsistent development would require site-specific traffic study and funding of any necessary
improvements not identified in the capital improvement program, in addition to paying a fair share
of capital improvements projects. Additionally, the City requires an adequate number of off-
street parking spaces in accordance with City parking standards for all new development.
Housing Element Program 1 identifies a reduction of parking requirements when justified for:
oo Projects oriented to special needs groups and/or located close to public transportation and
commercial services; and,
oc Multifamily dwelling units with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due to the
characteristics of the occupants (seniors, persons with disabilities, or low-income single
working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public transit route or in the
downtown area).
These parking requirements, targeted at housing development with relatively low levels of traffic
generating characteristics, would not be expected to result in inadequate parking that would
cause substantial safety or congestion impacts.
Increased density in areas with existing transit service and with a ma of land uses would make
walking, bicycling, and use of transit more attractive and convenient, thus reducing the demand
on local roadways, consistent with General Plan Circulation Element Goals C, E, and G.
In some built out areas of the city, if additional housing development or additional density is
accommodated through future housing projects, typical automobile traffic mitigation may not be
feasible or appropriate to relieve peak hour congestion. Additional right-of-way may be difficult to
acquire. These potential problems were anticipated in the Circulation Element (Goal A, Policy 4),
which indicates that meeting City congestion standards in redeveloping areas may be infeasible
or undesirable. This is a significant and unavoidable impact.
Impact TC -2 Demand for Transit Service
The Housing Element Update encourages development of senior and special needs housing
near transit, infill development, and higher density development, all of which would increase the
demand for transit service.
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Funding for Lodi Transit comes from rider fares and from the City's General Fund. Any
increased ridership would produce additional revenue from fares to be used for adding routes or
increasing service frequency to accommodate additional demand. Also, increased residential
development would produce additional revenue for the City, which could be allocated to Lodi
Transit for additional routes or increased service. Therefore, the impact to the City's ability to
maintain transit service levels is considered less than significant.
Notes and References
1 City of Lodi. Draft General Plan Background Report. January 1990.
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Section 4.0
Project Alternatives
4.0 Project Alternatives
Statutory Requirements
The California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines require that alternatives to
the proposed Project be discussed and analyzed in the EIR. The purpose is to inform decision -
makers of the differential environmental effects that may be associated with each potential
alternative and enable a reasonable judgment as to whether the Project or one of the
alternatives is environmentally superior. Section 15126.6(a) of the CEQA Guidelines (October
26, 1998 revisions) provides the following description of what should be included in the analysis
of project alternatives:
Alternatives to the Proposed Project. An EIR shall describe a range of reasonable
alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which would feasibly attain
most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of
the significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the
alternatives. An EIR need not consider every conceivable alternative to a project. Rather
it must consider a reasonable range of potentially feasible alternatives that will foster
informed decision-making and public participation. An EIR is not required to consider
alternatives which are infeasible. The lead agency is responsible for selecting a range of
project alternatives for examination and must publicly disclose it's reasoning for selecting
those alternatives. There is no ironclad rule governing the nature or scope of the
alternatives to be discussed other that the rule of reason.
Project Objectives
In order to create feasible and likely project alternatives, it is essential to clarify the underlying
objectives on which the proposed Project is based. The City of Lodi, the lead agency for this
Project, has stated that there are five overriding objectives for the Housing Element. They are:
1. Achieve certification by the California Housing and Community Development Department.
2. Meet Lodi's housing needs through 2008 without enlarging the city's General Plan
boundaries.
3. Adhere to goals and policies of other adopted City plans, including the Downtown
Revitalization Plan.
4. Insure that the Update is consistent and complementary to existing programs identified in
other General Plan Elements.
5. Insure that new housing growth is managed in a responsible manner.
In addition to the Project objectives stated above, the Housing Element must meet the
requirements of State law.
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The housing program must 1) identify adequate residential sites available for a variety of
housing types for all income levels; 2) assist in developing adequate housing to meet the needs
of low- and moderate -income households; 3) address governmental constraints to housing
maintenance, improvement, and development; 4) conserve and improve the condition of the
existing affordable housing stock; and, 5) promote housing opportunities for all persons.
Identification of Project Alternatives
In accordance with the alternatives analysis requirement of CEQA, alternative projects,
including the No Project alternative, have been identified. These alternatives represent viable
options for development of the Project area, with varying types and degrees of development.
Each alternative was chosen as a way to potentially reduce environmental impacts, while still
achieving some or all of the project objectives. The following section lists the design
characteristics of each alternative, and provides explanations of deviations from the original
project description. Impacts associated with each alternative, comparisons between
alternatives and satisfaction of Project objectives are found later in the chapter.
Alternative 1 : Southern Expansion Alternative
Assume that infill residential and redevelopment are not feasible, and that residential needs will
have to be met outside of existing developed areas. Infill residential along Cherokee Lane or in
the industrial areas could have significant air quality, noise, traffic, and land use compatibility
issues (because of higher intensity adjacent uses and higher traffic roadways), which could be
mitigated by relocating growth to areas south of Harney Road.
Alternative 2: Increased Density Alternative
Reduce the amount of land required for residential development by increasing the minimum
density in unmapped a-eas designated for residential development (this could be for single
and/or multi -family areas). This could lessen air quality, noise, and other impacts associated
with lower density development.
Alternative 3: Increased Infill Alternative
Identify different sites for infill residential, perhaps on parcels presently designated for
commercial or institutional development. This may reduce some of the impacts listed in
Alternative #1, and not require any additional urban expansion.
Alternative 4: No Project Alternative
Section 15126.6(e)(1) of the Government Code provides the following direction relative to the
"No Project" alternative:
The specific alternative of "no project' shall also be evaluated along with its impact. The
purpose of describing and analyzing a no project alternative is to allow decision makers to
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compare the impacts of approving the proposed Project with the impacts of not approving the
proposed Project. The no project alterative analysis is not the baseline for determining where
the proposed Project's environmental impacts may be significant, unless it is identical to the
existing environmental setting analysis which does establish that baseline (see Section 15125).
If the Housing Element Update were not adopted, the City would be Wt of compliance with
State housing law, and residential development would be expected to continue in a manner
consistent with existing Housing Element and General Plan policies. It is expected that infill
development would be less frequent in the No Project alternative, as this form of development
has not occurred much in the city. In addition, the density of infill development that did occur
would likely be lower than with the Project, as specific policies in the Update encourage
development at the higher end of the allowable density range. Overall population and
residential unit growth would be expected to be the same, although the reductions in infill
development would likely force growth to the urban fringes along the southern and southwestern
edges of the city.
Comparison of Environmental Impacts
Following is a summary of the potential environmental impacts of each alternative compared to
the proposed Housing Element, in accordance with each of the environmental topic areas
analyzed in this Draft EIR.
Alternative 1 : Southern Expansion Alternative
Air Quality
Air quality impacts would likely be reduced in this alternative. Removing the infill component of
the Project would remove the possibility of new residential growth occurring along existing
industrial and commercial corridors. This would reduce the potential exposure of persons to
toxic emissions from industrial uses, as well as reduce carbon monoxide hotspots, which are
more likely to form in high traffic, urban intersections. While the new residential development to
the south would maintain the potential for exposure to agriculturally -related toxic airborne
chemicals, this risk is lower than the potential for urban exposure to toxic chemicals. The
impacts associated with the alternative are fewer than with the proposed Project.
Biological Resources
In this alternative, the elimination of infill potential will push all probable residential development
to the southern portion of the city. The corresponding increase in the amount of land required to
construct such housing would increase the likelihood that additional agricultural and open space
lands would be consumed, including possible habitat for sensitive species. In addition,
expansion of the city limits and sphere of influence to the south would raise consistency issues
with the County Habitat Conservation Plan, requiring additional mitigation to offset potential
impacts to habitat areas. The impacts are considered greater in this alternative than in the
proposed Project.
Cultural and Historic Resources
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Potential impacts to cultural resources are limited to those unknown artifacts and resources
which may be discovered during construction of new residential projects. While this alternative
expands the amount of land required to accommodate growth, such increases would not
significantly change the likelihood that artifacts would be encountered. Mitigation measures
would apply equally in this alternative. Overall, impacts related to cultural resources are
considered similar to the proposed Project.
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Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Geologic conditions in the area are generally similar across portions of the city. Relocating
growth from infill sites within the existing city limits to areas outside the existing city limits on the
southern side of the city will increase the potential for impacts related to erosion. The primary
form of erosion in this area is windborne erosion from construction sites, thus the increased land
consumption and conversion of agricultural lands to urban uses will increase impacts, compared
to the proposed Project.
Health and Safety
The primary health and safety risks associated with the Housing Element are related to the
potential for development of sites with hazardous materials. Infill sites, particularly those
formerly used in manufacturing or other industrial activities, have a greater potential to contain
hazardous materials in the soils from past activities. Thus, impacts associated with this
alternative are less than with the proposed Project.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Water quality issues associated with this alternative are likely to be greater than with the
proposed Project. This alternative would result in the development of more land with urban
uses, including the addition of paved surfaces. This would have the potential to increase runoff,
urban contaminants in runoff, reduce groundwater recharge, and potentially degrade area
waterways to a greater extent. The impacts of this alternative are greater than the proposed
Project with regards to hydrology and water quality.
Land Use Planning, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Removal of the infill potential from the Project, and consequently relocating growth toward the
southern end of the community, could serve to alleviate potential land use compatibility issues.
Several of the areas considered for infill have the potential to causes nuisances on new
residents by placing housing close to high volume roadways, manufacturing facilities, and truck
routes. More rapid outward expansion does have the potential to place added pressure on
agricultural lands south of the city to convert to urban uses. There are no anticipated
differences between the proposed Project and the alternative with regard to visual resources.
Overall, the impacts from land use incompatibilities will be reduced to a greater degree than the
impacts to agricultural resources will be increased. The impacts to this topic area are
considered fewer in this alternative than in the proposed Project.
Noise
Noise impacts could be significantly reduced in this alternative. Infill development has a greater
potential to affect surrounding land uses during construction, and future residents have a
greater potential to be affected by surrounding land uses and heavy traffic than development on
the urban fringe. A higher ambient noise level in the infill areas also poses a more significant
potential for noise impacts than areas away from the city center. Noise impacts are expected to
be fewer in this alternative than in the proposed Project.
Population and Housing
This alternative does not alter the projected number of dwelling units needed to accommodate
new growth, nor will it have any additional growth -inducing impacts beyond those associated
with the proposed Project. Impacts are considered similar.
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Public Facilities and Services
Impacts to public facilities and services will be associated with this alternative. Infill
development could better utilize existing infrastructure, including water and sewer infrastructure,
proximity to existing police and fire stations, parks, and schools. While overall service demand
would not change, the ability of the service providers to maintain levels of service would be
worsened in this alternative. Therefore, the impacts associated with public facilities and
services are considered greater in this alternative than in the proposed Project.
Transportation
Impacts related to transportation associated with this alternative include potential reduction in
levels of service on area roadways and intersections, as well as potential impacts to demand for
transit services. The infill policies of the proposed Project have a greater potential to adversely
affect intersection levels of service due to the higher existing traffic volumes in the core of the
city. Movement of the residential development to the southerly portion of the city would reduce
the potential impacts to existing high -traffic intersections and reduce overall transportation
impacts. The impacts to transportation systems would likely be reduced in this alternative.
Alternative 2: Increased Density Alternative
Air Quality
Impacts associated with air quality are expected to be lessened in this alternative. By
increasing the density range of new developments, the alternative would reduce short-term
construction -related emissions. In addition, the reduction in land consumption could reduce the
amount of necessary outward expansion of the community, reducing the potential for residents
of new homes to be exposed to toxic air pollutants produced on nearby agricultural lands.
Overall, the impacts to air quality are reduced in this alternative.
Biological Resources
Impacts to biological resources would likely be reduced in this alternative. Major impacts
associated with residential development include the potential to impact sensitive wildlife habitats
or jurisdictional wetlands. An increase in density, and its corresponding reduction in land
consumption, affords greater opportunities to avoid sensitive habitat areas and wetlands. This
alternative would result in fewer impacts to biological resources than the proposed Project.
Cultural and Historic Resources
Potential impacts to cultural resources are limited to those unknown artifacts and resources
which may be discovered during construction of new residential projects. While this alternative
reduces the amount of land required to accommodate growth, such decreases would not
significantly change the likelihood that artifacts would be encountered. Mitigation measures
would apply equally in this alternative. Overall, impacts related to cultural resources are
considered similar to the proposed Project.
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Geologic conditions in the area are generally similar across portions of the city. Increasing the
density in new developments and infill sites will reduce the amount of land required to support
new residential development, thus reducing the potential for impacts related to erosion. The
primary form of erosion in this area is windborne erosion from construction sites, thus a
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decrease in land consumption and conversion of agricultural lands to urban uses will decrease
impacts, as compared to the proposed Project.
Health and Safety
The primary health and safety risks associated with the Housing Element are related to the
potential for development of sites with hazardous materials. The most probable sites for
encountering hazardous materials are located in the projected infill areas. This alternative does
not change the amount of site disturbance or development of these infill areas, thus the likely
potential for impacts remains the same as with the proposed Project. Impacts are considered
similar between this alternative and the proposed Project, with regards to health and safety.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Water quality issues associated with this alternative are likely to be reduced in this alternative.
This alternative would result in greater intensity and density of development, requiring less
overall land consumption. This would have the potential to decrease runoff, urban contaminants
in runoff, have less impact upon groundwater recharge, and reduce degradation of area
waterways as compared to the Project. The impacts of this alternative are fewer than with the
proposed Project.
Land Use Planning, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Issues related to land use compatibility, agricultural resources, and visual resources are
expected to remain similar in this alternative to the proposed Project. Increasing the density of
development will result in less overall land consumption, but will not alter the placement of
housing in commercial and industrial areas — the main source of potential land use compatibility
conflicts. The residential growth areas that would not be consumed in this alternative would
likely not be prime agricultural areas, thus no impacts to this resource would be reduced by the
alternative. Visual resources would also not be changed. Overall, the impacts are considered
similar to the proposed Project.
Noise
Noise impacts could be increased in this alternative. Infill development has a greater potential
to affect surrounding land uses during construction, and future residents have a greater
potential to be affected by surrounding land uses and heavy traffic than development on the
urban fringe. Raising densities in infill areas will increase the amount of construction in these
areas, as well as increase the population potentially affected by existing noise sources in the
area. Overall, impacts are considered greater in this alternative with regards to noise.
Population and Housing
This alternative does not alter the projected number of dwelling units needed to accommodate
new growth, nor will it have any additional growth -inducing impacts beyond those associated
with the proposed Project. Impacts are considered similar.
Public Facilities and Services
Impacts to public facilities and services will be associated with this alternative. Infill
development could better utilize existing infrastructure, including water and sewer infrastructure,
proximity to existing police and fire stations, parks, and schools. While overall service demand
would not change, the ability of the service providers to maintain levels of service would be
improved in this alternative due to the greater percentage of infill associated with new residential
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development. Therefore, the impacts associated with public facilities and services are
considered lesser in this alternative than in the proposed Project.
Transportation
Impacts related to transportation associated with this alternative include potential reduction in
levels of service on area roadways and intersections, as well as potential impacts to demand for
transit services. The infill policies of the proposed Project have a greater potential to adversely
affect intersection levels of service due to the higher existing traffic volumes in the core of the
city. Increasing the density of the residential development in the infill areas of the city would
increase the potential impacts to existing high -traffic intersections and increase overall
transportation impacts. The impacts to transportation systems would likely be increased in this
alternative.
Alternative 3: Increased Infill Alternative
Air Quality
Impacts associated with air quality are expected to be lessened in this alternative. By
increasing the percentage of development in the infill categories, the alternative would reduce
short-term construction -related emissions. Infill properties are likely to develop at greater
densities than greenfield developments, thus resulting in less land consumption. In addition, the
reduction in land consumption could reduce the potential for residents of new homes to be
exposed to toxic air pollutants produced on nearby agricultural lands. Conversely, the addition
of new residents into manufacturing and commercial areas increases the potential for exposure
to urban toxic air pollutants generated in some manufacturing facilities. Overall, the impacts to
air quality are reduced in this alternative.
Biological Resources
Impacts to biological resources would likely be reduced in this alternative. Major impacts
associated with residential development include the potential to impact sensitive wildlife habitats
or jurisdictional wetlands. An increase in the percentage of development that is infill will reduce
the necessary outward expansion of the community to meet housing needs. Sensitive habitat
areas are more likely to occur on greenfield sites, thus the alternative increases the potential to
avoid sensitive habitat areas and wetlands. This alternative would result in fewer impacts to
biological resources than the proposed Project.
Cultural and Historic Resources
Potential impacts to cultural resources are limited to those unknown artifacts and resources
which may be discovered during construction of new residential projects. While this alternative
increases the amount of infill development, correspondingly reducing the amount of greenfield
development, such decreases would not significantly change the likelihood that artifacts would
be encountered. Mitigation measures would apply equally in this alternative. Overall, impacts
related to cultural resources are considered similar to the proposed Project.
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Geologic conditions in the area are generally similar across portions of the city. Increasing the
number and population housed on infill sites will reduce the amount of land required to support
new residential development, thus reducing the potential for impacts related to erosion. The
primary form of erosion in this area is windborne erosion from construction sites, thus a
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decrease in land consumption and conversion of unimproved lands to urban uses will decrease
impacts, as compared to the proposed Project.
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Health and Safety
The primary health and safety risks associated with the Housing Element are related to the
potential for development of sites with hazardous materials. The most probable sites for
encountering hazardous materials are located in the projected infill areas. This alternative
increases the number of infill sites that may be developed for housing, thus raising the potential
for impacts to new residents. Impacts are considered greater in this alternative than in the
proposed Project.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Water quality issues associated with this alternative are likely to be reduced in this alternative.
This alternative would result in greater infill development, where existing infrastructure is in
place with the ability to support residential uses. Urban infill development would also be likely to
occur at higher densities, thus reducing the amount of pavement and impervious surfaces
created by the new development. This would have the potential to decrease runoff, urban
contaminants in runoff, have less impact upon groundwater recharge, and reduce degradation
of area waterways as compared to the Project. The impacts of this alternative are fewer than
with the proposed Project.
Land Use Planning, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Issues related to land use compatibility, agricultural resources, and visual resources are
expected to increase in this alternative to the proposed Project. Increasing the amount of infill,
and thus the overall density of new development, will result in less overall land consumption, but
will serve to increase the placement of housing in commercial and industrial areas — the main
source of potential land use compatibility conflicts. The residential growth areas that would not
be consumed in this alternative would likely not be prime agricultural areas, thus no impacts to
this resource would be reduced by the alternative. Visual resources would also not be changed.
Overall, the impacts to land use planning will increase in this alternative, with impacts to
agricultural and visual resources remaining similar to the proposed Project.
Noise
Noise impacts would likely be increased in this alternative. Infill development has a greater
potential to affect surrounding land uses during construction, and future residents have a
greater potential to be affected by surrounding land uses and heavy traffic than development on
the urban fringe. Raising densities in infill areas will increase the amount of construction in
these areas, as well as increase the population potentially affected by existing noise sources in
the area. Overall, impacts are considered greater in this alternative with regards to noise.
Population and Housing
This alternative does not alter the projected number of dwelling units needed to accommodate
new growth, nor will it have any additional growth -inducing impacts beyond those associated
with the proposed Project. Impacts are considered similar.
Public Facilities and Services
Impacts to public facilities and services will be reduced with this alternative. Infill development
could better utilize existing infrastructure, including water and sewer infrastructure, proximity to
existing police and fire stations, parks, and schools. While overall service demand would not
change, the ability of the service providers to maintain levels of service would be improved in
this alternative due to the greater percentage of infill associated with new residential
CITYOFLODI 4-10 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 4.0
Project Alternatives
development. Therefore, the impacts associated with public facilities and services are
considered lesser in this alternative than in the proposed Project.
Transportation
Impacts related to transportation associated with this alternative include potential reduction in
levels of service on area roadways and intersections, as well as potential impacts to demand for
transit services. The infill policies of the proposed Project have a greater potential to adversely
affect intersection levels of service due to the higher existing traffic volumes in the core of the
city. Increasing the amount of infill residential development would increase the potential
impacts to existing high -traffic intersections and increase overall transportation impacts. Transit
demand would not be altered as a result of the alternative. The impacts to transportation
systems would likely be increased in this alternative.
Alternative 4: No Project Alternative
Air Quality
Air quality impacts would likely be reduced in this alternative. Reducing the infill component of
the Project would force a greater percentage of new residential growth to southern and western
greenfield sites. This would reduce the potential exposure of persons to toxic emissions from
industrial uses, as well as reduce carbon monoxide hotspots, which are more likely to form in
high traffic, urban intersections. While the new residential development to the south and west
would maintain the potential for exposure to agriculturally -related toxic airborne chemicals, this
risk is lower than the potential for urban exposure to toxic chemicals. The impacts associated
with the alternative are fewer than with the proposed Project.
Biological Resources
In this alternative, the reduced likelihood that infill properties will develop with residential uses
will push most probable residential development to the southern portion of the city. The
corresponding increase in the amount of land required to construct such housing would increase
the likelihood that additional agricultural and open space lands would be consumed, including
possible habitat for sensitive species. In addition, expansion of the city limits and sphere of
influence to the south and west would raise consistency issues with the County Habitat
Conservation Plan, requiring additional mitigation to offset potential impacts to habitat areas.
The impacts are considered greater in this alternative than in the proposed Project.
Cultural and Historic Resources
Potential impacts to cultural resources are limited to those unknown artifacts and resources
which may be discovered during construction of new residential projects. While this alternative
expands the amount of land required to accommodate growth, such increases would not
significantly change the likelihood that artifacts would be encountered. Mitigation measures
would apply equally in this alternative. Overall, impacts related to cultural resources are
considered similar to the proposed Project.
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Geologic conditions in the area are generally similar across portions of the city. Relocating
growth from infill sites within the existing city limits to areas outside the existing city limits on the
southern side of the city will increase the potential for impacts related to erosion. The primary
form of erosion in this area is windborne erosion from construction sites, thus the increased land
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 4-11 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 4.0
Project Alternatives
consumption and conversion of agricultural lands to urban uses will increase impacts, compared
to the proposed Project.
CIT(OFLODI
4-12 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTRFPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 4.0
Project Alternatives
Health and Safety
The primary health and safety risks associated with the Housing Element are related to the
potential for development of sites with hazardous materials. Infill sites, particularly those
formerly used in manufacturing or other industrial activities, have a greater potential to contain
hazardous materials in the soils from past activities. The reduction in infill development will
reduce the potential for this impact. Thus, impacts associated with this alternative are less than
with the proposed Project.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Water quality issues associated with this alternative are likely to be greater than with the
proposed Project. This alternative would result in the development of more land with urban
uses, including the addition of paved surfaces. This would have the potential to increase runoff,
urban contaminants in runoff, reduce groundwater recharge, and potentially degrade area
waterways to a greater extent. The impacts of this alternative are greater than the proposed
Project with regards to hydrology and water quality.
Land Use Planning, Agricultural and Visual Resources
Reducing the amount and density d the infill residential, and consequently relocating growth
toward the southern and western ends of the community, could serve to alleviate potential land
use compatibility issues. Several of the areas considered for infill have the potential to causes
nuisances on new residents by placing housing close to high volume roadways, manufacturing
facilities, and truck routes. More rapid outward expansion does have the potential to place
added pressure on agricultural lands south of the city to convert to urban uses. There are no
anticipated differences between the proposed Project and the alternative with regard to visual
resources. Overall, the impacts from land use incompatibilities will be reduced to a greater
degree than the impacts to agricultural resources will be increased. The impacts to this topic
area are considered fewer in this alternative than in the proposed Project.
Noise
Noise impacts could be significantly reduced in this alternative. Infill development has a greater
potential to affect surrounding land uses during construction, and future residents have a
greater potential to be affected by surrounding land uses and heavy traffic than development on
the urban fringe. A higher ambient noise level in the infill areas also poses a more significant
potential for noise impacts than areas away from the city center. Noise impacts are expected to
be fewer in this alternative than in the proposed Project.
Population and Housing
This alternative does not alter the projected number of dwelling units needed to accommodate
new growth, nor will it have any additional growth -inducing impacts beyond those associated
with the proposed Project. Impacts are considered similar.
Public Facilities and Services
Impacts to public facilities and services will be greater with this alternative. Infill development
could better utilize existing infrastructure, including water and sewer infrastructure, proximity to
existing police and fire stations, parks, and schools. While overall service demand would not
change, the ability of the service providers to maintain levels of service would be worsened in
this alternative. The removal of infill potential worsens these impacts. Therefore, the impacts
associated with public facilities and services are considered greater in this alternative than in the
proposed Project.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 4-13 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 4.0
Project Alternatives
Transportation
Impacts related to transportation associated with this alternative include potential reduction in
levels of service on area roadways and intersections, as well as potential impacts to demand for
transit services. The infill policies of the proposed Project have a greater potential to adversely
affect intersection levels of service due to the higher existing traffic volumes in the core of the
city. Movement of the residential development to the southerly portion of the city would reduce
the potential impacts to existing high -traffic intersections and reduce overall transportation
impacts. The impacts to transportation systems would likely be reduced in this alternative.
Comparative Environmental Superiority
Table 4-1 provides a summary comparison of the potential environmental impacts of each of the
four alternatives, including the "No Project" alternative with the proposed Housing Element,
using the following terms:
Greater: The impacts associated with the alternative are greater than those associated with the
proposed Project.
Similar: The impacts associated with the alternative are proportional to those associated with
the proposed Project.
Less: The impacts associated with the alternative are less than those associated with the
proposed Project.
Table 4-1
Comparison of Project with Alternatives
Environmental Topic
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
No Project
Alternative
Air Quality
Less
Less
Less
Less
Biological Resources
Greater
Less
Less
Greater
Cultural and Historic
Resources
Similar
Similar
Similar
Similar
Geology Soilsand Minerals
Greater
Less
Less
Greater
Health and Safety
Less
Similar
Greater
Less
Hydrology and Water Quality
Greater
Less
Less
Greater
Land Use/
Resources
Less
Similar
Similar
Less
Noise
Less
Greater
Greater
Less
Population and Housing
Similar
Similar
Similar
Similar
Public Facilitiesand Services
Greater
Less
Less
Greater
Transportation
Less
Greater
Greater
Less
Comparative Rank
4
1
2
3
CITYOFLODI 4-14 RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 4.0
Project Alternatives
Objectives Accomplished 3 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 3 of 5
Among the five choices (the proposed Project and the four alternatives), Alternative 2:
Increased Density Alternative is the environmentally superior choice. Rankings of each of the
alternatives with respect to environmental superiority are found in Table 41. This alternative,
as well as Alternative 3: Increased Infill Alternative, are environmentally superior to the Project
and meet all five of the project objectives.
RNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 4-15 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 5.0
Cumulative and Long -Term Effects
5.0 Cumulative and Long -Term
Impacts
Cumulative and Significant Irreversible Impacts
CEQA Section 15126(c) requires an analysis of potential irreversible changes that would occur
as a result of project approval. As noted in that section, `Uses of nonrenewable resources
during the initial and continued phases of the project may be irreversible since a large
commitment of such resources makes removal or nonuse thereafter unlikely." Primary impacts
and, particularly, secondary impacts, such as highway improvement which provides access to a
previously inaccessible area, generally commit future generations to similar uses. Irretrievable
commitments of resources should be evaluated to assure that such current consumption is
justified.
Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes
Housing projects developed on lands surrounding Lodi could result in the permanent loss of
valuable agricultural resources to urban development. These agricultural lands are not only
productive economically, but represent important aesthetic resources for the community.
Agricultural land conversion can have indirect impacts on adjacent ongoing agricultural
operations and agriculture -dependent businesses. Though the Housing Element does not
propose projects in areas with sensitive biological resources, construction and urban
development can disturb habitats and movement of species, depending on project location,
intensity and type of development, and site layout. These various impacts will be irreversible for
the most part. Mitigation measures in this EIR are identified, where appropriate, that reduce
impacts in these environmental topic areas to a less -than -significant level, wherever feasible.
The General Plan identifies policies that would reduce impacts in most topic areas to less -than -
significant levels. Some impacts of Housing Element implementation would be significant and
unavoidable, and are identified in appropriate sections of the report.
Consumption of Nonrenewable Resources
Any housing projects encouraged or facilitated by the Housing Element would commit
nonrenewable resources during construction and operation. Raw materials will be used to
construct the new homes, roads, and facilities, while water, energy, and fossil fuels will be used
in operations of the homes and vehicles that serve the homes. The loss of non-renewable
energy resources will be irreversible and irretrievable. Energy will be consumed in processing
building materials and for transporting these materials and construction workers to the proposed
project site, as well as for project construction and operation.
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 5-1 CrFYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 5.0
Cumulative and Long -Term Effects
Energy conservation standards are required, as specified in Title 24 (Part 6 of the California
Building Standards Code), as well as programs and policies of Goal E of the Housing Element.
Automobile traffic attracted to, and generated at, the housing projects will consume fossil fuels.
Ongoing operation of heating and cooling systems at individual homes would contribute to the
permanent loss of nonrenewable resources.
Growth Inducing Impacts
Future residents of Lodi living in homes encouraged or facilitated by Housing Element policies
will require goods and services, both private and public. Public facilities and services impacts
are reviewed explicitly in this EIR. However, the Housing Element does not increase the
projected buildout population of the city. All housing development envisioned within the
Housing Element update is projected to take place within existing city limits and the adopted
Sphere of Influence. The timing and spatial arrangement of residential development in the City
may be influenced by Housing Element policies, but the overall level of growth is not expected
to be substantially increased.
Cumulative Impacts
Section 15130 of the CEQA Guidelines requires an analysis of the potential cumulative impacts
of the Project. Cumulatively considerable, as defined in Section 15065(c), "means that the
incremental effects of an individual project are considerable when viewed in connection with the
effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future
projects."
An adequate discussion of significant cumulative impacts requires either (1) "a list of past,
present, and probable future projects producing related or cumulative impacts, including, if
necessary, those projects outside the control of the agency" or (2) "a summary of projections
contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document, or in a prior environmental
document which has been adopted or certified, which described or evaluated regional or area
wide conditions contributing to the cumulative impact."
The geographic scope of analysis for the Project is the Lodi Planning Area, which includes the
incorporated City limits and the Sphere of Influence. Effects of the Housing Element are
considered cumulatively with other aspects of the buildout of the General Plan Area (as
summarized in Table 51). All housing development encouraged by policies in the Housing
Element Update would occur within existing city limits and the adopted Sphere of Influence.
Specific Plans for new developments within the planned annexation areas would be required, as
would CEQA environmental review. The General Plan and General Plan EIR include mitigation
measures and mitigating policies that reduce many impacts to less -than -significant levels. The
Housing Element does not alter these policies or mitigation measures. This EIR includes
mitigation measures for some impacts that would reduce the cumulative impact to a less -than -
cumulatively considerable level. The following table does not include a discussion of impacts or
impact areas except areas where potentially significant cumulative impacts are identified.
CRYO FLODI 5-2 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 5.0
Cumulative and Long -Term Effects
Significant cumulative impacts to air quality, agricultural resources, and scenic resources would
result from implementation of the Housing Element coupled with buildout of the General Plan.
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 5-3 CfIYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 5.0
Cumulative and Long -Term Effects
Table 5-1
Cumulative Impacts of Housing Element Implementation
CRY FLODI 5-4 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Cumulative
Environmental
Impact
Cumulative Considerations
Significance
Topic
Description
Air Quality
Carbon
plough roadway improvementsin the
Significant
monoxide hot
city are designed to meet LOSstandards
and
spots
that will prevent substantial congestion
unavoidable
and carbon monoxide concentrations,
infill development may introduce traffic -
attracting ortraffic-generating land uses
in areaswhere roadway improvements
are infeasible or undesirable.
Adverse impact
Construction and operation of
Significant
to air quality
development projects envisioned in
and
attainment
General Plan buildout would adversely
unavoidable
efforts
affect the Air District's efforts to achieve
compliance with State and federal
ozone and particulate matter standards.
Mitigation isincluded in thisBR, the
General Plan EIR, and mitigating policies
are included in the Housing Element and
General Plan.
Land Use
Conversion of
Annexation and conversion of prime
Significant
Planning,
prime
agricultural landsoutside the city limits,
and
agricultural
asenvisioned in the General Plan and
unavoidable
Agricultural
lands
Housing Element Update, representsa
Resources, and
potentially significant impact. Mitigating
Visual Resources
policiesare included in both
documents, including a prime
agricultural land mitigation fee,
agricultural buffers, establishment of an
agricultural greenbelt around the city,
and adoption of a "right -to -farm"
ordinance. Beyond outright prohibition
of development of prime agricultural
lands, there are no otheravailable
mitigation measures.
Loss of scenic
Annexation and conversion of
Significant
resources
agricultural lands, which are considered
and
important scenic resourcesforthe
unavoidable
community, representsa potentially
significant impact. Beyond outright
prohibition of development of
agricultural lands, there are no other
available mitigation measures.
CRY FLODI 5-4 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 5.0
Cumulative and Long -Term Effects
Table 5-1
Cumulative Impacts of Housing Element Implementation
Environmental
Topic
Cumulative
Impact
Description
Cumulative Considerations
Significance
Noise
Cumulative
Implementation of the Housing Element
Significant
noise increase
and buildout of the General Plan would
and
add traffic to city streets, and would
unavoidable
potentially result in noise above local
compatibility standardswhere
mitigation would be infeasible. Noise
would be generated by development of
undeveloped areas, increasing the
ambient noise levels substantially.
Residential development along busy
streetsoralong the railroad tracksmay
create incompatibility related to noise
exposure. The City hasdetailed noise
analysisand mitigation requirements,
and no further mitigation isavailable.
Transportation
Adverse effect
Introduction of additional residential
Significant
on intersection
development into areasof the city with
and
and roadway
congested roadwaysmay reduce
unavoidable
segment level
intersection levelsof service to
of service
unacceptable levels. Increased density
and infill development would create
challengesfortransportation planning.
Development encouraged by the
Housing Dement also may create
congestion where roadways previously
functioned at uncongested levels, or
may change the distribution of traffic
patterns in such a way that levels of
service are adversely affected. In some
already developed areasof the city, if
additional development occurs, typical
automobile traffic mitigation may not be
feasible orappropriate to relieve peak
hourcongestion. Additional right-of-
way may be difficult to acquire. Other
than traffic analysisand fair -share
transportation improvements
requirements, no otherfeasible
mitigation remains.
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 5-5 CrIYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 6.0
References
6.0 References
1 California Air Resources Board. California Air Quality Almanac. 2002.
2 California Air Resources Board. Transportation -Related Land Use Strategies to Minimize
Motor Vehicle Emissions: An Indirect Source Research Study. 1995.
3 California Department of Conservation. California Department of Conservation Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program. 2000 FIELD REPORT, COUNTY: San Joaquin. 2001.
4 California Department of Conservation. Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program.
Statistics and Reports. County, Regional & Statewide Farmland Conversion Tables.
www.consrv.ca.gov.
5 City of Lodi, Draft General Plan Environmental Impact Report, 1990; City of Lodi, General
Plan Policy Document. 1991.
6 City of Lodi, ICMA Center for Performance Measurement, FY 2001 Parks and Recreation
Template.
7 City of Lodi. Draft General Plan Background Report. January 1990.
8 City of Lodi. Draft Redevelopment Plan Environmental Impact Report, 1991.
9 San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner. Annual Report of Agricultural Production
in San Joaquin County. 2002.
10 San Joaquin County. Draft San Joaquin County Multi -Species Habitat Conservation &
Open Space Plan, 2003.
11 San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. An Extreme Choice.
www.valleyair.org.
12 San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. Guide for Assessing and
Mitigating Air Quality Impacts. August 1998 (revised June 1999).
13 State Water Resources Control Board. Farad Diversion Dam Replacement Project Draft
Environmental Impact Report. March 2002.
RNALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTREPORT 6-1 CITYOFLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 7.0
Persons and Agencies Contacted
7.0 Persons and Agencies
Contacted
City of Lodi
J.D. Hightower, former City Planner
221 W. Pine Street
Lodi, Ca 95240
(209) 333-6711
California Department of Conservation
Williamson Act Program
James Nordstrom
801 K Street
Sacramento, Ca 95814
916-324-2762
San Joaquin Council of Governments
Gerald Park
6 S EI Dorado Street, Suite 400
Stockton, Ca 95202
(209) 468-3913
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Stockton Service Center
1222 Monaco Court, Suite 23
Stockton, Ca 95207
(209) 946-6241
Augustine Land Use Planning, Inc.
Amy Augustine
Sonora, Ca
(209) 532-7376
San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District
4230 Kiernan Avenue, Suite 130
Modesto, Ca 95356-9322
(209)557-6400
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 7-1 CfIYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Section 8.0
Persons Responsible for Preparation of EIR
8.0 Persons Responsible for
Preparation of EIR
Lead Agency
City of Lodi
Community Development Department
221 W. Pine Street
Lodi, CA 95240
Contact: Konradt Bartlam, Community Development Director
Phone: (209) 333-6711
Fax: (209) 333-6842
Consultant to the Lead Agency
Cotton/Bridges/Associates
A Division of P&D Consultants
Urban Planning and Environmental Consultants
3840 Rosin Court, Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95834
Randy Chafin, AICP
J. Matthew Gerken
Jessica Shalamunec
Terry Farmer
Paul Levinson
Josh Schramm
Jan Lovett
Principal and Project Manager
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planner
Graphics Technician
Graphics and GIS
Word Processing
Phone:
(916) 649-0196
Fax:
(916) 649-0197
Email:
cbasac@cbaplanning.com
FINAL ENVIRO NM ENTAL IM PACTREPORT 8-1 CfIYO FLODI
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
r 1�,
NOTICE OF PREPARATION
TO: Responsible Agencies
Trustee Agencies
Interested Parties
SUBJECT: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report
City of Lodi Housing Element Update EIR
Lead Agency
City of Lodi
Community Development Department
221 West Pine Street
Lodi, CA 95240
Attn: J.D. Hightower, City Planner
EIR Consultant
Cotton/Bridges/Associates
3840 Rosin Court, Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95834
Attn: Randy M. Chafin, AICP
The City of Lodi will be the Lead Agency in the preparation of an environmental impact report
(EIR) for the subject Project. The City requests your views relative to the scope and content of
the environmental information that is pertinent to your agency's statutory responsibilities. Your
agency will need to use the EIR prepared by the City of Lodi when considering your permit or
other approval for the Project.
The proposed Project is comprehensive update to the City's Housing Element of the General
Plan. The proposed Project is described more completely in the attached Exhibit 1, Preliminary
Project Description, which includes narrative and graphic descriptions of the Project and its
location.
As a programmatic document presenting policies and strategies for development throughout the
community, a full -scope E IR will be prepared and will include an analysis of all CEQA mandated
topics.
Due to the time limits mandated by State law, your response must be sent at the earliest
possible date, but not later than 30 days, following receipt of this Notice of Preparation (NOP).
Please send written comments to the City of Lodi Community Development Department, ATTN:
Mr. J.D. Hightower, City Planner, at the address shown above. Be sure to include the name of
the contact person at your agency.
Project Title: Lodi Housing Element Update EIR
Project Applicant: City of Lodi
Project Location: Lodi is located in the northern San Joaquin Valley, along the Mokelumne
River and between State Route 99 and Interstate 5. The city is
approximately 10 square miles in area, with a Sphere of Influence that
extends beyond the jurisdictional borders. The Project area includes the
entire city limits and areas in the City's Sphere of Influence.
Date: October 20, 2003
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
The Project analyzed in this Program EIR is the Draft 2003-2008 Housing Element of the Lodi
General Plan, which is an update of the Housing Element that was adopted in 1991. The Draft
2003-2008 Housing Element Update is hereby incorporated by reference in this Project
description and consists of the principal components described below.
00 Goals of the Housing Element present a general statement of intent, or purpose, for both
the Policies and the Programs identified in the Element. Goals represent the most general
of the City's visions for the Housing Element, and were developed in close consultation with
members of the community and appropriate service providers through workshops and public
review and comment. Due to their general nature, changes to Housing Element Goals do
not lend themselves to environmental analysis, though they do indicate the intent of the City
in implementing Policy and Program changes, the impacts of which will be analyzed.
00 Policies are specific methods of implementing the Goals. The most important Policies for
this EIR are those that would accommodate or require activities that would have physical
environmental consequences.
00 Programs specify the methods and timelines for implementing Housing Element Goals and
Policies. Typically, programs identify the specific department or division of the City charged
with their implementation. Programs are directly tied to Housing Element Policies and
designed to achieve the Goals through the management of land use and development,
regulatory concessions or restrictions, and utilization of appropriate financing and subsidy
programs.
00 Quantified Objectives are useful in implementing the Housing Element, tracking its
implementation through annual Housing Element and General Plan reporting and
assessment, and can be helpful in identifying the level of environmental impact of the
Housing Element's Policies and Programs. While some Policies and Programs would be too
general to precisely define likely environmental impacts, attaching quantified dDjectives
allows a more precise assessment, and a more sophisticated form of environmental
analysis.
Project Location
Lodi is located in the northern San Joaquin Valley, along the Mokelumne River and between
State Route 99 and Interstate 5. The city is approximately 10 square miles in area, with a
Sphere of Influence that extends beyond the jurisdictional borders. The Project area includes
the entire city limits and areas in the City's Sphere of Influence (see Figure 1).
Environmental Setting
The city is a mixture of urban uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, institutional,
vacant, and agricultural uses. There are seven known habitat types within the Project area.
Habitat types and uses vary across the city.
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Figure 1
Project Area
N
No scale.
Project Description
The Project is the adoption and implementation of the Housing Element Update. Many of the
components of the Element involve programs whose operations are not expected to result in
potential environmental effects.
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Listed below are those components of the Housing Element Update that have potentially
significant environmental effects. As previously noted, while the Housing Element Update in its
entirety is the Project, for the purpose of environmental analysis the components described in
this section — extracted from Section IV Strategy, Subsection B (Goals and Policies), and
Section C (Implementation Programs) - constitute the Project that is the subject of this Program
EIR. These changes are the basis for the environmental analysis contained in the Program
EIR.
The numbers assigned to Housing Element Goals and Policies are as described in the Update.
GOALS AND POLICIES
GOAL A: To provide a range of housing types and densities for all economic segments of
the community while emphasizing high quality development, homeownership
opportunities, and the efficient use of land.
Policies
The City shall promote the development of a broad mix of housing types through the
following mix of residential land uses: 65 percent low density, 10 percent medium density,
and 25 percent high density.
2. The City shall regulate the number of housing units approved each year to maintain a
population -based annual residential growth rate of 2.0 percent, consistent with the
recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force and the growth management ordinance.
3. The City shall exempt senior citizen housing projects from the growth management
ordinance.
4. The City shall exempt very low- and/or low-income housing units from the growth
management ordinance if necessary to meet the City's share of regional housing needs,
as required by state law.
9. The City shall grant density bonuses of at least 25 percent and/or other incentives in
compliance with state law for projects that contain a minimum specified percentage of very
low-income, low-income, or qualifying senior housing units.
10. The City shall seek to intersperse very low- and low-income housing units within new
residential developments and shall ensure that such housing is visually indistinguishable
from market -rate units.
12. The City shall promote the development of senior and other special needs housing near,
and/or with convenient public transportation access to, neighborhood centers,
governmental services, and commercial service centers.
13. The City shall encourage infill residential development within the existing City limits and
compact development patterns in annexation areas to reduce public facility and service
costs and the premature conversion of natural resource and agricultural lands.
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Program 1: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The City shall revise Title 17 of the Lodi Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) to reduce barriers
to, and provide incentives for, the construction and conservation of a variety of housing types.
Revisions to Title 17 will include the following:
f. Revision of off-street parking requirements (Chapter 17.60) to allow for less than two
spaces per multifamily dwelling unit with fewer than two bedrooms when justified due to
the characteristics of the occupants (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, or low-
income single working adults) and/or the project location (such as along a public transit
route or in the downtown area).
g. Revision of standards for second dwelling units to allow the conversion of accessory
buildings to second units subject to compliance with all other zoning and parking
standards, an appropriate minimum lot size for detached second units, and architectural
compatibility with the main dwelling unit. The City will permit second dwelling units through
an administrative permit process in compliance with state law (California Government
Code section 65852.2).
h. Set specific density and design standards for single family homes in the R -MD, R -HD, and
R -CP zones.
Program 2: Revise Growth Management Program
The City will revise its growth management program to:
a. Exempt housing units affordable to very low- or low-income households if such exemption
is necessary to accommodate the City's share of regional housing construction needs as
contained in the San Joaquin County Council of Governments housing allocation plan.
Program 3: Personal Security Standards
The City will continue to implement design standards applicable to all new residential projects
with the objective of improving the personal security of residents and discouraging criminal
activity. Design standards will address issues such as the placement of landscaping, accessory
buildings, and accessory structures in a manner that does not impede the City's ability to
conduct neighborhood police patrols and observe potential criminal activity; lighting and other
security measures for residents, and the use of materials that facilitate the removal of graffiti
and/or increase resistance to vandalism.
Program 4: Land Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain a current inventory of vacant, residentially zoned parcels
and a list of approved residential projects, and shall make this information available to the public
and developers, including information on underutilized sites within the downtown area with
residential or mixed-use development potential. The City shall update the inventory and list at
least annually. The City will promote the land inventory and the availability of each update
through the City's web site, a notice at the Community Development Permit Counter, and a
press release subsequent to each update.
4
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
To encourage the maximum efficient use of land within the current City limits, Lodi will also
conduct a study of residential development potential on underutilized industrial and commercial
sites along Cherokee Lane and the Union Pacific Railroad. Properties along these streets may
be suitable for future residential development if sufficient land can be consolidated to make such
development feasible. These areas are characterized by obsolete patterns of land development,
older structures in substandard condition, odd -sized lots, and marginally viable commercial and
industrial uses that would make properties ripe for redevelopment in the next five to ten years. If
Lodi determines that residential development is feasible along these streets, the City will initiate
a planning process with property owners (which may be a special area plan or a specific plan
meeting state law requirements) to define specific properties suitable for residential or mixed-
use development, appropriate development standards, and improvements needed to support
residential development.
Program 6: Encourage Efficient Use of Land for Residential Development
The City will investigate incentive and regulatory tools to encourage efficient use of land
designated or held in reserve for urban development within the existing Lodi Sphere of Influence
to reduce the conversion of agricultural land to urban use. If determined to be feasible, the City
will adopt one or more incentives or regulations. Examples of approaches the City will study and
consider are:
oo A requirement to mitigate the loss of Prime Farmland through the payment of a fee. Fees
collected by the City will be used to foster agricultural production in the Lodi area. This
program may fund marketing, research, land acquisition and other programs necessary to
promote agricultural production. An option that the City may consider that would promote
the production of affordable housing is to have this program tied to a sliding scale based on
dwelling units per acre. If a development is at the Land Use Element mandated 65% Low
Density/10% Medium Density/35% High Density, equivalent to 9.85 dwelling units per acre,
then no fee would be collected, a higher density would be provided with a credit while a
lower density would be subject to the fee.
x The use of transferred development rights (TDRs) that can be applied to designated areas
within the Sphere of Influence. The TDRs could possibly be combined with a density bonus
program for agricultural preservation to increase the number of opportunities to use the
TDRs. An option that the City of Lodi may consider is to designate sending and receiving
areas. There is a potential that the sending area for the program could be approximately
0.25 miles south of Harney Lane to Armstrong Road in the area currently designated as
Planned Residential Reserve by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The receiving
area for this program could then be designated to areas north of Harney Lane in the
Planned Residential portion of the General Plan.
oc Continue to promote the use of drainage basins as a transitional buffer land use between
urban development and agricultural land uses to reduce the potential for conflicts.
oo The use of transitional land use categories, such as residential estates, to provide a further
buffer between more intense urban land uses and agricultural land uses.
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Program 9: Annexation of Land to Accommodate Future Housing Needs
The City will work with property owners of approximately 600 acres outside the current City
limits, but within Lodi's Sphere of Influence (SOI), to plan for, and annex the land to the City so
that additional residential development opportunities can be provided to meet Lodi's future
housing construction needs. The 600 acres are located between Harney Lane, Lower
Sacramento Road, the Woodbridge Irrigation District canal, and the western SOI boundary. The
City has initiated a specific planning process with property owners of approximately 300 acres to
prepare these sites for annexation to the City. The development potential for the properties to
be annexed is summarized in Table II -1 B.
The City does not need to annex all 600 acres within the next three to five years to meet
housing construction need given the backlog of unused housing allocations and available sites
within the current City limits, but will initiate the process with property owners during the 2003 —
2008 period.
Refer to Figures 2-3 and 2-4.
GOAL B: To encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of the
City's existing housing stock and residential neighborhoods, particularly in the
Eastside area.
Policies
2. The City shall prohibit the conversion of existing single-family units to multifamily units on
residentially zoned properties less than 6,000 square feet in the Eastside area.
3. The City shall use available and appropriate state and federal funding programs and
collaborate with nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate housing and improve older
neighborhoods.
4. Housing rehabilitation efforts shall continue to be given high priority in the use of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, especially in the Eastside area.
5. The City shall support the revitalization of older neighborhoods by keeping streets and
other municipal systems in good repair.
8. The City shall continue to enforce existing residential property maintenance standards.
Program 12: Housing Rehabilitation and Code Enforcement
The City will continue to combine code enforcement and housing rehabilitation assistance,
targeted to the Eastside area. The City will promote its program through the Eastside
Improvement Committee, a neighborhood organization that provides direct outreach to area
residents and property owners, by providing information at the Community Development
Department's public counter, and through a link to the program on the City's website. The City's
Community Improvement Manager will work with the Committee to continue marketing the
program to Eastside area residents and property owners.
6
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Program 13: Property Maintenance and Management Standards
The City will continue to implement standards for private property maintenance (Chapter 15.30
of the Municipal Code) to 1) control or eliminate conditions that are detrimental to health, safety,
and welfare; 2) preserve the quality of life and alleviate certain socioeconomic problems created
by physical deterioration of property; and 3) protect property values and further certain aesthetic
considerations for the general welfare of all residents of the City of Lodi.
Program 16: Mobilehome Park Preservation
Lodi will meet with mobilehome park owners to discuss their long-term goals for their properties
and the feasibility of preserving these parks. Feasibility will be evaluated based on the condition
of park infrastructure and buildings, the condition of mobile homes located in the park, parcel
size, accessibility to services, and surrounding land uses. Several of the parks are small (fewer
than 50 spaces) and may not be prime candidates for preservation. For those parks that are
feasible to preserve, the City will:
oo Assist property owners in accessing state and federal funds for park improvements by
preparing funding requests, providing information to park owners on state and federal
programs, and/or providing referrals to nonprofit organizations who can assist in preparing
funding requests.
x Facilitate a sale to park residents of those mobile home parks the City has targeted for
preservation and whose owners do not desire to maintain the present use. If necessary to
facilitate a sale, the City will seek state and federal funding to assist residents in purchasing,
improving, and managing their parks and/or seek the assistance of a nonprofit organization
with experience in mobile home park sales and conversion to resident ownership and
management.
oo The City shall also require, as condition of approval of change of use, that mobilehome park
owners who desire to close and/or convert their parks another use provide relocation or
other assistance to mitigate the displacement of park residents, as required by California
Government Code Section 65863.7. The City shall also require the park owner to provide
evidence of resident notification of intent to close and/or convert the mobilehome park, as
required by state law.
Program 17: Preservation of the Eastside Area (Housing Conservation Area)
The City will continue to target a portion of its annual CDBG allocation for public improvements
in the Eastside area in support of its housing opportunities conservation through rehabilitation
and neighborhood improvement activities. The City will also maintain the low density residential
zoning (up to 7 dwelling units per acre) as a regulatory tool to preserve the character of the
neighborhood, and encourage private investment in older homes while providing additional
housing opportunities.
GOAL C: To ensure the provision of adequate public facilities and services to support
existing and future residential development.
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Policies
3. The City shall ensure that all necessary public facilities and services shall be available
prior to occupancy of residential units.
4. The City shall require that park and recreational acquisitions and improvements keep pace
with residential development.
Program 19: Development Impact Fees and Improvement Requirements
The City will continue to collect a unified development impact fee to pay for off-site public
facilities and services needed for residential development and require that residential
developers continue to provide on-site infrastructure to serve their projects. The City shall
continue to charge fees that reflect the actual cost of service provided to housing units
anticipated by this element. Prior to the issuance of building permit, the City will require
evidence that the developer has paid the required school impacts fees.
The City will review and adjust its fee formula for multifamily dwelling units in the medium and
high density general plan land use designations so that the fee encourages the development of
higher density affordable housing units while corresponding with the estimate public facility and
service impact for the specific project being proposed. The review and adjustment is anticipated
to result in a reduction of fees for some multifamily projects.
00 Water: The City shall insure the integrity of water delivery service by constructing and
operating wells.
00 Wastewater: The City shall insure the provision adequate facilities and lands to effectively
treat domestic wastewater while minimizing potential land use conflicts.
00 Streets: The City shall insure that streets are designed and constructed that meet the
intended development density while minimizing housing costs.
00 Transit: The City shall insure the continued construction of transit facilities to facilitate
service provision and lower the cost of living within the community. (Note: Transit Oriented
Development concepts should probably be another program activity).
00 Parks: See Program 22.
00 Emergency Services: The City shall continue to insure that new housing developments
are serviced in accordance with the goals and policies of the Safety Element.
Program 20: Growth Management Program
The City will continue to use its growth management program to ensure that the pace of
development is consistent with the City's ability to provide public facilities and services and
maintain minimum facility and service standards for the entire community. The City will contact
other public facility and service providers annually during the housing unit allocation process to
ensure that these agencies can serve the increased number of housing units to be allocated.
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Program 22: Park and Recreation Facilities
The City will annually review its Park and Recreation impact fee to ensure that these fees, in
combination with other funds that may be available to the City, will allow Lodi to acquire and
improve sufficient parkland and provide recreation facilities according to the minimum standards
contained in the General Plan Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element.
GOAL E: To encourage residential energy efficiency and reduce residential energy use.
Policies
1. The City shall require the use of energy conservation features in the design and construction
of all new residential structures and shall promote the use of energy conservation and
weatherization features in existing homes.
2. The City shall require solar access in the design of all residential projects.
3. The City shall pursue residential land use and site planning policies that encourage
reductions in residential energy consumption.
Program 27: Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Improvements for Older Homes
The City shall continue to permit energy conservation and weatherization improvements as
eligible activities under the Lodi Housing Rehabilitation Program. The City will post and
distribute information on currently available weatherization and energy conservation programs
operated by the City, nonprofit organizations, and utility companies through the Lodi V%ebsite,
the Community Development Department public counter, the Lodi Public Library, the Loel
Senior Center, and other public locations.
Program 28: Energy Conservation for New Homes
The City shall enforce state requirements for energy conservation, hcluding Title 24 of the
California Code or Regulations (state building code standards), in new residential projects and
encourage residential developers to employ additional energy conservation measures in the
design of new residential developments with respect to the following:
oo Siting of buildings
oo Landscaping
oo Solar access
oo Subdivision design
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Lodi*,
November 7, 2003
Mr. !. D] agw Wor. City Play M
0ty oFL 4ii
P. 0, Baa 3006
LodL'CA 95241-1.910
Re: Nolte of Pmparaaaft--Musing Elcromt Upftlo EIR
DearHdr. BghtmM.
The Lodi Uraead School DisVW respactfaliy recluW 9W tht ER m4der the impam
oa school &cilities relative Ido the hollowing: new hmukS in um where thm am no
rahools, ortchool sites ode not premtly planned; in-fili houruflg and the impwt on the
wbml factiities smving that attendance axes; dumps in density aiihes m pmrt of the
plan or as pmt of m bonus program.
{tel C.Pabcy .3 sm= tW then City will ensure all nemary public `Udes, $d wk
ahw3d be c maidemd a neceaM putt facility and meed mcoerdingly.
i D recDpiws that thaa is a sm=oriilylc f d mitigation for z h 4;
kwova, Ut rea das of whettiww no# Un will bo &&qonto fu0ities to love ft.
children frvm.the. new housing needs w be addressed:
Malc you $nr ft opporun ity go-comm=t Thr District's prlmarycamtaet P0rx iwiil
be'W Susan . She= be reached at 331-721,3. P1nw do not hesitate w contact
am= or mypilf if you stead infannBU m or if we may be of asdSUMC on this project
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EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
5 T A T! a F CA L I IF 0 R Pi[ A
Naem r 2+D, 20003
me. aD. Mower, City Planner
Lodi Community DwelOPWN 08MM ent
221 Wear Pins Street
Lodi, CA $924*
Dear Mr. Hightower:
Subject KNIce of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft I5MANxtrwft1 ImPaut
Report (DEI R).for the Wi Hao&q Elernord Llpdate
The Uep trryera of Oonservatlibffs DIAlm d Land Rewuree Pwwcdan
pylsionj monitors far nlarbd conversion an a statewWa WAR and
adminiaters the C. ffi: nia Land Gmwwaon (Williamson) Act aatid other
agricultural land.conservaiion programa. The Wbbn hft revWwsd the
above NOP addressing a oomprehanoW updab to the 1991.HousN
EWwd. The Diwlaian'pwa nwnds ftt at a minimum. the icllowing 1tam5
be spedically addreesed to d0mmenl "treall thre project irdpacls en
aqftulturni land ar1d ua .
Aariwltural-Smeirw of the EMW
The DER should-dawrilba tFre prOject sing In terM of the actual arrd
potentlal agriakurrg produclhrlty of 1he project area. The LllvisioWa San
.loaWu n County Important Farmland Ni$p, which dgllrres farmlarkl
awarding to sdi atbibutes and land tlse, can he used forthle purpose. In
addl an, we recommend incl Ldng ft fJkWng iterni.ot Wkimu ion to
cbRr00Wrizg the, agridultu rel land rewurco wWrq of ft protect area.
Curr+arA and paM egrtcuttural use of the-prgeci area. Include dafa
m " of crop grown, and crap yields and farmgae seines
value
To holp descabe-thetoll agricultural resource vake of the Bolls OA
the site, w►a remnmwW Vv use of econ=lc mulflpNiers to assess
the tDUl carrhlbutibn of the site's potentilial or'aalusf agricultural
pmducdon to the local, regional and state emnorNes, Staft and
Fedorhl agendes such UC CoopGrailAM Ederrafan Ser+rlce
-arid USDA are sources of eoonomic multipliers, FLECOVED
MV 24
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Mr. J.D.14ghlower
1+loaerinber 24, 2DD3
Pate 2 of
Promog impacts on AarlwWrall Land
Type, amount, and kmilion of farmland corwemkn resulting directly and
Indiroe* (grcwth4nduoement) from the prole .
* Impacts on current and future agricultural operations; e.g., kird•use conflicts,
increases in k d values and taxes, vandaksm, QW.
lnrrerrrenial project impacts leading to cumvivi" owisideraM impacts on
agricultural land. This would inckr'de Impaos from the proposed project as well
as impao#s from peat, current and probable fuluire prof ts.
Impaofs on agricultural reaou=9 may WSO be quentilled and gualllled by use d
estabfished thresholds of significance (CaII10(nia Code Of Reguleodotts Section 1 84.7).
The Division has du loped a Ca lbnriln version of the USDA Land Evaluation~ and Site
As rnent (Lf=SA) Madel, a smk juanftWs rating system far, establUNng V
ermronmwmtol signliloance of project-specidic impacts on farmland. The model may also
be used to rate the ralative value of attwnatinre project alta. The LESA Madel is
available on the Dlvislon's website noted later in thle fetter.
Williamson Act Land
A project is deemed to be of statnyAda, wgi:onal or area -wide s%ofterice if it Yt M result
in cancellation of a Whamsan Act contract for a paroe4 of 104 or more acres ICANornia
Cade of ReWldom sedan 152Q6(b)(3)]. Since agsiculMral preamves and lands undar
WNIWmsm Act omftot exist In the proposed annex#ion area, the Department
rwommends OW the fol Wirg inforrnafian be provi ed In the DER
A map detalFing the locatjon of agricultur-W preservas and oontracted two within
each pmwrm. The DEIR should also tabulate the nwnber of W111e inson Act
acres, enoording to land type (e.g., pr1me or rnoo-prime agr ut6ural land), which
could be impacted d'imedy or Indlrerl y by the project.
A discussion of t ilr"xarnson Act contracts that may be terminated upon
implementation of the project. The DEIR should dist= s" tt Impacts the#
torminatan of Willilanwrt Act cor0acts would have on nearby properl[W also
under oonbsot.
As a general rule, land can be withdrawn from Williamson Arlt contract only thnaugh tha
nine-year nonrrarlewad prOCOSS, Immedbte termination via canaelWion is resenfed for
'extraordirrasy", unlonwen aittlafions (See Sierra Club v. City of Havwa {1881) 28
CW.3d 840, 852-E55). The City or County of judsdictlan must approve a reguest for
oontract carmflation, and base that approval on specitfc findings that are supported by
subMntial Wdence (13 merwent Code sa0on 51282). H Williamsm Act contract
cancellation is proposed, we recon mem that a discus"n of the thldiings be Included in
12
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
Mr. J'D' Hghtoww
November 20, 2OD3
Pete 8 of 4
the DEIR. Finally, the nWW of the hearing io aWKw the tentative canaollatW. acrd a
copy of the landowner's pelition, must be nailed to the Director of tttie Department ut
Conservation ten (10) working days prier to the hearing. (The notice should he mailed
to 10afryl Young, Director, Deparin wird of Conservation, c/o Divlsion of land Resource
Profection. 801 K Street P S 18 1, :ramen1% CA W814 $.)
If tins project site Is under Williamaw Act ow1racl, and any part of the sb is to
oontlnue under oonlract aftar project completion, the DER should discuss the
proposed uees for those l n&. Usw of oontm*d lard must meet cornpalibilky
standards identified In Gommmeni Code wdom 512M - 51238.3, Qfherwise,
contract terminadoln {see paragraph above} must occur prior to the mitt #w of
Incompatible land u.
An agricultural preserve Is a zone authorized by the W05amson Act, and
established by the local go mment, to desgu to land quallHed to be placed
under the Acte 1"ar contents. P serves erre also lntendad too to a se"
for oonftd-proliscled lands that is vorKkti'** lo =Anuing agricultural use.
Therefore, the usse of l9ki aural pr roe land must be reetr6ctW by zo *g ar
oilier rneens so as not to be incompatible with the agricci tltal use of contrecW
land wilhin the primem {Govanymnt Cie section 51230. Therm, ttre DEIR
should also diecuss any prlS wed general plan duration or zoning within
gpfomhural prawAms affec*d by " prood.
Waatigo Mwoures and Altemaii _
In a lkNon to the WA rise inaerAw and regAtoiy tools discuasl d in the NOP, the
ohdslon racammends oomideralion of the purchase aFagriculture] conservatlon
easements on land of at le t equal quality and size as partial compensatlorn for the
41'rect law of agricultural land, ars well as for the mitigation of growth lnd mMg and
cumulative lmpaat on agdoultural land. We highlight this measure bemuse of ft
graving accaptarsce arx! use by lead agencies as mitigation under live Callomh
Environunerriall Quality Act.
MINgaion us1% oxmrvation a merits can be wrcplemenried by at least two atteir0tK e
approaches: the outrW purchase of cosnmrvation saserrr ms lied to the project: or vis
the donaflon ct mitigation fees to a local, regianal or statewits organkation or agency,
including land trusts and conservancies, whm purposa includes ft purchase, hotting
and malntenance of a9ftultural conservation easements. Whallavar the approach, the
convension ct agrlbulturaf land should be doomed an iffpW 4 at lear,at doral
signiflcanos and the seamh for mPggal3on lands -conducted reglonelly, and not limited
sd'lolly to lands within the I,odii ama.
13
r -
Mr. J.D. H4hwwar
Nover ber 20, 2003
Page 4 of h
EXHIBIT 1
PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Lodi Housing Element Update
I nforrma ion -a bcd eonswratlon eawfforM is mileblo on tie DhrEa ort s mbsite, or bY
contacting -ft Division at the. addran and phone nrlrhber hated below, The DivIslon"a
website address la:
The Depanmerg boli me s that She nvW efla*n approach to famia cl oormnMillon mW
impaarniti wkt i lion's that is Integrmtedwilh gar" plan policies. Far example, the
rneam.rres suggested qb ym-coLdd be most effectively applied. as pail if a
oornprehenshv-el dWtural lend omwerfttk)n element in tib'CiVs general plan,
lulttlgailon porrrx- .00ufd.tl a. beapplIed systemadcally+tdwa d I&W god of sustaining
era agrfcutduW land resource base a M economy. 1Nffin the contend of a general pian
rnitlgalion sbWaVy, other measures could be ca¢ddered, such as the use -of wwafer of
developmeM oredta, mitigation #tanking, and econaMIc hxrulves forcontInuing
agriauRml uses.
Thank -you for the a falsart mAy to cornment on the NOP: if you have questions on out
camerrta, .or,require Isain iloal ewsl0mm or lnWr tem on agricultural land
consel•,ra#ion, pleaw oonta6t the Division et 801 K $11met, IVIS 10-01, Sarxarna t.
tlffomia. 956114, or, phone (1116).824-1]iB50,
Sincerely,
f]enr5� J: O'8 ant
Actlhg Aas*ant Direr
c,c, 'San Joaqp,in r:ounty Resource Conservation District
1222 felon m.Cou rt- ,3
Stockton, GA '
14