HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP 78-03D; La Costa Towne Center; Site Development Plan (SDP) (3)RECEIVED
APR 0 k 2013
CITY OF CARLSBAD
PLANNING DIVISION
Biological Technical Report
for the
La Costa Towne Center Project
November 28, 2012
Prepared For:
Excel Trust
Prepared By:
Alden Environmental, Inc.
3245 University Ave., #1188
San Diego, CA 92104
BALDEN
ENVIRONMENTAL. INC
La Costa Towne Center Project
Biological Technical Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 METHODS 1
3.0 RESULTS 2
4.0 SENSITIVE RESOURCES 3
5.0 REGIONAL AND REGULATORY CONTEXT 3
6.0 PROJECT IMPACTS 4
7.0 MITIGATION MEASURES 5
8.0 REFERENCES 5
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Title
Follows
Page
1 Regional Location 2
2 Project Location 2
3 Biological Resources/Impacts 2
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This report describes existing biological conditions on the La Costa Towne Center project site
and provides the City of Carlsbad (City) and project applicant with information necessary to
assess impacts to biological resources under the Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP), which serves as Carlsbad's subarea plan
under the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP).
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The La Costa Towne Center project is a proposed redevelopment of an existing commercial
center. Two existing buildings with an area of approximately 45,748 square feet would be
demolished. One building would be replaced with a new 39,583 square foot building supporting
both retail and residential (48 units) uses. The second building would be converted to a new
parking area. A new 9,324 square foot retail/residential (12 units) building also would be built
along the eastem project boundary where parking currently exists. The redeveloped center
would add 3,160 square feet ofbuilding space and 60 residential units to the commercial center.
Additional activities include American Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades, paving improvements,
and remodeling of remaining buildings. All development would occur within the limits of the
existing commercial center.
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION
The site is located in the southem portion of the City (Figure 1) at the south east comer of the
intersection of La Costa Avenue and EI Camino Real (Figure 2). The project site is within
Section 35 within Township 12 South, Range 4 West of the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute
Encinitas quadrangle.
1.3 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND LAND USE
The project site consists of an existing commercial/retail center. The site is bounded by
developed area to the south. El Camino Real to the west, La Costa Avenue to the north, and a
landscaped slope to the east. An SDG&E overhead power line passes through an easement
located on the slope just east of the site. Residential development occurs further to the east, at
the top of the slope. Soils on site are mapped as Las Flores Loamy Fine Sand and Terrace
Escarpments (Bowman 1973); however, grading for the commercial/retail center likely altered
the soils on site. On-site elevations range from approximately 30 feet above mean sea level
(AMSL) in the northwest comer to 100 feet along the eastem boundary.
2.0 METHODS
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Prior to conducting biological field surveys, searches of the Califomia Natural Diversity
Database (CNDDB), Califomia Native Plant Society (CNPS) online database for the Encinitas
U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle map, and the City's HMP were conducted for information
regarding sensitive species known to occur within the vicinity of the site were performed.
Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Towne Center Project A L D E N
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2.2 BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS
Alden conducted a site visit on November 20, 2012 to map existing biological resources
(including jurisdictional features) that may occur on, and adjacent to the project site. During the
visit existing conditions were mapped and incidental plant and animal observations were noted.
An additional 100 foot off-site area to the east was mapped to identify sensitive resources that
may occur adjacent to the site. Vegetation communities were mapped according to Holland
(1986) or Oberbauer (2008) classifications. The CNDDB identified wart-stemmed Ceanothus
{Ceanothus verrucosus) as being present along the eastem project boundary. This perennial
shrub species was searched for in the off-site mapped area during the site visit as well. The site
also was investigated to identify potential jurisdictional wetland/riparian features that may occur
on or adjacent to the site.
2.4 NOMENCLATURE
Nomenclature used in this report follows the conventions used in the City's HCP. Vegetation
community classifications follow Holland (1986) and Oberbauer (2008); Latin plant names
follow Baldwin, ed. (2012) while common names follow Baldwin or CNPS (2012). Sensitive
plant status follows CNPS (2012) and CDFG (2012). Avian nomenclature is taken from
American Ornithologists' Union (2009). Sensitive animal status follows CDFG (2011).
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The entire project site is comprised of developed and landscaped areas (Figure 3). No sensitive
native or natural biological resources are located on, or adjacent to the site. The adjacent off-site
mapped area to the east is a maintained landscaped slope dominated by non-native eucalyptus
{Eucalyptus spp.) and pine {Pinus spp.) trees with a barren understory. This landscaped area
does not support habitat components necessary to support native sensitive species known from
the vicinity, including the coastal Califomia gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica californica).
3.4 JURISDICTIONAL AREAS
No potential state or federal jurisdictional features (e.g. wetlands, riparian areas) were observed
on site. The entire site is previously developed and does not support any streams or drainage
courses.
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Regional Location
LA COSTA TOWNE CENTER
4.0 SENSITIVE RESOURCES
Sensitive resources are those defined as (1) habitat areas or vegetation communities that are
unique, of relatively limited distribution, or of particular value to wildlife; and (2) species that
have been given special recognition by federal, state, or local govemment agencies and
organizations due to limited, declining, or threatened populations. No sensitive resources were
identified within or adjacent to the project site and none are expected to occur.
5.0 REGIONAL AND REGULATORY CONTEXT
Biological resources within the project site are subject to regulatory control by the federal
govemment, State of Califomia, and the City. The federal govemment administers non-marine
plant and wildlife related regulations through the USFWS, while Waters of the U.S. (wetlands
and non-wetland waters) are administered by the Corps. Califomia law regarding wetland,
water-related, and wildlife issues is administered by the CDFG. The City is the lead agency for
the CEQA environmental review process in accordance with state law and local ordinances.
5.1 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Administered by the USFWS, the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides the legal
framework for the listing and protection of species (and their habitats) that are identified as being
endangered or threatened with extinction. Actions that jeopardize endangered or threatened
species and the habitats upon which they rely are considered take under the ESA. Section 9(a) of
the ESA defines take as "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or
collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct." "Harm" and "harass" are further defined in
federal regulations and case law to include actions that adversely impair or disrupt a listed
species' behavioral pattems. The entire site is developed and there would be no impacts to
federal listed species therefore consultation with the USFWS is not required.
Federal wetland regulation (non-marine issues) is guided by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899
and the Clean Water Act. The Rivers and Harbors Act deals primarily with discharges into
navigable waters, while the purpose of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the
chemical, physical, and biological integrity of all Waters of the U.S. Permitting for projects
fliling Waters of the U.S. (including wetlands) is overseen by the Corps under Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act. There are no federal jurisdictional features on site therefore a Clean Water Act
permit would not be required.
5.2 STATE OF CALIFORNIA
The Califomia ESA is similar to the federal ESA in that it contains a process for listing of
species and regulating potential impacts to listed species. Section 2081 of the Califomia ESA
authorizes CDFG to enter into a memorandum of agreement for take of listed species for
scientific, educational, or management purposes. There are no state listed species on site
therefore there is no need to pursue authorization per the Califomia ESA.
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The California Fish and Game Code (Sections 1600 through 1603) requires a CDFG agreement
for projects affecting riparian and wetland habitats through issuance of a Streambed Alteration
Agreement. A 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement would be required for the proposed
project if impacts occur to CDFG jurisdictional areas. There are no jurisdictional features on site
therefore no agreement with the CDFG is required.
5.3 CITY OF CARLSBAD
The MHCP was adopted and certified by the San Diego Association of Govemments Board of
Directors on March 28, 2003. Each of the 7 jurisdictions within the MHCP planning area
(including Carlsbad) are required to implement their respective portion of the MHCP via
citywide subarea plans. The City approved the Habitat Management Plan for Natural
Communities in the City of Carlsbad in 2004. This plan fulfills the MHCP requirement for a
Subarea Plan. In addition, the City of Carlsbad Open Space Management Plan (OSMP) was
prepared in 2004 to provide management directives for preserved land within the City. The
project site is not within or adjacent to any OSMP identified open space areas therefore no
OSMP requirements apply to the project.
6.0 PROJECT IMPACTS
Project impacts may be considered either direct or indirect. A direct impact occurs when the
primary effects of the project replace existing habitat with graded or developed areas. An
indirect impact consists of secondary effects of a project, including habitat insularization,
drainage/water quality, lighting, noise, roadkill, exotic plant species, raptor foraging/nesting,
nuisance animal species, and human intmsion. The magnitude of an indirect impact may be the
same as a direct impact; however, the effect usually takes a longer time to become apparent.
6.1 DIRECT IMPACTS
The entire project site is developed. Implementation of the proposed project would not directly
impact any sensitive biological resources (Figure 3).
6.2 INDIRECT IMPACTS
Potential indirect project impacts consist of secondary effects of a project, including habitat
insularization, drainage/water quality, lighting, noise, exotic plant species, raptor
foraging/nesting, and human intrusion. The project is not adjacent to any areas supporting
sensitive biological resources. The nearest open space area identified by the HCP and OSMP is
located approximately 130 feet to the west. This open space area is separated from the project
site by El Camino Real, which supports 8 lanes of traffic. La Costa Avenue and a shopping
center bound the site to the north. To the east the site is bounded by landscaping and a SDG&E
powerline easement. Given the developed nature of the surrounding area, no indirect impacts
would result from the proposed project.
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7.0 MITIGATION MEASURES
The project would not have any (direct or indirect) significant impacts to sensitive biological
resources; therefore, no mitigation is required.
8.0 REFERENCES
AMEC. 2003. Multiple Habitat Conservation Program. March.
American Omithologists' Union. 2009. Fiftieth Supplement to the American Ornithologists'
Union Check-list of North American Birds. http://www.aou.org/checklist/suppl/AOU_
checklist_suppl_50.pdf
Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, D. J. Keil, R. Patterson, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken, editors.
2012. The Jepson manual: vascular plants of Califomia, second edition. University of
Califomia Press, Berkeley.
Bowman, R. 1973. Soil Survey of the San Diego Area. USDA in cooperation with the USDI,
UC Agricultural Experiment Station, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Navy,
and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Califomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Califomia Natural Diversity Database
(CNDDB). 2012. State and Federally Listed Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants of
Califomia. State of Califomia, The Resources Agency, Habitat Conservation Division,
Wildlife & Habitat Data Analysis Branch. January.
2011. Special Animals List (883 taxa). State of Califomia, The Resources Agency,
Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch, Califomia Natural Diversity
Database. URL: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/SPAnimals.pdf. January.
Califomia Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2012. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants.
Intemet searchable database Version 7. URL: http://cnps.web.aplus.net/cgi-
bin/inv/inventory.cgi. July 5.
Carlsbad City. 2004. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of
Carlsbad. December 1999. Approved 2004.
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of
Califomia. State of Califomia, The Resources Agency, 156 pp.
Oberbauer, Thomas. 2008. Terrestrial Vegetation Communities in San Diego County Based on
Holland's Descriptions. Revised from 1996 and 2005. July.
TAIC. 2004. City of Carlsbad Open Space Management Plan. May.
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