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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-17; City Council; Resolution 2009-0511 RESOLUTION NO. 2009-051 2 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 3 CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING THE CARLSBAD 4 PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN, CASE NO. EA 07-06, PROJECT NO. 4002 5" 6,, WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad has an adopted Circulation Element of the General 7 Plan which establishes a goal to promote, encourage, and accommodate a variety of 8 transportation modes as alternatives to the automobile; and 9 WHEREAS, an objective of the Circulation Element is to provide infrastructure and 10 facilities necessary to accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, and other non-automobile modes of 11 transportation; and 12 WHEREAS, the City Council determines that it is in the best interest of the citizens of 13 Carlsbad to establish a Pedestrian Master Plan to guide the future planning, development and enhancement of pedestrian facilities and programs within the City; and WHEREAS, the Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan was prepared in accordance with guidelines which will enable the City of Carlsbad to qualify for regional, state, and federal funding sources for pedestrian facilities and programs; and 18 WHEREAS, a Negative Declaration was prepared in conjunction with the Carlsbad 19 Pedestrian Master Plan; and 20 WHEREAS, the City received one written comment letter from an interested party and 21 City staff prepared a written response to the comment letter which are attached as Exhibits A-1 22 and A-2 to the Negative Declaration; and 23 WHEREAS, the City Council did on March 17, 2009, hold a duly noticed public hearing 24 as prescribed by law to consider said request; and 25 WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, examining the initial study, analyzing the information submitted by staff, and considering all written comments received, the City Council considered all factors relating to the Negative Declaration. 3 1 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, 2 California, as follows: 3 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 4 2. That based on the evidence presented at the public hearing, the City Council 5 hereby ADOPTS the Negative Declaration, Exhibit "ND", according to Exhibits "Notice of Intent" g and "Environmental Impact Assessment Form - Initial Study", attached hereto and made a part 7 hereof, based on the following findings: a. It has reviewed, analyzed, and considered the Negative Declaration foro the Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan and any comments thereon prior toy ADOPTION of the Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan.10 b. The Negative Declaration has been prepared in accordance with 11 requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, the State 12 Guidelines and the Environmental Protection Procedures of the City of 13 Carlsbad. 14 c. It reflects the independent judgment of the City Council of the City of 15 Carlsbad. 16 d. Based on the Environmental Impact Assessment Form - Initial Study and comments thereon, there is no substantial evidence the project will have 18 a significant effect on the environment. 19 3. That based on the evidence presented at the public hearing, the City Council 70 hereby APPROVES the Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan. 21 /// 22 /// 23 /// 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 27 /// 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 17th day of March, 2009, by the following vote to wit: AYES: Council Members Lewis, Kulchin, Hall, Packard and Blackburn. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. !A'UDE~A LEWIS, Mayor ATTEST: _ TORRAINE M. WOOD, City Clerk (SEAL) NEGATIVE DECLARATION CASE NAME: CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN CASE NO: EA 07-06 PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan provides a blueprint for pedestrian transportation and recreation in the City of Carlsbad. The Pedestrian Master Plan will enhance and expand the existing pedestrian network, connect gaps, address constrained areas, improve intersections, provide for greater local and regional connectivity, and encourage even more residents to walk. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, signage, accessibility improvements and safety mechanisms. The plan also identifies areas of pedestrian demand and needs, and recommends a variety of programs to allow for safe, efficient and convenient travel within Carlsbad and connecting to regional destinations. DETERMINATION: The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (EIA Part 2) did not identify any potentially significant impacts on the environment, and the City of Carlsbad finds as follows: IXI The proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment. I I The proposed project MAY have "potentially significant impact(s)" on the environment, but at least one potentially significant impact 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. (Negative Declaration applies only to the effects that remained to be addressed). I I Although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. Therefore, nothing further is required. A copy of the initial study (EIA Part 2) documenting reasons to support the Negative Declaration is on file in the Planning Department, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. ADOPTED: March 17. 2009 pursuant to CC Resolution No. 2009-051 ATTEST: DON NEU Planning Director City of Carlsbad CASE NAME: CASE NO: PROJECT LOCATION: Planning Department -p**93o^ NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER P^AN EA 07-06 % Citvwide - Various Locations x••*</, S/ : PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan provides a blueprint for pedestrian transportation and recreation in the City of Carlsbad. The Pedestrian Master Plan will enhance and expand the existing pedestrian network, connect gaps, address constrained areas, improve intersections, provide for greater local and regional connectivity, and encourage even more residents to walk. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes^signage, accessibility improvements and safety mechanisms. The plan also identifies areas of pedestrian demand and needs, and recommends a variety of programs to allow for safe, efficient and convenient travel within Carlsbad and connecting to regional destinations. PROPOSED DETERMINATION: The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (EIA Part 2) did not identify any potentially significant impacts on the environment. Therefore, a Negative Declaration will be recommended for adoption by the City of Carlsbad City Council. A copy of the initial study (EIA Part 2) documenting reasons to support the proposed Negative Declaration is on file in the Planning Department, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within 30 days of the date of this notice. The proposed project and Negative Declaration are subject to review and approval/adoption by the City of Carlsbad Planning Commission and City Council. Additional public notices will be issued when those public hearings are scheduled. If you have any questions, please call Marshall Plantz in the Engineering Department at (760) 602-2766. PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD September 13. 2008 - October 13, 2008 PUBLISH DATE September 13, 2008 FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK San Diego County on __SEP_ 1.1 2008 Returned to agency on Deputy FILEDGregory J. Smith, Recorder/County Clerk SEP 1 1 2008 DEPUTY 1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 • (760) 602-4600 • FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us 7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - INITIAL STUDY CASE NO: EA 07-06 DATE: August 13. 20Q8 BACKGROUND 1. CASE NAME: City of Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan 2. LEAD AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS: City of Carlsbad. 1635 Faraday Avenue. Carlsbad. CA 92008-7314 3. CONTACT PERSON AND PHONE NUMBER: Marshall Plantz. Senior Civil Engineer. (760) 602-2766 4. PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide - various locations 5. PROJECT SPONSOR'S NAME AND ADDRESS: Same as Lead Agency 6. GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: Various 7. ZONING: Various 8. OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES WHOSE APPROVAL IS REQUIRED (i.e., permits, financing approval or participation agreements): None 9. PROJECT DESCRIPTION/ ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND SURROUNDING LAND USES: Project Description: The Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan provides a blueprint for pedestrian transportation and recreation in the City of Carlsbad. The Pedestrian Master Plan will enhance and expand the existing pedestrian network, connect gaps, address constrained areas, improve intersections, provide for greater local and regional connectivity, and encourage even more residents to walk. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, signage, accessibility improvements and safety mechanisms. The plan also identifies areas of pedestrian demand and needs, and recommends a variety of programs to allow for safe, efficient and convenient travel within Carlsbad and connecting to regional destinations. Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses: The pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. Therefore, no adverse impacts EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN will occur. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements may be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. Rev. 12/13/07 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The summary of environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact," or "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Agricultural Resources Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils Noise Hazards/Hazardous Materials LJ Population and Housing Hydrology/Water Quality Land Use and Planning Mineral Resources Mandatory Findings of Significance Public Services Recreation Transportation/Circulation Utilities & Service Systems 0 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN DETERMINATION. (To be completed by the Lead Agency) I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have "potentially significant impact(s)" on the environment, but at least one potentially significant impact 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. A Negative Declaration is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. Therefore, nothing further is required. Date Planning Director's Signature Date Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15063 requires that the City conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The Environmental Impact Assessment appears in the following pages in the form of a checklist. This checklist identifies any physical, biological and human factors that might be impacted by the proposed project and provides the City with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration, or to rely on a previously approved EIR or Negative Declaration. • A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by an information source cited in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved. A "No Impact" answer should be explained when there is no source document to refer to, or it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards. • "Less Than Significant Impact" applies where there is supporting evidence that the potential impact is not significantly adverse, and the impact does not exceed adopted general standards and policies. • "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The developer must agree to the mitigation, and the City must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. • "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significantly adverse. • Based on an "EIA-Initial Study", if a proposed project could have a potentially significant adverse effect on the environment, but all potentially significant adverse effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, and none of the circumstances requiring a supplement to or supplemental EIR are present and all the mitigation measures required by the prior environmental document have been incorporated into this project, then no additional environmental document is required. • When "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked the project is not necessarily required to prepare an EIR if the significant adverse effect has been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and the effect will be mitigated, or a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" has been made pursuant to that earlier EIR. • A Negative Declaration may be prepared if the City perceives no substantial evidence that the project or any of its aspects may cause a significant adverse effect on the environment. • If there are one or more potentially significant adverse effects, the City may avoid preparing an EIR if there are mitigation measures to clearly reduce adverse impacts to less than significant, and those mitigation measures are agreed to by the developer prior to public review. In this case, the appropriate "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" may be checked and a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared. Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN • An EIR must be prepared if "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked, and including but not limited to the following circumstances: (1) the potentially significant adverse effect has not been discussed or mitigated in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and the developer does not agree to mitigation measures that reduce the adverse impact to less than significant; (2) a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" for the significant adverse impact has not been made pursuant to an earlier EIR; (3) proposed mitigation measures do not reduce the adverse impact to less than significant; or (4) through the EIA-Initial Study analysis it is not possible to determine the level of significance for a potentially adverse effect, or determine the effectiveness of a mitigation measure in reducing a potentially significant effect to below a level of significance. A discussion of potential impacts and the proposed mitigation measures appears after each related set of questions. Particular attention should be given to discussing mitigation for impacts, which would otherwise be determined significant. Rev. 12/13/07 I i13 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN AESTHETICS - Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light and glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact a) - d) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would a) adversely affect a scenic vista, b) substantially damage scenic resources, c) degrade the existing visual character of any site, or d) create a new source of substantial light and glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on aesthetics. No impact is assessed. II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES - (In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model-1997 prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland.) Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN c) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) - c) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would a) convert farmland to a non-agricultural use, b) conflict with existing zoning for agricultural uses, or a Williamson Act contract, or c) involve other changes in the existing environment, which would result in conversion of farmland to a non-agricultural use. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on agricultural resources. No impact is identified. III. AIR QUALITY - (Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.) Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b)Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? a) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would conflict or obstruct implementation of the regional air quality plan. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides The Pedestrian Master Plan provides Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. The Pedestrian Master Plan would improve the air quality by promoting alternative (non-motorized) modes of transportation and providing pedestrian networks. All properties within the city are located in the San Diego Air Basin which is a state non-attainment area for ozone (O3) and for particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter (PM]0). The periodic violations of national Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) in the San Diego Air Basin (SDAB), particularly for ozone in inland foothill areas, requires that a plan be developed outlining the pollution controls that will be undertaken to improve air quality. In San Diego County, this attainment planning process is embodied in the Regional Air Quality Strategies (RAQS) developed jointly by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). A Plan to meet the federal standard for ozone was developed in 1994 during the process of updating the 1991 state- mandated plan. This local plan was combined with plans from all other California non-attainment areas having serious ozone problems and used to create the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP was adopted by the Air Resources Board (ARB) after public hearings on November 9* through 10th in 1994, and was forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. After considerable analysis and debate, particularly regarding airsheds with the worst smog problems, EPA approved the SIP in mid-1996. Future development projects relate to the SIP and/or RAQS through the land use and growth assumptions that are incorporated into the air quality planning document. These growth assumptions are based on each city's and the County's general plan. If a proposed project is consistent with its applicable General Plan, then the project presumably has been anticipated with the regional air quality planning process. Such consistency would ensure that the project would not have an adverse regional air quality impact. Section 15125(B) of the State of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines contains specific reference to the need to evaluate any inconsistencies between the proposed project and the applicable air quality management plan. Transportation Control Measures (TCMs) are part of the RAQS. The RAQS and TCM plan set forth the steps needed to accomplish attainment of state and federal ambient air quality standards. The California Air Resources Board provides criteria for determining whether a project conforms to the RAQS which include the following: • Is a regional air quality plan being implemented in the project area? • Is the project consistent with the growth assumptions in the regional air quality plan? The project area (citywide) is located in the San Diego Air Basin, and as such, is located in an area where a RAQS is being implemented. The adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan will not change the growth assumptions of the General Plan. Any future proposals for pedestrians or pedestrian facilities, per the recommendations of the Pedestrian Master Plan, will be required to be consistent with the growth assumptions of the City's General Plan and the RAQS, Therefore, the project is consistent with the regional air quality plan and will in no way conflict or obstruct implementation of the regional plan. No impact is assessed. b) No Impact. The closest air quality monitoring station to the project site is at Camp Pendleton. Data available for this monitoring site from 2000 through December 2004, indicate that the most recent air quality violations recorded were for the state one hour standard for ozone (a total of 10 days during the 5-year period). No other violations of any air quality standards have been recorded during the 5-year time period. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site. The Pedestrian Master Plan would improve the air quality by recommending alternative modes of transportation and providing pedestrian networks. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. Therefore, the adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan would not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation. No impact is assessed. Rev. 12/13/07 ' ^ EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN c) No Impact. The air basin is currently in a state non-attainment zone for ozone and suspended fine particulates. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. The Pedestrian Master Plan would improve the air quality by recommending alternative modes of transportation and providing pedestrian networks. Therefore, the adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan would not increase pollutants within the air basin. No impact is assessed. d) & e) No impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations, or create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. The Pedestrian Master Plan would improve the air quality by recommending alternative modes of transportation and providing pedestrian networks and would not create objectionable odors. No impact is assessed. IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian, aquatic or wetland habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including but not limited to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact 10 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) - d) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would a) have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, b) have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian, aquatic or wetland habitat or other sensitive natural communities, c) have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands, or d) interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on biological resources. No impact is identified. e) & 0 No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would e) conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, or f) conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Community Conservation Plan. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on biological resources. No impact is identified. Potentially Significant Potentially Unless Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact V. CULTURAL RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the signifi- cance of an archeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? 11 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN c) Pot Sig Ir Directly or indirectly destroy a unique pale ontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Potentially Significant entially Unless Less Than nificant Mitigation Significant No npact Incorporated Impact Impai X d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? a) - d) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical, archeological, paleontological or geological resource, or disturb any human remains. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on cultural resources. No impact is identified. VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS - Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving: i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii. Strong seismic ground shaking? iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv. Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact 12 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soils, as defined in Section 1802.3.2 of the California Building Code (2007), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact ai) - aiv) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects from the rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure, liquefaction, or landslides. There are no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault zones within the City of Carlsbad and there is no other evidence of active of potentially active faults within the City. However, there are several active faults throughout Southern California, and these potential earthquakes could affect Carlsbad. Landslides are also a potential threat in parts of the City. All development proposals in Carlsbad are subject to requirements such as the California Building Code earthquake construction standards and soil remediation that when necessary ensure potential adverse effects are not significant. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on geological resources. No impact is identified. b) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on soil erosion. No impact is identified. c) - e) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in impacts to unstable or expansive soil conditions. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on soil conditions. No impact is identified. VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact 13 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN b) Create a significant hazard to the public or environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or environment? e) For a project within an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact IE IE a) - d) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in hazards associated with exposure to hazardous materials. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on hazardous materials or create a hazardous condition. No impact is identified. e) & f) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in exposing people to hazards associated with an airport. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on hazardous materials or create a hazardous condition near an airport. No impact is identified. 14 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN g) & h) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would interfere with the implementation of an adopted emergency response or evacuation plan, or result in exposing people or structures to a significant risk from wildland fires. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on emergency responses or plans. No impact is identified. VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY - Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with ground water recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local ground water table level (i.e., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner, which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off- site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the flow rate or amount (volume) of surface runoff in a manner, which would result in flooding on- or off- site? e) Create or contribute runoff water, which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood delineation map? h) Place within 100-year flood hazard area structures, which would impede or redirect flood flows? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact 15 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? k) Increase erosion (sediment) into receiving surface waters. 1) Increase pollutant discharges (e.g., heavy metals, pathogens, petroleum derivatives, synthetic organics, nutrients, oxygen-demanding substances and trash) into receiving surface waters or other alteration of receiving surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? m) Change receiving water quality (marine, fresh or wetland waters) during or following construction? n) Increase any pollutant to an already impaired water body as listed on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list? o) Increase impervious surfaces and associated runoff? p) Impact aquatic, wetland, or riparian habitat? q) Result in the exceedance of applicable surface or groundwater receiving water quality objectives or degradation of beneficial uses? a) - 0 No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would conflict with any water quality standards, impact groundwater supplies/quality, alter any drainage pattern, impact the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems, or result in the degradation of water quality. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on hydrology or water quality. No impact is identified. g) - j) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in placing housing within a 100- year flood hazard area, create an impediment or redirect flood flows, or expose people or structures to flooding or inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflow. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right- of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on exposing people to flood hazards. No impact is identified. k) - q) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in increased erosion or pollutant discharges into any surface waters, change receiving water quality, increase pollutants to an already impaired water body, increase impervious surfaces, impact aquatic, wetland, or riparian habitat, or exceed receiving water quality 16 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN objectives. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on increasing erosion or pollutant discharges. No impact is identified. IX. LANDUSE AND PLANNING - Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact a) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in the division of an established community. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on an established community. No impact is identified. b) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. The purpose of the adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan is to provide a blueprint for pedestrian transportation in the City of Carlsbad. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on landuse and planning. No impact is identified. c) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would conflict with the any habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not conflict with the City's Habitat Management Plan or the regional Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan. No impact is identified. X. MINERAL RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact 17 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) & b) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource, or a locally important mineral resource recovery site. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on mineral resources. No impact is identified. XI. NOISE - Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundbourne vibration or groundbourne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact a) - d) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in exposing people to excessive noise levels or groundbourne vibrations, or a permanent or temporary increase in ambient noise levels. Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further 18 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not expose people to an increase in noise levels. No impact is identified. e) & f) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in exposing people to excessive noise levels associated with an airport. As necessary, compliance with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for McClellan-Palomar Airport, dated April 22, 2004, will ensure that future development avoids exposure to excessive noise levels within the vicinity of an airport Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right- of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on exposing people within the vicinity of an airport to an increase in noise levels. No impact is identified. XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING - Would the project: a) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact a) - c) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly, or displace substantial numbers of existing housing or people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on population and housing. No impact is identified. 19 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered government facilities, a need for new or physically altered government facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services: i) Fire protection? ii) Police protection? iii) Schools? iv) Parks? v) Other public facilities? Potentially Significant Potentially Unless Significant Mitigation Impact Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact ai) - av) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered government facilities, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any public service (fire & police protection, schools, parks, and other public facilities). Any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on public services. No impact is identified. XIV. RECREATION a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact 20 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN a) & b) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose, or affect any policy or standard that would increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks, such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated, or construct recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on recreation. No impact is identified. XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC - Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? f) Result in insufficient parking capacity? g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turn- outs, bicycle racks)? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) - g) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that might cause an increase in traffic, exceed a level of service standard, change air traffic patterns, substantially increase road hazards, result in inadequate emergency access, result in insufficient parking capacity, or conflict with an adopted policy, plan or program supporting alternative transportation. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian 21 Rev. 12/13/07 -26 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse impacts on transportation or traffic. No impact is identified. Less Than Significant No Impact Impact XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS - Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which would cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? a) - g) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would exceed wastewater treatment requirements, or result in the need for new water, wastewater or solid waste systems. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, safety mechanisms and enhancements. Pedestrian routes will primarily be located within existing public right-of-ways, which may involve construction of sidewalk segments, accessibility and safety enhancements, and signage. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. However, any future pedestrian routes requiring the expansion of the public right-of-way or street improvements will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. As such, the proposed action will not have any adverse effects on utilities and service systems. No impact is identified. 22 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant No Impact Impact XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumula- tively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects?) c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause the substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? a) - c) No Impact. Adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose or affect any policy or standard that would result in the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, or impact the habitat of a fish or wildlife species. No cumulative considerable impacts to the environment or substantial adverse effects on human beings will result from the action. As such, the proposed action will not have any impacts associated with mandatory findings of significance. No impact is identified. XVIII. EARLIER ANALYSES Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case a discussion should identify the following on attached sheets: a) Earlier analyses used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 23 Rev. 12/13/07 EA 07-06 CITY OF CARLSBAD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN EARLIER ANALYSIS USED AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION SOURCES The following documents were used in the analysis of this project and are on file in the City of Carlsbad Planning Department located at 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, 92008. 1. Final Master Environmental Impact Report for the City of Carlsbad General Plan Update (MEIR 93-01). City of Carlsbad Planning Department. March 1994. 2. Carlsbad General Plan, City of Carlsbad Planning Department, dated March 1994. 3. Carlsbad Local Facilities Management Zones, City of Carlsbad Planning Department, as updated. 4. City of Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 21 Zoning, City of Carlsbad Planning Department, as updated. 5. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad, City of Carlsbad Planning Department, final approval dated November 2004. 6. City of Carlsbad Geotechnical Hazards Analysis and Mapping Study, November 1992. 7. Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad, California, dated April 22, 1994. 24 Rev. 12/13/07 Figure 6-1: Priority Intersections and Corridors Priority Intersections Priority Corridors Public Roads Private Roads 0 0.25 -0.5 1 Miles1 i i I i i I Figure 6-2: Roadways Without Sidewalk, Intersections Without Curb Ramps, Recommended Intersections for Truncated Domes Intersections Without Curt Ramps Recommended Intersections for Truncated Domes Public Roads Private Roads • Roadways Without Sidewalk Figure 6-3: Recommended Intersections for Signal Timing Adjustment and Audible Crossing Signals • Recommended Intersections for Audible Signals t'8 Signal Timing Adjustment Public Roads Private Roads Figure 6-4: Recommended Locations for High Visibility Crosswalks, Parking Restrictions and Signage Improvements Signage Improvements Parking Restrictions High Visibility Crosswalks Public Roads Private Roads 1 Miles STATt' OF CALIFORNIA ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 320 WEST 4™ STREET, SUITE 500 LOS ANGELES. CA 90013 October 8, 2008 Marshall Plantz, Senior Civil Engineer City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear Mr. Plantz: Re: SCH# 2008091063; Pedestrian Master Plan - EA 07-06 The California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) has jurisdiction over the safety of highway-rail crossings (crossings) in California. The California Public Utilities Code requires Commission approval for the construction or alteration of crossings and grants the Commission exclusive power on the design, alteration, and closure of crossings. The Commission is in receipt of the Notice of Completion & Environmental Document Transmittal- Negative Declaration from the State Clearinghouse. Commission's Rail Crossing Engineering Section (RCES) staff has concerns with any potential railroad impacts as a result of the project's enhancement or expansion over crossings on the NCTD rail line. In addition to Coaster commuter trains, the BNSF Railway, and National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) operate freight and passenger trains over these lines respectively. City should arrange diagnostic meetings with RCES and NCTD to discuss mitigation measures for at affected crossings and, if necessary, file a GO88-B request for authority to modify an at-grade crossing. Information on filing GO 88-B requests, including a fill-in form, is available at the Commission's web site at: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/stati c/transportation/crossings/filing+procedures/go88b_projects.htm If you have any questions, please contact Laurence Michael, Utilities Engineer at 213-576-7076, ldi@cpuc.ca.gov, or me at rxm@cpuc.ca.gov, 213-576-7078. UtilitieTEngneS ^ Rail Crossings Engineering Section Consumer Protection &'Safety Division C: Keith Kranda, NCTD City of Carlsbad Planning Department October 27, 2008 Rosa Munoz, PE Utilities Engineer Rail Crossings Engineering Section Consumer Protection & Safety Division 320 West 4th Street, Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90013 RE: EA 07-06 - ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD'S PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN Thank you for submitting comments on the Draft Negative Declaration (ND) for the City of Carlsbad Pedestrian Master Plan (SCH No. 2008091063). Your letter dated October 8, 2008 states that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has jurisdiction over the safety of the highway-rail crossings in California, and that the Public Utilities Code requires Commission approval for the construction or alteration of crossings and grants the Commission exclusive power on the design, alteration, and closure of crossings. The adoption of the Pedestrian Master Plan does not include a proposal for physical development of any site, and it does not propose any construction that would alter or close any railroad crossings or interfere with railroad operations. The Pedestrian Master Plan provides recommendations for the construction of future pedestrian networks consisting of pedestrian routes, signage, accessibility improvements and safety mechanisms. The plan also identifies areas of pedestrian demand and needs, and recommends a variety of programs to allow safe, efficient, and convenient travel within Carlsbad and connecting to regional destinations. This Negative Declaration will satisfy the environmental review requirement pursuant to CEQA for these types of projects. The proposed pedestrian network is recommended to be located primarily within existing right- of-ways. Some segments of paths may be located in transportation corridors, such as the Coastal Rail Trail, which will require meetings with the appropriate Commission's Rail Crossing Engineer Section (RCES) staff and North County Transit District (NCTD) staff to discuss the project. However, any future pedestrian networks requiring the expansion of the public right-of- way, street improvements, or work within a transportation corridor will be subject to further environmental review pursuant to CEQA on a project specific basis. Thank you again for your comments. Sincerely, PAM DREW Associate Planner C: NCTD, Attn: Keith Kranda, 810 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054 Marshall Plantz, Senior Civil Engineer, City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 « (760) 602-4600 • FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us