INITIAL STUDY - EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
2012 Housing Element, PW-12-0
______
TRINITYCOUNTY
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
61 Airport Road - P.O. BOX 2819
WEAVERVILLE, CA96093
(530) 623-1351 FAX (530) 623-1353
PROJECT INITIAL STUDY -
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST AND
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This document has been prepared by the Trinity County Planning Department as
lead agency in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, CEQA
(Public Resource Code, § 21000 et seq.).
Date: Project No.: PW-12-01
Lead Agency: / Project Planner:TrinityCounty Planning DepartmentJanice C. Smith
P.O. Box 2819 – 61 Airport RoadAssociate Planner
Weaverville, CA 96093-2819(530) 623-1351
(530) 623-1351 voice, (530) 623-1353 fax / Frank Lynch, Sr. Planner
TrinityCounty Planning Department
P.O. Box 2819 – 61 Airport Road
Weaverville, CA 96093-2819
(530) 623-1351, Ext.3
Email:
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Project Information:
Project Name:
2012Housing Element update of the Trinity County General Plan
Project Applicant(s):Trinity County Planning Department
Project Description:
The countyis updating the Housing Element of the Trinity County General Plan in order to be compliant with current State Housing Law. A previous submittal was rejected by the State's Department of Housing and Community Development as it did not adequately address some mandatory criteria requiring inclusion within the documents, and over the last six+- months staff has been working with the assitance of HCD staff in developing a document that meets contemporary criteria. The element discusses the current housing conditions, the current and projected demographics, the housing needs, and programs for addressing those needs. It addresses relationship and consistency with the other elements of the General Plan, and contains goals and policies to ensure existing and future development meets the intent of the element. The goals of the element are:
- Ensure there are an adequate number of housing units to meet the needs of its citizens.
- Ensure that housing is affordable to all economic segments of the community.
- Ensure that there are adequate sites and facilities available to support future housing needs.
- Ensure that there are housing units available to serve persons with special housing needs.
- Work diligently towards the rehabilitation of its housing stock and strive to replace housing units in need of replacement.
- Support community efforts and citizens in need of short-term emergency housing.
- Prevent housing discrimination.
- Continue citizen participation as part of the housing element preparation and revision process and maintain consistency between all policies of the General Plan.
- Ensure environmental justice is adhered to in the processes of providing housing.
Some of the key elements of the current submittal is a commitment to update provisions of the County’s Zoning Ordinance to reflect consistency with provisions of Housing Law regarding existing exemptions from permit requirements for certain housing types such as group housing, emergency housing and transitional housing. Also, the Zoning Ordinance needs to be revised to provide for density bonus criteria to facilitate and incentivize the development of lower income housing.
Project Location and Environmental Setting:
The project location covers the entire county. Trinity County is located in the northwestern portion of California. The geography of the county is defined by the Trinity Alps, South Fork Mountain and other ridges of the Klamath Mountains and Coast Range. There are several deep canyons and valleys carved by the Trinity, Van Duzen and Mad Rivers. The county is bounded by Siskiyou County to the north, Humboldt County to the west, Mendocino County to the south, and Shasta and Tehama Counties to the east. Nearly 80% of the County is covered by forest. There are no incorporated cities in the county. Weaverville is the county seat.
Determination:
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
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 revisions in the project (mitigation measures) have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find 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 a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 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. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 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, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
______Frank Lynch, Senior Planner / Date
for: Richard Tippett, Planning Director
TrinityCounty Planning Department
IV.
Environmental Checklist and Explanatory Notes
I.AESTHETICS Would the project: / Potentially Significant / Less Than Significant With Mitigation / Less Than Significant / No Impacta)Have an adverse effect on a scenic vista?
b)Damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
c)Degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?
d)Create a new source of light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
I. No impact
There will be no impacts on aesthetics through implementation of the Housing Element. The analysis provided demonstrates that there is sufficient vacant lands to meet housing needs. Any changes that may result will not change the character of the community. Any effect this element might have on a future project for housing will be reviewed for aesthetics and mitigated during project review. This element will not create projects in scenic areas that would not have already allowed the development. If zoning were to be changed on a parcel that was scenic, thus allowing development that might mar the aesthetics, CEQA review would be triggered as part of the entitlement process.
II.AGRICULTURE 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 prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: / Potentially Significant / Less Than Significant With Mitigation / Less Than Significant / No Impacta)Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance, as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program in the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
b)Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for timber production (TPZ)?
d) Involve other changes in the existing environment that, due to their location or nature, could individually or cumulatively result in loss of Farmland, to non-agriculturaluse?
II. No impact.
The Housing Element will have no effect on Agriculture lands or Timber Production zoned lands. The Housing Element will not cause changes to the residential allowances on these lands.. No programs are contained within the element calling for cancellation of the contracts on these lands.
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: / Potentially Significant / Less Than Significant With Mitigation / Less Than Significant / No Impacta)Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
b)Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation?
c)Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d)Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
e)Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?
f)Otherwise degrade the atmospheric environment?
g)Substantially alter air movement, moisture, temperature or other aspects of climate?
III. No impact.
Housing issues associated with this project will not affect air quality. The proposed project demonstrates current housing conditions within the county, and proposes programs for addressing current and future housing needs. The element itself will not implement any development which may cause an air quality concern. There is no potential for significant impact.
IV.BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the project: / Potentially Significant / Less Than Significant With Mitigation / Less Than Significant / No Impacta)Have an 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?
b)Have an adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
c)Have an adverse effect on Corps of Engineers jurisdictional wetlands either individually or in combination with the known or probable effects of other activities through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
d)Interfere with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of wildlife nursery sites?
e)Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
f)Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Conservation Community Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
g)Otherwise degrade the biotic environment?
IV. No impact.
The Housing Element will not directly or signifcantly effect the environment. The goals and standards incorporated into the document are designed to address and point out the housing needs of the county. Any effect on biological resources resulting from a future project for housing will be reviewed and mitigated during project review.
V.CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project: / Potentially Significant / Less Than Significant With Mitigation / Less Than Significant / No Impacta)Cause an adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, as defined in Section 15064.5?
b)Cause an adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource, pursuant to Section 15064.5?
c)Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
d)Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
V. No impact.
There will be no impact to any cultural resources as a result of this project. Any effect on cultural resources resulting from a future housing project is addressed by existing requiements of disclosure via the discovery provisions of existing law and would be reviewed and mitigated during project review.
VI.GEOLOGY AND SOILS Would the project: / Potentially Significant / Less Than Significant With Mitigation / Less Than Significant / No Impacta)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 Publication 42.
ii)Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii)Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?
iv)Landslides?
b)Result in soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
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 soil, as defined in Table 18-1B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating 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?
VI. No impact.
This project, adoption of the Housing Element, will not have an effect on geology or soils. As each new housing project is proposed, they are individually assessed for impacts as part of the general construction req;uirements under the California Buidling Codes. This document is not a proposal for any partciular development. It is a general document addressing existing housing and future housing needs for the population of the county.
VII.HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALSWould the project: / Potentially Significant / Less Than Significant With Mitigation / Less Than Significant / No Impact
a)Create a hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b)Create a hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
c)Have 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 that 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 the environment?
e) Be located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, and consequently result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
f) Be located within the vicinity of a private airstrip, and consequently 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 the risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
VII. No impact.
The updated Housing Element will have no effect on the hazards mentioned in this section. There is no potential for significant impact. New housing projects proposed in areas considered high-risk for wildfire or hazardous materials will be subject to project-specific review just as any standard project. Projects located within airport safety zones identified in the County’s Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans are subject to review by the Airport Land Use Commission, where specific safety standards will be applied.
- HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
a)Violate any applicable water quality standards or waste discharge requirements?
b)Deplete groundwater supplies or interfere with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level that would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?
c)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 that would result in erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d)Alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner that would result in flooding on- or off-site?
e)Create or contribute runoff water that would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide additional sources of polluted runoff?
f) Place housing within a 100-year floodplain, as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map?
g)Place within a 100-year floodplain structures that would impede or redirect flood flows?
h)Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving: 1) flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam, or 2) inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
i)Otherwise degrade water quality?
j)Change the amount of surface water in a water body?
k)Change currents or the course or direction of water movements?
VIII. No impact.
There will be no effects on water, drainage or bodies of water from this project. There is no potential for significant impact. Housing projects proposed within the 100-year floodplain will be regulated by the County’s Floodplain Ordinance, subject to a Floodplain Development Permit.
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 communities’ conservation plan?
IX. No impact.
The project was reviewed for consistency with the other existing elements of the General Plan. There are no conflicts with any of those elements. The project will not physically divide a community or conflict with any conservation plan. The Plan does not add any additional areas for housing expansion, relying instead on the existing land use and residential land areas of the Land Use Element. The proposed project will create a framework for addressing housing needs of the county.
X.MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES Would the project: / Potentially Significant / Less Than Significant With Mitigation / Less Than Significant / No Impacta)Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state?
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?
c)Result in the use of energy or non-renewable resources in a wasteful or inefficient manner?
X. No impact.