2020-065 - Adopting Environmental Findings of Fact

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The Warner Redhill Mixed -Use Project CEQA Findings of Fact Based on the existing amount of park and recreation facilities in the vicinity of the Project site, the recreation facilities that would be provided as part of the Project, and the number of residents all full capacity of the proposed Project, the Project is not anticipated to increase the use of existing parks and recreation facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. In addition, as listed Park and Recreation Regulatory Setting Section, the Santa Ana Municipal Code, Section 35-108 requires that residential development fees be paid for the acquisition, construction, and renovation of park and recreation facilities. Also, Sections 35-108 and 35-11 1 requires that any person adding residential units shall pay the park and recreation fees prior to the issuance of a building permit. The Municipal Code describes that park and recreation fees are for the purpose of preserving an appropriate balance between the demand by residents for use of park and recreational facilities and the availability of such park and recreational facilities. Thus, by payment of the required park fees, the Project would provide funding to offset any increased usage at other park and recreation facilities within Santa Ana. In addition, use of sports fields is largely by sports leagues that pay fees to the City for use of the facilities, which is used to fund maintenance and improvements related to use of the facilities. Any additional residents that are involved in sports leagues would provide this funding to reduce impacts. Overall, the proposed Project would not result in substantial physical deterioration of park and recreation facilities, and impacts would be less than significant. Impact Finding: The Project would not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment (Draft EIR at p. 5.13-7). Facts in Support of Findings: The project includes recreational facilities. The impacts of development of the recreational amenities are considered part of the impacts of the proposed Project as a whole and are analyzed throughout the various sections of the EIR. For example, activities such as excavation, grading, and construction as required for the park and recreational components of this Project are analyzed in the Draft EIR Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Noise, and Transportation Sections. In addition, while the Project would contribute park development fees pursuant to Municipal Code Sections 35-108, 35-1 10, and 35-111 to be used towards the future expansion or maintenance parks and recreational facilities, these fees are standard with every residential development, and the proposed Project would not require the construction or expansion of other recreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. As a result, impacts would be less than significant. M. Transportation Impact Finding: The Project would not conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b) (Final EIR 5.14, Transportation, at p. 5.14-31). Facts in Support of Findings: As described in the Final EIR, a direct Project impact would occur if the Project generates a VMT/SP above 15 percent below the Countywide Average. The Project related VMT/SP is 5.14 and the Countywide Average VMT/SP is 14.71. Thus, the VMT/SP of the Project is 35 percent of the Countywide Average VMT/SP; and the Project would not generate City of Santa Ana 35 May 2020