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5.0 Environmental Analysis 5.2 Biological Resources Avion Project SEIR Page 5.2-8 5.2.3.3 Multi-Habitat Planning Area One of the primary objectives of the MSCP is to identify and maintain a preserve system which allows for animals and plants to exist at both the local and regional levels. The MSCP has identified large blocks of native habitat having the ability to support a diversity of plant and animal life known as “core biological resource areas.” “Linkages” between these core areas provide for wildlife movement. These lands have been determined to provide the necessary habitat quality, quantity, and connectivity to sustain the unique biodiversity of the San Diego region. Input from responsible agencies and other interested participants resulted in creation of the City’s Multi-Habitat Planning Area (MHPA). The MHPA is the area within which the permanent MSCP preserve would be assembled and managed for its biological resources. In accordance with the MSCP, for parcels located outside the MHPA: there is no limit on encroachments into sensitive biological resources, with the exception of wetlands and listed non-covered species’ habitat [which are regulated by federal and state agencies and narrow endemic species as described below] … impacts to sensitive biological resources must be assessed, and mitigation, where necessary, must be provided in conformance with Section III of [the City’s Biological Guidelines]. (City of San Diego 2012) To address the integrity of the MHPA, guidelines were developed to manage land uses adjacent to the MHPA. The adjacency guidelines are intended to be addressed on a project-by-project basis either in the planning or management stage. These guidelines address the issues of drainage, toxics, lighting, noise, invasives, brush management, access to MHPA, and grading/land development. As shown in Table 5.2-2, 18.97 acres of the project is site is currently located within the MHPA. 5.2.3.4 Land Development Code/Environmentally Sensitive Lands On December 9, 1997, the Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) Regulations were adopted by ordinance as a part of the Land Development Code (LDC). The purpose of the ESL Regulations is to protect and preserve environmentally sensitive lands (e.g., sensitive biological resources, steep hillsides, coastal beaches, sensitive coastal bluffs, and special flood hazard areas), along with the viability of the species supported by those lands. The regulations are intended to assure that development occurs in a manner that protects the overall quality of the resources and the natural and topographic character of the area. The ESL defines “sensitive biological resources” as those lands included within the MHPA as identified in the MSCP Subarea Plan, and other lands outside of the MHPA that contain: wetlands; vegetation communities classifiable as Tier I, II, IIIA or IIIB; habitat for rare, endangered or threatened species; or narrow endemic species. Per this definition, the entire project site, with the exception of 0.35 acres of disturbed land located outside the MHPA, qualifies as sensitive biological resources subject to ESL. 5.2.3.5 Land Development Manual/Biology Guidelines The Biology Guidelines aid in the implementation and interpretation of ESL Regulations. Also, Section III of these Guidelines (Biological Impact Analysis and Mitigation Procedures) also serves as