2014-060 - Adopting Findings Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act

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Sexltnger Farmhouse and Orchard Residential Development Project CEQA Findings development of the project site would not impact views from large nearby freeways, including I -5, SR -55, or SR -22. (EIR, p. 5 -2, 5 -3, 5 -4.) Further, the existing residential structure, and approximately 10 existing orange grove trees would remain in place, providing a continuity of views from before and after the project. The existing structure would be rehabilitated in a manner that maintains the existing architectural character of the site. (January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 4.) B. AIR QUALITY 1. Impact: Would the Project 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? Finding: Less Than Significant. (EIR, p. 5 -10, Table 5 -2.) Analysis: SCAQMD has established thresholds for VOC, NOX, CO, SOX, PM10, PM2.5 and CO2. (EIR, p. 5 -10.) Construction of the proposed project would not violate the regional significance thresholds for these pollutants. (EIR, Table 5 -2.) While the Draft EIR analyzed a project consisting of 24 new single family residences, the project as approved would consist of only 22 new single family residences. As the Draft EIR found no significant impact, it stands to reason that the reduced intensity from 24 to 22 new residential units would also have less than significant impacts. As a result, this impact is less than significant. (January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 4.) 2. Impact: Would the Project create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Finding: Less Than Significant. (EIR, p. 5 -12, 5 -13.) Analysis: The project proposes residential uses. The project does not propose any use that is typically associated with odors. Therefore, this impact is considered less than significant. (EIR, p. 5 -12, 5 -13.) C. CULTURAL RESOURCES 1, Impact: Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines section 15064.5, and by the City of Santa Ana requirements? Finding: Less Than Significant. (January 2014 EIR. Attachment, p. 6.) Analysis: The project site is listed in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Places as of June 4, 2012, and therefore is considered a historical resource for purposes of CEQA. (January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 5.) Development of the project, as now proposed, would preserve in place the existing residence, garage, and a number of orange grove trees located on Lot 1. However, the project would cause the extant landscape to undergo a substantial change as the majority of the orange trees of the project site would be removed, While dead or dying trees would be removed from Lot 1 if required, these 11 "Exhibit A"