2014-069 - Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2014-01

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HARBOR BLVD. MIXED USE TRANSIT CORRIDOR PLAN FINAL FIR CITY OF SANTA ANA 5. Environmental Analysis NOISE ground vibration than heavier buildings. According to Caltrans's Transportation Related Eartbborne Vibration (2002), extreme care must be taken when sustained pile driving occurs within 25 feet of any building; the threshold at which there is a risk of architectural damage to normal houses with plastered walls and ceilings is 0.2 in /sec. 5.9.3 Existing Noise Environment The major source of noise in the study area is traffic on study area roads. Harbor Boulevard is a six lane divided roadway with posted speed limits of 45 miles per hour. Other major roads in the study area are the east west streets such as Westminster Avenue, Hazard Avenue, 5th Street, 1st Street, McFadden Avenue, and Gloxinia Avenue. Certain land uses are particularly sensitive to noise and vibration. These uses include residential, school, and open space /recreation areas where quiet environments are necessary for enjoyment, public health, and safety. Commercial and industrial uses are not considered noise- and vibration - sensitive uses. The project area currently contains roughly two million square feet of commercial uses distributed fairly evenly along the corridor. Existing commercial uses occur at both midblock locations and intersections and are dominated by auto service and sales, but also include grocery stores, service businesses, and restaurants. The project area contains 739 residential units, motels, a church, and a park. The residential areas are multifamily units west of Harbor between Westminster Avenue and Hazard Avenue, mobile homes west of Harbor Boulevard between 1st Street and McFadden Avenue, and single - family residential areas along Jackson Street and north of 5th Street. In addition to transportation related noise, nontransportation sources generate noise within the project area. Residential uses would generate noise from landscaping, maintenance activities, and air conditioning systems. Commercial uses would generate noise from heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems; auto sales and repair; car wash equipment; drive thin speakerphones; and other sources. Noise from stationary sources is regulated through the City's noise ordinance. 5.9.4 Thresholds of Significance According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on he environment if the project would result in: N -1 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. N -2 Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive gioundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. N -3 A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. October 2014 Page 5.9 -7