PC - Item 3A - Exhibit B - Addendum to the General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact ReportAddendum to the
Rosemead General Plan Update
Final Environmental Impact Report
Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay,
Municipal Code Amendment 19-02,
General Plan Amendment 19-03, and
Zone Change 19-03
LEAD AGENCY:
City of Rosemead
Community Development Department
8838 East Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, CA 91770 Contact:
Lily T. Valenzuela, Planning & Economic Development Manager
Annie Lao, Associate Planner
PREPARED BY:
Morse Planning Group
July 21, 2021
EXHIBIT "B"
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Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Table of Contents - i - July 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose and Scope ....................................................................................... 1
1.2 Environmental Procedures ............................................................................. 1 1.3 Incorporation by Reference ........................................................................... 3
2.0 Project Description ......................................................................................... 19
2.1 Project Location ........................................................................................... 19
2.2 General Plan and Zoning Designations ........................................................... 19
2.3 Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay Vision and Objectives ............................. 20 2.4 Project Components ..................................................................................... 21
2.5 Project Approvals......................................................................................... 26
3.0 Environmental Analysis .................................................................................. 31
3.1 Aesthetics ................................................................................................... 31
3.2 Air Quality ................................................................................................... 35 3.3 Biological Resources .................................................................................... 39
3.4 Geology and Soils ........................................................................................ 41
3.5 Hazards and Hazardous Materials .................................................................. 43
3.6 Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................................ 47
3.7 Land Use .................................................................................................... 51
3.8 Noise .......................................................................................................... 53
3.9 Population and Housing ............................................................................... 55
3.10 Public Services ............................................................................................ 59
3.11 Recreation .................................................................................................. 65
3.12 Transportation and Traffic ............................................................................ 67
3.13 Utilities and Service Systems ........................................................................ 79
4.0 Environmental Evaluation Personnel .............................................................. 83
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Table of Contents - ii - July 2021
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 Regional Location Map ................................................................................. 27
Exhibit 2 FCMU Overlay Map ...................................................................................... 28
Exhibit 3 FCMU-Corridor Overlay Zone Map ................................................................. 29
Exhibit 4 FCMU-Block Overlay Zone Map ..................................................................... 30
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Additional Growth Analyzed in General Plan Update EIR .................................. 14
Table 2-1 Existing & Proposed General Plan and Zoning Designations ............................. 25
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 1 - July 2021
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This document is an Addendum to the City of Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental
Impact Report (General Plan Update Final EIR, GPU Final EIR, GPU EIR) certified in 2008.
The GPU Final EIR and this Addendum serve as the environmental review for the project
components: 1) Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, 2) Municipal Code Amendment 19-02, 3)
General Plan Amendment 19-03, and 4) Zone Change 19-03, as required by the California Environmental Quality Act ([CEQA] [Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.]) and the CEQA
Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations Sections 15000-15387).
Pursuant to the provisions of CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, the City of Rosemead (City) is the
Lead Agency charged with deciding whether or not to approve 1) Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use
Overlay, 2) Municipal Code Amendment 19-02, 3) General Plan Amendment 19-03, and 4) Zone
Change 19-03 (proposed project, proposed modification, project).
This Addendum addresses the potential environmental impacts associated with the adoption of
the 1) Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, 2) Municipal Code Amendment 19-02, 3) General
Plan Amendment 19-03, and 4) Zone Change 19-03, which will be considered by the City during
the project’s review and approval process along with the prior CEQA documentation.
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES
Pursuant to CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, the City’s review of the Addendum focuses on the
potential environmental impacts associated with the project that might cause a change in the
conclusions of the certified GPU Final EIR, including changes in circumstances or new information
of substantial importance that would substantially change those conclusions.
Pursuant to CEQA Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, when an Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) has been certified or a negative declaration (ND) adopted for a project, no
subsequent or supplemental EIR or negative declaration shall be prepared for the project unless the lead agency determines that one or more of the following conditions are met:
Substantial project changes are proposed that will require major revisions of the previous
EIR or negative declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental
effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;
Substantial changes would occur with respect to the circumstances under which the
project is undertaken that require major revisions to the previous EIR or negative
declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a
substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects; or
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 2 - July 2021
New information of substantial importance that was not known and could not have been
known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified
or the negative declaration was adopted shows any of the following:
A. The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or negative declaration.
B. Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than
identified in the previous EIR.
C. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in
fact be feasible, and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the project proponent declines to adopt the mitigation measures
or alternatives.
D. Mitigation measures or alternatives that are considerably different from those
analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant
effects on the environment, but the project proponent declines to adopt the
mitigation measures or alternatives.
If some changes or additions to the previously-prepared EIR are necessary, but none of the
conditions specified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 are present, the lead agency shall prepare
an addendum (CEQA Guidelines Section 15164[a]).
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines, since none of the conditions specified in Section 15162
are present, the City has determined that an Addendum to the GPU Final EIR is the appropriate form of environmental review for the project. This Addendum reviews the proposed changes of
the project and any changes to the existing conditions that have occurred since the certification
of the GPU Final EIR. It also reviews new information of substantial importance related to
environmental impacts, mitigation measures and/or alternatives that was not known and could
not have been known with exercise of reasonable diligence at the time that the GPU Final EIR
was certified. It further examines whether, as a result of any changes or any new information, a
subsequent EIR or ND may be required. This examination includes an analysis of the provisions
of CEQA Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 and their applicability to the proposed
modifications.
An Addendum is appropriate if the minor technical changes or modifications do not result in any new significant impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant
impacts. The Addendum is not required to be circulated for public review; however, an Addendum
and the prior CEQA documentation are to be considered by the decision-making body prior to
making a decision on the project.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 3 - July 2021
1.3 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The following plans and environmental documents were used during preparation of this
Addendum and are incorporated by reference in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15148
and 15150:
City of Rosemead General Plan, October 2008, as Amended April 2010 and February 2018
City of Rosemead General Plan Update Program Environmental Impact Report, October 2008
These documents are available at the City of Rosemead Community Development Department,
8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California, 91770.
The General Plan is available on the City’s webpage:
General Plan Update
The General Plan Update Program Draft EIR is available on the City’s webpage:
http://www3.cityofrosemead.org:8081/weblink/0/edoc/266/Rosemead%20GP%20EIR%2011-
25-08.pdf
The General Plan Update Program Final EIR is available on the City’s webpage:
http://www3.cityofrosemead.org:8081/weblink/0/edoc/265/Certified%20EIR.pdf
1.3.1 ROSEMEAD GENERAL PLAN
On October 14, 2008, the City of Rosemead adopted a comprehensive update of its General Plan,
which included the following Elements: Land Use, Circulation, Resources Management, Public
Safety, and Noise (City Council Resolution No. 2008-66). Each element included topical issues,
goals, policies, and implementation actions.
On April 13, 2010, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2010-23 adopting General Plan
Amendment GPA 09-01, which: 1) designated four key areas (nodes) for mixed-use development
with limitations on both residential density and building heights, 2) created a new High Intensity
Commercial land use designation over two commercial areas, 3) modified the Circulation Element
to address the proposed land use changes, and 4) revised the Resource Management and Public
Safety Element to comply with Assembly Bill 162.
On February 13, 2018, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2018-05 approving General Plan
Amendment GPA 14-01 in conjunction with the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan (Specific Plan 14-
01). GPA 14-01 included the addition of the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan (GASP) land use
designation and a description of the specific plan to the Land Use Element, and the addition of
the GASP to Land Use Element Figure 2-1, Land Use Policy Map.
Following the General Plan Amendments noted above, the Land Use Element includes 13 land
use designations intended to provide a rational and ordered approach to land use development,
and the maintenance of public uses and public open spaces:
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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LDR: Low Density Residential
MDR: Medium Density Residential
HDR: High Density Residential
MRC: Mixed Use – Residential/Commercial
MHRC: Mixed Use – High Density Residential/Commercial
MIC: Mixed Use – Industrial/Commercial
C: Commercial
HIC: High Intensity Commercial
OLI: Office/Light Industrial
PF: Public Facilities
OS: Open Space/Natural Resources
CEM: Cemetery
GASP: Garvey Avenue Specific Plan
General Plan Vision
With the General Plan, the City seeks to:
Enhance the commercial areas along key corridors, and most specifically Garvey Avenue
and Valley Boulevard;
Create an economically viable downtown that blends retail, office, and residential uses in
a walkable, attractive setting;
Enhance parks and recreational space in underserved neighborhoods;
Accommodate the demand for quality mixed-use development that can contribute to commercial growth and enhance opportunities for higher-density residential
development;
Protect homeowner investments and the availability of well-maintained, relatively
affordable housing units;
Minimize the impact of traffic associated with growth within the San Gabriel Valley and
broader region.
Land Use Categories
The Land Use Element designates five major categories of land use: 1) residential, 2) commercial,
3) office/light industrial, 4) mixed-use, and 5) public facilities. The residential designation is further subdivided into three density ranges: Low, Medium, and High. To provide for a diversity
of mixed-use approaches, the Mixed Use designation includes three subcategories:
Residential/Commercial, High Density Residential/Commercial, and Industrial/Commercial.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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Residential
Three land use categories are established to accommodate a range of housing types and
densities. Preservation and enhancement of single-family residential neighborhoods is a key goal.
New development must be compatible with and complement established residential neighborhoods. In residential areas, in addition to the primary residential use, accessory
structures, group homes, religious and charitable organizations are permitted consistent with
State law and zoning ordinance requirements.
Low Density Residential: The Low Density Residential (LDR) land use category is characterized
by low-density residential neighborhoods consisting primarily of detached single-family dwellings
on individual lots. The minimum permitted density is 0 dwelling units per acre. The maximum permitted density is 7.0 dwelling units per acre. The typical population density is approximately
28 persons per acre.
Medium Density Residential: The Medium Density Residential (MDR) land use category allows for densities of up to 12 units per acre with a minimum of 0 dwelling units per acre. Housing types
within this density range include single-family detached homes on smaller lots, duplexes, and
attached units. The typical population density is approximately 34 persons per acre.
High Density Residential: The High Density Residential (HDR) category accommodates many
forms of attached housing – triplexes, fourplexes, apartments, and condominiums/townhouses –
and small-lot or clustered detached units. The maximum permitted density is 30 units per acre with a minimum of 0 dwelling units per acre, and the typical population density is 79 persons per
acre.
Commercial
Businesses in Rosemead’s commercial district provide important services to residents and
contribute substantially to the City’s tax revenue base. The three Commercial categories are
intended to support business activity and to provide incentives to property owners to improve
areas that function below their economic potential.
Commercial: The Commercial designation applies to retail and service commercial centers located along major arterials in the City: 1) Valley Boulevard west of Muscatel, 2) Valley Boulevard near
and east of Rosemead Boulevard, 3) Garvey Avenue between New Avenue and Charlotte Avenue,
4) San Gabriel Boulevard between Park Street and Newark Avenue, 5) just west of the Walnut
Grove and Garvey Avenue intersection, 6) along Rosemead Boulevard from Mission Drive to Valley
Boulevard, and 7) Del Mar Avenue from the I-10 freeway interchange to Garvey Avenue.
Permitted uses include a broad range of retail, office, and service uses that serve local and regional needs. Prohibited uses include warehousing, manufacturing, industrial uses, and similar
uses. The maximum permitted FAR is 0.35:1.
Overnight accommodations, such as hotels, may be developed up to maximum permitted FAR of
1.0:1 if their projects include higher design standards, the “required hotel amenities” and a
minimum of two “additional hotel amenities” as identified in General Plan Table 2-2. If a hotel
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 6 - July 2021
project does not meet the amenities in General Plan Table 2-2, they can only build up to 0.35:1
FAR.
Development approaches for Commercial designations include multi-story structures with
underground or structured parking. Where commercial development abuts residential neighborhoods, new projects must be designed with sensitivities to the residential uses in terms
of massing, siting of parking and loading facilities, and lighting.
High Intensity Commercial: The High Intensity Commercial designation consists of approximately
19.2 acres within the following two project areas:
The High Intensity Commercial Area 1.1 This area consists of 10 parcels of land totaling
approximately 15.6 acres, located on the north side Garvey Avenue between Del Mar Avenue and San Gabriel Avenue. This site is bounded by Garvey Avenue to the south,
Strathmore Avenue to the west, single-family residential land uses to the north, and
Paradise Trailer Park and Apartments to the east.
High Intensity Commercial Area 2. This area is located on the southeast corner of Valley Boulevard and Walnut Grove Avenue, includes three parcels totaling approximately 3.3
acres. Rubio Wash is located just south of site and a combination of commercial and
single-family residential land uses are located to the east.
The High Intensity Commercial provides up to 270,000 square feet of commercial retail and
restaurant-related uses. The plan envisions complimentary mix of land uses and building sizes as
identified in General Plan Table 2-3 and Table 2-4.
The minimum site area requirement within High Intensity Commercial Area 1 shall be 15 acres.
The minimum site area requirement within High Intensity Commercial Area 2 shall be 3 acres.
The mix of land uses and building sizes for each of the project areas are outlined in General Plan
Table 2-3 and Table 2-4.
Office/Light Industrial
The Office/Light Industrial (O/LI) designation applies to properties generally located at the north
and south edges of the City. This category provides suitable locations for manufacturing,
assembly, and limited food processing uses, as well as office buildings and business parks. Zoning regulations specify the uses permitted and performance standards for industrial uses. The
maximum permitted FAR is 0.5:1.
Mixed-Use
Rosemead has established three Mixed-Use categories to provide options for innovative
approaches to land use and development. These categories allow for a mix of land uses in the same building, on the same parcel of land, or side by side within the same area. Such
complementary use stimulates business activity, encourages pedestrian patronage, and provides
1 On February 13, 2018, the City approved the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan (GASP), which includes the entirety of
properties designated within High Intensity Commercial Area 1 area. Refer to GASP description later in this section under the heading Land Use Element Relationship to Garvey Avenue Specific Plan.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 7 - July 2021
a broader range of options to property owners to facilitate the preservation, re-use and
redevelopment of structures.
Mixed-Use Residential/Commercial: Generally mixed-use development performs best when it is
located near other mixed-use development. This configuration gives the residents more retail and office choices located and designed for pedestrian activity. Similarly, business may prefer to locate
near each other to gain the synergistic benefits of serving the same clientele. As such, the mixed-
use designations are located in such a manner to maximize or capitalize on that synergy.
The Mixed-Use Residential/Commercial category allows vertically or horizontally mixed
commercial, office, and residential uses, with an emphasis on retail uses along the ground floor.
Pedestrian connections among the uses, and as should be provided. The Mixed-Use designation will allow for mixed-use and commercial infill development. Further, parcels may be assembled
and consolidated to create larger, integrated development sites. All mixed-use projects are also
subject to review and compliance with the City’s adopted mixed-use design guidelines.
This designation applies to areas of Rosemead with historically less intensive commercial and
office development. The Mixed-Use Residential/Commercial category is located on Valley
Boulevard between Muscatel Avenue and Rosemead Boulevard, and on Garvey Avenue between
Charlotte Avenue and Walnut Grove Avenue. Residential densities are limited to a maximum of
25 to 30 units per acre. For stand-alone commercial use and integrated mixed-use projects, the
maximum permitted FAR is 1.6:1. The typical population density is approximately 119 persons
per acre.
Mixed-Use High Density Residential/Commercial: Similar to the Mixed-Use Residential/Commercial
category, the Mixed-Use High Density Residential/Commercial category permits vertically or
horizontally mixed-use commercial, office, and residential uses, but greater residential densities
are permitted and encouraged. Retail uses shall be emphasized along the ground floor of street
frontages, and pedestrian connections among the uses and surrounding neighborhoods should
be provided.
This designation applies to the eastern end of Valley Boulevard and south of Garvey Avenue, just
west of the eastern boundary. Residential densities are limited to a maximum of 36 to 60 units
per acre. For stand-alone commercial use and integrated mixed-use projects, the maximum permitted FAR is 2:1. The typical population density is approximately 191 persons per acre.
Mixed-Use Industrial/Commercial: The Mixed-Use Industrial/Commercial category accommodates
light industry, research and development, and office uses. The emphasis is on businesses that
provide career-oriented and trade jobs. Commercial uses should be limited to those that support
the primary industrial and office uses.
Areas designated for Mixed-Use Industrial/Commercial are limited to properties along San Gabriel
Boulevard south of Hellman Avenue to Park Street, along San Gabriel Boulevard south of the SCE
easement to Rush Street, and on Garvey Avenue from Walnut Grove to Muscatel Avenue (south
side of Garvey Avenue) or City limit (north side of Garvey Avenue). The maximum FAR is 2.5:1.
Site design shall take into consideration any adjacent residential neighborhoods with regard to
parking lot entrances, location of parking and loading facilities, building massing, and lighting.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 8 - July 2021
Public Facilities
The Public Facilities designation applies to those land uses that are operated and maintained for
public benefit. Public facilities include educational facilities, parks, utilities, and buildings or areas
that support government activities. This land use category also includes quasi-public uses such as private utilities easements, private schools, and institutional activities.
Open Space
Open Space /Natural Resources: This category applies to public properties set aside for diverse
recreational interests, including parks, baseball/soccer fields, and picnicking areas, as well as
open lands required for resource protection.
Cemetery: This category applies to the Savannah Memorial Park Cemetery (aka El Monte
Cemetery) property located along Valley Boulevard. Permitted uses are limited to those ordinarily
associated with a cemetery, as defined specifically in the zoning ordinance. Land Use Element Relationship to Garvey Avenue Specific Plan
The City adopted the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan in 2018. To create the Specific Plan vision, the
Community Development Department embarked a meaningful community engagement process
through community surveys, stakeholder interviews, and workshops. A five-person Ad Hoc
Committee drawn from the City Council, Planning Commission, Traffic Commission, and Beautification Committee provided oversight of the project’s development. The outcome of the
community engagement process created not only the vision, but also produced eight objectives.
Specific Plan Objectives:
1. Create a neighborhood “main street” that will serve as a focal point for the neighborhoods
surrounding Garvey Avenue.
2. Provide new opportunities for commercial and residential uses in mixed use settings.
3. Facilitate opportunities for catalytic developments that provide desired retail,
entertainment, and service businesses, employment opportunities, and support the local
community.
4. Provide for the gradual phasing out of industrial uses that create conflicts with the
surrounding neighborhoods.
5. Support design that contributes to enhancing the character of the City and Garvey Avenue
in particular.
6. Create “place making” public plazas, gathering spaces, parks, and parklets that serve as
focal points for the corridor.
7. Enrich the pedestrian and bicycle environment along Garvey Avenue through well-
designed and appropriately scaled paths and pleasing streetscapes.
8. Encourage investment, maintenance, and pride in the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan area.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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The Specific Plan is the City’s first, and its requirements for adoption include updating the General
Plan to eliminate inconsistencies between the two planning documents.
Land Use Element Goals
Single-Family Neighborhoods
Goal 1: Maintain stable and attractive single family residential neighborhoods.
Policy 1.1: Discourage the entitlement and construction of multiple-family units in
neighborhoods that are predominately single-family.
Policy 1.2: Provide guidelines and standards to ensure adequate buffering and screening
between lower density residential uses and adjacent higher density residential or non-residential uses to mitigate potential land use conflicts.
Commercial and Industrial Districts
Goal 2: Expanded opportunities for concentrated commercial and industrial uses that contribute
jobs and tax revenues to the community
Policy 2.1: Establish a well-balanced and carefully planned collection of signature retail
anchors, general retail outlets, casual to upscale restaurants, and upscale overnight
accommodations which can take advantage of the High Intensity Commercial designated sites’
accessibility to major roadway corridors.
Policy 2.2: Revitalize commercial strip corridors by creating attractive and dynamic pedestrian-
friendly activity nodes and commercial centers.
Policy 2.3: Encourage continued development of self-sustaining commercial uses within
centers located at strategic intersections.
Policy 2.4: Discourage further strip commercial development along major arterials.
Policy 2.5: Discourage the rezoning of commercial and industrial districts to residential uses.
Policy 2.6: Rigorously enforce property maintenance standards for commercial and industrial
properties.
Policy 2.7: Establish and apply architectural design review to additions, remodel of existing
buildings and new commercial and industrial development.
Policy 2.8: Encourage the reconfiguration and development of neighborhood shopping centers
by offering modified development standards, more intense floor-area ratios, and other tools.
Mixed-Use
Goal 3: Creation of vibrant, attractive mixed-use development
Policy 3.1: Encourage mixed-use development as a means of upgrading established uses and
developing vacant parcels along arterials and providing new commercial, residential, and
employment opportunities.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 10 - July 2021
Policy 3.2: Use the Mixed-Use High Density Residential/Commercial land use designation as a
vehicle to help strengthen and revitalize Rosemead’s central business district.
Policy 3.3: Provide adequate buffering between existing residential and commercial or light
industrial uses within designated Mixed-Use areas, as well as in adjacent areas.
Policy 3.4: Encourage pedestrian friendly commercial and residential planned developments wherever possible.
Policy 3.5: Promote lively and attractive ground-floor retail uses that will create public
revenues needed to provide for City services and the City’s tax base.
Economic Development and Revitalization
Goal 4: A financially healthy City that can meet residents’ desires for public services and facilities
Policy 4.1: Retain and attract commercial and industrial businesses that contribute positively
to the overall tax base.
Policy 4.2: Continue to attract industrial businesses that provide quality jobs for skilled
workers.
Policy 4.3: Exclude commercial and industrial activities that adversely impact the City and its
residents without providing corresponding benefits.
Goal 5: Targeted land use changes that improve housing and economic opportunities for residents
and businesses and achieve City fiscal and environmental objectives
Policy 5.1: Encourage revitalization of Garvey Avenue east of the SCE easement by promoting
mixed-use development that integrates commercial uses with higher-density multiple-family
residential uses.
Policy 5.2: Encourage revitalization of the San Gabriel Boulevard corridor south of Hellman
Avenue to Park Street and then again south of the SCE easement to Rush Street by promoting
mixed-use development that integrates light industrial and office/business park uses.
Policy 5.3: Preserve the established Central Business District along Valley Boulevard, and
establish opportunities for large commercial and residential mixed-use developments.
Policy 5.4: Establish a specific plan to create a “downtown” Rosemead between Walnut Grove
Avenue and Rosemead Boulevard.
Policy 5.5: Continue to support development of Rosemead Place as a commercial center,
placing emphasis on improved freeway access and visibility and high quality landscaping
design.
Policy 5.6: Require that future commercial projects adjacent to the San Bernardino Freeway,
south of Marshall Street, be developed in a manner that:
complements established commercial uses;
capitalizes on the high visibility provided by the adjacent freeway through high quality design and signage; and
incorporates the highest construction standards possible.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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Policy 5.7: Encourage development of high quality commercial or mixed-use center in the
vicinity of the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Temple City Boulevard.
1.4.2 ROSEMEAD GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT
Pursuant to CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, the City of Rosemead prepared an Environmental Impact Report to analyze the impacts of the General Plan Update. The GPU EIR analyzed the
environmental impacts caused directly or indirectly by development of all of the uses
contemplated within the General Plan Update, and identified mitigation measures for each
potentially significant impact.
On October 14, 2008, the City Council certified the Final Environmental Impact Report for the
General Plan Update, adopted environmental findings pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act, adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations for significant and unavoidable
impacts, and adopted a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
The GPU Final EIR was not challenged. Thus, per Public Resources Code Section 21167.2, the GPU Final EIR is conclusively presumed to comply with the provisions of CEQA and shall be valid
for purposes of its use by responsible agencies and the City, unless the provisions of Public
Resources Code Section 21166 are applicable. Initial Study/Notice of Preparation/Scoping Meeting
An Initial Study was prepared and determined that a number of topical questions resulted in no
impact or a less than significant impact, and as such were not analyzed further in the General
Plan Update EIR. Topics with no impact or a less than significant impact include:
Aesthetics
Agriculture
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Geology/Soils
Hazards & Hazardous Materials
Land Use Planning
Mineral Resources
The 30-day Notice of Preparation (NOP) comment period began on November 15, 2007 and
concluded on December 15, 2007. In addition, a scoping meeting for agency representatives and
the public was held on November 29, 2007 at the City of Rosemead.
2008 General Plan Update EIR Development Capacity
GPU Draft EIR Table 3-1 and the table in the GPU Final EIR Errata are provided below.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 12 - July 2021
GPU Draft EIR Table 3-1 indicates the “typical buildout” development and population estimates
for the year 2025. The GPU Draft EIR compares the “typical buildout” under the General Plan with
development that exists today in the City.
Per the GPU Final EIR Errata, the adopted General Plan land use and population buildout statistics
and land use map vary from those presented in the GPU Draft EIR and GPU Final EIR due to three
causes:
Edison right-of-way parcels’ designation is revised from public facilities to commercial as
a result of a technical correction;
Edison right-of-way parcels’ designation is revised from open space/natural resources to Public Facilities as a result of a technical correction; and
Three Nevada Avenue parcels’ designation is revised from Mixed Use: High Density
Residential to Low Density Residential as a result of Rosemead City Council direction.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 13 - July 2021
The anticipated environmental impacts as a result of these designation changes are negligible
and do not substantively alter the environment impact analyses, their conclusions, nor their
findings as discussed in the GPU Final EIR.
Additional Growth Analyzed in GPU EIR
The additional growth anticipated under the General Plan Update includes up to 6,047 dwelling
units; 7,310,000 square feet of commercial use; and a minimal net gain of office/industrial uses.
The GPU Draft EIR analyzed this aforementioned growth, which was not revised in the GPU Final
EIR or subsequent GP EIR Addendums.
A summary of the growth changes by land use is provided in Table 1-1, Additional Growth
Analyzed In General Plan Update EIR, was the basis for the environmental analysis in the GPU
EIR.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 14 - July 2021
TABLE 1-1
ADDITIONAL GROWTH ANALYZED IN GENERAL PLAN UPDATE EIR
General Plan Land Use General Plan Growth
Residential Non-Residential
Low Density Residential 831
Medium Density Residential (1,655)
High Density Residential (453)
Commercial (3,380,000)
High Intensity Commercial1
Office/Light Industrial2
Office (195,000)
Light Industrial (195,000)
Mixed Use - Residential/Commercial
Residential 1,769
Commercial 4,930,000
Mixed Use - High Density Residential/Commercial
Residential 5,555
Commercial 5,760,000
Mixed Use Industrial/Commercial
Industrial 195,000
Commercial 195,000
Public Facilities
Cemetery
Open Spaces/Natural Resources
TOTAL 6,047 7,310,000
Growth Breakdown by Use
Residential 6,047
Commercial 7,505,000
Office (195,000)
Light Industrial 0
Garvey Avenue Specific Plan (GASP) (892) (1,180,000)
TOTAL MINUS GASP 5,155 6,130,000
Source: General Plan Update Draft Environmental Impact Report, Appendix C, Air Quality Study, Table 1: City of Rosemead Existing and Proposed Land Uses
Notes:
1. In 2010, the High Intensity Commercial designation was added to the Land Use Element; Figure
2-2, Land Use Policy Map; and Table 2-1, Land Use Categories and Buildout Potential. The 2010 Addendum did not revise Final GP EIR Errata table (Land Use Population Estimates for General Plan Buildout) to include the High Intensity Commercial designation or any associated development.
2. The office and light industrial uses were analyzed separately in the Air Quality Study, not as a
combined designation/use.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 15 - July 2021
Topics Analyzed in GPU EIR
The GPU EIR analyzed the following topics:
Aesthetics
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Geology and Soils
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Hydrology and Water Quality
Land Use and Planning
Noise
Population and Housing
Public Services
Recreation
Transportation and Traffic
Utilities and Service Systems
Mitigation Measures were provided for Population and Housing (PH-1 and PH-2), Recreation (R-
1 and R-2), and Utilities and Services: Solid Waste (UT-1, UT-2, UT-3, and UT-4).
Significant Unavoidable Impacts
The GPU EIR identified significant unavoidable impacts for the following topics: Air Quality, Population and Housing, Recreation, Transportation, and Utilities and Service Systems: Solid
Waste, which are summarized below. The City Council adopted a Statement of Overriding
Considerations for the significant unavoidable impacts (City Council Resolution No. 2008-66).
Air Quality
With implementation of the identified General Plan Update policies and implementation measures,
short-term and long-term air quality impacts will be reduced. However, the degree to which these
measures will reduce emissions cannot be fully quantified. Cumulatively, emissions of all pollutant
levels will continue to exceed the SCAQMD threshold levels; although the cumulative emissions
of CO, VOG, and NOx are projected to decrease relative to current levels. Emissions of PM1 O and PM2.5 are projected to increase and continue to exceed the SCAQMD threshold criteria for
significance. Emissions of SOx are also expected to increase, but not significantly. Commission of
CO2 will also increase. Impacts associated with PM10 and PM2.5 emissions and cumulative
impacts are significant and unavoidable. GHG emissions will be reduced over the life of the
General Plan Update. Therefore, impacts related to GHG emissions will be less than significant.
Impacts to sensitive receptors will be less than significant. Given the extent of this General Plan
Update, impacts to air quality will be significant and unavoidable.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 16 - July 2021
Additional mitigation was considered to reduce impacts associated with emissions of particulate
matter, however they have been found to be infeasible to implement at this time due to the broad
scope of the General Plan Update. No mitigation has been included.
Population and Housing
The General Plan Update has the potential to result in a substantial population and housing unit
increase in comparison to population and housing growth projections at the local, sub-regional,
and regional levels.
Mitigation Measures PH-1 and PH-2 in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan are included
to assist with coordination with regional policy makers; however, the measures are not able to reduce the impacts to less than significant.
Recreation
Both the existing and proposed (2008) General Plans note that the National Parks and Recreation
Association (NPRA) recommends 2.5 acres of parkland per person and that the Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG) recommends 4 acres per person. The City currently provides
0.75 acres per person and therefore has not yet met its goal of one acre per 1,000 people. The
proposed General Plan update anticipates an increase in population and coupled with the lack of
available land within the City, the issue of providing parkland will be exacerbated. In order to
meet the goal of one acre of parkland per 1,000 residents, the City will need to acquire an additional 37.16 acres that can be used for public park and recreation purposes. The lack of
sufficient parks and recreation opportunities could result in the accelerated deterioration of
existing facilities due to potential overuse. Additionally, the lack of adequate, local recreational
facilities increases reliance on the facilities of other jurisdictions that in turn could result in
accelerated deterioration of those facilities as well. The lack of available park and recreation
facilities, therefore, is considered a significant project-level and cumulative impact.
Mitigation Measures R-1 and R-2 in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan are included to
assist with coordination with regional policy makers; however, the measures are not able to
reduce the impacts to less than significant.
Transportation
Implementation of the General Plan Update may result in a substantial increase in traffic in
relation to the existing traffic load and an individual or cumulative level of service condition that
exceeds standards established by the City. Regional traffic growth and increased development
intensities within the City will result in increased through traffic volumes on Rosemead streets.
While the Circulation Element includes policies and physical roadway and control improvements, that over time will improve service levels, the certainty and timing of such cannot be established.
Accordingly, the traffic impacts of General Plan development will be significant and unavoidable.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 17 - July 2021
While the General Plan Update has policies and programs that help minimize impacts, the
following impacts remain:
Walnut Grove Avenue at Mission Drive, (a.m. and p.m. peak hours)
Walnut Grove Avenue at Marshall Street. (a.m. and p.m. peak hours)
Rosemead Boulevard at Glendon Way (p.m. peak hour)
Del Mar Avenue at Hellman Avenue (a.m. peak hour)
New Avenue at Garvey Avenue (a.m. and p.m. peak hours)
Del Mar Avenue at Garvey Avenue (p.m. peak hour)
Walnut Grove Avenue at Garvey Avenue (a.m. and p.m. peak hours)
San Gabriel Boulevard at SR-60 westbound ramps (a.m. and p.m. peak hours)
The construction of new facilities and the acquisition of land will take a concentrated effort by both city staff and local decision makers. In 2008, there was no guarantee that new facilities will
be built. No feasible additional measures are available to further mitigate impacts at the analyzed
intersections.
Utilities and Service Systems: Solid Waste
Solid waste disposal is an issue of regional concern. Many programs are in place at local and
countywide levels to reduce waste generation and increase landfill capacity (at existing and
proposed new sites). The Chiquita Canyon and Puente Hills Landfills are the end destination of
the City of Rosemead's solid waste. Both of these landfills have enough capacity to accommodate
the City's existing and future needs. However, Chiquita Canyon is scheduled, to close in 2019 and Puente Hills in 2013. After their closures, waste must be taken to alternative sites.
Despite the continued efforts of the Los Angeles Area Integrated Waste Management Authority
to increase its diversion rates, technologies are not currently available to completely recycle,
destroy, or reuse all solid waste. Likewise, continued disposal of solid waste at landfills would
contribute to the eventual closure of existing landfills and any future landfill sites.
Although the amount of solid waste originating from Rosemead is very small relative to the
volumes accepted annually at each of the regional landfills, diminishing landfill space is a
significant regional issue, and cumulative impacts are considered significant.
2010 Addendum to General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report
The 2010 Addendum analyzed minor revisions to the following General Plan Elements: Introduction, Land Use, Circulation, Resource Management, and Public Safety. Revisions to the
Land Use Element included the addition of the High Intensity Commercial (HIC) designation and
inclusion of HIC in Figure 2-1, Land Use Policy Map, and Table 2-1, Land Use Categories and
Buildout Potential.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Introduction - 18 - July 2021
The Addendum reviewed all environmental topics analyzed in the 2008 General Plan EIR and
concluded that all impacts would be less than, similar to, or no worse than the level of impacts
identified in the 2008 General Plan EIR. The Addendum did note that revisions to land use
designations and the Land Use Policy Map have the potential to reduce 2008 buildout estimates
in General Plan Table 2-5, Land Use Estimates for General Plan Buildout, by 4,800 dwelling units, mostly through the reduction in allocations within the mixed-use category, and by 4,090,000 non-
residential square feet.
However, the Addendum did not modify the development capacity analyzed in the 2008 General
Plan Update Draft EIR; refer to previous discussion under 2008 General Plan Update EIR
Development Capacity.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 19 - July 2021
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
REGIONAL LOCATION
The City of Rosemead is located in the San Gabriel Valley in the eastern portion of Los Angeles
County. Rosemead is adjacent to the cities of Monterey Park and San Gabriel to the west, El
Monte to the east, South El Monte to the southeast, Temple City to the north, and Montebello to the south (refer to Exhibit 1, Regional Location Map).
Primary vehicle routes serving Rosemead include Interstate 10 Freeway (I-10), which bisects the
City, and State Route 60 (SR-60), which runs along the southern City boundary. Major roadways serving the City include Rosemead Boulevard (State Highway 19), Garvey Avenue, San Gabriel
Boulevard, and Valley Boulevard.
PROJECT LOCATION
The Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay (FCMU Overlay) is applicable to six separate geographic areas encompassing approximately 87 acres within the City of Rosemead (refer to Exhibit 2, FCMU
Overlay Map). These areas were selected based on their proximity to I-10 Freeway, location along
primary City corridors, and adjacency to public transit lines.
For the purposes of contextually and sensitively responding to the unique characteristic of these
six individual areas, different categorization areas have been established to inform development
approaches. These categorization areas include Corridor, Intersection, and Block, described in
more detail in Section 2.4.1.
2.2 GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING DESIGNATIONS
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATIONS
FCMU-Corridor
There are three sites within the proposed FCMU-Corridor (FCMU-C) Overlay zone area. The
existing General Plan designations include Medium Density Residential, Mixed-Use: High Density
Residential/Commercial, Mixed-Use: High Density Industrial/Commercial, Commercial, and Public Facilities.
FCMU-Block
There are three sites within the proposed FCMU-Block (FCMU-B) Overlay zone area. The existing
General Plan designations include Commercial and Mixed-Use High Density Residential
Commercial.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 20 - July 2021
ZONING DESIGNATIONS
FCMU-Corridor
There are three sites within the proposed FCMU-C Overlay zone area. The existing Zoning
designations include Light Multiple Residential (R-2), Medium Multiple Residential (R-3), Medium
Commercial (C-3), and Medium Commercial (C-3) with a Design Overlay (D-O), and Planned Development (P-D).
FCMU-Block
There are three sites within the proposed FCMU-B Overlay zone area. The existing Zoning
designations include C-3 with a D-O and P-D, C-3 with a D-O, Residential/Commercial Mixed-Use
Overlay (RC-MUDO) with a D-O, Regional Commercial (C-4) with a D-O, and P-D.
2.3 FREEWAY CORRIDOR MIXED-USE OVERLAY VISION AND
OBJECTIVES
The FCMU Overlay is intended to provide new opportunities for housing, economic revitalization,
and attractive placemaking at strategic locations along primary City corridors that are in general proximity to the I-10 Freeway. These areas have the potential to create attractive gateways into
the City, while also contributing to a more cohesive community aesthetic and development pattern
for a more livable Rosemead.
The FCMU Overlay establishes land use and urban design direction that will attract private
investment to promote contextually appropriate mixed-use and residential development in
targeted areas of the City. The FCMU Overlay also identifies public and private realm improvements that will further enhance the aesthetic and character of these areas.
VISION AND OBJECTIVES
Following are the vision and objectives established for new development and public realm
improvements for specific areas of Del Mar Avenue, San Gabriel Boulevard, Walnut Grove Avenue,
Rosemead Boulevard, Valley Boulevard, and Temple City Boulevard.
The vision for the FCMU Overlay is described as follows:
“The Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay areas are unique neighborhood,
community, and regional focal points, representative of local context and
character while providing a variety of opportunities for residents, business, and
visitors alike.”
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 21 - July 2021
Key objectives of the FCMU Overlay are to:
Provide attractive gateway developments at key locations along Interstate 10 Freeway.
Create opportunities for new mixed-use and standalone housing types and options at
varying income levels.
Encourage mixed-use commercial and residential developments that will serve as catalysts for new economic activity with services and employment that support the local community.
Establish development and design standards that contribute to community character and
quality building designs.
Enhance the public realm to provide an improved pedestrian environment and foster a
greater sense of place.
Promote reinvestment and redevelopment in the identified areas of the community.
2.4 PROJECT COMPONENTS
The project includes the following components: 1) Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, 2)
Municipal Code Amendment 19-02, 3) General Plan Amendment 19-03, and 4) Zone Change 19-
03. 2.4.1 FREEWAY CORRIDOR MIXED-USE OVERLAY
The Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay document includes the following chapters and
appendices:
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Chapter 2 – Land Use, Development Standards, and Allowable Uses
Chapter 3 – Urban Design
Chapter 4 – Infrastructure and Public Utilities and Services
Chapter 5 – Administration and Implementation
Appendices
1. General Plan Text Modifications
2. Revised City General Plan Land Use Map with Mixed-Use Designations
3. Zoning Code Text Modifications
4. Revised City Zoning Map with addition of FCMU Overlay
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 22 - July 2021
CATEGORIZATION AREAS
For the purposes of contextually and sensitively responding to the unique characteristic of the six
individual areas, different categorization areas have been established to inform development approaches. These categorization areas (zones) include Corridor and Block.
FCMU-Corridor
The FCMU-C Overlay zone is intended to allow for appropriately scaled and context-sensitive
mixed-use, live/work, and standalone residential developments. Located south of the I-10 Freeway, the FCMU-C zone is envisioned to provide local neighborhood and community-serving
commercial, retail, service, and office uses in a mixed-use setting. Enhanced landscaping,
streetscape amenities, and wide sidewalks provide a walkable and enjoyable pedestrian
environment. This designation is applied to segments of Del Mar Avenue, San Gabriel Boulevard,
and Walnut Grove Avenue, as identified below and shown on Exhibit 3, FCMU-Corridor Overlay
Zone Map.
Locations
Del Mar Avenue – Located south of the I-10 Freeway, along Del Mar Avenue, application begins
just north of Hellman Avenue and continues south to the boundary of the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan, just north of Garvey Avenue. It largely contains parcels fronting directly onto Del Mar
Avenue, with a few additional parcels extending beyond the immediate street fronting parcels.
San Gabriel Boulevard – Located south of the I-10 Freeway, along San Gabriel Boulevard,
application begins just north of Hellman Avenue and continues south to the boundary of the
Garvey Avenue Specific Plan, just north of Garvey Avenue. It largely contains parcels fronting
directly onto San Gabriel Boulevard, with a few additional parcels extending beyond the immediate street fronting parcels.
Walnut Grove Avenue – Located south of the I-10 Freeway, along Walnut Grove Avenue,
application includes the existing commercial center located at the southwest corner of the Walnut Grove Avenue and Hellman Avenue intersection.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 23 - July 2021
FCMU-Block
The FCMU-B Overlay zone is intended to allow for the highest activity and intensity of residential
and non-residential uses. Located directly adjacent to the I-10 Freeway and along other primary corridors, the FCMU-B zone is envisioned to provide a strong entry presence into the City and
along primary corridors, allowing mixed-use developments with community and regional serving
commercial, retail, office, and other complementary uses while also providing a variety of new
housing opportunities within the City. Public realm enhancements provide for wide sidewalks,
street trees, street furnishings, and other amenities to accentuate and enliven the pedestrian
environment. This designation is applied to properties along Rosemead Boulevard, as identified
below and shown on Exhibit 4, FCMU-Block Overlay Zone Map.
Locations
Rosemead Boulevard – Located along Rosemead Boulevard, application begins just north of I-10 Freeway and continues north to Marshall Street. It contains the prominent Rosemead Place
Shopping Center, as well as parcels to the west of Rosemead Boulevard.
Valley Boulevard – Located north of the I-10 Freeway, along Valley Boulevard, application includes
parcels at the intersection of and fronting directly onto Valley Boulevard and Walnut Grove
Avenue.
Temple City Boulevard – Located north of the I-10 Freeway, along Temple City Boulevard,
application includes parcels located to the northeast of the Temple City Boulevard and Valley
Boulevard intersection and terminating at Abilene Street to the north.
PERMITTED USES
FCMU Overlay Table 2-1 identifies allowable land uses for individual properties based upon their location and applicable FCMU Overlay zone (FCMU-C, or FCMU-B), as detailed in FCMU Overlay
Section 2.4, Permitted Uses.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
FCMU Overlay Tables 2-2 through 2-5 apply to individual properties based on their location and applicable FCMU Overlay zone (FCMU-C, or FCMU-B), as detailed in FCMU Overlay Section 2.5,
Development Standards. The standards include:
Minimum lot size
Maximum Density
Maximum Floor Area Ratio
Land Use Mix Requirement for
Mixed-Use
Maximum Height
Ground Floor
o Minimum Height
o Minimum Glazing
Minimum Open Space
Minimum Landscaping
Setbacks
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 24 - July 2021
DESIGN STANDARDS
FCMU Overlay Section 2.6 identifies site and building standards, that apply to all properties within
the FCMU Overlay, summarized below.
Site Design Building Design
Access and Parking
Open Space
Landscaping
Walls and Fencing
Lighting
Trash and Loading
Mechanical Equipment, Loading Zones,
and Service Area Screening
Noise
Signs
Good Neighbor
Land Use Mix
Massing
Articulation
Roofs
Windows and Doors
Entrances
On-Site Facilities
Encroachments
COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAM
FCMU Overlay Section 2.7, Community Benefits Program, provides optional opportunities for
increased development intensity concurrent with the delivery of public improvements or other
community benefits to satisfy the increased demand for public amenities that come with mixed-
use developments. The FCMU Overlay Community Benefits Program is applicable to all properties
within the FCMU Overlay.
BY RIGHT USES
The FCMU Overlay includes development standards for each zone detailing the permitted floor
area ratio and dwelling units per acre allowed by right, where appropriate. By right development
is not subject to the City’s discretionary review process and is exempt from the requirements of
the California Environmental Quality Act. As such, qualifying projects will undergo a ministerial
review process by the City.
APPLICATION
The FCMU Overlay is an overlay tool that is voluntary in nature, meaning that the underlying base
zoning designation for an individual property where the FCMU Overlay applies will remain in place.
At the property owner’s discretion, a property may be developed under the existing base zoning
designation or elect to apply the FCMU Overlay designation to guide the development of their property. For more information on development process and procedures, refer to FCMU Overlay
Chapter 6 – Administration and Implementation.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 25 - July 2021
2.4.2 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE
As required by State law, municipalities are mandated to ensure their General Plan Land Use
designations and Zoning designations are consistent with one another to allow for orderly development. As part of the FCMU Overlay effort, modifications to relevant properties’ General
Plan Land Use designations will be required to ensure consistency with the existing Zoning
designations, while also allowing for property owner discretion of applying the FCMU Overlay.
Refer to Table 2-1, Existing and Proposed General Plan and Zoning Designations. TABLE 2-1
EXISTING AND PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING DESIGNATIONS
FCMU Overlay Geographic Area
Land Area (Acres)
FCMU Overlay Zone Categorization
Existing General Plan Designation(s) Proposed General Plan Designation Existing Zoning Designation(s) Proposed Zoning
Del Mar Avenue 18.00 FCMU-C
Mixed-Use: High Density
Residential/Commercial
Commercial
Public Facilities
Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Commercial Base Zoning No Change
San Gabriel Boulevard 14.00 FCMU-C
Mixed-Use: Industrial//Commercial
Commercial
Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Commercial Base Zoning No Change
Walnut Grove Avenue 0.61 FCMU-C Medium Density Residential
Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Commercial Base Zoning No Change
Valley Boulevard 9.30 FCMU-B
Commercial
High Intensity Commercial
Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Commercial Base Zoning No Change
Temple City
Boulevard 7.62 FCMU-B Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Commercial No Change Residential/ Commercial Mixed-Use Overlay
Freeway Corridor
Mixed-Use Overlay
Rosemead
Boulevard
10.59 FCMU-B Commercial Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Commercial Base Zoning No Change
TOTAL 60.12
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 26 - July 2021
General Plan Amendment 19-03
For the FCMU-C and FCMU-B zones, relevant properties will be revised to the Mixed-Use: High
Density Residential/Commercial land use designation along Del Mar Avenue, San Gabriel Boulevard, Walnut Grove Avenue, Valley Boulevard, and Rosemead Boulevard. The existing
Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Commercial land use designation applied to the Temple City
Boulevard area will remain going forward. The General Plan Amendment includes modifications
to General Plan text and revisions to the General Plan Land Use Map with Mixed-Use Designations
(Refer to FCMU Overlay Appendices 1 and 2).
Zone Change 19-03
While no base Zoning designations are proposed to be modified as part of this FCMU Overlay
effort, the existing Residential/Commercial Mixed-Use Overlay applied to the Intersection area at
Temple City Boulevard will be replaced by the FCMU Overlay to minimize redundancies.
The Zone Change includes adding the FCMU Overlay regulations to the City’s Zoning Code for
integration with adopted ordinances affecting development in the City, and revising the Zoning Map to add the FCMU Overlay (Refer to FCMU Overlay Appendices 3 and 4).
2.4.3 MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 19-02
Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay
The City is proposing the following amendments to Rosemead Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning)
relative to the FCMU Overlay by adding:
Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use (FCMU) Overlay Zone Purpose to 17.28.010.D-Purpose of Chapter 17.28, and
Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use (FCMU) Overlay Zone to 17.28.040 of Chapter 17.28.
2.5 PROJECT APPROVALS
The City of Rosemead is the Applicant.
The project requires the following City of Rosemead legislative/discretionary approvals:
Municipal Code Amendment 19-02
General Plan Amendment 19-03
Zone Change 19-03
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 27 - July 2021
Exhibit 1 Regional Location Map
Source: City of Rosemead General Plan Update Draft EIR (July 2008)
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 28 - July 2021
Exhibit 2 FCMU Overlay Map
Source: RRM Design Group (July 2021)
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 29 - July 2021
Exhibit 3 FCMU-Corridor Overlay Zone Map
Source: RRM Design Group (July 2021)
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Project Description - 30 - July 2021
Exhibit 4 FCMU-Block Overlay Zone Map
Source: RRM Design Group (July 2021)
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 31 - July 2021
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3.1 AESTHETICS
Prior Environmental Findings
Scenic Vistas
A scenic vista is a view of an area that is visually or aesthetically pleasing. The primary
scenic vistas in Rosemead are of the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance to the north and of the Whittier Narrows Golf Course and the La Puente Hills to the south. These vistas are
not singularly spectacular, but they are a part of the Rosemead visual experience in a
number of areas.
The General Plan Update allows for mixed-use development with increased residential
densities along the City’s major corridors, particularly along Garvey Avenue and Valley
Boulevard, where the 1987 General Plan allows for commercial development with some
light-industrial/commercial mixed-use at a maximum Floor Area Ratio of 1:1. In practice,
such an FAR means a likely building height of four to five stories.
The General Plan Update allows for mixed-use development at a maximum of 45 dwelling
units per acre, which in practice generally results in at least a four-story building. Therefore,
the built environment under either scenario, the 1987 General Plan or the General Plan
Update, would ultimately result in 4- to 5-story buildings, which could result in buildings
substantially taller (2 to 3 stories taller) than what is built today. However, recently approved
developments and buildings currently under construction are similarly taller than their
surroundings. Thereby, the character of the corridors is currently in transition from one-
two-story to four or more stories.
In addition, views of the San Gabriel Mountains from properties located adjacent to or
nearby the major arterials (the primary locations of taller dwellings) may be blocked or
altered.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts to be less than significant.
State Scenic Highways
There are no state scenic highways in Rosemead. The GPU EIR concluded no impact.
Degradation of Visual Character
The mixed-use buildings under the General Plan Update have the potential to be taller than
the existing buildings along the major arterials. However, the General Plan Update would
not allow building envelopes that are significantly different from what is currently allowed
under the 1987 General Plan. While there will be a character change, development always
has the possibility of degrading as well as enhancing the visual character of a city. The
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 32 - July 2021
General Plan Update puts forth policies that ensure the visual character quality of each
project meets the standards of the community.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts to be less than significant.
Light or Glare
There is the potential for light and glare from taller mixed-use and commercial buildings to
occur on properties immediately adjacent to the major arterials. While there is the potential,
the General Plan Update also includes policies and actions that will minimize the light and
glare intrusion. Furthermore, under the 1987, the potential for light and glare impacts from
taller buildings are similar that of the General Plan Update. However, the 1987 General Plan
does not contain the policies and actions that mitigate some of the impacts on the
surrounding land uses. The greater densities and intensities allowed by the General Plan Update will likely not increase the size of the buildings allowed by the 1987 General Plan.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts to be less than significant with implementation of General
Plan Update policies and actions.
Impact Analysis
Scenic Vistas
The General Plan Update allows for mixed-use development with increased residential
densities along the City’s major corridors, with building heights of four to five stories. The
project would not change the location where future development would occur, nor would it
increase the amount of future development anticipated to occur as analyzed in the GPU EIR.
The proposed FCMU Overlay would allow mixed-use developments by right in urbanized
areas of the City where residential, commercial, and mixed-use development has been
planned. Therefore, future development associated with implementation of the project could
affect scenic vistas in the City. However, impacts would be similar to that envisioned under
the General Plan Update and analyzed in the GPU EIR.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with applicable development standards and Municipal Code requirements, and
General Plan Land Use Element Policies 1.7, 1.8, 2.6, and Actions 1.3 - 1.7, 3.2, 3.7, 3.8,
5.1 - 5.2; and Resources Management Element Policies 1.2 - 1.5 and 2.1 - 2.7, and Actions
2.1 - 2.4. These policies, actions, and regulations ensure that scenic vista impacts remain
at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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State Scenic Highways
There are no state-designated scenic highways located within the City planning area. Therefore, future development associated with implementation of the project would not
impact any state-designated scenic highway. Impacts remain as no impact.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Degradation of Visual Character
The additional growth analyzed in the GPU EIR includes up to 6,047 dwelling units;
7,310,000 square feet of commercial use; and a minimal net gain of office/industrial uses
within the City by 2025, including within the proposed FCMU Overlay areas.
The General Plan Update Land Use Plan assumes that existing land use development
patterns would be the basis for future development, with an incremental intensification of
existing and new land uses, where future development would be scaled to complement
adjoining uses. Thus, the General Plan Update envisioned that future mixed-use
developments would be taller than existing buildings within mixed-use areas and along
major arterials; however, the building envelopes for these developments would not be significantly different than currently permitted by the City.
The proposed FCMU Overlay would allow mixed-use developments by right in urbanized
areas of the City where residential, commercial, and mixed-use development has been planned. Future development associated with implementation of the project would be similar
to that envisioned under the General Plan Update and would be consistent with the City’s
urban/suburban visual character.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with General Plan Land Use Element Policies 1.7, 1.8, 2.6, and Actions 1.3 - 1.7, 3.2,
3.7, 3.8, 5.1 - 5.2; and Resources Management Element Policies 1.2 - 1.5 and 2.1 - 2.7, and
Actions 2.1 - 2.4 to ensure quality development that is consistent with the visual character of the City. Compliance with these General Plan policies and actions preserves and/or
enhances aesthetic resources throughout the City. In addition, future development
associated with implementation of the project would be required to comply with applicable
development standards and Municipal Code requirements. These policies, actions, and
regulations ensure that the City’s visual character is not degraded and that impacts remain
at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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Light or Glare
As noted previously under Degradation of Visual Character, the General Plan Update assumes that existing land use development patterns would be the basis for future
development, with an incremental intensification of existing and new land uses, where future
development would be scaled to complement adjoining uses.
Future development associated with implementation of the project is anticipated to occur
where development already occurs and where existing lighting is typical of urban uses.
Individual projects would be required to comply with applicable FMCU Overlay and Municipal
Code requirements addressing spillover light and glare.
Future development associated with implementation of the project has the potential to
create daytime glare impacts if highly reflective building materials are installed, as well as
nighttime lighting impacts from lighted signs, nighttime security lighting, streetlights, and
vehicle headlights. Thus, future development associated with implementation of the project
would be to comply with applicable development standards and Municipal Code
requirements. These regulations ensure light and glare impacts on daytime and nighttime
views remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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3.2 AIR QUALITY
Prior Environmental Findings
Air Quality Standards and Cumulative Impacts
New development associated with implementation of the General Plan Update results in
pollutant emissions within an air basin that is currently identified as a Federal and State
non-attainment area. While pollutant loads are anticipated to decrease over time due to
improvements in vehicle emission systems and other technologies (with the exception of
respirable particular matter emissions), cumulative emissions will exceed daily thresholds established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Policies
contained within the General Plan Update reduce air quality impacts, but no other mitigation
measures were feasible.
Cumulatively, emissions of all pollutant levels will continue to exceed the SCAQMD threshold
levels, although the cumulative emissions of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC), and Nitrous Oxide (NOx) are projected to decrease relative to current levels. Emissions of Suspended Particulate Matter (PM10) and Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
are projected to increase and continue to exceed the SCAQMD threshold criteria for
significance. Emissions of Oxides of Sulfur (SOx) are also expected to increase, but not
significantly. Emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) will also increase. Impacts associated with PM10 and PM2.5 emissions and cumulative impacts are significant and unavoidable. Thus,
the GPU EIR concluded project and cumulative impacts will be significant and unavoidable,
despite the imposition of General Plan Update Land Use Element Actions 1.8 and 5.4 – 5.28;
Circulation Element Actions 2.7 – 2.12; and Resources Management Element Policies 4.4 –
4.6, and Actions 3.5, 3.6, and 4.8 – 4.16, which will have a qualitative and quantitative
effect in reducing emissions of criteria pollutants.
The GPU EIR concluded that compliance with air quality standards and cumulative air quality
impacts are significant and unavoidable despite the imposition of General Plan Update
policies and actions.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
With implementation of the General Plan Update, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions are expected to increase as a result of the increased land uses proposed and a
corresponding increase in the number of daily trips and vehicle miles traveled. Emissions of
nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), however, are expected to decrease as a result of
the implementation of more stringent vehicle emissions regulation by 2025.
A comparison of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases between existing conditions and those
under the General Plan Update reveals that implementation of the plan will result in a net
increase of approximately 612,200 metric tons per year of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas
emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions estimates are summarized in GPU EIR Table 4-11,
Total Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Metric Tons per Year (mtpy)
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Utilizing the GHG reductions from California Air Pollution Control Officers Association
(CAPCOA), an estimate of the amount of GHG emissions reduction based on the design
features of the General Plan Update was calculated and summarized in GPU EIR Table 4-12, GHG Emissions Reducing Design Features. GPU EIR Table 4-13 shows the estimated
GHG reductions by land use. GPU Update Table 4-12 and Table 4-13 indicate that the
General Plan Update is not anticipated to increase GHG emissions, and therefore, impacts
associated with increases in GHG emissions will be less than significant.
The GPU EIR concluded greenhouse gas emission impacts to be less than significant.
Sensitive Receptors
The General Plan Update has the potential to place sensitive receptors near freeways and
heavily traveled roadways. The density of some residential land use designations near the I-10 Freeway will increase as a result of the General Plan Update. Additionally, some
commercial designations will be converted to mixed-use designations near I-10; permitting
additional residential units where they would not have been permitted before. The General
Plan Update includes actions calling for the City to consult with the South Coast Air Quality
Management District when siting sensitive receptor uses near sources of air pollution
Compliance with these actions reduces the impacts to sensitive uses near freeways and
other high volume roadways to less than significant.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts to sensitive receptors to be less than significant.
Impact Analysis
The additional growth analyzed in the GPU EIR includes up to 6,047 dwelling units;
7,310,000 square feet of commercial use; and a minimal net gain of office/industrial uses
within the City by 2025, including within the proposed FCMU Overlay areas.
Air Quality Standards and Cumulative Impacts
Development associated with implementation of the General Plan Update, which assumed
growth Citywide, would generate construction and operation emissions that exceed the
thresholds of significance recommended by the SCAQMD for CO, VOC, NOX, SOX, PM10, and
PM2.5. Because the Basin is in nonattainment for PM2.5, PM10 and ozone, and because both
VOC and NOX are precursors of ozone, for which the Basin is also in nonattainment, the
General Plan Update would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to these
emissions.
No new sources of air pollutant emissions would result from future development associated
with implementation of the project; therefore, potential impacts would be no worse and no additional control measures would be warranted beyond than those identified in the General
Plan Update. Total traffic generated and vehicular emission for the project would be similar
to that estimated for the General Plan Update. Thus, air quality impacts would be similar to
the impacts identified in the GPU EIR.
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Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with General Plan Land Use Element Actions 1.8 and 5.4 – 5.28; Circulation Element
Actions 2.7 – 2.12; and Resources Management Element Policies 4.1 – 4.4, and Actions 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.7, and 4.13, development standards and all other applicable Municipal Code
requirements, and existing Federal and State laws and regulations.
The previously noted policies and actions, regulations, and laws ensure project impacts are reduced to the maximum extent feasible, and that impacts remain as significant and
unavoidable. Thus, the cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant
resulting from future development associated with implementation of the project would not
exceed any air emission impacts previously identified in the GPU EIR.
Therefore, future development associated with implementation of the project would not
result in new or more severe air quality standards compliance or cumulative impacts than
those analyzed in the GPU EIR; impacts remain significant and unavoidable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Construction activities produce combustion emissions from various sources such as site
grading, utility engines, on-site heavy-duty construction vehicles, equipment hauling
materials to and from the site, asphalt paving, and motor vehicles transporting the
construction crew. Operational activities in the City produce emissions from a variety of
sources including residential energy, non-residential energy, transportation, water, and
wastewater.
The City seeks to reduce GHG emissions and other environmental impacts of existing and
future land use development by increasing the viability of alternative transportation
methods, supporting the use of alternative fuels and fuel-efficient vehicles, promoting
renewable energy, supporting energy and water efficiency and conservation, and reducing waste generation.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
utilize all applicable emission reducing design features, including, but not limited to, those
referenced in GPU EIR Table 4-12, as well as to comply with all Federal, State, and City
regulations to ensure that impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions remain at or below
the levels previously identified in the GPU EIR; impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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Sensitive Receptors
Future development associated with implementation of the General Plan Update, which assumed growth Citywide, would potentially expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations. Future development associated with implementation of the project,
including sites in close proximity to I-10 or SR-60 would be required to comply with the most
current California Building Standards Code ASHRAE2 Standard 52.2 Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV). MERV standard compliance includes both the installation and
maintenance of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and air filters.
Thus, these impacts would be similar to the impacts identified in the GPU EIR.
In addition, future development associated with implementation of the project would be
required to comply with applicable General Plan Land Use Element Actions 1.8 and 5.4 –
5.28; Circulation Element Actions 2.7 – 2.12; and Resources Management Element Policies 4.1 – 4.4 , and Actions 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.17, and 4.13, development standards and all other
applicable Municipal Code requirements, and existing Federal and State laws and
regulations. Thus, the exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations
due to future development associated with implementation of the project would not exceed
any air emission impacts previously identified in the GPU EIR; impacts remain at less than
significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
2 ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerator, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
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3.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Prior Environmental Findings
The City is substantially built out and contains little natural habitat. Subsequent
environmental analysis will be conducted on a project level, if needed.
Special Status Species
The City of Rosemead is substantially built out. What open space exists in the City consists
of managed parks and scattered, small, disturbed vacant lots. Little habitat exists for any special status species to thrive in the City.
The GPU EIR identified three potential species with Critical Habitat: 1) coastal California
gnatcatcher, 2) least Bell’s vireo, and 3) southwestern willow flycatcher. The GPU EIR concluded there was no critical habitat for the three species, and as such, no impacts.
The GPU EIR identified two “Candidate” species for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA): 1) western yellow-billed cuckoo and 2) Brand’s star phacelia. The western yellow-
billed cuckoo is also listed as “Endangered” under the California Endangered Species Act
(CESA). The GPU EIR concluded their neither species would be impacted, as riparian
woodland habitat is not prevalent in the City for western yellow-billed cuckoo nor is sandy
habitat present in the City for Brand’s star phacelia; thus, no impacts.
The GPU EIR identified four faunal species: 1) pallid bat, 2) San Diego coast horned lizard,
3) southwestern pond turtle, and 4) western mastiff bat. In 2008, none of these species had
been officially listed by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), now referred
to as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), or the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS). However, these species were listed as Species of Special Concern by the CDFW.
The GPU EIR concluded no impacts for the San Diego coast horned lizard and southwestern
pond turtle, as there is no habitat in the City for the lizard nor is there suitable habitat in
the Alhambra Wash, Rubio Wash, or the Rio Hondo River for the turtle.
The GPU EIR concluded less than significant impacts for the pallid bat and western mastiff bat. The pallid bat is common throughout the western United States and northern Mexico,
while the western mastiff bat is not likely to occur within the City. Future development
associated with implementation of the General Plan Update could increase the potential for
both bats to roost in buildings within the City, but less than significant impacts to the bats
would occur.
The GPU EIR concluded no impacts for four floral species: 1) mesa horkelia, 2) Orcutt’s linanthus, 3) Parish’s gooseberry, and 4) southern mountains skullcap. None of these species
have been listed under the ESA or CESA. The City does not contain the appropriate habitat
to support mesa horkelia; suitable habit for Orcutt’s linanthus; suitable riparian habitat for
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Parish’s gooseberry, which is presumed to be extinct; or the lack of suitable habitat for
southern mountains skullcap.
Habitat and Wildlife Corridors
The City is substantially built out and contains little natural habitat. Riparian habitat is limited
due to the channelization of local streams. The City contains no wetlands as defined by the Clean Water Act. There are no wildlife corridors in the City due to urbanization. Streams that
run through the City are not utilized as migratory routes by fish. The City does not contain
any wildlife nursery sites. The limited riparian habitat may have some minor impacts;
however, any impacts will be less than significant.
Conservation Plans
The City has an adopted oak tree preservation ordinance. This ordinance sets provisions to
create favorable conditions for the preservation and propagation of oak trees due to their
historical, aesthetic, and ecological benefits. The General Plan Update does not include any
goals, policies, or implementation measures that will conflict with the implementation of this
ordinance.
The City is not located within the boundaries of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or
National Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). The City is not located within the boundaries
of any additional local or regional conservation plans. No impact will occur.
Impact Analysis
Due to the highly disturbed and/or urbanized nature of the City, there is little to no potential to support “special status” species identified by the Endangered Species Act. The City has
an adopted oak tree preservation ordinance that sets provisions to create favorable
conditions for the preservation and propagation of oak trees due to their historical, aesthetic,
and ecological benefits.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would result in no
impacts to “special status” species and less than significant impacts relative to compliance with the oak tree preservation ordinance, as applicable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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3.4 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Prior Environmental Findings
Rosemead is located in a seismically active area. Adoption of the General Plan Update and
any subsequent implementing ordinances, practices, or programs will not directly result in
any development activity. However, the General Plan Update Land Use Element establishes
land use policies that will allow for new development, some of which may occur in areas
subject to seismic and geologic hazards.
Several regional and local faults have the potential to create seismic events that could cause substantial groundshaking in Rosemead. The effect of an earthquake originating on any
given fault depends primarily on its distance from the City and the magnitude of the
earthquake. Groundshaking is expected to be similar throughout the Planning Area and is
not considered an unusual or unique risk. Per City and State building codes, (the City has
adopted the California Building Code as amended by the Los Angeles Building Code) all new
development will be required to incorporate appropriate design and construction measures
to guard against groundshaking hazards. Compliance with these existing seismic safety building standards will reduce potential groundshaking hazards to less than significant.
The Alhambra Wash Fault, the active fault located within the City boundaries that has the
potential for surface rupture, is shown in GPU EIR Figure 4-4. This fault is recognized by the
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone (APEFZ) Act as "sufficiently active" and "well defined."
Therefore, the City, before issuing building permits for a project (generally all land divisions
and most structures for human occupancy), is responsible for ensuring that a geologic
investigation is performed to demonstrate that proposed buildings will not be constructed
across active faults. The fault evaluation and written report for the specific site must be
prepared by a geologist registered in the State of California. If an active fault is found, a
structure for human occupancy cannot be placed over the trace of the fault and must be set back from the fault (generally, at least 50 feet).
In addition to the Alhambra Wash Fault, California Geological Survey studies and studies performed by J.A. Treiman have indicated the possibility that the City is crossed by other
active or potentially active faults that could pose earthquake and fault rupture hazards to
the City. As such, the General Plan Update designates 200-foot wide fault hazard
management zones (FHMZs) in these areas where studies have found the potential for faults. Within the fault hazard evaluation zones, the General Plan Update indicates that new
or significantly modified “important” facilities, which include hospitals and nursing homes,
public facilities, schools, and places of worship, must conduct special investigation on a case-
by-case basis for potential seismic and geologic hazards.
The GPU EIR concluded less than significant impacts due to compliance with the GPU Public
Safety Element goal, policies, and actions listed in GPU EIR Section 4.4, Geology and Soils.
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Impact Analysis
The entire region of Southern California is susceptible to primary and secondary seismic
impacts and effects. Several regional and local faults have the potential to create seismic
events that could cause substantial groundshaking in Rosemead. The City requires
geological and geotechnical investigations of all new development in seismic and geologic hazard areas.
Surface fault rupture is a serious threat to structures and infrastructure that span active
faults and to people residing and working in those areas. The City contains one active fault,
the Alhambra Wash Fault, which is recognized as an active fault under the Alquist-Priolo
Act. Other active faults exist within the region, but they are not located within the City, so
those faults do not pose surface fault rupture risk. In addition, strong seismic ground shaking
can be expected in the City, including for future development associated with
implementation of the project. The intensity of the ground shaking would depend on the
magnitude of the earthquake, the distance to the epicenter, and the geology of the area
between the epicenter and a specific area within the City. Also, ground shaking from
earthquake fault movement can cause landslides and liquefaction events. Factors
contributing to landslide potential are steep topography, unstable terrain, and proximity to
earthquake faults, all of which exist within the City.
Future development associated with implementation of the project is subject to all
regulations and seismic standards set forth by the City of Rosemead, Uniform Building Code,
California Building Code, and current seismic design specifications of the Structural Engineers Association of California, which reduce potential impacts to less than significant
levels.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with General Plan Public Safety Element Goal 1, Policies 1.1 and 1.2, and Actions
1.1, 1.9, 1.10, 1.12, 1.14 -1.23, and 1.27, as well as applicable development standards and
Municipal Code, Uniform Building Code, California Building Code, or seismic design
specification requirements to ensure geology and soils impacts remain at less than
significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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3.5 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Prior Environmental Findings
The General Plan Update represents Rosemead’s commitment to reducing the risk from
natural hazards and serves as a guide for the use of available City resources. The General
Plan Update also helps the State provide technical assistance and prioritize project funding.
The GPU EIR concluded hazards and hazardous materials impacts to be less than significant.
The GPU EIR concluded hazards and hazardous materials impacts to be less than significant
with the implementation of GPU policies.
Hazardous Materials Management
Hazardous materials are routinely used and transported throughout Rosemead on the freeways and local streets and via rail. Current and future residents will continue to be
exposed to hazards from the routine use, disposal, and transport of hazardous materials. In
addition, future development may produce hazardous materials and waste. However, all such activity is and will be required to comply with the numerous local, State, and Federal
regulations developed to safeguard the public against the hazards associated with such
activity within urban environments. In addition, land use and zoning regulations will prohibit
the establishment of any significant user or generator of hazardous materials.
Continued application and enforcement of local, State and Federal regulations will reduce
the impact to a less than significant level. According to the California Department of Toxic
Substances Control, no sites or businesses in Rosemead are included on the list of sites
requiring extensive investigation or clean-up activities due to the presence of hazardous
materials. In the course of General Plan implementation, if any development project occurs
on a site determined at some future time to be contaminated, such project will involve appropriate remediation activity consistent with applicable State and Federal regulations.
Impacts would, therefore, be less than significant.
The General Plan Update contains policies and actions to ensure that all hazardous producers
are known to the appropriate agencies, that hazardous material are transported on
designated truck routes and that new, potentially hazard-producing uses, are not located
next to residences.
The GPU EIR concluded less than significant impacts with the implementation of GPU
policies.
Airport Safety
No airport land use plan applies to any properties within the City Planning Area. The nearest
airport is El Monte Airport (now referred to as San Gabriel Valley Airport), located directly
east of Rosemead. However, no portion of the City is within the Airport’s Influence Area, as
indicated in the latest Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
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The GPU EIR concluded no impacts.
Emergency Response Planning
The General Plan Update includes goals and policies in the Public Safety Element to address
emergency response and to provide continued high service levels. Each major new
development, as is currently the case, will be reviewed by Fire and Police officials to ensure that adequate fire and other safety protections are put into place. As the local population
grows and the business base expands, Police and Fire officials will periodically evaluate
response times and shift or increase resources, as needed, to maintain desired levels of
service and response times.
The General Plan Update contains policies and actions to 1) ensure water flow for
firefighting, 2) make sure that street signage is visible so as not to delay emergency personnel, 3) make sure that buildings meet fire protection codes, and 4) to consider the
development of an emergency evacuation and shelter plan.
The GPU EIR concluded less than significant impacts with the implementation of GPU
policies.
Wildland Fire Hazards
Rosemead is a suburban city that has very little vacant land. Furthermore, Rosemead is
about seven miles from the San Gabriel Mountain foothills and nearly two miles from the La
Puente Hills. As a result, the potential for wildland fires typically associated with
foothill/mountain terrain and open land is extremely low.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts to be less than significant.
Impact Analysis
Hazardous Materials Management
Future development associated with implementation of the project has the potential to result
in the transportation of hazardous material waste, which could cause spills and accidents along transportation routes. In addition, future development could expose the public or the
environment to hazardous materials due to the improper handling or use of hazardous
materials or hazardous wastes particularly by untrained personnel; transportation accident;
environmentally unsound disposal methods; or fire, explosion or other emergencies. The
severity of potential effects varies with the activity conducted, the concentration of and type
of hazardous material or wastes present, and the proximity of sensitive receptors.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would result in infill
development and redevelopment of existing properties. Existing structures may be
demolished prior to new construction or redevelopment of individual sites. There is the
potential for release of hazardous materials during both construction and operation of new
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development within these areas; however, substantial quantities of hazardous materials are
not anticipated.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with General Plan Public Safety Element Policies 2.1 – 2.4 and Actions 2.3 – 2.5, as
well as applicable development standards and Municipal Code requirements. These policies,
actions, regulations, and laws ensure impacts regarding the potential hazard to the public or the environment concerning the routine transport, use, storage, or disposal of hazardous
materials, or the potential release of hazard materials remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Emergency Response Planning
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be reviewed by
applicable City departments, as well as the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s
Departments and other applicable State and Federal agencies. The review by various
departments and agencies would require future development associated with
implementation of the project to comply with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations,
and General Plan Update Public Safety Element Policies 3.1 – 3.6 and Actions 3.1 and 3.2,
thus ensuring that impacts to the public and environment due to interference with
emergency response or evacuation plans remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Wildland Fire Hazards
The City is fully urbanized and does not face risks due to wildfire. However, urban fires are
the primary fire hazard in the City.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with applicable development standards, Municipal Code requirements, and Federal
and State laws and regulations. These laws and regulations ensure that impacts to the public
and environment related to urban fire remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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3.6 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Prior Environmental Findings
Groundwater
Six companies provide water to the City of Rosemead. Each of these companies derives at
least a portion of their supplies from local groundwater resources. Due to increased security
sensitivities following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, well locations are no longer
included in public documents. It is therefore unknown if there are any well sites within the
City. Intensification of land uses citywide pursuant to General Plan policy and Zoning Code regulations could result in increased demand on groundwater resources. Existing water
management policies for the Main San Gabriel Basin, however, ensure that providers
drawing upon the basin do not cumulatively remove more than the Operating Safe Yield, as
determined yearly, without replenishing the groundwater supply with imported recharge water.
The GPU EIR concluded no impact on groundwater supply.
Water Quality
All new development will be required to comply with existing water quality standards and waste discharge regulations set forth by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los
Angeles region.
Each individual development project will be required to comply with National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements related to construction and
operation measures to prevent erosion, siltation, and transport of non-point source urban
pollutants. Likewise, no project that includes a point source pollutant will be permitted under current regulations.
The GPU EIR concluded compliance with existing regulations will ensure a less than
significant impact with regard to water quality standards or waste discharge requirements.
Drainage/Water Runoff
The Rio Hondo River flows along the eastern edge of Rosemead in a concrete-lined channel.
Development in the City will not alter the course of this river.
Rosemead is largely built out, with an extensive amount of impervious surface coverage in
the form of streets, parking lots, and rooftops. The City will require new development
projects to comply with NPDES regulations of the Regional Water Quality Control Board,
which aims to reduce pollutant volumes in urban runoff. Approaches may include providing
on-site retention basins or open space features that have the ability to filter runoff. Other
options include subsurface retention and filtration systems, which are often more practical
for infill development.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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The GPU EIR concluded that with best management practices continuing in place, drainage
impacts are less than significant.
Flooding/Inundation
The main flood hazard Rosemead faces is flood hazard associated with dam reservoir and
dam flood inundation. Portions of the City lie within the Garvey Reservoir, Santa Fe Dam, and Whittier Narrows flood inundation areas. New development associated with the General
Plan Update could expose people or structures to inundations from a dam or reservoir. The
General Plan Update includes policies and actions to address flooding and inundation
hazards in Rosemead.
The GPU EIR concluded that the General Plan policies and actions reduce the level of
significance to less than significant.
Tsunami/Seiche/Mudflow
Rosemead is not exposed to tsunami hazards due to its inland location. In addition, no large water bodies exist in the City that would present seiche hazards. The potential for mudflows
is unlikely, given the City’s distance from hillside and mountainous terrain.
The GPU EIR concluded no impacts for tsunami or seiche, and less than significant impacts
for mudflow.
Impact Analysis
Groundwater
Future development associated with implementation of the project would not substantially
deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge, as all
future development would be required to comply with the applicable groundwater
management plan. To the extent that the project would result in additional development, it
is anticipated that such development would be consistent with the General Plan Update and
would not increase development beyond that evaluated in the GPU EIR.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be to comply with
applicable development standards and Municipal Code requirements, existing Federal and
State laws and regulations, General Plan Resources Management Element Policies 3.1 - 3.3
and Actions 3.2 – 3.4. These policies, actions, laws, and regulations ensure that impacts to
groundwater supplier or groundwater discharge remain at no impact.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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Water Quality
Future development associated with implementation of the project has the potential to degrade water quality and result in exceedances in water quality and waste discharge
standards.
In accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 13.16, the City of Rosemead requires applicants for new development and significant redevelopment projects and priority projects to prepare
a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) in accordance with all currently adopted permits.
The WQMP is required to identify site-specific design and source control BMPs using Low
Impact Development (LID) principles such as infiltration, harvest and reuse,
evapotranspiration, and biotreatment. The LID BMPs are required to be designed to reduce
runoff to a level consistent with the maximum extent practicable in accordance with the
Municipal NPDES Permit. Non-priority development projects are required to document, via
a WQMP or similar mechanism, site design, source control, and any other BMPS to meet the
minimum requirements of the Municipal NPDES Permit.
Implementation of existing regulatory requirements ensure that erosion and siltation from
individual construction sites are minimized and that any violation of waste discharge
requirements, violation of water quality standards, and contributions of additional sources
of polluted runoff during construction would be less than significant.
Despite the additional inputs to the stormwater system with the projected increases to
population and urban development resulting from implementation of the project, adherence
to the current regulatory framework, would ensure that potential impacts to water quality
remain at less than significant.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be to comply with applicable development standards and Municipal Code requirements, existing Federal and
State laws and regulations. These laws, and regulations ensure that impacts to water quality
remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Drainage/Water Runoff
Future development associated with implementation of the project would increase drainage and water runoff and would be required to comply with applicable development standards
and Municipal Code requirements, and NPDES regulations of the Regional Water Quality
Control Board. Compliance with these requirements and regulations ensure that drainage
impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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Flooding Inundation
Portions of the City lie within the Garvey Reservoir, Santa Fe Dam, and Whittier Narrows flood inundation areas. It is unlikely that the FCMU Overlay areas would experience flooding
from a dam failure.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to comply with applicable development standards and Municipal Code Chapter 13.17,
Floodplain Management requirements, existing Federal and State laws and regulations, and
General Plan Update Public Safety Element Policy 1.3 and Actions 1.8, 1.24, 1.25, and 1.26.
These policies and actions, laws, and regulations ensure future development design and
construction impacts relative to the location of structures in flood-prone areas remain at less
than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Tsunami/Seiche/Mudflow
Future development associated with implementation of the project would not experience
impacts from a tsunami as these areas are outside of the coastal zone, seiche hazards as
no large water bodies exist in the City, or mudflows given the City’s distance from hillside
and mountainous terrain.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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3.7 LAND USE AND PLANNING
Prior Environmental Findings
Division of Established Community
Rosemead is a built out community and very little land is vacant. Most new development
will occur as infill on the few vacant parcels or will occur as redevelopment or recycling of
existing uses. For the most part, the General Plan Update land use designations mirror what
is on the ground today or what is planned for in the 1987 General Plan.
However, along Valley Boulevard, Garvey Avenue, and Rosemead Boulevard, the proposed
land use designations will change from commercial to mixed-use. If development occurs as
planned in the General Plan Update, 70 percent of the community will be residential
supported by commercial, office/light industrial, and other uses as shown in GPU EIR Table 4-22, Proposed General Plan Land Use Designations. In addition, residential uses will be
introduced into current commercial corridors. The residential uses will typically occur within
mixed-use developments.
Thus, the fundamental function of the City will not change as a result of the General Plan
Update, as the plan aims for a coordinated, logical distribution of land uses within Rosemead
consistent with the long-established development patterns.
The GPU EIR concluded division of an established community impacts to be less than
significant.
Conflict with Applicable Plan, Policy, or Regulation
The General Plan Update involved a comprehensive update of the 1987 General Plan and follow-up revision to the Zoning Code to implement the General Plan land use policies. No
other agency has jurisdiction over land use issues in Rosemead.
However, other agencies create plans in an advisory capacity. Two such plans are the
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Comprehensive Plan and
Guide (RCPG) and the Compass Blueprint. Consistency with these plans is presented in GPU
EIR Table 4-23, Comparison of SCAG Policies. The General Plan Update is generally
consistent with the RCPG policies and the Compass Blueprint strategy. The General Plan
Update is consistent with Policy 3.27 in terms of land use; however, the General Plan Update
does not provide for adequate recreational facilities as indicated in the GPU EIR Section
5.11, Recreation. This inconsistency is a less than significant impact in terms of land use.
The GPU EIR concluded conflicts with SCAG regional plans’ impacts to be less than
significant.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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Impact Analysis
Division of Established Community
Adoption of the proposed FCMU Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03, and future
development associated with implementation of the project, would not physically divide established neighborhoods. Instead, the proposed FCMU Overlay would allow mixed-use
developments by right in urbanized areas of the City where residential, commercial, and
mixed-use development has been planned. In addition, the project includes mixed-use
development standards that promote the addition of needed housing and the enhancement
of mixed-use areas.
Development associated with implementation of the project would facilitate and streamline
multi-family housing and mixed-use development in zones that are consistent with such
development, and would not create physical barriers in the community. Thus, impacts
remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Conflict with Applicable Plan, Policy, or Regulation
The proposed FCMU Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03 are compliant with the
goals, policies, and actions in the General Plan Update. In addition, adoption of the proposed
FCMU Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03 would not conflict with goals or
objectives contained within SCAG regional plans.
The additional growth analyzed in the GPU EIR includes up to 6,047 dwelling units;
7,310,000 square feet of commercial use; and a minimal net gain of office/industrial uses
within the City by 2025, inclusive of future development associated with implementation of
the project. In addition, the project would be consistent with General Plan goals and policies calling for additional housing types and expanding the supply of housing. Thus, impacts
remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 53 - July 2021
3.8 NOISE
Prior Environmental Findings
Traffic and rail noise are currently the major noise source within the City. Traffic noise from
the I-10 and the SR-60 Freeways can be significant but generally the sound walls and
elevation changes along some segments reduce the noise levels. Ambient noise levels vary
greatly depending on the proximity to the roads and railroad and the mitigation provided.
Development allowed under the General Plan Update, as well as development in surrounding
communities, will increase traffic volumes and associated noise levels. Significant noise levels already occur along many of the region’s transportation corridors, much due to
regional through traffic. Some existing development is already impacted by vehicular noise
and may continue to experience high noise levels whether or not the General Plan Update
is adopted and implemented. The initial increase exceeds 3 dBA and the noise level is higher
than 65 dBA CNEL.
The GPU EIR concluded noise impacts to be less than significant with the implementation of GPU policies.
Impact Analysis
The additional growth analyzed in the GPU EIR includes up to 6,047 dwelling units;
7,310,000 square feet of commercial use; and a minimal net gain of office/industrial uses
within the City by 2025, including within the proposed FCMU Overlay areas.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would generate
additional traffic that would increase noise levels along the roadway network. Traffic noise
and train noise would continue to represent the primary sources of noise in the community.
To ensure stationary noise sources do not exceed the Municipal Code thresholds for noise
sensitive receptors, future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to reduce interior and exterior noise levels to meet the standards established in
GPU EIR Figure 4-16, Noise/Land Use Compatibility Matrix, which ensures operational noise
levels do not exceed established standards.
Also, future development associated with implementation of the project would be required
to comply with development standards and all other applicable Municipal Code
requirements, and General Plan Update Noise Element Goal 1, Policies 1.1 – 17; Goal 2, Policies 2.1-2.6, and Goal 3, Policies 3.1 – 3.4. These regulations and policies ensure less
than significant impacts to established noise standards, noise/land use compatibility or traffic
noise.
Lastly, future development associated with implementation of the project would not allow
for any new or more intensive noise sources than previously analyzed in the GPU EIR, and
would not relax or otherwise affect any policies, standards, regulations or plan review
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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procedures related to noise control and mitigation. Therefore, impacts remain at less than
significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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3.9 POPULATION AND HOUSING
Prior Environmental Findings
Implementation of the General Plan Update allows for areas of focused change and the
potential for an increased density and intensity, as well as maintains or enhances the
intended character and development pattern of existing uses. The General Plan Update
allows for the construction of an additional 6,047 dwelling units throughout the City by 2025,
for a total of 20,744 dwelling units. A population increase of approximately 22,988 persons
is expected to result in a total population of 80,385 residents by 2025.
The General Plan Update Land Use Plan builds upon the existing land uses and policies.
However, the General Plan Update does not directly propose new development or
construction that would displace existing housing or residents.
Population
The General Plan Update has the potential to result in a substantial population increase in comparison to population projections at the local, sub-regional, and regional levels. This
constitutes a significant impact. The General Plan Update does not include goals or polices
indicating that the City should grow in consistency with local or regional growth projections.
Mitigation Measures PH-1 and PH-2 require better communication with SCAG in order to
better coordinate regional planning efforts. Although mitigation will help to lessen impacts
it is not anticipated to reduce impacts to levels less than significant. Impacts will remain
significant because the population increase that has the potential to occur is substantial in
comparison to local, sub- regional, and regional trends and projections.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts associated with population growth to be significant and unavoidable, despite the imposition of Mitigation Measures PH-1 and PH-2.
Housing
The number of potential housing could increase as a result of implementation of the General
Plan Update. The total number of housing units allowed under the assumed buildout of the
General Plan Update is 20,744, an increase of 6,047 dwelling units. This represents a 42% increase in dwelling units over the existing 14,648 units estimated in the City. The Sphere
of Influence is located within the South San Gabriel Land Use Plan area.
Similar to the population impacts discussed above, the increase in dwelling units for the City
is higher than local, sub-regional, and regional projections. This constitutes a potentially
significant impact. Mitigation Measures PH-1 and PH-2 are designed to ensure regional
considerations are accounted for in the City’s implementation of the General Plan Update.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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Although impacts associated with housing development would be lessened through
mitigation, impacts would be significant and unavoidable as the population increase exceeds
sub-regional, and regional trends and projections.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts associated with housing growth to be significant and
unavoidable, despite the imposition of Mitigation Measures PH-1 and PH-2.
Consistency with Regional Plans and Programs
The General Plan Update is inconsistent with the Southern California Association of
Government’s Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide, as the General Plan Update does
not provide for adequate recreational and park facilities. Mitigation measures to address the
park and recreation impacts are contained within the Recreation section of GPU Draft EIR.
In addition, the population and housing growth that would be allowed under the General
Plan Update exceeds regional projections.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts associated with consistency with regional plans and
programs to be significant and unavoidable.
Impact Analysis
Population
The General Plan Update assumed a population increase of approximately 22,988 persons
to result in a total population of 80,385 residents by 2025. Future development associated
with implementation of the project would result in population increases. To the extent that the project would result in an increase in population, it is anticipated that any increases
would be consistent with the General Plan Update and would not increase the City’s
projected growth beyond that evaluated in the GPU EIR.
However, population growth impacts will remain significant and unavoidable because the
General Plan Update population increase, inclusive of future development associated with
implementation of the project, would continue to be higher than sub-regional and regional
population projections.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard. Housing
The General Plan Update allow for the construction of an additional 6,047 dwelling units
throughout the City by 2025, including within the mixed-use categories and overlay zones.
Future development associated with implementation of the project provides for new housing
within the FCMU Overlay areas. The proposed FCMU Overlay would allow mixed-use
developments by right in urbanized areas of the City where residential, commercial, and
mixed-use development has been planned, and thus expanding the opportunity for mixed-
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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use development in areas not previously considered within the City. In addition, the project
adds live/work units as a permitted use. Thus, the project expands housing types and
locations to accommodate the General Plan Update projected housing and population growth.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would result in additional
dwelling units. To the extent that the project would result in an increase in dwelling units, it is anticipated that any increases would be consistent with the General Plan Update and
would not increase the City’s projected growth beyond that evaluated in the GPU EIR.
However, housing growth impacts remain significant and unavoidable as the General Plan
Update dwelling unit increase, inclusive of future development associated with
implementation of the project, would continue to be higher than sub-regional and regional
population projections.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Consistency with Regional Plans and Programs
As noted above, population and housing growth in the City, inclusive of future development
associated with implementation of the project, would continue to be higher than sub-
regional and regional population projections. In addition, the General Plan Update does not
provide for adequate recreational and park facilities and thus, inconsistent with regional
plans. Impacts remain significant and unavoidable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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3.10 PUBLIC SERVICES
Prior Environmental Findings
Fire Protection and Emergency Services
The additional residences and businesses anticipated under the General Plan Update will
require additional fire protection and emergency medical services provided by the Los
Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD). Development constructed pursuant to the
General Plan Update may be impacted if adequate water availability and water flow are not
available to redeveloped areas. The LACoFD sets response time goals of five to eight minutes. Due to the built out nature of the City and surrounding jurisdictions, future
development will occur within the current service range of Station No. 4 and Station No. 42.
The General Plan Update supports fire prevention and the maintenance and expansion of fire services through the following policies and actions: Public Safety Element Polices 3.3,
3.5, and 3.6, and Actions 3.1 and 3.2. Through implementation of the policies and actions,
population increases are not anticipated to impact fire protection or emergency medical service response times.
Adequate water flow and pressure is essential to fire protection services. The City is
generally built out and has an established water distribution network. Hydrant placement,
flow, and pressure requirements are determined through application of Regulation No. 8 of
the Fire Code. The Fire Code sets standards for new development and existing development
depending on the size of the structure and its use, as well as the gallons per minute fire
flow requirements for all development types.
The General Plan Update supports adequate water supply and flow through the following
policy: Public Safety Element Policy 3.1. Through implementation of the policy, adequate fire suppression flows will be achieved.
The General Plan EIR concluded less than significant impacts for fire protection and emergency services.
Police Protection
The additional residences and businesses anticipated under the General Plan Update will
require additional fire protection and emergency medical services provided by the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), which may impact services by increasing
response times. Impacts may also occur if the service demands of the population exceed
the abilities of LASD to provide police services.
The LASD sets a response time goal of four to five minutes for emergency calls, eight to
nine minutes for priority calls, and 30-40 minutes for routine calls. Due to the built out
nature of the City and surrounding jurisdictions, development will occur within the current
service range of the Temple Station.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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The General Plan Update supports crime prevention and the expansion of police protection
services through the following policies: Public Safety Element Policies 3.6 and 3.8. Through
implementation of the policies, population increases are not anticipated to impact police protection service response times.
The General Plan Update also ensures that the City shall increase the number of officers in
order to meet the officer to resident ratio as Rosemead’s population increases. The Temple Station also has an ongoing growth plan to fill vacant personnel positions, construct new
facilities, and renovate existing facilities. Impacts to the officer to resident ratios and the
ability for the LASD to serve the community will be less than significant through the
implementation of Public Safety Element Policies 3.6 and 3.8 and LASD standards.
The General Plan EIR concluded less than significant impacts for police protection services.
Schools
If all development occurs as allowed in the General Plan, the number of dwelling units and
population in the City will increase, thereby requiring additional school services.
GPU EIR Table 4-42, Increase in Dwelling Units By School District, shows the distribution of
the anticipated dwelling units based on current school district boundaries for the following
seven school districts: Garvey School District, Alhambra Unified School District, Rosemead
School District, El Monte City School District, El Monte Union High School District, Montebello
Unified School District, San Gabriel Unified School District.
The GPU EIR noted that student enrollments will likely fluctuate over the coming years,
perhaps, considerably, as a result of demographic variables such as an aging population,
declines or increases in family sizes, etc. Enrollment levels may, therefore, may be lower or
higher than the design capacity of affected schools over the long-term, independent of the
effects of the proposed residential land use policies. An analysis for each of the seven school
districts is provided below.
Garvey School District
Garvey School District is currently estimated to be 54 students over capacity under the
assumed classroom count. The 2,324 new dwelling units have the potential to be
constructed within the boundaries of the District that would result in approximately 971 new
elementary school-aged children who would need to be served by the District. This
constitutes a potentially significant impact because the projected number of students would
exacerbate the over-crowded conditions in the District. However, under the Leroy F. Greene
School Facilities Act of 1998, payment of Development Impact Fees (DIFs) constitutes full
mitigation of any impact to school due to development. Under State law, impacts to the
Garvey School District will be less than significant.
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Alhambra Unified School District
The high schools within Alhambra Unified School District are currently estimated to be 1,175 students over capacity under the assumed classroom count. 2,324 new dwelling units have
the potential to be constructed within the boundaries of the District that would result in
approximately 360 new high school students who would need to be served by the District.
This constitutes a potentially significant impact because the projected number of students would exacerbate the over-crowded conditions in the District. However, under the Leroy F.
Greene School Facilities Act of 1998, payment of DIFs constitutes full mitigation of any
impact to schools due to development. Based on this legislation, impacts to the Garvey
School District are considered to be less than significant.
Rosemead School District
Rosemead School District is currently at 78% of its capacity with room to accommodate 892
more students. 3,531 new dwelling units have the potential to be constructed within the
boundaries of the District that would result in approximately 2,203 new elementary school-
aged children who would need to be served by the District. This constitutes a potentially
significant impact because the projected number of students would exceed the capacity of
the District. However, under the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998, payment of
DIFs constitutes full mitigation of any impact to schools due to development. Based on this
legislation, impacts to the Rosemead School District are considered less than significant.
El Monte City School District
El Monte City School District is currently at 93 percent of its capacity with room to
accommodate 837 more students. 142 new dwelling units have the potential to be
constructed within the boundaries of the District that would result in approximately 82 new
elementary school-aged children who would need to be served by the District. Thus, there
is no impact.
El Monte Union High School District
El Monte Union High School District is approximately 488 students over capacity. 3,673 new
dwelling units have the potential to be constructed within the boundaries of the District that
would result in approximately 848 new high school students who would need to be served
by the District. This constitutes a potentially significant impact because the projected
number of students would exacerbate the over-crowded conditions in the District. However,
under the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998, payment of DIFs constitutes full
mitigation of any impact to schools due to development. Based on this legislation, impacts
to the EL Monte Union High School District are considered less than significant.
Montebello Unified School District
Montebello Unified School District is currently at 93 percent of its capacity with room to
accommodate 2,487 more students. 44 new dwelling units have the potential to be
constructed within the boundaries of the District that would result in approximately 31 new
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elementary school-aged children who would need to be served by the District. Thus, there
is no impact.
San Gabriel Unified School District
San Gabriel Unified School District is currently at 98 percent of its capacity with room to
accommodate 152 more students. Six new dwelling units have the potential to be constructed within the boundaries of the District that would result in approximately 5 new
elementary and high school students who would need to be served by the District. Thus,
there is no impact.
The General Plan EIR concluded no impacts or less than significant impacts for schools.
Libraries
Population increases associated with implementation of the General Plan Update will lead to
increased demand on library services. Los Angeles County (County) utilizes a planning ratio
of 0.50 square feet per person as its facility space goal. In 2008, approximately 0.51 square
feet/person (29,500 square feet to 57,422 persons) of library space was provided to the
residents of Rosemead. In 2025, with an estimated population of 80,410, the provision of
library services would be reduced to 0.37 square feet per person.
Additionally, the County uses a planning ratio of 2.75 items per person as part of its level of
service goal. In 2008, approximately 3.36 (192,229 items to 57,422 persons) items were
being provided to the residents of Rosemead. In 2025, this ratio will be reduced to
approximately 2.39 items per person.
In 2004, the County completed an update to the Library System Strategic Plan, which
identified the following goals:
Use available technology to enhance customer service
Create a model “state of the art” library to pilot technologies and programs
Improve library facilities
Develop new capital funding sources
Build diverse funding sources to support library operations
Promote quality leadership and effective management to improve the organization
Increases in population due to implementation of the General Plan Update may impact the
facilities planning ratio set by the County for the Rosemead Library. As indicated above,
population increase that can be accommodated by the General Plan Update would reduce the ratio from 0.51 to 0.37, unless additional library space is added in Rosemead. Funding
for the library comes primarily from property taxes, with additional funds accruing from
parcel taxes. These funding sources will expand as new development occurs and new taxes
are assessed, and additional funding to support expansion of capital facilities to serve
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Rosemead could become available. Thus, the General Plan Update program will not impede
implementation of the County’s Library System Strategic Plan.
The General Plan EIR concluded less than significant impacts for library services.
Impact Analysis
Fire Protection and Emergency Services
Future development associated with implementation of the project would increase the need for fire protection and emergency services. To the extent that the project would result in
additional population and development growth, it is anticipated that such growth would be
consistent with the General Plan Update and would not increase growth beyond that
evaluated in the GPU EIR. Thus, future development associated with implementation of the
project would result in a similar demand for fire protection and emergency services, and as
such, a similar level of impact to that identified in the GPU EIR.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with General Plan Public Safety Element Public Safety Element Polices 3.1 3.3, 3.5,
and 3.6, and Actions 3.1 and 3.2, as well as applicable development standards, and all other
Fire Code and Municipal Code requirements. These policies, actions, and regulations ensure
impacts remain at less than significant.
In conclusion, future development associated with implementation of the project would not result in new or more fire protection or emergency service impacts than those analyzed in
the GPU EIR. Therefore, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Police Protection
Future development associated with implementation of the project would increase the need
for police protection services. To the extent that the project would result in additional
population and development growth, it is anticipated that such growth would be consistent with the General Plan Update and would not increase growth beyond that evaluated in the
GPU EIR. Thus, future development associated with implementation of the project would
result in a similar demand for police protection services, and as such, a similar level of impact
to that identified in the GPU EIR.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with General Plan Public Safety Element Public Safety Element Policies 3.6 and 3.8, as well as applicable development standards, and all other Municipal Code requirements.
These policies and regulations ensure impacts remain at less than significant.
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In conclusion, future development associated with implementation of the project would not
result in new or more police protection service impacts than those analyzed in the GPU EIR.
Therefore, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Schools
Future development associated with implementation of the project would increase school
enrollment. To the extent that the project would result in additional population and
development growth, it is anticipated that such growth would be consistent with the General
Plan Update and would not increase growth beyond that evaluated in the GPU EIR. However,
due to the existing capacities of schools within the districts serving the City, it is not anticipated that construction of new educational facilities would be required. Thus, future
development associated with implementation of the project would result in a similar demand
for schools, and as such, a similar level of impact to that identified in the GPU EIR. The
payment of required school fees to the applicable school district fully mitigates any potential
impacts.
In conclusion, future development associated with implementation of the project would not
result in new or more school impacts than those analyzed in the GPU EIR. Therefore, impacts
remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Libraries
Future development associated with implementation of the project would result in an
increase for library services. To the extent that the project would result in additional
population and development growth, it is anticipated that such growth would be consistent
with the General Plan Update and would not increase growth beyond that evaluated in the
GPU EIR. It is not anticipated that construction of new library facilities would be required
and any necessary improvements to libraries facilities would be planned and constructed by
the Los Angeles County library system. Thus, future development associated with
implementation of the project would result in a similar demand for library facilities, and as
such, a similar level of impact to that identified in the GPU EIR.
In conclusion, future development associated with implementation of the project would not
result in new or more library impacts than those analyzed in the GPU EIR. Therefore, impacts
remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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3.11 RECREATION
Prior Environmental Findings
At the time the GPU EIR was prepared, the City provided 0.75 acres of parkland per 1,000
residents, with a stated goal of providing 1.0 acre of parkland per 1,000 residents over the
long-term. Since the proposed General Plan Update anticipates an increase in population
and coupled with the lack of available land within the City, the issue of providing parkland
will be exacerbated. The lack of sufficient parks and recreation opportunities could result in
the accelerated deterioration of existing facilities due to potential overuse both within the
City and in surrounding jurisdictions. However, there is limited amount of vacant land in the City and the timing and resources for acquisition are uncertain. As the population increases
in Rosemead without adequate parkland, the result is a significant and unavoidable impact
on park resources. The GPU EIR concluded significant and unavoidable project and
cumulative impacts despite the imposition of Mitigation Measures R-1 and R-2.
Impact Analysis
To the extent that the project would result in an increase in park use, it is anticipated that
any increases would be consistent with the General Plan Update and would not increase the
City’s projected park use beyond that evaluated in the GPU EIR.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would increase the use
of existing neighborhood or regional parks due to the increase in residents. However,
implementation of the project would result in a similar demand for parkland and impacts to
parks and recreation resources would be at a similar level of impact to that identified in the
GPU EIR. Also, implementation of the project would not result in a substantial additional
deterioration of existing parks and other recreational facilities, as the potential residential
capacity under the project is similar to that analyzed in the GPU EIR. In summary,
implementation of the project would not result in new or more severe significant recreation
impacts than those analyzed in the GPU EIR. Therefore, project and cumulative recreation
impacts remain significant and unavoidable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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3.12 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
Prior Environmental Findings
The City of Rosemead is largely built out. Thus, growth allowed to occur pursuant to the
General Plan will result largely from development of vacant parcels and recycling of existing
uses, consistent with the General Plan. For the purposes of the traffic analysis and looking
toward the horizon year of 2025, future traffic includes new trips from higher intensity land
uses within Rosemead and surrounding jurisdictions.
Intersections and Roadway Segments
The analysis of anticipated future conditions at study intersections and road segments was
performed using the same methodologies that were used to evaluate existing conditions, as
well as considered ambient growth. Analysis results of the forecast future intersection peak hour conditions are summarized in GPU EIR Table 4-47 for the AM peak hour and GPU EIR
Table 4-48 for the PM peak hour. Analysis results of forecast future roadway segment
operations conditions are summarized in GPU EIR Table 4-49.
Significant impacts due to ambient growth will result at up to 22 of the 28 study area
intersections during the AM and PM peak hours. In addition, the General Plan Update’s
project contribution is also considered significant at up to 21 intersections during the AM and PM Peak hours. The General Plan Update results in Level of Services (LOS) impacts for
14 of the 23 roadway segments.
Improvements
The General Plan Update Circulation Element describes several long-term improvements to
the City’s circulation system that will be implemented to address anticipated, immediate, and long-term needs. These improvements include physical capacity improvements and
alternative capacity enhancements. The first set of physical capacity improvements are
aimed at reducing traffic congestion at major intersection approaches. Identified capacity
improvements at major intersections, for implementation through the buildout analysis year
of 2025, are listed within GPU EIR Table 4-50.
Also included in the analysis was the configuration of mid-block segments of major roadways. These also represent capacity increases for the reduction of congestion. The
identified physical improvements to 15 major roadway corridors are listed within GPU EIR
Table 4-51. GPU EIR Table 4-47 through Table 4-51 are provided at the end of this section.
An alternate strategy for traffic improvement is the implementation of corridor traffic signal
synchronization with adaptive control technology. Adaptive signal control technologies have
the goals of reducing travel times, vehicle delay, and overall congestion. With the implementation of signal synchronization and adaptive control within the recommended
corridors, the following 16 intersections within the corridors would continue to have
significant impacts and would require traditional widening improvements:
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Rosemead Boulevard at Mission Drive – PM peak
Walnut Grove Avenue at Valley Boulevard – AM and PM peak
Rosemead Boulevard at Valley Boulevard – AM peak and PM peak
Valley Boulevard at Rio Hondo Avenue – PM peak
Walnut Grove Avenue at Marshall Street – AM peak and PM peak
Rosemead Boulevard at Marshall Street – PM peak
Rosemead Boulevard at Glendon Way – AM peak and PM peak
Del Mar Avenue at Hellman Avenue – AM peak and PM peak
San Gabriel Boulevard at Hellman Avenue – PM peak
Walnut Grove Avenue at Hellman/Ramona – AM peak and PM peak
New Avenue & Garvey Avenue – AM peak and PM peak
Del Mar Avenue at Garvey Avenue – PM peak
San Gabriel Boulevard at Garvey Avenue – PM peak
Walnut Grove Avenue at Garvey Avenue – AM peak and PM peak
Walnut Grove Avenue at San Gabriel Boulevard - PM peak
San Gabriel Boulevard at SR-60 Westbound Ramps – AM peak and PM peak
Implementation of a centralized and adaptive traffic signal control system, while not eliminating the need for physical capacity increases at all major area intersections, will
provide an alternative remedy for traffic impacts of the General Plan Update at many local
intersections. The implementation of the centralized/adaptive traffic control system can be
accommodated in the regular, periodic Capital Improvement Program (CIP) updates.
While the General Plan Update has policies and programs that help minimize impacts, the
following impacts remain:
Walnut Grove Avenue at Mission Drive, (AM and PM peak hours)
Walnut Grove Avenue at Marshall Street (AM and PM peak hours)
Rosemead Boulevard at Glendon Way (PM peak hour)
Del Mar Avenue at Hellman Avenue (AM peak hour)
New Avenue at Garvey Avenue (AM and PM peak hours)
Del Mar Avenue at Garvey Avenue (PM peak hour)
Walnut Grove Avenue at Garvey Avenue (AM and PM peak hours)
San Gabriel Boulevard at SR-60 westbound ramps (AM and PM peak hours)
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The construction of new facilities and the acquisition of land will take a concentrated effort
by both city staff and local decision makers. At this time, there is no guarantee that new
facilities will be built. No additional feasible measures are available to further mitigate impacts at the analyzed intersections.
This is considered a significant and unavoidable impact at the project level. While
implementation of policies in the General Plan Update may further reduce the cumulative transportation/traffic impact to some extent, traffic generated by new development in
Rosemead and surrounding communities over the next 20 years will continue to contribute
to overall traffic congestion in the region. Policies contained within the General Plan Update
reduce transportation impacts, but no other mitigation measures were feasible.
Thus, the GPU EIR concluded significant and unavoidable project and cumulative impacts.
CMP Arterial Monitoring Station Analysis
Rosemead Boulevard at Valley Boulevard
The intersection of Rosemead Boulevard at Valley Boulevard is classified as a Congestion
Management Program (CMP) arterial monitoring station, and identified as CMP intersection
#131. This intersection operates at LOS E during the morning and evening peak periods,
and would worsen to LOS F during both peak periods by the buildout analysis year. It should
be noted that this intersection is also predicted to worsen to LOS F by 2025 when analyzing
future ambient growth without the project.
The identified level of service and incremental volume-to-capacity impacts at this
intersection can be mitigated and restored to the existing LOS E with the following capacity
improvements:
Additional northbound and southbound thru lanes and a new northbound left turn
lane.
Corridor signal synchronization on Rosemead Boulevard and/or Valley Boulevard,
including this intersection, could alternatively remove impacts.
CMP Arterial Roadway Analysis
Rosemead Boulevard is classified as a primary arterial in the CMP System. The following
study roadway segments on Rosemead Boulevard currently operate:
Lower Azusa Road to Mission Drive – LOS F
Valley Boulevard to Marshall Street – LOS F
Telstar Avenue to Whitmore Street – LOS E
All of these segments would operate at LOS F by the buildout analysis year. It should be
noted that these roadway segments are also predicted to worsen to LOS F by 2025 when analyzing future ambient growth without the General Plan Update. Mitigation measures,
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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either physical or related to potential future signal synchronization systems, would remove
the impacts caused by volume-to-capacity increases on these roadway segments, but level
of service impacts (worsening to E or F from the General Plan Update) would remain.
CMP Mainline Freeway Segment Analysis
Interstate 10 (I-10) and State Route 60 (SR-60) provide regional access to and from the City. On both facilities during the morning peak period, the westbound segments operate at
LOS F. During the evening peak period, the eastbound segments operate at LOS F. In
addition to these two periods, these freeways have periods of severe congestion during the
midday and weekends as well.
Larger projects such as the mixed-use developments allowed under the General Plan Update
for the City core could potentially create significant impacts that would add 150 or more trips to the freeway in each direction. Currently, no single project can be identified at this
time as meeting the threshold for significant impacts. The City, in accordance with the CMP
guidelines, tracks new development activity in order to effectively mitigate congestion-
generating impacts on the freeway system. As development projects are reviewed through
the City entitlement process, specific mitigations appropriate to those developments would
be required and approved by the City. Mitigations for freeway impacts typically involve fair-
share contributions to Caltrans for large but individual projects.
CMP Transit Analysis
The General Plan Update is expected to add some transit demand, however, that demand is not anticipated to be significant. New riders may be generated because of changes in
market conditions, increased mixed-use development, and development of properties
outside the City Limits. As such, the impact associated with future growth and development
on the transit system cannot readily be quantified. The number of new transit trips
generated by new developments allowed under the General Plan Update could likely be
accommodated on the area bus transit lines operated by Metro and the City of Rosemead,
without causing any adverse impacts on operations. Future expansions of train service on
the Metrolink San Bernardino Line (access locally via a station in El Monte) would likely keep
up with growth within Rosemead.
Transportation Impact Summary
Implementation of the General Plan Update may result in a substantial increase in traffic in
relation to the existing traffic load and an individual or cumulative level of service condition
that exceeds standards established by the City. Regional traffic growth and increased
development intensities within the City will result in increased through traffic volumes on
Rosemead streets. While the General Plan Update includes policies and physical roadway
and control improvements, that over time will improve service levels, the certainty and timing of such cannot be established. Accordingly, the transportation impacts of the General
Plan Update will be significant and unavoidable.
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Impact Analysis
The additional growth analyzed in the GPU EIR includes up to 6,047 dwelling units;
7,310,000 square feet of commercial use; and a minimal net gain of office/industrial uses
within the City by 2025, including within the proposed FCMU Overlay areas.
Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay Areas
The intersections and roadway segments in close proximity to the FCMU Overlay areas are
listed below, and those denoted with an asterisk (*) would be subject to the intersection or roadway segment improvements, as applicable, identified in GPU EIR Tables 4-50 and 4-51,
provided earlier in this section.
FCMU-Corridor Locations
Del Mar Avenue – Located south of the I-10 Freeway, along Del Mar Avenue, application
begins just north of Hellman Avenue and continues south to the boundary of the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan, just north of Garvey Avenue.
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Intersections:
13. Del Mar Avenue at Hellman Avenue*
19. Del Mar Avenue at Garvey Avenue*
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Roadway Segments:
10. Del Mar Avenue from Hellman Avenue to Emerson Place*
11. Del Mar Avenue from Garvey Avenue to Newmark Avenue
San Gabriel Boulevard – Located south of the I-10 Freeway, along San Gabriel Boulevard,
application begins just north of Hellman Avenue and continues south to the boundary of the
Garvey Avenue Specific Plan, just north of Garvey Avenue.
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Intersections:
14. San Gabriel Boulevard at Hellman Avenue*
20. San Gabriel Boulevard at Garvey Avenue*
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Roadway Segments:
7. San Gabriel Boulevard from Hellman Avenue to Emerson Place*
8. San Gabriel Boulevard from Garvey Avenue to Klingerman Street
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Walnut Grove Avenue – Located south of the I-10 Freeway, along Walnut Grove Avenue,
application includes the existing commercial center located at the southwest corner of the
Walnut Grove Avenue and Hellman Avenue intersection.
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Intersection:
15. Walnut Grove Avenue at Hellman Avenue/Ramona Street*
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Roadway Segment:
4. Walnut Grove Avenue from Hellman Avenue to Garvey Avenue*
FCMU-Block Locations
Rosemead Boulevard – Located along Rosemead Boulevard, application begins just north of
I-10 Freeway and continues north to Marshall Street.
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Intersections:
10. Rosemead Boulevard at Marshall Street*
11. Rosemead Boulevard at Glendon Way*
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Roadway Segment:
22. Rosemead Boulevard from Valley Boulevard to Marshall Street*
Valley Boulevard – Located north of the I-10 Freeway, along Valley Boulevard, application
includes parcels at the intersection of and fronting directly onto Valley Boulevard and Walnut
Grove Avenue.
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Intersection:
4. Walnut Grove Avenue at Valley Boulevard*
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Roadway Segments:
1. Walnut Grove Avenue from Grand Avenue to Mission Drive
2. Walnut Grove Avenue from Wells-Edmond to Valley Boulevard
3. Walnut Grove Avenue from Valley Boulevard to Marshall Street*
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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Temple City Boulevard – Located north of the I-10 Freeway, along Temple City Boulevard,
application includes parcels located to the northeast of the Temple City Boulevard and Valley
Boulevard intersection and terminating at Abilene Street to the north.
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Intersection:
8. Valley Boulevard at Temple City Boulevard*
GPU EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Study Roadway Segment:
16. Temple City Boulevard from Valley Boulevard to Marshall Street*
All nine of the identified intersections (4, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20) and six of the ten
identified roadway segments (3, 4, 7, 10, 16, 22) would benefit from the improvements
previously identified in GPU EIR Tables 4-50 and 4-51, and thus maintain the intersection
and roadway segment levels of service projected under the General Plan Update for 2025.
Impact Conclusion
Based on the General Plan Update traffic analysis, which accounted for additional residential
and commercial growth inclusive of future development associated with implementation of the project, the General Plan Update results in significant and unavoidable impacts to the
traffic and transportation network as the level of service (LOS) for intersections and roadway
segments would exceed the City’s transportation capacity performance standard.
Future development associated with implementation of the project could result in additional
daily trips on the City’s roadways; however, the projected residential and non-residential
growth and associated trips have been accounted for in the General Plan Circulation Element
and the GPU EIR. Thus, the project would not result in any new significant intersection
impacts and also would not worsen projected LOS at any intersection or roadway segment
that was previously projected to have a significant impact.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with the applicable development standards and all other applicable Municipal Code
requirements, General Plan Circulation Element Goal 1, Policies 1.1 – 1.7, Action 1.1 - 1.8 and Goal 2, Policies 2.1 - 2.6, Actions 2.1 – 2.5, and identified intersection and roadway
segment improvements. These goals, policies, actions, and identified improvements ensure
impacts remain as significant and unavoidable.
Thus, the project would not result in new or more severe traffic impacts than those analyzed
in the GPU EIR. Nor would the future development associated with implementation of the
project be inconsistent with an applicable plan. Therefore, impacts remain significant and unavoidable. Therefore, project and cumulative transportation impacts remain significant
and unavoidable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
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Table 4-47
Intersection Levels of Service for Future Conditions – AM Peak (Year 2025)
Intersection
Existing Conditions
Year (2007)
Future Ambient
Growth Conditions
Year (2025)
Future With
Projects Conditions
Year (2025)
Diff.
V/C
Impact?
LOS
Impact? V/C LOS V/C LOS V/C LOS
1 Walnut Grove Ave at Mission Dr. 0.744 C 0.874 D 0.937 E 0.063 No Yes
2 Rosemead Blvd. at Lower Azusa Rd. 0.772 C 0.906 E 0.943 E 0.037 No Yes
3 Rosemead Blvd. at Mission Dr. 0.937 E 1.105 F 1.199 F 0.094 Yes Yes
4 Walnut Grove Ave. at Valley Blvd. 0.846 D 0.995 E 1.177 F 0.182 Yes Yes
5 Rosemead Blvd. at Valley Blvd. 0.967 E 1.141 F 1.266 F 0.125 Yes Yes
6 Valley Blvd. at Mission Dr. 0.504 A 0.584 A 0.669 B 0.085 No No
7 Valley Blvd. at Rio Hondo Ave. 0.578 A 0.673 B 0.824 D 0.151 No No
8 Valley Blvd. at Temple City Blvd. 1.147 F 1.356 F 1.409 F 0.053 Yes Yes
9 Walnut Grove Ave. at Marshall St. 0.909 E 1.072 F 1.601 F 0.529 Yes Yes
10 Rosemead Blvd. at Marshall St. 0.861 D 1.013 F 1.094 F 0.081 Yes Yes
11 Rosemead Blvd. at Glendon Way 0.840 D 0.989 E 1.154 F 0.165 Yes Yes
12 Temple City Blvd. at Loftus Dr. 0.749 C 0.878 D 0.898 D 0.020 No No
13 Del Mar Ave. at Hellman Ave. 0.831 D 0.979 E 1.135 F 0.156 Yes Yes
14 San Gabriel Blvd. at Hellman Ave. 0.998 E 1.177 F 1.287 F 0.110 Yes Yes
15 Walnut Grove Ave. at Hellman/Ramona 0.820 D 0.965 E 1.135 F 0.170 Yes Yes
16 Rosemead Blvd. at Telstar Ave. 0.775 C 0.911 E 0.980 E 0.069 No Yes
17 Rosemead Blvd. at Whitmore St. 0.697 B 0.815 D 0.854 D 0.039 No No
18 New Ave. at Garvey Ave. 0.786 C 0.923 E 1.115 F 0.192 Yes Yes
19 Del Mar Ave. at Garvey Ave. 0.596 A 0.695 B 0.902 E 0.207 No Yes
20 San Gabriel Blvd. at Garvey Ave. 0.712 C 0.834 D 0.932 E 0.098 No Yes
21 Walnut Grove Ave. at Garvey Ave. 0.800 D 0.941 E 1.117 F 0.176 Yes Yes
22 San Gabriel Blvd. at Rush St./Potrero Grande 0.769 C 0.904 E 0.898 D -0.006 No No
23 Walnut Grove Ave. at Rush St. 0.598 A 0.697 B 0.723 C 0.026 No No
24 Walnut Grove Ave. at Landis View Ln. 0.480 A 0.557 A 0.585 A 0.028 No No
25 Walnut Grove Ave. at San Gabriel Blvd. 0.743 C 0.870 D 0.981 E 0.111 No Yes
26 San Gabriel Blvd. at SR-60 WB Ramps 0.844 D 0.992 E 1.063 F 0.071 Yes Yes
27 Town Center Dr. at SR-60 EB Ramps 0.600 B 0.699 B 0.749 C 0.050 No No
28 San Gabriel Blvd. at Town Center Dr. 0.735 C 0.863 D 0.912 E 0.049 No Yes
Source: Traffic Analysis for the City of Rosemead Circulation Element Update and Environmental Impact Report.
KOA Corporation. May 19, 2008.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 75 - July 2021
Table 4-48 Intersection Levels of Service for Future Conditions – PM Peak (Year 2025)
Intersection
Existing Conditions
Year (2007)
Future Ambient
Growth Conditions
Year (2025)
Future With
Projects Conditions
Year (2025)
Diff.
V/C
Impact?
LOS
Impact? V/C LOS V/C LOS V/C LOS
1 Walnut Grove Ave at Mission Dr. 0.793 C 0.931 E 1.047 F 0.116 Yes Yes
2 Rosemead Blvd. at Lower Azusa Rd. 0.872 D 1.025 F 1.099 F 0.074 Yes Yes
3 Rosemead Blvd. at Mission Dr. 0.973 E 1.147 F 1.299 F 0.152 Yes Yes
4 Walnut Grove Ave. at Valley Blvd. 1.208 F 1.429 F 1.693 F 0.264 Yes Yes
5 Rosemead Blvd. at Valley Blvd. 0.917 E 1.079 F 1.320 F 0.241 Yes Yes
6 Valley Blvd. at Mission Dr. 0.482 A 0.558 A 0.698 B 0.140 No No
7 Valley Blvd. at Rio Hondo Ave. 0.753 C 0.884 D 1.204 F 0.320 Yes Yes
8 Valley Blvd. at Temple City Blvd. 0.865 D 1.018 F 1.097 F 0.079 Yes Yes
9 Walnut Grove Ave. at Marshall St. 0.926 E 1.090 F 2.074 F 0.984 Yes Yes
10 Rosemead Blvd. at Marshall St. 0.977 E 1.153 F 1.386 F 0.233 Yes Yes
11 Rosemead Blvd. at Glendon Way 0.773 C 0.909 E 1.151 F 0.242 Yes Yes
12 Temple City Blvd. at Loftus Dr. 0.873 D 1.027 F 1.061 F 0.034 Yes Yes
13 Del Mar Ave. at Hellman Ave. 0.633 B 0.741 C 0.981 E 0.240 No Yes
14 San Gabriel Blvd. at Hellman Ave. 0.920 E 1.084 F 1.302 F 0.218 Yes Yes
15 Walnut Grove Ave. at Hellman/Ramona 0.976 E 1.151 F 1.692 F 0.541 Yes Yes
16 Rosemead Blvd. at Telstar Ave. 0.879 D 1.035 F 1.133 F 0.098 Yes Yes
17 Rosemead Blvd. at Whitmore St. 0.767 C 0.900 E 0.966 E 0.066 No Yes
18 New Ave. at Garvey Ave. 0.621 B 0.725 C 1.134 F 0.409 Yes Yes
19 Del Mar Ave. at Garvey Ave. 0.822 D 0.967 E 1.351 F 0.384 Yes Yes
20 San Gabriel Blvd. at Garvey Ave. 1.100 F 1.300 F 1.514 F 0.214 Yes Yes
21 Walnut Grove Ave. at Garvey Ave. 1.255 F 1.486 F 1.735 F 0.249 Yes Yes
22 San Gabriel Blvd. at Rush St./Potrero Grande 0.738 C 0.866 D 0.859 D -0.007 No No
23 Walnut Grove Ave. at Rush St. 0.558 A 0.650 B 0.690 B 0.040 No No
24 Walnut Grove Ave. at Landis View Ln. 0.411 A 0.473 A 0.526 A 0.053 No No
25 Walnut Grove Ave. at San Gabriel Blvd. 0.936 E 1.101 F 1.275 F 0.174 Yes Yes
26 San Gabriel Blvd. at SR-60 WB Ramps 0.768 C 0.901 E 1.034 F 0.133 Yes Yes
27 Town Center Dr. at SR-60 EB Ramps 0.626 B 0.732 C 0.809 D 0.077 No No
28 San Gabriel Blvd. at Town Center Dr. 0.681 B 0.797 C 0.872 D 0.075 No No
Source: Traffic Analysis for the City of Rosemead Circulation Element Update and Environmental Impact Report.
KOA Corporation. May 19, 2008.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 76 - July 2021
Table 4-49 Roadway Segment Levels of Service for Future Conditions (Year 2025)
Primary Street
N/E End of
Segment
S/W End of
Segment
Roadway
Class
No. of
Lanes
Roadway
Capacity
Existing (2007) Conditions Future (2025) Without
Developments Conditions
Future (2025) w/
Development
Diff vs.
Growth
Only
Diff?
Signif? Volumes V/C LOS Volumes V/C LOS Volume V/C LOS
1 Walnut Grove Av Grand Ave Mission Drive Secondary 4 30,000 15,435 0.515 A 18,522 0.617 B 20,144 0.671 B 1,622 0.054 No
2 Walnut Grove Av Wells/Edmond Valley Blvd Secondary 4 30,000 22,805 0.760 C 27,366 0.912 E 28,512 0.950 E 1146 0.038 No
3 Walnut Grove Av Valley Blvd Marshall St Secondary 4 30,000 29,339 0.978 E 35,207 1.174 F 42,548 1.418 F 7341 0.245 Yes
4 Walnut Grove Av Hellman Ave Garvey Ave Secondary 4 30,000 26,474 0.882 D 31,769 1.059 F 38,005 1.267 F 6236 0.208 Yes
5 Walnut Grove Av Fern Ave Klingerman St Secondary 4 30,000 25,897 0.863 D 31,076 1.036 F 32,790 1.093 F 1714 0.057 Yes
6 Walnut Grove Av Rush St Landis View Lane Secondary 4 30,000 18,042 0.601 B 21,650 0.722 C 23,354 0.778 C 1704 0.057 No
7 San Gabriel Blvd Hellman Ave Emerson Place Major 4 40,000 33,617 0.840 D 40,340 1.009 F 39,828 0.996 E -512 -0.013 No
8 San Gabriel Blvd Garvey Ave Klingerman St Major 4 40,000 29,877 0.747 C 35,852 0.896 D 33,641 0.841 D -2211 -0.055 No
9 San Gabriel Blvd Delta Ave Walnut Grove Ave Major 4 40,000 22,382 0.560 A 26,858 0.671 B 30,995 0.775 C 4137 0.103 No
10 Del Mar Ave Hellman Ave Emerson Place Secondary 4 30,000 24,933 0.831 D 29,920 0.997 E 33,150 1.105 F 3230 0.108 Yes
11 Del Mar Ave Garvey Ave Newmark Ave Secondary 4 30,000 23,599 0.787 C 28,319 0.944 E 29,962 0.999 E 1643 0.055 No
12 New Ave Newmark Ave Graves Ave Collector 2 15,000 10,598 0.707 C 12,718 0.848 D 18,498 1.233 F 5780 0.385 Yes
13 Valley Blvd Muscatel Ave Ivar Ave Major 4 40,000 40,989 1.025 F 49,187 1.230 F 57,152 1.429 F 7965 0.199 Yes
14 Valley Blvd Hart Ave Mission Drive Major 4 40,000 17,326 0.433 A 20,791 0.520 A 25,516 0.638 B 4725 0.118 No
15 Valley Blvd Rio Hondo Ave Temple City Blvd Major 4 40,000 27,271 0.682 B 32,725 0.818 D 41,243 1.031 F 8518 0.213 Yes
16 Temple City Blvd Valley Blvd Marshall St Secondary 4 30,000 21,437 0.715 C 25,724 0.857 D 31,301 1.043 F 5577 0.186 Yes
17 Garvey Ave New Ave Del Mar Ave Major 4 40,000 21,667 0.542 A 26,000 0.650 B 41,159 1.029 F 15159 0.379 Yes
18 Garvey Ave Del Mar Ave San Gabriel Blvd Major 4 40,000 31,299 0.782 C 37,559 0.939 E 50,224 1.256 F 12665 0.317 Yes
19 Garvey Ave San Gabriel Blvd Walnut Grove Ave Major 4 40,000 31,684 0.792 C 38,021 0.951 E 49,003 1.225 F 10982 0.275 Yes
20 Garvey Ave Walnut Grove Ave Rosemead Blvd Major 4 40,000 33,366 0.834 D 40,039 1.001 F 45,479 1.137 F 5440 0.136 Yes
21 Rosemead Blvd Lower Azusa Road Mission Drive Major 5 50,000 55,472 1.109 F 66,566 1.331 F 70,957 1.419 F 4391 0.088 Yes
22 Rosemead Blvd Valley Blvd Marshall St Major 4 40,000 62,209 1.555 F 74,651 1.866 F 81,992 2.050 F 7341 0.184 Yes
23 Rosemead Blvd Telstar Ave Whitmore St Major 6 60,000 59,926 0.999 E 71,911 1.199 F 76,910 1.282 F 4999 0.083 Yes
Source: Traffic Analysis for the City of Rosemead Circulation Element Update and Environmental Impact Report. KOA Corporation. May 19, 2008.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 77 - July 2021
Table 4-50 Identified Intersection Approach Improvements
Intersection
Recommended Intersection Improvement
1 Walnut Grove Ave at Mission Dr. EB Right turn lane
2 Rosemead Blvd. at Lower Azusa Rd. SB left turn lane
3 Rosemead Blvd. at Mission Dr. NB & EB left turn lane; WB right turn lane
4 Walnut Grove Ave, at Valley Blvd. EB & WB thru lane; SB & WB left turn lane
5 Rosemead Blvd. at Valley Blvd. NB & SB thru lane & NB left turn lane
6 Valley Blvd. at Mission Dr. N/A
7 Valley Blvd. at Rio Hondo Ave. NB & SB Left turn lane; EB thru lane
8 Valley Blvd. at Temple City Blvd. WB right turn lane
9 Walnut Grove Ave. at Marshall St. EB & WB left turn lane; NB thru & left turn lanes
10 Rosemead Blvd. at Marshall St. NB & SB thru lane; WB left turn lane
11 Rosemead Blvd. at Glendon Way NB left turn lane; SB thru lane (near I-10 on & off ramps)
12 Temple City Blvd. at Loftus Dr. SB left turn lane
13 Del Mar Ave. at Hellman Ave. SB thru lane; EB left turn lane (SB approach near I-10 off ramp)
14 San Gabriel Blvd. at Hellman Ave. SB thru lane; WB thru lane
15 Walnut Grove Ave. at Hellman/Ramona NB & SB thru lane; EB left turn lane; WB right turn lane
16 Rosemead Blvd. at Telstar Ave. WB left turn lane
17 Rosemead Blvd. at Whitmore St. N/A
18 New Ave. at Garvey Ave. WB thru lane
19 Del Mar Ave. at Garvey Ave. NB, SB, and WB thru lane; EB left turn lane
20 San Gabriel Blvd. at Garvey Ave. SB left turn lane; EB & WB thru lane
21 Walnut Grove Ave. at Garvey Ave. WB thru lane
22 San Gabriel Blvd. at Rush St./Potrero Grande N/A
23 Walnut Grove Ave. at Rush St. N/A
24 Walnut Grove Ave. at Landis View Ln. N/A
25 Walnut Grove Ave. at San Gabriel Blvd. WB left lane
26 San Gabriel Blvd. at SR-60 WB Ramps WB right turn lane (WB approach is CA-60 WB off ramp.)
27 Town Center Dr. at SR-60 EB Ramps N/A
28 San Gabriel Blvd. at Town Center Dr. N/A
Source: Traffic Analysis for the City of Rosemead Circulation Element Update and Environmental Impact Report. KOA Corporation. May 19, 2008.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 78 - July 2021
Table 4-51 Identified Roadway Segment Improvements
Primary Street
N/E End of
Segment
S/W End of
Segment
Roadway
Class
No. of
Lanes
IMPROVEMENT
Description
No. of
Lanes
3 Walnut Grove Av Valley Blvd Marshall St Secondary 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
4 Walnut Grove Av Hellman Ave Garvey Ave Secondary 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
5 Walnut Grove Av Fern Ave Klingerman St Secondary 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
7 San Gabriel Blvd Hellman Ave Emerson Place Major 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
10 Del Mar Ave Hellman Ave Emerson Place Secondary 4 Widening and on-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
12 New Ave Newmark Ave Graves Ave Collector 2 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 4
13 Valley Blvd Muscatel Ave Ivar Ave Major 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
15 Valley Blvd Rio Hondo Ave Temple City Blvd Major 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
16 Temple City Blvd Valley Blvd Marshall St Secondary 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
18 Garvey Ave Del Mar Ave San Gabriel Blvd Major 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
19 Garvey Ave San Gabriel Blvd Walnut Grove Ave Major 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
20 Garvey Ave Walnut Grove Ave Rosemead Blvd Major 4 On-street parking removal would likely be required. 6
21 Rosemead Blvd Lower Azusa Road Mission Drive Major 5 On-street parking removal on west curb would likely be required. 7
22 Rosemead Blvd Valley Blvd Marshall St Major 4 Widening and on-street parking removal would likely be required. 8
23 Rosemead Blvd Telstar Ave Whitmore St Major 6 Widening would likely be required. 8
Source: Traffic Analysis for the City of Rosemead Circulation Element Update and Environmental Impact Report.
KOA Corporation. May 19, 2008.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 79 - July 2021
3.13 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Prior Environmental Findings
Utilities and Service Systems: Solid Waste
Solid waste disposal is an issue of regional concern. Many programs are in place at local and
countywide levels to reduce waste generation and increase landfill capacity (at existing and
proposed new sites). Growth within the City of Rosemead could increase solid waste sources
and solid waste disposed of at landfills. Assuming the diversion rate of 59 percent currently
attained by the Los Angeles Area Integrated Waste Management Authority is maintained over the next twenty years and is representative of the diversion rate of Rosemead (a
member of the Authority); approximately 90,000 tons of solid waste per year (1,730 tons
per week) could be taken to landfills by 2025. This represents an increase of 484 tons of
solid waste per week. The Chiquita Canyon Landfill and the Puente Hills Landfill can receive up to 30,000 tons and 13,200 tons of solid waste per week, respectively. An increase of 484
tons would be slightly over one percent of the combined capacity of the two landfills. The
Chiquita Canyon and Puente Hills Landfills have enough capacity to accommodate the increase. Chiquita Canyon was scheduled to close in 2019. The Los Angeles County Board
of Supervisors approved a 30-year permit in June 2019. The Puente Hills landfill closed in
2013. After the closure, waste must be taken to alternative sites.
Despite the continued efforts of the Los Angeles Area Integrated Waste Management
Authority to increase its diversion rates, technologies are not currently available to
completely recycle, destroy, or reuse all solid waste. Likewise, continued disposal of solid
waste at landfills would contribute to the eventual closure of existing landfills and any future
landfill sites. Although the amount of solid waste originating from Rosemead appears very
small relative to the volumes accepted annually at each of the regional landfills, diminishing
landfill space is a significant regional issue, and cumulative impacts are considered significant and unavoidable.
The GPU EIR concluded that project and cumulative impacts are significant and unavoidable despite the imposition of Mitigation Measures UT-1 and UT-2.
Utilities and Service Systems: Water
Of the four water districts large enough to be required to submit Urban Water Management
Plans, all of them either predicted no or minimal growth in their service area, or went with
SCAG’s forecast. The percent increases in population from 2005 to 2025 planned for in the
service areas of each district were as follows:
Golden State Water Company – 12.6 percent growth (based on SCAG estimate)
San Gabriel County Water Company – 5.8 percent growth (based on data from the
City of San Gabriel)
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 80 - July 2021
San Gabriel Valley Water Company – 0 percent (population growth was not
addressed in the plan, but water demand was expected to remain unchanged from
2005 to 2025
California American Water Company – 3.5 percent (based on growth rate for the
past 15 years)
In comparing the General Plan Update to the 1987 General Plan, the General Plan Update could result in 24,123 more people than the previous plan. GPU EIR Table 4-52 shows the
residential water use for the 1987 General Plan and the General Plan Update. The General
Plan Update would consume 9,007 acre-feet per, which is 2,702 acre-feet more per year
than the previous plan.
General Plan Update Table 4-53 shows the commercial, office, and light industrial water use
the 1987 General Plan and the General Plan Update. The General Plan Update would
consume 726 acre-feet per, which is 8,977 acre-feet less per year than the previous plan.
Therefore, the total water demand associated with the General Plan Update would be lower
than the total demand associated with the previous Plan. Furthermore, the water companies
will not issue permits or allow water hookups if adequate supply is not available. Therefore,
the General Plan Update would result in less than significant impacts.
Utilities and Service Systems: Sewer
Increases in population and new development allowed under the General Plan will result in
higher demand on the water treatment network. The City’s 1996 Sewer Master Plan looked
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 81 - July 2021
at focus areas in the City. In the areas covered by the 1996 Sewer Master Plan, the sewers
are likely operating near capacity. In the areas not covered by the 1996 Plan, sewer
operation level is unknown. As the General Plan Update allows for development that would increase wastewater generation over current levels, a significant and unavoidable impact is
anticipated.
The GPU EIR concluded that impacts were less than significant with the imposition of Mitigation Measures UT-3 and UT-4.
Utilities and Service Systems: Storm Water
The City is largely built out and, as such, new development allowed pursuant to the General
Plan Update will occur primarily on land currently developed. Implementation of the General
Plan Update will, as well as compliance with State and Federal laws, ensure less than significant impacts occur.
Impact Analysis
The additional growth analyzed in the GPU EIR includes up to 6,047 dwelling units;
7,310,000 square feet of commercial use; and a minimal net gain of office/industrial uses
within the City by 2025, including within the proposed FCMU Overlay areas.
Utilities and Service Systems: Solid Waste
Future development associated with implementation of the project would generate waste.
This increase in waste generation has been accounted for in the GPU EIR as the development
allowed under the General Plan Update accounted for additional growth, inclusive of future
development associated with implementation of the project.
The landfills that accept waste from Rosemead have sufficient capacity to accommodate the
anticipated increase in waste generation. Thus, adequate capacity exists within the existing
waste collection treatment and recycling programs to accommodate the project.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with applicable development standards and all other applicable Municipal Code requirements and Mitigation Measures UT-1 and UT-2. These regulations and mitigation
measures ensure impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Utilities and Service Systems: Water and Sewer, and Storm Drain
Future development associated with implementation of the project would place higher
demands on water facilities, including supply and distribution facilities. At the time of
buildout, development of land uses allowable under the General Plan Update, inclusive of
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Environmental Analysis - 82 - July 2021
future development associated with implementation of the project, would use approximately
9,730 acre-feet per year (AFY), which is 5,946 AFY less than the 1987 General Plan.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be in areas of the
City that are urbanized in nature and where existing water and wastewater infrastructure
exists. Future development associated with implementation of the project would be reviewed
by the City, in consultation with the appropriate water district, to ensure consistency with wastewater collection system requirements established in plans and agreements, as well as
to ensure that sufficient wastewater infrastructure capacity is available to serve a new
development or facility prior to approval of a project. Specific improvements to the
wastewater collection system may be necessary to accommodate future development, and
would be incorporated into project design.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would generate
additional wastewater flows that would be treated by Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
(LACSD) treatment plants. Wastewater generation for the project is expected to be
comparable to projected demands, and thus would not exceed those capacities. Thus,
adequate capacity exists within the LACSD existing waste collection treatment and recycling
programs to accommodate the project.
Future development for the project would be required to comply with applicable development standards and all other applicable Municipal Code requirements. These
regulations ensure reduced water consumption and wastewater flow associated with the
project, decrease the overall burden on existing water facilities, and decrease the number
of facilities that would need to be constructed or expanded. These regulations ensure
impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in
any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Utilities and Service Systems: Storm Water
Impacts on the local and regional storm drain network would be similar for the project as
projected for the General Plan Update, since the City planning area is mostly developed and
a substantial increase in impervious surface area that generates runoff would not occur.
Future development associated with implementation of the project would be required to
comply with the applicable development standards and all other applicable Municipal Code
requirements, and General Plan Update Resources Management Policy 3.2 and Public Safety
Element Actions 1.8 and 1.26. These regulations, policies, and actions ensure impacts
remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the project would not result in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Personnel - 83 - July 2021
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION PERSONNEL
LEAD AGENCY
City of Rosemead
Angelica Frausto-Lupo, Director of Community Development
Lily T. Valenzuela, Planning & Economic Development Manager
Annie Lao, Associate Planner
Michael Ackerman, Contract City Engineer
Brad Fliehmann, Contract Building Official
CEQA CONSULTANT
Morse Planning Group
Collette L. Morse, AICP, Principal/Project Manager
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the Proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay, MCA 19-02, GPA 19-03, and ZC 19-03
Personnel - 84 - July 2021
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