Exhibit C- HE PSE Update _Draft Addendum_12102021DRAFT
Addendum to the
Rosemead General Plan Update
Final Environmental Impact Report
2021-2029 Housing Element
and
Public Safety Element Update
LEAD AGENCY:
City of Rosemead
Community Development Department 8838 East Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, CA 91770
Contacts:
Lily T. Valenzuela, Planning & Economic Development Manager
Annie Lao, Associate Planner
PREPARED BY:
Morse Planning Group
December 10, 2021
.
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update
Table of Contents - i - December 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose and Scope ....................................................................................... 1
1.2 Environmental Procedures ............................................................................. 1
1.3 Incorporation by Reference ........................................................................... 2
2.0 Project Description ......................................................................................... 21
2.1 Project Location ........................................................................................... 21 2.2 Environmental Setting .................................................................................. 21
2.3 General Plan and Zoning Designations ........................................................... 21
2.4 Project Components ..................................................................................... 23 2.5 Project Approvals......................................................................................... 38
3.0 Environmental Analysis .................................................................................. 39
3.1 Aesthetics ................................................................................................... 39
3.2 Air Quality ................................................................................................... 43
3.3 Biological Resources .................................................................................... 47
3.4 Geology and Soils ........................................................................................ 51
3.5 Hazards and Hazardous Materials .................................................................. 53
3.6 Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................................ 57
3.7 Land Use .................................................................................................... 61 3.8 Noise .......................................................................................................... 63
3.9 Population and Housing ............................................................................... 65
3.10 Public Services ............................................................................................ 69
3.11 Recreation .................................................................................................. 77
3.12 Transportation and Traffic ............................................................................ 79
3.13 Utilities and Service Systems ........................................................................ 93
4.0 Environmental Evaluation Personnel .............................................................. 99
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update
Table of Contents - ii - December 2021
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 Regional Location Map ................................................................................. 22
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Additional Growth Analyzed in General Plan Update EIR .................................. 15
Table 2-1 Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2021-2029 ............................................... 27
Table 2-2 Comparison of Site Inventory and 2021-2020 RHNA ....................................... 28
Table 2-3 Existing Environmental Justice Polices in General Plan .................................... 38
Table 4.14-1 2018 and 2040 Population and Household Projections .................................... 67
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update
Introduction - 1 - December 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 2021-2029
Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update 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 the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update
(project, proposed project).
This Addendum addresses the potential environmental impacts associated with the adoption of
the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update, 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
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.
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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.
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
Freeway Corridor Mixed Use Overlay, September 2021
These documents are available at the City of Rosemead Community Development Department,
8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California, 91770.
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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
The Freeway Corridor Mixed Use Overlay is available on the City’s webpage:
FCMU Overlay - Final.pdf (civiclive.com)
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:
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
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OLI: Office/Light Industrial
PF: Public Facilities
OS: Open Space/Natural Resources
CEM: Cemetery
GASP: Garvey Avenue Specific Plan
On September 7, 2021, the City Council: 1) introduced the first reading by title only of Ordinance
No. 1001 approving Municipal Code 19-02, amending various sections of Title 17, and Zone
Change 19-03, amending the official Zoning Map; and 2) adopted Resolution No. 2021-29
approving General Plan Amendment 19-03 for the Freeway Corridor Mixed Use Overlay. On
September 28, 2021, the City Council conducted a second reading and adoption of Ordinance No.
1001 for Municipal Code Amendment 19-02 and Zone Change 19-03 for the Freeway Corridor
Mixed-Use Overlay.
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.
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
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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 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
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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 2.2 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
a broader range of options to property owners to facilitate the preservation, re-use and redevelopment of structures.
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.
2 On September 28, 2021, the City approved Municipal Code Amendment 19-02, General Plan Amendment 19-03,
and Zone Change 19-03 for the Freeway Corridor Mixed Use Overlay (FCMUO). The FCMUO encompasses properties designated within the High Intensity Commercial Area 2 area.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Introduction - 10 - December 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.
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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.
1.3.2 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.
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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.
Table 3-1
“Typical Buildout” Development and Population Estimates
General Plan Land Use Category Net Acres
Maximum Density/ Intensity (a)
Development Potential Used for Environmental Analysis
Typical Density/ Intensity (a)
Projected Dwelling Units (b)
Estimated Population (b,c)
Non-Residential Potential Square Feet
LDR Low Density Residential 956 7 DU/AC 7.0 DU/AC 6,693 25,945 0
MDR Medium Density Residential 566 12 DU/AC 8.5 DU/AC 4,810 18,644 0
HDR High Density Residential 97 30 DU/AC 19.8 DU/AC 1,917 7,431 0
C Commercial 59 0.35 FAR 0.33 FAR 0 0 840,000
OLI Office/Light Industrial 132 0.5 FAR 0.42 FAR 0 0 2,400,000
MRC Mixed Use: Residential/Commercial (d) 142 30 DU/AC; 1.6 FAR 25.0 DU/AC; 1.6 FAR 1,769 6,858 4,930,000
MHRC Mixed Use: High Density Residential/Commercial (e) 220 45 DU/AC; 2.0 FAR 36.0 DU/AC; 2.0 FAR 5,555 21,532 5,760,000
MIC Mixed Use: Industrial/Commercial 9 2.5 FAR 1.0 FAR 0 0 390,000
PF Public Facilities 380 N/A N/A 0 0 0
OS Open Space/Natural Resources 90 N/A N/A 0 0 0
CEM Cemetery 4 N/A N/A 0 0 0
Total 2,654 20,744 80,410 14,320,000
Notes: a) DU/AC: Dwelling Unit Per Acre, FAR: Floor-Area Ratio b) Based on ”typical density/intensity.” c) Population is estimated based on an average household size of 3.997 persons per household and a vacancy rate of 3.02% according to the 2007 California Department of Finance, Demographic Unit. d) Mixed Use: Residential/Commercial category assumes 50% residential and 50% commercial mix. e) Mixed Use: High Density Residential/Commercial category assumes 70% residential and 30% commercial mix.
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Introduction - 13 - December 2021
Land Use and Population Estimates
For General Plan Buildout
General Plan Land Use Category Net Acres
Estimated Density/ Intensity (a)
Projected Dwelling Units (b)
Estimated Population (b,c)
Non-Residential Potential Square Feet
LDR Low Density Residential 957 7.0 DU/AC 6,696 25,955 0
MDR Medium Density Residential 566 8.5 DU/AC 4,810 18,644 0
HDR High Density Residential 97 19.8 DU/AC 1,917 7,431 0
C Commercial 62 0.33 FAR 0 0 880,000
OLI Office/Light Industrial 132 0.42 FAR 0 0 2,400,000
MRC Mixed Use: Residential/Commercial (d) 142 25.0 DU/AC; 1.60 FAR 1,769 6,858 4,930,000
MHRC Mixed Use: High Density Residential/Commercial (e) 220 36.0 DU/AC; 2.0 FAR 5,546 21,498 5,750,000
MIC Mixed Use: Industrial/Commercial 9 1.0 FAR 0 0 390,000
PF Public Facilities 383 N/A 0 0 0
OS Open Space/Natural Resources 83 N/A 0 0 0
CEM Cemetery 4 N/A 0 0 0
Total 2,654 20,738 80,385 14,350,000
Notes: a) DU/AC: Dwelling Unit Per Acre, FAR: Floor-Area Ratio b) Population is estimated based on an average household size of 3.997 persons per household and a vacancy rate of 3.02% according to the 2007 California Department of Finance, Demographic Unit. c) Mixed Use: Residential/Commercial category assumes 50% residential and 50% commercial mix. d) Mixed Use: High Density Residential/Commercial category assumes 70% residential and 30% commercial mix.
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.
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Introduction - 14 - December 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.
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).
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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.
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Introduction - 16 - December 2021
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.
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
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Introduction - 17 - December 2021
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.
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,
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Introduction - 18 - December 2021
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. 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.
2021 Addendum to General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report
The 2021 Addendum analyzed the adoption of the proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed Use (FCMU)
Overlay. 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 Interstate 10 (I-10) Freeway. The FCMU Overlay areas are located
along Del Mar Avenue, San Gabriel Boulevard, Walnut Grove Avenue, Valley Boulevard, Temple
City Boulevard, and Rosemead Boulevard. The FCMU Overlay identifies special provisions for land use, development standards, urban design, community benefits and by-right uses, in addition to
those in the existing underlying base zone, to support appropriate mixed-use and residential
development. The FCMU Overlay also identifies public and private realm improvements that will further enhance the aesthetic and character of these areas. No base zones were proposed to be
modified.
The Addendum reviewed all environmental topics analyzed in the 2008 General Plan EIR and concluded that there are no new significant environmental impacts or previously identified
significant impacts made more severe by project modifications, new circumstances, or new
information associated with the proposed Freeway Corridor Mixed Use (FCMU) Overlay. Thus, all
impacts would be less than, similar to, or no worse than the level of impacts identified in the 2008
General Plan EIR. In addition, the Addendum the 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.
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Introduction - 19 - December 2021
1.3.3 FREEWAY CORRIDOR MIXED USE OVERLAY
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.
On September 7, 2021, the City Council: 1) introduced the first reading by title only of Ordinance
No. 1001 approving Municipal Code 19-02, amending various sections of Title 17, and Zone
Change 19-03, amending the official Zoning Map; and 2) adopted Resolution No. 2021-29 approving General Plan Amendment 19-03 for the Freeway Corridor Mixed Use Overlay and
accepted the Addendum to the GPU EIR. On September 28, 2021, the City Council conducted a
second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 1001 for Municipal Code Amendment 19-02 and
Zone Change 19-03 for the Freeway Corridor Mixed-Use Overlay.
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2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update apply to all properties within
the municipal boundaries of the City of Rosemead (City, Rosemead). The City is located in the
San Gabriel Valley in the eastern portion of Los Angeles County, California (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.
2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
2.2.1 EXISTING LAND USES
The City of Rosemead encompasses approximately 2,654 acres within its 5.2-square-mile corporate limits. Rosemead has been fully urbanized for many years, and development is
characterized primarily as a residential community with a mix of housing types, commercial and
industrial businesses located primarily along major highways and streets, and public institutional
and open space uses.
2.2.2 SURROUNDING LAND USES
The City of 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. The neighboring cities and communities are also fully urbanized with a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, public institutional, and open space uses.
2.3 GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING DESIGNATIONS
Not Applicable (Citywide).
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Project Description - 22 - December 2021
Exhibit 1 Regional Location Map
Source: City of Rosemead General Plan Update Draft EIR (July 2008)
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Project Description - 23 - December 2021
2.4 PROJECT COMPONENTS
The project includes the following components: 1) 2021-2029 Housing Element and 2) Public
Safety Element Update. 2.4.1 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
The 2021-2029 Housing Element represents an update of the City’s 2013-2021 Housing Element.
The Housing Element is an integral component of the City’s General Plan, as it addresses existing
and future housing needs of all types for persons of all economic segment groups in the City. The
Housing Element serves as a tool for decision-makers and the public in understanding and
meeting housing needs in Rosemead. While the law does not require local governments to actually
construct housing to meet identified needs, it does require that the community address housing
needs in its discretionary planning actions. PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE HOUSING ELEMENT
The Housing Element is one of the seven mandatory elements of a General Plan. Through policies,
procedures, and incentives, it provides an action-plan for maintaining and expanding the housing
supply in the City of Rosemead.
The Housing Element is organized into the following sections and appendices:
Sections Appendices
1. Introduction
2. Background Information
3. Constraints on Housing Production
4. Housing Resources
5. Housing Plan
A. Review of Rosemead 2014-2021
Housing Element
B. Public Participation
C. Sites Inventory
D. Fair Housing
Rosemead’s Housing Element for the 6th cycle planning period of October 15, 2021 to October
15, 2029 describes policies and programs that include:
Identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs, resources, and
constraints;
A statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, and scheduled programs for
preservation, improvement and development of housing;
Identification of adequate sites for housing; and
Adequate provision for existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community.
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Project Description - 24 - December 2021
Element and Appendices
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583, the housing element contains four basic parts:
1. Analysis of demographic, social, and housing characteristics, current and future housing
needs due to population growth and change, and other factors affecting housing need;
2. Analysis of governmental and nongovernmental constraints that affect the development,
maintenance, and improvement of housing for all income groups and people with
disabilities;
3. Inventory of resources available to address the City’s housing needs, including available
land for housing, as well as the financial resources and administrative capacity to manage
housing programs; and
4. Specific actions or programs to address the development, improvement, and conservation
of housing to meet current and future needs. This includes goals, policies, and specific
housing programs.
Parts 1 through 4 are addressed in the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Appendix A contains a review of the programs from the previous element and identifies the City’s
accomplishments as well as changes that are appropriate for the new planning period based on
changed circumstances.
Appendix B contains a list of residents, interested parties, and organizations that participated in
the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Appendix C contains a parcel-specific listing of potential sites for housing development.
Appendix D contains an analysis of areas of segregation, racially or ethnically concentrated areas
of poverty, disparities in access to opportunity, and disproportionate housing needs including
displacement risk.
HOUSING GOALS AND POLICIES
The 2021-2029 Housing Element goals and policies are listed below. Refer to the 2021-2029
Housing Element (separate document) for a full description of the Housing Programs. Goal 1: Protect existing stable, single-family neighborhoods throughout the City.
Policy: Encourage the rehabilitation of existing substandard units to bring them up to code
and extend their useful life.
Policy: Encourage the construction of new single-family attached and detached dwellings
using zoning and other mechanisms.
Policy: Preserve existing residential areas by using design measures to buffer these sensitive
land uses from adjacent dissimilar uses.
Policy: Existing single-family units that require demolition must be replaced with residential
units that will be compatible in character to the surrounding neighborhood.
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Policy: Conserve existing mobile home parks that are economically and physically sound, and
implement relocation assistance guidelines for parks that are converted.
Policy: Promote the development of Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling
Units to provide needed housing and support Fair Housing goals.
Goal 2: Encourage the development of a range of housing types in a range of prices
affordable to all Rosemead residents.
Policy: There shall be a variety of housing types and prices to accommodate a wide range of
housing needs and tastes.
Policy: Encourage the maintenance of existing housing opportunities while promoting the
development of new housing opportunities for the City’s elderly.
Policy: Discourage the conversion of apartments to condominiums by requiring converted
buildings to be brought into full compliance with the existing code.
Policy: Encourage housing opportunities within the mixed-use residential/commercial overlay
districts to provide needed infill development opportunities.
Policy: Provide zoning regulations, permit streamlining, and other incentives to facilitate
affordable housing and economic development goals.
Policy: Continue to foster partnerships with community organizations, religious institutions, non-profits, industry groups and other stakeholders to further opportunities for
affordable housing.
Goal 3: Encourage the maintenance and upgrading of existing housing stock to
ensure a decent, safe, and sanitary home for all Rosemead residents.
Policy: A range of housing opportunities shall be provided to existing and future residents of
the City of Rosemead to help ensure that housing is available to all socio- economic
segments and special need groups within the community.
Policy: Low and moderate-income housing shall be of equal design, construction, and
maintenance as that of more expensive housing in the City of Rosemead.
Policy: Continue to enforce Municipal Code provisions relating to the use and development of
property.
Goal 4: Support federal and State laws that prohibit discrimination of protected classes under State and federal fair housing laws.
Policy: Continue to cooperate with and support the efforts of the Southern California Housing Rights Center to provide information and counseling pertaining to fair housing and
landlord-tenant issues.
Policy: The City of Rosemead will continue to support and assist in enforcing the provisions
of the federal and State Fair Housing laws.
Policy: Affirmatively further fair housing by taking meaningful actions to combat
discrimination, help overcome patterns of segregation, and foster inclusive
communities.
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REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
California Government Code Article 10.6, Section 65580 – 65589.8, Chapter 3 of Division 1 of
Title 7 sets forth the legal requirements for a housing element and encourages the provision of
affordable and decent housing in suitable living environments for all communities to meet
statewide goals. The 2021-2029 Housing Element is a statement by the City of Rosemead of its
current and future housing needs identified in a policy document that sets forth the City’s goals,
policies, and programs to address those identified needs.
Specifically, Government Code Section 65580 states the housing element shall consist of “…an
identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals,
polices, quantified objectives, financial resources and scheduled programs for the preservation,
improvement, and development of housing.” The housing element must also contain a housing
plan with quantified objectives for the implementation of the goals and objectives described in
the housing element. State law requires the housing element be updated every eight years or as
otherwise required by State law.
Government Code Article 10.6, Section 65589 – 65589.8, Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 sets
forth the legal requirements for a housing element and encourages the provision of affordable
and decent housing in all communities to meet statewide goals. This Initial Study evaluates the environmental effects of the adoption and implementation of the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
The planning period is from October 15, 2021 through October 15, 2029.
Government Code Section 65583 requires that housing elements include the following
components:
A review of the previous element’s goals, policies, programs, and objectives to
ascertain the effectiveness of each of these components, as well as the overall effectiveness of the Housing Element;
An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints related
to the meeting of these needs;
An analysis and program for preserving assisted housing developments;
A Statement of community goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the
preservation, improvement and development of housing;.
A program which sets forth an eight-year schedule of actions that the City is undertaking or intends to undertake, in implementing the policies set forth in the
Housing Element.
Several factors influence the demand for housing in the City of Rosemead. Four major “needs” categories considered in the Housing Element include:
1. Housing needs resulting from overcrowding;
2. Housing needs that result when households are paying more than they can afford for
housing;
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3. Housing needs of "special needs groups" such as the elderly, large families, female
heads of households, households with persons with disabilities (including persons with
developmental disabilities) and the homeless; and
4. Housing needs resulting from population growth in the City and surrounding region.
California housing element law requires that each city and county develop local housing programs
designed to meet their “fair share” of housing needs for all income groups. The California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), Housing Policy Division develops
the Regional Housing Needs Assessments (RHNA) for each region of the State, represented by
councils of governments. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) determines
the housing allocation for each city and county within its six-county jurisdiction, which includes
Los Angeles County. SCAG assigned Rosemead a housing allocation of 4,612 units, as shown in
Table 2-1, Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2021-2029. The RHNA covers the period of October
15, 2021 to October 15, 2029.
Table 2-1
Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2021-2029
Income Category Number of Units
Very Low Income 1,154
Low Income 638
Moderate Income 686
Above Moderate Income 2,134
Total Units 4,612
Source: City of Rosemead, Rosemead 2021-2029 Housing Element (September 2021)
RESIDENTIAL SITES INVENTORY
The Residential Sites Inventory summarizes the sites available in Rosemead to accommodate the RHNA through land recycling primarily through pending projects, the City’s inventory of vacant
and underutilized land, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and rezoned and mixed-use overlay
sites. A parcel-specific list of potential sites for housing development is provided in Housing
Element Appendix C. Comparison of Sites Inventory and RHNA
As detailed in Housing Element Appendix C, identified properties have the combined capacity to
accommodate approximately 6,879 additional housing units (Table 2-2, Comparison of Site
Inventory and 2021-2029 RNHA). The Residential Sites Inventory and the associated land use regulations can facilitate the production of 2,277 lower-income units, 1,285 moderate-income
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units, and 3,317 above-moderate-income units during the planning period, which exceeds the
City’s RHNA allocation for the 2021-2029 planning period.
Table 2-2 Comparison of Site Inventory and 2021-2029 RHNA
Site Inventory – Realistic Capacity1
Income Category
Lower2 Moderate Above Moderate Total
Vacant Sites 232 286 572 1,091
Non-Vacant Sites 1,783 991 2,631 5,404
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)3 262 8 114 384
Area Inventory Total 2,277 1,285 3,317 6,879
6TH CYCLE RHNA (2021-2029) ALLOCATION 1,792 686 2,134 4,612
Delta (Site Inventory Total Minus 6th Cycle RHNA) +485 +599 +1,183 +2,267
Source: City of Rosemead, Rosemead 2021-2029 Housing Element (September 2021)
Notes 1. Realistic Capacity nets out existing residential units located on properties per County Assessor Data Set; also includes rezoned sites. 1. Lower RHNA = Extremely Low (577) + Very Low (577) + Low (638) 2. Assumes 48 ADUs permitted per year
Public services and facilities are available to adequately serve all of the potential housing sites.
Lateral water and sewer lines would be extended onto the properties from the adjoining public
rights-of-way as development occurs. Any missing public improvement (e.g., curbs, gutters,
sidewalks, etc.) along the property frontages would also be constructed at that time.
While providing sufficient quality housing in Rosemead is an important goal, the production of
housing must be balanced with other City principles and goals expressed throughout the
Rosemead General Plan relative to land use and community design, economic development,
transportation and mobility, conservation and sustainability, safety and noise, and community facilities, open space, and recreation. The City’s balanced consideration of City principles and
goals will provide capacity for over 6,879 new housing units with a mix of ownership and rental
projects. The City’s residential development capacity exceeds the RHNA obligation of 4,612 units
for the 2021-2029 Housing Element planning period. The adequacy of these housing opportunity
sites to accommodate the appropriate mix and affordability of housing is discussed in the Housing
Element Appendices.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element identifies sites evaluated previously for potential environmental
impacts in the General Plan Update EIR. The 2021-2029 Housing Element Update identifies a
range of tentatively reserved sites that could be developed to meet the City’s sixth cycle RHNA
throughout Rosemead. Some of these sites may differ from those identified in the Rosemead General Plan and could require land use changes in the future that would allow for increased
density or other provisions.
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Government Code Section 65583 (c)(1)(A) states that cities have up to three years from the time
a Housing Element is adopted to rezone sites, including adoption of minimum density and
development standards, and cities that fail to adopt a Housing Element that HCD finds to be in substantial compliance within 120 days of the statutory deadline for adoption, shall complete
rezoning of sites no later than one year from the statutory deadline of the Housing Element. The
sites inventory (provided in Appendix C) yields housing units that provide more than 100 percent
of the RHNA requirements, as demonstrated in Table 2-2. Furthermore, each future development
proposal would be subject to environmental analysis, as applicable, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Section 15168(c) and as required by State law, to evaluate potential impacts specific to that
proposal. HOUSING ELEMENT ASSUMPTIONS
This document is based on the following assumptions:
1. General Plan Consistency. The 2021-2029 Housing Element is consistent with the
adopted Rosemead General Plan. As the General Plan is updated in the future, the City
will ensure that the updated General Plan is consistent with the policies contained in the
Housing Element.
2. Purpose of Housing Element Environmental Review. This Initial Study is not
intended to and does not address the particular impacts of future housing projects on any
site identified in the 2021-2029 Housing Element. The Initial Study is limited to the review
of potential environmental impacts resulting from the adoption and implementation of the
2021-2029 Housing Element and is not intended to analyze impacts of current or future
specific development activities.
3. Project-Specific Environmental Review. In the City of Rosemead, all housing
development proposals are subject to a CEQA review process.
2.4.2 PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE
The City is preparing a focused update to the Public Safety Element along with the addition of
environmental justice policies to comply with State legislation.
Environmental justice is the movement to recognize and improve the disproportionate burden of
environmental pollution and other toxins faced by low-income communities and communities of color. Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) was signed into law in 2016 which requires local jurisdictions
that have disadvantaged communities to incorporate environmental justice policies into their
general plans. For the purpose of general plan requirements, environmental justice is defined as:
“the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins, with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations, and policies” (California Government Code Section 65040.12).
Residents living in or near neighborhoods with high levels of pollution are at an increased risk for
developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Pregnant women living in highly polluted
neighborhoods are also at an increased risk for experiencing poor birth outcomes, such as preterm
birth.
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The Public Safety Element has been updated to confront these types of inequities by addressing
the specific environmental hazards faced by disadvantaged communities in meaningful
environmental justice policy. In addition, the Public Safety Element has been updated to address the risk of fire hazards and climate adaption and resiliency strategies in compliance with Senate
Bill 379 (SB 379) and Government Code Section 65302 et seq. Minor text revisions have also been
made throughout the Public Safety Element.
REVISED TEXT
Text deletions are shown in strikeout (example: strikeout) and text additions are shown in underline (example: underline).
Pages 5-2 and 5-3:
In Rosemead, safety issues of concern include:
▪ Geologic hazards, including (non-seismic) slope failures; collapsible, compressible or expansive soils subsidence due to groundwater pumping; and shallow ground water.
▪ Seismic (earthquake) hazards, including surface fault rupture, ground shaking, liquefaction effects, and earthquake-induced slope instabilities; instability’s;
▪ Flooding (inundation) from extreme weather and seismically induced dam failure;
▪ Urban fires and smoke from wildfires in the region;
▪ Presence of hazardous materials; and
▪ Climate change hazards. A requirement to address climate change in safety elements was added through Senate Bill 379 in 2015, which specifies that local jurisdictions conduct a vulnerability assessment to identify the risks of climate change, and develop a set of goals, policies, and objectives to address the identified risks. To meet this requirement, the City relied on the analysis included in the Southern California Adaptation Planning Guide (SoCal APG) prepared by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG, 2020), the City’s adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan (2018), and the Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) currently being prepared by the County of Los Angeles. The CVA provides a countywide analysis of the effects of climate change hazards that all 88 cities in Los Angeles County can access and use. Climate vulnerability findings along with the City’s climate adaptation goals, policies, and actions are provided in this Public Safety Element. Fire safety is of growing importance in California. As a result, State law requires that general plans in high-risk areas, generally at the wildland urban interface, address wildfire risks. In addition, SB 1035 (2018) requires regular updates to the Safety Element chapter of the General Plan to address new information regarding flood and fire hazards, as well as climate change adaptation and resilience. State law also requires local governments to identify and evaluate evacuation routes (AB 747, 2019) and to identify residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes (SB 99, 2019). The City of Rosemead does not have very high fire severity zones but is still impacted by wildfires in the region due to smoke and possible disruptions to transportation, electricity, water emergency response, and other systems. Environmental justice is another new topic that must be addressed in general plans. In 2016, Senate Bill 1000 was signed into law which requires local jurisdictions that have disadvantaged communities to either add a new element or incorporate environmental justice policies into their general plans. Environmental justice addresses inequitable exposure to pollutants and other impacts, and the lack of infrastructure and amenities to equitably serve vulnerable
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populations. “Vulnerable populations” include disadvantaged communities based on geographic, socioeconomic, public health and environmental hazards criteria. “Equity” means that all people are justly and fairly treated according to their circumstances. The City of Rosemead has disadvantaged communities and has chosen to incorporate its environmental justice policies into its Public Safety Element. However, many environmental justice policies are already addressed throughout the General Plan, as summarized in Table 5-2.
Page 5-4: Minor text edit to paragraph regarding Geology and Soils.
Page 5-10: Text edit to second paragraph under Flooding. State law (AB 162) also requires General Plans to identify existing and planned development in flood hazard zones, including structures, roads, utilities, and essential public facilities. Flood hazards in the City were reviewed as a part of the 2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, with no change to flood risk noted; As noted above, nearly the entire City is located in an area subject to minimal flood risk. If new data and information becomes available, the City will take it into consideration, where necessary.
Pages 5-14 to 5-16:
Rosemead contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and the Los Angeles County Fire Departments for provision of emergency response and law enforcement services. This arrangement allows the City to more readily adjust staffing to meet the changing needs of businesses and residents. Also, County agencies can easily provide supplemental responses from any other Sheriff or Fire Department stations. The County of Los Angeles (LA County) Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is the lead agency for the “Operational Area,” which includes all of the independent cities and special districts in LA County. As the Operation Area Coordinator, the OEM employs a set of policies, procedures and practices to ensure an effective response to the most prevalent local emergencies driven by climate change – namely wildfires, mudslides in burn areas, drought, heat waves, vector-borne public health emergencies, sea level rise, and urban flooding. The LA County OEM works with County departments, cities, and partner agencies to increase the capability of the region to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all hazards impacting the County, including those exacerbated by climate change. In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, Rosemead residents would have multiple options through the existing City and regional transportation system. Designated evacuation routes are identified on Figure 5-8. The evacuation route map is maintained in coordination with the County of Los Angeles. Rosemead has easy accessibility to several freeways that connect it to the City to Los Angeles and the larger Los Angeles metropolitan region. The San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 10) runs east-west through the City, and the Pomona Freeway (State Route 60) runs through the southern portion (see General Plan Introduction Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2). Interstate 710 to the west provides direct access to Long Beach, and Interstate 605 to the east connects to Huntington Beach. Interstate 210 to the north provides east-west connection to the San Fernando Valley and the Inland Empire. Rosemead Boulevard, Walnut Grove Avenue, San Gabriel Boulevard, and Del Mar Avenue are the major north-south roadways within the City. All four major north-south roads provide connections to Interstate 10. In addition, San Gabriel Boulevard connects to SR-60 within the southern area of the city. Valley Boulevard, Garvey Avenue, Graves Avenue, and Rush Street are the major east-west roadways within the City. These arterials provide good alternative travel routes to destinations throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The road network provides safe and ready access for emergency equipment and the evacuation of residents during disasters. Transit evacuations are coordinated through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the California
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Highway Patrol. In addition, if needed, the City will reach out to the County EOC through the Operational Area Response and Recovery System to request for transit services and buses for evacuation. In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, the City is prepared to provide instructions to residents through the City’s E-Alerts, Nixle alerts, website, and social media platforms to instruct individuals on which roadways should be used. Routes would vary based on the type of emergency and the area affected. Fire Hazards Fire hazards, including brush land and structure types, are a significant problem in Los Angeles County and throughout California. State law (SB 1241, 2012) requires cities to update their general plan safety elements to address the risk of fire in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Very High Hazard Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), and to regularly review changing fire risks (SB 1035, 2018). Rosemead does not have any SRAs or VHFHSZs within its boundaries. Although Rosemead is an urbanized community surrounded by other developed communities, the increase in catastrophic fires within Southern California has demonstrated that even areas of low fire hazard risk can experience impacts from extreme fire events. Climate change plays an increasing role in contributing to these disasters.
Page 5-17: Minor text edits in the first and third paragraphs.
Pages 5-18 and 5-19:
California Building Code Beginning in 2007, rather than using the Uniform Building Code, California instead adopted the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) with substantial local amendments. The IBC is developed and published by the International Code Council (ICC), which was formed in 1994 by a merger of the three national building code publishers. During January and February 2007, the California Building Standards Commission (http://www.bsc.ca.gov) adopted, in sections, the 2007 International Building Code (IBC). The new California Building Code (CBC) became effective July 1, 2006, and local codes were adopted 180 days later. The State adopts a set of new construction codes every three years. Effective January 1, 2008, all new construction in Rosemead must be done in accordance with the 2007 CBC. The California Building Standards Code is a compilation of three types of building standards from three different origins:
▪ Building standards that have been adopted by State agencies without change from building standards contained in national model codes;
▪ Building standards that have been adopted and adapted from national model codes to address California’s ever-changing conditions; and
▪ Building standards, authorized by the California legislature, that constitute amendments not covered by national model codes, that have been created and adopted to address particular California concerns. The 2007 California Building Code (CBC) is a fully integrated code based on the 2006 International Building Code. Part 2 now also includes Title 24, Part 8 (California Historical Building Code) and Title 24, Part 10 (California Existing Building Code). The California Building Standards Code is comprised of twelve parts that incorporate public health and safety standards used in the design and construction of buildings in California. The codes also include standards for historic buildings, energy efficiency and access compliance for persons with disabilities. Structures such as dams and freeways fall under criteria developed by various State and Federal agencies. The City of Rosemead has adopted and currently enforces the 2019 California Building Code as amended by Title 26 Los Angeles County Building Code (adopted November 26, 2019, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors), together with their appendices.
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Pages 5-21 and 5-22:
Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires state and local governments to prepare mitigation plans to document their mitigation planning process, and identify hazards, potential losses, mitigation needs, goals, and strategies. This type of planning supplements the City’s General Plan and emergency management planning programs. provided a new set of mitigation plan requirements that emphasize State and local jurisdictions to coordinate disaster mitigation planning and implementation. States are encouraged to complete a “Standard” or an “Enhanced” Natural Mitigation Plan. “Enhanced” plans demonstrate increased coordination of mitigation activities at the State level, and if completed and approved, will increase the amount of funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. California recently updated its State Hazard Mitigation Plan which will require approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by October 8, 2007. The State of California Plan was adopted on October 7, 2007 and approved by FEMA Region IX on December 17, 2007. The City adopted an update to its Hazard Mitigation Plan (Mitigation Plan) in 2018 in response to the Disaster Mitigation Act. The Mitigation Plan is a federally mandated update to the City of Rosemead 2012 Hazard Mitigation Plan and ensures continuing eligibility for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding. Part I of the Hazard Mitigation Plan documents the mitigation planning process including how it was developed, the planning timeframe, and who was involved in drafting the document. In Part II, the Mitigation Plan provides information on hazard identification, vulnerability and risk associated with hazards in the City, and describes the hazards posing a significant threat to the City. Part III identifies mitigation strategies including the goals, community capabilities, and priority setting methods, and Part IV includes appendices with additional information. The City of Rosemead utilized the categorization of hazards as identified in California’s State Hazard Mitigation Plan including: Earthquakes, Floods, Levee Failures, Wildfires, Landslides and Earth Movements, Tsunami, Climate-related hazards, Volcanoes, and Other hazards. The Mitigation Plan includes information on previous occurrences of hazard events and the probability of future events; Earthquake and Flooding were identified as “Moderate” probability hazards, Windstorm as a “High” probability hazard, and Dam Failure as a “Low” probability hazard. As stated in the Mitigation Plan, a vulnerability assessment “is a simultaneous look at the geographical location of hazards and an inventory of the underlying land uses (populations, structures, etc.). Facilities that provide critical and essential services following a major emergency are of particular concern because these locations house staff and equipment necessary to provide important public safety, emergency response, and/or disaster recovery functions.” The Mitigation Plan assessment references the City’s General Plan and uses demographic and land use data to help identify present day and future vulnerabilities. The core of the Mitigation Plan is the Mitigation Strategy which outlines the City' s blueprint for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment, based on existing authorities, policies, programs, and resources, and its ability to expand on and improve these existing tools. The Mitigation Plan provides valuable information to understand potential climate change vulnerability, since climate change impacts tend to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. However, the Mitigation Plan does not specifically address climate change. As such, the 2021 Public Safety Element technical update summarizes the key findings of the Mitigation Plan, provides the climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation policies required by State law, and incorporates the Mitigation Plan into the General Plan by reference. A more detailed vulnerability analysis related to climate change is provided below.
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Page 5-23: Relationship to Other General Plan Elements The Public Safety Element relates most closely to the Land Use Element. Policies and plans in the Public Safety Element are designed to protect existing and planned land uses from specific types of hazards. Table 5.2 below provides additional details on how the Public Safety Element relates to the rest of the General Plan with respect to Environmental Justice.
Page 5-23: Minor text edits in the third paragraph.
Page 5-27: Revision to Goal 1
Goal 1: The City of Rosemead will act in cooperation with federal, State, and County agencies responsible for the enforcement of planning statutes, environmental laws, and building codes to minimize, to the extent practical, risks to people and property damage, risks related economic and social disruption, and other impacts resulting from 1) geologic and soil hazards, 2) seismic hazards including primary and secondary effects of seismic shaking, fault rupture, and other earthquake-induced ground deformation in Rosemead, and 3) dam failure-induced flood and inundation hazards, while reducing the disaster recovery time due to hazard incidents in Rosemead. The City of Rosemead will continue using consider undertaking a HAZUS-based loss estimation analysis to more fully quantify potential physical damage, economic loss, and social impacts from these events.
Page 5-31: Revision to Policy 3.10
Policy 3.10: Continue to coordinate with Los Angeles County for nsider the adoption of a citywide emergency evacuation planning and the American Red Cross for emergency shelter planning needs.
NEW TEXT
Pages 5-40 to 5-62:
NEW SUBHEADING: CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION This new subheading addresses that climate change affects public safety and disaster management in the City of Rosemead, and includes the following:
New Table 5-1, Climate Change Hazards
New Goal 4
o 2 Objectives o Policies 4.1 to 4.11
o Implementation Actions 4.1 to 4.6
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NEW SUBHEADING: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Under this subheading the following Environmental Justice (EJ) Topics are discussed: Pollution Exposure, Public Facilities, Physical Activity, Food Access, Safe and Healthy Homes, Civic Engagement, and Needs of Disadvantaged Communities. In addition, this section includes the following:
New Figure EJ-1, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Results, City of Rosemead
New Figure EJ-2, SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities Map, City of Rosemead
New Table 5-2, Environmental Justice in the General Plan
New Goal 5 o 4 Objectives
o Policies 5.1 to 5.15 o Implementation Actions 5.1 to 5.3
New Goal 6
o 2 Objectives o Policies 6.1 to 6.9 o Implementation Actions 6.1 to 6.4 Goals 4, 5, and 6 and associated Policies 4.1 to 4.11, 5.1 to 5.15, and 6.1 to 6.9 are provided below. Goal 4: Effectively adapt to and increase the community’s resilience to climate change impacts.
Policy 4.1: Consider climate change impacts when preparing or updating emergency response and preparedness plans.
a. Develop an emergency shelter plan that includes addressing the need for cooling centers during extreme heat events.
b. Educate residents on how to protect themselves from poor air quality during wildfire events affecting the region.
c. Evaluate the need for battery or other back-up power systems for communications systems, emergency shelters and key facilities.
Policy 4.2: Regularly update the Hazard Mitigation Plan to continue to protect the community as local conditions change, and to maintain eligibility for grant funding.
Policy 4.3: Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions, county, regional, state, and federal agencies on climate adaption, resource management, emergency management, and risk reduction planning and activities. See also Public Safety Element Policy 1.4.
Policy 4.4: Ensure that the latest versions of the adopted Building and Fire Codes are adopted and enforced. See also Public Safety Element Policy 3.1 and Land Use Element Actions 5.11 – 5.19.
Policy 4.5: Promote preparedness for City staff, businesses and residents that empowers them to increase their resilience to hazard related events and a changing climate.
Policy 4.6: Reduce the impacts of extreme heat on people and the electric grid through measures such as increasing urban tree planting, and implementing cool roofs and pavement materials. See also Land Use Element Actions 5.7 – 5.8.
Policy 4.7: Incorporate best available data and understanding about the impacts of a changing climate into decision making.
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Policy 4.8: Incorporate resiliency measures and adaptation strategies into capital improvement planning and other investment decisions.
a. Pursue resiliency measures which may include but are not limited to green infrastructure that reduces flooding, adaptation of stormwater systems, and tree planting for increased shade.
b. Locate, when feasible, essential public facilities outside of at-risk areas, or identify construction methods or other methods to minimize damage if these facilities are located in at-risk areas.
c. Prioritize investments that protect vulnerable communities.
Policy 4.9: Design adaptation initiatives and programs to provide multiple co-benefits, including reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, support for the local economy, enhancements to the natural environment, or alleviating underlying health inequities.
Policy 4.10: Commit to ongoing community engagement and dialogue to help identify or refine local information on the needs of vulnerable populations and assets as conditions change.
Policy 4.11: Build partnerships with public, private and nonprofit sectors to provide services to residents as needed, and foster community connections.
Goal 5: Ensure the availability of a healthy environment for all people.
Policy 5.1: Work with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to meet State and federal ambient air quality standards in order to protect residents, regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, from the health effects of air pollution.
Policy 5.2: Encourage smoke-free workplaces, parks, and other community spaces to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.
Policy 5.3: Educate, and if possible, provide subsidies, to residential property owners to retrofit properties affected by adverse air quality with air filters, ventilation systems, landscaping or other measures.
Policy 5.4: Educate residents on how to protect themselves from extreme heat, and smoke exposure during wildfire events, and additional climate vulnerabilities as discussed under Goal 4 of this Element.
Policy 5.5: Support provision of convenient access to healthy foods in all neighborhoods and districts.
Policy 5.6: Promote statewide efforts to expand usage of food assistance benefits (e.g., CalFresh, WIC, and Market Match) at farmers’ markets and local retailers.
Policy 5.7: Support the operation of existing and future farmers’ markets in the City.
Policy 5.8: Encourage healthy food options at all municipal buildings and at City events where food is made available by the City.
Policy 5.9: Support private sector actions of existing liquor stores, convenience stores, and ethnic markets to stock fresh produce and other healthy foods.
Policy 5.10: Encourage participation in community edible gardens where appropriate.
Policies: See the Housing Element for a full range of policies and programs.
Policy 5.11: Adopt planning programs, such as specific plans and zoning amendments, to improve environmental quality, and strengthen economic and educational opportunities.
a. Address the needs of those who may not have been represented in the public process.
b. Foster transit-oriented development that provides access to local and regional opportunities and strengthens community development.
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Policy 5.12: Continue to maintain and, if possible, expand the public park system, promote use of bicycles, and encourage day and evening pedestrian activity through improved sidewalks and lighting.
Policy 5.13: Incorporate Complete Streets principles into all transportation projects at all phases of development, including planning and land use decisions, scoping, design, implementation, maintenance, and performance monitoring.
Policy 5.14: Increase the City’s urban tree canopy cover to contribute to an attractive and comfortable pedestrian environment, and maximize additional co-benefits of trees, such as, capturing particulate matter pollution, and reducing urban heat, energy use and urban runoff.
Policy 5.15: Provide a variety of parks, facilities, and programs to meet the recreational needs of a diverse population, including children, teens, adults, persons with disabilities, elderly, and visitors.
Goal 6: Fair treatment and meaningful participation of populations and communities most impacted by environmental hazards.
Policy 6.1: Proactively and meaningfully engage community residents in the planning and development process by using culturally appropriate and accessible channels, including: providing appropriate language services; providing child care; holding meetings, focus groups, or listening sessions at a variety of venues throughout the community; and using participatory facilitation techniques.
Policy 6.2: Consult with California Native American tribes to provide them with an opportunity to participate in local land use decisions at an early planning stage, for the purpose of protecting, or mitigating impacts to cultural places.
Policy 6.3: Facilitate the meaningful participation of community residents, businesses, and organizations in the development, adoption, and implementation of planning, public facilities and built environment initiatives, and consider their input throughout the decision-making process.
Policy 6.4: Foster collaborative partnerships, including with public health professionals and other public and private sector stakeholders, to develop and implement EJ-related initiatives.
Policy 6.5: Prioritize and allocate citywide resources to provide public facilities and services to communities in need.
a. Allocate greater resources to communities where greater needs exist.
b. Foster public and private investments in vulnerable communities that increase economic opportunity and environmental quality.
c. Pursue grant funding for investments that increase the resiliency and adaptive capacity of low-income households and communities.
Policy 6.6: Provide equal access to public facilities and infrastructure for all community residents.
Policy 6.7: Plan and design projects, including City Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, to consider current and planned adjacent land uses, local transportation needs, and climate change vulnerabilities, while incorporating the latest and best practice design guidance. See also Goal 4 policies.
Policy 6.8: Coordinate with regional planning and transportation agencies to provide high quality public transit services in the City of Rosemead.
Policy 6.9: Collaborate with others to educate residents on how to conserve water and minimize impacts of drought.
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE POLICIES IN OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
In addition to the goal, policies, and implementation measures proposed within the Public Safety Element, the General Plan already addresses or includes related environmental justice topics
required by state law. Table 2-3 identifies other General Plan Elements where Environmental
Justice topics are considered or included.
Table 2-3
Existing Environmental Justice Policies in General Plan
Environmental Justice Topic General Plan Element or Chapter
Overview Introduction
Population and Socioeconomic Characteristics Housing Element
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Housing Element
Pollution Exposure Public Safety Element, Resources Management Element, and Land Use Element
Public Facilities Land Use Element, Public Safety Element, and Resources Management Element
Food Access Public Safety Element
Safe and Sanitary Homes Housing Element, Land Use Element, and Public Safety Element
Physical Activity Introduction, Circulation Element, Land Use Element, and Resources Management Element
Civic Engagement Housing Element, Public Safety Element, and Resources Management Element
Needs of Disadvantaged Communities Public Safety Element, Land Use Element, and Resources Management Element
2.5 PROJECT APPROVALS
The City of Rosemead is the Applicant. The project requires the following City of Rosemead
legislative/discretionary approvals:
General Plan Amendment
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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 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.
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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
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Scenic Vistas
The City of Rosemead is a largely built out community with a mix of residential, commercial,
industrial, and open space uses. The most prominent scenic vistas within the City of Rosemead
are views of the San Gabriel Mountains from various locations throughout the City.
The proposed project does not involve construction on any particular site in the City. Thus,
adoption and implementation of the proposed project would not substantially alter the visual
character of the City, nor would it have adverse impacts relative to the scenic vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead
General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs, including those in the 2021-2029
Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. Thus, adoption and implementation of the
proposed project ensures impacts remain as less than significant impacts.
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Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
State Scenic Highways
There are no state-designated scenic highways located within the City planning area. Therefore,
future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
not impact any state-designated scenic highway. Impacts remain as no impact.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed 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.
The Rosemead General Plan 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 Rosemead General Plan envisions 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 project does not involve construction on any particular site in the City. Future
development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead
General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs, including those in the 2021-2029
Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update, which ensure the City’s visual character is
not degraded. These goals, policies, actions, and regulations ensure visual character impacts
remain as less than significant impacts.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Light or Glare
As noted previously under Degradation of Visual Character, the Rosemead General 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.
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Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project is anticipated to occur where development already occurs and where existing lighting is typical of
urban uses, and 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.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead
General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs, including those in the 2021-2029
Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These goals, policies, actions, and 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 proposed 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)
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
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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 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or
nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Air Quality Standards and Cumulative Impacts
Development associated with implementation of the Rosemead General Plan, 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 Rosemead General
Plan would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to these emissions.
No new sources of air pollutant emissions would result from future development associated with
adoption and implementation of the proposed project; therefore, potential impacts would be no
worse and no additional control measures would be warranted beyond than those identified in
the Rosemead General Plan. Also, the traffic generated and vehicular emissions resulting from
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adoption and implementation of the proposed project would be similar to those estimated for the Rosemead General Plan. Thus, air quality impacts would be similar to the impacts identified in
the GPU EIR.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws and regulations; Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation
programs, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update,
relative to air quality emission standard impacts. The previously noted goals, policies, actions,
laws, and regulations ensure proposed 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 adoption and implementation of the proposed project would be similar to that identified in
the GPU EIR. Impacts remain significant and unavoidable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed 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 proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, emission reducing design features referenced in GPU EIR Table 4-12; Federal and State laws and regulations; City development standards and
Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals and policies, including those in
the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update, to ensure that impacts related
to greenhouse gas emissions would be similar to those identified in the GPU EIR. Impacts remain
at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed 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 Rosemead General Plan, which
assumed growth Citywide, would potentially expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations. Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 ASHRAE3 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 those identified in the GPU EIR.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws and regulations; City
development standards and Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals and
policies, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update,
relative to sensitive receptors.
Thus, the exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations due to future
development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would be
similar to those identified in the GPU EIR; impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
3 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 Federal Environmental Species Act (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 Parish’s gooseberry, which is presumed to be extinct; or the lack of suitable
habitat for southern mountains skullcap.
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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. The GPU EIR concluded impacts
would 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 GPU
EIR concluded no impact would occur.
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. The GPU EIR concluded no impact would occur.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
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 ESA or CESA. 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 proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws and regulations; City
development standards and Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals and
policies, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update,
relative to biological resources or oak tree preservation ordinance impacts.
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Thus, future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 proposed 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 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
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 adoption and implementation of the
proposed 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 proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, 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, as well as Federal and State
laws and regulations; City development standards and Municipal Code requirements; and
Rosemead General Plan goals and policies, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element
and Public Safety Element Update, which ensure geology and soils impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed 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 General Plan Update 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 General Plan
Update 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. The GPU EIR concluded no impacts.
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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 General Plan
Update 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
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or
nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Hazardous Materials Management
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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.
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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 adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 development
within these areas; however, substantial quantities of hazardous materials are not anticipated.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws and regulations; City
development standards and Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals and
policies, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update,
relative to hazardous materials management impacts. These goals, policies, actions, laws, and
regulations 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 proposed project would not result
in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Emergency Response Planning
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 to comply with Federal, State, and local laws and
regulations; City development standards and Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead
General Plan goals and policies, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public
Safety Element Update, 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 proposed 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 proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal, State, and local laws and regulations;
City development standards and Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals
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and policies, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These goals, policies, actions, 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 proposed 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, when it becomes available.
The GPU EIR concluded no impact on groundwater supply.
Water Quality
All new development and redevelopment in the City will be required to comply with regulations
set forth by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles region.
Each individual development project will be required to comply with Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
requirements related to construction and operation measures to capture runoff and pollutants,
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. Each individual
development project will be required to identify peak flow reduction measures as part of the plan
check and development processes.
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. In
addition, portions of the Alhambra Wash, Rubio Wash, Easton Wash, and Hondo River are within
the City. Development in the City will not alter the course of these water bodies.
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 MS4 NPDES Permit regulations of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los
Angeles Region (LARWQCB) which aims to reduce urban runoff volumes and pollutant loads.
Approaches may include providing runoff and pollutant reduction Best Management Practices
(BMP), such as on-site retention basins or open space features with the ability to filter runoff.
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Other options include subsurface retention and filtration systems, which may be often more practical for infill development.
The GPU EIR concluded that with best management practices construction and continued
maintenance, 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 Update 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
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or
nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Groundwater
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
be required to comply with an applicable groundwater management plan and not substantially
deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge. To the extent
that the proposed project would result in additional development, it is anticipated that such
development would be consistent with the Rosemead General Plan and the GPU EIR.
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Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Municipal Code
requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These
goals, policies, actions, laws, and regulations ensure that impacts to groundwater supplier or
groundwater discharge remain at no significant impact.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Water Quality
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 Development 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 minimize individual construction site erosion
and siltation to avoid the violation of waste discharge requirements, violation of water quality
objectives, and prevent the contribution of additional sources of polluted runoff during
construction to less than significant loads.
Despite the additional inputs to the stormwater system with the projected increases to population
and urban development resulting from adoption and implementation of the proposed project,
adherence to the current regulatory framework, would ensure that potential impacts to water quality remain at less than significant.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Municipal Code
requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs,
including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These
goals, policies, actions, laws, and regulations ensure that impacts to water quality remain at less
than significant.
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Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Drainage/Water Runoff
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
increase drainage and water runoff and would be required to comply with applicable development
standards and Municipal Code requirements, and Regional Water Control Board NPDES
regulations. Compliance with these requirements and regulations ensure that drainage impacts
remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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 future development associated with adoption and
implementation of the proposed project would experience flooding from a dam failure.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Municipal Code requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs,
including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These
goals, policies, 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 proposed project would not result
in any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Tsunami/Seiche/Mudflow
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 proposed project would not result
in any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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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.
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IMPACT ANALYSIS
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Division of Established Community
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project, would
not physically divide established neighborhoods nor create physical barriers in the community.
Thus, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed 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 adoption and implementation of the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element
Update further enhance the goals, policies, and actions in the Rosemead General Plan. In
addition, adoption and implementation of the proposed project 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 adoption and implementation of the
proposed project. In addition, the 2021-2029 Housing Element enhances Rosemead General Plan
goals and policies calling for additional housing types and expanding the supply of housing, and
the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses environmental justice within the
community, while strengthening the City’s resilience relative to fire hazards and climate adaption. Thus, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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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
General Plan Update 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.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or
nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Future development associated adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 adoption and implementation of the
proposed 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.
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Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Municipal Code
requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These
goals, policies, actions, laws, and regulations ensure less than significant impacts to established
noise standards, noise/land use compatibility or traffic noise.
Lastly, future development associated adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 goals, policies, standards, laws, regulations, or plan review procedures related to noise control and mitigation. Therefore, impacts remain at less
than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed 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.
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.
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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
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or
nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Population
The City of Rosemead has been fully urbanized for many years with established development
throughout the City.
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the responsible agency for
developing and adopting regional housing and population forecasts for local Los Angeles County
governments, among other counties, and provides population projection estimates in five-year
increments. On September 3, 2020, SCAG’s Regional Council unanimously voted to approve and fully adopt Connect SoCal (2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities
Strategy), and the Addendum to the Connect SoCal Program Environmental Impact Report.
As of 2018, the City of Rosemead included a population of 55,267 and 14,383 households.
Connect SoCal projects a 2040 population of 60,800 and 16,400 households for the City of
Rosemead. Refer to Table 4.14-1, 2018 and 2040 Population and Household Projections.
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TABLE 4.14-1 2018 AND 2040 POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD PROJECTIONS
2018 2040 Change 2019 - 2040
Population 55,267 60,800 5,533
Households 14,383 16,400 2,017
Sources: Southern California Association of Governments, Profile of the City of Rosemead, Local Profiles Report 2019 Southern California Association of Governments, Connect SoCal (2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy) Regional Growth Forecast (2016, 2020)
The 2021-2029 Housing Element projects 4,612 housing units during the eight-year period.
Adoption and implementation of the 2021-2029 Housing Element provides for adequate sites to accommodate the 2021-2029 RHNA number of 4,612 housing units. Assuming 3.8 persons per
household, the City’s population could increase by 17,525 persons.
The Rosemead General Plan assumed a population increase of approximately 22,988 persons to
result in a total population of 80,385 residents by 2025. To the extent that the proposed project
would result in an increase in population, it is anticipated that any increases would be consistent
with the Rosemead General Plan. Therefore, adoption and implementation of the proposed
project would not induce substantial unplanned population growth within the City either directly
or indirectly. Impacts remain significant and unavoidable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result in any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Housing
The Rosemead General Plan allows for the construction of an additional 6,047 dwelling units
throughout the City by 2025.
SCAG’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for the Rosemead 2021-2029 housing
element period is 4,612 housing units. Future development associated with adoption and
implementation of the proposed project would result in additional dwelling units in the City. To
the extent that the proposed project would result in an increase in dwelling units, it is anticipated
that any increases would be consistent with the Rosemead General Plan.
However, housing growth impacts remain significant and unavoidable as the Rosemead General Plan dwelling unit increase, inclusive of future development associated with adoption and
implementation of the proposed project, would continue to be higher than sub-regional and
regional population projections. Impacts remain significant and unavoidable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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Consistency with Regional Plans and Programs
SCAG is responsible for both the developing the Regional Growth Forecast and RHNA, and would
be responsible for modifying future population and household growth projections to
accommodate the 2021-2029 Housing Element and future housing element RHNA numbers for
the City of Rosemead.
As noted above, population and housing growth in the City, inclusive of future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project, would continue to be
higher than sub-regional and regional population projections. In addition, the Rosemead General
Plan 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 proposed 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 GPU 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.
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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 GPU 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 elementary school-
aged children who would need to be served by the District. Thus, there is no impact.
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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 GPU 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 Rosemead could become
available. Thus, the General Plan Update program will not impede implementation of the County’s
Library System Strategic Plan.
The GPU EIR concluded less than significant impacts for library services.
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IMPACT ANALYSIS
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Fire Protection and Emergency Services
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
increase the need for fire protection and emergency services. To the extent that the proposed
project would result in additional population and development growth, it is anticipated that such
growth would be consistent with the Rosemead General Plan and the GPU EIR. Thus, future
development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Fire Code, Municipal
Code requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs,
including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These goals, policies, actions, laws, and regulations ensure fire protection and emergency service
impacts remain at less than significant.
In conclusion, fire protection or emergency services impacts resulting from future development
associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would be similar to those
analyzed in the GPU EIR. Therefore, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Police Protection
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
increase the need for police protection services. To the extent that the proposed project would
result in additional population and development growth, it is anticipated that such growth would
be consistent with the Rosemead General Plan and the GPU EIR. Thus, future development
associated adoption and implementation of the proposed project would result in a similar demand
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for police protection services, and as such, a similar level of impact to that identified in the GPU EIR.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Municipal Code
requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs, including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These
goals, policies, actions, laws, and regulations ensure police protection service impacts remain at
less than significant.
In conclusion, police protection impacts resulting from future development associated with
adoption and implementation of the proposed project would be similar to those analyzed in the
GPU EIR. Therefore, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Schools
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
increase school enrollment. To the extent that the proposed project would result in additional
population and development growth, it is anticipated that such growth would be consistent with
the Rosemead General Plan and 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 adoption and
implementation of the proposed 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, school impacts resulting from future development associated with adoption and
implementation of the proposed project would be similar to those analyzed in the GPU EIR.
Therefore, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
Libraries
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
result in an increase for library services. To the extent that the proposed project would result in
additional population and development growth, it is anticipated that such growth would be
consistent with the Rosemead General Plan and 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 adoption and implementation of the proposed project
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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, library impacts resulting from future development associated with adoption and
implementation of the proposed project would be similar to those analyzed in the GPU EIR. Therefore, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed 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
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or
nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
To the extent that adoption and implementation of the proposed project would result in an
increase in park use, it is anticipated that any increases would be consistent with the Rosemead
General Plan and GPU EIR projected park use.
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks due to the increase in residents.
However, adoption and implementation of the proposed 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, adoption and implementation of the proposed project
would not result in a substantial additional deterioration of existing parks and other recreational
facilities, as the potential residential capacity under the proposed project is similar to that
analyzed in the GPU EIR. In summary, adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 proposed 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 Update will result largely from development of vacant parcels and recycling of existing uses.
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 Service (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 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, 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.
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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.
Congestion Management Plan Opt Out
Over the last several years, the Los Angeles County (County) CMP has become increasingly
outdated in relation to the direction of regional, State, and Federal transportation planning
requirements. While the CMP requirement was one of the pioneering efforts to conduct
performance-based planning, the approach has become antiquated and expensive. Metro has
been designated as the Congestion Management Agency responsible for administering the County’s region CMP. On June 28, 2018, the Metro Board of Directors acted to initiate the process
to opt-out of the State-mandated program and directed Metro to consult with local jurisdictions
to consider and prepare the necessary resolutions for jurisdictions to exempt themselves from
the program.
Opting out of the CMP relieves the County from:
Having to use a single measure LOS to determine roadway deficiencies.
Losing State gas tax funds or being ineligible to receive State and Federal Transportation
Improvement Program funds, as a result of not being in compliance with CMP
requirements or performance standards.
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Administrative and financial burden associated with the preparation of documents to demonstrate conformance with the CMP.
On July 16, 2019, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution exempting
Los Angeles County from the State-mandated Congestion Management Program in conjunction
with Metro’s effort to achieve Countywide exemption once a majority of the Los Angeles County’s
local governments have adopted similar resolutions. The resolution, as authorized by the
California Government Code Section 65088.3, identifies that Los Angeles County elects to be exempt from the Congestion Management Program as described in the California Government
Code Section 65088 et seq. By the end of 2019, all Los Angeles County cities opted out of CMP
monitoring, including the City of 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.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
Vehicles Miles Travelled
Adopted in 2013, Senate Bill (SB) 743 changes how transportation impacts are evaluated under
CEQA. As specified under SB 743 and implemented under Section 15064.3 of the CEQA
Guidelines, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) is the required metric to be used for identifying CEQA
impacts and mitigation. The California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), in
implementing SB 743, issued proposed updates to the CEQA guidelines in November 2017 that
amend the Appendix G question for transportation impacts to delete reference to vehicle delay
and level of service (LOS) and instead refer to Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)(1) of the CEQA
Guidelines asking if the project would result in a substantial increase in vehicle miles traveled
(VMT). The California Natural Resources Agency certified and adopted the revisions to the CEQA Guidelines in December 2018, and as of July 1, 2020, the provisions of the new section are in
effect statewide. OPR published a Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts
including guidance for VMT analysis.
VMT was chosen as the metric to better integrate land use and multimodal transportation choices
to encourage alternative transportation, promote greater efficiency and reduce Green House Gas
(GHG) emissions. Technical guidance on analyzing the transportation impacts under CEQA
provides recommendations regarding the assessment of VMT, thresholds of significance and
mitigation measures. The OPR offered a generalized recommendation of a 15 percent reduction
below existing VMT thresholds for CEQA significance. For VMT analysis, the OPR recommends
using a trip-based assessment of VMT that captures the full extent of the vehicle trip length -
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even the portion that extends beyond the jurisdictional boundary. SB 743 also amended the State congestion management program statutes lifting the sunset clause for the designation of infill
opportunity zones where the CMP LOS standards would no longer apply.
A key element of the changes brought about by SB 743 is the elimination of auto delay, LOS, and
other similar measures of vehicular capacity or traffic congestion as a basis for determining
significant environmental impacts. This change is intended to assist in balancing the needs of
congestion management with statewide goals related to infill development, promotion of public health through active transportation, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. SB 743 does
not prevent a city or county from continuing to analyze delay or LOS outside of CEQA review.
City of Rosemead Transportation Study Guidelines
Changes in State law required the City to adopt new California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
thresholds of significance for transportation impacts. For the purposes of CEQA these changes
will modify how the City evaluates projects for transportation impacts. Specifically, the City is
required to use Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) instead of Level of Service (LOS) as the metric to
evaluate transportation impacts in CEQA documents such as Environmental Impact Reports. The
State’s goal in changing the metric used is to encourage land use and transportation decisions
that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage infill development and improve public health
through active transportation.
In October 2020, the City adopted the City of Rosemead Transportation Study Guidelines for
Vehicle Miles Traveled and Level of Service Assessment. The document is organized to provide
background information, assessment for congestion management/General Plan Consistency (e.g.,
Level of Service [LOS] analysis), and CEQA assessment (e.g., Vehicle Miles Travelled [VMT]
analysis). The document includes the following sections: Introduction; Non-CEQA Transportation
Assessment; CEQA Assessment - VMT Analysis; CEQA Assessment - Active Transportation and
Public Transit Analysis; and Transportation Impact Analysis Format.
Application of Guidelines
An applicant seeking project approval will submit the proposed project to the City with a planning
and land use application. After a preliminary review of the project by City Staff, the applicant will
be notified by the project planner as to whether or not a Level of Service based Traffic Impact
Analysis (TIA) or a Focused Traffic Analysis is required. If a project is not eligible for project
screening and is required to complete a Level of Service based TIA, then the TIA should consider changes in both LOS and VMT.
A TIA which includes LOS analysis may be required for a proposed project when the trips
generated by a proposed development will add more than 50 project trips during either the AM
or PM peak hours to any signalized intersection. The project study area will be determined by
City staff during preliminary application review.
Furthermore, a TIA or Focused Traffic Analysis must include a VMT assessment for a proposed
project that does NOT satisfy one or more of the following project screening criteria:
Transit Priority Areas Screening
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Low VMT-generating Areas Screening
Project Type Screening
Projects may be screened from VMT analysis and require level-of-service analysis, or vice-versa.
In cases where insufficient information is available to make a preliminary assessment of a
proposal’s effect on traffic, the City shall determine, at its discretion, whether a TIA will be
required.
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.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy
documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or
nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Based on the Rosemead General Plan traffic analysis, which accounted for additional residential
and commercial growth, inclusive of future development associated with adoption and
implementation of the proposed project, the Rosemead General Plan 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 adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
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, adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, the preparation of a TIA analyzing VMT and
LOS, as applicable, per the City of Rosemead Transportation Study Guidelines for Vehicle Miles
Traveled and Level of Service Assessment, Municipal Code requirements; Rosemead General Plan
goals, policies, and implementation programs; and Rosemead General Plan intersection and
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roadway segment improvements. These goals, policies, actions, regulations, and improvements ensure impacts remain as significant and unavoidable.
Thus, the proposed project would result in similar traffic impacts to those analyzed in the GPU
EIR. Also, the future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would be consistent with an applicable transportation plan. Therefore, project and
cumulative transportation impacts remain significant and unavoidable.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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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.
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Environmental Analysis - 88 - December 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.
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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 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update
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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 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update
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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.
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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)
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
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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.
The GPU EIR concluded impacts would be less than significant.
Utilities and Service Systems: Sewer
Increases in population and new development allowed under the General Plan Update will result
in higher demand on the water treatment network. The City’s 1996 Sewer Master Plan looked 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
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Environmental Analysis - 95 - December 2021
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.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element includes policies and programs that are applicable City-wide and
are designed to facilitate the construction of housing units to meet the City’s share of the regional
housing need. In addition, the Public Health and Safety Element Update addresses the risk of fire
hazards, climate adaption and resiliency, and environmental justice.
The 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Health and Safety Element Update are policy documents that would not change land use designations or in and of themselves authorize any
development within the City. While the City is required by State law to facilitate development
commensurate with its allocated share of regional housing needs, no change in the location or
nature of allowable development would be authorized by the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Utilities and Service Systems: Solid Waste
Future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
generate waste. This increase in waste generation has been accounted for in the GPU EIR as the
development allowed under the Rosemead General Plan accounted for additional growth,
inclusive of future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 proposed project.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Municipal Code
requirements; Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs, including
Addendum to the Rosemead General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report For the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update
Environmental Analysis - 96 - December 2021
those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update; and Mitigation Measures UT-1 and UT-2. These goals, policies, actions, laws, regulations, and mitigation
measures ensure impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed 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 adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 Rosemead General Plan, inclusive of future development associated with adoption and implementation of the proposed 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 adoption and implementation of the proposed project would
be in areas of the City that are urbanized in nature and where existing water and wastewater
infrastructure exists. Future development proposals 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 City
approval. 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 adoption and implementation of the proposed project would generate additional wastewater flows that would be treated by Los Angeles County Sanitation
Districts (LACSD) treatment plants. Wastewater generation for the proposed 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 proposed project.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Municipal Code
requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs,
including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These
goals, policies, actions, laws, and regulations ensure reduced water consumption and wastewater
flow, decrease the overall burden on existing water facilities, and decrease the number of facilities
that would need to be constructed or expanded. Thus, impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any impacts or increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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Utilities and Service Systems: Storm Water
Impacts on the local and regional storm drain network would be similar for the proposed project
as projected for the Rosemead General Plan, since the City planning area is mostly developed
and a substantial increase in impervious surface area that generates runoff would not occur.
Future development proposals would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
development standards, along with project-specific conditions and mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts required as part of the development review and environmental impact
processes. This can include, but is not limited to, Federal and State laws; Municipal Code
requirements; and Rosemead General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs,
including those in the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update. These goals, policies, actions, laws, and regulations ensure impacts remain at less than significant.
Conclusion: No New Impact. The changes associated with the proposed project would not result
in any new impacts nor increase the severity of impacts in this regard.
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4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION PERSONNEL
LEAD AGENCY
City of Rosemead
Gloria Molleda, City Manager
Lily T. Valenzuela, Planning & Economic Development Manager
Annie Lao, Associate Planner
Michael Chung, Director of Public Works
Michael Ackerman, Contract City Engineer
Faye Yuan, Contract Building Official
CEQA CONSULTANT
Morse Planning Group
Collette L. Morse, AICP, Principal/Project Manager
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