iv.h land use - department of city...

Impact Sciences, Inc. IV.H-1 Hidden Creeks Estates Draft EIR860.01 April 2008

IV.H LAND USE

1. INTRODUCTION

This section addresses land use impacts associated with the proposed Hidden Creeks Estates project.

In addition to compatibility with surrounding uses, the consistency of the proposed project with

applicable land use plans, policies and regulations is also discussed.

2. METHODOLOGY

This section of the EIR discusses the land use plans, policies and regulations applicable to the project

site and evaluates the consistency of the project as proposed with applicable land use plans. The

project’s potential compatibility with surrounding land uses is also evaluated within this section of

the EIR.

3. EXISTING CONDITIONS

a. Existing Land Uses

Location

The Hidden Creeks Estates project site is located in the northern portion of the San Fernando Valley,

north of State Route 118 (SR-118), east of the Los Angeles and Ventura County line, and in the Santa

Susana foothills, as shown in Figure IV.H-1, Site Location. The project site is located within the

foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains, which extend to the north and east of the site; the Simi Hills

are on the west of the site. As shown in Figure IV.H-2, Project Site, the Porter Ranch community is

located to the east of the project site, and the greater San Fernando Valley area is located south of SR-

118 and the project site. Open space surrounds the project to the north, west, and immediate south.

The site elevation ranges from approximately 1,500 to 2,700 feet above mean sea level.

Existing Land Uses

The project site consists of approximately 285 acres of hilly terrain. The site currently contains tworanches, one for cattle and one for horses. The Hidden Creeks Ranch, one of two ranches on the

property, primarily consists of open space and grazing land for cattle. Approximately 40 head of

cattle currently graze on the ranch. The Hidden Creeks Ranch has also been occasionally used as a

location for the filming of television and movie productions and contains some sets built for filming

on the southern end of the ranch. Two small cabins, a barn, and other structures are also present onthe ranch. The Mountain Meadow Ranch, the second of the two ranches on the project site, boards

IV.H Land Use


approximately 80 horses. The 12-acre ranch consists of a ranch house, stables, corals, a barn, and tack

sheds. Located south of the two ranches are several small structures built to test the use of Styrofoam

as residential insulation.

County of Los Angeles General Plan Land Use and Zoning Designations

Currently the Hidden Creeks Estates project site is located within an unincorporated area of theCounty of Los Angeles; therefore, land use is governed by the County of Los Angeles Zoning

Ordinance and the County of Los Angeles General Plan. According to the County General Plan, the

land use designation for the project site is Non-Urban. According to the County of Los Angeles

Zoning Ordinance, the zoning designation for the project site is A-2-1. This zoning designation allows

for light and heavy agriculture uses, as well as single family residences, crops, greenhouses, the raisingof cattle, horses, sheep, goats, poultry, birds, earthworms, the operation of animal hospitals, dairies,

dog kennels, livestock feed lots, manure spreading, and oil wells.

Surrounding Land Uses

As shown in Figure IV.H-3, Surrounding Land Uses, located north of the project site is undeveloped

open space at the base of the Santa Susana Mountains. Throughout the hillsides are a series of hikingand equestrian trails accessible to the public via the Michael D. Antonovich Regional Park, located to

the west of the project site.

Immediately west of the project site is Browns Canyon Road. To the west of Browns Canyon Road is

undeveloped open space set aside as Michael D. Antonovich Regional Park, a 2,326-acre regional park

located on the southern slopes of the Santa Susana Mountains between Chatsworth and Simi Valley.An extensive dirt road system within the park connects the Marge Feinberg Rim of the Valley Trail to

lower Browns Canyon, providing access for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use.

South of the project site, along Browns Canyon Road several ranches and equestrian facilities are

located along the canyon. At the southern end of the project boundary tip of the project site, Browns

Canyon Creek and Mormon Canyon Creek merge and Browns Canyon Creek continues to flow southfrom this confluence. Approximately 3 miles south of the project site is SR-118, the Ronald Reagan

Freeway.

The eastern boundary of the project site is Mormon Canyon Creek, and immediately east of Mormon

Canyon Creek is open space land, a portion of which is owned by the Southern California Gas

Company. Further to the east is the community of Porter Ranch. Currently, build-out of the SubareaB portion of the Porter Ranch Specific Plan area is underway. The remaining portions of the Porter

Ranch community are fully developed and occupied.

Terminal Island

Los Angeles County

Kern County

Ventu

ra C

ounty

Los A

ngele

s C

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Sherman Oaks

Calabasas

Malibu

San B

ern

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ounty

Los A

ngele

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ounty

Santa Monica

Santa Clarita

Chatsworth

Warner Center

Granada Hills

PorterRanch

Mission Hills

Sun Valley

Woodland Hills Encino

Culver City

Pasadena

SouthPasadena

Hollywood

Beverly Hills

Inglewood

HuntingtonPark

LosAngeles

El Monte

Montbello

Whittier

Santa Fe SpringsDowney

Monterey Park

La MiradaParamountComptonCerritos

Gardena

CarsonTorranceLakewood

Rancho PalosVerdes

San Pedro

Long Beach

US

66

US

101

US

101

US

101

10INTERSTATE

210INTERSTATE

210INTERSTATE

10INTERSTATE

10INTERSTATE

605INTERSTATE

710INTERSTATE

605INTERSTATE

105INTERSTATE

5INTERSTATE

5INTERSTATE

5INTERSTATE

5INTERSTATE

405INTERSTATE

405INTERSTATE

405INTERSTATE

405INTERSTATE

90CALIFORNIA

91CALIFORNIA

47CALIFORNIA

110CALIFORNIA

110CALIFORNIA

107CALIFORNIA

1CALIFORNIA

1CALIFORNIA

1CALIFORNIA

1CALIFORNIA

2CALIFORNIA

23CALIFORNIA

27CALIFORNIA

118CALIFORNIA118

CALIFORNIA

126CALIFORNIA

126CALIFORNIA

14CALIFORNIA

14CALIFORNIA

27CALIFORNIA

2CALIFORNIA

2CALIFORNIA

2CALIFORNIA

138CALIFORNIA

138CALIFORNIA

138CALIFORNIA

138CALIFORNIA

18CALIFORNIA

90CALIFORNIA

42CALIFORNIA

213CALIFORNIA

39CALIFORNIA

60CALIFORNIA

60CALIFORNIA

57CALIFORNIA

72CALIFORNIA

134CALIFORNIA

170CALIFORNIA

19CALIFORNIA

71CALIFORNIA

30CALIFORNIA

39CALIFORNIA

ProjectSite

California Aqueduct

P a c i f i c Oc e a

n

Site Location

FIGURE IV.H-1

860-001•03/07

SOURCE: Impact Sciences, Inc. – November 2006

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN MILES

12 6 0 12

n

Project Site

FIGURE IV.H-2

860-001•06/07

SOURCE: Impact Sciences, Inc. – January 2007

NOT TO SCALEn

ProjectSite

ProjectSite

118CALIFORNIA

118CALIFORNIA

Mas

on A

venu

eM

ason

Ave

nue

DeS

oto

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ueD

eSot

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enue

Lassen St.Lassen St.

Bro

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yon

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oad

Mason Ave. ExtensionMason Ave. Extension

Devonshire St.Devonshire St.

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nue

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ProjectSite

Simi ValleySimi Valley 118CALIFORNIA

118CALIFORNIA

Mas

on A

venu

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405INTERSTATE

FIGURE IV.H-3

Surrounding Land Uses860-001•03/07

SOURCE: Impact Sciences, Inc. – January 2007

NOT TOT SCALEn

IV.H Land Use


b. Relevant Land Use Plans

The project site is currently located within the County of Los Angeles and is subject to land use

planning and zoning designations within the County of Los Angeles General Plan. However, upon

annexation of the project site into the City of Los Angeles, the site would be subject to land use

planning and zoning designations within the City of Los Angeles General Plan and the Chatsworth-

Porter Ranch Community Plan. The project site would be annexed into the City of Los Angeles;

accordingly, this section analyzes the project’s compliance with all City of Los Angeles plans,

including both the City General Plan and the Chatsworth -Porter Ranch Community Plan.

The project site is also located within the six-county planning area of the Southern California

Association of Governments (SCAG), the Southern California region’s federally designated

metropolitan planning organization, which is responsible for preparing the Regional Comprehensive

Plan and Guide (RCPG) and the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The proposed project is

included within SCAG’s City of Los Angeles Subregion. The policies contained in each of these plans

that pertain to the project are discussed below.

4. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

a. City of Los Angeles General Plan

Framework Element

Land use and planning within the City of Los Angeles is governed by the City’s General Plan, which

consists of seven elements including the Framework, Transportation, Housing, Noise, Air Quality,

Conservation and Safety Elements. The Land Use Element is made up of Community Plans for each

of the City’s 35 Community Planning Areas. The Land Use Element has the broadest scope of all the

General Plan Elements, as it establishes the pattern of land use in the City’s communities and sets

forth standards and guidelines to regulate development.

In the Long Range Land Use Diagram for the San Fernando Valley of the City of Los Angeles, the

project site lies outside of the city limits adjacent to single family residential areas as well as a

Neighborhood District, which is the Porter Ranch community. According to the Framework Element,

Neighborhood Districts are characterized by one- or two-story buildings with floor area ratio of 1.5:1 or

less. Single family residential areas consist predominantly of residences and range in densities from

0.4 to 12 dwelling units per acre.

IV.H Land Use


According to the City’s General Plan Framework Element, typical uses encouraged within single-

family residential areas include single family dwelling units; supporting uses such as parks, schools,

and community centers; infill development designed and sited to maintain the salient characteristics

of the neighborhood in which it is being located; incentives for upgrades to deteriorated and aging

housing; and a range of one to nine units per acre.

Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan

Upon annexation of the proposed project site into the City of Los Angeles, the site would lie within

the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan Area, which includes the most northwestern portion

of the San Fernando Valley and the City of Los Angeles. The Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community

Plan Area is located both north and south of the Ronald Reagan Freeway (SR-118). North of SR-118,

the Community Plan area is bordered to the north, west, and east by the City of Los Angeles border.

South of SR-118, the Community Plan area is bordered to the west by the City of Los Angeles border,

Roscoe Boulevard to the south, and Tampa Avenue to the east.

The Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan is the official guide to land use planning and future

development within the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan Area and implements the Land

Use Element of the City’s General Plan. The Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan promotes an

arrangement of land use, circulation, and services intended to encourage and contribute to the

economic, social, and physical health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the Community. By

serving to guide development, the plan encourages progress and change within the community to

meet existing and anticipated needs and circumstances, contribute to a healthful and pleasant

environment, balance growth and stability, reflect economic potentialities and limitations, land

development, and other trends, and protect investment into the Community.1

The Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan has been designed to accom modate the anticipated

growth in population and employment of the community to the year 2010. The Plan does not seek to

promote nor hinder growth; rather it accepts the likelihood that growth will take place and must be

provided for. The Plan encourages the preservation of low-density single-family residential areas, the

conservation of open space lands, and the preservation and strengthening of the Chatsworth-Porter

Ranch Business District.

1 City of Los Angeles Planning Department. Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan, September 1993.

IV.H Land Use


Additionally, much of the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community is hillside and mountainous terrain

and as much of the remaining undeveloped land as feasible is to be preserved for open space and

recreational uses.

The Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan was developed with the following objectives:

To coordinate the development of the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community with that ofother parts of the City of Los Angeles;

To designate lands in quantities and at densities, at appropriate locations, for the variousprivate uses; and to designate the need for public facilities and the general locations thereof,as required to accommodate population and activities projected to the year 2010;

To make provisions for the housing required to satisfy the varying needs and desires of alleconomic segments of the Community, maximizing the opportunity for individual choices;

To encourage the preservation and enhancement of the varied and distinctive residentialcharacter of the Community. In hillside residential areas to:

a. minimize grading so as to retain the natural terrain and ecological balance;

b. provide a standard of land use intensity and population density which will be compatiblewith street capacity, public service facilities and utilities, and topography and incoordination with development in the remainder of the City;

To promote economic well-being and public convenience through:

a. allocating and distributing commercial lands for retail, service, and other facilities inquantities and patterns based on Los Angeles City Planning Department acceptedplanning principles and standards;

b. designating lands for industrial development that can be used without detriment toadjacent uses of other types, and imposing such restrictions on the types and intensities ofindustrial uses as are necessary to this purpose.

To provide a basis for the location and programming of public services and utilities and tocoordinate the phasing of public facilities with private development;

To make provisions for a circulation system coordinated with land uses and densities andadequate to accommodate traffic; and to encourage the expansion and improvement of publictransportation service;

To encourage open space for recreational uses, and to promote the preservation of views,natural character and topography of mountainous parts of the Community for the enjoymentof both local residents and persons throughout the Los Angeles region;

To improve jobs/housing balance in the Community by providing more affordable housingopportunities for employees currently working in the Community’s industrial areas;

IV.H Land Use


To provide design guidelines and/or objectives for development;

To improve vehicular circulation patterns within the Community and encourage specificimprovements to key streets, highways, and intersections to improve the flow of traffic andaccommodate future demand;

To address noise and air quality impacts and the potential for a diminished quality of lifeexperienced by residents and others as a result of future build-out permitted under the 1974District Plan;

To provide for the identification and preservation of cultural and historical monumentslocated within the Community;

To further define the link between the Chatsworth Reservoir, wildlife corridors, and thecommunity by identifying natural wildlife habitats, migration paths, andarchaeological/paleontological sites and planning for their preservation;

To develop and maintain equestrian trails, linkages, and bicycle routes within theCommunity; and

To study and evaluate existing and future drainage conditions below the Simi Valley-SanFernando Valley Freeway.

Included within the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan are standards for key land uses and

proposed project components in the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch area, as identified in Table IV.H-1.

Table IV.H-1Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan Land Use Standards and Features

Residential/HousingApplicable Standards1 The intensity of planned land use in the Plan and the density of the population which can be accommodated

thereon shall be limited in accordance with the following criteria:1. The adequacy of the existing and potential street circulation system, both within the area and in the

peripheral areas;2. The availability of sewer, drainage facilities, fire protection services and facilities, and other public

utilities;3. The steepness of the topography of the various parts of the area and the suitability of the geology of

the area for development shall be guided by the following:In areas designated for Minimum density housing, the dwelling unit density shall not exceed thatallowed by the slope density ordinance (LAMC Section 17.05 C). Hillside areas designated Very LowI or Very Low II on the Plan Map which contain limited areas of exceptionally steep topographyshould be restricted to even lower densities. It is the policy of the Planning Commission that theDeputy Advisory Agency must consider lower densities, including Minimum density, whenconsidering applications for development of such areas. Factors to be considered should include, butnot be limited to steepness of slope, amount of grading, soil stability, erosion, land division patterns,vehicular access, etc.

4. The compatibility of proposed developments with the existing adjacent developments.

IV.H Land Use


Residential/Housing2 Recognizing the desire to preserve undeveloped hillside and mountainous terrain, to the extent feasible, the

“cluster concept” may be utilized for the new residential development in hillside areas in order to use thenatural terrain to best advantage and minimize the amount of grading required… The “cluster concept” isdefined as the grouping of residential structures on the more level parts of the terrain while retaining thesteeper portions in their natural state.

3 Development within areas in the vicinity of natural vegetation or high fire danger should include specialirrigation facilities, fire-retardant plantings, and construction features for protection against brush fires.

Residential/HousingApplicable Features1 Several horsekeeping areas are designated in the northerly and westerly sections of the Community. The

Plan encourages the preservation of these land uses, especially north of Devonshire Street and west of DeSoto Avenue (including the east side of De Soto Avenue) to the City/County line. Provisions shall be madefor equestrian access via Brown’s Canyon Wash. Horsekeeping facilities with appropriate restrictions couldbe provided westerly and northerly to the City/County line.

2 Chatsworth-Porter Ranch includes large areas of open space and natural land forms. It is one of the morerural areas of the City and supports a substantial equestrian-oriented population. It is a policy of the Plan toplace a higher priority of the preservation of horsekeeping areas than on other uses found in the RA Zonecategory.

3 Efforts should be made to insure compatibility between the equestrian and other uses found in the RA Zone.In all instances, the RA Zone should be encouraged to emulate the existing rural landscape, whetherhorsekeeping is present or not.

Circulation Standards

Streets and HighwaysApplicable Standards1 Design characteristics which give street identity such as curves, changes in direction and topographical

differences should be emphasized by street trees and planted median strips and by paving.

Applicable Features1 The Plan designates several Major and Secondary Highways as Scenic Highways. The standards and

criteria should include screening and buffering, appropriate sign control, street lighting, landscaping, greenmedian strips, and potential for views.

Service Systems StandardsApplicable Standards1 The Plan designates two standard types of local recreation sites. Short and intermediate range standards for

these parks should be as follows:

Neighborhood. A minimum of 1 acre per 1,000 persons served, with a minimum site size of 5 acres. Thesesites should be designated at 1-mile intervals in residential neighborhoods. They will provide activerecreational facilities for younger children as well as passive recreational facilities.

Community. A minimum of 1 acre per 1,000 persons served, with a minimum site size of 15 acres. Thesesites should be located at 3-mile intervals, and may serve several neighborhoods. Such a park is designated

IV.H Land Use


to serve residents of all ages with a much wider interest range than neighborhood parks.

Service Systems StandardsApplicable Features

Recreation and Parks1 The Porter Ranch Park and open space system should be developed as generally indicated on the Plan Map

and specifically indicated in the Porter Ranch Specific Plan and Development Agreement. Naturaltopography and wooded areas should be preserved, consistent with fire safety.

2 The Plan proposes utilization and development of flood control rights-of-way by the County of Los Angelesfor open space purposes and/or hiking, bicycle and equestrian trails where appropriate.

Cultural and Historic Monuments1 The Overland Stage Coach Trail extending through the westerly portion of Chatsworth, the Chatsworth

Community Church at Oakwood Memorial Park, the Spanish Kiln in the Chatsworth Reservoir and the 76mature olive trees located near Lassen Street between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Farralone Avenueare existing Cultural and Historical Monuments in the Community.

The Plan designates the area north of Stoney Point, east of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south of the118/Simi Freeway as a cultural/scenic landmark due to its geological, visual and historical characteristics.

Archaeological Sites1 The Community is the location of many former Indian villages and camp sites which show evidence of

pictograph drawings and other related artifacts. These archaeological sites should be preserved intact orprotected whenever possible, and explored by competent professionals before any development occurs.

Bicycle Routes1 The Plan delineates several bicycle routes. These are designated as bike lanes when they are located in

streets and highways and bicycle paths when they are used exclusively by bicyclists along flood controlchannels and in parks and open space areas.

Source: City of Los Angeles Planning Department. Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan, September 1993.

b. City of Los Angeles Zoning Ordinance

The City of Los Angeles Zoning Code is a tool to implement the General Plan and provides

regulations to preserve public peace, health, and safety. Currently the project site is outside the City

of Los Angeles; however, upon annexation of the project site into the City of Los Angeles, the

proposed zoning designations for the site include A-1, Agricultural Zone; RA-1, Suburban Zone; RE

11-1H, Residential Estate Zone, with a minimum lot area of 11,000 square feet; and OS, Open Space

Zone. Detailed discussions for allowed uses, as well as restrictions are included in Article 2, Section 12

of the Los Angeles Municipal Code. However, a summary of allowed uses within each one of these

zones are shown with an “X” in the columns included in Table IV.H-2, City of Los Angeles Zoning

Ordinance, Allowed Uses.

IV.H Land Use


Table IV.H-2City of Los Angeles Zoning Ordinance, Allowed Uses

Uses

A1,

Agr

icul

ture

Zone

RA

-1,

Subu

rban

Zone

RE

11-1

H,

Res

iden

tial

Est

ate

Zone

OS

,Ope

nSp

ace

Zone

Accessory Building (to permitted use) X X XAccessory Living Quarters (no kitchen) X X XAccessory Uses X X XAdult Education Classes X XAgricultural Uses X XAnimal Keeping or Raising X XApiary XAutomobile Parking X X X XBerry Crops XBingo X X X XBovine Keeping X XBovina Raising XBush Crops XChicken Keeping X X XChicken Raising XChild Care X X XChinchilla Keeping X X XChinchilla Raising XChristmas Tree Farm X XChristmas Tree and Ornament Selling X XCommunity Center X X XDay Care X X XDwelling (one-family) X X XDwelling (two-family) X XEarthworm or Grub Raising XElectric Car Charging Station X X X XEquine Keeping X X XFarming X X XField Crops X X XFish Keeping or Raising XFlower Gardening XFowl Keeping X XFowl Raising XFrog Keeping X XFrog Raising XGoat Keeping X XGoat Raising X

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Uses

A1,

Agr

icul

ture

Zone

RA

-1,

Subu

rban

Zone

RE

11-1

H,

Res

iden

tial

Esta

teZ

one

OS,

Ope

nSp

ace

Zon

e

Golf Course X XGreenhouse X XHelicopter Landings XHog Keeping XHome Occupations X X XHydroponic Agricultural Enterprise X XMarine and Ecological Preserves XMushroom Farm XNameplates, Signs or Advertising Matter X X XNatural Resource Preserves XNursery X XOrchard and Tree Crops XPark or Playground X X XParks and Recreation Facilities XPigeon Keeping X XPigeon Raising XPoultry Keeping X X XPoultry Raising XPublic Water Supply Reservoirs XPumpkin Sales X XRabbit Keeping X X XSanitary Landfill Sites XServant’s Quarters X X XSheep Keeping X XSheep Raising XShelter for the Homeless X X X XSnake or Reptile Keeping X XSnake or Reptile Raising XStable X X XStand for Displays XSwine Keeping or Raising XTruck Gardening X X XWater Conservation Areas X

Source: City of Los Angeles Zoning Ordinance, List No. 1 of Uses Permitted in Various Zones in the City ofLos Angeles, as amended on January 15, 2003 to include Ordinance No. 174,999.

IV.H Land Use


c. Porter Ranch Specific Plan

The Porter Ranch Specific Plan is divided into two major areas: 1) the Community Center Area; and 2)

the Single-Family Area. The Hidden Creeks Estates project site, while outside the boundaries of the

Porter Ranch Specific Plan, immediately abuts the most northwestern portion of the Single-Family

Area of the Specific Plan. The following are the purposes for the formation of the Specific Plan.

A. To ensure that land use mix and intensity are balanced with infrastructure, particularly the

circulation system and other public facilities;

B. To ensure that the infrastructure necessary for the Specific Plan area is coordinated with the

timing of land use development and implemented with infrastructure programs, including any

required improvements outside of the Specific Plan area;

C. To provide for an effective local circulation system which minimally impacts the regional

circulation system and reduces conflicts among pedestrians, equestrians, bicyclists and motorists;

D. To ensure that the mix of residential and commercial use is balanced with the social and

economic needs of the community and greater regional area and to provide flexibility to

accommodate both residential and commercial uses in future market trends;

E. To provide guidelines and a process for review and approval of subdivisions, building and site

design, open space, or other developments proposed for construction within the Specific Plan

Area;

F. To provide a compatible and harmonious relationship where commercial areas are contiguous to

residential neighborhoods;

G. To preserve and enhance community aesthetics by:

Signs and Lighting: Ensuring an attractive visual character of the area and establishing

appropriate sign and lighting standards;

Landforms and Views: Preserving, protecting, or creating unique and distinctive landforms

and views by requiring sensitive site design, landscaping, and by a judicious combination of

retaining or reforming the natural terrain consistent with accepted principles of good grading

practice and urban design; and

Noise: Minimizing the impact of noise pollution on neighboring areas;

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H. To control erosion through the planting of slopes with fire retardant vegetation that is compatible

with the natural environment;

I. To preserve, highlight, enhance and increase public accessibility to land having exceptional

recreational and/or educational value;

J. To protect all significant archaeological and paleontological sites within the Specific Plan area in

accordance with City standards;

K. To minimize detrimental effects upon hillside character by promoting improved design and

appearance of the roadway system and to minimize the automobile traffic through all the

residential streets;

L. To reduce potential adverse effects of grading in hillside areas, to control erosion, to reduce

potential visual impacts and to recreate a natural looking terrain;

M. To control grading to ensure that no building or structure in Subarea E of the Single-Family Area

exceeds the height of the major ridgeline located in the community park; and

N. To have a parks and open space system which consists primarily of four categories -- community

park, private recreation areas, private open space and public open space and park area.

d. SCAG Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide

SCAG’s RCPG was adopted in 1996 as a policy document that sets broad goals for the Southern

California region and identifies strategies for agencies at all levels of government to use in guiding

their decision making. The RCPG is intended to serve the SCAG region as a framework for a 20-year

horizon. It includes input from each of the 13 subregions that make up the Southern California region

(which is comprised of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, and Ventura

counties). The project sites are within the City of Los Angeles Subregion.

Adopted RCPG policies related to land use are contained primarily in Chapter 2, Growth

Management. The growth management policies in the RCPG encourage local land use actions that

could ultimately lead to the development of an urban form that will minimize development costs,

save natural resources, and enhance the quality of life in the region. Specific growth management

policies are divided into four main categories: (1) growth forecasts; (2) improving the regional

standard of living; (3) maintaining the regional quality of life; and (4) providing social, political, and

cultural equity.

IV.H Land Use


The policies related to growth forecasts provide guidance to SCAG in forecasting growth for the entire

region and, therefore, are not directly applicable to the project alone. However, several policies

related to the RCPG goals in the other three categories are applicable to the proposed project,

including:

Regional Standard of Living

Encourage patterns of urban development and land use that reduce costs on infrastructureconstruction and make better use of existing facilities.

Support local jurisdictions’ efforts to maximize the costs of infrastructure and public servicedelivery and efforts to seek new sources of funding for development and the provision ofservices.

e. SCAG Regional Transportation Plan

In addition to the RCPG, SCAG has prepared the 2004 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP is

a federal- and state -mandated 20-year transportation plan that envisions the future multi-modal

transportation system for the region. In compliance with state and federal requirements, SCAG

prepares the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) to implement projects and

programs listed in the RTP. Updated every other year, the RTIP contains a capital listing of all

transportation projects proposed for the region over a six-year period.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS

a. Significance Criteria

Generally, land use impacts are determined based on a project’s consistency with applicable plans

and compatibility with surrounding land uses. The L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide states that the

determination of a project’s significance in terms of land use impacts shall be made on a case-by-case

basis, considering the following factors:

LU-1 Whether the proposed project is consistent with adopted land use/density designation in the

Community Plan, Redevelopment Plan or Specific Plan for the site;

LU-2 Whether the proposed project is inconsistent with the General Plan or adopted

environmental goals or policies contained in other applicable plans;

LU-3 The extent of the area impacted, the nature and degree of impacts and the type of land uses

within the area;

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LU-4 The extent to which existing neighborhoods, communities or land uses would be disrupted,

divided or isolated and the duration of the disruptions; and

LU-5 The number, degree and type of secondary impacts to surrounding land uses that could result

from implementation of the proposed project.

b. Project Impacts

LU-1 Is the proposed project consistent with the adopted land use/density designation in theCommunity Plan, Redevelopment Plan or Specific Plan for the site?

The proposed project site is currently located within an unincorporated portion of Los Angeles

County; therefore, land use and zoning for the site are currently governed by the Los Angeles County

General Plan and the Los Angeles County Zoning Ordinance. According to the County General Plan,

the land use designation for the project site is Non-Urban. According to the County of Los Angeles

Zoning Ordinance, the zoning designation for the project site is A-2-1. This zoning designation allows

for light and heavy agriculture uses, as well as single family residences, crops, greenhouses, the raising

of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, poultry, birds, earthworms, the operation of animal hospitals, dairies,

dog kennels, livestock feed lots, manure spreading, and oil wells.

The existing equestrian facility, the two ranches, and the cattle grazing on the project site are

consistent with the site’s current A-2-1 zoning designation and Non-Urban land use designation.

Annexation of the site to the City of Los Angeles is proposed. An amendment to the City of Los

Angeles General Plan is proposed to apply land use designations to the site that would be consistent

with the proposed uses and a zone change is also proposed to apply consistent zoning designations.

As shown in Figure IV.H-4, Hidden Creeks Estates General Plan Land Use Designations, and Figure

IV.H-5, Hidden Creeks Estates Zoning Designations, the proposed General Plan land use

designations for the project site would include the following:

Minimum Density (approximately 118 acres would be maintained as open space);

Very Low Density I (approximately 35 acres would be developed with 25 equestrian lots andan equestrian facility);

Very Low Density II (approximately 114 acres would be subdivided for 163 residential lots);and

Open Space (approximately 15.5 acres would be a public park)

The proposed zoning designations for the project site would include the following:

IV.H Land Use


A-1, Agricultural Zone (approximately 118 acres would be maintained as open space);

RA-1, Suburban Zone (approximately 35 acres would be developed with 25 equestrian lotsand an equestrian facility);

RE 11-1H, Residential Estate Zone, with a minimum lot area of 11,000 square feet (163residential lots on approximately 114 acres); and

OS, Open Space Zone (approximately 15.5 acres), for recreation and park uses

As shown in Table IV.H-2, uses allowed within areas of the City of Los Angeles designated as single-

family residences include the following: single-family dwelling units; supporting uses such as parks,

schools, and community centers; infill development shall be designed and sited to maintain the

salient characteristics of the neighborhood in which it is located, including appropriate setbacks,

building mass, rural character, and, equestrian-oriented uses; incentives for upgrades of deteriorated

and aging housing stock; and one to nine units per net acre. Specific densities are established by

community plans using the following categories: Minimum -Density (in hillside areas the slope

density provisions of the LAMC shall apply); Very Low I; Very Low II; Low I; Low II; and

duplex/granny flat.2

According to the City of Los Angeles General Plan Framework Element, as shown in Table IV.H-3,

below, the City zoning designations correspond to the following General Plan land use designations

and dwelling unit densities per acre.

Table IV.H-3General Plan Land Use and Zoning Densities

General Plan Land UseDesignation

Corresponding Zones Dwelling Unit Density per NetAcre

Minimum A1, A2, RE 40, OS 0.4 -1Very Low RE 20, RA, RE 15, RE 11 2 - 3Very Low I RE 20, RA 2Very Low II RE 14, RE 11 2 - 3

LowRE 9, RS, R1, RD 6, RD 5,RU

4 - 12

Source: City of Los Angeles General Plan, Framework Element

2 City of Los Angeles Planning Department. City of Los Angeles General Plan Framework Element, July 1995.

IV.H Land Use


As proposed, the project would include the construction of 188 new single-family residences on

approximately 103.4 acres, which represents approximately 1.82 dwelling units per net acre of

developed land. An additional approximately 15.5 acres and 15.8 acres would be developed with a

public park and an equestrian facility, respectively. The remaining approximately 118 acres of the

285-acre project site would be maintained as permanent open space. The anticipated dwelling unitdensities would be consistent with the recommendations included within the City of Los Angeles

General Plan Framework Element, as shown in Table IV.H-3. Additionally, the proposed uses are

consistent with allowed uses identified in Table IV.H-2 according to the City of Los Angeles Zoning

Code. Therefore, the proposed uses would be consistent with the proposed general plan land use and

zoning designations and impacts would be less than significant.

LU-2 Is the proposed project consistent with the General Plan or adopted environmental goals orpolicies contained in other applicable plans?

Below is an evaluation of the project’s relative consistency with the City of Los Angeles General Plan

Framework Element, the City of Los Angeles General Plan’s Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community

Plan, and the City of Los Angeles Zoning Code.

City of Los Angeles General Plan – Framework Element

The proposed project site is adjacent to the community of Porter Ranch, which includes both Single

Family Residential areas as well as a Neighborhood District. According to the Framework Element,

the primary goal for Single Family Residential areas is to preserve the City’s stable single family

residential areas. The objectives included within the element to assist in achieving this goal are to (1)

ensure that the character and scale of stable single-family residential neighborhoods is maintained,allowing for infill development provided that it is compatible with and maintains the scale and

character of existing development; and (2) allow for the intensification of selected single-family areas

that directly abut high-density development as "transitions" between these uses.

Implementation of the proposed project would be consistent with this goal and the related objectives

included within the Framework Element. The proposed project would not alter the existing single

family residential areas of Porter Ranch; instead, implementation of the proposed project would

involve the construction of an additional single-family residential area connected to the existing

Porter Ranch community via Mason Avenue. The proposed scale of development, the size and

configuration of the proposed residential lots and the size of the homes that would be permitted on

these lots, and the overall density of the proposed residential uses is compatible with the surrounding

rural character of the project site, as well as the neighboring Porter Ranch community. As such,

implementation of the proposed project would be consistent with the Single Family Residential area

goals and objectives included within the Framework Element. Impacts would be less than significant.

Hidden Creeks Estates General Plan Land Use Designations

FIGURE IV.H-4

860-001•06/07

SOURCE: HMK Engineering, Inc. – March 2007

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

500 250 0 500

n

Legend:

MIN Minimum DensityVL-1 Very Low Density IVL-2 Very Low Density IIO.S. Open Space

MIN

O.S.

VL-2

VL-1

MIN

Hidden Creeks Estates Zoning Designations

FIGURE IV.H-5

860-001•06/07

SOURCE: HMK Engineering, Inc. – February 2007

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

500 250 0 500

n

Legend:

A-1 Agricultural ZoneRA-1 Suburban ZoneRE-11-1H Residential Estate ZoneO.S. Open Space Zone

A-1

O.S.

RE-11-1H

RA-1

A-1

IV.H Land Use


For Neighborhood Districts, which includes a portion of the community of Porter Ranch located to the

east of the project site, the primary goal included within the General Plan Framework Element is to

provide pedestrian-oriented districts that provide local identity, commercial activity, and support Los

Angeles’ neighborhoods. To achieve this goal, the element suggests that projects should reinforce

existing and establish new neighborhood districts, which accommodate a broad range of uses that

serve the needs of adjacent residents, promote neighborhood activity, are compatible with adjacent

neighborhoods, and are developed as desirable places to work and visit.

Implementation of the proposed project would result in the construction of an additional single-

family residential neighborhood immediately adjacent, and connected to, the Porter Ranch

Neighborhood District. The proposed project would be connected to the existing Porter Ranch

community via Mason Avenue and would include sidewalks along the alignment. The uses on the

site would include single family residences as well as public and private recreational facilities. The

proposed equestrian center would be available for private and public use, while the proposed public

park and trail network would be publicly accessible. These uses would serve not only the recreational

needs of the project residents but also the needs of existing residents in the neighboring Porter Ranch

community. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project is consistent with the goal and

objective included in the Framework Element of the City General Plan for Neighborhood Districts.

Implementation of the proposed project would not conflict with or detract from the services provided

within the Porter Ranch Neighborhood District, and impacts would be less than significant.

City of Los Angeles General Plan – Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan

The proposed project site is currently located within an unincorporated portion of Los Angeles

County. However, upon project approval, the project site would be annexed into the City of Los

Angeles, and the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan would be amended to include the

project site. Table IV.H-1 identifies the primary standards and features of the Chatsworth-Porter

Ranch Community Plan, which implements the City of Los Angeles General Plan for the proposed

project area. Below is a summary of project’s consistency with each of the standards and features

identified in Table IV.H-1 .

Residential/Housing

Applicable Standard 1

The intensity of planned land use in the Plan and the density of the population which can be

accommodated thereon shall be limited in accordance with the following criteria:

IV.H Land Use


1. The adequacy of the existing and potential street circulation system, both within the area and inthe peripheral areas;

2. The availability of sewer, drainage facilities, fire protection services and facilities, and other publicutilities;

3. The steepness of the topography of the various parts of the area and the suitability of the geologyof the area for development shall be guided by the following:

In areas designated for Minimum density housing, the dwelling unit density shall not exceedthat allowed by the slope density ordinance (LAMC Section 17.05 C). Hillside areas designatedVery Low I or Very Low II on the Plan Map which contain limited areas of exceptionally steeptopography should be restricted to even lower densities. It is the policy of the PlanningCommission that the Deputy Advisory Agency must consider lower densities, includingMinimum density, when considering applications for development of such areas. Factors to beconsidered should include, but not be limited to steepness of slope, amount of grading, soilstability, erosion, land division patterns, vehicular access, etc.

4. The compatibility of proposed developments with the existing adjacent developments.

Consistency Analysis

The proposed project site is currently located adjacent to, but outside, the City of Los Angeles. As

discussed in Section IV.K, Public Services, Section IV.L, Transportation, and Section IV.M, Public

Utilities, the site is not currently served by roadways, infrastructure, or City of Los Angeles services

such as fire, police, schools, or libraries. Implementation of the proposed project would require the

extension of Mason Avenue at its existing terminus in the community of Porter Ranch, the extension

of existing utility infrastructure, including water, sewer, and electricity, and the expansion of service

areas for City of Los Angeles public services, including fire, police, schools, recreation and parks, and

libraries. Impacts associated with each of these specific issue areas are addressed in Section IV.K,

Public Services, Section IV.L, Transportation , and Section IV.M, Public Utilities. Additionally, the

project site topography and geology place limitations on the density and type of development that

can occur on the project site. However, as discussed in the Geotechnical Investigation, included as

Appendix IV.E , and within Section IV.E, Geology, all potentially significant geologic hazards impacts

can be mitigated to less than significant levels. With regarding to the project’s compatibility with

existing adjacent developments, as discussed in Section IV.A.1, Aesthetics, the proposed project is

consistent in character and density with the adjacent Porter Ranch community. As such, the

proposed project is consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the above standard.

IV.H Land Use



Recognizing the desire to preserve undeveloped hillside and mountainous terrain, to the extent

feasible, the “cluster concept” may be utilized for the new residential development in hillside areas in

order to use the natural terrain to best advantage and minimize the amount of grading required… The

“cluster concept” is defined as the grouping of residential structures on the more level parts of the

terrain while retaining the steeper portions in their natural state.


As discussed in detail in Section IV.A.1, Aesthetics, the project design responds to the existing

geologic and soils conditions present on the site by orienting streets and development in a manner

consistent with the topography and clustering the residences and the equestrian center in the most

level portion of the project site. The steeper portions of the project site would remain undeveloped

and would be preserved and maintained as permanent open space.


Development within areas in the vicinity of natural vegetation or high fire danger should include

special irrigation facilities, fire-retardant plantings, and construction features for protection against

brush fires.


Given the location of the project site in an area historically subject to wildland fires, a Fire/Vegetation

Management Plan and Catastrophic Wildfire Risk Analysis was prepared. This analysis is included as

Appendix IV.K.2 to this EIR and are summarized in Section IV.K.2, Fire Protection and Emergency

Medical Services and Section IV.F, Hazards, in this EIR. Through the project design and the

incorporation of mitigation measures identified within Section IV.K.2, Fire Protection and

Emergency Medical Services, impacts to individuals and structures on the project site would be

minimized.

Applicable Features

1. Several horsekeeping areas are designated in the northerly and westerly sections of theCommunity. The Plan encourages the preservation of these land uses, especially north ofDevonshire Street and west of De Soto Avenue (including the east side of De Soto Avenue) to theCity/County line. Provisions shall be made for equestrian access via Brown’s Canyon Wash.Horsekeeping facilities with appropriate restrictions could be provided westerly and northerly tothe City/County line.

IV.H Land Use


2. Chatsworth-Porter Ranch includes large areas of open space and natural land forms. It is one ofthe more rural areas of the City and supports a substantial equestrian-oriented population. It is apolicy of the Plan to place a higher priority of the preservation of horsekeeping areas than onother uses found in the RA Zone category.

3. Efforts should be made to insure compatibility between the equestrian and other uses found inthe RA Zone. In all instances, the RA Zone should be encouraged to emulate the existing rurallandscape, whether horsekeeping is present or not.


Features for residential and housing areas included within the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community

Plan include the provision of equestrian access via Browns Canyon Wash as well as horsekeeping

facilities north and west of the City/County line; placing a high priority on the preservation of

horsekeeping areas; and insuring compatibility between the equestrian and other uses found in the

RA Zone. The proposed project incorporates the redevelopment of the existing equestrian facility

located at the southern end of the project site, enhancement and extension of the existing equestrian

trail system, and the provision of 25 residential equestrian lots to serve as a transition between the

equestrian facility and the remaining 163 residential lots. Therefore, the project as proposed and

designed incorporates the recommended residential/housing standards included within the

Community Plan, and is consistent with the identified features within the Community Plan by

recognizing and preserving the equestrian uses and character of the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch area.

As such, impacts would be less than significant.

Circulation

Applicable Standard

Design characteristics which give street identity such as curves, changes in direction and

topographical differences should be emphasized by street trees and planted median strips and by

paving.


The Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan recommends the emphasis of street identity through

the use of street trees, planted median strips, and by paving. Additionally, according to the Plan,

several scenic highways exist within the Plan area unique standards and criteria associated with

screening and buffering, appropriate sign control, street lighting, landscaping, green median strips,

and the potential for views should be taken into consideration. As such, the proposed project would

be consistent with this standard.

IV.H Land Use


Applicable Feature

The Plan designates several Major and Secondary Highways as Scenic Highways. The standards and

criteria should include screening and buffering, appropriate sign control, street lighting, landscaping,

green median strips, and potential for views.


Circulation and access for the proposed project would be provided via an extension of the existing

Mason Avenue. The extended roadway would include street trees and plantings, as well as street

lighting in compliance with City standards. Mason Avenue would lead to a gated entrance to the

Hidden Creeks Estates development, and the private roadways within the development would

include additional street trees, planted medians placed throughout the project site, and additional

street lighting in compliance with City standards. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project

would be consistent with the recommended circulation features included within the Chatsworth-

Porter Ranch Community Plan.

Service Systems

Applicable Standard

The Plan designates two standard types of local recreation sites. Short and intermediate range

standards for these parks should be as follows:

Neighborhood. A minimum of 1 acre per 1,000 persons served, with a minimum site size of 5acres. These sites should be designated at 1-mile intervals in residential neighborhoods. Theywill provide active recreational facilities for younger children as well as passive recreationalfacilities.

Community. A minimum of 1 acre per 1,000 persons served, with a minimum site size of 15acres. These sites should be located at 3-mile intervals, and may serve several neighborhoods.Such a park is designated to serve residents of all ages with a much wider interest range thanneighborhood parks.


Implementation of the proposed project would include construction of an approximately 15.5-acre

public park, located in the northeastern portion of the project site and accessible to both project

residents and residents of the existing Porter Ranch community. Additionally, as part of the proposed

project, additional equestrian trails would be provided throughout the open space portion of the

project site. These equestrian trails would connect to the existing off-site equestrian trail network.

IV.H Land Use


Additional details about the recreational components of the proposed project are discussed in Section

IV.K.4, Recreation and Parks, within this EIR.

With regard to features and recommendations included in the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community

Plan for cultural and historic monuments and archaeological sites, the potential for the presence of

historic and cultural monuments, as well as archaeological sites, was evaluated as part of the

preparation of this EIR. No potential historic or cultural monuments or archaeological sites were

identified on the project site, as discussed in Section IV.D, Cultural Resources, in this EIR.

Therefore, the proposed project is consistent with the standards recommended within the

Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan relative to service systems, including parks and

recreational facilities, and the presence of cultural and historic monuments and archaeological sites.

As such, impacts resulting from inconsistency with Community Plan recommendations would be less

than significant.

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code

The proposed project involves the development of 188 new single-family residences, the construction

of a new equestrian facility, and the development of a new public park, on approximately 15.5 acres of

a 285-acre site. The remainder of the project site would be maintained as permanent open space. The

proposed zoning for each component of the project site is as follows:

Approximately 118 acres to be zoned A-1, Agricultural Zone, and maintained as open space;

Approximately 35 acres to be zoned RA-1, Suburban Zone, and developed with 25 equestrianresidences and an equestrian facility;

Approximately 114 acres to be zoned RE 11-1H, Residential Estate Zone, and developed with163 single-family residences on lots with a minimum area of 11,000 square feet; and

Approximately 15.5 acres to be zoned OS, Open Space Zone, for the proposed publicrecreation and park uses.

As shown in Table IV.H-2, the proposed uses are allowed within each of the respective zones. Within

the Agricultural Zone, land can be maintained undeveloped and used for a variety of uses. Within

the RA, Suburban Zone, and the RE, Residential Estate Zone, single family dwelling units and equine

keeping are two of several allowed uses. Within the OS, Open Space Zone, parks and recreational

facilities are one of several allowed uses. As such, implementation of the proposed project would

comply with the anticipated zoning designations for each use and portion of the project site. No

impacts would result from inconsistency with site zoning.

IV.H Land Use


Porter Ranch Specific Plan

The Hidden Creeks Estates project site is not located within the Porter Ranch Specific Plan area;

however, the project site is located immediately adjacent to the Specific Plan area. In an effort to be

sensitive to, and consistent with surrounding land uses, the proposed project’s consistency with the

primary purposes of the Specific Plan is provided in Table IV.H-4, below.

Table IV.H-4Porter Ranch Specific Plan Consistency Analysis

Specific Plan Purpose Consistency AnalysisA. To ensure that land use mix and intensity

are balanced with infrastructure,particularly the circulation system andother public facilities;

The Hidden Creeks Estates project will provide asingle-family residences and recreational uses, whilealso providing the necessary infrastructure. Access tothe project site would be provided via an extension ofMason Avenue from its existing northern terminusthrough an easement granted to the City of LosAngeles by the Southern California Gas Company. Abridge spanning Mormon Canyon Creek would leadinto the project site. Residential lots within thedevelopment would be clustered in the southeasternportion of the site and situated on the hillsidesprimarily in an east-west direction, with primaryaccess through the site along one central roadway.Secondary access to residential lots would be providedvia east-west streets and cul-de-sacs.

Infrastructure for utilities would be provided from thePorter Ranch area to the east via the proposed MasonAvenue extension. Additional infrastructure wouldinclude a water tank and a retention basin.

IV.H Land Use


Specific Plan Purpose Consistency AnalysisB. To ensure that the infrastructure

necessary for the Specific Plan area iscoordinated with the timing of land usedevelopment and implemented withinfrastructure programs, including anyrequired improvements outside of theSpecific Plan area;

Following the grading of the Mason Avenue extension,utilities would be extended from Porter Ranch andinstalled along the Mason Avenue easement as well asthroughout the development. Installation wouldinvolve the placement of underground water lines,wastewater lines, natural gas lines, and electrical linesthroughout the project site. Upon completing utilityinfrastructure installation, the site would be pavedwith asphalt concrete paving. Roadwayimprovements along Browns Canyon Road would becompleted concurrent with project constructionactivities on the project site. Upon completion ofinfrastructure installation and site paving, theindividual lots for the public park, equestrian facility,and single -family residences would be available forconstruction. Therefore, all necessary infrastructurefor the project would be coordinated with the timingof land use development and implemented withinfrastructure programs.

C. To provide for an effective localcirculation system which minimallyimpacts the regional circulation systemand reduces conflicts among pedestrians,equestrians, bicyclists and motorists;

Primary access to the project site is proposed via anextension of Mason Avenue from its current northernterminus and connecting to the northeastern corner ofthe project site. The road would traverse through aneasement to be granted to the City of Los Angeles bythe Southern California Gas Company, the owner ofthe property located between the project site andPorter Ranch. The roadway would be a two-lane roadapproximately 50 feet wide. Upon completion of theMason Avenue extension, the roadway would alsoinclude sidewalks, street lighting, and street trees.

Additionally, Browns Canyon Road, located south ofthe project site, would provide secondary emergencyaccess to the site. A staging area that wouldaccommodate trailers and vehicles would be locatednear the equestrian facility and would double as astaging area for fire trucks, including a fire hydrant forfire suppression.

D. To ensure that the mix of residential andcommercial use is balanced with thesocial and economic needs of thecommunity and greater regional area andto provide flexibility to accommodateboth residential and commercial uses infuture market trends;

This purpose of the Specific Plan is unrelated to theHidden Creeks Estates project.

IV.H Land Use


Specific Plan Purpose Consistency AnalysisE. To provide guidelines and a process for

review and approval of subdivisions,building and site design, open space, orother developments proposed forconstruction within the Specific PlanArea;

This purpose of the Specific Plan is unrelated to theHidden Creeks Estates project.

F. To provide a compatible and harmoniousrelationship where commercial areas arecontiguous to residential neighborhoods;

G. To preserve and enhance communityaesthetics by: Signs and Lighting: Ensuring an

attractive visual character of the areaand establishing appropriate signand lighting standards;

Landforms and Views: Preserving,protecting, or creating unique anddistinctive landforms and views byrequiring sensitive site design,landscaping, and by a judiciouscombination of retaining orreforming the natural terrainconsistent with accepted principlesof good grading practice and urbandesign; and

Noise: Minimizing the impact ofnoise pollution on neighboringareas;

As discussed in Section IV.A, Aesthetics, sensitivity tothe existing and surrounding aesthetic character hasbeen taken into considering in designing the proposedproject. Additionally, street lighting would beinstalled throughout the proposed development inaccordance with City of Los Angeles OrdinanceSection 17.08-C. As described in Section IV.H, Noise,the nearest sensitive receptors in the vicinity of theproject site include single- and multi-familyresidences estimated to be approximately 150 feet tothe south and southeast of the project site. Increasedroadway use from construction-related traffic oroperational traffic would not result in the exceedanceof noise thresholds for surrounding roadways.

H. To control erosion through the planting ofslopes with fire retardant vegetation thatis compatible with the naturalenvironment;

The proposed project would provide a water-sensitivesustainable landscape through the use of trees, shrubsand groundcovers less reliant on water andcompatible with the natural surroundings, as well asslope planting that would reinforce the parkwaylandscaping concept. Trees would be located alongproperty lines and concentrated within the lowerportions of slopes to preserve residential lot views. Allslope plantings would comply with the City of LosAngeles Landscape Requirements for density anderosion control.

IV.H Land Use


Specific Plan Purpose Consistency AnalysisI. To preserve, highlight, enhance and

increase public accessibility to landhaving exceptional recreational and/oreducational value;

Implementation of the proposed project wouldinclude the construction a public park, an equestrianfacility with trails, and 127 acres of preserved openspace. Upon completing construction of the park, theproject applicant would dedicate this land to the Cityof Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department.Hiking and equestrian trails would connect to theexisting trail network in the Santa Susana MountainsThe envelope of open space surrounding the projectwould buffer the proposed residential developmentfrom the existing community of Porter Ranch to theeast and south and would complement adjacent openspace areas, including the Michael D. AntonovichPark, which lies just beyond the northern and westernboundaries of the project site.

J. To protect all significant archaeologicaland paleontological sites within theSpecific Plan area in accordance with Citystandards;

No archaeological or paleontological resources wereidentified on the project site as a result of backgroundstudies, records searches, and an intensive Phase Isurface survey of the project site. However, ifarchaeological and/or paleontological resources arefound during construction, the project would complywith the City standards regarding the protection ofthese resources, as discussed in Section IV.D, CulturalResources.

K. To minimize detrimental effects uponhillside character by promoting improveddesign and appearance of the roadwaysystem and to minimize the automobiletraffic through all the residential streets;

Primary access to the project site is proposed via anextension of Mason Avenue from its current northernterminus and connecting to the northeastern corner ofthe project site. Mason Avenue is accessible in thePorter Ranch comm unity via Sesnon Boulevard.Browns Canyon Road, located south of the project site,would provide secondary emergency access to thesite. A staging area that would accommodate trailersand vehicles would be located near the equestrianfacility and would double as a staging area for firetrucks, including a fire hydrant for fire suppression.As such, the project is designed to minimizeautomobile traffic through residential streets.

IV.H Land Use


Specific Plan Purpose Consistency AnalysisL. To reduce potential adverse effects of

grading in hillside areas, to controlerosion, to reduce potential visualimpacts and to recreate a natural lookingterrain;

Common area slope planting would reinforce theparkway landscaping concept and be dominated bynative Oaks and Sycamores. Accent trees, includingthe secondary street theme tree species, would bemixed throughout. Trees would be located alongproperty lines and concentrated within the lowerportions of slopes to preserve residential lot views.Slope landscape within open space corridors wouldincorporate uninterrupted flows of trees, shrubs,grasses, and groundcover and avoid the use of plantsthat may create a barrier or wall. Understory plantingswould include shrubs, grasses, and perennialsgrouped in masses with natural meandering formsand continuous groundcovers.

M.To control grading to ensure that nobuilding or structure in Subarea E of theSingle-Family Area exceeds the height ofthe major ridgeline located in thecommunity park; and

This purpose of the Specific Plan is unrelated to theHidden Cree ks Estates project.

N. To have a parks and open space systemwhich consists primarily of fourcategories -- community park, privaterecreation areas, private open space andpublic open space and park area.

Implementation of the proposed project wouldinclude the construction a public park, an equestrianfacility with trails, and 127 acres of permanent openspace. Public recreation areas would include theproposed park and private recreation areas wouldinclude the equestrian facility. The staging area c ouldbe used by the public, however, the stalls and facilitywould be for private use. Private open space wouldinclude the residential yards and Home OwnersAssociation facilities. Public open space wouldinclude equestrian and hiking trails. Equestrian trailsand hiking trails would be located throughout theundeveloped portions of the site and would connectto the existing trail network in the Santa SusanaMountains. Therefore, the Hidden Creeks Estatesproject would meet the goal of proving open spaceand parks for public and private use.

While the project site is not currently, nor in the future would be within the Porter Ranch Specific Plan

Area, consistency with the Specific Plan is not required. However, as shown in Table IV.H-4 above,

the project is generally consistent with all applicable purposes of the Specific Plan. As such,

implementation of the proposed project would not result in land use conflicts with the Porter Ranch

Specific Plan.

IV.H Land Use


Summary of Consistency Analysis

As discussed in the analysis above, the project as proposed is consistent with the City of Los Angeles

General Plan Framework Element, the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan, and the City of

Los Angeles Zoning Code and impacts, therefore, would be less than significant. Implementation of

the proposed project would be consistent with the Single Family Residential area or the

Neighborhood goals and objectives included within the Framework Element. Additionally, the

project as proposed and designed is consistent with recommended residential/housing standards

included within the Community Plan, and the project is entirely consistent with the identified

features within the Community Plan by recognizing and preserving the equestrian uses and character

of the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch area. Implementation of the proposed project would also be

consistent with the recommended circulation standards features included within the Community

Plan and the project is consistent with the standards and features recommended for service systems,

including parks and recreational facilities, and the presence of cultural and historic monuments and

archaeological sites. Implementation of the proposed project would also comply with the anticipated

zoning designations for each use and portion of the project site. As such, all impacts associated with

plan consistency would be less than significant.

LU-3 What is the extent of the area impacted, the nature and degree of impacts, and the type of landuses within the area?

As part of the proposed project, approximately 158 acres of the 285-acre Hidden Creeks Estates site

would be graded and developed. The remaining 127 acres of the project site would remain

undisturbed during project construction with the exception of an area along the northwest residential

lot lines to be graded for slope stabilization. However, this area would be revegetated following

grading activity and would remain as undeveloped natural open space. However, as discussed in

Section IV.C, Biological Resources, the development footprint of the proposed project concentrates

development on the primarily disturbed portions of the project site, which has lower habitat value;

the higher value habitat areas would be preserved in the portions of the site that would not be

developed or disturbed by project implementation. In addition to avoiding development within the

higher value habitat areas on the project site, the proposed development footprint would also avoid

and preserve the major jurisdictional streambed features associated with Browns Canyon Wash and

Mormon Canyon Creek.

Access to and from the project site during construction would be provided by Browns Canyon Road.

All construction staging and construction vehicle parking would occur on the disturbed portions of

the Hidden Creeks Estates project site.

IV.H Land Use


The portions of the project site proposed to be developed with implementation of the Hidden Creeks

Estates project primarily consist of currently disturbed land. The existing equestrian facility at the

southern end of the project site, the existing ranching operations located on the central plateau

portion of the project site, and the portion of the project site used for filming would all undergo site

clearance and grading, utility infrastructure would be installed underground, and these portions of

the project site would be paved and eventually developed as part of the proposed project.

Additionally, the cattle grazing currently occurring on the project site would be relocated offsite.

However, due to the quantity of available open space surrounding the project site, the relocated

grazing activities could be accommodated in the surrounding area.

In addition to project-specific construction impacts, emergency access improvements required by the

City of Los Angeles Fire Department and County of Los Angeles Fire Department would be

implemented along Browns Canyon Road. These improvements include spot widening of the road at

fourteen specific locations to provide turnouts which would help accommodate multiple public safety

vehicles These locations are shown in Figure II-10, Browns Canyon Road Widening Locations,

included in Section II, Project Description .

The removal of existing onsite uses and the construction of the proposed Hidden Creeks Estates

development would alter the existing undeveloped character of the site such that over half of the

project site would be developed with recreational and suburban residential uses.

Operation of the proposed project would introduce low-density, single family residences onto the

project site and would result in the construction of a new 15.5-acre public park accessible to members

of the new community, as well as the adjacent Porter Ranch community. Access to the project site, as

well as the public park, would be available via the proposed Mason Avenue extension. The project

would also include the redevelopment of the existing equestrian center located in the southern

portion of the project site. Therefore, project implementation would displace the existing low

intensity ranching and occasional use with additional recreational and new residential uses.

Additionally, approximately 127 acres of the 285-acre project site would remain as permanent open

space.

Use of the site for recreational and residential purposes, and the inclusion of the proposed 127-acre

open space buffer along the northern and western portions of the project site, is consistent with the

surrounding land uses. As discussed previously in this section, the open space uses to the north and

west, including the Michael D. Antonovich Park, are used recreationally, the adjacent community of

Porter Ranch consists primarily of single-family residences, and the general character of the

IV.H Land Use


Chatsworth and Porter Ranch communities is equestrian-oriented, as discussed in detail in the

Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan.

Therefore, while implementation of the proposed project would introduce new suburban uses onto

the project site, the design and density of these uses would be consistent with surrounding land uses,

and the permanent open space buffer along the northern and western portions of the project site

would serve as a permanent transition from the suburban uses to the permanent and recreational

open space uses to the north and west. As such, land use impacts associated with project construction

and operation would be less than significant.

LU-4 Would existing neighborhoods, communities or land uses be disrupted, divided or isolated andthe duration of the disruptions?

Implementation of the proposed project would involve the development of approximately 285 acres

of land currently located within the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County. The existing

community of Porter Ranch is located immediately adjacent to the project site, as shown in Figure II-

4, included within Section II, Project Description. Open space surrounds the project to the north,

west and south; therefore no existing communities north, west or south would be disrupted, divided,

or isolated by project implementation.

Implementation of the proposed project would involve the extension of the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch

Community Plan Area slightly to the west to include the project site; therefore, the project would not

be isolated from the Porter Ranch community. Additionally, the extension of the Community Plan

Area to the west would not result in a disruption to, or the division of an existing community.

The introduction of new suburban land uses on this currently undeveloped site would not divide or

disrupt existing neighborhoods or communities; the addition of 285 acres, of which 158 would be

developed, to the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan area would not disrupt the existing

community, divide the Porter Ranch community to the east, or isolate Porter Ranch. The Porter

Ranch community to the east of the project site is accessible via roadways and highways to the south

and east of the community; project implementation would not affect any access routes to Porter

Ranch. As such, implementation of the proposed project does not have the potential to disrupt,

divide, or isolate the existing Porter Ranch community, Impacts would be less than significant.

LU-5 What are the number, degree, and type of secondary impacts to surrounding land uses thatcould result from implementation of the proposed project?

IV.H Land Use


The L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide characterizes secondary land use impacts as activities associated with

project development that typically occur at land uses adjacent to the project and whether nuisance

impacts from the proposed project would conflict with these uses. Examples of secondary impacts

that could result from project implementation include:

An increase in the number of vehicles traveling throughout the residential streets of PorterRanch to access the project site, and in particular Porter Ranch Drive, Sesnon Boulevard, andMason Avenue;

An increase in the use of public facilities, including schools, parks and libraries, as well asincreased demand for police and fire protection services for service providers in the PorterRanch area;

An increase in trail usage by hikers, mountain bike riders, and the equestrian community andthus an increase in impacts to the open space trail network and in particular sensitive ripariancorridors along Browns Canyon Wash and Mormon Canyon Creek.

With an increase in the number of vehicles accessing the project site, roadways and intersections in

the Porter Ranch community would experience increased traffic impacts. The extent of these impacts

is discussed in Section IV.L, Transportation. As discussed therein, all traffic-related impacts would be

less than significant. Additionally, with the increase in vehicles on roadways, traffic-related noise

could result in increases considered to be a nuisance to the community. However, as discussed in

Section IV.I, Noise, traffic-related noise impacts would be less than significant. Therefore, secondary

land use impacts associated with an increase in the number of vehicles traveling through Porter

Ranch to access the project site would be less than significant.

Project implementation would result in the addition of 188 single-family residences, which would

result in a population increase of approximately 549 residents to the Porter Ranch community in the

City of Los Angeles. The resulting increase in population would increase the demand for public

services and the use of public facilities, as discussed in Section IV.K, Public Services. As analyzed

therein, all impacts to public facilities and public services can be mitigated to less than significant

levels. Therefore, the anticipated increase in the use of public facilities, including schools, parks and

libraries, and the increased demand for police and fire protection services would result in less than

significant secondary land use impacts.

The project also includes the redevelopment of the existing equestrian center in the southern portion

of the project site. Accompanying the redevelopment of the equestrian center is the introduction of

25 equestrian residential lots and proposed equestrian trails throughout the project site that would

IV.H Land Use


connect to existing equestrian trails in the surrounding foothills. With the introduction of these

additional equestrian components of the project, the potential does exist for increased equestrian

activity both on the project site and in the surrounding areas. With increased equestrian activity, the

potential for increased disturbance of natural vegetation and wildlife habitats in the foothills and

Santa Susana Mountains exists. However, the existing Chatsworth and Porter Ranch communities are

already equestrian-oriented, and the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains are already used for

recreational equestrian activities. Therefore, with the introduction of the additional trails, the

redevelopment of the existing equestrian center, and the construction and use of the 25 new

equestrian residences, use of the existing trail network is not expected to substantially increase such

that new significant impacts to the environment would result.

c. Cumulative Impacts

As discussed above, implementation of the proposed Hidden Creeks Estates project, on its own,

would not result in land use incompatibilities or plan inconsistencies; thus, no significant land use

impacts would occur. In considering the proposed project’s cumulative contribution, with those

associated with the implementation of the Porter Ranch Specific Plan and build-out of the remaining

undeveloped parcels in the Specific Plan area, the proposed project, in combination with other

development occurring in Porter Ranch would be consistent with the City’s General Plan, the City’s

Municipal Ordinance for site zoning, and the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan.

Implementation of the proposed project and identified related projects within the City of Los Angeles

and the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan Area would further the goals and objectives of

these plans, ultimately contributing to the build-out of the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community Plan

Area.

Moreover, the City of Los Angeles reviews all projects against City development and design

guidelines which regulate permitted uses, development density, building heights, site and building

design, transportation demand and neighborhood protection. In addition, all development is closely

monitored citywide. All developments proposed and constructed within the City are recorded by city

staff and reviewed for consistency with citywide land use controls, development standards, and

applicable plans and policies during the course of the project review and approval process. Given the

land use controls and development standards presently in place within the City, no significant

cumulative land use impacts are anticipated. Therefore, the proposed project would neither on its

own, nor as a cumulative contribution to development in the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Community

Plan Area, result in a significant cumulative impact.

IV.H Land Use


d. Mitigation Measures

Project-specific and cumulative impacts associated with land use would be less than significant;

therefore, no mitigation measures are required.

e. Adverse Effects

All project-specific and cumulative impacts would be less than significant; therefore, no adverse land

use effects would result from project implementation.

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