TABLE OF CONTENTS. Mitigated Negative Declaration Form/CEQA Initial Study Checklist (front insert) I. INTRODUCTION... I-1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION...

Transcription

1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Mitigated Negative Declaration Form/CEQA Initial Study Checklist (front insert) I. INTRODUCTION... I-1 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION... II-1 A. PROJECT LOCATION... II-1 B. PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS... II-12 C. ENTITLEMENT REQUESTS... II-30 III. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS...III-1 I. AESTHETICS...III-1 II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES...III-5 III. AIR QUALITY...III-7 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES... III-14 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES... III-16 VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS... III-32 VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS... III-37 VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS... III-48 IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY... III-53 X. LAND USE AND PLANNING... III-59 XI. MINERAL RESOURCES... III-72 XII. NOISE... III-73 XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING... III-89 XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES... III-92 XV. RECREATION... III-99 XVI. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC... III-101 XVII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES... III-128 XVIII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS... III-129 XIX. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE... III-141 APPENDIX F: ENERGY CONSERVATION... III-142 IV. PREPARERS OF THE INITIAL STUDY AND PERSONS CONSULTED... IV-1 V. REFERENCES, ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS... V-1 Table of Contents Page i

3 List of Figures Figure II-1: Project Location Map... II-2 Figure II-2: Zoning and General Plan Land Use Designations... II-5 Figure II-3: Aerial Photograph of the Project Site... II-9 Figure II-4: Photographs of the Project Site... II-10 Figure II-5: Photographs of the Surrounding Land Uses... II-11 Figure II-6: Site Plan... II-13 Figure II-7: Basement Level Plan... II-14 Figure II-8: Ground Level Plan... II-15 Figure II-9: Second Level Plan... II-16 Figure II-10: Building Elevations... II-17 Figure II-11: Related Projects Location Map... II-29 Figure III-1: Noise Monitoring and Sensitive Receptor Location Map... III-77 Figure III-2: Study Intersections... III-105 Figure III-3: Existing Conditions (Year 2017) Peak Hour Traffic Volumes... III-109 Figure III-4: Future Without Project Conditions (Year 2020) Peak Hour Traffic Volumes... III-112 Figure III-5: Project Only Peak Hour Traffic Volumes... III-117 Figure III-6: Existing with Project Conditions (Year 2017) Peak Hour Traffic Volumes... III-119 Figure III-7: Future with Project Conditions (Year 2020) Peak Hour Traffic Volumes... III-121 List of Tables Table II-1: Summary of Project Site... II-1 Table II-2: Proposed Development Program... II-12 Table II-3: Related Projects List... II-23 Table III-1: Estimated Peak Daily Construction Emissions...III-9 Table III-2: Existing Daily Operational Emissions from the Project Site... III-10 Table III-3: Proposed Project Estimated Daily Operational Emissions... III-11 Table III-4: Proposed Project Construction-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions... III-42 Table III-5: Existing Project Site Greenhouse Gas Emissions... III-42 Table of Contents Page ii

4 Table III-6: Proposed Project Operational Greenhouse Gas Emissions... III-44 Table III-7: Project Consistency with Applicable Objectives and Policies of the Hollywood Community Plan... III-62 Table III-8: Project Consistency with Applicable Goals of the Redevelopment Plan... III-65 Table III-9: Existing Ambient Daytime Noise Levels in Project Site Vicinity... III-75 Table III-10: Typical Outdoor Construction Noise Levels... III-79 Table III-11: Estimated Exterior Construction Noise at Nearest Sensitive Receptors... III-80 Table III-12: Community Noise Exposure (CNEL)... III-84 Table III-13: Noise Impacts at Nearest Roadway Segments... III-85 Table III-14: Cumulative Noise Impacts at Nearest Roadway Segments... III-89 Table III-15: Proposed Project Employment Growth... III-90 Table III-16: Hollywood Area Police Station Crime Statistics... III-95 Table III-17: Resident Schools Serving the Project Site... III-97 Table III-18: Intersection Impact Significance Criteria... III-103 Table III-19: Study Intersections... III-106 Table III-20: Existing Conditions (Year 2017) Intersection Levels of Service... III-110 Table III-21: Future Without Project Conditions (Year 2020) Intersection Levels of Service... III-111 Table III-22: Project Trip Generation Estimates... III-116 Table III-23: Existing with Project Conditions (Year 2017) Intersection Levels of Service... III-118 Table III-24: Future with Project Conditions (Year 2020) Intersection Levels of Service... III-120 Table III-25: Arterial Monitoring Intersection Trip Generation... III-124 Table III-26: Proposed Project Estimated Water Demand... III-131 Table III-27: Proposed Project Estimated Wastewater Generation... III-132 Table III-28: Estimated Cumulative Water Demand... III-136 Table III-29: Estimated Construction and Demolition Debris... III-139 Table III-30: Estimated Operational Solid Waste Generation... III-139 Table III-31: Estimated Electricity Consumption by the Proposed Project... III-145 Table III-32: Estimated Natural Gas Consumption by the Proposed Project... III-146 Table of Contents Page iii

5 APPENDICES APPENDIX A: APPENDIX B: AIR QUALITY MODELING WORKSHEETS CULTURAL REPORT Historic Resources Group, Historic Resources Technical Report, Hollywood Citizen- News Building, North Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, October 31, APPENDIX C: APPENDIX D: APPENDIX E: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS WORKSHEETS NOISE MONITORING DATA AND CALCULATON WORKSHEETS TRANSPORTATION STUDY Gibson Transportation Consulting, Inc., Transportation Impact Study for the Citizen News Building, Hollywood, California, July APPENDIX F: FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS Table of Contents Page iv

6

7 CITY OF LOS ANGELES OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK, ROOM 395, CITY HALL LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT INITIAL STUDY and CHECKLIST (CEQA Guidelines Section 15063) LEAD CITY AGENCY: City of Los Angeles COUNCIL DISTRICT: CD 13 DATE: January 24, 2019 RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES: Department of City Planning ENVIRONMENTAL CASE: PREVIOUS ACTIONS CASE NO. RELATED CASES: ZA MCUP-SPR q DOES have significant changes from previous actions. q DOES NOT have significant changes from previous actions. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Proposed Project includes the rehabilitation of the basement, ground floor, and second level of an existing two-story office building for the construction, use, and maintenance of two fullservice restaurants on the ground floor and flexible event space on the second level. The basement level would be utilized for storage and wine space. The two restaurants would include outdoor dining spaces and would total 13,775 square feet. The flexible event space on the second level would include approximately 15,788 square feet. The Proposed Project would also provide two landscaped pedestrian alleyways: a north pedestrian alley and south back-of-house alley to promote ground-floor pedestrian experience. The alleyways would provide access into each of the proposed commercial spaces. The Proposed Project includes a total floor area of 36,656 square feet with a floor area ratio (FAR) of 1.78 to 1. No on-site parking is currently provided or required as part of the change of use of a historic structure pursuant to Section A.4.x of the LAMC. One parking space is provided off-site via Affidavit Number at 6516 Selma Avenue. The Applicant is requesting the following discretionary approvals: (1) a Master Conditional Use Permit, for the tenant improvement and change of use from an existing two story office building to two ground floor restaurants and one flexible event space on the second floor with proposed hours of operation for all establishments from 7 AM to 2 AM daily, and the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for onsite consumption in conjunction with the proposed two restaurants and event space; and (2) Site Plan Review. Other approvals (as needed), ministerial or otherwise, may be necessary, as the City finds appropriate in order to execute and implement the Proposed Project. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING: The Project Site includes 20,592 square feet of lot area (0.47 acres). The Project Site currently developed with a two-story office building. The surrounding properties are developed with commercial uses, multi-family residential buildings, and existing/proposed hotels. Further details are provided in the expanded IS/MND analysis (attached). PROJECT LOCATION: N. Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, CA COMMUNITY PLAN AREA: STATUS: Hollywood AREA PLANNING COMMISSION: CERTIFIED NEIGHBORHOOD q Preliminary x Does Conform to Plan Central COUNCIL: q Proposed q Does NOT Conform to Plan Central Hollywood x Adopted (1988) EXISTING ZONING: MAX DENSITY ZONING: LA River Adjacent: No C4-2D 2:1 FAR GENERAL PLAN LAND USE: Regional Center Commercial MAX. DENSITY PLAN: 2:1 FAR PROPOSED PROJECT DENSITY: 1.78:1 FAR Page 2 of 25

8

9 5. Earlier analysis must be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR, or negative declaration. Section (c)(3)(d). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a. Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b. Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c. Mitigation Measures. For effects that are Less Than Significant With Mitigation Measures Incorporated, describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated 7. Supporting Information Sources: A sources list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8. This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project s environmental effects in whichever format is selected. 9. The explanation of each issue should identify: a. The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b. The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significant. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a Potentially Significant Impact as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. q AESTHETICS q AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES q AIR QUALITY q BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES x CULTURAL RESOURCES q GEOLOGY AND SOILS qgreenhouse GAS EMISSIONS qhazards AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS q HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY q LAND USE AND PLANNING q MINERAL RESOURCES x NOISE q POPULATION AND HOUSING q PUBLIC SERVICES q RECREATION xtransportation AND TRAFFIC q TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES q UTILITIES x MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST (To be completed by the Lead City Agency) PROPONENT NAME: Hollywood Citizen News, LLC PHONE NUMBER: (213) APPLICANTS ADDRESSES: Hollywood Citizen News, LLC 1605 N. Cahuenga Boulevard Los Angeles, CA AGENCY REQUIRING CHECKLIST: City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning PROPOSAL NAME (If Applicable): DATE SUBMITTED: November 6, 2018 Page 4 of 25

10 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH AND EVERY RESPONSE IN THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES INITIAL STUDY AND CHECKLIST IS SUMMARIZED FROM AND BASED UPON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTAINED IN ATTACHEMENT B, EXPLANATION OF CHECKLIST DETERMINATIONS. PLEASE REFER TO THE APPLICABLE RESPONSE IN ATTACHMENT B FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF CHECKLIST DETERMINATIONS. I. AESTHETICS a. WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON A SCENIC VISTA? b. WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGE SCENIC RESOURCES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TREES, ROCK OUTCROPPINGS, AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS, OR OTHER LOCALLY RECOGNIZED DESIRABLE AESTHETIC NATURAL FEATURE WITHIN A CITY-DESIGNATED SCENIC HIGHWAY? c. WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY DEGRADE THE EXISTING VISUAL CHARACTER OR QUALITY OF THE SITE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS? d. WOULD THE PROJECT CREATE A NEW SOURCE OF SUBSTANTIAL LIGHT OR GLARE WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DAY OR NIGHTTIME VIEWS IN THE AREA? II. AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES a. WOULD THE PROJECT CONVERT PRIME FARMLAND, UNIQUE FARMLAND, OR FARMLAND OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCE, AS SHOWN ON THE MAPS PREPARED PURSUANT TO THE FARMLAND MAPPING AND MONITORING PROGRAM OF THE CALIFORNIA RESOURCES AGENCY, TO NON-AGRICULTURAL USE? b. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH EXISTING ZONING FOR AGRICULTURAL USE, OR A WILLIAMSON ACT CONTRACT? c. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH EXISTING ZONING FOR, OR CAUSE REZONING OF, FOREST LAND (AS DEFINED IN PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 1220(G)), TIMBERLAND (AS DEFINED BY PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 4526), OR TIMBERLAND ZONED TIMBERLAND PRODUCTION (AS DEFINED BY GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51104(G))? d. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF FOREST LAND OR CONVERSION OF FOREST LAND TO NON- FOREST USE? e. WOULD THE PROJECT INVOLVE OTHER CHANGES IN THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT WHICH, DUE TO THEIR No Impact q q q x q q x q q q x q q q x q q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x Page 5 of 25

11 III. LOCATION OR NATURE, COULD RESULT IN CONVERSION OF FARMLAND, TO NON-AGRICULTURAL USE OR CONVERSION OF FOREST LAND TO NON-FOREST USE? AIR QUALITY a. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH OR OBSTRUCT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCAQMD AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN OR CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PLAN? b. WOULD THE PROJECT VIOLATE ANY AIR QUALITY STANDARD OR CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TO AN EXISTING OR PROJECTED AIR QUALITY VIOLATION? c. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE NET INCREASE OF ANY CRITERIA POLLUTANT FOR WHICH THE AIR BASIN IS NON- ATTAINMENT (OZONE, CARBON MONOXIDE, & PM 10) UNDER AN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD? d. WOULD THE PROJECT EXPOSE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS TO SUBSTANTIAL POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS? e. WOULD THE PROJECT CREATE OBJECTIONABLE ODORS AFFECTING A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE? IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES a. WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT, EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH HABITAT MODIFICATION, ON ANY SPECIES IDENTIFIED AS A CANDIDATE, SENSITIVE, OR SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES IN LOCAL OR REGIONAL PLANS, POLICIES, OR REGULATIONS BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME OR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE? b. WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON ANY RIPARIAN HABITAT OR OTHER SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED IN THE CITY OR REGIONAL PLANS, POLICIES, REGULATIONS BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME OR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE? Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q q x q q q x Page 6 of 25

12 c. WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON FEDERALLY PROTECTED WETLANDS AS DEFINED BY SECTION 404 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MARSH VERNAL POOL, COASTAL, ETC.) THROUGH DIRECT REMOVAL, FILLING, HYDROLOGICAL INTERRUPTION, OR OTHER MEANS? d. WOULD THE PROJECT INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE MOVEMENT OF ANY NATIVE RESIDENT OR MIGRATORY FISH OR WILDLIFE SPECIES OR WITH ESTABLISHED NATIVE RESIDENT OR MIGRATORY WILDLIFE CORRIDORS, OR IMPEDE THE USE OF NATIVE WILDLIFE NURSERY SITES? e. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH ANY LOCAL POLICIES OR ORDINANCES PROTECTING BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, SUCH AS TREE PRESERVATION POLICY OR ORDINANCE (E.G., OAK TREES OR CALIFORNIA WALNUT WOODLANDS)? f. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF AN ADOPTED HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN, NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN, OR OTHER APPROVED LOCAL, REGIONAL, OR STATE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN? V. CULTURAL RESOURCES a. WOULD THE PROJECT CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN SIGNIFICANCE OF A HISTORICAL RESOURCE AS DEFINED IN STATE CEQA SECTION ? b. WOULD THE PROJECT CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN SIGNIFICANCE OF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA SECTION ? c. WOULD THE PROJECT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY DESTROY A UNIQUE PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCE OR SITE OR UNIQUE GEOLOGIC FEATURE? d. WOULD THE PROJECT DISTURB ANY HUMAN REMAINS, INCLUDING THOSE INTERRED OUTSIDE OF FORMAL CEMETERIES? VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS a. WOULD THE PROJECT EXACERBATE HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS BY BRINGING PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO POTENTIAL SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY OR Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q x q q q q q x q q q x q q q x q q x q Page 7 of 25

13 DEATH INVOLVING RUPTURE OF A KNOWN EARTHQUAKE FAULT, AS DELINEATED ON THE MOST RECENT ALQUIST-PRIOLO EARTHQUAKE FAULT ZONING MAP ISSUED BY THE STATE GEOLOGIST FOR THE AREA OR BASED ON OTHER SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OF A KNOWN FAULT? REFER TO DIVISION OF MINES AND GEOLOGY SPECIAL PUBLICATION 42. b. WOULD THE PROJECT EXACERBATE HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS BY BRINGING PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO POTENTIAL SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVING STRONG SEISMIC GROUND SHAKING? c. WOULD THE PROJECT EXACERBATE HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS BY BRINGING PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO POTENTIAL SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVING SEISMIC-RELATED GROUND FAILURE, INCLUDING LIQUEFACTION? d. WOULD THE PROJECT EXACERBATE HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS BY BRINGING PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO POTENTIAL SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVING LANDSLIDES? e. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL SOIL EROSION OR THE LOSS OF TOPSOIL? f. WOULD THE PROJECT BE LOCATED ON A GEOLOGIC UNIT OR SOIL THAT IS UNSTABLE, OR THAT WOULD BECOME UNSTABLE AS A RESULT OF THE PROJECT, AND POTENTIAL RESULT IN ON- OR OFF-SITE LANDSLIDE, LATERAL SPREADING, SUBSIDENCE, LIQUEFACTION, OR COLLAPSE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE PROJECT S EXACERBATION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS? g. WOULD THE PROJECT BE LOCATED ON EXPANSIVE SOIL, AS DEFINED IN TABLE 18-1-B OF THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE (1994), CREATING SUBSTANTIAL RISKS TO LIFE OR PROPERTY CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE PROJECT EXACERBATING THE EXPANSIVE SOIL CONDITIONS? Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q x q q q x q q q q x q q q x q q x q q q q x Page 8 of 25

14 h. WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE SOILS INCAPABLE OF ADEQUATELY SUPPORTING THE USE OF SEPTIC TANKS OR ALTERNATIVE WASTE WATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMS WHERE SEWERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF WASTE WATER? VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS a. WOULD THE PROJECT GENERATE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THAT MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT? b. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH AN APPLICABLE PLAN, POLICY OR REGULATION ADOPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING THE EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE GASES? III. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS a. WOULD THE PROJECT CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE ROUTINE TRANSPORT, USE, OR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS? b. WOULD THE PROJECT CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH REASONABLY FORESEEABLE UPSET AND ACCIDENT CONDITIONS INVOLVING THE RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT? c. WOULD THE PROJECT EMIT HAZARDOUS EMISSIONS OR HANDLE HAZARDOUS OR ACUTELY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, SUBSTANCES, OR WASTE WITHIN ONE- QUARTER MILE OF AN EXISTING OR PROPOSED SCHOOL? d. WOULD THE PROJECT BE LOCATED ON A SITE WHICH IS INCLUDED ON A LIST OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES COMPILED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION AND, AS A RESULT, WOULD IT CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT? e. FOR A PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN AN AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN OR, WHERE SUCH A PLAN HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED, WITHIN TWO MILES OF A PUBLIC AIRPORT OR PUBLIC USE AIRPORT, WOULD THE PROJECT EXACERBATE CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SO AS TO RESULT IN A SAFETY HAZARD FOR PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA? Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q q x q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q q x Page 9 of 25

15 f. FOR A PROJECT WITHIN THE VICINITY OF A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, WOULD THE PROJECT EXACERBATE CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SO AS TO RESULT IN A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE AREA? g. WOULD THE PROJECT IMPAIR IMPLEMENTATION OF OR PHYSICALLY INTERFERE WITH AN ADOPTED EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN OR EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN? h. WOULD THE PROJECT EXACERBATE EXISTING HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS BY BRINGING PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVING WILDLAND FIRES, INCLUDING WHERE WILDLANDS ARE ADJACENT TO URBANIZED AREAS OR WHERE RESIDENCES ARE INTERMIXED WITH WILDLANDS? IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY a. WOULD THE PROJECT VIOLATE ANY WATER QUALITY STANDARDS OR WASTE DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS? b. WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY DEPLETE GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES OR INTERFERE WITH GROUNDWATER RECHARGE SUCH THAT THERE WOULD BE A NET DEFICIT IN AQUIFER VOLUME OR A LOWERING OF THE LOCAL GROUNDWATER TABLE LEVEL (E.G., THE PRODUCTION RATE OF PRE-EXISTING NEARBY WELLS WOULD DROP TO A LEVEL WHICH WOULD NOT SUPPORT EXISTING LAND USES OR PLANNED LAND USES FOR WHICH PERMITS HAVE BEEN GRANTED)? c. WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE EXISTING DRAINAGE PATTERN OF THE SITE OR AREA, INCLUDING THROUGH THE ALTERATION OF THE COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER, IN A MANNER WHICH WOULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL EROSION OR SILTATION ON- OR OFF-SITE? d. WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE EXISTING DRAINAGE PATTERN OF THE SITE OR AREA, INCLUDING THROUGH THE ALTERATION OF THE COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER, OR SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE RATE OR AMOUNT OF SURFACE RUNOFF IN AN MANNER WHICH WOULD RESULT IN FLOODING ON- OR OFF SITE? Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q q x q q x q q q q x q q x q q q q x q q q x q q q x Page 10 of 25

16 e. WOULD THE PROJECT CREATE OR CONTRIBUTE RUNOFF WATER WHICH WOULD EXCEED THE CAPACITY OF EXISTING OR PLANNED STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS OR PROVIDE SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF POLLUTED RUNOFF? f. WOULD THE PROJECT OTHERWISE SUBSTANTIALLY DEGRADE WATER QUALITY? g. WOULD THE PROJECT PLACE HOUSING WITHIN A 100- YEAR FLOOD PLAIN AS MAPPED ON FEDERAL FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY OR FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP OR OTHER FLOOD HAZARD DELINEATION MAP? h. WOULD THE PROJECT PLACE WITHIN A 100-YEAR FLOOD PLAIN STRUCTURES WHICH WOULD IMPEDE OR REDIRECT FLOOD FLOWS? i. WOULD THE PROJECT XPOSE PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF LOSS, INQUIRY OR DEATH INVOLVING FLOODING, INCLUDING FLOODING AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF A LEVEE OR DAM? j. WOULD THE PROJECT EXPOSE PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF LOSS, INJURY, OR DEATH INVOLVING INUNDATION BY SEICHE, TSUNAMI, OR MUDFLOW? X. LAND USE AND PLANNING a. WOULD THE PROJECT PHYSICALLY DIVIDE AN ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY? b. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH APPLICABLE LAND USE PLAN, POLICY OR REGULATION OF AN AGENCY WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE PROJECT (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE GENERAL PLAN, SPECIFIC PLAN, COASTAL PROGRAM, OR ZONING ORDINANCE) ADOPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING OR MITIGATING AN ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT? c. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH ANY APPLICABLE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN OR NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN? XI. MINERAL RESOURCES a. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF AVAILABILITY OF A KNOWN MINERAL RESOURCE THAT WOULD BE OF VALUE TO THE REGION AND THE RESIDENTS OF THE STATE? Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q q x q q x q q q q x q q q x q q x q q q x q q q q x q q x q q q q x q q q x Page 11 of 25

17 b. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF AVAILABILITY OF A LOCALLY-IMPORTANT MINERAL RESOURCE RECOVERY SITE DELINEATED ON A LOCAL GENERAL PLAN, SPECIFIC PLAN, OR OTHER LAND USE PLAN? XII. NOISE a. DOES THE PROJECT RESULT IN THE EXPOSURE OF PERSONS TO OR GENERATION OF NOISE IN LEVEL IN EXCESS OF STANDARDS ESTABLISHED IN THE LOCAL GENERAL PLAN OR NOISE ORDINANCE, OR APPLICABLE STANDARDS OF OTHER AGENCIES? b. DOES THE PROJECT RESULT IN THE EXPOSURE OF PEOPLE TO OR GENERATION OF EXCESSIVE GROUNDBORNE VIBRATION OR GROUNDBORNE NOISE LEVELS? c. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A SUBSTANTIAL PERMANENT INCREASE IN AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS IN THE PROJECT VICINITY ABOVE LEVELS EXISTING WITHOUT THE PROJECT? d. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A SUBSTANTIAL TEMPORARY OR PERIODIC INCREASE IN AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS IN THE PROJECT VICINITY ABOVE LEVELS EXISTING WITHOUT THE PROJECT? e. FOR A PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN AN AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN OR, WHERE SUCH A PLAN HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED, WITHIN TWO MILES OF A PUBLIC AIRPORT OR PUBLIC USE AIRPORT, WOULD THE PROJECT EXPOSE PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA TO EXCESSIVE NOISE LEVELS? f. FOR A PROJECT WITHIN THE VICINITY OF A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, WOULD THE PROJECT EXPOSE PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA TO EXCESSIVE NOISE LEVELS? XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING a. WOULD THE PROJECT INDUCE SUBSTANTIAL POPULATION GROWTH IN AN AREA EITHER DIRECTLY (FOR EXAMPLE, BY PROPOSING NEW HOMES AND BUSINESSES) OR INDIRECTLY (FOR EXAMPLE, THROUGH EXTENSION OF ROADS OR OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE)? b. WOULD THE PROJECT DISPLACE SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF EXISTING HOUSING NECESSITATING THE Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q q x q x q q q q x q q x q q q x q q q q q x q q q x q q x q q q x q Page 12 of 25

18 CONSTRUCTION OF REPLACEMENT HOUSING ELSEWHERE? c. WOULD THE PROJECT DISPLACE SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF PEOPLE NECESSITATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF REPLACEMENT HOUSING ELSEWHERE? XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES a. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE PHYSICAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROVISION OF NEW OR PHYSICALLY ALTERED GOVERNMENT FACILITIES, NEED FOR NEW OR PHYSICALLY ALTERED GOVERNMENTAL FACILITIES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ACCEPTABLE SERVICE RATIOS, RESPONSE TIMES OR OTHER PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC SERVICES: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q x q i. FIRE PROTECTION? q q x q ii. POLICE PROTECTION? q q x q ii. SCHOOLS? q q x q iii. PARKS? q q x q iv. OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES? q q x q XV. RECREATION a. WOULD THE PROJECT INCREASE THE USE OF EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD AND REGIONAL PARKS OR OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH THAT SUBSTANTIAL PHYSICAL DETERIORATION OF THE FACILITY WOULD OCCUR OR BE ACCELERATED? b. DOES THE PROJECT INCLUDE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OR REQUIRE THE CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WHICH MIGHT HAVE AN ADVERSE PHYSICAL EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT? q q x q q q x q Page 13 of 25

19 XVI. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC a. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH AN APPLICABLE PLAN, ORDINANCE OR POLICY ESTABLISHING MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION INCLUDING MASS TRANSIT AND NON-MOTORIZED TRAVEL AND RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INTERSECTIONS, STREETS, HIGHWAYS AND FREEWAYS, PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PATHS AND MASS TRANSIT? b. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH AN APPLICABLE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS AND TRAVEL DEMAND MEASURES, OR OTHER STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY THE COUNTY CONGESTION MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR DESIGNATED ROADS OR HIGHWAYS? c. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A CHANGE IN AIR TRAFFIC PATTERNS, INCLUDING EITHER AN INCREASE IN TRAFFIC LEVELS OR A CHANGE IN LOCATION THAT RESULTS IN SUBSTANTIAL SAFETY RISKS? d. WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE HAZARDS TO A DESIGN FEATURE (E.G., SHARP CURVES OR DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS) OR INCOMPATIBLE USES (E.G., FARM EQUIPMENT)? e. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN INADEQUATE EMERGENCY ACCESS? f. WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH ADOPTED POLICIES, PLANS OR PROGRAMS REGARDING PUBLIC TRANSIT, BICYCLE, OR PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES, OR OTHERWISE DECREASE THE PERFORMANCE OR SAFETY OF SUCH FACILITIES? XVII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES WOULD THE PROJECT CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN THE SIGNIFICANT OF A TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES, DEFINED IN PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION AS EITHER A SITE, FEATURE, PLACE, CULTURAL LANDSCAPE THAT IS GEGRAPHICALLY DEFINED IN TERMS OF THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF THE LANDSCAPE, SACRED PLACE, OR OBJECT WITH CULTURAL VALUE TO A CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE, AND THAT IS: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q x q q q q x q q q q x q q q x q q x q q q q x Page 14 of 25

20 a. LISTED OR ELIGIBLE FOR LISTING IN THE CALIFORNIA REGISTER OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES, OR IN A LOCAL REGISTER OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES AS DEFINED IN PUBLIC CODE SECTION (K)? b. A RESOURCE DETERMINED BY THE LEAD AGENCY, IN ITS DISCRETION AND SUPPORTED BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE, TO BE SIGNIFICANT PURSUANT TO CRITERIA SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION (C) OF PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION IN APPLYING THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION (C) OF PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION , THE LEAD AGENCY SHALL CONSIDER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESOURCE TO A CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE? XVIII. UTILITIES a. WOULD THE PROJECT EXCEED WASTEWATER TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPLICABLE REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD? b. WOULD THE PROJECT REQUIRE OR RESULT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW WATER OR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES OR EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS? c. WOULD THE PROJECT REQUIRE OR RESULT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW STORMWATER DRAINAGE FACILITIES OR EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS? d. WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE SUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLIES AVAILABLE TO SERVE THE PROJECT FROM EXISTING ENTITLEMENTS AND RESOURCE, OR ARE NEW OR EXPANDED ENTITLEMENTS NEEDED? e. WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A DETERMINATION BY THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROVIDER WHICH SERVES OR MAY SERVE THE PROJECT THAT IT HAS ADEQUATE CAPACITY TO SERVE THE PROJECT S PROJECTED DEMAND IN ADDITION TO THE PROVIDER S EXISTING COMMITMENTS? Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q q x q q q x q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q q q x q f. WOULD THE PROJECT BE SERVED BY A LANDFILL WITH SUFFICIENT PERMITTED CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE THE PROJECT S SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL NEEDS? q q x q Page 15 of 25

21 g. WOULD THE PROJECT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL STATUTES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO SOLID WASTE? XIX. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a. DOES THE PROJECT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO DEGRADE THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE HABITAT OF FISH OR WILDLIFE SPECIES, CAUSE A FISH OR WILDLIFE POPULATION TO DROP BELOW SELF-SUSTAINING LEVELS, THREATEN TO ELIMINATE A PLANT OR ANIMAL COMMUNITY, REDUCE THE NUMBER OR RESTRICT THE RANGE OF A RARE OR ENDANGERED PLANT OR ANIMAL OR ELIMINATE IMPORTANT EXAMPLES OF THE MAJOR PERIODS OF CALIFORNIA HISTORY OR PREHISTORY? b. DOES THE PROJECT HAVE IMPACTS WHICH ARE INDIVIDUALLY LIMITED, BUT CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE? ( CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE MEANS THAT THE INCREMENTAL EFFECTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL PROJECT ARE CONSIDERABLE WHEN VIEWED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EFFECTS OF PAST PROJECTS, THE EFFECTS OF OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS, AND THE EFFECTS OF PROBABLE FUTURE PROJECTS). c. DOES THE PROJECT HAVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HUMAN BEINGS, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY? Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact q q x q q q x q q x q q q x q q Page 16 of 25

22 DISCUSSION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION (Attach additional sheets if necessary) The Environmental Impact Assessment includes the use of official City of Los Angeles and other government source reference materials related to various environmental impact categories (e.g., Hydrology, Air Quality, Biology, Cultural Resources, etc.). The State of California, Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology Seismic Hazard Maps and reports, are used to identify potential future significant seismic events; including probable magnitudes, liquefaction, and landslide hazards. Based on Applicant information provided in the Master Land Use Application and Environmental Assessment Form, impact evaluations were based on stated facts contained therein, including but not limited to, reference materials indicated above, field investigation of the project site, and other reliable reference materials known at the time. Project specific impacts were evaluated based on all relevant facts indicated in the Environmental Assessment Form and expressed through the Applicant s project description and supportive materials. Both the Initial Study Checklist and Checklist Explanations, in conjunction with the City of Los Angeles s Adopted Thresholds Guide and CEQA Guidelines, were used to reach reasonable conclusions on environmental impacts as mandated under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project as identified in the project description may cause potentially significant impacts on the environment without mitigation. Therefore, this environmental analysis concludes that a Mitigated Negative Declaration shall be issued to avoid and mitigate all potential adverse impacts on the environment by the imposition of mitigation measures and/or conditions contained and expressed in this document; the environmental case file known as and the associated case(s), ZA MCUP-SPR. Finally, based on the fact that these impacts can be feasibly mitigated to less than significant, and based on the findings and thresholds for Mandatory Findings of Significance as described in the California Environmental Quality Act, section 15065, the overall project impacts(s) on the environment (after mitigation) will not: Substantially degrade environmental quality. Substantially reduce fish or wildlife habitat. Cause a fish or wildlife habitat to drop below self sustaining levels. Threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community. Reduce number, or restrict range of a rare, threatened, or endangered species. Eliminate important examples of major periods of California history or prehistory. Achieve short-term goals to the disadvantage of long-term goals. Result in environmental effects that are individually limited but cumulatively considerable. Result in environmental effects that will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All supporting documents and references are contained in the Environmental Case File referenced above and may be viewed in the EIR Unit, Room 763, City Hall. For City information, addresses, and phone numbers: visit the City s website at City Planningand Zoning Information Mapping Automated System (ZIMAS) cityplanning.lacity.org/ or EIR Unit, City Hall, 200 N Spring Street, Room 763. Seismic Hazard Maps Engineering/Infrastructure/Topographic Maps/Parcel Information or City s main website under the heading Navigate LA. PREPARED BY: TITLE: TELEPHONE NO.: DATE: Parker Environmental Consultants (661) January 24, 2019 Page 17 of 25

23 APPENDIX A: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS EXPLANATION TABLE I. AESTHETICS Impact Explanation Mitigation Measures a. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). b. Less Than Significant Impact. c. Less Than Significant Impact. d. Less Than Significant Impact. II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). a. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). b. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). c. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). d. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). e. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). III. AIR QUALITY a. Less Than Significant Impact. b. Less Than Significant Impact. c. Less Than Significant Impact. d. Less Than Significant Impact. e. Less Than Significant Impact. IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). a. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). b. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). c. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). d. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. Page 18 of 25

24 Impact Explanation Mitigation Measures e. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). f. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). V. CULTURAL RESOURCES a. Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). b. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). c. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). d. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). e. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS a. Less Than Significant Impact. b. Less Than Significant Impact. c. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). d. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). e. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). f. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). g. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). h. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS a. Less Than Significant Impact. b. Less Than Significant Impact. VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS a. Less Than Significant Impact. b. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. CR-1, CR-2 No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. Page 19 of 25

25 c. Less Than Significant Impact. d. Less Than Significant Impact. Impact Explanation Mitigation Measures See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). e. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). f. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). g. Less than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). h. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY a. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). b. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). c. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). d. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). e. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). f. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). g. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). h. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). i. Less Than Significant Impact. j. Less Than Significant Impact. X. LAND USE AND PLANNING See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). a. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). b. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). c. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). XI. MINERAL RESOURCES a. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. Page 20 of 25

26 Impact Explanation Mitigation Measures b. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). XII. NOISE a. Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. b. Less Than Significant Impact. c. Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. d. Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). e. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). f. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING a. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). b. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). c. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES a. Less Than Significant Impact. b. Less Than Significant Impact. c. Less Than Significant Impact. d. Less Than Significant Impact. e. Less Than Significant Impact. XV. RECREATION a. Less Than Significant Impact. b. Less Than Significant Impact. XVI. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC a. Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). No mitigation measures are required. N-1 No mitigation measures are required. N-1 N-1 No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. TRAFFIC-1 b. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). No mitigation measures are required. Page 21 of 25

27 Impact Explanation Mitigation Measures c. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). d. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). e. Less Than Significant Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). f. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). XVII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES a. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). b. No Impact. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). XVIII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS a. Less Than Significant Impact. b. Less Than Significant Impact. c. Less Than Significant Impact. d. Less Than Significant Impact. e. Less Than Significant Impact. f. Less Than Significant Impact. g. Less Than Significant Impact. XIX. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a. Less Than Significant Impact. b. Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. c. Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). See expanded environmental analysis (attached). No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. CR-1, CR-2, N-1, TRAFFIC-1 CR-1, CR-2, N-1, TRAFFIC-1 Page 22 of 25

28 MITIGATION MEASURES AESTHETICS No mitigation measures are required. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES No mitigation measures are required. AIR QUALITY No mitigation measures are required. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES No mitigation measures are required. CULTURAL RESOURCES CR-1 Cultural Resources (Rehabilitation of a Historic Resource) The rehabilitation of the Hollywood Citizen-News Building shall conform with the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation. The Applicant shall engage a qualified historic preservation consultant that meets the Secretary of the Interior s Professional Qualifications Standards to oversee the design development and construction for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation. The historic preservation consultant will conduct on-site construction monitoring throughout the construction phase. The Project shall include an on-site interpretive display commemorating the history of the Hollywood Citizen-News Building and its historic significance. This display may include historic photos, drawings and narrative text. CR-2 Cultural Resources (Future Maintenance of a Historic Resource) The Applicant shall nominate the Hollywood Citizen-News Building for designation as a City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in recognition of its historic significance. A Historic Structure Report (HSR) shall be developed for the Hollywood Citizen News Building to document its historic significance, identify character-defining features, and establish treatments for its continued preservation. The HSR will be developed in accordance with Preservation Brief 43: The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports, available from the National Park Service. The HSR shall include specifications for the treatment of character-defining features, which will include but are not limited to sections for the treatment of historic fabric; quality control; substitution procedures; demolitions; selective removal and storage of historic materials; protection, patching, and cleaning; and determination of repair options and potential replacement of severely deteriorated features. Page 23 of 25

29 GEOLOGY AND SOILS No mitigation measures are required. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS No mitigation measures are required. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS No mitigation measures are required. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY No mitigation measures are required. LAND USE AND PLANNING No mitigation measures are required. MINERAL RESOURCES No mitigation measures are required. NOISE N-1 Increased Noise Levels (Retail Markets, Bars Entertainment Uses) No amplified sound shall be permitted outdoors between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. of the following day. Live entertainment would be restricted on certain hours and days, between 9:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. of the following day, unless fully insulated indoors and does not transmit to the surrounding public areas during these hours. The Applicant shall ensure exterior noise levels do not exceed the permissible exterior noise levels as specified in the City s Noise Ordinance. The Applicant shall maintain a hotline number for the purpose of receiving complaints. The Applicant shall respond to citizen complaints within 24- hours. The hotline phone number shall be posted on the exterior front and rear walls of the establishment. A log containing the time, date, and nature of the complaint, and the resolution of the matter shall be maintained on the premises. A copy of the complaint log must be maintained on-site and submitted with the required plan approval application. POPULATION AND HOUSING No mitigation measures are required. PUBLIC SERVICES No mitigation measures are required. Page 24 of 25

30 RECREATION No mitigation measures are required. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC TRAFFIC-1: Construction Management Plan A detailed Construction Management Plan, including street closure information, detour plans, and staging plans, would be prepared and submitted to LADOT for review and approval. The Construction Management Plan would formalize how construction would be carried out and identify specific actions that would be required to reduce effects on the surrounding community. The Construction Management Plan shall be based on the nature and timing of the specific construction activities and other projects in the vicinity of the Project Site, and should include the following elements as appropriate: o Advance, bilingual notification of adjacent property owners and occupants of upcoming construction activities, including durations and daily hours of operation. o Prohibition of construction worker or equipment parking on adjacent streets. o Temporary pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic controls during all construction activities adjacent to Wilcox Avenue, to ensure traffic safety on public rights of way. These controls shall include, but not be limited to, flag people trained in pedestrian and bicycle safety at the Project Site s Wilcox Avenue driveways. o Temporary traffic control during all construction activities adjacent to public rights-of-way to improve traffic flow on public roadways (e.g., flag men). o Scheduling of construction activities to reduce the effect on traffic flow on surrounding arterial streets. o Potential sequencing of construction activity to reduce the amount of construction-related traffic on arterial streets. o Contain construction activity within the Project Site boundaries. o Construction-related vehicles/equipment shall not park on surrounding public streets. o Safety precautions for pedestrians and bicyclists through such measures as alternate routing and protection barriers shall be implemented as appropriate. o Scheduling of construction-related deliveries, construction trips, etc., so as to occur outside the commuter peak hours to the extent feasible. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES No mitigation measures are required. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS No mitigation measures are required. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE See above mitigation measures. Page 25 of 25

31 [Page left intentionally blank.]

32 I. INTRODUCTION PROJECT INFORMATION Project Title: Project Location: N. Wilcox Avenue Los Angeles, CA Project Applicant: Hollywood Citizen News, LLC 1601 N. Cahuenga Boulevard Los Angeles, CA Lead Agency: City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning 200 N. Spring Street, Room 721 Los Angeles, CA PROJECT SUMMARY The Proposed Project includes the rehabilitation of the basement, ground floor, and second level of an existing two-story office building for the construction, use, and maintenance of two full-service restaurants on the ground floor and flexible event space on the second level. The basement level would be utilized for storage and wine space. The two restaurants would include outdoor dining spaces and would total 13,775 square feet. The flexible event space on the second level would include approximately 15,788 square feet. The Proposed Project would also provide two landscaped pedestrian alleyways: a north pedestrian alley and south back-of-house alley to promote ground-floor pedestrian experience. The alleyways would provide access into each of the proposed commercial spaces. The Proposed Project includes a total floor area of 36,656 square feet with a floor area ratio (FAR) of 1.78 to 1. No on-site parking is currently provided or required as part of the change of use of a historic structure pursuant to Section A.4.x of the LAMC. One parking space is provided off-site via Affidavit Number at 6516 Selma Avenue. The Applicant is requesting the following discretionary approvals: (1) a Master Conditional Use Permit, for the tenant improvement and change of use from an existing two story office building to two ground floor restaurants and one flexible event space on the second floor with proposed hours of operation for all establishments from 7 AM to 2 AM daily, and the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with the proposed two restaurants and event space; and (2) Site Plan Review. Other approvals (as needed), ministerial or otherwise, may be necessary, as the City finds appropriate in order to execute and implement the Proposed Project. ORGANIZATION OF THE INITIAL STUDY I. Introduction Page I-1

33 This expanded IS/MND is organized into six sections as follows: Initial Study Checklist: This Section contains the completed IS Checklist showing the significance level under each environmental impact category. Introduction: This Section provides introductory information such as the Proposed Project title, the Project Applicant, and the lead agency for the Proposed Project. Project Description: This Section provides a detailed description of the Proposed Project including the environmental setting, project characteristics, related project information, and environmental clearance requirements. Environmental Impact Analysis: This Section contains an assessment and discussion of impacts for each environmental issue identified in the Initial Study Checklist. Where the evaluation identifies potentially significant effects, mitigation measures are provided to reduce such impacts to less-than-significant levels. Preparers and Persons Consulted: This Section provides a list of consultant team members and governmental agencies that participated in the preparation of the IS. References, Acronyms and Abbreviations: This Section includes various documents and information used and referenced during the preparation of the IS, along with a list of commonly used acronyms. I. Introduction Page I-2

34 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. PROJECT LOCATION INTRODUCTION Hollywood Citizen News, LLC (Applicant) is the owner of the property located at N. Wilcox Avenue (Project Site) in the City of Los Angeles (City). The Proposed Project includes the rehabilitation of the existing two-story office building for the use and maintenance of two full-service restaurants on the ground floor, flexible event center space on the second floor, and storage space on the basement level. The Proposed Project would provide a total floor area of 36,656 square feet. PROJECT LOCATION The Project Site is located within Hollywood Community Plan Area in the City of Los Angeles ( City ). The Project Site s location within the City of Los Angeles and the greater Los Angeles region is depicted in Figure II-1, Project Location Map. The Project Site includes three parcels totaling approximately 20,592 square feet of gross lot area (0.47 acres). The Project Site is currently developed with a two-story office building with a basement level. The Project Site s property addresses, Assessor s Parcel Numbers (APN), land use and lot area are summarized in Table II-1, Summary of the Project Site, below. The Project Site is generally bounded by Wilcox Avenue to the east; a five-story mixed-use hotel to the north; surface parking to the west; and a construction site of a proposed hotel to the south N. Wilcox Avenue 1551 N. Wilcox Avenue None Table II-1 Summary of Project Site Address APN Land Use Two-story office building with basement level Lot Area (square feet) 20,592 sf (0.47 acres) Notes: sf = square feet Sources: City of Los Angeles Department of Planning, Zone Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), website: accessed July REGIONAL AND LOCAL ACCESS The Project Site is served by an extensive freeway network. The Project Site is located within a Transit Priority Area as defined by the Senate Bill 743. Primary regional access to the Project Site is provided by the Hollywood Freeway (US-101). The Hollywood Freeway runs in a north-south direction and is located northeast of the Project Site. Primary local street access is provided by the roadway system surrounding the Project Site. Wilcox Avenue runs in a north-south direction and borders the Project Site to the west. Wilcox Avenue connects to Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. II. Project Description Page II-1

35 PROJECT SITE ONE HALF MILE RADIUS (APPROXIMATE) PROJECT SITE 0.4 MILE WALKING Hollywood / Vine Station M SCALE: APPROXIMATE N Source: Yahoo Maps, Figure II-1 Project Location Map

36 Wilcox Avenue is a two-way street providing one travel lane in each direction in the vicinity of the Project Site. Wilcox runs in a north-south direction and is classified as a Modified Avenue III in the City s Mobility Plan. On-street parking is provided with some restrictions. 1 Transit Priority Area In 2013, the State of California enacted Senate Bill 743 (SB 743), which provides that aesthetic and parking impacts of a residential, mixed-use residential, or employment center project on an infill site within a transit priority area shall not be considered significant impacts on the environment. Public Resources Code Section defines a transit priority area as an area within one-half mile of a major transit stop that is existing or planned, if the planned stop is scheduled to be completed within the planning horizon included in a Transportation Improvement Program adopted pursuant to Section or of Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Public Resources Code Section defines Major Transit Stop as a site containing an existing rail transit station, a ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods. Public Resources Code Section defines an Infill Site as a lot located within an urban area that has been previously developed, or on a vacant site where at least 75 percent of the perimeter of the site adjoins or is separated only by an improved public right-of-way from parcels that are developed with qualified urban uses. The Project Site is an infill site within a Transit Priority Area as defined by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 2 The Project Site is located within 0.4 miles (walking distance) from the Hollywood / Vine Rail Station (refer to Figure II-1, Project Location Map) operated by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). The Hollywood / Vine Metro Station is serviced by the Metro Red Line. The Metro Red Line provides service between the community of North Hollywood and Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. The Metro Red Line provides access to other subway lines that connect to other parts of the City and to the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Additionally, the Metro and Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) operate multiple bus lines with multiple bus stops within walking distance from the Project Site. In the vicinity of the Project Site, bus stops are primarily located along Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. Bus lines that operate in the Project Site area include, but are not limited to, Metro lines 180, 181, 210, 212/312, 217, 222, and 2/302 and LADOT line DASH Hollywood. The Project Site is also situated within easy walking distance to retail, restaurants, entertainment, and other commercial businesses located in the Hollywood area and in particular along the Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard corridors. 1 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Mobility Plan 2035: An Element of the General Plan, Citywide General Plan Circulation System Map A4 Central, Midcity Subarea, adopted September 7, Public Resources Code Sections and See also City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, City of Los Angeles Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), Parcel Profile Report, website: accessed July II. Project Description Page II-3

37 ZONING AND LAND USE DESIGNATIONS The Project Site is located within the Hollywood Community Plan ( Community Plan ) area within the City of Los Angeles. The Project Site is zoned C4-2D and has a General Plan land use designation of Regional Center Commercial. Figure II-2, Zoning and General Plan Designations, shows the existing zoning and land use designation on the Project Site and the surrounding area. The Project Site is currently zoned C4-2D. The C4 zoning designation corresponds with the existing Regional Center Commercial land use designation on-site. The C4 zone allows for commercial uses such as commercial retail, restaurant, bar, and office uses. The Project Site is located within Height District No. 2 with an accompanying D limitation. Height District 2 provides for unlimited height for the development in commercial zones; however, the underlying D limitation restricts development on-site to a floor area ratio (FAR) of 2:1 in lieu of a 6:1 FAR otherwise permitted by Height District 2. The Project Site is also located within a Transit Priority Area and the Hollywood Redevelopment Project area. The Hollywood Redevelopment Plan guides development within the Hollywood Redevelopment Project area. The Project Site is also located within an Enterprise Zone/Employment and Economic Incentive Program Area, which provides for a reduction in parking for retail and restaurant uses. Hollywood Community Plan The Project Site is located within the Hollywood Community Plan ( Community Plan ) area of the City. The Community Plan is intended to promote an arrangement of land use, circulation, and services which will encourage and contribute to the economic, social and physical health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the Community, within the larger framework of the City. 3 The Project Site is designated for Regional Center Commercial land uses under the Hollywood Community Plan. The corresponding zones for Regional Center Commercial are the C2, C4, P, PB, RAS3, and RAS4. Thus, the Regional Center Commercial land use designation is consistent with the Project Site s existing C4 zoning designation. Hollywood Redevelopment Plan The Project Site is located within the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan Project Area. The Hollywood Redevelopment Plan, effective July 12, 2003, is valid until July 12, While AB1X-26 dissolved redevelopment agencies and called for the wind down of their affairs, the land use regulations of the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan remain in effect. Accordingly, the Proposed Project would be reviewed by the Successor Agency to the CRA/LA for compliance with the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan. 3 City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, Hollywood Community Plan (pg. HO-1), December 13, City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, Redevelopment Plan for the Hollywood Redevelopment Project, II. Project Description Page II-4

38 Zoning Designations LEGEND Project Site Zoning Designations C4 C4-2D C4-2D C4-2D Park [T][Q]C4-2D C4-2D C4-2D C4-2D C4-2D C4-2D [T][Q]C4-2D N NOT TO SCALE General Plan Designations LEGEND Project Site General Plan Designations Regional Center Commercial N NOT TO SCALE Source: City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, ZIMAS, Figure II-2 Zoning and General Plan Land Use Designations

39 The Hollywood Redevelopment Plan sets overarching goals to redevelop and improve the Redevelopment Plan Project Area for all segments of the community. The Hollywood Redevelopment Plan aims to improve the quality of the environment, promote a positive image for Hollywood and provide a safe environment. The Redevelopment Plan aims to preserve and increase employment and business; encourage the involvement and participation of the community; promote a balanced community meeting the needs of the residential, commercial, industrial, arts and entertainment sectors; support and encourage the development of social services and promote the development of health, education, child and youth care, and senior citizen facilities and programs; promote and improve housing opportunities for all income and age groups; support and encourage a circulation system which would improve the quality of life in Hollywood; promote the development of recreational and cultural facilities and open space; and promote the development of the varied ethnic communities in Hollywood. The Hollywood Redevelopment Plan supports and promotes Hollywood as the center of the entertainment industry and a tourist destination through the retention, development, and expansion of all sectors of the entertainment industry and the preservation of landmarks. Along the same lines, the Redevelopment Plan calls to promote and encourage the retention and expansion of all segments of the arts community. With regards to development along and near the Hollywood Boulevard, the Redevelopment Plan states: Promote the development of Hollywood Boulevard within the Hollywood commercial core as a unique place which: (1) Reflects Hollywood s position as the entertainment center; (2) Provides facilities for tourists; (3) Contains active retail and entertainment uses at the street level; (4) Provides for residential uses; (5) Is pedestrian oriented; (6) Is a focus for the arts, particularly the performing arts; and (7) Recognizes and reinforces its history and architecture. 5 Additionally, the Project Site has a General Plan Land Use Designation of Regional Center Commercial. The Redevelopment Plan states that development within Regional Center Commercial designation shall not exceed the equivalent of an average FAR of 4.5:1 for the entire site. However, the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan states that proposed development in excess of 4.5:1 FAR and up to but not to exceeding 6:1 FAR or such other density may be permitted provided compliance with the process identified in Section of the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan. 5 City of Los Angeles Department of City of Los Angeles, Hollywood Redevelopment Plan (page 3), July 12, II. Project Description Page II-6

40 Enterprise Zone / Employment and Economic Incentive Program Area (ZI No. 2374) The Proposed Project is located within an Enterprise Zone / Employment and Economic Incentive Program Area as identified by the City of Los Angeles. The Federal, State, and City governments provide economic incentives to stimulate local investment and employment through tax and regulation relief and improvement of public services. Projects with Enterprise Zones may utilize a lower parking ratio for commercial office, business, retail, restaurant, bar and related uses, trade schools, or research and development buildings. EXISTING CONDITIONS Figure II-3, Aerial Photograph and Photograph Location Map, shows an aerial view of the Project Site and identifies the locations of site photographs and surrounding land use photographs shown in Figure II-4, Views of the Project Site, and Figure II-5, Views of the Surrounding Land Uses, respectively. As shown in Figure II-3, the Project Site is located in a highly urbanized area that is characterized by a variety of land uses that include residential uses, commercial uses, hotels, public facilities, and entertainment. Project Site The Project Site is currently improved with a two-story office building with a basement level, known as the Citizen News Building. The building encompasses three parcels and is located along the west side of N. Wilcox Avenue. Two driveways (an entrance and exit driveway) are located along the northern and southern property line to allow vehicle entrance from Wilcox Avenue into the available vehicle parking space and motorcycle parking spaces behind the building. (Refer to Figure II-4, View 3 through View 6.) The driveways are each secured with a metal fence to limit access on-site during non-operational hours. Pedestrian access into the building is located through entrances fronting Wilcox Avenue and through the vehicle driveways. One light post is located adjacent to the Project Site along Wilcox Avenue. No vegetation currently exists on the Project Site. There are two street trees that border the east side of the Project Site in the public right-of-way along Wilcox Avenue. Both trees are expected to remain as part of the Proposed Project. Additionally, metered parking with some restrictions is present along the west side and east side of Wilcox Avenue. Photographs depicting the current conditions of the Project Site are provided in Figure II-4, Photographs of the Project Site. Surrounding Land Uses The Project Site is located in an urbanized area within the City of Los Angeles that is characterized by a mix of land uses. Figure II-3, Aerial Photograph of the Project Site, identifies the surrounding land uses in the immediate Project Site area and provides their respective use and address. Photographs of the land uses surrounding the Project Site are provided in Figure II-5, Photographs of the Surrounding Land Uses. A description of properties immediately surrounding the Project Site is provided below: North: The property to the immediate north of the Project Site is the Mama Shelter Hotel, a five-story hotel with ground floor and rooftop commercial uses and hotel amenities, located on the southwest corner of Selma Avenue and Wilcox Avenue. Selma Avenue borders the northern portion of the Mama Shelter Hotel. Selma Avenue is a two-way street providing one travel lane in each direction and is classified as a Local II. Project Description Page II-7

41 Street. On-street parking is provided (with some restrictions) along the north and south sides of Selma Avenue, including on-street parking spaces adjacent to the Project Site. The United States Post Office Hollywood Station property, which includes the United States Post Office building and its associated surface parking lot is located further north on the northwest corner of the Selma Avenue and Wilcox Avenue intersection (1615 Wilcox Avenue) and fronts Wilcox Avenue. Its surface parking is located to the north and west of the Post Office building. These properties north of the Project Site are zoned C4-2D and have General Plan land use designations of Regional Center Commercial, similar to the Proposed Project. Refer to Figure II-5, View 7. West: The Project Site is immediately bordered by a paved surface parking lot to the west. This parking lot is privately operated and not available for public parking. The surface parking lot property is zoned (T)(Q)C4-2D and has a General Plan land use designation of Regional Center Commercial. A proposed mixed-use hotel with restaurant uses is proposed to replace this surface parking lot. 6 A two-story multifamily residential building is located south of the surface parking lot. A four-story multi-family residential building is located west of the surface parking lot at the southeast corner of Selma Avenue and Schrader Boulevard. These residential properties are zoned C2-4D with a General Plan land use designation of Regional Center Commercial. Refer to Figure II-5, View 11 and View 12. South: The Project Site is immediately bordered by a construction site of the 1541 Wilcox Hotel Project. This property is a proposed mixed-use 12-story hotel with restaurant uses, with an estimated build out year of This hotel is zoned [T][Q]C4-2D with a General Plan land use designation of Regional Center Commercial. A two-story apartment building is located further south at 1521 N. Wilcox Avenue. This property is zoned C4-2D with a General Plan land use designation of Regional Center Commercial. Refer to Figure II-5, View 9. East: To the east, the Project Site is immediately bordered by Wilcox Avenue. As stated previously, Wilcox Avenue is two-way street with one travel lane in each direction. It is classified as a Modified Avenue III roadway in the City s Mobility Plan. The two-story Hollywood Urgent Care building (6430 Selma Avenue) and its associated parking lot is located east of the Project Site on the southeast corner of Selma Avenue and Wilcox Avenue. A three-story private university dorm building is located at 1550 N. Wilcox Avenue, directly east of the Project Site. This property was once the Gilbert Hotel. The Hornburg Service Center (1520 N. Wilcox Avenue), an auto body repair shop and car dealership, is located south of the private university, southeast of the Project Site. These three properties located east of the Project Site are all zoned C4-2D with General Plan land use designations of Regional Center Commercial. Refer to Figure II-5, View 8 and City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, Tommie Hotel Project, Case No. ENV MND, 7 City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, 1541 Wilcox Hotel Project, Case No. ENV MND, July II. Project Description Page II-8

42 SCHRADER BOULEVARD 11 SELMA AVENUE 2 WILCOX AVENUE LEGEND # Project Site Boundary Photograph Locations 6 PROJECT SITE # Surrounding Land Uses: 1: Mama Shelter Hotel (6500 Selma Avenue) 4 3 2: 1615 Wilcox Avenue (1615 Wilcox Avenue) 3: Surface Parking Lot (Proposed Hotel) ( Selma Avenue) 4: Mixed-Use Residential (1642 Schrader Boulevard) 5: Multi-Family Residential (1544 Schrader Boulevard) 6: Proposed Hotel (Under Construction) (1618 Schrader Boulevard) 7:Multi-Family Residential (1521 Wilcox Ave) 8: Hollywood Urgent Care (6430 Selma Avenue) # LEGEND Project Site Boundary Photograph Locations 9: Private University Dorms (1550 Wilcox Avenue) 10:Hornburg Auto Service Center (1520 Wilcox Avenue) SCALE: APPROXIMATE N Source: Google Earth, Aerial View, 2016 Figure II-3 Aerial Photograph of the Project Site

43 View 1: From the east side of Wilcox Avenue looking southwest at the Project Site. View 2: From the east side of Wilcox Avenue looking northwest at the Project Site. View 3: From the east side of Wilcox Avenue looking west at the exit driveway along the south side of the Project Site. View 4: From the east side Wilcox Avenue looking west at the entrance driveway along the north side of the Project Site. View 5: From the parking lot west of the Project Site looking south at the rear of the on-site building and driveway. View 6: From the parking lot west of the Project Site looking east at the entrance driveway. Sources: Parker Environmental Consultants, Figure II-4 Photographs of the Project Site Views 1-6

44 View 7: From the northeast corner of Selma Avenue and Wilcox Avenue looking southwest at the properties north of the Project Site. View 8: From the south side of Selma Avenue looking east at the properties northwest of the Project Site. View 9: From the east side of Wilcox Avenue looking south at the properties south of the Project Site. View 10: From the west side of Wilcox Avenue looking north at the properties west of the Project Site. View 11: From the north side of Selma Avenue looking south at the properties west of the Project Site. Source: Parker Environmental Consultants, View 12: From the parking lot located southwest of the Project Site, looking north at the property to the west of the Project Site. Figure II-5 Photographs of the Surrounding Land Uses Views 7-12

45 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION B. PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The Proposed Project includes the rehabilitation of the existing two-story office building for the use and maintenance of two full-service restaurants on the ground floor and flexible event center space on the second floor. Two restaurants are proposed on the ground level with outdoor dining areas. The existing office space on the second level would be removed and replaced with flexible event center space. The existing basement level would remain as is and would be utilized as storage and wine space. The Proposed Project would also provide two landscaped pedestrian alleyways: a north pedestrian alley and south backof-house alley to promote ground-floor pedestrian experience. The alleyways would provide access into each of the proposed commercial spaces. The Proposed Project includes a total floor area of 36,656 square feet and a floor area ratio (FAR) of 1.78 to 1. No on-site parking is currently provided or required as part of the change of use of a historic structure pursuant to Section A.4.x of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC). One parking space is provided off-site via Affidavit Number at 6516 Selma Avenue, and operators would be on-site to facilitate off-site valet operations. A summary of the Proposed Project is provided in Table II-2, Proposed Development Program, below. The Proposed Project s site plan is shown in Figure II-6, below. The Proposed Project s plan layout for the basement level, ground level, and second level are depicted in Figure II-7 through Figure II-9. The building s elevations are illustrated in Figure II-10. Land Uses Proposed Project Restaurant 1 Restaurant 2 Flexible Event Space General (1st and 2nd Floors) Table II-2 Proposed Development Program Floor Area (Square Feet) 7,108 sf 6,667 sf 15,788 sf 7,093 sf a 36,656 sf Total Gross Building Area: b (1.78:1 FAR) Notes: sf = square feet a General space includes lobby areas, service areas, alleyways, and stairways b The basement would include 14,064 square feet of storage and wine space. This space is not included as floor area, defined by the LAMC Section Source: Rockefeller Kempel Architects, Inc., July 27, II. Project Description Page II-12

46 Source: Rockefeller Partners Architects, Inc., July 27, Figure II-6 Site Plan

47 Source: Rockefeller Partners Architects, Inc., July 27, Figure II-7 Basement Level Plan

48 Source: Rockefeller Partners Architects, Inc., July 27, Figure II-8 Ground Level Plan

49 Source: Rockefeller Partners Architects, Inc., July 27, Figure II-9 Second Level Plan

50 EAST ELEVATION SOUTH ELEVATION WEST ELEVATION NORTH ELEVATION Source: Rockefeller Partners Architects, Inc., July 27, Figure II-10 Building Elevations

51 Restaurant Uses The Proposed Project would include two full-service family restaurants on the ground floor: Restaurant 1 and Restaurant 2. Restaurant 1 would be fronting Wilcox Avenue. This restaurant would total approximately 7,108 square feet. Restaurant 1 would be comprised of a full-service kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, private dining room, restrooms, office, and bar and lounge area. Access to this restaurant would be provided from Wilcox Avenue and the north alleyway. On the eastern side of the building, the Restaurant 1 space would adjoin the existing Wilcox Lobby. The Wilcox Lobby will retain the historic character of the building and remain in order to continue to provide secondary access to the second floor event space. Restaurant 2 would be located at the rear of the building along the western portion of the ground floor. This restaurant would total approximately 6,667 square feet. Restaurant 2 would include a full-service kitchen, office, private dining room, outdoor patio, indoor dining area, lounge, restrooms, and two bars. The outdoor patio would be located along the western property line and would be screened and covered to provide safety and privacy for the restaurant guests. Access to this restaurant would be provided along the western property line, adjacent to the west patio dining area, with access from Wilcox Avenue via the pedestrian alleys. Flexible Event Space Flexible event space would be located on the second level and would replace the existing office spaces. The proposed event space would total approximately 15,788 square feet. Primary entrance to the second level event space would be provided from the southern and northern pedestrian alleyways. Secondary access would be provided via the Wilcox Lobby. FLOOR AREA The Project Site is located within Height District No. 2 with an accompanying D limitation. Height District 2 provides for unlimited height for the development in commercial zones, and is only limited by a floor area ratio (FAR) of 6 to 1. However, the Project Site has a General Plan Land Use Designation of Regional Center Commercial. The Redevelopment Plan states that development within Regional Center Commercial designation shall not exceed the equivalent of an average FAR of 4.5:1 for the entire site. Additionally, the underlying D limitation further restricts development on-site to a FAR of 2 to 1 in lieu of a 6 to 1 FAR otherwise permitted by Height District 2 (pursuant to Ordinance No. 165,660) and the 4.5 to 1 FAR restriction in the Redevelopment Plan. The Project Site includes approximately 20,592 square feet of gross lot area (0.47 acres). The existing twostory building has a gross building area of 50,720 square feet with a current FAR of 2.33 to 1. The building height is approximately 40 feet above grade. The existing building with a 2.33:1 FAR was constructed in 1932, prior to the establishment of the 2:1 FAR restriction enacted in Ordinance No. 165,660 in As such, the existing building does not currently conform to the FAR limitation. The Proposed Project would renovate the existing building, and all renovations would be limited to the interior of the building on the ground floor and second level only, for a total of 36,656 square feet of proposed uses. The gross building area would remain at 48,002 square feet. The proposed floor area would total 36,656 square feet for an II. Project Description Page II-18

52 approximate 1.78:1 FAR. PARKING AND CIRCULATION The Proposed Project would provide two landscaping-enhanced pedestrian alleyways along the northern and southern property lines of the building, which would replace the existing vehicle driveways. These alleyways would establish improved circulation throughout the Project Site, and would be gated along Wilcox Avenue for additional security during late business hours. Access into all commercial spaces on the Project Site would be provided through these landscaped alleyways to support a pedestrian-oriented area. The Project Site is located within an Enterprise Zone (the Employment and Economic Incentive Program Area, ZI No. 2374), which provides for a reduction in parking for restaurant, bar, and related uses. The Enterprise Zone allows for two parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet. Based on the proposed floor area of 36,656 square feet, the Proposed Project would be required to provide 74 vehicle parking spaces. The existing Citizen News Building, constructed in 1932, currently provides one parking space off-site via Affidavit Number As part of the current Proposed Project, the one vehicle parking space would continue to be provided off-site by private agreement to accommodate the proposed uses at the Citizen News Building. 8 The existing Citizen News Building, constructed in 1932, is eligible for listing in the City s list of Historic Cultural Monuments (HCM). Further, the Applicant is concurrently processing an application to designate the Citizen New Building as a HCM. The building was constructed with no vehicle parking spaces. Pursuant to LAMC A.4.x, no parking is required for the change of use of a historic building. As part of the current Proposed Project, the one vehicle parking space would continue to be provided off-site by private agreement to accommodate the proposed uses at the Citizen News Building. 9 Pursuant to LAMC A.4.x, the Proposed Project would not be required to provide additional parking spaces. Operators would be on-site to facilitate valet operations. Consistent with current operations, arrangements would be made with off-site parking facilities in the vicinity of the Project Site for valet parking storage. Valet pick-up and drop-off operations would be provided adjacent to the Project Site along Wilcox Avenue. CONSTRUCTION Construction Schedule/Phasing For purposes of analyzing impacts associated with air quality, this analysis assumes a Project construction schedule of approximately 12 months, with final buildout occurring in Construction activities associated with the Proposed Project would be undertaken in three main steps: (1) interior remodeling, (2) architectural coatings/finishings, and (3) paving. The renovation phase would involve the alteration of approximately 29,563 square feet of floor area and existing walls to reconfigure the proposed commercial spaces. The interior renovation phase would be 8 Three6ixty, Attachment A, Master Land Use Application Supplemental Information, N. Wilcox Avenue Citizen News, February 27, Ibid. II. Project Description Page II-19

53 completed in approximately 8 months. Upon completion of the interior renovation phase, architectural coating and finishing would occur. The architectural finishing phase would involve installation of any additional windows, doors, cabinetry, appliances, and would also involve the application of interior and exterior paint and finish-coating materials. It is estimated that the architectural finishing phase would occur during the final 3 months of the construction phase. The paving phase would involve cementing the sidewalks and pedestrian walkways. It is estimated that paving would occur for the final month of construction. Temporary Right-of-Way Encroachment Construction activities may necessitate temporary lane closures on streets adjacent to the Project Site on an intermittent basis for utility relocations/hook-ups, delivery of materials, and other construction activities as may be required. However, site deliveries and the staging of all equipment and materials would be organized in the most efficient manner possible on-site to mitigate any temporary impacts to the neighborhood and surrounding traffic. Construction equipment would be staged on-site for the duration of construction activities. Traffic lane and right-of-way closures, if required, will be properly permitted by the City agencies and would conform to City standards. Construction Hours Unless stated otherwise, all construction activities would be performed in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws and City Codes and policies with respect to building construction and activities. As provided in Section of LAMC, the permissible hours of construction within the City are 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, and between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. on any Saturday or national holiday. No construction activities are permitted on Sundays. The Proposed Project would comply with these regulations. Construction and demolition debris would be hauled off-site. All construction and demolition debris would be recycled to the maximum extent feasible. Demolition debris and soil materials from the Project Site that cannot be recycled or diverted would be hauled to the Sunshine Canyon Landfill, which accept construction and demolition debris and inert waste from areas within the City of Los Angeles. The Sunshine Canyon Landfill is approximately 20 miles north of the Project Site (approx. 40 miles round trip). For recycling efforts, the Downtown Diversion (operated by Waste Management, Inc.) or Clean Up America facility both accept construction and demolition waste for recycling and are both located approximately 11 miles southeast of the Project Site (approximately 22 miles round trip). For purposes of analyzing the construction-related impacts, the local haul route and construction material delivery route traveling to and from the Project Site would utilize the 101 Freeway to reach Sunshine Canyon Landfill. The local haul route to the 101 Freeway would utilize Wilcox Avenue, Hollywood Avenue, and Vine Street. II. Project Description Page II-20

54 RELATED PROJECTS In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h), this IS/MND includes an evaluation of the Project s cumulative impacts. The guidance provided under CEQA Guidelines Section (h) is as follows: (1) When assessing whether a cumulative effect requires an EIR, the lead agency shall consider whether the cumulative impact is significant and whether the effects of the project are cumulatively considerable. An EIR must be prepared if the cumulative impact may be significant and the project s incremental effect, though individually limited, is cumulatively considerable. Cumulatively considerable means that the incremental effects of an individual project are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects. (2) A lead agency may determine in an initial study that a project s contribution to a significant cumulative impact will be rendered less than cumulatively considerable and thus is not significant. When a project might contribute to a significant cumulative impact, but the contribution will be rendered less than cumulatively considerable through mitigation measures set forth in a mitigated negative declaration, the initial study shall briefly indicate and explain how the contribution has been rendered less than cumulatively considerable. (3) A lead agency may determine that a project s incremental contribution to a cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable if the project will comply with the requirements in a previously approved plan or mitigation program (including, but not limited to, water quality control plan, air quality attainment or maintenance plan, integrated waste management plan, habitat conservation plan, natural community conservation plan, plans or regulations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions) that provides specific requirements that will avoid or substantially lessen the cumulative problem within the geographic area in which the project is located. Such plans or programs must be specified in law or adopted by the public agency with jurisdiction over the affected resources through a public review process to implement, interpret, or make specific the law enforced or administered by the public agency. When relying on a plan, regulation or program, the lead agency should explain how implementing the particular requirements in the plan, regulation or program ensure that the project s incremental contribution to the cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable. If there is substantial evidence that the possible effects of a particular project are still cumulatively considerable notwithstanding that the project complies with the specified plan or mitigation program addressing the cumulative problem, an EIR must be prepared for the project. (4) The mere existence of significant cumulative impacts caused by other projects alone shall not constitute substantial evidence that the proposed project s incremental effects are cumulatively considerable. II. Project Description Page II-21

55 In light of the guidance summarized above, an adequate discussion of a project s significant cumulative impact, in combination with other closely related projects, can be based on either: (1) a list of past, present, and probable future producing related impacts; or (2) a summary of projections contained in an adopted local, regional, statewide plan, or related planning document that describes conditions contributing to the cumulative effect. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(b)(1)(A)-(B)). The lead agency may also blend the list and plan approaches to analyze the severity of impacts and their likelihood of occurrence. Accordingly, all proposed, recently approved, under construction, or reasonably foreseeable projects that could produce a related or cumulative impact on the local environment, when considered in conjunction with the Proposed Project, were identified for evaluation. In addition, where relevant to the environmental analysis, the assessment of the Proposed Project s cumulative impacts with respect to growth and infrastructure is based on whether the Proposed Project would conflict with existing adopted plans and policies. The related projects identified are included in Table II-3, Related Projects List, below. A total of 109 related projects were identified within the affected Project area. An analysis of the cumulative impacts associated with these related projects and the Proposed Project are provided under each individual environmental impact category in Section III of this IS/MND. The locations of the related projects are shown in Figure II-11, Related Projects Location Map. II. Project Description Page II-22

56 Table II-3 Related Projects List Project Number Project Name Location/Address 1 [a] Hotel 6500 Selma Avenue 2 Selma Hotel 6516 W. Selma Avenue 3 Sunset + Wilcox 1541 N. Wilcox Avenue Schrader 1600 Schrader Boulevard Project Description Size Units Hotel 70 room Restaurant 4,320 sf Hotel 212 room Bar/Lounge 3,855 sf Rooftop Bar/Event 8,500 sf Hotel 200 room Restaurant 9,000 sf Hotel 168 room Restaurant 5,979 sf 5 [a] TAO Restaurant 1641 W. Selma Avenue Restaurant 17,607 sf 6 Selma - Wilcox Hotel 6421 W. Selma Avenue 7 Selma Hotel 6417 W. Selma Avenue 8 Cahuenga Boulevard Hotel 1525 N. Cahuenga Boulevard 9 Ivar Gardens Hotel 6409 W. Sunset Boulevard 10 Hollywood & Wilcox W. Hollywood Boulevard Sunset Mixed-Use 6400 Sunset Boulevard 12 Hudson Building 6523 W. Hollywood Boulevard 13 Wilcox Hotel 1717 N. Wilcox Avenue 14 Hotel & Restaurant Project 6381 W. Hollywood Boulevard Hotel 114 room Restaurant 1,993 sf Hotel 180 room Restaurant 12,840 sf Hotel 64 room Restaurant/Lounge 700 sf Restaurant 3,300 sf Hotel 275 room Retail 1,900 sf Apartment 260 du Office 3,580 sf Retail 11,020 sf Restaurant 3,200 sf Apartment 200 du Restaurant 7,000 sf Restaurant 10,402 sf Office 4,074 sf Storage 890 sf Hotel 133 room Retail 3,580 sf Hotel 80 room Restaurant 15,290 sf W. Sunset Blvd 6630 W. Sunset Boulevard Apartment 40 du 16 [a] Selma Community Housing 1603 N. Cherokee Avenue Apartments 66 du N. Wilcox Residential 1723 N. Wilcox Avenue 18 Selma & Vine Office Project 1601 N. Vine Street 19 Godfrey Hotel 1400 N. Cahuenga Boulevard Apartments 68 du Retail 3,700 sf Office 100,386 sf Commercial 2,012 sf Hotel 221 room Restaurant 3,000 sf Whitley Hotel 1719 N. Whitley Avenue Hotel 156 room 21 [a] Sunset & Vine Mixed-Use 1538 N. vine Street Apartments 306 du Retail 68,000 sf II. Project Description Page II-23

57 22 Apartments 1601 N Las Palmas Avenue Apartments 86 du 23 Las Palmas Residential (Hollywood Cherokee) 1718 N. Las Palmas Avenue 24 Mixed-Use 1310 N. Cole Avenue 25 Academy Square 1341 Vine Street 26 citizenm Hotel 1718 Vine Street Sunset (Nickelodeon) 6250 W. Sunset Boulevard Millennium Hollywood Mixed-Use Project Onni Group Mixed-Use Development 30 Pantages Theater Office 1740 N. Vine Street 1360 N. Vine Street 6225 W. Hollywood Boulevard 31 Modera Argyle 1546 N. Argyle Avenue 32 BLVD 6200 Mixed-Use 6200 W. Hollywood Boulevard 33 Palladium Residences 6201 W. Sunset Boulevard 34 Apartments 1749 Las Palmas Avenue 35 Mixed-Use N. Highland Avenue 36 Hollywood Crossroads Highland Avenue W. Sunset Boulevard 6200 W. Sunset Boulevard Residential 224 du Retail 985 sf Apartments 369 du Office 2,570 sf Office 285,719 sf Apartments 200 du Restaurant 16,135 sf Hotel 216 room Restaurant 4,354 sf Apartments 200 du Retail 4,700 sf Apartments 492 du Hotel 200 room Office 100,000 sf Fitness Club 35,000 sf Retail 15,000 sf Restaurant 34,000 sf Condominiums 429 du Grocery 55,000 sf Retail 5,000 sf Restaurant 8,988 sf Office 210,000 sf Apartments 276 du Retail 9,000 sf Restaurant 15,000 sf Joint Live Work 28 du Apartment 1,014 du Retail 175,000 sf Apartment 731 du Retail/Restaurant 24,000 sf Apartments 70 du Retail 3,117 sf Apartment 248 du Retail 12,785 sf Residential 950 du Hotel 308 room Office 95,000 sf Commercial/Retail 185,000 sf Apartments 270 du Restaurant 1,750 sf Pharmacy 2,300 sf Retail 8,070 sf 38 Montecito Senior Housing 6650 W. Franklin Avenue Senior Apartments 68 du 39 Yucca Street Condos 6230 W. Yucca Street Apartments 114 du Commercial 2,697 sf 40 Hotel 1921 Wilcox Avenue Hotel 122 room Restaurant 4,225 sf 41 Mixed-Use 6220 W. Yucca Street Hotel 210 room II. Project Description Page II-24

58 Hollywood 6140 Hollywood Boulevard 43 Apartments 1411 N. Highland Avenue 44 [a] Columbia Square Mixed- Use 6121 W. Sunset Boulevard Apartments 136 du Retail 3,450 sf Restaurant 9,120 sf Hotel 102 room Condominiums 27 du Restaurant 11,460 sf Apartments 76 du Commercial 2,500 sf Apartments 200 du Office 422,610 sf Retail/Restaurant 41,300 sf Hotel 125 room 45 Argyle Hotel Project 1800 N. Argyle Avenue Hotel 225 room 46 Apartment Project 1824 N. Highland Avenue Apartments 118 du 47 Hollywood Gower Mixed- Use 1600 W. Hollywood Boulevard 48 Hotel 1133 N. Vine Street 49 Mixed-Use 1233 N. Highland Avenue 50 McCadden Campus (LGBT) 1118 N. McCadden Place 51 The Lexington Mixed-Use 52 [a] Emerson College Project (Student Housing) 6677 W. Santa Monica Boulevard 1460 N. Gordon Street 53 Mixed-Use 5939 W. Sunset Boulevard Hollywood Production Center Hollywood Center Studios Office Apartments 220 du Restaurant 3,270 sf Hotel 112 du Café 661 sf Apartments 72 du Commercial 12,160 sf Housing 45 du Social Service Support Facility 50,325 sf Office 17,040 sf Commercial/Retail or Restaurant 1,885 sf Senior Housing 100 du Apartments 695 du Commercial 24,900 sf Student Housing 224 du Faculty/Staff Housing 16 du Retail 6,400 sf Apartment 299 du Office 38,440 sf Restaurant 5,064 sf Retail 3,739 sf 1149 N. Gower Street Apartments 57 du 6601 W. Romaine Street Office 106,125 sf 56 Seward Street Office Project 956 N. Seward Street Office 126,980 sf 57 Television Center (TVC Expansion) 6300 W. Romaine Street 58 Mixed-Use 5901 Sunset Boulevard Office 114,725 sf Gym 40,927 sf Dance Studio 38,072 sf Office 274,000 sf Supermarket 26,000 sf Bronson Avenue 1717 N. Bronson Avenue Apartments 89 du II. Project Description Page II-25

59 60 Hollywood N. Seward Street Office 241,568 sf 61 Archstone Hollywood Mixed-use Project W. Santa Monica Boulevard Apartments 231 du Fast-Food Restaurant 5,000 sf Retail 10,000 sf 62 Sunset Bronson Studios 5800 W. Sunset Boulevard Office 404,799 sf 63 Hollywood Central Park Hollywood Freeway (US 101) 64 Mixed-Use 7107 Hollywood Boulevard 65 Mixed-Use 901 N. Vine Street 66 [a] Tutoring Center 927 N. Highland Avenue Park, Amphitheater, Neighborhood uses 38 acre Apartment 410 du Restaurant 5,000 sf Retail 5,000 sf Apartments 70 du Commercial 3,000 sf School 100 stu School 18 emp N. Orange Drive 1001 N. Orange Drive Office 53,537 sf 68 The Chaplin Hotel Project 7219 W. Sunset Boulevard Hollywood 5750 Hollywood Boulevard N. La Brea Avenue 1040 N. La Brea Avenue 71 [a] Faith Plating 7143 Santa Monica Boulevard 72 Mixed-Use Office/Retail 936 N. La Brea Avenue 73 John Anson Ford Theater 74 [a] Temple Israel of Hollywood 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East 7300 W. Hollywood Boulevard Hotel 93 room Restaurant 2,800 sf Apartments 161 du Commercial 4,747 sf Restaurant 5,240 sf Residential 8 du Hotel 91 room Residential 166 du Retail/Restaurant 9,300 sf Office 88,750 sf Retail 12,000 sf Theater 311 seat Restaurant 5,400 sf Office 30 emp Temple Renovation 75 Residential 712 N. Wilcox Avenue Apartments 103 du Residential 707 N. Cole Avenue Apartments 84 du La Brea Avenue 904 La Brea Avenue Apartments 169 du Retail 37,057 sf La Brea Avenue 925 La Brea Avenue Retail 16,360 sf Office 45,432 sf 79 La Brea Gateway 915 N. La Brea Avenue Supermarket 33,500 sf Apartments 179 du W. Hollywood 5600 W. Hollywood Apartments 33 du Boulevard Boulevard Commercial 1,289 sf 81 Hollywood De Longpre Apartments 5632 De Longpre Avenue Apartments 185 du 82 Mixed-Use (High Line 5550 W. Hollywood Apartments 280 du West) Boulevard Retail 12,030 sf 83 Condos & Retail 5663 Melrose Avenue Condominiums 96 du II. Project Description Page II-26

60 Retail 3,350 sf Sunset Grocery 7445 W. Sunset Boulevard Grocery Store 32,416 sf 85 Paseo Plaza Mixed-Use 86 [a] Movietown 5651 W. Santa Monica Boulevard 7302 W. Santa Monica Boulevard 87 Paramount Pictures 5555 W. Melrose Avenue 88 SunWest Project (Mixed- Use) 5525 W. Sunset Boulevard 89 Melrose & Beachwood 5570 W. Melrose Avenue 90 Target Retail Shopping Center Project 5520 W. Sunset Boulevard 91 Mixed-Use 1657 N. Western Avenue 92 Mixed-Use 6915 Melrose Avenue 93 Sunset Mixed-Use (Revised) W. Sunset Boulevard 94 Mixed-Use 1350 N. Western Avenue 95 Melrose Crossing Mixed- Use 7000 Melrose Avenue 96 Sunset & Western 5420 W. Sunset Boulevard Condominium 375 du Retail 377,900 sf Apartments 371 du Office 7,800 sf Restaurant 5,000 sf Commercial 19,500 sf Production Office 635,500 sf Office 638,100 sf Retail 89,200 sf Stage 21,000 sf Support 1,900 sf Apartments 293 du Commercial 33,980 sf Apartment 52 sf Commercial 5,500 sf Discount Center 163,862 sf Shopping Center 30,887 sf Apartments 91 du Retail 15,300 sf Condominium 13 du Retail 6,250 sf Apartment 219 du Restaurant 10,000 sf Retail 20,000 sf Apartments 200 du Guest Rooms 4 du Retail/Restaurant 5,500 sf Apartments 40 du Retail 6,634 sf Apartments 735 du Supermarket 59,100 sf Retail 36,720 sf N. Western Avenue 1276 N. Western Avenue Apartments 75 du 98 Apartments 5460 W. Fountain Avenue Apartments 75 du Santa Monica Boulevard 7617 Santa Monica Boulevard N. Western Avenue 747 N. Western Avenue Residential 71 du Retail 4,821 sf Restaurant 4,419 sf Apartments 44 du Retail 7,700 sf 101 Apartments 525 N. Wilton place Apartments 88 du 5245 W. Santa Monica Apartments 49 du 102 Mixed-Use Boulevard Retail 32,272 sf Hotel 74 room 7811 Santa Monica 7811 Santa Monica 103 Apartments 74 du Boulevard Boulevard Commercial 3,446 sf 104 Hotel 81 room II. Project Description Page II-27

61 7811 Santa Monica Boulevard 7811 Santa Monica Boulevard 105 Mixed-use 4914 W. Melrose Avenue Commercial 3,446 sf Apartments 79 du Live/Work 45 du Retail 3,760 sf Hollywood 7900 Hollywood Boulevard Apartments 50 du 107 Retail 4,365 sf Santa Monica Santa Monica Restaurant 13,682 sf Boulevard Boulevard Office 70,036 sf Restaurant 8,600 sf 108 Mixed-Use Santa Monica Entertainment 3,200 sf Boulevard Retail 4,400 sf Office 62,800 sf Theme park, 109 [b] NBC Universal Evolution production studio, 100 Universal City Plaza Plan and entertainment district master plan Notes: du = dwelling unit; sf = square feet; gsf = gross square feet; emp = employee; stu = student [a] Although construction of the related project may be partially complete/entirely complete, the project was not fully occupied at the time of the NOP or when traffic counts were conducted. Therefore, the related project was considered and listed to provide a more conservative analysis. [b] Related projects include developments within a 2-mile radius of the Project Site and large-scale developments along the periphery. Source: Gibson Transportation Consulting, Inc, II. Project Description Page II-28

62 Source: Gibson Transportation Consulting, Inc., Figure II-11 Related Projects Location Map

63 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION C. ENTITLEMENT REQUESTS Hollywood Citizen News, LLC ( Applicant ) is requesting approval of the following discretionary actions: (1) A Master Conditional Use Permit, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal Code Section W.1 for the tenant improvement and change of use from an existing two story office building to two (2) ground floor restaurant spaces totaling 13,775 square feet, and one (1) flexible event space on the second floor, totaling 15,788 square feet. Proposed hours of operation for all establishments are 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M. daily. The total project area is 36,656 square feet including, as follows: Sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with: A 6,142 square foot ground floor restaurant with a 966 square feet of outdoor eating area; A 5,164 square foot ground floor restaurant with up to 1,503 square feet of outdoor dining area; and A 15,788 square foot second floor flexible event space. (2) Site Plan Review, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal Code Section for the project, which creates a change in use resulting in a net increase of 1,000 or more average daily vehicle trips as determined by the Department of Transportation. Other approvals (as needed), ministerial or otherwise, may be necessary, as the City finds appropriate in order to execute and implement the Proposed Project. II. Project Description Page II-30

64 III. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION This section of the Initial Study addresses the environmental issues and subject areas identified in the Initial Study Checklist (Appendix G to the State CEQA Guidelines, C.C.R. Title 14, Chapter 3, ). The analytical methodology and thresholds of significance are based on the City of Los Angeles L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide (2006) unless otherwise noted. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS I. AESTHETICS Senate Bill Environmental Quality: Transit Oriented Infill Projects In 2013, the State of California enacted Senate Bill 743 (SB 743), 1 which provides that aesthetic and parking impacts of a residential, mixed-use residential, or employment center project on an infill site within a transit priority area shall not be considered significant impacts on the environment. Public Resources Code (P.R.C.) Section defines an employment center project as a project located on property zoned for commercial uses with a floor area ratio of no less than 0.75 and that is located in a transit priority area. A transit priority area is defined as an area within one-half mile of a major transit stop that is existing or planned, if the planned stop is scheduled to be completed within the planning horizon included in a Transportation Improvement Program adopted pursuant to Section or of Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (See P.R.C (7)). A Major Transit Stop is defined as a site containing an existing rail transit station, a ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods. (See P.R.C ). And lastly, an Infill Site is defined as a lot located within an urban area that has been previously developed, or on a vacant site where at least 75 percent of the perimeter of the site adjoins, or is separated only by an improved public right-of-way from, parcels that are developed with qualified urban uses. (See P.R.C ). Based on the criteria set forth above, the Proposed Project is an employment center project located on an infill site within a Transit Priority Area as defined by SB The Project Site is located approximately 0.4 mile (walking distance) from the Hollywood and Vine Metro Station. See Figure II-1, Project Location Map in Section II, Project Description. The Project Site is also located within ½ a mile of numerous bus 1 SB 743 is codified as Public Resources Code Section Public Resources Code Section and See also City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, City of Los Angeles Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), Parcel Profile Report, website: accessed July Page III-1

65 routes. 3 Accordingly, the Project s aesthetic impacts shall not be considered significant impacts on the environment pursuant to P.R.C Section While P.R.C. Section prohibits aesthetic impacts from being considered significant environmental impacts pursuant to CEQA, it does not affect the ability of the City of Los Angeles to implement design review through its ordinances or other discretionary powers. Accordingly, the following discussion is provided for informational purposes only. a) Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? No Impact. For other projects where P.R.C. Section is not applicable, the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide provides that a significant impact may occur if the Proposed Project would introduce incompatible visual elements within a field of view containing a scenic vista or substantially block views of a scenic vista. Scenic vistas are generally described in two ways: panoramic views (visual access to a large geographic area, for which the field of view can be wide and extend into the distance) and focal views (visual access to a particular object, scene, or feature of interest). The Project Site is not located within or along a designated scenic corridor and no scenic views exist from or through the Project Site. From a focal perspective, the Proposed Project is comprised of an existing twostory commercial building and is compatible with other commercial and multi-family residential buildings along Wilcox Avenue and Selma Avenue. From a panoramic perspective, since the surrounding buildings consist of building heights higher than the on-site building, the Proposed Project is not a visible part of the Hollywood skyline as viewed from the higher elevations within the Hollywood Hills. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista. Furthermore, as discussed above, pursuant to SB 743 and the provisions set forth by P.R.C. Section 21099, the Proposed Project is classified as an employment center project on an infill lot in a transit priority area and, as such, its aesthetic impacts shall not be considered a significant impact on the environment. b) Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a city-designated scenic highway? Less Than Significant Impact. For other projects where P.R.C. Section is not applicable, the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide provides that a significant impact may occur if scenic resources would be damaged and/or removed by development of a project within a city designated scenic highway. The Project Site is located on Wilcox Avenue, which is designated by the Mobility Plan 2035 as a Modified Avenue III roadway in the vicinity of the Project Site. Wilcox Avenue is not a city designated scenic highway. Nevertheless, the existing building, known as the Citizen News Building, is determined to be eligible for historic listing. 4 The Proposed Project would consist of interior renovations of the basement, ground floor, 3 In the vicinity of the Project Site, bus stops are primarily located along Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, such as Metro lines 180,181, 210, 212/312, 217, 222, and 2/302 and LADOT line DASH Hollywood. 4 SurveyLA Findings and Reports, Historic Resources Survey, Hollywood Redevelopment Project Area, prepared by Chattel Architecture, Planning & Preservation, Inc., February Website: accessed June Page III-2

66 and second level of the building. Any alterations to the existing building would be done in conformance with the Secretary of Interiors Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings. Exterior alterations would be limited to including new openings to provide access the proposed ground-floor restaurants and event space. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not substantially alter setbacks, facades, and exterior character-defining architectural features. As discussed in more detail in Section V. Cultural Resources, the Proposed Project would retain the historic character of the building and impacts upon the Citizen News Building s historic designation would be reduced to less than significant with mitigation. Consequently, the Proposed Project would not damage and/or remove any scenic resources within a State or City designated scenic highway. c) Would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? Less Than Significant Impact. For other projects where P.R.C. Section is not applicable, the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide provides that a significant impact may occur if the Proposed Project were to introduce features that would detract from the existing valued aesthetic quality of a neighborhood, community, or localized area by conflicting with important aesthetic elements or the quality of the area (such as theme, style, setbacks, density, massing, etc.) or by being inconsistent with applicable design guidelines. The Proposed Project would be required to comply with all applicable building code requirements, including Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section , which requires every building, structure, or portion thereof, to be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition and good repair, and free from, debris, rubbish, garbage, trash, overgrown vegetation or other similar material. In addition, the removal of graffiti is required pursuant to LAMC Section , which requires that the exterior of all buildings and fences shall be free from graffiti when such graffiti is visible from a street or alley. The City also requires the Applicant to affix or paint a plainly visible sign on publicly accessible portions of the construction barriers, with the following language: POST NO BILLS. Such language shall appear at intervals of no less than 25 feet along the length of the publicly accessible portions of the barrier. The Applicant is responsible for maintaining the visibility of the required signage and for maintaining the construction barrier free and clear of any unauthorized signs within 48 hours of occurrence. Thus, with adherence to these regulatory codes and compliance measures, impacts related to the general aesthetic appearance, upkeep, and character of the Project Site would be less than significant. The Proposed Project would be developed and designed to conform to the Los Angeles Municipal Code, the Los Angeles General Plan, the Hollywood Community Plan, the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan, and other applicable plans and policies that guide development on the Project Site. The Proposed Project s consistency with these plans and policies are discussed under Section X, Land Use and Planning. The Proposed Project would involve interior renovations and a change of use of a historic property and would not change any exterior facades or alter any character defining features to the existing building. Exterior changes would be minimal and would involve adding entrances and access points. The rehabilitation of the on-site buildings would be in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for rehabilitation. As such, the existing building would be maintained in accordance with applicable historic standards and Page III-3

67 design guidelines. Therefore, the Proposed Project s impacts with regards to architectural design would be less than significant. Building Heights and Massing The Proposed Project would not alter the existing floor area or increase the current building height of the Citizen News Building. The Project Site is immediately surrounded by structures that range between two and five stories, including the five-story Mama Shelter Hotel building, the proposed 8-story hotel building located at 6516 Selma Avenue, the 12-story hotel building located at 1541 N. Wilcox Avenue (currently under construction), and multiple multi-family residential buildings surrounding the Proposed Project. Multiple multi-story buildings exist in the larger Project Area. Therefore, because no changes are proposed that would alter the existing Citizen News Building s scale or massing, a less than significant impact would occur with respect to the alteration of views. d) Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Less Than Significant Impact. For other projects where P.R.C. Section is not applicable, the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide provides that a significant impact may occur if the project introduces new sources of light or glare on or from the project site which would be incompatible with the areas surrounding the project site, or which pose a safety hazard to motorists utilizing adjacent streets or freeways. Based on the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, the determination of whether the Proposed Project results in a significant nighttime illumination impact shall be made considering the following factors: (a) the change in ambient illumination levels as a result of Proposed Project sources; and (b) the extent to which Proposed Project lighting would spill off the project site and affect adjacent light-sensitive areas. Light Lighting for the Proposed Project would be provided in order to illuminate the building entrances into each of the commercial spaces, to provide adequate night visibility for the commercial patrons and visitors, and to provide a measure of security. A moderate degree of illumination already exists in the Project vicinity in the form of streetlights, building lighting, and car headlights along Wilcox Avenue and Selma Avenue. The Proposed Project would not generate a substantial increase in ambient lighting as the majority of lighting would be directed towards the interior of the Project Site and away from any nearby land uses.to ensure the lighting sources are not directly visible by adjacent properties, the Proposed Project would comply with Section Table A5-602, Subsection , Light Pollution Reduction, of the City of Los Angeles Green Building Code (Ordinance No. 182,849), which regulates outdoor lighting systems. The landscaped alleyways would replace the existing vehicle driveways on the Project Site. All vehicular parking spaces would be provided off-site via private agreement. Therefore, replacement of the vehicle driveways into pedestrian-oriented alleyways would eliminate any existing light sources and nighttime illumination levels from vehicles in the area. The Proposed Project would not introduce any new sources Page III-4

68 of substantial light that are incompatible with the surrounding areas. Therefore, the Proposed Project s impacts would be less than significant. Glare Potential reflective surfaces in the Project vicinity include automobiles traveling and parked on streets, exterior building windows, and bright exterior surfaces. Excessive glare not only restricts visibility, but also increases the ambient heat reflectivity in a given area. Since the Proposed Project would not alter the exterior facades and architectural materials, the Proposed Project would not introduce any new substantial sources of glare that are incompatible with the surrounding areas. Therefore, the Proposed Project s impacts to light and glare would be less than significant. Cumulative Impacts Less Than Significant Impact. The application of P.R.C. Section provides that the aesthetic impacts of an employment center project, such as the Proposed Project, upon an infill site within a transit priority area shall not be considered significant impacts on the environment. Development of the Proposed Project in conjunction with the 109 related projects would result in an intensification of existing prevailing land uses in the Hollywood area of the City. Development of the related projects is expected to occur in accordance with adopted plans and regulations. With respect to the overall visual quality of the surrounding neighborhood, each of the related projects would be subject to site plan review by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning for review and approval as may be applicable. Through compliance with the site plan review process, each project would be constructed as approved and in a manner that is consistent with and compatible with the existing urban form and character of the surrounding environment. Therefore, cumulative aesthetic impacts would be less than significant. II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES a) Would the project convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? No Impact. The Project Site is located within a highly developed area of the Hollywood Community Plan area in the City of Los Angeles. No farmland or agricultural activity exists on the Project Site, nor are there any farmland or agricultural activities in the vicinity of the Project Site. According to the Los Angeles County Important Farmland 2016 map, which was prepared by the California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, the soils at the Project Site are not candidate for listing as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. 5 Therefore, no impact to agricultural lands would occur. 5 State of California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, Los Angeles County Important Farmland 2016, Map. ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/dlrp/fmmp/pdf/2016/los16.pdf, accessed June Page III-5

69 b) Would the project conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act Contract? No Impact. The Project Site is located within the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles and is, therefore, subject to the applicable land use and zoning requirements in the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC). The Project Site is currently zoned C4-2D with a General Plan land use designation of Regional Center Commercial and is not zoned for agricultural production, and no farmland activities exist on-site. In addition, no Williamson Act Contracts are in effect at the Project Site. 6 Therefore, no impact to land zoned for agricultural use or Williamson Act Contracts would occur. c) Would the project conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? No Impact. The Project Site is zoned C4-2D with a land use designation of Regional Center Commercial in the Hollywood Community Plan. The Project Site is not zoned as forestland or timberland, and there is no timberland production at the Project Site. Therefore, no impact to forest land, timberland, or timberland production would occur. d) Would the project result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? No Impact. The Project Site is fully developed and currently contains a two-story office building. The Project Site is located in a highly developed area in the Hollywood Community Plan area of the City. There are currently two street trees along the public right-of-way on Wilcox Avenue. These trees are expected to remain during the construction and operation of the Proposed Project. No forested lands or protected vegetation exist on or in the vicinity of the Project Site. Therefore, no impact to forest land or forest land conversion would occur. e) Would the project involve other changes in the existing environment, which due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? No Impact. Neither the Project Site, nor nearby properties, are currently utilized for agricultural or forestry uses. As discussed above, the Project Site is not classified in any Farmland category designated by the State of California. According to the Los Angeles County Important Farmland 2016 map, which was prepared by the California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, the soils at 6 State of California Department of Conservation, Los Angeles County Williamson Act FY , website: accessed July Page III-6

70 the Project Site are not candidates for listing as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. 7 Therefore, no impact to farmland or forest land would occur. Cumulative Impacts No Impact. Development of the Proposed Project in combination with the 109 related projects would not result in the conversion of State-designated agricultural land from agricultural use to a non-agricultural use, nor result in the loss of any forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use. The Los Angeles County Important Farmland 2016 Map maintained by the California Division of Land Resource Protection indicates that the Project Site and the surrounding area are not included in the Important Farmland category. 8 The Project Site is located in an urbanized area in the Hollywood Community Plan area within the City of Los Angeles and does not include any State-designated agricultural lands or forest uses. Therefore, no cumulative impact would occur. III. AIR QUALITY a) Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Less Than Significant Impact. A significant air quality impact could occur if the Proposed Project is not consistent with the applicable Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) or would in some way represent a substantial hindrance to employing the policies or obtaining the goals of that plan. The most recent AQMP was adopted by the Governing Board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in March 2017 (the 2016 AQMP). The transportation strategy and transportation control measures (TCMs), included as part of the 2016 AQMP and State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the South Coast Air Basin, are based on SCAG s 2016 Regional Transportation Plan / Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). For purposes of assessing a project s consistency with the AQMP, projects that are consistent with the growth forecast projections of employment and population forecasts identified in the SCAG s 2016 RTP/SCS are considered consistent with the AQMP, since the growth projections contained in the RTP/SCS form the basis of the land use and transportation control portions of the AQMP. As discussed in Threshold XIII(a), the Proposed Project is consistent with the regional growth projections for the Los Angeles Subregion and is consistent with the smart growth policies of the 2016 RTP/SCS to increase job opportunities within close proximity to High-Quality Transit Areas (HQTA). An HQTA is defined as a generally walkable transit village or corridor within one half-mile of a well-serviced transit stop or a transit corridor with 15-minute or less service frequency during peak commute hours. The Proposed Project would include a change of use for an existing historic property and would generate new retail and restaurant land uses and associated employment opportunities within a half of a mile (walking 7 State of California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, Los Angeles County Important Farmland 2016, Map. ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/dlrp/fmmp/pdf/2016/los16.pdf, accessed June Ibid. Page III-7

71 distance) from the Hollywood/Vine station and is within an area that is served by several Metro bus lines. Thus the Project s location provides opportunities for employees, guests, and visitors to use public transit to reduce vehicle trips. The Project Site is also located in a Transit Priority Area as defined by CEQA P.R.C. Sections and Studies by the California Department of Transportation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission have found that focusing development in areas served by transit can result in local, regional and statewide benefits including reduced air pollution and energy consumption. The Proposed Project s mixed-use nature and close proximity to neighborhood-serving commercial/retail land uses and regional transit would result in fewer trips and a reduction to the Proposed Project s vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) as compared to the base trip rates for similar stand-alone land uses that are not located in close proximity to transit. Thus, because the Proposed Project would be consistent with the growth projections and regional land use planning policies of the 2016 RTP/SCS, the Proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the 2016 AQMP, and Project impacts would be less than significant. b) Would the project violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? Less Than Significant Impact. Based on the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project may have a significant impact where project-related emissions would exceed federal, State, or regional standards or thresholds, or where project-related emissions would substantially contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation. Construction Emissions For purposes of analyzing impacts associated with air quality, this analysis assumes a construction schedule of approximately 12 months with buildout anticipated in This assumption is conservative and yields the maximum daily impacts. Construction activities associated with the Proposed Project would be undertaken in two main steps: (1) interior remodeling, (2) architectural coatings/finishings, and (3) paving. Interior renovations would involve the alteration of approximately 29,563 square feet of floor area and existing walls to reconfigure the proposed commercial spaces. Construction activities would temporarily create emissions of dusts, fumes, equipment exhaust, and other air contaminants. Construction activities involving foundation preparation would primarily generate PM 2.5 and PM 10 emissions. Mobile sources (such as diesel-fueled equipment on-site and traveling to and from the Project Site) would primarily generate NO x emissions. The application of architectural coatings would primarily result in the release of ROG/VOC emissions. The amount of emissions generated on a daily basis would vary, depending on the amount and types of construction activities occurring at the same time. For purposes of this analysis, the following regulatory compliance measures have been identified as being applicable to the Proposed Project s construction activities: Page III-8

72 Site Clearing, Grading and Construction Activities o In accordance with Sections 2485 in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, the idling of all diesel-fueled commercial vehicles (weighing over 10,000 pounds) during construction shall be limited to five minutes at any location. o In accordance with Section in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, operation of any stationary, diesel-fueled, compression-ignition engines shall meet specified fuel and fuel additive requirements and emission standards. o The Project shall comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113 limiting the volatile organic compound content of architectural coatings. As required by CEQA, the Proposed Project s construction emissions were quantified utilizing the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod Version ) as recommended by the SCAQMD. Table III-1, Estimated Peak Daily Construction Emissions, identifies the maximum daily emissions that are estimated to occur on peak construction days for each phase of Project construction. These calculations assume that appropriate dust control measures would be implemented as part of the Proposed Project during each phase of development, as required and regulated by SCAQMD. As shown in Table III-1, constructionrelated daily emissions associated with the Proposed Project would not exceed any regional SCAQMD significance thresholds for six criteria pollutants during the construction phases. Therefore, construction impacts are considered to be less than significant. Table III-1 Estimated Peak Daily Construction Emissions Emission Source Emissions in Pounds per Day ROG NOx CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5 Interior Remodeling On-Site Off-Road Diesel Equipment Off-Site Hauling/Vendor/Worker Trips < Total Emissions SCAQMD Thresholds Significant Impact? No No No No No No Architectural Coating On-Site Architectural Coating On-Site Off-Road Diesel Equipment < Off-Site Hauling/Vendor/Worker Trips < <0.01 Total Emissions < SCAQMD Thresholds Significant Impact? No No No No No No Paving On-Site Off-Road Diesel Equipment Off-Site Hauling/Vendor/Worker Trips < Total Emissions SCAQMD Thresholds Significant Impact? No No No No No No Note: Calculations assume compliance with SCAQMD Rule 1113 Architectural Coatings. Calculation sheets are provided in Appendix A to this IS/MND. Page III-9

73 Operational Emissions Air pollutant emissions are currently generated at the Project Site by the existing office uses. These uses generate air pollutant emissions from stationary sources, such as space and water heating, architectural coatings (paint), and mobile vehicle traffic traveling to and from the Project Site. The average daily emissions generated by the existing uses at the Project Site have been estimated utilizing the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod Version ) recommended by the SCAQMD. As shown in Table III-2, motor vehicles are the primary source of air pollutant emissions associated with existing uses at the Project Site. Table III-2 Existing Daily Operational Emissions from the Project Site Emissions in Pounds per Day Emissions Source ROG NOx CO SOx PM10 PM2.5 Summertime (Smog Season) Emissions Area 0.56 <0.01 < <0.01 <0.01 Energy < <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Mobile Sources Total Emissions Wintertime (Non-Smog Season) Emissions Area 0.56 <0.01 < <0.01 <0.01 Energy < <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Mobile Sources Total Emissions Note: Calculation worksheets are provided in Appendix A to this IS/MND. The Proposed Project would result in the rehabilitation of the existing building on the ground level and second level for the development and operation of two full-service restaurants and flexible event space. The office uses on the second floor would be replaced as part of the Proposed Project. Operational emissions generated by both stationary and mobile sources would result from normal day-to-day activities of the Proposed Project. Area source emissions would be generated by the consumption of natural gas and landscape maintenance. New on-site facility nitrogen oxide emissions shall be minimized through the use of emission control measures (e.g., use of best available control technology for new combustion sources such as boilers and water heaters) as required by South Coast Air Quality Management District Regulation XIII, New Source Review. Mobile emissions would be generated by the motor vehicles traveling to and from the Project Site. Page III-10

74 The analysis of daily operational emissions associated with the Proposed Project has been prepared utilizing CalEEMod (Version ) recommended by the SCAQMD. 9 The results of these calculations are presented in Table III-3, Estimated Daily Operational Emissions. As shown, the operational emissions generated by the Proposed Project would not exceed the regional thresholds of significance set by the SCAQMD. Therefore, impacts associated with regional operational emissions from the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Emissions Source Table III-3 Proposed Project Estimated Daily Operational Emissions Emissions in Pounds per Day ROG NOx CO SOx PM10 PM2.5 Summertime (Smog Season) Emissions Area 0.69 <0.01 < <0.01 <0.01 Energy Mobile (Vehicles) Subtotal Project Emissions: Less Existing Emissions: NET Project Site Emissions: SCAQMD Thresholds Potentially Significant Impact? No No No No No No Wintertime (Non-Smog Season) Emissions Area 0.69 <0.01 < <0.01 <0.01 Energy Mobile (Vehicles) Subtotal Project Emissions: Less Existing Emissions: NET Project Site Emissions: SCAQMD Thresholds Potentially Significant Impact? No No No No No No Note: Calculation worksheets are provided in Appendix A to this IS/MND. Source: CalEEMod ( ) and Parker Environmental Consultants, c) Would the project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions, which exceed quantitative threshold for ozone precursors)? 9 As a conservative estimate, the CalEEMod worksheets analyzed a larger project with 14,843 sf of ground floor restaurant space and 16,068 sf of banquet/flexible event space, compared to the Proposed Project which would provide 13,775 sf of ground floor restaurant space and 15,788 sf of banquet/flexible event space. Page III-11

75 Less Than Significant Impact. Based on the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a significant impact may occur if a project adds a considerable cumulative contribution to federal or State non-attainment pollutants. As the Basin is currently in State non-attainment for ozone, PM 10, and PM 2.5, related projects could exceed an air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality exceedance. In regards to determining the significance of the Project contribution, the SCAQMD neither recommends quantified analyses of construction and/or operational emissions from multiple development projects nor provides methodologies or thresholds of significance to be used to assess the cumulative emissions generated by multiple cumulative projects. Instead, the SCAQMD recommends that a project s potential contribution to cumulative impacts should be assessed utilizing the same significance criteria as those for project specific impacts. Furthermore, SCAQMD states that if an individual development project generates less than significant construction or operational emissions, then the development project would not generate a cumulatively considerable increase in emissions for those pollutants for which the Basin is in nonattainment. As discussed under Threshold III(b) above, the Proposed Project would not generate construction or operational emissions that exceed the SCAQMD s recommended regional thresholds of significance. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not generate a cumulatively considerable increase in emissions of the pollutants for which the Basin is in non-attainment, and impacts would be less than significant. d) Would the project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Less Than Significant Impact. Based on the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a significant impact may occur if a project were to generate pollutant concentrations to a degree that would significantly affect sensitive receptors. Sensitive receptors are populations that are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than are the population at large. The SCAQMD identifies the following as sensitive receptors: long-term health care facilities, rehabilitation centers, convalescent centers, retirement homes, residences, schools, playgrounds, child care centers, and athletic facilities. 10 Localized Significance Thresholds The SCAQMD has developed localized significance thresholds (LSTs) that are based on the amount of pounds of emissions per day that can be generated by a project that would cause or contribute to adverse localized air quality impacts. These localized thresholds, which are found in the mass rate look-up tables in the Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology document prepared by the SCAQMD, 11 apply to projects that are less than or equal to five acres in size and are only applicable to the following criteria pollutants: NO x, CO, PM 10, and PM 2.5. Since the Proposed Project would only result in interior renovations, minor exterior alterations, and improvements to an existing building and would not require the 10 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993, page South Coast Air Quality Management District, Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology, June 2003, Revised July Page III-12

76 use of any heavy diesel construction equipment, the Proposed Project would not have the potential to result in significant contributions of localized construction emissions. Localized Operational Emissions With regard to localized emissions from motor vehicle travel, traffic congested roadways and intersections have the potential to generate localized high levels of carbon monoxide (CO). Because the Basin is currently in attainment and existing congested intersections do not exceed state thresholds, CO hotspots are less than significant under extreme conditions. Therefore, no further analysis for CO hotspots is warranted and localized operational emissions would be less than significant. e) Would the project create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Less Than Significant Impact. A significant impact may occur if objectionable odors occur which would adversely impact sensitive receptors. Odors are typically associated with industrial projects involving the use of chemicals, solvents, petroleum products, and other strong-smelling elements used in manufacturing processes, as well as sewage treatment facilities and landfills. As the Proposed Project involves no elements related to these types of activities, no odors from these types of uses are anticipated. Garbage collection areas for the Project Site would have the potential to generate foul odors if the areas are located in close proximity to habitable areas. Good janitorial practices would be sufficient to prevent nuisance odors. In addition, SCAQMD Rule 402 (Nuisance), and SCAQMD Best Available Control Technology Guidelines would limit potential objectionable odor impacts during the Proposed Project s long-term operations phase. The proposed restaurants and bars would also be required to install odor-reducing equipment in accordance with SCAQMD Rule Compliance with SCAQMD Rules 402 and 1138, described above, would ensure any potential objectionable odor impacts are less than significant. Cumulative Impacts Less Than Significant Impact. Development of the Proposed Project in conjunction with the related projects in the Project Site vicinity would result in an increase in construction and operational emissions in the already urbanized area of the City of Los Angeles. Cumulative development can affect implementation of the 2016 AQMP. The 2016 AQMP was prepared to accommodate growth, reduce pollutants within the areas under SCAQMD jurisdiction, improve the overall air quality of the region, and minimize the impact on the economy. Growth considered to be consistent with the 2016 AQMP would not interfere with attainment because this growth is included in the projections utilized in the formulation of the AQMP. Consequently, as long as growth in the Basin is within the projections for growth identified by SCAG, implementation of the 2016 AQMP would not be obstructed by such growth and cumulative impacts would be less than significant. Since the Proposed Project is consistent with SCAG s growth projections, it would not have a cumulatively considerable contribution to an impact regarding a potential conflict with or obstruction of the implementation of the applicable air quality plan. Thus, cumulative impacts related to conformance with the 2016 AQMP would be less than significant. Page III-13

77 Cumulative air quality impacts from construction and operation of the Proposed Project, based on SCAQMD guidelines, are analyzed in a manner similar to Project-specific air quality impacts. The SCAQMD recommends that a project s potential contribution to cumulative impacts should be assessed utilizing the same significance criteria as those for project specific impacts. Therefore, according to the SCAQMD, individual development projects that generate construction or operational emissions that exceed the SCAQMD recommended daily thresholds for project-specific impacts would also cause a cumulatively considerable increase in emissions for those pollutants for which the Basin is in non-attainment. Thus, as discussed in Threshold III(c) above, because the construction-related and operational daily emissions associated with Proposed Project would not exceed the SCAQMD s recommended thresholds, these emissions associated with the Proposed Project would not be cumulatively considerable. Therefore, cumulative air quality impacts would be less than significant. With respect to cumulative odor impacts, potential sources that may emit odors during construction activities at each related project include the use of architectural coatings, solvents, and asphalt paving. SCAQMD Rule 1113 limits the amount of volatile organic compounds from architectural coatings and solvents. Based on mandatory compliance with SCAQMD Rules, construction activities and materials used in the construction of the Proposed Project and related projects would not combine to create objectionable construction odors. With respect to operations, SCAQMD Rules 402 (Nuisance) and Rule 1138 (Odor Reducing Equipment) would regulate any objectionable odor impacts from the related projects and the Proposed Project s long-term operations phase. Thus, cumulative odor impacts would be less than significant. IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES a) Would the project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulation, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact on biological resources if it could result in: (a) the loss of individuals, or the reduction of existing habitat, of a state or federal listed endangered, threatened, rare, protected, candidate, or sensitive species or a Species of Special Concern; (b) the loss of individuals or the reduction of existing habitat of a locally designated species or a reduction in a locally designated natural habitat or plant community; or (c) interference with habitat such that normal species behaviors are disturbed (e.g., from the introduction of noise or light) to a degree that may diminish the chances for long-term survival of a sensitive species. The Project Site is currently developed with a two-story office building. There are two street trees that border the east side of the Project Site in the public right-of-way along Wilcox Avenue. Both street trees are expected to remain during the construction and operation of the Proposed Project. As such, the Proposed Project would not threaten any critical habitat or any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Therefore, no impact would occur. Page III-14

78 b) Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact on biological resources if it could result in: (a) the loss of individuals, or the reduction of existing habitat, of a state or federal listed endangered, threatened, rare, protected, candidate, or sensitive species or a Species of Special Concern; (b) the loss of individuals or the reduction of existing habitat of a locally designated species or a reduction in a locally designated natural habitat or plant community; (c) the alternation of an existing wetland habitat; or (d) interference with habitat such that normal species behaviors are disturbed (e.g., from the introduction of noise, light) to a degree that may diminish the chances for long-term survival of a sensitive species. The Project Site is occupied by a twostory office building. The Project Site is an infill lot located in a developed neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles. No riparian or other sensitive natural vegetation communities are located on or adjacent to the Project Site. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in any adverse impacts to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities, and no impact would occur. c) Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact on biological resources if it could result in the alteration of an existing wetland habitat. The Project Site is entirely developed with impermeable surfaces and does not contain any wetlands or natural drainage channels. Further, the Project Site is located in a developed neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles. Neither the Project Site nor the surrounding area contain any wetlands or riparian habitat. Therefore, the Project Site does not support any riparian or wetland habitat, as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (see Threshold 4(b), above). No impacts to riparian or wetland habitats would occur with implementation of the Proposed Project. d) Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally result in a significant impact on biological resources if it results in the interference with wildlife movement/migration corridors that may diminish the chances for long-term survival of a sensitive species. The Project Site is located in a heavily urbanized area of Hollywood in the City of Los Angeles. Due to the highly urbanized surroundings, there are no wildlife corridors or native wildlife nursery sites on the Project site or in the Project Site vicinity. Thus, the Proposed Project would not interfere with the movement of any native residents or migratory fish or wildlife. Therefore, no impact would occur. Page III-15

79 e) Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance (e.g., oak trees or California walnut woodlands)? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project-related significant adverse effect could occur if a project were to cause an impact that is inconsistent with local regulations pertaining to biological resources, such as the City of Los Angeles Protected Tree Ordinance (No. 177,404). As stated above, the Project Site is improved with a two-story office building. There are two street trees in the public right-of-way along Wilcox Avenue. There is no proposal to remove the trees during construction. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not have the potential to conflict with the City of Los Angeles Protected Tree Ordinance. Thus, no impact would occur associated with tree removal. f) Would the project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? No Impact. A significant impact would occur if the Proposed Project would be inconsistent with maps or policies in any conservation plans of the types cited. The Project Site and its vicinity are not part of any draft or adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plan. Therefore, no impact would occur with implementation of the Proposed Project. Cumulative Impacts Less Than Significant Impact. The Proposed Project would have a less than significant impact upon biological resources with regulatory compliance. Development of the Proposed Project in combination with the 109 related projects would not significantly impact wildlife corridors or habitat for any candidate, sensitive, or special status species identified in local plans, policies, or regulations, or by the CDFG or the USFWS. No such habitat occurs in the vicinity of the Project Site or related projects due to the existing urban development. Development of any of the related projects would be subject to the City of Los Angeles Protected Tree Ordinance, Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Sections 3503, , and 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code, and any other mitigation measures or regulatory compliance measures applicable to each related project site. Thus, cumulative impacts to biological resources would be considered less than significant. V. CULTURAL RESOURCES The following section summarizes and incorporates the reference information from the following report: Historical Resources Technical Report, Hollywood Citizen News Building, North Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, prepared by Historic Resources Group, dated October 31, The Historical Resources Technical Report is included as Appendix B of this IS/MND. Page III-16

80 a) Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historic resource pursuant to CEQA ? Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The City of Los Angeles CEQA Thresholds Guide (2006, p. D.3-2) states that a project would normally have a significant impact on historic resources if it would result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historic resource. A substantial adverse change in significance occurs if the project involves: Demolition of a significant resource; Relocation that does not maintain the integrity and (historical/architectural) significance of a significant resource; Conversion, rehabilitation, or alteration of a significant resource which does not conform to the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings; or Construction that reduces the integrity or significance of important resources on the site or in the vicinity. In addition to this guidance provided by the City of Los Angeles, the State Legislature, in enacting the California Register, also amended CEQA to clarify which properties are significant, as well as which project impacts are considered to be significantly adverse. A project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historic resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. 12 A substantial adverse change in the significance of a historic resource means demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of a historical resource would be materially impaired. 13 The Guidelines go on to state that [t]he significance of an historic resource is materially impaired when a project [d]emolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of an historical resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its inclusion in, or eligibility for, inclusion in the California Register of Historical Resources local register of historic resources or its identification in a historic resources survey. 14 Existing Conditions The Citizen-News Building has undergone some alterations since its initial construction in Some openings on the north façade have been infilled with exposed concrete block, and some openings on the west façade have been infilled and finished with plaster, scored to resemble the adjacent board-formed concrete construction. Some windows on the north, east, and south façades have been replaced, or new 12 CEQA Guidelines, section (b). 13 CEQA Guidelines, section (b)(1). 14 CEQA Guidelines, section (b)(2). Page III-17

81 windows added, utilizing metal storefront glazing systems. A new entrance was created on the north façade. The primary (east) façade on Wilcox Avenue remains completely intact. The editorial lobby (Wilcox Lobby) and stair remain intact, but the remainder of the building s interior has been completely altered. Except for the editorial lobby, the original spatial configuration and interior finishes have been removed, and a new spatial configuration, drywall partitions, stairs and an elevator have been inserted. A new lobby was constructed in the northeast portion of the building. The Proposed Project is within 100 feet of one state and nationally designated historic structure and within 285 feet of a state designated historic structure. The U.S. Post Office Hollywood Station is located approximately 100 feet north of the Project Site at 1615 N. Wilcox Avenue. This property was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and is also listed in the California Register of Historical Resources. 15 The proposed building s facades do not directly abut the Post Office building. The existing building is physically separated from the surrounding historic resource and would not physically demolish, destruct, relocate, or alter the Post Office. Additionally, based on the Historic Resources Survey for the Hollywood Redevelopment Project Area (Office of Historic Resources, 2010), the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA is individually listed in the California Register of Historical Resources. 16 The four-story Hollywood Wilshire YMCA building is located at 6600 Selma Avenue on the southwest corner of Selma Avenue and Schrader Boulevard, approximately 285 feet east of the Project Site. Since the Project Site does not immediately abut the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA, the Proposed Project would not physically demolish, destruct, relocate or alter the historical building. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have no direct or indirect impacts on the U.S. Post Office Hollywood Station or Hollywood Wilshire YMCA, as it does not involve the demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of these historical resources. Previous Evaluations As previously stated, the Project Site is currently occupied with a two-story office building, known as the Citizen News Building. Since at least the 1990s, the Citizen News Building has been subject to previous evaluations, largely through historic resource surveys. These previous investigations indicate recognition of the historic significance of the Project Site. In 2010, Chattel Architecture, Planning & Preservation, Inc. completed an intensive historic resources survey of the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Area. The 2010 Survey Report notes that three previous historic resource surveys had been conducted in the Hollywood area: one in 1986, one in 1997, and one in A property index prepared in conjunction with the survey report includes status codes assigned in those previous surveys, when available, as well as those assigned in 2008 through field survey 15 City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Historic Resources Inventory, US Post Office Hollywood Station, website: accessed July SurveyLA Findings and Reports, Historic Resources Survey, Hollywood Redevelopment Project Area, prepared by Chattel Architecture, Planning & Preservation, Inc., February Website: accessed June Page III-18

82 undertaken by Chattel in preparation for the 2010 report. The property, noted as the Hollywood Citizen News Building at 1545 Wilcox Avenue was surveyed as an individual building in the 2010 survey and assigned a status code of 3S, or Appears eligible for the National Register as an individual property through survey evaluation. Previous evaluations recorded by Chattel indicate that the property was also assigned a status code of 3S in 2003 and 1997; no evaluation was recorded by Chattel for the 1986 survey. SurveyLA SurveyLA, the Los Angeles Historic Resources Survey has developed a Historic Context Statement (HCS) that provides a framework for evaluating potential historic resources in the City of Los Angeles. The SurveyLA HCS is organized into nine broad historical contexts, which are specific to Los Angeles and focus on the development of the City during the period dating from 1780 to 1980, and further subdivided into themes and sub-themes that reflect the various historical trends and patterns of events associated with each context. The Hollywood Citizen-News, which evolved from a modest local Hollywood bulletin into an important newspaper for Los Angeles at large, operated out of the Project Site from the paper s establishment through merger in 1931 until the paper ceased publication in The building was initially designed in the Art Deco style, which was frequently applied to commercial buildings in the early 1930s and reflects the execution of this style at the peak of its popularity. Newspaper and publishing plants have been identified in the SurveyLA HCS as a significant property type for their association with public and private institutional development in Los Angeles. Additionally, examples of Art Deco-style architecture have been identified in the SurveyLA HCS as a significant property type for their association with the Modernist architecture movement in Los Angeles. As a result, the following SurveyLA contexts and themes have been identified for their association with the history and development of the Project Site.. Evaluation of Historic Contexts of the Citizen News Building The Hollywood Citizen-News Building has a rich and distinctive history, with close ties to the community and built environment of Hollywood. The building is significant for its association with the Hollywood Citizen-News and the paper s enduring and influential role as an important publication in Hollywood and Los Angeles; its association with Harlan G. Palmer, Sr., publisher of the Hollywood Citizen-News and a member of the prominent and influential Palmer family; and as an excellent example of Art Deco architecture in Hollywood. There are several primary factors which contribute to its significance: the building s association with the Hollywood Citizen-News, and the building s architecture. The following contexts and themes have been identified for their association with the history and development of the Project Site. Context: Public and Private Institutional Development, o Sub-Context: Newspapers and Publishing, Context: Architecture and Engineering, o Sub-Context: LA Modernism, Page III-19

83 o Theme: Related Responses to Modernism, o Sub-Theme: Art Deco, The following section includes an evaluation of significance for each identified context. Context: Public and Private Institutional Development, The Project Site is significant under this context for its association with the development of the newspaper industry in Hollywood and Los Angeles. The building was the longtime headquarters for the publication of the Hollywood Citizen-News, which operated out of the building from 1931 until The publication of the Hollywood Citizen-News had its origins in one of the oldest local newspapers in Hollywood, the Hollywood Citizen, which was founded in The Citizen was subsequently merged with the Hollywood News in 1931, at a time when the newspaper industry as a whole was suffering from the financial effects of the Great Depression as well as the growing popularity of the radio as an alternative source for breaking news and information. However, under Harlan G. Palmer s stewardship the newly-consolidated paper emerged as a progressive voice which campaigned vigorously against social injustice as well as the growing problem of political corruption in Los Angeles. Although the Citizen-News began as a local paper, many of the sentiments expressed within were shared by citizens outside the boundaries of Hollywood, and the paper soon evolved beyond its local origins to become the fourth-largest paper in Los Angeles. The paper also served as an important touchstone in the continuing debate over organized labor and unionism in the newspaper industry when editorial workers staged a 10-week walkout in The initial development, subsequent growth, and continued influence of the Hollywood Citizen-News throughout the paper s 66- year run during the middle decades of the 20th century reflect the evolving role newspapers played in daily American life. The building is significant for its association with the Palmer family, who established the early newspaper from which the Hollywood Citizen-News originated, and who also operated the Hollywood Citizen-News from the paper s headquarters at North Wilcox Avenue for nearly thirty years. Dr. Edwin O. Palmer, an early Hollywood pioneer who was active in business and real estate development in the early days of the town and also maintained Hollywood s first medical practice, established the Hollywood Citizen in 1905 and then subsequently sold the paper in Dr. Palmer s second cousin, Harlan G. Palmer, relocated to California that same year and purchased the paper back from another publisher. While overseeing production of the Hollywood Citizen and, subsequently, the paper s merger to form the Hollywood Citizen-News Harlan Palmer maintained an active and influential role in as an attorney working in Hollywood and Los Angeles city politics. Palmer opened Hollywood s first legal practice and later served as a Los Angeles judge, Board of Water and Power Commissioner, and special attorney for the Los Angeles City Council. When Harlan Palmer died in 1956, control of the paper passed to his son, Harlan Palmer, Jr. The younger Palmer, who was active in community philanthropic efforts, had begun working for the Citizen-News as an assistant editor, but became publisher upon his father s death. Harlan Palmer, Jr. oversaw publication for another five years, until he decided to sell the paper to an outside publisher in The Hollywood Citizen-News and its headquarters reflect the longtime stewardship of three generations of the influential Palmer family, all of whom made important contributions to the newspaper industry as well as the development of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Page III-20

84 The period of significance for the building under this context is 1931 to This timeframe encompasses the initial establishment of the consolidated Hollywood Citizen-News by Harlan G. Palmer and reflects the early development and continued stewardship of the paper by the influential Palmer family. The period concludes in 1961, when the Hollywood Citizen-News was sold to an outside publisher and the family relinquished their interest in the paper. Context: Architecture and Engineering, The Hollywood Citizen-News Building is significant as an excellent and intact example of Art Deco commercial architecture in Hollywood. Designed by architect Francis D. Rutherford, the building was completed in 1931, when the popularity of Art Deco as an architectural style was at its peak. Today, the building retains many character-defining features of the style, including smooth cement plaster wall cladding, a flat roof surrounded by a parapet wall, metal-frame windows, stylized decorative elements executed in glazed terra cotta tile and cast metal, and the use of repeating geometric motifs. The period of significance for the building under this context is 1931, when initial construction was completed. Evaluation of Integrity The Citizen News Building has undergone some alterations since its initial construction in However, despite these changes, a majority of the building s character-defining features remain intact and the property continues to reflect its original design. A detailed assessment of the property s integrity is discussed below. For a complete inventory of character-defining features which contribute to the building s historic integrity, see Appendix B of the Historic Resources Report. Location: The subject property remains in its original location at North Wilcox Avenue in Hollywood. Therefore, the property retains integrity of location. Design: The subject property retains a majority of the character-defining features of its original construction. These include but are not limited to the original building plan, setback, form, and massing; sidewalk skylights; concrete construction; symmetrical 13-bay primary façade; central primary entrance with projecting tile surround; integrated vehicle portals within the north and south bays; secondary entrance set within a metal-framed bay; asymmetrically composed secondary façades; geometric fretwork frieze; flat roof surrounded by a parapet wall; and saw tooth skylights. Despite some alterations, a majority of the essential physical features reflecting the original design remain intact. Therefore, the property retains integrity of design. Setting: The subject property fronts Wilcox Avenue, a mixed-use neighborhood street. While some properties along Wilcox Avenue have been redeveloped over time, the character of more recent adjacent development reflects a similar mix of functions and use on a similar scale, and Wilcox Avenue has retained its identity as a mixed-use neighborhood street. Thus, the property retains integrity of setting. Materials: The building is largely intact and retains a majority of its original construction materials. These include but are not limited to smooth cement plaster and granite cladding; fixed, sash, and Page III-21

85 awning-style metal-frame windows with divided lights and transoms; fully-glazed wood and metal entrance doors; decorative cast transom panels; and glazed terra cotta tile surrounds. Therefore, the property retains integrity of materials. Workmanship: The building retains the physical evidence of period construction techniques, including original finishes and design elements that reflect the character and identity of the Hollywood Citizen News building as designed by Francis D. Rutherford. Therefore, the building integrity of workmanship. Feeling: The subject property retains a majority of the character-defining features of its original construction. The original building plan, form, massing, cladding, entrances, fenestration, and decorative detailing continue to convey the original aesthetic and historic sense of the Hollywood Citizen News building. Thus, the building retains integrity of feeling. Association: Integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, and feeling combine to convey integrity of association. Because the property retains the first six aspects of integrity, it continues to convey its original Art Deco design as the Hollywood Citizen News building by architect Francis D. Rutherford. Therefore, the property retains its integrity of association. Evaluation of the Project Site for the National Register The Hollywood Citizen News Building appears to meet the following National Register Criteria: A. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history The building appears to be significant under National Register Criterion A for its association with the development of the newspaper industry in Hollywood and Los Angeles. The Hollywood Citizen-News, which evolved from a modest local Hollywood paper into an important newspaper of record for Los Angeles at large, operated out of the building from its establishment through merger in 1931 until the paper ceased publication in B. That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past The building appears to be significant under National Register Criterion B for its association with the influential Palmer family and their contributions to the cultural, commercial, and political development of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Publication of the Hollywood Citizen-News was supervised by three generations of the Palmer family, most notably by former attorney, judge, and city official Harlan G. Palmer, Sr., who served as the paper s publisher from its establishment through merger in 1931 until his death in C. That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction The building appears to be significant under National Register Criterion C as an excellent and intact Page III-22

86 example of Art Deco commercial architecture designed by architect Francis D. Rutherford in Los Angeles. The Art Deco architectural style was most frequently applied to commercial buildings in the early 1930s, and the building reflects the execution of this style at the peak of its popularity. In addition to fulfilling the above criteria for significance, the building has retained integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and as a result continues to convey its original historic identity and significance. For all of these reasons, the potential historic district appears to meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historical Places. Evaluation of the Project Site for the California Register The Hollywood Citizen News Building appears to meet the following California Register Criteria: 1. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States The building appears to be significant under California Register Criterion 1 for its association with the development of the newspaper industry in Hollywood and Los Angeles. The Hollywood Citizen-News, which evolved from a modest local Hollywood paper into an important newspaper of record for Los Angeles at large, operated out of the building from its establishment through merger in 1931 until the paper ceased publication in Associated with the lives of persons important to local, California or national history The building appears to be significant under California Register Criterion 2 for its association with the influential Palmer family and their contributions to the cultural, commercial, and political development of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Publication of the Hollywood Citizen-News was supervised by three generations of the Palmer family, most notably by former attorney, judge, and city official Harlan G. Palmer, Sr., who served as the paper s publisher from its establishment through merger in 1931 until his death in Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region or method of construction or represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic values The building also appears to be significant under California Register Criterion 3 as an excellent and intact example of Art Deco commercial architecture designed by architect Francis D. Rutherford in Los Angeles. The Art Deco architectural style was most frequently applied to commercial buildings in the early 1930s, and the building reflects the execution of this style at the peak of its popularity. In addition to fulfilling the above criteria for significant, the building has retained integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and as a result continues to convey its original historic identity and significance. For these reasons, the property appears to meet the criteria for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources. Page III-23

87 Evaluation of the Project Site for the Local Designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument The Hollywood Citizen News Building appears to meet the following Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument criteria: 1. Is identified with important events of national, state, or local history, or exemplifies significant contributions to the broad cultural, economic or social history of the nation, state, city or community The building is significant under this criterion for its association with the development of the newspaper industry in Hollywood and Los Angeles. The Hollywood Citizen-News, which evolved from a modest local Hollywood paper into an important newspaper of record for Los Angeles at large, operated out of the building from its establishment through merger in 1931 until the paper ceased publication in The period of significance for the building under this criterion is 1931 to This timeframe encompasses the initial establishment of the consolidated Hollywood Citizen-News by Harlan G. Palmer and continued stewardship of the paper by the influential Palmer family. The period concludes in 1961, when the Hollywood Citizen-News was sold to an outside publisher and the family relinquished their interest in the paper. 2. Is associated with the lives of historic personages important to national, state, city, or local history The building is significant under this criterion for its association with the influential Palmer family and their contributions to the cultural, commercial, and political development of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Publication of the Hollywood Citizen-News was supervised by three generations of the Palmer family, most notably by former attorney, judge, and city official Harlan G. Palmer, Sr., who served as the paper s publisher from its establishment through merger in 1931 until his death in The period of significance for the building under this criterion is , reflecting Harlan G. Palmer s stewardship of the Hollywood Citizen-News. 3. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of construction; or represents a notable work of a master designer, builder, or architect whose individual genius influenced his or her age The building is significant under this criterion as an excellent and intact example of Art Deco commercial architecture designed by architect Francis D. Rutherford in Hollywood. The Art Deco architectural style was most frequently applied to commercial buildings in the early 1930s, and the building reflects the execution of this style at the peak of its popularity. The period of significance for the building under this criterion is 1931, when initial construction was completed. In addition to fulfilling the above criteria for significance, the building has retained integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and as a result continues to convey its original historic identity and significance. For these reasons, the property appears to meet the criteria for designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Page III-24

88 Project Impacts The Proposed Project would rehabilitate and adaptively reuse the Hollywood Citizen News Building for the for the tenant improvement and change of use to include two ground-floor restaurant spaces and a second-floor flexible event space/banquet facility. Potential impacts to the building s exterior facades and interior character-defining spaces are discussed in detail below. Potential Impacts to Exterior Façades As proposed, the Proposed Project would require some alterations and additions to the Hollywood Citizen- News Building. As noted in the Historic Report, the building s exteriors have already undergone some alterations since its initial construction in Openings on the north and west façades have been infilled; some windows on the north, west, and south façades have been replaced, and new windows have been added utilizing metal storefront glazing systems. A new entrance was also added to the north façade. The majority of these alterations took place after the Citizen-News ceased publication and vacated the building in 1970 and were undertaken following the conclusion of the building s periods of significance; the building was later occupied by a number of subsequent tenants who undertook primarily interior alterations beginning in the 1980s and continuing through the 2000s. Indeed, the majority of permits issued from the building s initial construction until the present day are composed of permits for alterations undertaken after The Proposed Project would require some alterations and additions to the building s secondary facades at the north, west, and south. Some portions of the secondary façades subject to alteration as part of the Proposed Project have been previously altered through infill construction completed after the building s periods of significance and currently include non-historic features such as contemporary doors and windows. As a result, these areas are not considered to be character-defining; alterations proposed for these areas are discussed in detail below as part of the Proposed Project but are distinguished within the discussion based on their location. East (Primary) Façade The Proposed Project allows the building s primary (east) façade fronting Wilcox Avenue to remain intact. Existing features and finishes which date from the building s periods of significance would be retained and restored. North (Secondary) Façade The Project proposes alterations to the north façade which would be situated in areas previously subject to later infill construction and alteration, as noted above, and therefore not considered to be character-defining. Alterations proposed for these non-historic areas of the north façade consist of the addition of new openings for a new freight elevator and a new pedestrian entrance. Alterations proposed to areas of existing historic fabric on the north façade include the addition of infill construction over the existing driveway and the associated removal of existing historic windows at the Page III-25

89 second story, the removal of the existing historic freight elevator and infill of the associated opening, the removal of one historic window and infill of the associated opening, and the infill of one existing historic door opening at the ground floor. Existing historic windows above the new first-floor entrances would be retained. South (Secondary) Façade The Project proposes alterations to the south façade which would be situated in areas previously subject to later infill construction and alteration, as noted above, and therefore not considered to be character-defining. Alterations proposed for these non-historic areas of the south façade consist of the replacement of existing non-historic aluminum windows. Alterations proposed to areas of existing historic fabric on the south façade include the addition of infill construction over the existing driveway and the associated removal of existing historic windows at the second story, the removal of portions of the pony wall enclosing the south driveway. One existing historic door and overhang and three adjacent historic windows would be removed to accommodate installation of new double doors required for egress. Remaining existing historic windows at the ground floor would be infilled behind the glass to the required fire rating. One existing historic door would be replaced with a contemporary door within the original historic opening. West (Rear) Façade The Project proposes alterations to the west (rear) façade which would be situated in areas previously subject to later infill construction and alteration, as noted above, and therefore not considered to be character-defining. Alterations proposed for these non-historic areas of the west façade consist of the removal of existing ground-floor non-historic entrance doors and adjacent non-historic windows to accommodate the installation of new entrance doors. Alterations proposed to areas of existing historic fabric on the west façade include the infill of an existing opening at the second-floor stairwell. Existing historic windows above the new first-floor entrances and at the second story would be retained. Potential Impacts to Other Exterior Features The Proposed Project also has the potential to install additional mechanical equipment and screening on the roof of the Citizen-News building. These alterations have the potential to remove original fabric and compromise the integrity of the building. Potential Cumulative Impacts to the Overall Exterior Implementation of the work proposed as part of the Proposed Project would not affect the building s integrity of location, setting, workmanship, feeling, or association. The building would remain intact in its original location and would therefore retain integrity of location and setting. Additionally, the building Page III-26

90 would continue to retain the physical evidence of period construction techniques, including original finishes and design elements that reflect the character and identity of the building as an Art Deco commercial building, and would therefore retain integrity of workmanship. Furthermore, the building would continue to retain a majority of the character-defining features of its original construction and would continue to convey the original aesthetic and historic character of the building as the headquarters of the Hollywood Citizen-News. Therefore, the building would continue to retain integrity of feeling. The only aspects of integrity that could potentially be impacted by the Proposed Project are design and materials. The Project proposes the two additions to the building over the existing driveways at the north and south facades, which has the potential to alter the building s existing design. However, these additions are limited to infill construction between existing projecting volumes at the second floor and are confined to portions of the secondary north and south facades. As such, these additions do not constitute a significant disruption to the building s overall form and massing. The building would continue to retain most of the character-defining features associated with its original design and construction, which include but are not limited to the original building plan, setback, form, and massing; sidewalk skylights; concrete construction; symmetrical 13-bay primary façade; central primary entrance with projecting tile surround; integrated vehicle portals within the north and south bays; secondary entrance set within a metal-framed bay; asymmetrically-composed secondary façades; geometric fretwork frieze; flat roof surrounded by a parapet wall; and saw tooth skylights. These essential physical features reflecting the building s original design would remain intact, and therefore the building would continue to retain integrity of design. The Proposed Project also proposes to remove existing historic windows and doors on the secondary north, south, and west façades, which would reduce the number of extant character-defining features associated with the building s construction and has the potential to impact the building s historic fabric and character. However, the addition of new entrances and fenestration to the building would be limited to the secondary façades; the primary (east) façade fronting North Wilcox Avenue would remain intact and existing features and finishes which date from the building s periods of significance and are visible from the public right-ofway would be retained and restored. In addition, the majority of new openings created would be located within original openings on the secondary façades which were infilled by subsequent tenants after the Citizen-News vacated the building. As these openings were altered following the building s periods of significance, their current condition is not considered to be character-defining. As a result, the addition of new doors within these openings does not constitute a significant impact to a historic resource. Furthermore, the population of existing historic windows to be removed as part of the Proposed Project does not constitute the full complement of the building s fenestration; existing historic fenestration would be preserved on the building s primary (east) façade and select examples would also be retained on the secondary north, south, and west façades. The building would continue to retain the key exterior materials dating from the periods of significance, including smooth cement plaster and granite cladding; fixed, sash, and awning-style metalframe windows with divided lights and transoms; fully-glazed wood and metal entrance doors; decorative cast transom panels; and glazed terra cotta tile surrounds. These character-defining features related to the Page III-27

91 building s original construction would remain intact, and therefore the building would continue to retain integrity of materials. Because the building would continue to retain integrity of location, design, setting, workmanship, and feeling, it would remain sufficiently intact to convey its original Art Deco design by architect Francis Rutherford as well as its historic role as the headquarters of the Hollywood Citizen-News. Therefore, integrity of association would also remain unaffected by the Proposed Project. While the Proposed Project has the potential to alter and/or remove character-defining features that are important in conveying the historic significance of the property, resulting in a significant impact to a historic resource as defined by CEQA, with appropriate mitigation to ensure that essential character-defining features are retained and that the rehabilitation of the Hollywood Citizen-News Building would conform to the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation, the Proposed Project would not materially alter the building such that it can no longer convey its historic significance and identity. The Proposed Project would therefore result in a less-than-significant impact to a historic resource as defined by CEQA. Potential Impacts to Interior Spaces As proposed, construction associated with the Proposed Project would be largely confined to the interior of the Citizen-News Building. These alterations would include substantial spatial reconfiguration and remodeling of the interior spaces at the basement, ground floor, and second-floor levels. These interior alterations would be limited to areas which have been previously altered and no longer retain characterdefining features dating from the building s periods of significance. After the Citizen-News ceased publication and vacated the building in 1970, the building s interiors were substantially altered by subsequent tenants. As a result, most of the building s interior spatial configurations were altered, and most interior character-defining features were removed and/or replaced during the 1980s through the 2000s. Only the editorial lobby (Wilcox Lobby) at the southeast corner of the building retains its original spatial configuration and interior finishes. The adjacent former advertising lobby has retained its original tile floor, but no other original finishes appear to remain. Because the majority of these interior alterations occurred following the building s periods of significance and prior to the commencement of the Proposed Project, the building currently retains very few interior character-defining configurations, fixtures, and finishes. Those extant interior character-defining features that date from the building s periods of significance, continue to convey its historic character, and are considered character-defining are limited to the editorial lobby (Wilcox Lobby) and its associated spatial configuration, fixtures, and finishes contained within; and the floor of the former advertising lobby. The editorial lobby would remain intact and would not be altered by the Proposed Project. Therefore, the rehabilitation of the building s interiors as proposed by the Proposed Project would not constitute a significant impact to a historic resource. Page III-28

92 Impacts Analysis Using Los Angeles CEQA Thresholds The following analysis uses the thresholds provided in the City of Los Angeles CEQA Thresholds Guide. 1. Would the Project involve the demolition of a significant resource? The Proposed Project does not propose the demolition of any significant resources on the Project Site or in the surrounding area. 2. Would the Project involve relocation that does not maintain the integrity of a significant resource? The Proposed Project does not involve the relocation of any significant resources on the Project Site or in the surrounding area. 3. Would the Project involve conversion, rehabilitation or alteration of a significant resource which does not conform to the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings? The Proposed Project would rehabilitate the Hollywood Citizen-News Building, which has been found eligible for listing in the National Register, California Register and local listing. With appropriate mitigation to ensure that rehabilitation of the Hollywood Citizen-News Building will conform to the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation, the Proposed Project would not involve conversion, rehabilitation, or alteration of a significant resource that does not conform to the Secretary of the Interior s Standards. 4. Would the Project involve construction that reduces the integrity or significance of important resources on the site or in the vicinity? The Proposed Project would rehabilitate the Hollywood Citizen-News Building, which has been found eligible for listing in the National Register, California Register, and as a City of Los Angeles Historic- Cultural Monument. With appropriate mitigation to ensure that rehabilitation of the Hollywood Citizen- News Building will conform to the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation, the Proposed Project would not involve construction that reduces the integrity or significance of important resources on the site or in the vicinity. Analysis of potential impacts to historical resources reveals that the Proposed Project would rehabilitate a building that has been identified as eligible for the National Register, California Register, and for local listing as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. The Proposed Project s rehabilitation would be conducted in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior s Standards. The Proposed Project would not involve the demolition, destruction, relocation, alternation, or construction that reduces the integrity or significance of important resources on the Project Site or in the vicinity. Implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-1, below, would minimize the loss of any character-defining features and/or historic fabric as a result of rehabilitation associated with the Proposed Project and would reduce any impacts to historic resources associated with the Proposed Project to a less than significant level. Page III-29

93 Mitigation Measures: CR-1 Cultural Resources (Rehabilitation of a Historic Resource) The rehabilitation of the Hollywood Citizen-News Building shall conform with the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation. The Applicant shall engage a qualified historic preservation consultant that meets the Secretary of the Interior s Professional Qualifications Standards to oversee the design development and construction for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation. The historic preservation consultant will conduct on-site construction monitoring throughout the construction phase. The Project shall include an on-site interpretive display commemorating the history of the Hollywood Citizen-News Building and its historic significance. This display may include historic photos, drawings and narrative text. CR-2 Cultural Resources (Future Maintenance of a Historic Resource) The Applicant shall nominate the Hollywood Citizen-News Building for designation as a City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in recognition of its historic significance. A Historic Structure Report (HSR) shall be developed for the Hollywood Citizen News Building to document its historic significance, identify character-defining features, and establish treatments for its continued preservation. The HSR will be developed in accordance with Preservation Brief 43: The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports, available from the National Park Service. The HSR shall include specifications for the treatment of character-defining features, which will include but are not limited to sections for the treatment of historic fabric; quality control; substitution procedures; demolitions; selective removal and storage of historic materials; protection, patching, and cleaning; and determination of repair options and potential replacement of severely deteriorated features. b) Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to CEQA ? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a significant impact may occur if grading or excavation activities associated with the Proposed Project would disturb archaeological resources. No known archaeological sites are identified on the Project Site. There is no evidence that suggests any archaeological sites or archaeological resources exist on the Project Site. 17 The 17 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Environmental and Public Facilities Maps: Prehistoric and Historic Archaeological Sites and Survey Areas in the City of Los Angeles, September Page III-30

94 Project Site has been previously developed and is located in a highly urbanized area of the Hollywood Community Plan area in the City of Los Angeles. The Project Site is developed with a two-story office building and has been previously disturbed. The Proposed Project would include the interior renovation of the ground level and second levels for the operation of two full-service restaurants on the ground floor and flexible event space on the second level. The construction phase does not propose any grading or excavation activities. Thus, there is no potential for the accidental discovery of archaeological materials beneath the Project Site. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not cause a substantial adverse change to archaeological resources, and no impact would occur. c) Would the project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a significant impact may occur if grading or excavation activities associated with the Proposed Project were to disturb paleontological resources or geologic features which presently exist within the Project Site. The Project Site has been previously graded and is currently improved with a two-story office building. The Project Site and immediate surrounding areas do not contain any known vertebrate paleontological resources. 18 The Proposed Project s construction would be limited to the interior of the existing building with some minor exterior alterations and does not propose any grading or excavation activities. Thus, there is no potential for the accidental discovery of paleontological resources beneath the Project Site. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource, and no impact would occur. d) Would the project disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project-related significant adverse effect could occur if grading activities associated with the proposed project would disturb previously interred human remains. No known human burials have been identified on the Project Site or its vicinity. The Proposed Project s construction would be limited to interior renovation of the existing building with some minor exterior alterations and does not propose any grading or excavation activities. Therefore, there is no potential for the possible discovery of human remains at the Project Site. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not disturb any human remains, and no impact would occur. 18 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Environmental and Public Facilities Maps: Vertebrate Paleontological Resources in the City of Los Angeles, September Page III-31

95 Cumulative Impacts Less Than Significant Impact. Implementation of the Proposed Project, in combination with the related projects in the Project Site vicinity, would result in the continued redevelopment and revitalization of the surrounding area. Impacts to cultural resources tend to be site-specific and are assess on a site-by-site basis. Each of the related projects would be required to implement mitigation measures, if necessary, that may be prescribed pursuant to CEQA provisions that require potentially significant impacts to be reduced to less than significant levels. As such, the geographic scope of the analysis is the Project Site. The Proposed Project would retain and rehabilitate a designated historic resource within the Hollywood area and as such, would not result in any adverse significant impacts upon historic buildings with mitigation. Additionally, the Proposed Project would not result in any earthwork or grading activities and would not have the potential to impact any archaeological or paleontological resource that may exist below grade. Therefore, the Proposed Project s incremental contribution to a cumulative impact upon cultural resources would be less than significant. VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS In 2015, the California Supreme court in California Building Industry Association v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District, 62 Cal.4th 369 ( CBIA v. BAAQMD ) held that CEQA generally does not require a lead agency to consider the impacts of the existing environment on the future residents or users of the project. The revised thresholds are intended to comply with this decision. Specifically, the decision held that an impact from the existing environment to the project, including future users, is not an impact for purposes of CEQA. However, if the project, including future users, exacerbates existing hazardous environmental conditions that already exist, that impact must be assessed, including how it might affect future users of the Proposed Project. Thus, in accordance with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines and the CBIA v. BAAQMD decision, the Proposed Project would have a significant impact related to geology and soils if it would result in any of the following impacts. a) Would the project exacerbate existing hazardous environmental conditions by bringing people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. Less Than Significant Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a significant impact may occur if a project site is located within a State-designated Alquist-Priolo Zone or other designated fault zone. The Project Site is not within a currently established Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone for surface fault rupture hazards. 19 The Project Site is located in the seismically active Southern 19 City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, City of Los Angeles Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), website: accessed July Page III-32

96 California region, and could be subjected to moderate to strong ground shaking in the event of an earthquake on one of the many active Southern California faults. The nearest fault to the Project Site is the Hollywood Fault, approximately 0.5 mile north of the Project Site. No active or potentially active faults with the possibility for surface fault rupture are known to pass directly beneath the Project Site. The construction, maintenance and operation of the Proposed Project would comply with existing state and local regulations, including the California Building Code and the Los Angeles Building Code, to the satisfaction of the Department of Building and Safety. Therefore, Proposed Project would not expose people or structures to substantial adverse effects associated with fault rupture, caused in whole or in part by the Proposed Project s exacerbation of the existing hazardous environmental conditions, since the Project Site is not located on a fault zone. Thus, the potential for surface rupture due to faulting occurring beneath the Project Site during the design life of the Proposed Project is considered low, and the potential for impacts would be considered less than significant. b) Would the project exacerbate existing hazardous environmental conditions by bringing people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving strong seismic ground shaking? Less Than Significant Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a significant impact may occur if a project represents an increased risk to public safety or destruction of property by exposing people, property, or infrastructure to seismically induced ground shaking hazards that are greater than the average risk associated with other locations in Southern California. The Project Site is located within a seismically active region, as is all of Southern California. The intensity of ground shaking depends upon the earthquake magnitude, the distance from the source and the site response characteristics. The Project Site is not located within a seismic hazard zone for landsliding or faulting, as delineated by the State of California, in accordance with the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act or the Alquist-Priolo Act. The primary seismic hazard for this Project Site is the potential for strong ground motion from future earthquakes within the Los Angeles Basin. Since the Project Site has been previously graded and currently developed with a two-story office building, the Project Site is considered suitable for the construction of the Proposed Project provided that the recommendations included in the design and construction of the Proposed Project are to the satisfaction of the Department of Building and Safety. The Proposed Project would only involve minor changes to the exterior and does not involve restructuring the foundations of the existing building. Accordingly, the design and construction of the Proposed Project shall conform to the California Building Code seismic standards as approved by the Department of Building and Safety. Sign off from the Department of Building and Safety would ensure that the Proposed Project meets the applicable performance measures and would not have the potential to exacerbate existing hazardous environmental conditions that would create a significant hazard with respect to strong seismic ground shaking. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. c) Would the project exacerbate existing hazardous environmental conditions by bringing people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? Page III-33

97 Less Than Significant Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a significant impact may occur if the Project Site is located within a liquefaction zone. Liquefaction is the loss of soil strength or stiffness due to a buildup of pore-water pressure during cyclic loading conditions such as those induced by an earthquake. Liquefaction is associated primarily with loose (low density), saturated, fine- to medium-grained, cohesionless soils. Liquefaction-related effects include loss of bearing strength, amplified ground oscillations, lateral spreading, and flow failures. Based on the City of Los Angeles General Plan Safety Element, the Project Site is located in an area designated as liquefiable. 20 However, according to the State of California Seismic Hazard Zones map for the Hollywood Quadrangle (CDMG 1999), the Project Site is not classified as a part of the potentially Liquefiable area. This determination is based on groundwater depth records, soil type, and distance to a fault capable of producing a substantial earthquake. Therefore, the potential for liquefaction occurring at the Project Site is considered to be low. The Proposed Project would not demolish or reconstruct the existing building and would be limited to minor exterior changes and interior renovation only. No grading or foundational restructuring is proposed. As stated previously, the design and construction of the Proposed Project shall conform to the California Building Code seismic standards as approved by the Department of Building and Safety. Sign off from the Department of Building and Safety would ensure that the Proposed Project meets the applicable performance measures and would not have the potential to exacerbate existing conditions with regard to liquefaction, since the potential for liquefaction is low. Therefore, impacts with respect to liquefaction would be less than significant. d) Would the project exacerbate existing hazardous environmental conditions by bringing people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving landslides? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant geologic hazard impact if it would cause or accelerate geologic hazards which would result in substantial damage to structures or infrastructure, or expose people to substantial risk of injury. A project-related significant adverse effect may occur if the Project Site is located in a hillside area with soil conditions that would suggest a high potential for sliding. Based on the State of California Seismic Hazard Zones map for the Hollywood Quadrangle (CDMG 1999), the Project Site is not located within a seismic hazard zone for landsliding or faulting. Based on the City of Los Angeles General Plan Safety Element, the Project Site is not located in a landslide inventory nor within a hillside area. 21 Additionally, according to the State of California Seismic Hazard Zones map, the Project Site is not located within an area with potential for earthquake-induced landslides. 22 The Project Site and immediate 20 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Safety Element of the Los Angeles City General Plan, Exhibit B: Areas Susceptible to Liquefaction In the City of Los Angeles, October City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Safety Element of the Los Angeles City General Plan, Exhibit C: Landslide Inventory & Hillside Areas In the City of Los Angeles, June State of California, Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, Hollywood Quadrangle, Seismic Hazard Zones, Los Angeles County, California, March 25, Page III-34

98 surrounding area are relatively level with very little elevation change. There are no known landslides near the Project Site, nor is the Project Site in the path of any known or potential landslides. The probability of landslides, including seismically induced landslides, is considered to be very low due to the general lack of elevation difference across or adjacent to the Project Site. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not exacerbate existing hazardous environmental conditions that would result in the exposure of people or structure to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving landslides, and no impact would occur. e) Would the project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have significant sedimentation or erosion impact if it would: (a) constitute a geologic hazard to other properties by causing or accelerating instability from erosion; or (b) accelerate natural processes of wind and water erosion and sedimentation, resulting in sediment runoff or deposition which would not be contained or controlled on-site. Construction The Proposed Project would renovate the ground level and second level of the existing two-story office building. The Proposed Project would be limited to interior construction with some exterior alterations and is not expected to expose any soil. The construction phase does not anticipate any grading or earthwork activities. Therefore, the risk of soil erosion and loss of topsoil are considered low, and no impact would occur. Operation The potential for soil erosion during the ongoing operation of the Proposed Project is extremely low due to the generally level topography of the Project Site, and the fact that the Project Site is mostly paved-over or built upon that so little soil would be exposed. As such, the Proposed Project would result in no impact with respect to erosion or loss of topsoil during the operation of the Proposed Project. f) Would the project be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse caused in whole or in part by the project s exacerbation of the existing environmental conditions? Less Than Significant Impact. In accordance with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines and the CBIA v. BAAQMD decision, the Proposed Project would have a significant impact related to geology and soils if it is located on a geological unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the Proposed Project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse caused in whole or in part by the Proposed Project s exacerbation of existing environmental conditions. Page III-35

99 According to the State of California Seismic Hazard Zones map for the Hollywood Quadrangle (CDMG 1999), the Project Site is not classified as a part of the potentially Liquefiable area. Additionally, the topography of the Project Site and surrounding area is relatively level with little elevation change. There are no known landslides near the Project Site, nor is the Project Site in the path of any known or potential landslides. Since the Project Site has been previously developed and is expected to only renovate the interior portions and some exterior access points of the existing building, geotechnical conditions are favorable for the Proposed Project provided that the design and construction of the Proposed Project to the satisfaction of the Department of Building and Safety. The design and construction of the Proposed Project shall conform to the California Building Code seismic standards as approved by the Department of Building and Safety, which would ensure impacts associated with unstable geologic unit or soils remain less than significant. As such, construction and operation of the Proposed Project would not have the potential to exacerbate current environmental conditions that would create a significant hazard with respect to landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse, and impacts would be less than significant. g) Would the project be located on expansive soil, as identified in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property caused in whole or in part by the project exacerbating the expansive soil conditions? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant geologic hazard impact if it would cause or accelerate geologic hazards, which would result in substantial damage to structures or infrastructure, or expose people to substantial risk of injury. A significant impact may occur if the Proposed Project is built on expansive soils without proper site preparation or design features to provide adequate foundations for buildings, thus posing a hazard to life and property. The Proposed Project would renovate the interior portions of the ground floor and second level only and would renovate only minor exterior facades. Since the Project Site has been previously graded and is currently developed with a two-story office building, geotechnical conditions are favorable for the Proposed Project provided that the design and construction of the Proposed Project to the satisfaction of the Department of Building and Safety. No grading or earthwork activities are anticipated for the construction of the Proposed Project s commercial spaces. Special considerations are not required. Reinforcing beyond the minimum required by the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is not required. Therefore, no impact would occur with respect to expansive soils. h) Would the project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? No Impact. This question would apply to the Proposed Project only if it was located in an area not served by an existing sewer system. The Project Site is located in a developed area of Hollywood within the City of Los Angeles, which is served by a wastewater collection, conveyance and treatment system operated by the City of Los Angeles. No septic tanks or alternative disposal systems neither are necessary, nor are they proposed. Thus, no impact would occur. Page III-36

100 Cumulative Impacts Less Than Significant Impact. Geotechnical hazards are site-specific and there is little, if any, cumulative geological relationship between the Proposed Project and any of the 109 related projects. The geologic impacts on each related project site are specific to that site, and would not contribute to shared impacts on or with other sites. Similar to the Proposed Project, potential impacts related to geology and soils would be assessed on a case-by-case basis and, if necessary, the applicants of the related projects would be required to adhere to appropriate regulatory compliance measures. The Proposed Project would not reconstruct the existing building and would be limited to interior renovation and minor exterior alterations only. The design and construction of the Proposed Project shall conform to the California Building Code seismic standards as approved by the Department of Building and Safety. As such, compliance with the regulatory compliance measures discussed above and compliance with the Department of Building and Safety would ensure potential Proposed Project impacts are less than significant. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not make a cumulatively considerable contribution to any potential cumulative impacts, and cumulative geology and soil impacts would be less than significant. VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions refer to a group of emissions that have the potential to trap heat in the atmosphere and consequently affect global climate conditions. Scientific studies have concluded that there is a direct link between increased emission of GHGs and long-term global temperature. The principal GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), nitrous oxide (N 2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and water vapor (H 2O). CO 2 is the reference gas for climate change because it is the predominant greenhouse gas emitted. To account for the varying warming potential of different GHGs, GHG emissions are often quantified and reported as CO 2 equivalents (CO 2e). California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, widely known as AB 32, requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop and enforce regulations for the reporting and verification of statewide GHG emissions. CARB is directed to set a statewide GHG emission limit, based on 1990 levels, to be achieved by The bill set a timeline for adopting a scoping plan for achieving GHG reductions in a technologically and economically feasible manner. The heart of the bill is the requirement that statewide GHG emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by As previously determined by CARB, California projected it needed to reduce GHG emissions to a level approximately 28.4% below CARB s 2020 business-as-usual GHG emission projections (as set forth in the 2008 Scoping Plan) to achieve this goal. 23 The bill requires CARB to adopt rules and regulations in an open public process to achieve the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective GHG reductions. 23 CARB has not calculated the percent reduction required to achieve AB 32 s mandate of returning to 1990 levels of GHG emissions by The value of 28.4% is the required reduction to achieve 1990 emissions in 2020 is an approximate value. Based on the Scoping Plan estimates and conservative rounding, the value could be 28.5%. Page III-37

101 Climate Change Scoping Plan In December 2008, CARB approved a Climate Change Scoping Plan. The Climate Change Scoping Plan calls for a coordinated set of solutions to address all major categories of GHG emissions. The Initial Scoping Plan in 2008 presented the first economy-wide approach to reducing emissions and highlighted the value of combining both carbon pricing with other complementary programs to meet California s 2020 GHG emissions cap while ensuring progress in all sectors. The coordinated set of policies in the Initial Scoping Plan employed strategies tailored to specific needs, including market-based compliance mechanisms, performance standards, technology requirements, and voluntary reductions. The Initial Scoping Plan also described a conceptual design for a cap-and-trade program that included eventual linkage to other cap-and-trade programs to form a larger regional trading program. AB 32 requires CARB to update the scoping plan at least every five years. The First Update to the Scoping Plan (First Update), approved in May 2014, presented an update on the program and its progress toward meeting the 2020 limit. It also developed the first vision for the long-term progress that the State endeavors to achieve. In doing so, the First Update laid the groundwork to transition to the post-2020 goals set forth in Executive Orders S-3-05 and B It also recommended the need for a 2030 mid-term target to establish a continuum of actions to maintain and continue reductions, rather than only focusing on targets for 2020 or In December 2017, CARB adopted California s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan (2017 Scoping Plan) that establishes a proposed framework of action for California to meet a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and substantially advance toward the 2050 climate goal of 80 percent below 1990 levels. The 2017 Scoping Plan is part of the public process to update the AB 32 Scoping Plan to reflect Governor s Executive Order B and SB 32, which establish a mid-term GHG emission reduction target for California of 40 percent below 1990 levels by All State agencies with jurisdiction over sources of GHG emissions were directed to implement measures to achieve reductions of GHG emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 targets. CARB and other State agencies are identifying the suite of programs, regulations, incentives, and supporting actions needed to continue driving down emissions and ensure we are on a trajectory to meet our mid- and long-term climate goals. The 2017 Scoping Plan includes input from a range of State agencies and is the result of a two-year development process including extensive public and stakeholder outreach designed to ensure that California s climate and air quality efforts continue to improve public health and drive development of a more sustainable economy. The 2017 Scoping Plan reflects the direction from the legislature on the Capand-Trade Program, as described in AB 398, the need to extend the key existing emissions reductions 24 Executive Order S established three targets: 1) By 2010, reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels; 2) By 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels; 3) By 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels. Executive Order B facilitated the commercialization of zero-emission vehicles and reestablished the 2050 target to reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels. Page III-38

102 programs, and acknowledges the parallel actions required under AB 617 to strengthen monitoring and reduce air pollution at the community level. Cap-and-Trade Program The AB 32 Scoping Plan identifies a cap-and-trade program as one of the strategies California will employ to reduce the GHG emissions that cause climate change. This program will help put California on the path to meet its goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020, and ultimately achieving an 80% reduction from 1990 levels by Under cap-and-trade, an overall limit on GHG emissions from capped sectors will be established by the cap-and-trade program and facilities subject to the cap will be able to trade permits (allowances) to emit GHGs. Cap-and-trade is a market-based regulation that is designed to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) from multiple sources. Cap-and-trade sets a firm limit or cap on GHGs and minimizes the compliance costs of achieving AB 32 goals. The cap will decline approximately 3 percent each year beginning in Trading creates incentives to reduce GHGs below allowable levels through investments in clean technologies. With a carbon market, a price on carbon is established for GHGs. Market forces spur technological innovation and investments in clean energy. The Proposed Project would be exempt from the Cap-and-Trade program, since it only proposes commercial uses and does not propose any industrial or high-emitting land uses. California Green Building Standards The California Green Building Standards Code, which is Part 11 of the California Code of Regulations, is commonly referred to as the CALGreen Code. Statewide reductions in GHG emissions from construction is being accomplished through continuous updates to the CALGreen Code and other State- mandated laws and regulations. The CALGreen Code encourages sustainable construction practices in planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality. The CALGreen Code provides for design options allowing the designer to determine how best to achieve compliance for a given site or building condition. The CALGreen Code also requires building commissioning which is a process for the verification that all building systems, like heating and cooling equipment and lighting systems are functioning at their maximum efficiency. Originally adopted in 2008, the CALGreen Code included all voluntary standards that went beyond the basic building code requirements and introduced new standards for reducing water use, provisions for reducing and recycling construction and demolition waste, criteria for site development to locate buildings near public transit, and measures for improving indoor air quality to protect the health of building occupants. In 2010, the CALGreen Code became mandatory on a statewide basis. The Proposed Project would implement the 2016 CALGreen Code (effective January 1, 2017) and any future additional construction activities necessary. City of Los Angeles Sustainable City plan On April 8, 2015, Mayor Eric Garcetti released the Los Angeles first ever Sustainable City plan (The plan). The plan sets the course for a cleaner environment and a stronger economy, with commitment to Page III-39

103 equity as its foundation. The plan is made up of short term (by 2017) and long term (2025 and 2035) targets. The plan set out an ambitious vision for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the impact of climate change and building support for national and global initiatives. Los Angeles has moved to the forefront of climate innovation and leadership through bold actions on energy efficiency and electric vehicle as well as renewable energy and greenhouse gas accounting. L.A. has already reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below 1990 levels as of 2013, nearly halfway to the goal of 45% below by The City has been working to increase the generation of renewable energy, improve energy conservation and efficiency, and change transportation and land use patterns to reduce dependence on automobiles. LA Green Building Code The City of Los Angeles L.A. Green Building Code (Ordinance No. 181,480), which incorporates applicable provisions of the CALGreen Code, and in many cases outlines more stringent GHG reduction measures available to development projects in the City of Los Angeles is consistent with statewide goals and policies in place for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, including AB 32 and the corresponding Scoping Plan. Among the many GHG reduction measures outlined later in this Section, the L.A. Green Building Code requires new development projects to incorporate infrastructure to support future electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), exceed the prescriptive water conservation plumbing fixture requirements of Sections through of the California Plumbing Code by 20%, meet the requirements of the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards, and comply with the construction and demolition solid waste handling and diversion requirements mandated in Section of the LAMC. New development projects are required to comply with the L.A. Green Building Code, and therefore are generally considered consistent with statewide GHG-reduction goals and policies, including SB RTP/SCS On April 7, 2016, SCAG adopted the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy: Towards a Sustainable Future (2016 RTP/SCS). Within the RTP, the SCS demonstrates the region s ability to attain and exceed the GHG emission-reduction targets set forth by CARB. The SCS sets forth a regional plan for integrating the transportation network and related strategies with an overall land use pattern that responds to projected growth, housing needs, changing demographics, and transportation demands. The regional vision of the SCS maximizes current voluntary local efforts that support the goals of SB 375, as evidenced by several Compass Blueprint Demonstration Projects and various county transportation improvements. The SCS focuses the majority of new housing and job growth in High-Quality Transit Areas and other opportunity areas in existing main streets, downtowns, and commercial corridors, resulting in an improved jobs-housing balance and more opportunity for transit-oriented development. This overall land use development pattern supports and complements the proposed transportation network that emphasizes system preservation, active transportation, and transportation demand management measures. By analyzing the performance of land use changes and transportation strategies related to GHG emissions reductions, the 2016 RTP/SCS concluded that GHG emissions per capita relative to 2005 emissions would be reduced by 8% in 2020, 18% in 2035, and 21% in 2040 in the SCAG region, which would exceed CARB s required reduction targets. These future GHG goals and conditions would be met in 2040 if investments and strategies detailed in the 2016 RTP/SCS are fully realized. Page III-40

104 SCAQMD SCAQMD has released draft guidance regarding interim CEQA GHG significance thresholds. In October 2008, SCAQMD proposed the use of a percent emission reduction target to determine significance for commercial/residential projects that emit greater than 3,000 metric tons of CO 2e per year. On December 5, 2008, the SCAQMD Governing Board adopted the staff proposal for an interim GHG significance threshold for stationary source/industrial projects where SCAQMD is lead agency. However, SCAQMD has yet to formally adopt a GHG significance threshold for land use development projects (e.g., residential/commercial projects) and has formed a GHG Significance Threshold Working Group to further evaluate potential GHG significance thresholds. a) Would the project generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? Less Than Significant Impact. Notwithstanding the regulatory plans and building code updates discussed above, there are no federal, state or local adopted thresholds of significance for addressing a residential project s GHG emissions pursuant to CEQA. Section of the CEQA Guidelines provides direction to lead agencies in determining the significance of the impacts of GHGs, however, it does not establish a specific threshold of significance. Since neither the SCAQMD nor the City of Los Angeles have adopted quantitative thresholds of significance for a non-residential project s generation of greenhouse gas emissions, the following analysis is based on a combination of the requirements outlined in the CEQA Guidelines. As required in Section of the CEQA Guidelines, this analysis includes an impact determination based on the following: (1) The extent to which the project may increase or reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to the existing environmental setting; (2) Whether the project emissions exceed a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines applies to the project; and (3) The extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. The Guidelines do not mandate the use of absolute numerical thresholds to measure the significance of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, for purposes of this analysis, a significant impact would occur if the Proposed Project s design features are not substantially consistent with the applicable policies and/or regulations outlined in the 2017 Scoping Plan, SB 375, SCAG s 2016 RTP/SCS, and the L.A. Green Building Code. Construction Emissions Construction of the Proposed Project would emit GHG emissions through the combustion of fossil fuels by the use of construction equipment and through vehicle trips generated by construction workers traveling to Page III-41

105 and from the Project Site. These impacts would vary day to day over the approximate 12-month duration of construction activities. Emissions of GHGs were calculated using CalEEMod Version for the construction duration of the Proposed Project and the results of this analysis are presented in Table III-4, Project Construction-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions. As shown in Table III-4, the total GHG emissions from construction activities related to the Proposed Project would be approximately metric tons. Operational Emissions Table III-4 Proposed Project Construction-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions Year CO2e Emissions (Metric Tons per Year) a Total Construction GHG Emissions Notes: a Construction CO2 values were derived using CalEEMod Version Calculation data and results are provided in Appendix C, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculations Worksheets. Parker Environmental Consultants, Baseline GHG Emissions The average daily GHG emissions generated by the existing Project Site have been estimated utilizing the CalEEMod computer model recommended by the SCAQMD. Table III-5 Existing Project Site Greenhouse Gas Emissions, presents the GHG emissions associated with existing operations at the Project Site. As shown in Table III-5, the existing operations on the Project Site generate approximately CO 2 e MTY. Table III-5 Existing Project Site Greenhouse Gas Emissions Emissions Source CO2e Emissions (Metric Tons per Year) Area <0.01 Energy Mobile Waste Water Total Greenhouse gas emissions were estimated using CalEEMod Version Calculation data and results provided in Appendix C, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculations Worksheets. Page III-42

106 Project GHG Emissions The GHG emissions resulting from operation of the Proposed Project, which involves the usage of on-road mobile vehicles, electricity, natural gas, water, landscape equipment and generation of solid waste and wastewater, were calculated under two separate scenarios in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the Project s compliance with SB 32, the L.A. Green Building Code, SCAG s 2016 RTP/SCS, SB 375, and other mitigating features that would be effective in reducing GHG emissions, such as the Project Site being an infill lot, its proximity to transit and walking distance to a major employment center. For purposes of demonstrating the Proposed Project s consistency with SB 32 and the State s goals for reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, the Project s greenhouse gas emissions were quantified to reflect the project s design features such as being an infill development with applicable trip credits for increased density, walkability, transit accessibility, proposing ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, and as otherwise being built in compliance with all applicable Green Building Code requirements and applicable regulatory measures (i.e., compliance with Rule 1113 (low VOC coatings), increasing energy conservation beyond Title 24, implementing on-site solid waste recycling program). As shown in Table III-6, below, the net increase in GHG emissions generated by the Proposed Project under the Project Without GHG Reduction Measures would be 5, CO 2e MTY, and the Proposed Project scenario with GHG reduction measures would result in a net increase of 3, CO 2e MTY. For comparative purposes, the GHG emissions from a base project of the same size and proposed land uses, but without the GHG-reducing design features described above for the Proposed Project was quantified. This comparative analysis demonstrates the effect the Proposed Project s compliance with SB 375 s citing criteria, re-use of existing buildings, and the structural and operational design features such as installing energy efficient lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures, and implementing a construction and operational recycling program during the life of the Project would have with respect to reducing GHG emissions. As shown in Table III-6, the Proposed Project s consistency with applicable plans, policies and code requirements imposed through the City of Los Angeles Green Building Ordinance for purposes of conserving resources and reducing GHG emissions, yields an approximate 29 percent reduction as compared to a base project without such design features and compliance measures. Through required implementation of the L.A. Green Building Code, the Project s mixed-use design, and the Project s location on an infill site, the Proposed Project would be consistent with local and statewide goals and policies aimed at reducing the generation of GHGs, including CARB s SB 32 Scoping Plan aimed at achieving 1990 GHG emission levels by The following describes the benefits and applicability of the Proposed Project s compliance measures and design features that serve to reduce the carbon footprint of the development: 1. Infill Development. The Proposed Project would rehabilitate a two-story office building on an infill site that is located within a Transit Priority Area. The Project Site is also located in an area that is adequately served by existing infrastructure and would not require the extension of utilities or roads to accommodate the proposed development. Page III-43

107 Emissions Source Table III-6 Proposed Project Operational Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimated Project Generated CO2e Emissions (Metric Tons per Year) Base Project Without GHG Reduction Features Proposed Project Percent Reduction a Area <0.01 <0.01 0% Energy 1, , % Mobile 3, b 3, % Waste % Water % Construction Emissions c Proposed Project Total: 5, , % Less Existing Project Site: -- d Project NET TOTAL: 5, , % Notes: a The Percent Reduction is not a quantitative threshold of significance, but shows the efficacy of the Project s compliance with the various regulations, plans and policies that have been adopted with the intent of reducing GHG emissions. b Since the mobile trips already incorporates trip reductions, the GHG emissions prior to reductions was taken by multiplying the ratio of trips prior to reductions with net mitigated trips. c The total construction GHG emissions were amortized over 30 years and added to the operation of the Project. d The existing emissions were not deducted from the Project Without GHG Reduction Measures to demonstrate the benefit of developing on an infill lot with active commercial uses. Calculation data and results provided in Appendix C, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculations Worksheets. 2. Transit Priority Area. The Proposed Project is also located in a Transit Priority Area as defined by CEQA Sections and Studies by the California Department of Transportation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission have found that focusing development in areas served by transit can result in local, regional and statewide benefits including reduced air pollution and energy consumption. The Proposed Project s close proximity to regional transit would result in fewer trips and a reduction to the Proposed Project s vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) as compared to the base trip rates for similar stand-alone commercial uses that are not located in close proximity to transit. 3. Energy Conservation. As mandated by the L.A. Green Building Code, the Proposed Project would be required to meet or exceed Title standards. 4. Solid Waste Reduction Efforts. The Proposed Project would be subject to construction waste diversion and reduction of at least 50 percent. In addition, operation of the Project is subject to AB 939 requirements to divert 50 percent of solid waste to landfills through source reduction, recycling, and composting. As required by the California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991, the Proposed Project would provide adequate storage areas for collection and storage of recyclable waste materials. Furthermore, in response to AB 341, the City s Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Recycling Ordinance requires all mixed C&D waste generated within Page III-44

108 City limits be taken to City-certified C&D waste processors. To ensure compliance with this Ordinance, Building & Safety Building Permit applications require contractors to either identify the Permitted Private Solid Waste Hauler handling C&D waste from their City project or provide the contractor s own Private Solid Waste Hauler Permit should the contractor choose to self-haul C&D waste. 5. Water Conservation. The Proposed Project would be required to provide a schedule of plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings that reduce potable water use within the development by at least 20 percent. It must also provide irrigation design and controllers that are weather- or soil moisturebased and automatically adjust in response to weather conditions and plants needs. Therefore, the Project s generation of GHG emissions would not make a project-specific or cumulatively considerable contribution to GHG emissions, and impacts would be less than significant. Plan Consistency Consistency with SB 32 Scoping Plan While the Scoping Plan provided several board goals and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gasses on a statewide level, some of the policies are applicable or interrelated to the development of specific land use projects at the local level. Provided below is a consistency analysis of the Scoping Plan s policies that are applicable or indirectly applicable to the Proposed Project. Energy Efficiency. The Proposed Project would be consistent with the Scoping Plan s policy to (a) maximize energy efficiency building and appliance standards and pursue additional efficiency efforts including new technologies, and new policy and mechanisms, and (b) to pursue comparable investment in energy efficiency from all retail providers of electricity in California. The Proposed Project would be designed and constructed to meet L.A. Green Building Code standards by including several measures designed to reduce energy consumption including but not limited to installing efficient lighting fixtures, low flow plumbing fixtures, and installing ENERGY Star rated appliances. Renewables Portfolio Standard. The Proposed Project would not impede the Scoping Plan s policy to achieve 33 percent renewable energy mix statewide. While this policy is not directly applicable to the Proposed Project, the Project would use energy from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which has goals to diversify its portfolio of energy sources to increase the use of renewable energy to 35%. Green Building Strategy. The Proposed Project would be consistent with the Scoping Plan s policy to expand the use of green building practices to reduce the carbon footprint of California s new and existing inventory of buildings. The Proposed Project would be designed and constructed to meet L.A. Green Building Code standards by including several measures designed to reduce energy consumption including but not limited to installing efficient lighting fixtures, low flow plumbing fixtures, and installing ENERGY Star rated appliances. Page III-45

109 Recycling and Waste. The Proposed Project would be consistent with the Scoping Plan s policy to reduce methane emissions at landfills, increase waste diversion, composting and other beneficial uses of organic materials and mandate commercial recycling, and to move toward zero waste. The Proposed Project would result in a less than significant impact on landfill capacity. (see response to Checklist Question XVIII, below). It would meet the City s 70 percent waste diversion rate goal and comply with the City s Zero Waste Plan, which will reduce solid waste, increase recycling, and manage trash in the City through the year Water. The Proposed Project would be consistent with the Scoping Plan s policy to continue efficiency programs and use cleaner energy sources to move and treat water. The Proposed Project would use waterefficient low-flow plumbing fixtures that would reduce the demand for potable water on site. As such, the Proposed Project s conservation efforts would be achieved by complying with the L.A. Green Building Code and would further reduce the demands for treating potable water and wastewater. Consistency with SB 375 California SB 375 requires integration of planning processes for transportation, land-use and housing. Under the bill, each Metropolitan Planning Organization would be required to adopt a Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) to encourage compact development that reduces passenger vehicle miles traveled and trips so that the region will meet the target provided in the Scoping Plan, created by CARB, for reducing GHG emissions. SB 375 requires SCAG to direct the development of the SCS for the region. A discussion of the Project s consistency with the SCS is provided further below. Consistency with RTP/SCS The Proposed Project would be consistent with the following key GHG reduction strategies in SCAG s RTP/SCS which are based on changing the region s land use and travel patterns: Provide compact growth in areas accessible to transit; Provide jobs and housing closer to transit; and Provide biking and walking infrastructure to improve active transportation options, transit access. The Proposed Project represents an infill development within an existing urbanized area that would concentrate new commercial uses within a High Quality Transit Area (HQTA). The Proposed Project would provide guests and patrons with convenient access to public transit and opportunities for walking and biking, which would facilitate a reduction in vehicle miles traveled and related vehicular GHG emissions. These and other measures would further promote a reduction in vehicle miles traveled and subsequent reduction in GHG emissions, which would be consistent with the goals of SCAG s RTP/SCS. Page III-46

110 Consistency with L.A. Green Building Code The L.A. Green Building Code contains both mandatory and voluntary green building measures for the reduction of GHG emissions through energy conservation. Among many requirements, the L.A. Green Code requires projects to achieve a 20 percent reduction in potable water use and wastewater generation, meet and exceed Title 24 Standards adopted by the California Energy Commission, meet 50 percent construction waste recycling levels, provide on-site storage for short and long term bicycle parking areas, and provide Energy-Star rated appliances were applicable. The Project would comply with these mandatory measures. Therefore, the Project is consistent with the L.A. Green Building Code. As demonstrated above, the Proposed Project s design features and compliance with regulatory measures would be consistent with local and statewide goals and policies aimed at reducing the generation of GHGs, including CARB s SB 32 Scoping Plan aimed at achieving a 40 percent reduction of 1990 GHG emission levels by In accordance with the City of Los Angeles Green Building Code (Chapter IX, Article 9, of the Los Angeles Municipal Code), the Project shall comply with all applicable mandatory provisions of the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Therefore, the Proposed Project s generation of GHG emissions would not make a project-specific or cumulatively considerable contribution to conflicting with an applicable plan, policy or regulation for the purposes of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. The Proposed Project s impact would be less than significant. b) Would the project conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Less Than Significant Impact. As described above and in Threshold VII(a), the Proposed Project would be consistent with local and statewide goals and policies aimed at reducing the generation of GHGs, including CARB s SB 32 Scoping Plan aimed at achieving a 40 percent reduction of 1990 GHG emission levels by Therefore, the Proposed Project s generation of GHG emissions would not make a projectspecific or cumulatively considerable contribution to conflicting with an applicable plan, policy or regulation for the purposes of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases and, the Proposed Project s impact would be less than significant. Cumulative Impacts The GHG emissions from a building with 36,656 square feet of new commercial space is relatively very small in comparison to state or global GHG emissions and, consequently, they would, in isolation, have no significant direct impact on climate change. Rather, it is the increased accumulation of GHG from more than one project and many sources in the atmosphere that may result in global climate change, which can cause the adverse environmental effects previously discussed. Accordingly, the threshold of significance for GHG emissions determines whether a project s contribution to global climate change is cumulatively considerable. Many regulatory agencies, including the SCAQMD, concur that GHG and climate change should be evaluated as a potentially significant cumulative impact, rather than a project direct impact. Accordingly, the GHG analysis presented above analyzes whether the Proposed Project s impact would be cumulatively considerable using a plan-based approach (and quantitative and qualitative analysis) to Page III-47

111 determine the Proposed Project s contributing effect on global warming. As concluded above, the Proposed Project s generation of GHG emissions would represent a 29 percent reduction in GHG emissions with GHG reduction measures in place as compared to the Project s emissions in the absence of all of the GHG reducing measures and project design features. Furthermore, the Proposed Project would be consistent with all applicable local ordinances, regulations and policies that have been adopted in furtherance of the state and City s goals of reducing GHG emissions. Thus, the Proposed Project would not make a cumulatively considerable contribution to GHG emissions and impacts would be less than significant. VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS a) Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? Less Than Significant Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a significant impact may occur if a project would involve the use or disposal of hazardous materials as part of its routine operations, or would have the potential to generate toxic or otherwise hazardous emissions that could adversely affect sensitive receptors. The Proposed Project includes minor exterior rehabilitation and the interior renovation of the ground floor and second level of an existing two-story office building for the operation of two full-service restaurants and flexible event space. During the operation of the Proposed Project, no hazardous materials other than modest amounts of typical cleaning supplies and solvents used for janitorial purposes would routinely be transported to the Project Site. The use of these substances would comply with State Health Codes and Regulations. Construction could involve the use of potentially hazardous materials, including vehicle fuels, oils, and transmission fluids. However, all potentially hazardous materials would be contained, stored, and used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and handled in compliance with applicable standards and regulations, which include requirements for disposal of hazardous materials at a facility licensed to accept such waste based on its waste classification and the waste acceptance criteria of the permitted disposal facilities. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials, and impacts would be less than significant. b) Would the project create significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accidental conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? Less Than Significant Impact. A project would normally have a significant impact to hazards and hazardous materials if: (a) the project involved a risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation); or (b) the project involved the creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard. According to the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, the determination of significance shall be made on a case-by-case basis considering the following factors: (a) the regulatory framework for the health hazard; (b) the probable frequency and severity of consequences to people or property as a result of a potential accidental release or explosion of a hazardous substance; (c) Page III-48

112 the degree to which project design will reduce the frequency or severity of a potential accidental release or explosion of a hazardous substance; (d) the probable frequency and severity of consequences to people from exposure to the health hazard; and (e) the degree to which project design would reduce the frequency of exposure or severity of consequences to exposure to the health hazard. Construction Based on the Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor Database, the Project Site is not listed for cleanup, permitting, or investigation of any hazardous waste contamination. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not handle, dispose, or store any hazardous materials during the Proposed Project s construction activities. Additionally, the Proposed Project would not exacerbate any hazardous conditions on the Project Site that could create a significant hazard. As such, the Proposed Project does not include potential sources of contaminants that could potentially release hazardous materials. As discussed above, construction could involve the use of potentially hazardous materials, including vehicle fuels, oils, and transmission fluids. However, all potentially hazardous materials would be contained, stored, and used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and handled in compliance with applicable standards and regulations, which include requirements for disposal of hazardous materials at a facility licensed to accept such waste based on its waste classification and the waste acceptance criteria of the permitted disposal facilities. Flammable Materials Construction of the Proposed Project would increase the potential for accidental on-site fires from the operation of construction equipment and the use of flammable construction materials. The implementation of best management practices (BMPs) for the operation of mechanical equipment and the use of flammable construction materials by construction contractors and work crews would minimize fire hazards associated with the construction of the Proposed Project. The BMPs that would be implemented during construction of the Project would include: keeping mechanical equipment in good operating condition, and as required by law, carefully storing flammable materials in appropriate containers, and the immediate and complete cleanup of spills of flammable materials when they occur. Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) The existing building was constructed in Commercial use of asbestos containing materials (ACM) as a building material was banned by the federal government in Since the on-site building was built prior to 1989, asbestos-containing materials may be present. Exposure to ACMs would be harmful to construction workers. Prior to the construction activities, a complete asbestos survey would be conducted to identify all sources of asbestos, as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulation and the South Coast Air Quality Management District s (SCAQMD s) Rule Bulk samples of all materials that are suspected of containing asbestos would be collected and analyzed for asbestos content. Asbestos removal is stringently controlled by Federal Regulations and SCAQMD Rule Removal of asbestos in a building is not unusual and can be readily accomplished. In accordance with the EPA s NESHAP regulation and Page III-49

113 SCAQMD s Rule 1403, all materials that are identified as ACMs would be removed by a trained and licensed asbestos abatement contractor. The asbestos removal operations would be conducted in accordance with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Asbestos for the Construction Industry Standard, SCAQMD and EPA rules and regulations and industry standards. The contractor selected for the removal process would be chosen based on experience, reputation, and relationship with local agencies such as SCAQMD and OSHA regional offices. Generally, asbestos removal operations are low risk. When following asbestos-related regulations, the possibility of exposure to airborne asbestos fibers from asbestos removal projects is limited. The SCAQMD has very specific regulations for asbestos emissions. Provided the removal and disposal of ACMs from the Project Site follows the various guidelines required by SCAQMD Rule 1403, as well as all other applicable state and federal rules and regulations, hazardous materials impacts relative to exposure to asbestos would be less than significant. Lead-Based Paint The existing building was constructed in The federal government banned the use of lead in household paints in Based on the age of the on-site structure, there is a potential for lead-based paint at the Project Site. Exposure of workers to lead-based paint during demolition of the existing structures would be hazardous to the health of the construction workers. A qualified lead-based paint abatement consultant would be required to comply with applicable state and federal rules and regulations governing lead paint abatement. Prior to issuance of any permit for the demolition or alteration of the existing structure(s), a lead-based paint survey shall be performed to the written satisfaction of the Department of Building and Safety. Should lead-based paint materials be identified, standard handling and disposal practices shall be implemented pursuant to OSHA regulations. Compliance with mandatory state and federal regulations would ensure that the potential lead-based paint on-site would be handled properly and impacts associated with the exposure to lead-based paint would be less than significant. Operation The Proposed Project, once operational, would not use hazardous materials other than modest amounts of typical cleaning supplies and solvents used for janitorial purposes that are typically associated with the operation of the Proposed Project and the use of these substances would comply with State Health Codes and Regulations. With the Proposed Project s compliance with mandatory state and federal regulatory compliance measures, potential impacts associated with the release of a hazardous material would be less than significant. c) Would the project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? Less Than Significant Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project-related significant adverse effect may occur if the Project Site is located within 0.25-mile of an existing or proposed school site, and is projected to release toxic emissions, which would pose a health hazard beyond regulatory thresholds. Page III-50

114 There are three schools that are approximately within one-quarter mile from the Project Site: Selma Avenue Elementary School and Larchmont Charter School, which are both located at 6611 Selma Avenue, approximately 0.1 mile west of the Project Site; and Blessed Sacrament School, located at 6641 Sunset Boulevard, approximately 0.13 mile west of the Project Site. As discussed above in Threshold VIII b), the potential for acutely hazardous materials on the Project Site are asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint and materials used during construction (vehicle fuels, oils, and transmission fluids). The construction of the Proposed Project will not expose students and staff of these identified schools to potentially hazardous materials, substances, or waste during the construction period as localized construction impacts associated with noise, dust and localized air quality emissions, and construction traffic/hauling activities will generally occur within an area of 500 feet or less of the Project Site. These three schools would not likely experience construction impacts since they are located farther than 500 feet from the Project Site, and construction activities would be limited to minor exterior alterations at the ground level to include new entrances to proposed uses and the interior renovation of the existing office building. The Proposed Project would provide appropriate construction measures to reduce the Project s impacts upon the nearby school facilities. The local haul route to the 101 Freeway would utilize Wilcox Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard. The local haul route from the 101 Freeway would utilize Wilcox Avenue. The haul route to and from the recycling centers would utilize Wilcox Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. The proposed haul routes would not directly pass the aforementioned schools. Since the Proposed Project s impacts would be contained within the existing building and the proposed haul route would not directly pass Selma Elementary School and Larchmont Charter School, construction impacts to nearby schools would be less than significant Furthermore, no hazardous materials other than modest amounts of typical cleaning supplies and solvents used for janitorial purposes would be associated with the operation of the Proposed Project and the use of these substances would comply with State Health Codes and Regulations. With regulatory code compliance, the Proposed Project s operational impacts would have a less than significant impact. d) Would the project be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section and, as a result, would exacerbate the current environmental conditions so as to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? Less Than Significant Impact. California Government Code Section requires various state agencies to compile lists of hazardous waste disposal facilities, unauthorized releases from underground storage tanks, contaminated drinking water wells, and solid waste facilities from which there is known migration of hazardous waste, and submit such information to the Secretary for Environmental Protection on at least an annual basis. A significant impact may occur if the Project Site is included on any of the above lists and poses an environmental hazard to surrounding sensitive uses. The Project Site is not listed in any government database for having hazardous wastes or released hazardous materials. 25 Development of the Proposed Project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the 25 California, Department of Toxic Substances Search EnviroStor, website: accessed June Page III-51

115 environment. Additionally, there are no listed hazardous waste sites in the government database that are adjacent or within 500 feet of the Project Site. As such, no nearby sites have the potential to impact the Project Site. Therefore, a less than significant impact would occur. e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project exacerbate current environmental conditions so as to result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? No Impact. A significant project-related impact may occur if the Proposed Project were placed within a public airport land use plan area, or within two miles of a public airport, and subject to a safety hazard. The nearest airport is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located approximately 13 miles south of the Project Site. As such, the airport is not located within two miles of the Project Site. The Project Site is not in an airport hazard area. Therefore, no impact would occur. f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project exacerbate current environmental conditions so as to result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? No Impact. This question would apply to the Proposed Project only if it were in the vicinity of a private airstrip and would subject area residents and workers to a safety hazard. The Project Site is not within the vicinity of a private airstrip. The nearest private airstrip is at the Bob Hope Airport, located approximately eight miles north of the Project Site. Therefore, no impact would occur. g) Would the project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? Less Than Significant Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact to hazards and hazardous materials if the project involved possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. According to the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, the determination of significance shall be made on a case-by-case basis considering the degree to which the project may require a new, or interfere with an existing emergency response or evacuation plan, and the severity of the consequences. The Project Site is not located on an identified disaster route or an adopted emergency response or evacuation plan. 26,27 Development of the Project Site may require temporary and/or partial street closures due to construction activities. Nonetheless, while such closures may cause temporary inconvenience, they would not be expected to substantially interfere with emergency response or evacuation plans. The Proposed Project would not cause permanent alterations to vehicular circulation routes and patterns or impede public access or travel upon public rightsof-way, since the Proposed Project would replace the existing vehicle driveways with pedestrian-oriented 26 Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, City of Los Angeles Central Area Disaster Route Map, August 13, City of Los Angeles, Safety Element of the Los Angeles City General Plan, Exhibit H, Critical Facilities and Lifeline Systems in the City of Los Angeles, April Page III-52

116 alleyways. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not be expected to interfere with any adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan, and a less than significant impact would occur. h) Would the project exacerbate existing hazardous environmental conditions by bringing people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? No Impact. The Project Site is located in an urbanized area of Hollywood in the City of Los Angeles and does not include wildlands or high fire hazard terrain or vegetation. The Project Site is not located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. 28 Therefore, no impacts from wildland fires are expected to occur. Cumulative Impacts Less Than Significant Impact. Development of the Proposed Project in combination with the 109 related projects has the potential to increase to some degree the risks associated with the use and potential accidental release of hazardous materials in Hollywood and the City of Los Angeles. However, the potential impact associated with the Proposed Project would be less than significant with adherence to regulatory compliance measures discussed above and, therefore, would not be cumulatively considerable. With respect to the related projects, the potential presence of hazardous substances would require evaluation on a caseby-case basis, in conjunction with the development proposals for each of those properties. Further, local municipalities are required to follow local, state, and federal laws regarding hazardous materials, which would further reduce impacts associated with the related projects. Therefore, with compliance with local, state, and federal laws pertaining to hazardous materials, the Proposed Project in conjunction with related projects would be expected to result in less-than-significant cumulative impacts with respect to hazardous materials. IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY a) Would the project violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? Less Than Significant Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact on surface water quality if discharges associated with the project would create pollution, contamination, or nuisance as defined in Section of the California Water Code or that cause regulatory standards to be violated, as defined in the applicable National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit or Water Quality Control Plan for the receiving body of water. A significant impact may occur if a project would discharge water which does not meet the quality standards of agencies which regulate surface water quality and water discharge into stormwater drainage systems. Significant impacts would also occur if a project does not comply with all applicable regulations with regard to surface water quality as governed by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) through its nine Regional Boards. The Project Site lies within the Los Angeles Regional Water 28 City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, City of Los Angeles Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), Parcel Profile Report, website: accessed July Page III-53

117 Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Applicable regulations include compliance with NPDES permitting system, LAMC Chapter VI, Article 4.4, and the low impact development requirements, which reduces potential water quality impacts during the construction and operation of a project. Construction General sources of potential short-term, construction-related stormwater pollution associated with the Proposed Project include: the handling, storage, and disposal of construction materials containing pollutants. The handling and storage of debris, paints, thinners and other chemicals that may be used during the renovation process would be conducted in accordance will all applicable laws and regulations. Therefore, the Proposed Project s construction-related water quality impacts or waste discharge would be less than significant. Operation The Project Site is currently developed with a two-story office building. The Proposed Project would alter existing uses for the operation and maintenance of two full-service restaurants and flexible event space. The Project Site is 100 percent covered with an impervious surface. Thus, 100 percent of the surface water runoff from the Project Site is directed to adjacent storm drains and does not percolate into the groundwater table beneath the Project Site. Existing storm drain lines serving the Project Site are located along Wilcox Avenue. Stormwater along Wilcox Avenue flows southbound into stormwater inlets near the intersection of Wilcox Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. 29 These storm drain lines are owned and maintained by the City of Los Angeles. The Proposed Project would continue to generate surface water runoff, and runoff would be directed to existing stormwater inlets in a similar manner as existing conditions. The Proposed Project s change in land uses from office to restaurant and even space would not alter the existing flow or direction of surface water runoff and would not result in any earthwork or ground disturbing activities. As such, the Proposed Project s potential operation-related water quality or waste discharge impacts would be less than significant. b) Would the project substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact on groundwater level if it would change potable water levels sufficiently to: (a) reduce the ability of a water utility to use the groundwater basin for public water supplies, conjunctive use purposes, storage of imported water, summer/winter peaking, or respond to emergencies and drought; 29 City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering, Navigate LA, website: accessed June Page III-54

118 (b) reduce yields of adjacent wells or well fields (public or private); (c) adversely change the rate or direction of flow of groundwater; or (d) result in demonstrable and sustained reduction in groundwater recharge capacity. As discussed in Threshold IX (a) the Project Site is nearly 100 percent impervious. As such, almost 100 percent of the surface water runoff from the Project Site is directed to adjacent storm drains and does not percolate into the groundwater table beneath the Project Site. Based on a review of the Seismic Hazard Zone Report for the Hollywood 7.5 Minute Quadrangle (California Division of Mines and Geology, 1998), the historically highest groundwater at the Project Site is at a depth lower than 80 feet below the ground surface. 30 The Proposed Project would not cause the depletion of the groundwater supplies or the interference of groundwater recharge, since the Project Site is currently 100 percent impervious and would not involve any excavations below grade. The change of land use from office space to restaurant and event space would not alter the amount of impervious surfaces on the Project Site. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have no impact to the groundwater table. c) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner, which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact on surface water hydrology if it would result in a permanent, adverse change to the movement of surface water sufficient to produce a substantial change in the current or direction of water flow. The Project Site is located in a highly urbanized area of the City of Los Angeles, and no streams or river courses are located on or within the Project vicinity. The Project Site is nearly 100 percent impervious. Implementation of the Proposed Project would not increase site runoff or result in any changes in the local drainage patterns. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not have any potential to result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site due to alteration of the existing drainage pattern. d) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact on surface water hydrology if it would result in a permanent, adverse change to the movement of surface water sufficient to produce a substantial change in the current or direction of water flow. The Project Site is nearly 100 percent impervious, and the Proposed Project would not result in a significant increase in site runoff, or any changes in the local drainage patterns. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not have any potential to increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner that would result in flooding on- or off-site. No impact with respect to flooding would occur due to alteration of the existing drainage pattern. 30 State of California, Department of conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, Seismic Hazard Zone Report for the Hollywood 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Los Angeles, California, Page III-55

119 e) Would the project create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? No Impact. Based upon the criteria established in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, a project would normally have a significant impact on surface water quality if discharges associated with the project would create pollution, contamination, or nuisance as defined in Section of the California Water Code or that cause regulatory standards to be violated, as defined in the applicable NPDES stormwater permit or Water Quality Control Plan for the receiving water body. A significant impact may occur if the volume of stormwater runoff from the Project Site were to increase to a level which exceeds the capacity of the storm drain system serving the Project Site. A significant adverse effect would also occur if a project substantially increases the probability that polluted runoff would reach the storm drain system. Currently, the Project Site is 100 percent developed with impervious surfaces, and nearly 100 percent of surface water runoff is directed to adjacent street storm drains. Existing storm drain lines serving the Project Site are located along Wilcox Avenue. Stormwater along Wilcox Avenue flows southbound and into stormwater inlets near the intersection of Wilcox Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. 31 These storm drain lines are owned and maintained by the City of Los Angeles. The Proposed Project would not result in any changes in the local drainage pattern. Runoff from the Project Site would be collected on the Project Site and directed towards existing storm drains in the Project vicinity that have adequate capacity. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not create or contribute to runoff water, exceed capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems, or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. f) Would the project otherwise substantially degrade water quality? Less Than Significant Impact. A significant impact may occur if a project includes potential sources of water pollutants that would have the potential to substantially degrade water quality. The Proposed Project, once operational, would not use hazardous materials other than modest amounts of typical cleaning supplies and solvents used for housekeeping and janitorial purposes associated with the operation of the Proposed Project. The use of these substances would comply with State Health Codes and Regulations. Further, the Proposed Project would comply with all federal, state and local regulations governing stormwater discharge. Therefore, a less than significant impact would occur. g) Would the project place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? No Impact. A significant impact would occur if the Proposed Project were to place housing within a City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering, Navigate LA, website: accessed June Page III-56

120 year flood hazard area. A 100-year flood is defined as a flood, which results from a severe rainstorm with a probability of occurring approximately once every 100 years. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Project Site is not located in an area designated as a 100-year flood hazard area. The Project Site is in a zone designated as Zone X, which signifies that the area is outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain. 32 Furthermore, the Proposed Project does not include any housing. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area, and no impact would occur. h) Would the project place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? No Impact. A significant impact may occur if the Project was located within a 100-year flood zone, which would impede or redirect flood flows. The Project Site is not in an area designated as a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped by the FEMA s Flood Insurance Rate Map. The Project Site is in a zone designated as Zone X, which signifies that the area is outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain. 33 The Project Site is located in an urbanized area. As no changes to the local drainage pattern would occur with implementation of the Proposed Project, the Proposed Project would not have the potential to impede or redirect floodwater flows. Therefore, no impact would occur. i) Would the project expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? Less Than Significant Impact. A significant impact may occur if the Proposed Project exposes people or structures to a significant risk of loss or death caused by the failure of a levee or dam, including but not limited to a seismically-induced seiche. Seiches are large waves generated in very large enclosed bodies of water or partially enclosed arms of the sea in response to ground shaking. A review of the City of Los Angeles General Plan Safety Element indicates that the Project Site lies within a potential inundation area of the Mulholland Dam located approximately 1.2 miles north of the Project Site. 34 The California Division of Safety of Dams regulates all dams in California. Additionally, the LADWP regulates, monitors, and implements measures for facilities within the City s borders and facilities owned and operated by the City within other jurisdictions. The Mulholland Dam is owned by the City and, therefore, must comply with all LADWP mitigation measures to prevent dam failure. The California Division of Safety of Dams ensures dam safety by: reviewing and approving all repairs and alterations to meet minimum requirements, performing independent analyses to understand dam and appurtenant structures performance, overseeing construction to ensure work is being done in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, 32 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Flood Insurance Rate Map, Panel Number 06037C1605F, September 26, 2008, website: accessed June Ibid. 34 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Safety Element of the Los Angeles City General Plan, Exhibit G: Inundation & Tsunami Hazard Areas In the City of Los Angeles, March Page III-57

121 inspecting each dam annually to ensure it is safe, and periodically reviewing the stability of dams. 35 Thus, the Proposed Project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam. Therefore, impacts related to the failure of a levee or dam would be less than significant. j) Would the project expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? Less Than Significant Impact. A significant impact would occur if the Project Site is sufficiently close to the ocean or other water body to be potentially at risk of the effects of seismically-induced tidal phenomena (i.e., seiche and tsunami), or if the Project Site is located adjacent to a hillside area with soil characteristics that would indicate potential susceptibility to mudslides or mudflows. As stated above, seiches are large waves generated in very large enclosed bodies of water or partially enclosed arms of the sea in response to ground shaking. Tsunamis are waves generated in large bodies of water by fault displacement or major ground movement. According to the City of Los Angeles General Plan Safety Element, the Proposed Project does not lie within a tsunami hazard area. 36 Based on review of the City of Los Angeles General Plan Safety Element, the Proposed Project lies within a potential inundation area of the Mulholland Dam located 1.2 miles north of the Project Site. 37 However, the California Division of Safety of Dams and the LADWP regulate and enforce measures to prevent inundation from occurring. Therefore, the Project Site is not anticipated to be subject to tsunamis and seiches, and a less than significant impact would occur with respect to tsunamis and seiches. Furthermore, the Project Site and the surrounding area are highly urbanized and relatively flat. The Proposed Project s potential for landsliding is considered to be low due to the lack of an elevation difference across and adjacent to the Project Site. Thus, the occurrence of mudflows on the Project Site is considered low, and a less than significant impact would occur with respect to mudflow. Cumulative Impacts Less Than Significant Impact. Development of the Proposed Project in combination with the 109 related projects would result in the further infilling of uses in a highly developed area within the City of Los Angeles. As discussed above, the Project Site and the surrounding areas are served by the existing City storm drain system. Runoff from the Project Site and adjacent urban uses is typically directed into the adjacent streets, where it flows to the nearest drainage improvements. It is likely that most, if not all, of the 35 California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams, website: accessed June City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Safety Element of the Los Angeles City General Plan, Exhibit G: Inundation & Tsunami Hazard Areas In the City of Los Angeles, March Ibid. Page III-58

122 related projects would also drain to the surrounding street system. The Proposed Project involves interior renovations and minor exterior alterations and improvement to an existing building and would not alter or change the rate or flow of surface water runoff. No earthwork or grading would occur as a result of the Proposed Project. In addition, related projects would be required to implement stormwater Best Management Practices to retain or treat runoff, and such requirements would result in a cumulative reduction of surface water runoff. Therefore, the Proposed Project s contribution to cumulative impacts upon the volume or quality of surface water runoff would not be cumulative considerable, and cumulative impacts to the volume of quality of surface water runoff would be less than significant. X. LAND USE AND PLANNING a) Would the project physically divide an established community? No Impact. A significant impact may occur if the project would be sufficiently large enough or otherwise configured in such a way as to create a physical barrier within an established community. According to the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, the determination of significance shall be made on a case-by-case basis considering the following factors: (a) the extent of the area that would be impacted, the nature and degree of impacts, and the types of land uses within that area; (b) the extent to which existing neighborhoods, communities, or land uses would be disrupted, divided or isolated, and the duration of the disruptions; and (c) the number, degree, and type of secondary impacts to surrounding land uses that could result from implementation of the Proposed Project. The Project Site is located in an urbanized area of the Hollywood community and is consistent with the existing physical arrangement of the properties within the vicinity of the Project Site. The Proposed Project would include the internal rehabilitation of an existing two-story office building for the development of two full-service restaurants and flexible event space. The surrounding neighborhoods are characterized by multi-family residential, existing and proposed hotels, and commercial uses. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not physically divide an established community in the Hollywood community. No separations of uses or disruption of access between land use types would occur as a result of the Proposed Project. Accordingly, implementation of the Proposed Project would not disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of the established community, and no impact would occur. b) Would the project conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? Less Than Significant Impact. A significant impact may occur if a project is inconsistent with the General Plan or zoning designations applicable to the Project Site, and would cause adverse environmental effects, which the General Plan and zoning designations are created to avoid or mitigate. Page III-59

123 Regional Plans SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan The Proposed Project is located within the South Coast Air Basin (Basin) and, therefore, falls under the jurisdiction of the SCAQMD. In conjunction with SCAG, the SCAQMD is responsible for formulating and implementing air pollution control strategies. The SCAQMD s Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) was updated in 2017 to establish a comprehensive air pollution control program leading to the attainment of State and federal air quality standards in the Basin, which is a non-attainment area. The Proposed Project conforms to the zoning and land use designations for the Project Site as identified in the General Plan, and, as such, would not add emissions to the Basin that were not already accounted for in the approved AQMP. Furthermore, as noted in Section III, Air Quality, the Proposed Project would not exceed the daily emission thresholds during the construction or operational phases of the Proposed Project. Therefore, the Proposed Project would be consistent with the AQMP. SCAG s 2016 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy On April 7, 2016, SCAG s Regional Council adopted the 2016 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2016 RTP/SCS): A Plan for Mobility, Accessibility, Sustainability, and a High Quality of Life. The 2016 RTP/SCS is the culmination of a multi-year effort involving stakeholders from across the SCAG Region. The 2016 RTP/SCS balances the Southern California region s future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals. The Proposed Project is a rehabilitation project with proposed restaurant/bar uses and event space and would not significantly increase the existing employment within the region. The Proposed Project would not directly contribute to population growth, and any population growth generated by the Proposed Project would be minimal and within SCAG s employment growth projections (refer to Section XIII, Population and Housing). The Proposed Project would be consistent with the policies set forth in the 2016 RTP/SCS Plan. Therefore, a less than significant impact would occur. Transit Priority Area (SB 743) The Project Site is an infill site within a Transit Priority Area as defined by CEQA and the City of Los Angeles. A Transit Priority Area is defined as an area within one-half mile of a major transit stop that is existing or planned. In 2013, the State of California enacted Senate Bill 743 (SB 743), which provides that aesthetic and parking impacts of a residential, mixed-use residential, or employment center project on an infill site within a transit priority area shall not be considered significant impacts on the environment. An employment center project is defined as a project located on a property zoned for commercial uses with a floor area ratio of no less than 0.75 and that is located within a transit priority area. The Proposed Project would include the rehabilitation of a two-story office building for the development of two full-service restaurants and flexible event space. The Project Site is currently zoned C4-2D. As such, the Project Site is zoned for commercial land uses and thus meets the criteria of an employment center. For this reason, SB 743 would apply to the Proposed Project, as it pertains to aesthetics and parking analysis. Page III-60

124 Local Plans Los Angeles General Plan The General Plan is a comprehensive, long-range declaration of purposes, policies and programs for the development of the City. The General Plan is a dynamic document consisting of 11 elements, which include a Framework Element, Air Quality Element, Conservation Element, Housing Element, Noise Element, Open Space Element, Service Systems Element / Public Recreation Plan, Safety Element, Mobility Element, a Plan for a Healthy Los Angeles, and the Land Use Element. The Land Use Element is comprised of 35 community plans. 38 The General Plan Elements most applicable to the Proposed Project are the Framework Element and the Land Use Element. The Framework Element provides citywide guidelines and a foundation in which Community Plans and other General Plan Elements can base their more specific goals, objectives, and policies on. The Project would promote the Framework Economic Development Chapter s goals and objectives for commercial competitiveness, job creation and retention, and economic prosperity for the City of Los Angeles. The Project Site is zoned C4-2D and has a corresponding General Plan land use designation of Regional Center Commercial. The Land Use Element is comprised of 35 community plans. The Project Site is located in the Hollywood Community Plan area. The Community Plan is further discussed below. Hollywood Community Plan The Project Site is located within the Hollywood Community Plan Area (CPA). The General Plan land use designation for the Project Site is Regional Center Commercial. Per the Redevelopment Plan, the Project Site s General Plan land use designation of Regional Center Commercial permits an FAR up to 4.5 times the buildable area of the site. The Community Plan goals and objectives include providing an official guide to the future development of the Hollywood Community. As described in the Community Plan, the purpose of the plan is to: provide an official guide to the future development of the Community for the use of the City Council, the Mayor, the City Planning Commission; other concerned government agencies, residents, property owners, and business people of the Community; and private organizations concerned with planning and civic betterment... The Plan is intended to promote an arrangement of land use, circulation, and services which will encourage and contribute to the economic and social and physical health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the Community, within the larger framework of the City; guide development, betterment, and changed of the Community to meet the existing and anticipated needs and conditions; balance growth and stability; reflect economic and 38 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, General Plan Elements, website: accessed June Page III-61

125 potentials and limits, land development and other trends; and protect investment to the extent reasonable and feasible. 39 The Proposed Project would include minor exterior alterations and the internal rehabilitation of an existing two-story office building for the development of two full-service restaurants on the ground floor totaling 13,775 square feet and 15,788 square feet of flexible event space on the second level within the Hollywood community. The Proposed Project would conform to the goals, objectives, and land uses identified in the Community Plan. The Proposed Project would revitalize the area with the development of two full-service restaurants and event space. The Proposed Project would also provide two landscaped pedestrian alleyways: a north back-of-house alley and south pedestrian alley, to promote a pedestrian-oriented area. A detailed analysis of the consistency of the Proposed Project with the applicable objectives and policies of the Hollywood Community Plan is presented in Table III-7, below. Table III-7 Project Consistency with Applicable Objectives and Policies of the Hollywood Community Plan Objective / Policy Project Consistency Analysis Objective 1: To coordinate the development of Hollywood with that of other parts of the City of Los Angeles and the metropolitan area. To further the development of Hollywood as a major center of population, employment, retail services, and entertainment; and to perpetuate its image as the international center of the motion picture industry. Consistent. The Proposed Project would increase the number of restaurant and event space in the Hollywood area as well as other parts of the City of Los Angeles and the metropolitan area. The Proposed Project would provide 13,775 square feet of restaurant space and 15,788 square feet of flexible event space within the Hollywood Community, which would add to the commercial availability for guests and patrons visiting Hollywood. The Proposed Project would support Hollywood as an entertainment (including motion picture) and tourist destination by providing more on-foot guests and patrons to the area. Additionally, the Proposed Project would provide employment opportunities in the Hollywood Community. Objective 2: To designate lands at appropriate locations for the various private uses and public facilities in the quantities and at densities required to accommodate population and activities projected to the year The Project Site is located approximately 0.4 miles southwest of the Hollywood/Vine Metro station. Additionally, the Project Site is within walking distance of multiple bus lines along Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, including Metro lines 212/312, 217, 222, and 2/302 and LADOT line DASH Hollywood. The Metro subway station and multiple bus lines provide access to other parts of the City of Los Angeles and surrounding metropolitan area. Therefore, the Proposed Project would be consistent this Objective. Consistent. This Objective is directed toward City goals and does not pertain to individual development projects, such as the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project would consist of a renovated office building with restaurant and event space that would supplement and complement a substantially commercial and retail area of Hollywood. The Proposed Project is located in the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan area, adjacent to the Hollywood Boulevard District, which aims to provide pedestrian-oriented retail and encourage 39 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Hollywood Community Plan, 1988, effective April 2, Page III-62

126 Objective 3-2: To encourage the preservation and enhancement of the varied and distinctive residential character of the Community, and to protect lower density housing from the scattered intrusion of apartments. Objective 4: To promote economic well being and public convenience. Objective 5: To provide a basis for the location and programming of public services and utilities and to coordinate the phasing of public facilities with private development. To encourage open space in both local neighborhoods and in high density areas. Objective 6: To make provision for a circulation system coordinated with land uses and densities adequate to accommodate traffic; and to encourage entertainment, theater, and tourist related uses. As further described in Section XIII, Population and Housing, the Proposed Project s employee generation would be within the projected growth for the City region and SCAG region. Therefore, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this Objective. Consistent. The Proposed Project would involve the rehabilitation of the on-site office building and would not decrease the existing housing stock in the area. The Proposed Project would preserve the distinct residential character of the Project vicinity by not demolishing or encroaching any existing residential buildings and neighborhoods. Additionally, the Proposed Project would revitalize an underutilized site with new restaurants and event space. The Project Site and surrounding area are zoned for commercial uses, and the Project Site is located in an area that is substantially characterized by Regional Center Commercial land use designation. The surrounding area includes commercial, hotel, multi-family uses, and public facilities; no single-family homes or lower density residential neighborhoods currently exist in the Project area. Refer to Figure II-2, Zoning and General Plan Designations, located in Section II, Project Description. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not intrude into a residential or lower density neighborhood. The Proposed Project would be consistent with this Objective. Consistent. The Proposed Project would provide 13,775 square feet of restaurant space and 15,788 square feet of event space, which would support the economic well being of the Hollywood community and promote tourism in the area. Additionally, the Project Site is located 0.4 miles of the Hollywood/Vine Metro stations and multiple bus lines. This close proximity would increase the public convenience and accessibility of the Project Site by connecting it to local and regional transit lines. Thus, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this Objective. Consistent. As discussed in Section XIV, Public Services, and Section XVIII, Utilities and Service Systems, the Proposed Project would result in less than significant impacts to public services and utilities. Additionally, any upgrades to infrastructure and utility hook ups that may be needed as part of the Proposed Project would be coordinated with the appropriate City agency to ensure the proper programming and phasing of public facilities with the development of the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project would provide two landscaped pedestrian alleyways: a north and south alley to promote a pedestrian-oriented area. These alleyways would provide entrance into each commercial space proposed. Additionally, the Proposed Project would not add any additional residential units and therefore is not expected to generate an increased demand on local parks. The Proposed Project would be consistent with this Objective. Consistent. As discussed in Section XVI, Transportation and Traffic, the Proposed Project would not exceed the threshold of significance at any of the study intersections. Since the Page III-63

127 the expansion and improvement of public transportation service. Objective 7: To encourage the preservation of open space consistent with property rights when privately owned and to promote the preservation of views, natural character and topography of mountainous parts of the Community for the enjoyment of both local residents and persons throughout the Los Angeles region. Proposed Project involves primarily interior renovation of the existing building and vehicle parking would be provided offsite by private agreement, there would be a limited impact to the circulation patterns on the Project Site. However, there would be higher foot traffic since the Proposed Project would propose new restaurants and event space in the area. Additionally, the Proposed Project is located in a Transit Priority Area, and is within walking distance from a Metro subway station and multiple bus stops. As such, the Proposed Project would not create significant impacts to the existing circulation system or substantially contribute to traffic. Although this Objective is directed toward City goals, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this Objective. Consistent. The Project Site is currently developed with a two-story office building. As further discussed in Section I, Aesthetics, the Project Site is located in a substantially urbanized area and no natural open space or mountainous topography currently exists on site or in the immediate Project Site area. Additionally, there are no protected views or viewsheds in the Project Site area that may be diminished with the development of the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project would be compatible with surrounding land uses and would be consistent with this Objective. Source: City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Hollywood Community Plan, 1988; and Parker Environmental Consultants, The Proposed Project would be consistent with the applicable objectives set forth in the Hollywood Community Plan. Therefore, the Proposed Project is consistent with the applicable land use and planning policies in the Hollywood Community Plan. Hollywood Redevelopment Plan for the Hollywood Redevelopment Project The Proposed Project is located within the Hollywood Redevelopment Project area, which was established by the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA). The CRA/LA has since been dissolved. Development in the Hollywood Redevelopment Project Area is governed by the Redevelopment Plan that was adopted in July 2003 by the CRA/LA and remains effective until July Accordingly, the Proposed Project would be reviewed by the Successor Agency to the CRA/LA for compliance with the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan. The Redevelopment Plan states it will attain the purposes of the California Community Redevelopment Law, (1) by elimination of areas suffering from depreciated values, impaired investments, and economic and social maladjustment; (2) by the replanning, redesign and rehabilitation and/or redevelopment of areas which are stagnant or improperly utilized and which could not be accomplished by private enterprise acting alone without public participation and assistance; and (3) by protecting and promoting sound development and redevelopment of blighted areas and the general welfare of the citizens of the City by remedying such injurious conditions through the Page III-64

128 employment of appropriate means. 40 The Redevelopment Plan identifies overall objectives and development standards to guide the development, redevelopment, and rehabilitation of properties within the Hollywood Redevelopment area. Table III-8, below, provides a detailed analysis of the consistency of the Proposed Project with the applicable goals of the Redevelopment Plan. Table III-8 Project Consistency with Applicable Goals of the Redevelopment Plan Goal Project Consistency Analysis 1) Encourage the involvement and participation of residents, business persons, property owners, and community organization in the redevelopment of the community. 2) Preserve and increase employment, and business and investment opportunities through redevelopment programs and, to the greatest extent feasible, promote these opportunities for minorities and women. 3) Promote a balanced community meeting the needs of the residential, commercial, industrial, arts and entertainment sectors. 4) Support and encourage the development of social services with special consideration given to participating in projects involving community based organizations that serve runaways, the homeless, senior citizens and provide child care services and other social services. Consistent. The Proposed Project would redevelop an underutilized site that is currently improved with a privately leased office building into a publicly open development with two full-service restaurants and event space. The Proposed Project would be designed in coordination with the appropriate City and County agencies. As part of the environmental review process, the Proposed Project would be available for public review and comments to encourage the involvement of community stakeholders. Thus, the Project would be consistent with this goal. Consistent. The Proposed Project would provide two restaurants and event space, which would increase employment, business, and investment opportunities in the area. Additionally, as discussed in XIII, Population and Housing, the Proposed Project would create approximately 221 new employees at the Project Site, which would increase employment in the area. The Proposed Project would provide these opportunities to all persons, including minorities and women. Thus, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this goal. Consistent. The Proposed Project would involve the rehabilitation of an existing office building for the redevelopment of two restaurants and event space. The Proposed Project s uses would support the surrounding residential, commercial businesses, arts and entertainment industry. The commercial uses would be open to visitors and locals and would provide the Hollywood community with new restaurants and event space. The uses proposed by the Project would promote a balanced community and would help meet the needs of the residential, commercial, industrial, and entertainment sectors. Thus, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this goal. Consistent. The Proposed Project does not involve the development of any social services. Nevertheless, the Proposed Project would rehabilitate an existing office building into a mixed-use commercial building with restaurants and event space. As such, the Proposed Project would not remove any social services, since none exist on- 40 City of Los Angeles, Hollywood Redevelopment Plan (Page 2), adopted July 12, Page III-65

129 5) Improve the quality of the environment, promote a positive image for Hollywood and provide a safe environment through mechanisms such as: a) adopting land use standards; b) promoting architectural and urban design standards including: standards for height, building setback, continuity of street façade, building materials, and compatibility of new construction with existing structures and concealment of mechanical appurtenances; c) promoting landscape criteria and planting programs to ensure additional green space; d) encouraging maintenance of the built environment; e) promoting sign and billboard standards; f) coordinating the provision of high quality public improvements; g) promoting rehabilitation and restoration guidelines; h) integrate public safety concerns into planning efforts. 6) Support and promote Hollywood as the center of the entertainment industry and a tourist destination through the retention, development and expansion of all sectors of the entertainment industry and the preservation of landmarks related to the entertainment industry. 7) Promote the development of Hollywood Boulevard within the Hollywood commercial core as a unique place which: a) reflects Hollywood s position as the entertainment center; b) provides facilities for tourists; c) contains active retail and entertainment uses at the street level; d) provides for residential uses; e) is pedestrian oriented; f) is a focus for the arts, particularly the performing arts; and g) recognizes and reinforces its history and architecture. 8) Promote and encourage the retention and expansion of all segments of the arts community and the support facilities necessary to foster the arts and attract the arts through land use and development policies such as the creation of a theater district. site. The Proposed Project would not conflict with this goal. Consistent. The Proposed Project would be designed and developed with the guidance of City Planning Staff and the applicable plans. The Proposed Project would adopt land use standards, promote architectural and urban design standards, promote landscape criteria, encourage maintenance of the built environment, promote sign and billboard standards, and integrate public safety concerns into planning efforts. As a result, the Proposed Project would improve the quality of the environment, promote a positive image for Hollywood, and provide a safe environment. As discussed in Section XIV(a)(ii), Police Protection, the Proposed Project would provide appropriate security measures during business hours to promote a safe environment. Thus, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this goal. Consistent. Although this goal pertains to the retention of sectors of the entertainment industry and the preservation of landmarks related to the entertainment industry, the Proposed Project would support tourism in the area by providing restaurants and event space to the Hollywood area. The Proposed Project would support and promote Hollywood as a tourist destination with the development of the proposed commercial uses. Thus, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this goal. Consistent. The Proposed Project is located just south of the Hollywood Boulevard District within the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan area. Although, the Proposed Project is not located within the Hollywood Boulevard District, the Proposed Project would promote the redevelopment objectives for the Hollywood Boulevard District. The Proposed Project would provide restaurants and event space that would support the Hollywood entertainment and arts industry and would support tourism in the area. The Proposed Project would provide two full-service restaurants on the ground floor and flexible event space on the second level that would activate pedestrian activity along Wilcox Avenue. The Proposed Project would also provide two landscaped pedestrian alleyways: a north and south alley to promote ground-floor pedestrian experience. The alleyways would provide access into each of the proposed commercial spaces. The Proposed Project would promote higher foot traffic and a pedestrian-oriented environment. Therefore, the Proposed Project would support this goal. Consistent. This goal is directed toward general City goals. Nevertheless, the Proposed Project would not conflict with this objective. Although the Proposed Project does not include any art-related land uses, the Proposed Project would provide commercial uses that promote Page III-66

130 9) Provide housing choices and increase the supply and improve the quality of housing for all income and age groups, especially for persons with low and moderate incomes; and to provide home ownership opportunities and other housing choices which meet the needs of the resident population. 10) Promote the development of sound residential neighborhoods through mechanisms such as land use, density and design standards, public improvements, property spaces and other support services necessary to enable residents to live and work in Hollywood. 11) Recognize, promote and support the retention, restoration and appropriate reuse of existing buildings, groupings of buildings and other physical features especially those having significant historic and/or architectural value and ensure that new development is sensitive to these features through land use and development criteria. higher foot traffic that would support the surrounding Hollywood art and cinema community. The Proposed Project would draw more visitors and tourists who may also frequent the surrounding Hollywood art and cinema community. Therefore, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this goal. Consistent. The Proposed Project would rehabilitate an existing office building with restaurants and event space and would not displace any residential dwelling units. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not hinder or conflict with this goal. Consistent. This goal is directed towards the City of Los Angeles. The Proposed Project includes the rehabilitation of an existing office building into a commercial development with two restaurants and event space. The Project Site vicinity is developed with commercial, retail, public facilities, and multi-family residential buildings. Since the Proposed Project would only involve the rehabilitation of the existing office building and would not displace any dwelling units, the Proposed Project would not encroach on a residential neighborhood. The Proposed Project would provide employment opportunities for residents in the area. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not conflict with this goal. Consistent. The Project Site is currently developed with a two-story office building. The Proposed Project would preserve the existing building and would renovate the interior of the building. The Proposed Project would retain its exterior architectural facades and materials. Additionally, the Proposed Project would be designed to complement the surrounding area and promote a pedestrian-oriented environment. Thus, the Proposed Project would be consistent with this goal. 12) Support and encourage a circulation system which will Consistent. As discussed in Section XVI, Transportation improve the quality of life in Hollywood, including and Traffic, the Proposed Project would result in a less pedestrian, automobile, parking and mass transit systems than significant impact to transportation and traffic. The with an emphasis on serving existing facilities and meeting Proposed Project would not create a significant impact at future needs. any of the study intersections. The vehicle parking would be provided off-site by private agreement, which would limit the circulation patterns in the Project area. The Proposed Project promotes pedestrian activity by providing pedestrian alleys as entrances to the proposed commercial spaces. There would be higher foot traffic since the Proposed Project would propose new restaurants and event space in the area. Additionally, the Proposed Project is located in a Transit Priority Area, and is within walking distance from a Metro subway station and multiple bus stops. As such, the Proposed Project would not create significant impacts to the existing circulation system or substantially contribute to traffic. The Proposed Project would support and encourage multiple forms of transportation within the Hollywood Community. The Proposed Project would support this goal. 13) Promote and encourage development of health, Consistent. The Proposed Project would redevelop a site Page III-67

131 education, child and youth care, and senior citizen facilities and programs to enable the development of a community with a variety of lifestyles. 14) Promote and encourage development of recreational and cultural facilities and open spaces necessary to support attractive residential neighborhoods and commercial centers. 15) Promote the development of the varied ethnic communities in Hollywood. 16) To the maximum extent feasible, seek to build replacement housing within the Project Area prior to the destruction or removal of dwelling units which house low and moderate income people. The Agency shall make a good faith effort to relocate displacees within the Project Area unless they choose to relocate elsewhere. Project displacees shall be provided a priority for occupancy in housing which the Agency has facilitated. that is currently developed with an office building into commercial uses. As such, the Proposed Project would not remove any existing health, education, child and youth care, or senior citizen facilities or programs. The Proposed Project would not conflict with this goal. Consistent. Although this objective is directed toward City goals, the Proposed Project would support this goal. The Proposed Project includes the redevelopment of two full-service restaurants and event space. The Proposed Project would provide two landscaped alleyways as entrances into the proposed commercial spaces, which would provide an attractive pedestrian-scale design and activate the public right-of-ways along Wilcox Avenue. Thus, the Proposed Project would not conflict with this goal. Consistent. Although the Proposed Project does not directly promote the development of the varied ethnic communities in Hollywood, the Project is proposing two full-service restaurants and event space. These uses may support existing ethnic communities. Additionally, the Project Site is currently developed with an office building. The development of the Proposed Project would not remove any existing resources for ethnic communities, because none exist on-site. The Proposed Project would not hinder this goal. Consistent. The Project Site is currently developed with a two-story office building. The Proposed Project would involve the interior renovation of the existing office building for the development of two restaurants and one event space. As such, development of the Proposed Project would not involve the destruction or removal of dwelling units or the relocation of low and moderate-income people. Thus, the Proposed Project would not hinder this goal. Notes: 1. Plan used within this table means the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan. Source: City of Los Angeles, Hollywood Redevelopment Plan (Ordinance No ), July 12, 2003; and Parker Environmental Consultants, Additionally, the Project Site has a General Plan Land Use Designation of Regional Center Commercial. The Redevelopment Plan states that development within Regional Center Commercial designation shall not exceed the equivalent of an average FAR of 4.5:1 for the entire site. However, the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan states that proposed development in excess of 4.5:1 FAR up to but not to exceed 6:1 FAR or such other density may be permitted provided compliance with the process identified in Section of the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan. The Proposed Project would consist of approximately 36,656 square feet of commercial space that would result in a FAR of 1.78:1, which would be consistent with the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan. As discussed in Table III-8, Project Consistency with Applicable Goals of the Redevelopment Plan, the Proposed Project would be designed to promote and support a pedestrian environment. The vehicle parking would be provided off-site by private agreement, which would limit the circulation patterns in the Project area. The Proposed Project promotes pedestrian activity by providing pedestrian alleys as entrances to the Page III-68

132 proposed commercial spaces. There would be higher foot traffic since the Proposed Project would propose two restaurants and one event space in the area. Additionally, the Proposed Project is located in a Transit Priority Area, and is within walking distance from a Metro subway station and multiple bus stops. As such, the Proposed Project would not create significant impacts to the existing circulation system or substantially contribute to traffic. The Proposed Project would support and encourage multiple forms of transportation within the Hollywood Community. Commercial Citywide Design Guidelines The City of Los Angeles City Planning Commission adopted the Citywide Design Guidelines on June 9, The Proposed Project is expected to comply with the applicable design guidelines of the Commercial Citywide Design Guidelines, Pedestrian Oriented/Commercial & Mixed-Use Projects (Commercial Citywide Design Guidelines). However, these Design Guidelines are applicable to new developments. Since the Proposed Project would be limited to minor exterior and interior renovations only, the applicable portion of the Design Guidelines is the Special Design Considerations for Historic Properties. Such considerations include repairing deteriorated material or features in place, such as building elements that are important in defining historic character and to retain original building continuity, rhythm, and form created by these features. The Proposed Project promotes a pedestrian-friendly environment and incorporates articulation of the pedestrian access entry along Wilcox Avenue with two pedestrian alleyways along the northern and southern property lines, and interior and exterior dining areas for both ground floor restaurants. The landscaped alleyways would replace the former vehicle driveways to promote a positive pedestrian-oriented environment. Landscaping would be provided on the ground floor to beautify public rights-of-way and activate the mid-block street frontages. The Proposed Project s design would alternate different textures, colors, materials, and distinctive architectural treatments to add visual interest and ensure an inviting pedestrian experience. These design features would be executed in accordance with the Commercial Citywide Design Guidelines. Therefore, the Proposed Project would comply with applicable standards in the Commercial Citywide Design Guidelines. Adaptive Reuse Incentive Area The Project Site is also within an Adaptive Reuse Incentive Area (Ordinance No. 175,038). Adaptive reuse is defined as any change of an existing non-residential use to new dwelling units, guest rooms, or joint living and working quarters in all or in any portion an eligible building. The existing building on-site is currently used as an office building, and the Proposed Project includes the rehabilitation of the second and ground floor levels into two full-service restaurants and event space. As such, the Proposed Project would not contain any new dwelling units, guest rooms, or joint living and working quarters. Thus, the permissions of the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance are not applicable to the Proposed Project. Los Angeles State Enterprise Zone The Proposed Project is also located in the Los Angeles State Enterprise Zone or the ZI No Enterprise Zone / Employment and Economic Incentive Program Area (EZ). EZs are specific geographic areas under Page III-69

133 the Enterprise Zone Act Program or Employment and Economic Incentive Act Program with the goal to provide economic incentives to stimulate local investment and employment through tax and regulation relief and improvement of public services. 41 Under the Los Angeles State Enterprise Zone, two special provisions are applicable to plan check: Parking Standards and Height. Parking Standards, described in Section 12.21A4(x)(3) of the LAMC, states projects within EZs may utilize a lower parking ratio (two parking spaces for every one thousand square feet of combined gross floor area) for certain land uses, including restaurant and event space uses, in order to increase the buildable area of a parcel in older areas of the City where parcels are small. Parking for the Proposed Project is further discussed below under the Parking subheading. Los Angeles Municipal Code The Project Site is located within the City of Los Angeles, which is subject to the requirements in the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC). The Project Site is zoned C2-4D with a General Plan land use designation of Regional Commercial Center, which allows for commercial uses such as restaurants and event space. The Project Site s total lot area consists of approximately 20,592 square feet (0.47 acres). The Project Site is currently improved with a two-story office building with a basement level. The Proposed Project includes the rehabilitation of the ground floor and second level into two full-service restaurants on the ground floor and flexible event space on the second level. The Proposed Project includes a total of 13,775 square feet of restaurant space and 15,788 square feet of event space. The Proposed Project includes a total floor area of 36,656 square feet. Floor Area The Project Site is zoned C4-2D with the land use designation of Regional Center Commercial. The corresponding zones for Regional Center Commercial are the C2, C4, P, PB, RAS3, and RAS4. The C4 designation indicates that the Project Site has no guidelines for height, yards, minimum area per unit, and minimum low width for commercial uses. Height District No. 2 does not specify a building height limit and allows a total floor area up to six times the buildable area of the lot. The D development limitation in Ordinance 165,660, however, further restricts the Project Site s floor area ratio (FAR) to 2:1. The current building area is 48,002 square feet with an FAR of 2.33:1. The existing building was constructed in 1932, prior to the establishment of the 2:1 FAR restriction enacted in Ordinance No. 165,660 in The Proposed Project would renovate the existing building, and no exterior demolition is proposed. All renovations would be limited to the interior of the building on the ground floor and second level only with some minor exterior alterations, for a total of 36,656 square feet of new proposed uses. The total gross building area would increase from 48,002 square feet to 50,720 square feet. The proposed floor area would 41 City of Los Angeles, Community Development Department, ZI No Enterprise Zone / Employment and Economic Incentive Program Area (EZ), website: accessed June Page III-70

134 total 36,656 square feet, for an approximate 1.78:1 FAR. Parking The Project Site is located within an Enterprise Zone (the Employment and Economic Incentive Program Area, ZI No. 2374), which provides for a reduction in parking for restaurant, bar, and related uses. The Enterprise Zone allows for two parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet. Based on the proposed floor area of 36,656 square feet, the Proposed Project would be required to provide 74 vehicle parking spaces. The existing Citizen News Building currently provides one parking space off-site via Affidavit Number As part of the current Proposed Project, the one vehicle parking space would continue to be provided off-site by private agreement to accommodate the proposed uses at the Citizen News Building. 42 The existing Citizen News Building, constructed in 1932, is eligible for listing in the City s list of Historic Cultural Monuments (HCM). Further, the Applicant is concurrently processing an application to designate the Citizen New Building as a HCM. The building was constructed with no vehicle parking spaces. Pursuant to LAMC A.4.x, no parking is required for the change of use of a historic building. Pursuant to LAMC A.4.x, the Proposed Project would not be required to provide additional parking spaces. As discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the Proposed Project would not conflict with the goals, objectives, and allowable land uses in the Hollywood Community Plan, the Redevelopment Plan, and the LAMC. The Proposed Project would not conflict with local and regional plans applicable to the Project Site, and any impacts would be less than significant. c) Would the project conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? No Impact. A project-related significant adverse impact could occur if the Project Site were located within an area governed by a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. As discussed in Section IV, Biological Resources, above, no such plans presently exist which govern any portion of the Project Site. Further, the Project Site is located in a highly urbanized area, and the Project Site is currently developed with a two-story office building. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not create any impacts. Cumulative Impacts No Impact. Development of any related project is expected to occur in accordance with adopted plans and regulations. It is also expected that most of the related projects would be compatible with the zoning and land use designations of each related project site and its existing surrounding uses. In addition, it is reasonable to assume that the related projects under consideration would implement and support local and regional planning goals and policies. Therefore, the Proposed Project s land use impacts would not be 42 Three6ixty, Attachment A, Master Land Use Application Supplemental Information, N. Wilcox Avenue Citizen News, February 27, Page III-71

135 cumulatively considerable since the Proposed Project would not conflict with applicable local or regional plans. The Proposed Project s land use would not create any significant impacts. XI. MINERAL RESOURCES a) Would the project result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? No Impact. A significant impact may occur if a project site is located in an area used or available for extraction of a regionally-important mineral resource, or if the project development would convert an existing or future regionally-important mineral extraction use to another use, or if the project development would affect access to a site used or potentially available for regionally-important mineral resource extraction. According to the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, the determination of significance shall be made on a case-by-case basis considering: (a) whether, or the degree to which, the project might result in the permanent loss of, or loss of access to, a mineral resource that is located in a State Mining and Geology Board Mineral Resource Zone MRZ-2 zone or other known or potential mineral resource area, and (b) whether the mineral resource is of regional or statewide significance, or is noted in the Conservation Element as being of local importance. The Project Site is currently developed with a two-story office building. The Project Site is not located within an Oil Field/Drilling Area. Further, the Project Site is not currently used for the extraction of mineral resources or located in a MRZ-2 zone. 43 There is no evidence to suggest that the Project Site has been historically used for the extraction of mineral resources. Therefore, development of the Proposed Project would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource, and no impact would occur. b) Would the project result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? No Impact. A significant impact may occur if the Project Site is located in an area used or available for extraction of a regionally-important mineral resource, or if the development would convert an existing or future regionally-important mineral extraction use to another use, or if the development would affect access to a site used or potentially available for regionally-important mineral resource extraction. The Project Site is not currently used for the extraction of mineral resources, and there is no evidence to suggest that the Project Site has historically been used for the extraction of mineral resources. Therefore, no impact to locally important mineral resources would occur. 43 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Environmental and Public Facilities Maps: Areas Containing Significant Mineral Deposits, February Page III-72

136 XII. NOISE Fundamentals of Noise Sound is technically described in terms of amplitude (loudness) and frequency (pitch). The standard unit of sound amplitude measurement is the decibel (db). The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale that describes the physical intensity of the pressure vibrations that make up any sound. The pitch of the sound is related to the frequency of the pressure vibration. Since the human ear is not equally sensitive to a given sound level at all frequencies, a special frequency-dependent rating scale has been devised to relate noise to human sensitivity. The A-weighted decibel scale (dba) provides this compensation by discriminating against frequencies in a manner approximating the sensitivity of the human ear. Noise, on the other hand, is typically defined as unwanted sound. A typical noise environment consists of a base of steady background noise that is the sum of many distant and indistinguishable noise sources. Superimposed on this background noise is the sound from individual local sources. These can vary from an occasional aircraft or train passing by to virtually continuous noise from, for example, traffic on a major highway. Several rating scales have been developed to analyze the adverse effect of community noise on people. Since environmental noise fluctuates over time, these scales consider that the effect of noise upon people is largely dependent upon the total acoustical energy content of the noise, as well as the time of day when the noise occurs. Those that are applicable to this analysis are as follows: L eq An L eq, or equivalent energy noise level, is the average acoustic energy content of noise for a stated period of time. Thus, the L eq of a time-varying noise and that of a steady noise are the same if they deliver the same acoustic energy to the ear during exposure. For evaluating community impacts, this rating scale does not vary, regardless of whether the noise occurs during the day or the night. L max The maximum instantaneous noise level experienced during a given period of time. L min The minimum instantaneous noise level experienced during a given period of time. CNEL The Community Noise Equivalent Level is a 24-hour average L eq with a 5 dba weighting during the hours of 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. and a 10 dba weighting added to noise during the hours of 10:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively. The logarithmic effect of these additions is that a 60 dba 24 hour L eq would result in a measurement of 66.7 dba CNEL. Noise environments and consequences of human activities are usually well represented by median noise levels during the day, night, or over a 24-hour period. For residential uses, environmental noise levels are generally considered low when the CNEL is below 60 dba, moderate in the dba range, and high above 70 dba. Noise levels greater than 85 dba can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Examples of low daytime levels are isolated, natural settings with noise levels as low as 20 dba and quiet suburban residential streets with noise levels around 40 dba. Noise levels above 45 dba at night can disrupt sleep. Page III-73

137 Examples of moderate level noise environments are urban residential or semi-commercial areas (typically dba) and commercial locations (typically 60 dba). People may consider louder environments adverse, but most will accept the higher levels associated with more noisy urban residential or residentialcommercial areas (60 75 dba) or dense urban or industrial areas (65 80 dba). It is widely accepted that in the community noise environment the average healthy ear can barely perceive CNEL noise level changes of 3 dba. CNEL changes from 3 to 5 dba may be noticed by some individuals who are extremely sensitive to changes in noise. A 5 dba CNEL increase is readily noticeable, while the human ear perceives a 10 dba CNEL increase as a doubling of sound. Noise levels from a particular source generally decline as distance to the receptor increases. Sound from a small localized source (approximating a point source) radiates uniformly outward as it travels away from the source in a spherical pattern. The sound level attenuates or drops off at a rage of 6 dba for each doubling of the distance. Other factors, such as the weather and reflecting or barriers, also help intensify or reduce the noise level at any given location. A commonly used rule of thumb for roadway noise is that for every doubling of distance from the source, the noise level is reduced by about 3 dba at acoustically hard locations (i.e., the area between the noise source and the receptor is nearly complete asphalt, concrete, hardpacked soil, or other solid materials) and 4.5 dba at acoustically soft locations (i.e., the area between the source and receptor is normal earth or has vegetation, including grass). Noise from stationary or point sources is reduced by about 6 to 7.5 dba for every doubling of distance at acoustically hard and soft locations, respectively. In addition, noise levels are also generally reduced by 1 dba for each 1,000 feet of distance due to air absorption. Noise levels may also be reduced by intervening structures, such as hills, manmade features, buildings, and walls. Generally, for an at-grade facility in an average residential area where the first row of buildings cover at least 40 percent of total area, the reduction provided by the first row is reasonably assumed to be 3 dba, with 1.5 dba for each additional row. For buildings spaced tightly, the first row provides about 5dBA of reduction, successive rows reduced noise by 1.5 dba per row, with a maximum reduction limit of 10 dba. 44 Additional noise attenuation can be provided within residential structures. Depending on the quality of the original building façade, especially windows and doors, sound insulation treatments can improve the noise reduction by 5 to 20 dba. 45 Ambient Noise Levels To assess the existing ambient noise conditions in the area, ambient noise measurements were taken with a Larson Davis 831 sound level meter, which conforms to industry standards set forth in ANSI S (R2001) - American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters. At the noise monitoring locations, the microphone was placed at a height of approximately five feet above grade. Figure III-1, Noise Monitoring and Sensitive Receptor Location Map, depicts the noise measurement locations fronting the 44 California Department of Transportation, Division of Environmental Analysis, Technical Noise Supplement, November Federal Transit Administration, Office of Planning and Environment, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, May Page III-74

138 adjacent residential uses as the most likely sensitive receptors to experience noise level increases during construction. The detailed noise monitoring data are presented in Appendix D, Noise Monitoring Data and Calculation Worksheets, and are summarized below in Table III-9, Existing Ambient Daytime Noise Levels in Project Site Vicinity. As shown in Table III-9, the ambient daytime noise in the vicinity of the Project Site ranges from 52.4 to 70.7 db L eq. The maximum noise level during the four 15-minute recordings was 91.4 db L max along on the southeast corner of Selma Avenue and Wilcox Avenue, where a motorcycle passed by the noise monitor. The primary noise source that contributed most to the measured ambient noise levels was vehicle traffic during the daytime hours. Pedestrian traffic also contributed to the ambient noise levels, though to a lesser extent than the vehicle noise. Pedestrians conversations could be easily heard and distinguished as they passed by the noise monitor during the noise recordings. The Project Site is currently operating as an office building and as such, contributes to the ambient noise level associated with the doors/gates closing and office employees leaving and visiting the Project Site. Table III-9 Existing Ambient Daytime Noise Levels in Project Site Vicinity Noise Level Statistics (db) a No. Location Primary Noise Sources Leq Lmin Lmax Vehicle traffic, street 1 activity On the southeast corner of Selma construction, motorcycle, Avenue and Wilcox Avenue delivery trucks, pedestrian On the east side of Wilcox Avenue, across from the Project Site Vehicle traffic, pedestrian activity On the southeast corner of Selma Avenue and Schrader Boulevard Light vehicle traffic, pedestrians On the southwest corner of the Project Traffic from Schrader Boulevard, Site in adjacent parking lot parking lot patrons/residents a Noise measurements were taken on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at each location for a duration of 15 minutes. See Appendix D of this IS/MND for noise monitoring data sheets. Sensitive Receptors The L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide identifies the following as noise sensitive uses: residences, transient lodging, schools, libraries, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, auditoriums, concert halls, amphitheaters, playgrounds, and parks. Several noise sensitive land uses are located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the Proposed Project. For purposes of assessing noise impacts on sensitive populations, the following sensitive receptors in close proximity (within 500 feet) to the Project Site were identified: 1) 6500 Selma Avenue - Mama Shelter Hotel, located immediately north of the Project Site; 2) 1541 Wilcox Avenue a proposed 12-story hotel (under construction) with estimated build-out in year 2018, located approximately south of the Project Site; and 3) 6516 Selma Avenue a proposed 8-story hotel, located immediately west of the Project Site; 4) 1550 Wilcox Avenue student dorms for the AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, located approximately 50 feet from the Project Site; Page III-75

139 5) Schrader Boulevard - multi-family residential buildings, located approximately 50 feet west of the Project Site; 6) 1521 Wilcox Avenue multi-family residential building, located approximately 150 feet south of the Proposed Project; 7) 1600 Schrader Boulevard a proposed 11-story mixed use hotel, located approximately 160 feet northwest of the Project Site; 8) Schrader Boulevard multi-family residential buildings, located approximately 260 feet northwest of the Project Site; 9) 1624 Schrader Boulevard USA Hostels Hollywood, located approximately 360 feet northwest of the Project Site; 10) 1611 Schrader Boulevard - multi-family residential building, located approximately 350 feet northwest of the Project Site; 11) 1622 Wilcox Avenue Mark Twain Hotel, located approximately 310 feet north of the Project Site; and 12) 6421 Selma Avenue a proposed 8-story hotel, located approximately 140 feet to the northwest of the Project Site. The locations of these land uses relative to the Project Site are depicted in Figure III-1, Noise Monitoring and Sensitive Receptor Location Map. For purposes of assessing construction-generated vibration impacts, the on-site building is potentially susceptible to structural vibration impacts from the interior construction activities proposed for the Project. a) Would the project result in exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. A significant impact may occur if the Proposed Project would generate excess noise that would cause the ambient noise environment at the Project Site to exceed noise level standards set forth in the City of Los Angeles General Plan Noise Element (Noise Element) and the City of Los Angeles Noise Ordinance (Noise Ordinance). Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in an increase in ambient noise levels during both construction and operation, as discussed in further detail below. Page III-76

140 APPROXIMATE 500-FOOT RADIUS LEGEND Project Site Sensitive Receptors: 10 Schrader Boulevard Selma Avenue 1 PROJECT SITE 2 6 Wilcox Avenue # Selma Avenue: Mama Shelter Hotel 1541 Wilcox Avenue: Proposed Hotel 6516 Selma Avenue: Proposed Hotel 1550 Wilcox Avenue: University Dorms Schrader Blvd.: Multi-Family Residential 1521 Wilcox Avenue: Multi-Family Residential 1600 Schrader Boulevard: Proposed Hotel Schrader Blvd: Multi-Family Residential 1624 Schrader Boulevard: USA Hostels Hollywod 1611 Schrader Boulevard: Multi-Family Residential 1622 Wilcox Avenue: Mark Twain Hotel 6421 Selma Avenue: Proposed Hotel Noise Monitoring Locations Leq: 70.7 db Lmin: 55.3 db Lmax :91.4 db 2 Leq: 67.1 db Lmin: 53.1 db Lmax: 80.0 db 3 Leq: 64.2 db Lmin: 50.8 db Lmax: 85.8 db SCALE: APPROXIMATE N Sunset Boulevard 4 Leq: 52.4 db Lmin: 48.4 db Lmax: 66.2 db Source: Google Earth, Aerial View, 2016 Figure III-1 Noise Monitoring and Sensitive Receptor Location Map