7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
1/25
City of West Hollywood
La Brea Streetscape ProjectLa Brea Avenue between Fountain Avenue
and Romaine Street
COUNTERCOPY
DO NOTREMOVE
CEQA INITIAL STUDY &NEGATIVE DECLARATION
February 7, 2013
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
2/25
2
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
Project Title: La Brea Streetscape Project
Lead Agency: City of West HollywoodPublic Works Department8300 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd FloorWest Hollywood, CA 90069
Contact Person & Phone Number:Donn Uyeno, P.E.Senior Civil Engineer323-848-6457
Project Location: The portion of La Brea Ave located within the boundary of the Cityof West Hollywood
Project Sponsors Name and Address:City of West HollywoodPublic Works Department8300 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd FloorWest Hollywood, CA 90069
General Plan Designation: Arterial Street
Zoning: Adjacent to CR (Commercial Regional Center) andCA (Commercial Arterial) Land Uses
Description of Project:
The City of West Hollywood is proposing to implement the La Brea Streetscape Master Plan on
that portion of La Brea Ave which is located within its boundaries (between Fountain Ave and
Romaine St). The City is planning to take the existing streetscape design that exists along
Santa Monica Blvd and continue it onto La Brea Ave. Work includes the construction of planted
green space along the sidewalks, install landscaped medians, removal and replacement of
trees, install pedestrian street lights, and replace damaged sidewalks.
Surrounding land uses and setting:
Land uses along La Brea Avenue include a large commercial retail center, smaller retail,commercial offices, a synagogue, a concrete plant, a grocery store, a fast food establishment,
restaurants, and residential apartments mixed with ground floor commercial uses currently
under construction at three locations. The portion to the north and south of the project site is
owned and maintained by the City of Los Angeles.
Other public agencies whose approval is required: None
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
3/25
3
II. 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 thefollowing pages.
Aesthetics Agriculture and Forestry Air Quality
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils
Greenhouse GasEmissions
Hazards and HazardousMaterials
Hydrology/Water Quality
Land Use/Planning Mineral Resources Noise
Population/Housing Public Services Recreation
Transportation/Traffic Utilities/Service Systems Mandatory Findings ofSignificance
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
4/25
4
III. DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,
and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the
project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially
significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has
been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,
and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as
described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but
it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed
adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable
standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or
NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed
upon the proposed project, nothing further is required
______________________________________
SIGNATURE: Donn I. Uyeno, P.E.
_____________________________________
TITLE DATE
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
5/25
5
IV. CHECKLIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
This checklist identifies physical, biological, social and economic factors that might be affected
by the proposed project. In many cases, background studies performed in connection with theprojects indicate no impacts. A NO IMPACT answer in the last column reflects this
determination. Where there is a need for clarifying discussion, the discussion is included either
following the applicable section of the checklist or is within the body of the environmental
document itself. The words "significant" and "significance" used throughout the following
checklist are related to CEQA, impacts. The questions in this form are intended to encourage
the thoughtful assessment of impacts and do not represent thresholds of significance.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
I. AESTHETICS: Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character
or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) 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: In determining whether impacts to agricultural
resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural
Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as
an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whetherimpacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies
may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding
the states inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest
Legacy Assessment Project; and the forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest
Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
6/25
6
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), asshown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural
use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a
Williamson Act contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning
of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by PublicResources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use?
e) 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?
III. AIR QUALITY: Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality
management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.
Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
7/25
7
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase
of any criteria pollutant for which the project regionis non- attainment under an applicable federal or
state ambient air quality standard (including
releasing emissions which exceed quantitative
thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations?
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial
number of people?
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES: Would the project:
a) 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
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
c) 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) 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?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
8/25
8
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a treepreservation policy or ordinance?
f) 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: Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource as defined in
15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to 15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred
outside of formal cemeteries?
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS: Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) 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?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
9/25
9
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
c) 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?
d) 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?
e) 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: Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly
or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on
the environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulationadopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions
of greenhouse gases?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
10/25
10
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b) 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) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or wastewithin one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 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 result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with
an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
h) Expose 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?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
11/25
11
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY: Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements?
b) 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)?
c) 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) 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?
e) 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) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard areaas mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or
Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard
delineation map?
h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
12/25
12
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of
loss, injury or death involving flooding, includingflooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING: Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
b) 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?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation
plan or natural community conservation plan?
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES: Would the project:
a) 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?
b) 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?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
13/25
13
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XII. NOISE: Would the project result in:
a) 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?
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive
groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise
levels in the project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
d) 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: Would the project:
a) 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) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
14/25
14
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
c) Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacementhousing elsewhere?
XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES:
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of new or
physically altered governmental facilities, need for new
or physically altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause significantenvironmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable
service ratios, response times or other performance
objectives for any of the public services:
Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
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?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
15/25
15
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or
require the construction or expansion of recreationalfacilities which might have an adverse physical
effect on the environment?
XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC: Would the project:
a) 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 masstransit 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) 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) 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) Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs
regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian
facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or
safety of such facilities?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
16/25
16
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS: Would the
project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the
applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b) 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) Require or result in the construction of new storm
water drainage facilities or expansion of existingfacilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the
project from existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
projects projected demand in addition to the
providers existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted
capacity to accommodate the projects solid waste
disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
17/25
17
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, substantially 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 that are individuallylimited, but cumulatively considerable?
("Cumulatively considerable" means that the
incremental effects of a 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
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
18/25
18
IV. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
I. Aesthetics: The proposed La Brea Streetscape Project is expected to substantiallyimprove the aesthetic quality of West Hollywoods portion of La Brea Avenue.
This project will not have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect on scenic vistas, or
scenic resources. The visual character and the surroundings of the boulevard will be
improved, by visually connecting La Brea Avenue to improvements already constructed on
Santa Monica Boulevard. This includes matching the trees and blue pedestrian light poles
that are already installed on Santa Monica Blvd.
Significance finding of a) c): No impact
There are going to be 21 pedestrian level street lights added to the sidewalks along La
Brea Avenue. These will provide a new source of light, but will not adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area. These lights will provide illumination on the sidewalks and the
globe shape diffuses light in a way that does not provide glare to vehicles in the street or
nearby residents.
Significance finding of d): Less than significant impact
II. Agriculture Resources: There is no prime or unique farmland, nor agricultural uses in theproject area or surrounding properties.
Significance finding a) e): No impact
III. Air Quality: The proposed project will not violate any air quality standards or contribute toexisting or projected air quality violations. It will not expose sensitive receptors topollutants and will not decrease ambient air quality. This project is not expected to resultin any objectionable odors. During construction, when dust could be created bylandscaping and construction work, the contractor will be responsible for controlling thedust by appropriate means such as sweeping or watering as required by the projectspecifications. The effect will be temporary and is not considered significant.
The project is not expected to make any significant changes to the number of trips made
on La Brea Avenue and the vehicle parking capacity on the boulevard will not change. As
such, it will not constitute a significant deterioration of air quality in the already established
commercial areas of West Hollywood. Ambient air quality is not decreased to a level of
significance according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District handbook.
Significance finding of a) e): No impact
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
19/25
19
IV. Biological Resources: The City has found no significant negative impact on plant oranimal life as a result of the proposed project. There are no riparian habitats or protectedwetlands in the area of the project site. There are no native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species corridors in the project site.
Significance finding of a) d): No impact
The project includes the removal of up to 31 trees. These trees include 16 mature ficus
trees that have outgrown the narrow public right of way, and are creating trip and fall
hazards. There are also 15 palm trees in a variety of heights. These trees will be replaced
with 32 Chinese Elm trees that will match the 19 Chinese Elm trees already planted on the
frontage of the Gateway Center. Those 19 already planted elm trees will remain
untouched. There will also be 11 added trees in the medians. Local municipal code
11.36.010 and 11.36.020 currently allows for the removal and planting of trees on public
highways, with a permit by the Director of Public Works or the Directors designee.
The City of West Hollywood does have a heritage tree program. None of the trees on La
Brea Avenue are on the list of heritage trees and none have been submitted for
consideration.
Significance finding of e): Less than significant impact
This project does not conflict with an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan.
Significance finding of f): No impact
V. Cultural Resources: There are no sites adjacent to the project that are listed on theNational Registry of Historical Resources nor any sites which are listed as potentialhistorical resources or deemed potentially significant by the City of West Hollywood.
The project will not affect any archaeological, paleontological, geological, sites nor disturb
any human remains.
Significance finding of a) d): No impact
VI. Geology and Soils: This project is not in an area exposed fault surface rupture accordingto the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, Special Bulletin 42. The project is notlocated within a liquefaction zone.
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
20/25
20
Because the project only involves surface improvements and enhancements, there will be
no change in the soils or soil conditions that will expose people or structures to strong
seismic ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, soil erosion, lateral spreading,
subsidence or collapse.
All properties adjacent to the project site are connected to the sanitary sewer system.
Significance finding of a) e): No impact
VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: There may be some indirect generation of GHG, from theconstruction vehicles used during the installation of the improvements; however they aretemporary in nature and not at a level of significance to have an impact on theenvironment.
Significance finding of a): Less than Significant Impact
As a part of the Citys General Plan update, the City has developed a Climate Action Plan(CAP) designed to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at thelocal level. The CAP was adopted on September 6, 2011. Although climate change is aglobal problem, the City recognizes that many strategies to adapt to a changing climateand combat its progression are best enacted at the local level. This plan recommends aseries of actions West Hollywood can take to reduce its contributions to global climatechange by reducing GHG emissions. This project complies with the strategies of the CAPby adding green space and planting new trees.
Significance finding of b): No impact
VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials: The proposed project will not create a significanthazard to the public or environment, because there is no transport, use, or disposal ofhazardous materials. Therefore there are no foreseeable conditions that would involve theaccidental release of hazardous materials into the environment. The project is not locatedwithin a quarter mile of any school. This project is not located on a site that is included onthe list of hazardous material sites complied pursuant to Government Code Section65962.5. The site is also not located in an airport land use, or within two miles of a publicairport or a private airstrip.
Significance finding of a) f): No impact
During construction the project may slow down response time for an emergency or
evacuation. Emergency access to properties in the City of West Hollywood and the City of
Los Angeles, may use La Brea Avenue as part of their route, however the network of
adjacent street gives them many alternatives to get them through the project area while
the project is under construction. When the project is complete it will have no effect on
emergency response time or evacuation.
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
21/25
21
Significance finding of g): Less than significant impact
This project is located in an urbanized area with commercial uses on both side of the
street. There are no wild lands in the vicinity of the project.
Significance finding of h): No impact
IX. Hydrology and Water Quality: This project involves streetscape enhancements andinstallations to the medians. During construction the project is required to implement theirLocal Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (LSWPPP) and Best Management Practices(BMPs) to prevent construction debris and/or waste discharges from entering the stormdrain system. Therefore it will not violate any water quality standards or waste dischargerequirements.
Significance finding of a): No impact
The project incorporates landscaped infiltration parkways to reduce the amount of surfacerainwater and runoff from the sidewalks from getting into the storm drain system. Thisincludes installing an 18 layer of sandy loom that has a minimum infiltration rate of perhour, under the top 4 of soil or ground cover. Then beneath that will be a minimum 12layer of open graded gravel, that will help the rainwater infiltrate back into the ground.
Significance finding of b) and e): No impact
As the street slopes in a north-south direction surface rainwater drains southward to catchbasins located at all the intersections. The proposed medians are parallel to the street
therefore there will be no significant change to the already existing drainage patterns onthe street. There are no streams or bodies of water in the project area.
Significance finding of c) and d): No impact
The existing storm drains and/or drainage systems will still be adequate to accommodateanticipated storm water once the project is complete. This project will not place anyhousing or structures in the 100-year flood hazard area. There will not be danger ofinundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow.
Significance finding of f) j): No impact
X. Land Use and Planning: The project will implement goals to improve the pedestrianexperience on the boulevard, as well as improve the aesthetics on the boulevard thereforeit will bring together nearby residents and businesses located east and west of La BreaAvenue.
Significance finding of a): No impact
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
22/25
22
The proposed project is consistent with the planned uses in the 2035 City of WestHollywood General Plan and City of West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance, and will notconflict with applicable environmental plans adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over theproject. There is no habitat conservation or natural community conservation areas in theproject area.
Significance finding of b) and c): No impact
XI. Mineral Resources: There are no known mineral resources in the project area thereforethere will be no loss of locally important mineral resources as a result of this project.
Significance finding of a) and b): No impact
XII. Noise: The 2035 City of West Hollywood General Plan identifies only one (1) noisesensitive land use in the project area which is a house of worship, Congregation Kol Ami,at the north-east corner of La Brea Avenue and Lexington Avenue. During construction,there may be additional noise associated with the construction activities. The contractorwill be required to minimize the noise based on mitigations written into the contractspecifications. This includes avoiding construction activities that may create higher thannormal noise on routine gathering days of service and holidays important to thiscongregation.
Significance finding of a): Less than significant impact.
The removal of concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters are usually done with jack hammers
or similar equipment. This may cause people to be temporarily exposed to ground-bornevibration and a temporary increase in ambient noise. Once the concrete is removed the
other construction activities in the area are completed with construction methods that do
not generate such vibration or noise. When the project is complete there will be neither
ground-borne vibration nor ground-borne noise.
Significance finding of b) and d): Less than significant impact.
Noise related to the project has to do with the activity during construction. There will be no
permanent change to the ambient noise levels once the project is complete.
Significance finding of c): No impact
This project is not located near an airport or private airstrip.
Significance finding of e) and f): No impact.
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
23/25
23
XIII. Population and Housing: There is no housing being built or removed as a part of thisproject. The project involves improvement and enhancement to existing infrastructure,which may in turn attract new interest into the boulevard. However it will not indirectlyinduce substantial population growth in the area, because prior to construction there arealready three substantial housing projects being built on La Brea Avenue. At 7119 SantaMonica Boulevard a mixed use building is being built with 184 apartments. At 1145 La
Brea Avenue construction of a five story mixed use building with 37 affordable housingunits is underway. Then at 1234 La Brea Avenue, another mixed use building is underconstruction which has 187 apartments. These developments will still be underconstruction when the proposed project is complete.
Significance finding of a) c): No impact
XIV. Public Services: The project only improves and enhances existing infrastructure along LaBrea Avenue, therefore there will be no need for new government facilities to be built. Theproject does not substantially impact public services in an adverse manner and there is no
change to service ratios to cause an environmental impact.
During construction there will be slight impact to response times of fire protection and tothe sheriffs department, but not enough impact to provide inadequate emergency accessto any given site. The network of streets surrounding La Brea Avenue gives numerousalternatives to access any site during an emergency. Constructions specifications willalways allow for one travel lane in each direction to remain open to through traffic at alltimes.
There will be no impact to fire protection and the sheriffs department once the project iscomplete, and response time will return to what it was before construction of the project.
Streetscape enhancement projects like this generally do not cause a need for an increasein schools, parks, or other public facilities.
Significance finding of a): No impact
XV. Recreation: Streetscape projects like this generally do not change the use or demand forneighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities. It will not cause oraccelerate the deterioration of any recreational facilities in the area. It will also not createthe need for the construction or expansion of recreational facilities.
Significance finding a) and b): No impact
XVI. Transportation and Traffic: The La Brea Avenue Master Plan has taken into account theCitys Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and mobility portion of the 2035 City of WestHollywood General Plan. This project will build the elements of the La Brea Avenue MasterPlan and enhance the pedestrian experience along the Avenue.
The project looked into incorporating dedicated bike lanes into the project, however thepublic right of way and the geometry of the street did not allow for it. There is room for a
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
24/25
24
future share the lane arrows (sharrows) for bicyclist that can be installed. This is consistentwith what the City of Los Angeles has identified for La Brea Avenue north and south of theproject in their 2010 Bicycle Plan Component of the City of Los Angles TransportationElement.
The intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and La Brea Avenue is a major bus transfer/
connection point for the MTA and City Line shuttles. The MTA bus lines that stop at thisintersection eventually connect to the MTA Red Line subway stops as well as otherLADOT DASH lines that service the region. This project will not change local and regionalbus service.
Significance finding of a) and f): No impact
This project will not conflict with any congestion management programs, level of service,
travel demand measures and standards established by the County of Los Angeles. The
proposed median islands are sized and placed so that it would not reduce the level of
service at any of the signalized intersections.
Significance finding of b): No impact
Projects like this generally do not change air traffic patterns, nor cause an increase to air
traffic, nor cause change locations of air transport.
Significance finding of c): No impact
This project will not increase hazards or provide incompatible uses on the roadway. Care
was made to select planted material that will not grow to heights that would create sight
obstructions to vehicles and pedestrians.
Significance finding of d): No impact
During construction there will be slight impact to response times of fire protection and tothe sheriffs department, but not enough impact to provide inadequate emergency accessto any given site. The network of streets surrounding La Brea Avenue gives numerousalternatives to access any site during an emergency. Construction specifications willalways allow for one travel lane in each direction to remain open to through traffic at alltimes. There will be no impact to fire protection and the sheriffs department once theproject is complete, and response time will return to what it was before construction of the
project.
Significance finding of e): Less than significant impact.
XVII. Utilities and Service Systems: The La Brea Avenue Streetscape Project will not result ina need for the construction of new water, waste water, or storm water drainage systems or
7/29/2019 La Brea Initial Study - Negative Declaration
25/25
facilities. Projects like this generally do not affect wastewater use; therefore it will notexceed wastewater treatment requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Significance finding of a) c) and e): No impact
The new landscaping elements for the project will be watered through an irrigation system.However the use of plant materials that require low levels of watering as well as systems
that promote water conservation means that the existing water supplies for the area are
more than adequate for this project and will not require new resources or expanded
entitlements for water. Projects like this generally do not require a change to water
resources.
Significance finding of d): No impact.
La Brea Avenue is swept daily by a street sweeper and every Monday through Friday by a
contracted service provider. Individual trash receptacles along the boulevard is serviced by
our franchised waste hauler, Athens Services, who takes the solid waste to a material
recovery facility to sort through it before anything goes to a landfill. This process ensures
that whatever can be recycled does not end up in a landfill. The City of West Hollywood is
aware that the Puente Hills landfill is closing in November of 2013 and this project will be
complete before then. This project does not change the number of trash receptacles
provided on the sidewalks and therefore does not increase the solid waste disposal. This
project complies with federal, state, and local regulations related to solid waste.
Significance finding of f) and g): No impact
XVIII. Mandatory Findings of Significance: The proposed La Brea Avenue StreetscapeProject will not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantiallyreduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to dropbelow self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce thenumber or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate importantexamples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. The project does nothave impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable. It will not haveenvironmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,either directly or indirectly.
Significance finding of a) c): No impact