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HomeMy WebLinkAbout13 EIR LAMBERT RANCH PROJECT (IRVINE) 06-05-06AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: JUNE 5, 2006 TO: WilLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER FROM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: CITY OF TUSTIN REVIEW OF CITY OF IRVINE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR LAMBERT RANCH PROJECT SUMMARY City staff has reviewed the lambert Ranch Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Conceptual Master Plan, Vesting Tentative Tract Map, and Park Plan for residential development consisting of 168 single family dwelling units north of Portola Parkway, approximately 3/4 mile east of the eastern leg of the Eastern Transportation Corridor (Highway 133). It is not anticipated that the proposed project would have any significant impacts on the City of Tustin. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file this report. FISCAL IMPACT: There are no fiscal impacts associated with this action. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: The proposed project includes the development of 168 single-family detached dwelling units north of Portola Parkway, approximately % mile east of the eastern leg of the Eastern Transportation Corridor (see location Map). The project site is currently developed with one single family residence that is proposed to remain on the site. The majority of the site is undeveloped and agricultural. The site is surrounded by residential development that is currently under construction. City Council Report DEIR Lambert Ranch Project June 5, 2006 Page 2 The Community Development and Public Works Departments have reviewed the subject Draft EIR. Because the proposed project is relatively limited in scope and is several miles from the City of Tustin, it is not anticipated that the proposed project would have any significant impacts on the City of Tustin. Therefore, staff recommends that the City not provide formal comments at this time to the City of Irvine on this project. Scott Reekstin Senior Planner Elizabeth A. Binsack Community Development Director Attachments: A. Location Map B. DEIR Executive Summary - Project Location and Summary S:\Cdd\CCReports\DEIR lambert Ranch.doc ATTACHMENT A LOCATION MAP Regional Location \.- /4 ,.------ i"t: '",.""-'{;, "~:.c;/. '~/ I. r' .:<'" .&;:::- 15,000' 0' I.,mhert Ranch General Plan Amendment and Zone Change ~ The Planning Center . Figure 3.1 ATTACHMENT B DEIR EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXCERPT 1. Executive Summary 1.3 PROJECT LOCATION The Project Site is located in Planning Area 6, in the southeastern portion of the City of Irvine, in central Orange County, Calffornia. More specffically, the 51-acre Project Area is located on the north of Portola Parkway, approximately 0.75 mile east of Sand Canyon Avenue and the Eastern Transportation Corridor (SR- 133), as seen in Figure 3-2, Local Vicinity Map. . The Project Site is comprised of mostly agricultural land uses. The site topography varies from flat, level land on the southern portion of the property to moderate hillside topography on the northern portion. Elevations range from 460 to 640 feet above mean sea level. Of the approximately 51-acre site, 27.48 acres are dedicated to irrigated agriculture, currently the production of strawberries. An existing cellular site is located on the back side of the hillside facing the Foothill Transportation Corridor (SR-241). The project is surrounded by Mure residential development within Planning Area 6, which is currently under construction. 1.4 PROJECT SUMMARY A General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Conceptual Master Plan, Vesting Tentative Tract Map (VTTM No. 16688), and Park Plan are being processed to allow for the development of 169 single-family dwelling units on approximately 51 acres. The proposed General Plan land use designation for the site is Medium Density Residential (0-12.5 units per acre) and the proposed Zoning Designation is 2.3M Medium Density Residential. The siting and orientation of the various residential homes have been planned in response to the existing landform and to maximize pedestrian circulation. From the main entry to the community, a landscaped "esplanade" provides a physical and visual connection to the existing "landscaped" hillside. The end of the esplanade provides a link to the 1.77 -acre neighborhood park with a community building, resort/lap pool, tot lot, and barbecue areas to be utilized by the surrounding community. A component of the neighborhood park will include an area located in a small valley at the southwest base of the hill, preserving and enhancing the existing landscape. Several small park areas, gardens, and the esplanade are provided in the immediate area of residences and will be landscaped and have furniture available for the enjoyment of all residents. A system of paseos and trails provides an extensive pedestrian natwork, providing direct access to the smaller homes and recreational facilities. There are three planned housing types: 83 single-family detached homes with more generous land areas and more formal street relationships; 69 single-family detached homes with smaller lot sizes, arranged in a village character; and 37 single-family detached homes nestled in the hillside. The Lambert Family home will be retained in place. An existing wireless communication facility is located on the north side ofthe hill facing the Foothill Transportation Corridor (SR-241). The overall density for the project falls at the low end of the Medium Density Residential category, with approximately 3 dwelling units per acre (dulac) versus the allowed 12.5 du/ac. Page ]-4 . The Planning Center April 2006