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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGP Update-Review Draft Elements - Natural Resources & RecreationCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Agenda Item Nos. 2 and 3 October 20, 2005 TO: PLANNING COMMISSION FROM: Gregg B. Ramirez, Senior Planner (949) 644 - 3219, gramirezCaicitv.newport- beach.ca.us SUBJECT: General Plan Update — Policy Meeting No. 2 Review the draft General Plan goals and policies related to the Natural Resources and Recreation. DISCUSSION Attached for your review are draft copies of the Natural Resources and Recreation elements of the General Plan. Both elements contain a series of goals and policies that provide the City with long term guidance in relation to each of the topic areas. The Commission will be provided a strikeout version of both elements prior the October 20th special meeting reflecting the General Plan Advisory Committee's recommendations made at their Saturday October 15`h meeting. Also attached is an underlinedlsWkeeut copy of the Safety element reflecting direction given to staff by the City Council. The Council decided against including the Historical Resources and Art and Cultural Resources optional elements as part of the General Plan update. Environmental Review An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is being prepared as part of the General Plan Update process. Public Notice Notice of this meeting was published in the Daily Pilot, the agenda for these meetings which were posted at City Hall and on the city website. Prepared by: Gregg Ramirez, enior Plan er Exhibits: 1. Draft Natural Resources 2. Draft Recreation 3. Revised Safety Element General Plan Update — Policy Meeting No.2 October 20, 2005 Page 2 Submitted by: Patricia L. Temple, Play ing Director Exhibit No. 1 Draft Natural Resources 3 Natural Resources INTRODUCTION The primary objective of the Natural Resources Element is to provide direction regarding the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. It identifies Newport Beach's natural resources and policies for their preservation, development, and wise use. This element addresses: water supply (as a resource) and water quality, air quality, terrestrial and marine biological resources, open space, archaeological and paleontological resources, mineral resources, visual resources, and energy. A commitment to sustainable development through the efficient use and conservation of natural resources is important to meet the needs of current and future residents of Newport Beach. Commitment to conservation secures ongoing availability of finite resources such as an ample supply of safe water, diversity of biological resources, and available energy resources. This assurance contributes substantially to the physical and psychological health and well-being of the community and strengthens the vitality of the local and regional economic base. CONTEXT Water Supply Water supply is an important resource that needs to be used efficiently. Water service within Newport Beach is provided by the City, Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD), and Mesa Consolidated Water District (Mesa). Generally, Newport Beach provides water service to approximately 13.5 square miles of the City; IRWD serves approximately nine square miles; and Mesa serves less than one square mile. Domestic water for the City is supplied by both groundwater and imported surface water. Currently, about 75 percent of the water supplied to both the City and Mesa's service area is from groundwater from the Orange County Groundwater Basin (administered by the Orange County Water District or OCWD), and the temaining 25 percent of water supply is provided by the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), which delivers surface water imported from the Colorado River and State Water Project. This ratio can change year to year based on the OCWD's administration of the Basin's supply. Approximately 50 percent of IRWD's current water supply is purchased from MWD, with the remaining 50 percent coming from groundwater. The future supply projection assumes that the City will continue to produce groundwater and purchase local water from MWD, which is projected to meet 100 percent of the City's imported water needs until the year 2010. Beyond that, improvements associated with the State Water Project supply, additional local projects, conservation, and additional water transfers would be needed to adequately provide surface water to the City. OCWD projects that there would be sufficient groundwater supplies to meet any future demand requirements in Newport Beach. IRWD's treated and clear groundwater supplies are also expected to be a significant source of potable water supply in the future. MWD water will be required for supplemental supply as well as peak and emergency conditions. NATURAL RESOURCES--DRAFT, 1019105 1 S In an effort to effectively manage water resources, the City's service area participates in regional water management programs that assist in the development of resource mixes that balance water supply sources and meet future local and regional water requirements. In addition, all service providers focus on demand management efforts that promote efficient water use and effective management of imported and local water supplies through a variety of water conservation. programs. The City also began purchasing recycled water from OCWD and IRWD in 1999, and has identified and approached all cost - effective end users in the City that could potentially use recycled water, and uses a combination of incentives to encourage recycling. The City has maximized opportunities for end users of recycled water and could only increase users if a neighboring water agency provided the reclaimed water to the City. Both Mesa and IRWD encourage water recycling as well. Currently, reclaimed water makes up 20 percent of IRWD's total water supply. Water Quality Newport Beach's greatest resources are its coastline and bay. Urban runoff from the surrounding watershed impacts not only the biological diversity and functionality of Newport Bay and the surrounding coastal waters, but also its water quality. This runoff includes various pollutants, such as fecal materials from pets, oil and grease, fertilizers, and other urban-based pollutants. The City has traditionally been concerned regarding these issues and has embarked on a number of programs to improve its quality. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). Newport Bay receives urban runoff from the Newport Bay watershed, and is designated as "water quality - limited" for four impairments under the federal Clean Water Act's Section 303(d). Being "water quality - limited" means that a water body is "not reasonably expected to attain or maintain water quality standards" without additional regulation. The law requires that US EPA develop TMDLs for each impaired water body in the nation, which specifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. A TMDL may also include a plan for bringing an impaired water body back within standards. TMDLs have been developed for the following substances in Newport Beach: sediment, nutrients, fecal colifonn, and toxic pollutants. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Additionally, Newport Beach operates a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit under the NPDES. MS4 permits require an aggressive water quality ordinance, specific municipal practices, and the use of best management practices (BMPs) in many development - related activities to further reduce the amount of contaminants in urban runoff. MS4 permits also require local agencies to cooperatively develop a public education campaign to inform people about what they can do to protect water quality. Sanitary Sewer Overflows. Newport Beach owns and operates a wastewater collection system that collects residential and commercial wastewater and transports it for treatment to the Orange County Sanitation District. Portions of the City receive wastewater service from IRWD. Residences and businesses hook up private lateral lines to the City's collection lines. Private and public lines and the City's pump stations have the potential to cause sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), which may lead to several beach closures in and around Newport Beach each year. Most SSOs in the area are caused by line blockages from grease and root dogs, or maintenance failures NATURAL RESOURCES—DRAFT, 1019105 2 of plumbing associated with pump stations. The City regulates the disposal of grease and other insoluble waste, and follows a defined Sewer System Master Plan to replace or reline older wastewater lines and upgrade pump stations. Air Quality Newport Beach is located within the South Coast Air Basin (Basin), named so because its geographical formation is that of a basin, with the surrounding mountains trapping the air and its pollutants in the valleys or basins below. Due to the typical daily wind pattern, much of the Basin is flushed of high levels of air pollutants on most spring and early summer days. From late summer through the winter months, the flushing is less pronounced because of lighter wind speeds. Mobile sources account for the majority of the air pollutant emissions within the Basin. Both the Federal and State governments have established ambient air quality standards for outdoor concentrations of various pollutants in order to protect public health. The South Coast Air Quality Management District ( SCAQMD) is responsible for bringing air quality within the Basin into conformity with the national and state standards. In an effort to monitor the various concentrations of air pollutants throughout the Basin, the SCAQMD has divided the region into 27 source receptor areas (SRAs). Newport Beach is located within SRA 18, which encompasses the North Coastal Orange County area. The air pollutants for which national and state standards have been promulgated and which are most relevant to air quality planning and regulation include ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), and sulfur dioxide (SOS. As of 2003, SRA 18 did not exceed state or national standards for any criteria pollutant monitored. Toxic air contaminants are also a concern in the air basins, but are different than the "criteria" pollutants listed above in that ambient air quality standards have not been established for them, largely because there are hundreds of air toxics and their effects on health tend to be local rather than regional These contaminants include chemical substances that may be emitted from a variety of common sources including gasoline stations, motor vehicles, dry cleaners, painting and industrial operations, etc. Land use patterns and density of development affect the amount of air pollutants that are generated by communities. Newport Beach is a low- density community, where the distance between uses is greater than in high- density communities. As a result, there are fewer public transportation routes and vehicles, and an increase in the number of motor vehicle trips and associated air pollutant emissions. Newport Beach is also a jobs -rich City, which increases the potential for emissions to be generated as employees or residents have to commute long distances to and from their homes and work. The City's Municipal Code does address air quality by establishing a special fund to receive revenue distributed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District ( SCAQMD). SCAQMD imposes an additional vehicle registration fee, of which the City is eligible to receive a portion, to implement mobile source air pollution reduction programs. NATURAL RESOURCES--DRAFT, 1019105 3 7 Aircraft Pollution Aircraft operations at the John Wayne Airport contribute air pollutants that affect residents and visitors of Newport Beach. Specifically, aircraft engines emit water vapor, carbon dioxide, small amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfur gases, and soot and metal particles formed by the high temperature combustion of jet fuel during flight. NOx emissions are a precursor to the formation of ground -level ozone, also known as smog. Ozone affects human pulmonary and respiratory health. Also, NOx reacts in the atmosphere to form secondary particulate matter (PMZ�, which also causes detrimental health effects. In addition, NOx, ozone, and PM adversely affect the environment in various ways including visibility impairment, crop damage, and acid rain. Aircraft engine emissions prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) were adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the United States in 1997. The City of Newport Beach does not have any specific regulations governing aircraft engine emissions. Biological Resources A variety of diverse, valuable, and sensitive biological resources occur within the City of Newport Beach. The terrestrial and marine resources that are present in the City ate described below. Terrestrial Resources Many plant habitats can be found in Newport Beach that includes scrub, chaparral, grassland, and riparian habitats. Additionally, Newport Beach contains veinal pools, seeps, and wet meadows. Other plant habitats present in Newport Beach include annual grasslands, ruderal areas that are generally a result of disturbances caused by humans, and ornamental landscaping that consist of introduced trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf grass. Sensitive Terrestrial Species The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and the California Native Plant Society's Electronic Inventory of Rate and Endangered Vascular Plants of California identifies occurrences of federal- or State -listed or proposed endangered or threatened species, Federal Species of Concern, species categorized as Federal Species of Concern, California Species of Concern, or otherwise sensitive species or habitat that may occur within or in the immediate vicinity of Newport Beach. These species ate protected under state and federal regulations. The databases indicate that there are three listed plant species that occur or have the potential to occur within the City of Newport Beach: San Fernando Valley spineflower, salt marsh bird's beak, and Crownbeard. Eleven listed wildlife species occur or have the potential to occur within the City of Newport Beach: San Diego fairy shrimp, Tidewater goby, California black rail, light - footed clapper rail, western snowy plover, California least tern, southwestern willow flycatcher, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, Belding's savannah sparrow, and pacific pocket mouse. In addition, other sensitive species include 27 sensitive wildlife species and 24 sensitive plant species that occur or potentially occur within the Newport Beach area. NATURAL RESOURCES--DRAFT, 1019106. 4 6 Marine Resources The marine resources of the City and surrounding ocean waters are very diverse. They include plants and animals of marshes and wetlands living in Upper Newport Bay, the developed channels, beaches, and hardscape of Lower Newport Bay (Newport Harbor), and the intertidal and subtidal landforms (sandy beaches, rocky intertidal, sandy subtidal, and subtidal reefs) along the coast of Newport Beach between the Santa Ana River and the boundary between the City and Laguna Beach. Many of these areas are considered wetland habitat by the State of California and federal wetland definitions axe protected by a no -net loss wetlands policy Sensitive Marine Species Several species of marine mammals are present in the waters near the shore along the Newport coastline. All marine mammals are protected by the Maine Mammal Protection Act Protected marine mammals that are most likely to occur in the City are: California sea lion, Harbor seal, California gray whale, Killer whale, Common dolphin, Pacific white sided dolphin, and Dall's porpoise. Eelgrass (Zostera marina), a flowering, marine vascular plant, is considered a sensitive marine resource due to its nursery function for invertebrates and fishes, and because it is considered critical foraging habitat for the federal- and State -listed California least tern. Eelgrass is protected by the Southern California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy, which requires impacts to this species be avoided, minimized or compensated. Other sensitive marine resources include eelgrass restoration areas, Giant kelp, California Grunion, and California halibut. Environmental Study Areas Undeveloped areas supporting natural habitats that may be capable of supporting sensitive biological resources within the City are also referred to as Environmental Study Areas (ESAs) by the Local Coastal Plan. An ESA may support species and habitats that are sensitive and rare within the region or may function as a migration corridor for wildlife. The portions of the ESAs within the Coastal Zone that contain sensitive or rare species are referred to as Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs), as defined by the California Coastal Act. ESHAs are areas in which "plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or ate especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem that could easily be disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments." The Coastal Act requires that ESHAs be protected against any significant disruption of habitat values. Only uses dependent on those resources are allowed within ESHAs and adjacent development must be sited and designed to prevent impacts that would significantly degrade the ESHA and must be compatible with the continuance of the ESHA There are 28 identified ESAs within the City of Newport Beach: (1) Semeniuk Slough, (2) North Star Beach, (3) West Bay, (4) Upper Newport Bay Marine Park (UNBMP), (5) De Anza Bayside Marsh Peninsula, (6) San Diego Creek, (7) East Bluff Remnant, (8) Mouth of Big Canyon, (9) Newportet North, (10) Buck Gully, (11) Morning Canyon, (12) Newport Beach Marine Life Refuge, (13) Castaways, (14) Banning Ranch, (15) Newport Coast Open Space, (16) Los Ttancos, Pelican Hill, (17) Ridge Park, (18) Irvine Coast Marine Life Refuge, (19) Newport Harbor Entrance Channel, (20) Bonita Canyon Creek Watershed, (2 1) San Joaquin Reservoir, (22) Arroyo NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1019105 5 ki Park, (23) Coyote Canyon, (24) MacArthur and Bison, (25) MacArthur and San Miguel, (26) MacArthur and San Joaquin Hills, (27) Spyglass Hill, (28) and Non - Coastal Buck Gully. Many of these sites contains one or more sensitive plant communities, and many species of wildlife. Some of the ESAs also contain endangered species of plants and animals. Most of these ESAs are protected as parks, conservation areas, nature preserves, and other open space areas. However, each of these ESAs are subjected to various threats from the surrounding urban environment that include polluted water quality, traffic, noise, public access, development encroachment, erosion and sedimentation, dredging or filling, stormwater runoff, invasive species, and feral animals. Newport Harbor Newport Harbor is home to valuable habitat such as eelgrass and mudflats that support a wide range of species, and also provides the public with recreational boating opportunities. There is a need to protect the biological habitat, and continue to serve the needs of the recreational boating community by ensuring compatibility between these uses of Newport Harbor. The City believes the best way to meet this objective is to develop a comprehensive plan for the management of the Harbor, with the support and cooperation of the County of Orange, US National Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, California Coastal Commission, Regional Water Quality Control Board, recreational boating community, environmental community, and public. Upper Newport Bay The City Council has consistently supported the concept of developing, in cooperation with DFG and the County of Orange, a facility on SheRmaker Island that would serve as a center for water quality and ecosystem education as well as water quality testing and research. The proposed facility, Back Bay Science Center (BBSC), includes a County- operated water quality lab, facilities for DFG personnel involved in the management of the Upper Newport Bay Marine Park (UNBMP), space and exhibits for estuarine, ecosystem and water quality education and research programs, a wetland demonstration marsh and ecological interpretive stations. The City has taken the lead role in the planning /design of the Back Bay Science Center using Oil Spill Settlement Proceeds designated for that purpose. The City, DFG, County, and UCI have entered into a cooperative agreement that identifies the maintenance and operational responsibilities of the parties involved. The UNBMP, one of few remaining estuaries in Southern California, is home to nearly 200 species of birds, including several endangered species, as well as numerous species of mammals, fish, and plants. UNBMP is an important stopover for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway and up to 30,000 birds can be seen here on any day during the winter months. UNBMP is contiguous to 140 acres of County owned uplands on the north and northwest that was, in 2000, designated as the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and which includes an educational facility known as the Muth Center. UNBMP is an extremely valuable natural resource that must be carefully managed to (a) protect and enhance the habitat of the endangered species; (b) protect and enhance the various ecologies within and adjacent to UNBMP; (c) ensure that the public's access to and use of UNBMP does not adversely impact the flora or fauna; (d) maximize the public's understanding and awareness of NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1019105 6 I the resource and recreational value of UNBMP; and (e) promote direct community involvement in resource protection and enhancement. Natural Comminutes Conservation Plan (NCCP) In July of 1996, the City became a signatory agency in the Orange County Central - Coastal NCCP Subregional Plan. The plan covers nearly 38,000 acres in coastal southern California and is a collaboration of federal and State resource agencies, local governments, special districts and private property owners. The NCCP uses a multi- species habitat conservation approach rather than a species specific approach resulting in the preservation of some of the most valuable native habitats while freeing other properties for development. As a signatory agency, the City is responsible for enforcing mitigation measures and other policies identified in the NCCP /Habitat Conservation Plan Implementation Agreement for properties located within the City Limit that are part of the NCCP Subregional Plan. Open Space Resources Open space may be defined as areas generally free from development or developed with low intensity uses that respect the natural environmental characteristics. Open space is generally non- urban in character and may have utility for the following. park and recreation purposes; conservation of land, water, or other natural resources; or for historic or scenic purposes. Most of the City's open space resources are located along the coast and in the eastern half of the City. Newport Beach's open space resources consist of undeveloped areas such as the Environmental Study Areas as described above, the Newport Bay, and Newport Harbor. Other resources include the City's many undeveloped canyons and hillsides located primarily in the Newport Coast area. The beaches, parks, and the Crystal Cove State park also represent some other open space resources. Some of these resources are not preserved as parks or dedicated open spaces; however, local, State, and federal regulations help protect, preserve, and restore lands containing hillsides, sensitive biological resources, coastal beaches, and sensitive coastal bluffs. Circulation and Improvement and Open Space Agreement ( CIOSA) Some of the City's open space areas consist of dedicated lands through the CIOSA. This agreement is between the City of Newport Beach and The Irvine Company, and has allowed building entitlements for The Irvine Company in exchange for payments of required proposed projects, an interest free loan, and land for open space and a potential senior housing site for the City. The amount of open space land dedication was substantially more than what would have been required under the City's Park Dedication Ordinance. Four sites have been dedicated under CIOSA in Newport Beach, two of which exist as open space areas: Newport Village (Newport Center Park), and Newportet Knoll Grand Deeds. Another site, located at Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard will also be dedicated as open space upon issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for final CIOSA project. Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Fossils in the central Santa Ana Mountains represent the oldest formations in Orange County at 145 to 175 million years old. Changes in geological land formations over time, brought upon by tectonic activity, have resulted in a mix of aquatic and terrestrial fossils underlying the City. The NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1019105 7 l� Miocene -age rock units (26 million years ago [myal to 7 mya), particularly in the Newport Coast area, are considered to be of high -order paleontological significance (6 to 9 on a scale of 1 to 10). Other deposits found in the Newport Beach area include a variety of marine mammals, sea birds, mollusks, and a variety of vertebrate animals typically associated with the Ice Age (2.5 mya to 15,000 years ago). Local paleontological sites, particularly near the Castaways, have yielded fossils of Ice Age horses, elephants, bison, antelopes, and dire wolves. Also, a number of localities in the portions of the Vaqueros formation that underlie the Newport Coast area have yielded a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils, and are also considered to be of high -order paleontological significance. Other areas with significant fossils and known paleontological deposits include the Banning Ranch area, which contains at least fourteen documented sites of high significance, and Fossil Canyon, in the North Bluffs area, which is considered a unique paleontological locality. Newport Beach also contains many significant archaeological sites. The Upper Newport Bay area has yielded some evidence for the earliest human occupation of Orange County and date to about 9,500 years before present. Over fifty sites have been documented in the Newport Beach area, including the Newport Coast area and Banning Ranch, many yielding substantial information regarding the prehistory of the City and County, and have included human burials. At least two and possibly three distinct cultural groups inhabited the area, including the Tongva and Acjachemem tribes, although the boundaries of their tribal territories are unclear. Mlneral Resources Historically, drilling for oil in this part of Orange County began as early as 1904, and oil production became the primary mineral extraction activity in and around the City. Two separate production and reserve areas exist within the City and its Sphere of Influence: Newport oil field, which lies within the City limits and West Newport oil field, which is located in the Banning Ranch area. The Newport Oil Field is located in the western portion of the City, and is estimated to have oil reserves of approximately 35 trillion barrels (Mbbl) and produces approximately 55 billion cubic feet of gas. The West Newport oil field produces approximately 20.5 billion cubic feet of gas with a daily production per oil well of approximately 5 bbl. Estimated oil reserves within this field are approximately 728 Mbbl. The concentration of active wells lies within the West Newport and Newport production areas. As of 2002, there were approximately 68 wells (plus four injection wells) producing oil and natural gas within the City - three gas wells in the Newport production area (out of 68 total oil and gas wells) and 65 oil wells in the West Newport area (out of 862 total wells). Of the 65 wells in the West Newport area, 16 are directionally drilled from onshore to offshore and 29 are currently not used for production but have not been abandoned (classified as "shut in'). Fifteen (not counting one injection well) of the 68 producing wells are operated by the City; 48 are operated by West Newport Oil Company, three by Hoag Memorial Hospital, and two by South Coast Oil. Thirty -three abandoned oil wells are located in numerous sites throughout the City, concentrated along the northwest boundary. Additionally, other than oil and gas resources, there is no active training within the Newport Beach area. Mineral Resource Zones (MRZ) within the City are either classified as containing no significant mineral deposits (MRZ -1), or the significance of mineral deposits has not been determined (MRZ -3). NATURAL RESOURCES—DRAFT, 1019105 8 12 Section 1401 of the City's Charter does not allow new drilling, or production or refining of oil, gas, or other hydrocarbon substances within the City. However, the Section does not prohibit these activities within any area annexed to the City after the effective date of the Charter if these activities were already in operation. The City's Municipal Code does allow for slant drilling activities for oil, gas, tar, and other hydrocarbon substances within a designated area of Newport Beach. Visual Resources Visual resources are an important component of the quality of life of any geographic area. The City of Newport Beach is located in a unique and dynamic physical setting and enjoys views of the rolling green hills of Crystal Cove State Park to the east, and spectacular ocean views to the southwest, including those of the open waters of the ocean and bay, sandy beaches, rocky shores, wetlands, canyons, and coastal bluffs. From higher elevations within the City, views to the north include the rolling hills of the San Joaquin Corridor, and in the distance, the Santa Ana Mountains. Specifically, the City's habitat areas and open spaces are among the contributing visual resources, including the Semeniuk Slough, North Star Beach, West Bay, Upper Newport Bay Marine Park and DeAnza /Bayside Marsh Peninsula, and San Diego Creek. Coastal views ate also provided from a number of streets and highways and, due to the grid street pattern in West Newport, Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, and Corona del Mar, many north -south tending streets provide view corridors to the ocean and bay. Coastal canyons and gullies in the eastern portion of the City known as the Newport Coast /Ridge area, typify the topographic landforms that render significant views of the City, including Buck Gully, Morning Canyon, Los Trancos, Muddy Canyon, and Pelican Hill. The City's coastal bluffs along the shoreline, facing the wetlands, and surrounding Upper Newport Bay are also important scenic resources. Other valuable resources include the City's more than 441 acres of parkland and passive open space, including the Crystal Cove State Park, and State Route 1, which is identified as Eligible for State Scenic Highway designation. The City has historically been sensitive to the need to protect and provide access to these scenic resources and has developed a system of public parks, piers, trails, and viewing areas. The City's development standards, including bulk and height limits in the area around the bay, have helped preserve scenic views and regulate the visual and physical mass of structures consistent with the unique character and visual scale of Newport Beach. Located throughout Newport Beach, the City's many small "view parks" are intentionally designed to take advantage of significant views. In addition, the City provides policies in the Municipal Code and Local Coastal Plan that protect public views, which is defined as views from public vantage points. As for the City's coastal and other bluffs, while many have been preserved as parkland and other open space, most have been subdivided and developed over the years, including Newport Heights, Cliff Haven, Irvine Terrace, and Corona Del Mar. Energy Conservation Natural Gas. Southern California Gas Company (SCG) provides natural gas service for the City. Natural gas is a "fossil fuel" and is a non - renewable resource. Most of the major natural gas transmission pipelines within the City are owned and operated by SCG. SCG has the capacity and NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1019105 9 15 resources to deliver gas except in certain situations that are noted in State law. As development occurs, SCG will continue to extend its service to accommodate development and supply the necessary gas lines. Electricity. Electricity is provided on an as- needed basis to customers within existing structures in the City. Southern California Edison Company (SCE) is the distribution provider for electricity in Newport Beach. Currently, SCE has no immediate plans for expansion of infrastructure, as most of the City is built out However, every year SCE expands and improves existing facilities according to demand. GOALS AND POLICIES Water Supply Goal NR1 Minimized water consumption through conservation methods and other techniques. Policy NR1.1 Continue to enforce water conservation measures that limit water usage during water shortages, prohibit activities that waste water or cause runoff, and require the use of water - efficient landscaping in conjunction with new construction projects. Policy NRL2 Establish and actively promote use of water conserving devices and practices in both new construction and major alterations and additions to existing buildings. This can include the use of rainwater capture, storage, and reuse facilities. Policy NR1.3 Explore implementation of alternative conservation measures and technology as they become available. Goal NR2 Expanded use of alternative water sources to provide adequate water supplies for present uses and future growth. Policy NR2.1 Increase the use of recycled water in the City by continuing to provide financial incentives, staff assistance, and training opportunities for customers, and expand recycled water infrastructure and programs, when feasible. Policy NR2.2 Use alternative water sources by implementing advanced water treatment processes such as brackish groundwater and seawater desalination programs, when feasible. Goal NR3 Recharge of groundwater resources. Policy NR3.1 Require incorporation of natural drainage systems and stormwater detention facilities into new developments, where appropriate and feasible, to retain stormwater in order to increase groundwater recharge. Policy NR3.2 Require new development to minimize the creation of and increases in impervious surfaces, especially directly connected Impervious areas, to the maximum extent practicable. Require redevelopment to increase area of pervious surfaces, where feasible. NATURAL RESOURCES -- DRAFT, 1019105 10 I Water Quality Goal NR4 Enhancement and protection of water quality of all natural water bodies, Including coastal waters, creeks, bays, harbors, and wetlands. Policy NR4.. Support the development of a model (physical and/or mathematical) of the Bay and coastline that provides Information regarding the nature and extent of the water quality problem and enables prediction of the effects of changes on the entire system. Policy NR4.2 Continue to oppose oil drilling in the offshore area to protect water quality. Policy NR4.3 Support regulations limiting or banning the use insecticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals which are shown to be detrimental to water quality. Policy NR4.4 Promote pollution prevention and elimination methods that minimize the Introduction of pollutants into natural water bodies. [LCP] Policy NR4.5 Suspend activities and implement appropriate health and safety procedures in the event that previously unknown groundwater contamination is encountered during construction. Where site contamination is identified, implement an appropriate remediation strategy that is approved by the City and the Department of Toxic Substances Control. Policy NR4.6 Continue to require all development to comply with the regulations under the City's municipal separate storm sewer system permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Policy NR4.7 Require that development not result in the degradation of natural water bodies. [LCPj Policy NR4.8 Support and participate in watershed -based runoff reduction and other planning efforts with the Regional Board, the County of Orange, and upstream cities. [LCPj Policy NR4.9 Continue to update and enforce the Newport Beach Water Quality Ordinance. [LCPj Policy NR4.10 Develop and maintain a water quality checklist to be used in the permit review process to assess potential water quality impacts. [LCPj Policy N134..1 Require new development applications to include a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) to minimize runoff from rainfall events during construction and post-construction. [LCP] Policy NR412 Implement and improve upon best management practices (BMPs) for residences, businesses, development projects, and City operations. [LCPj Policy NR4.13 Include site design and source control BMPs In all developments. When the combination of site design and source control BMPs are not sufficient to protect water quality as required by the National Pollutant Elimination System, structural treatment BMPs will be implemented along with site design and source control measures. [LCPj NATURAL RESOURCES - DRAFT, 1019105 11 1� Policy NR4.14 Include equivalent BMPs that do not require inflityation, where Infiltration of runoff would exacerbate geologic hazards. [LCP] Policy NR4.15 Retain runoff on private property to prevent the transport of pollutants Into recreational waters, to the maximum extent practicable. [LCP] Policy NR4.16 Require all street drainage systems and other physical Improvements created by the City, or developers of new subdivisions, to be designed, constructed, and maintained to minimize adverse impacts on water quality. Investigate the possibility of diverting or treating street drainage to minimize impacts to water bodies. Policy NR4.17 Require that development be located on the most suitable portion of the NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1018105 12 L site and designed to ensure the protection and preservation of natural and sensitive site resources that provide important water quality benefits. [LCP] Policy NR4.18 Require that parking lots and public and private streets be swept as frequently as necessary to remove debris and contaminated residue. [LCP] Policy NR4.19 Effectively communicate water quality education to residents and businesses, including the development of a water quality testing lab and educational exhibits at various educational facilities. [LCP] Goal NR5 Maintenance of water quality standards through compliance with the total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) standards. Policy NR5.1 Continue to develop and implement the TMDLs established by the California Regional Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region and guided by the Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee (WEC). [LCP] Policy NR5.2 Secure funding for the Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project and long -term funding for successor dredging projects for Upper and Lower Newport Bay. Policy NR5.3 Preserve, or where feasible, restore natural hydrologic conditions such that downstream erosion, natural sedimentation rates, surface flow, and groundwater recharge function near natural equilibrium states. [LCP] Policy NR5.4 Require grading/erosion control plans with structural BMPs that prevent or minimize erosion during and after construction for development on steep slopes, graded, or disturbed areas. [LCP] Goal NR6 Minimal adverse effects to water quality from sanitary sewer outflows (SS0s). Policy NR6.1 Continue to implement the Sewer System Management Plan and the Sewer Master Plan. [LCP]. Policy NR6.2 Require waste discharge permits for all food preparation facilities that produce grease. [LCP] Policy NR6.3 Continue to renovate all older sewer pump stations and install new plumbing according to most recent standards. [LCP] NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1018105 12 L Policy NR6.4 Comply with the Regional Board's Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) associated with the operation and maintenance of the City's sewage collection system. [LCP[ Air Quality Goal NR7 Reduced mobile source emissions. Policy NR7.1 Require development of walkable neighborhoods by siting amenities such as services, parks, and schools in close proximity to residential areas especially in the Airport Area, Newport Center, and Banning Ranch. Policy NR7.2 Support mixed -use development consisting of commercial or office with residential uses in accordance with the Land Use Element that increases the opportunity for residents to live in proximity to jobs, services, and entertainment. Policy NR7.3 Support at -work day care facilities, on -site automated banking machines, and other measures to reduce vehicle -trip generation. Policy NR7.4 Continue to implement the Transportation Demand Management Ordinance which promotes and encourages the use of alternative transportation modes, and provides those facilities that support such alternate modes. Policy NR7.5 Collaborate with local transit agencies to. develop programs and educate employers about employee rideshare and transit; establish mass transit mechanisms for the reduction of work - related and nowwork related vehicle trips; and promote mass transit ridership through careful planning of routes, headways, origins and destinations and types of vehicles. Policy NR7.6 Encourage synchronization of traffic signals throughout the City and with adjoining cities and counties to allow free flow of traffic. Policy NR7.7 Continue implementing the program to replace existing vehicles in the City fleet with the cleanest vehicles commercially available that will provide needed services. Policy NR7.8 Support the development of alternative fuel infrastructure that is available and accessible to the public, and provide incentives for alternative fuel vehicles. Goal NR8 Reduced air pollution emissions from stationary sources. Policy NR8.1 Support the use of fuel efficient heating equipment and other appliances such as water heaters, swimming pool heaters, refrigerators, furnaces, and boiler units. Policy NR8.2 Require the use of best management practices to minimize pollution and to reduce source emissions. Policy NR8.3 Provide incentives to promote siting or to use clean air technologies and building materials (e.g., fuel cell technologies, renewable energy sources, UV coatings, hydrogen fuel). NATURAL RESOURCES- DRAFT, 1019105 13 i'7 Goal NR9 Reduced air pollution emissions from aircraft. Policy NR9.1 Work with John Wayne Airport to continue efficient airport operations through high gate utilization and other methods. Policy NR9.2 Work with John Wayne Airport to encourage development and use of emission reduction equipment for aircraft. Resources Goal NR10 Protection of sensitive and rare terrestrial and marine resources from NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1019105 14 I urban development. Policy NR10.1 Continue to cooperate with the state and federal resource protection agencies and private organizations to protect terrestrial and marine resources. Policy NR10.2 Comply with the policies contained within the Orange County Natural Communities Conservation Plan. Policy NR10.3 Continue to protect, and prohibit development in, nature preserves, conservation areas, and designated open space areas in order to minimize urban impacts upon resources in identified Environmental Study Areas (ESAs). Policy NR10.4 Require a site - specific survey and analysis prepared by a qualified biologist as a filing requirement for any development permit applications where development would occur within or adjacent to areas identified as an ESA. Policy NR10.5 Require that the siting and design of new development, Including landscaping and public access, protect sensitive or rare resources against any significant disruption of habitat values. Policy NR10.6 Limit uses within an area containing any significant or rare biological resources to only those uses that are dependent on such resources, except where application of such a limitation would result in a taking of private property. If application of this policy would likely constitute a taking of private property, then a non - resource - dependent use shall be allowed on the property, provided development is limited to the minimum amount necessary to avoid a taking and the development Is consistent with all other applicable resource protection policies. Public access improvements and educational, interpretative and research facilities are considered resource dependent uses. Policy NR10.7 Maintain a buffer of sufficient size around significant or rare biological resources, if present, to ensure the protection of these resources. Require the use of native vegetation and prohibit invasive plant species within these buffer areas. Policy NR10.8 Shield and direct exterior lighting away from significant or rare biological resources to minimize impacts to wildlife. NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1019105 14 I Policy NR10.9 Prepare natural habitat protection regulations for Buck Gully and Morning Canyon for the purpose of providing standards to ensure both the protection of the natural habitats in these areas and of private property rights. Include standards for the placement of structures, native vegetation /fuel modification buffers, and erosion and sedimentation control structures. Policy NR10.10 Protect the sensitive and rare resources that are known to occur on Banning Ranch by preserving the site as open space. If development is permitted, concentrate development to protect biological resources and coastal bluffs, and design structures to not be intrusive on the surrounding landscape. Require the restoration of any important habitat areas that are affected by development. Policy NR10.11 Coordinate with County and State resource agencies to monitor ecological conditions within the Newport Beach Marine Refuge and Irvine Coast Marine Life Refuge and to implement management programs to protect these marine refuge areas. Maintain public use of the refuges to the extent it is consistent with the preservation of intertidal and subtidal resources. Policy NR10.12 Support reforestation programs for giant kelp. Policy NR10.13 Support the construction of tide pool exhibits away from ocean beaches to provide an educational alternative to the tide pools at Corona del Mar State Beach and Crystal Cove State Park. Goal NR11 Protection of eelgrass meadows for their ecological function as a nursery and foraging habitat within the Newport Bay ecosystem, balanced with maintenance of Newport Harbor as a recreational boating resource. Policy NR11.1 Avoid impacts to eelgrass (Zostera marina) to the greatest extent possible. Mitigate losses of eelgrass in accordance with the Southern California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy. Encourage the restoration of eelgrass throughout Newport Harbor where feasible. [LCP] Policy NR11.2 Continue to cooperate with the County of Orange, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and resource agencies to establish eelgrass restoration sites. [LCP] Policy NR11..3 Allow successful eelgrass restoration sites to serve as mitigation sites for City projects and as a mitigation bank from which eelgrass mitigation credits will be issued to private property owners for eelgrass removal resulting from dock and channel dredging projects. [LCP] Goal NR12 Protection of coastal dune habitats. Policy NR12.1 Require the removal of exotic vegetation and the restoration of native vegetation in dune habitat. [LCP] Policy NR12.2 Design and site recreation areas to avoid impacts to dune habitat areas, and direct public access away from these resources through methods such as well- defined footpaths, boardwalks, protective fencing, and signage. [LCP] NATURAL RESOURCES-- DRAFT,10 105 7s �J Policy NR12.3 Limit earthmoving of beach sand in dune habitat areas to projects necessary for the protection of coastal resources and existing development. [LCPJ Goal NR13 Protection, maintenance, and enhancement of Southern California wetlands. Policy NR13.1 Recognize and protect wetlands for their commercial, recreational, water NATURAL RESOURCES- DRAF7,101WO5 16 ZO quality, and habitat value. [LCPJ Policy NR13.2 Require a survey and analysis with the delineation of all wetland areas when the initial site survey indicates the presence or potential for wetland species or indicators. Wetland delineations will be conducted in accordance with the definitions of wetland boundaries established by California Department of Fish and Game, and /or United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Goal NR14 Allowed diking, filling, and dredging of open coastal waters, wetlands, and estuaries to maintain deep water channels and ensure they remain navigable by boats. Policy NR14.1 Support and assist in the management of dredging within Newport Bay. [LCPJ Policy NR14.2 Continue to cooperate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in their maintenance and delineation of federal navigational channels at Newport Harbor in the interest in providing navigation and safety. [LCPJ Policy NR14.3 Continue to secure blanket permits or agreements through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California Coastal Commission to expedite permit processing for residential and commercial dock owners in the Bay. [LCPJ Policy NR14.4 Require that any project that includes diking, filling or dredging of a wetland or estuary must maintain the functional capacity of the wetland or estuary. Functional capacity means the ability of the wetland or estuary to be self - sustaining and to maintain natural species diversity. [LCPJ Policy NR14.5 Require that all structures permitted to encroach into open coastal waters, wetlands, and estuaries be sited and designed to be consistent with the natural appearance of the surrounding area. [LCPJ Goal NR15 Proper disposal of dredge spoils to avoid disruption to natural habitats. Policy NR15.1 Monitor dredging projects within the region to identify opportunities to reduce disposal costs and utilize dredge spoils for beach nourishment. [LCPJ NATURAL RESOURCES- DRAF7,101WO5 16 ZO Policy NR15.2 Participate in regional sediment management by maintaining records of the NATURAL RESOURCES-DRAFT, 10005 17 Zt number of channelized streams, miles of channelization in streams, volumes of sediment extracted from stream channels and debris basins, and the grain size distribution of the extracted sediments. [LCPj Policy NR15.3 Secure permanent use designation for the LA -3 sediment disposal site for future dredging projects. [LCP] Goal NR16 Protection and management of Newport Bay commensurate with the standards applicable to our nation's most valuable natural resources. Policy NR16.1 Develop a Harbor Area Management Plan that will provide a comprehensive approach to management of the resources of Newport Bay such as protection of eelgrass and other natural resources, dredging for navigation and continued use of private piers. Policy NR16.2 Continue support of and secure federal funding for the Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project to restore the Upper Newport Bay to its optimal ecosystem. [LCPj Policy NR16.3 Support unified management of Upper Newport Bay by collaborating with Orange County and California Department of Fish and Game to maximize resources and maintain public access. Policy NR16.4 Maintain public use of the Upper Newport Bay Marine Park to the extent such use is consistent with the preservation of sensitive resources. Policy NR16.5 Ensure that facilities in and around Upper Newport Bay adequately serve as water quality and estuarine education and research programs. Open Space Resources Goal NR17 Maintenance of designated open space resources. Policy NR17.1 Protect, conserve, and maintain the existing open space areas that define the City's urban form, serve as habitat for many species, and provide recreational opportunities. Policy NR17.2 Consider conversion of public sites designated for open space to other uses only when the conversion will meet a significant public need, and there are no alternative sites that could feasibly meet that need. Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Goal NR18 Protection and preservation of important paleontological and archaeological resources. Policy NR16.1 Require new development to protect and preserve paleontological and archaeological resources from destruction, and avoid and minimize impacts to such resources. Through planning policies and permit conditions, ensure the preservation of significant archeological and paleontological resources and require that the impact caused by any development be mitigated in accordance with CEQA. NATURAL RESOURCES-DRAFT, 10005 17 Zt Policy NR18.2 Prepare and maintain sources of information regarding paleontological or archaeological sites and the names and addresses of responsible organizations and qualified Individuals who can analyze, classify, record, and preserve paleontological and archaeological findings. [Council Policy Manual] Policy NR18.3 Notify cultural organizations, Including Native American organizations, of proposed developments that have the potential to adversely impact cultural resources. Allow qualified representatives of such groups to monitor grading and /or excavation of development sites. [LCP] Policy NR18.4 Require new development to donate scientifically valuable paleontological or archaeological materials to a responsible public or private Institution with a suitable repository, located within Newport Beach or Orange County, whenever possible. [LCP] Mineral Resources Goal NR19 Minimized Impacts from oil drilling activities. Policy NR19.1 Continue to prohibit additional oil extraction activities within the City limits but allow that existing wells be used, If needed, for water injection systems that increase oil extraction. Policy NR19.2 Oppose new offshore oil drilling activities. Policy NR19.3 Prohibit on -shore support facilities for off -shore oil drilling. Policy NR19.4 Encourage consolidation of existing oil and gas activities. Visual Resources Goal NR20 Preservation of significant visual resources. Policy NR20.1 Protect and, where feasible, enhance significant scenic and visual resources that include open space, mountains, canyons, and ridges from public vantage points. Policy NR20.2 Require new development to restore and enhance the visual quality in visually degraded areas, where feasible, and provide view easements or corridors designed to protect public views or to restore public views in developed areas, where appropriate. [LCP] Policy NR20.3 Protect public views from the following roadway segments: • Avocado Avenue from San Joaquin Hills Road to Coast Highway • Back Bay Drive • Balboa Island Bridge • Bayslde Drive from Coast Highway to Linda Island Drive • Bayside Drive at Promontory Bay • Coast Highway /Santa Ana River Bridge • Coast Highway /Newport Boulevard Bridge and Interchange NATURAL RESOURCES—DRAFT, 1019/05 Is Z ;_, • Coast Highway from Newport Boulevard to Marino Drive (Bayshores) • Coast Highway /Newport Bay Bridge • Coast Highway from Jamboree Road to Bayside Drive • Coast Highway from Pelican Point Drive to city limits • Eastbluff Drive from Jamboree Road to Backbay Drive • Irvine Avenue from Santiago Drive to University Drive • Jamboree Road from Eastbluff Drive /University Drive to State Route 73 • Jamboree Road in the vicinity of the Big Canyon Park • Jamboree Road from Coast Highway to Bayside Drive • Lido Isle Bridge • MacArthur Avenue from San Joaquin Hills Road to Coast Highway • Marguerite Avenue from San Joaquin Hills Road to Fifth Avenue • Newport Boulevard from Hospital Road /Westminster Avenue to Via Lido • Newport Center Drive from Newport Center Drive E/W to Farallon Drive /Granville Drive • Newport Coast from Pelican Hill Road North to Coast Highway • Ocean Boulevard • Pelican Hills Road South • San Joaquin Hills Road from Newport Ridge Drive to Spyglass Hill Road • San Miguel Drive from San Joaquin Hills Road to MacArthur Boulevard • State Route 73 from Bayview Way to University Drive • Superior Avenue from Hospital Road to Coast Highway • University Drive from Irvine Avenue to the Santa Ana —Delhi Channel • Vista Ridge Road from Ocean Heights to Altezza Drive Policy NR20.4 Design and site new development, including landscaping, on the edges of 23 public view corridors, including those down public streets, to frame, accent, and minimize impacts to public views. [LCP[ Policy NR20.5 Provide public trails, recreation areas, and viewing areas adjacent to public view corridors, where feasible. [LCP] Goal NR21 Minimized visual impacts through regulation of signs and utilities. Policy NR21.1 Design and site signs, utilities, and antennas to minimize visual impacts. Policy NR21.2 Implement programs to remove illegal signs and amortize legal nonconforming signs. [LCP] Policy NR213 Continue programs to remove and underground overhead utilities, in new development as well as existing neighborhoods. [LCP] Goal NR22 The intensity of development around Newport Bay Is consistent with the unique character and visual scale of Newport Beach. NATURAL RESOURCES — DRAFT, 1019105 19 23 Policy NR22.1 Maintain the Shoreline Height Limitation Zone to protect views of the water. Consider amending the boundary of this Zone where public views would not be impacted. Policy NR22.2 Continue to regulate the visual and physical mass of structures consistent with the unique character and visual scale of Newport Beach. [LCP] Goal NR23 Development respects natural landforms such as coastal bluffs. Policy NR23.1 Preserve cliffs, canyons, bluffs, significant rock outcroppings, and site buildings to minimize alteration of the site's natural topography and preserve the features as a visual resource. Policy NR23.2 Maintain approved bluff edge setbacks for the coastal bluffs within the planned communities of Castaways, Eastbluff, Park Newport, Newporter North (Harbor Cove), and Bayview Landing to ensure the preservation of scenic resources and geologic stability. Policy NR23.3 Establish bluff edge setbacks based on the predominant line of existing development in each conventional residential neighborhood containing coastal bluffs, including those within the communities of Dover Shores, Shorecliffs, and Cameo Shores. Require a minimum bluff edge setback of 15 feet for the principal building and 5 feet for accessory structures. Policy NR23.4 Require new planned communities to dedicate or preserve as open space the coastal bluff face and an area inland from the edge of the coastal bluff adequate to provide safe public access and to avoid or minimize visual impacts. Policy NR23.5 Require all new blufftop development located on a bluff subject to marine erosion to be set back based on the predominant line of development. This requirement shall apply to the principal structure and major accessory structures such as guesthouses and pools. The setback shall be increased where necessary to ensure safety and stability of the development. Policy NR23.6 On bluffs subject to marine erosion, require new accessory structures such as decks, patios and walkways that do not require structural foundations to be sited at least 10 feet from the bluff edge. Require accessory structures to be removed or relocated landward when threatened by erosion, instability or other hazards. Policy NR23.7 Establish canyon development setbacks based on the predominant line of existing development for Buck Gully and Morning Canyon. Do not permit development to extend beyond the predominant line of existing development by establishing a development stringline where a line is drawn between nearest adjacent corners of existing structures on either side of the subject property. Establish development stringlines for principle structures and accessory improvements. Policy NR23.8 Design and site new development to minimize the removal of native vegetation, preserve rock outcroppings, and protect coastal resources. NATURAL RESOURCES- DRAFT, 101Q105 20 Z%A Energy Conservation Goal NR24 Increased energy efficiency in City facilities and operations and in private developments. Policy NR24.1 Develop incentives that encourage the use of energy conservation strategies by private and public developments. Policy NR24.2 Promote energy - efficient design features, including appropriate site orientation, use of lighter color roofing and building materials, and use of deciduous shade trees and windbreak trees to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. Policy NR24.3 Promote or provide incentives for "Green Building" programs that go beyond the requirements of Title 24 of the California Administrative Code and encourage energy efficient design elements as appropriate to achieve "green building" status. Policy NR24.4 Provide incentives for Implementing Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certified building such as fee waivers, bonus densities, and /or awards recognition programs. Policy NR24.5 Allow new methane extraction activities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NATURAL RESOURCES - DRAFT, 1019105 21 25 Exhibit No. 2 Draft Recreation III Recreation INTRODUCTION The City's parks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, recreational facilities, and coastal resources such as beaches play an important role in the physical, mental, social, and environmental health of Newport Beach residents. These facilities are important land use components in an urban environment, providing both visual relief from the built environment and contributing to residents' quality of life through recreation and aesthetic value. California State Law requires that recreational issues be discussed in the General Plan. Since 1973, Newport Beach has had a Recreation and Open Space Element that was most recently amended in 1998. With the update of this General Plan, only policies related to recreation are included within this element, while open space policies are contained within the Natural Resources Element. The primary purpose of the Recreation Element is to ensure that the .balance between the provision of sufficient parks and recreation facilities are appropriate for the residential and business population of Newport Beach. Specific recreational issues and policies contained in this Recreation Element include: parks and recreation facilities, recreation programs, shared facilities, coastal recreation and support facilities, marine recreation, and public access. CONTEXT Parks and Recreational Facli ties The City has approximately 278 acres of developed parks. Newport Beach's parklands range in size from mini -parks such as the Lower Bay Park (0.1 acre) to the 39 -acre Bonita Canyon Sports Park. School facilities also provide indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities in the City, while greenbelts and open space areas provide passive recreational opportunities or open space relief. These park and recreation facilities are described below. Additionally, bikeways, jogging trails, pedestrian trails, recreation trails, and regional equestrian trails are also available in Newport Beach. Park Types Community Park. Community parks serve the entire City and are easily accessible via arterial roads. Community parks are those with improvements such as community buildings, parking, swimming, facilities for picnicking, active sports, and other facilities that serve a larger population. Community Parks may have a particular theme or orientation such as active sports or aquatic facilities. Mini Park. Mini parks are smaller parks which may take one of two different forms. Most mini parks are less than one acre in size, serve a quarter -mile radius and -are located within a neighborhood, separate from major or collector roads. Some mini parks serve the entire City and are located as urban trail heads along major trails or streets. RECREATION — DRAFT, 10/12105 1 Zk Neighborhood Park. Neighborhood parks serve all ages and are generally one to eight acres in size. They are located adjacent to public schools when possible. Neighborhood parks contain a wide variety of improvements which can include turf areas, active sport fields and courts, community buildings, play apparatus and picnic facilities. Other improvements might include senior centers, youth centers, and aquatic facilities. View Park. View parks are smaller passive parks designed to take advantage of a significant view. They are often located on coastal bluffs to focus upon ocean or bay views. Most view parks are between one -half to three acres in size and serve the entire City. View parks are generally improved with landscaping, walkways and benches. Greenbelt. Greenbelts in public or private ownership are included in this category. They may include areas with some recreational facilities, although the primary function of the area is passive open space. Open Space. Open space includes passive and active open space areas which do not function as public parks but do provide open space relief. Such areas may or may not be accessible to the general public. Public Beach. Public Beaches serve a number of local and regional functions. In some neighborhoods, beaches function as neighborhood or community parks. Easy-accessibility, lack of entrance fees and a lack of other available parks has contributed to this function. Public beaches all include sandy beach areas adjacent to the bay or ocean and may include active sports, snack bars, showers, drinking fountains, restrooms, walkways, docks, benches, shade trees and parking areas. From observation, it has been determined that active beach recreation takes place within about 100 feet of the water's edge. Therefore, this Element treats this seaward 100 feet of the public beaches in the City as active recreation acreage. School. Public schools are a part of the recreation system in the City because field and playground areas can serve the general public during weekends and after school. Circulation and Improvement and Open Space Agreement Some of the City s parks and open space areas consist of dedicated lands through the Circulation and Improvement and Open Space Agreement ( CIOSA). This agreement is between the City of Newport Beach and The Irvine Company, and has allowed building entitlements fox The Irvine Company in exchange for payments of required proposed projects, an interest free loan, and land for open space and potential senior housing site for the City. The amount of open space land dedication was substantially more than what would have been required under the City s Park Dedication Ordinance. Four sites have been dedicated under CIOSA in Newport Beach, and include: Back Bay View Park, Newport Village (Newport Center Park), Newporter Knoll Grant Deeds, and Freeway Reservation. Back Bay View Park and Freeway Reservation are both developed as parks, while the remaining two sites are open space areas. Another site, located at Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard, will be dedicated upon issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for final CIOSA project. RECREATION — DRAFT, 10112105 '3 v Recreational Facilities The City's parks contain a variety of recreational facilities, with areas available for organized sports including soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts. Recreational opportunities exist for children in many of the play areas in the City's parks. Biking and walking traits are also popular recreational amenities. Swimming pools are available to the public at aquatic facilities at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center and Newport Harbor High School through joint use agreements with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. Additional recreational resources in the City include three community centers, several multipurpose recreation centers, a senior center, and two gymnasium facilities. Private facilities, including yacht clubs, golf courses, and country clubs ate also facilities that serve residents of Newport Beach. Sharing of Parks and Recreation Facilities Public schools within the City under the jurisdiction of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District contain a number of important recreation. facilities. Currently, after - school recreational use of these facilities is utilized by youth and adult residents through joint use agreements between the school district and the City. Parkland Dedication Standards Parkland dedication standards associated with the Quimby Act and the Newport Beach Subdivision Code are applicable to development in the City. As required under the State Government Code, the Quimby Act provides for the dedication of parkland, or the payment of fees in lieu of land, by developers as a requirement for residential development. The Act requires the provision of three acres of park area per 1,000 persons residing within a subdivision, unless the amount of existing neighborhood and community park area exceeds that limit, in which case the City may adopt a higher standard not to exceed five acres per 1,000 residents. Chapter 19.52, Park Dedication and Fees of the City's Municipal Code provides for the dedication of land, the payment of fees in lieu thereof or a combination of both, for park or recreational purposes in conjunction with the approval of residential development. Newport Beach's park dedication requirement is five acres per 1,000 persons. In -lieu fees are placed in a fund earmarked for the provision or rehabilitation of park and recreation facilities that can serve the subdivision. The park dedication ordinance also provides for credit to be given, at the discretion of the City Council, for the provision of private recreation facilities within a new residential development or for the provision of park and recreation improvements to land dedicated for a public park. If allowed, the private facilities or public improvements are credited against the dedication of land and /or the payment of in -lieu fees. The ordinance is not applicable to non - residential subdivisions. Marine Recreation and Facilities Throughout its history, Newport Beach has been a major marine recreational center. There are over eight miles of sandy beaches that provide opportunities for sunbathing, volleyball, swimming, surfing, windsurfing and other recreational activities. Newport Bay and Harbor are used for a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, diving, excursions, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, rowing, sailing, swimming, and windsurfing. RECREATION—DRAFT, 10112105 3 O� Coastal Recreation Opportunities As previously discussed, public Beaches serve a number of local and regional functions, while providing the largest coastal recreation opportunity within Newport Beach. Public beaches all include sandy beach areas adjacent to the bay or ocean and may include active sports, snack bars, showers, drinking fountains, restrooms, walkways, docks, benches, shade trees and parking areas. Other coastal recreation opportunities include two recreational piers, provided by the City. The 800 -foot Newport Pier is located at the end of Newport Boulevard (McFadden Place) in McFadden Square. The 950 -foot Balboa Pier is located at the end of Main Street in Balboa Village. Additionally, the City provides ten public docks in the harbor, which can be used for boat launching and fishing. The Newport Aquatic Center property is also co -owned by the City and County, but is leased and privately operated by the Center. Located on Northstar Beach, the Newport Aquatic Center provides an opportunity for the public and members to kayak and canoe in Upper Newport Bay as well as advanced training facilities for world -class athletes. The County and the State own four recreational areas in Newport Beach. The privately operated 100 -acre Newport Dunes Aquatic Park provides opportunities for camping, boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and other water and beach activities. The 752 -acre Upper Newport Bay Marine Park and 140 -acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve provide opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, biking, and hiking. Lastly, the Crystal Cove State Park also provides coastal recreation opportunities with 3.5 miles of beach and 2,000 acres of undeveloped woodland which is popular for hiking and horseback riding. Approximately 240 acres is located within the City. The offshore waters are designated as an underwater park. Crystal Cove is used by mountain bikers inland and scuba and skin divers underwater. The beach is popular with swimmers and surfers. Visitors can explore tidepools and sandy coves. Commercial areas adjacent to beaches and the bay play an important role in providing and enhancing recreational activities. A large number of businesses provide recreational services to residents and visitors that include charter, entertainment and excursion vessels, sports equipment rentals, launching facilities, amusement facilities, and shops and restaurants. Shoreline. Access The public's right to access recreational features such as the Pacific Ocean beaches, Lower Newport Bay /Harbor, and Upper Newport Bay are important. According to the City's Local Coastal Plan, there are two basic types of public access: vertical access (access to the shoreline), and lateral access (access along the shoreline). Newport Beach has developed an extensive system of access to ocean beaches and the bay. Virtually all of the Pacific Ocean shoreline beaches are public and the bay is accessible via public beaches, parks, street ends, shoreline trails, walkways and boardwalks. ANN OW Although the City of Newport Beach appears largely built out, there are a number of vacant parcels available for future development. The General Plan Land Use Element projects additional population increases through infill development, intensification of existing uses, and annexations. Therefore, in addition to any unmet park and recreation needs of the present population, the RECREATION — DRAFT, 10112105 4 32r demand for recreation facilities will grow. In addition, the Land Use Element allows for higher density development within the City, where opportunities for different types of park and recreational facilities may arise. Specific citywide and service area needs for parks and recreational facilities, as well as marine recreation and facilities, are described below. Issues and Needs Parks and Recreational Facilities In June 2005, it is estimated that a total of 415.6 acres of parklands are needed within the City to accommodate the current population of 83,120 residents (utilizing the City standard of 5 acres per 1,000 population). As shown in Table 1, below, there are an existing total of 286.4 acres of parks and 90.4 acres of active beach recreation within Newport Beach with a combined total of 376.8 acres. Thus, this represents a total deficit of 38.8 acres of combined park and beach acreage citywide. Seven of the 12 service areas are experiencing a deficit in this combined recreation acreage. Three planned parks in West Newport, Newport Center, and Newport Coast would help alleviate the citywide park deficit. The citywide parks and recreation facilities needs described below have been identified through the following. (1) community surveys (administered from December 1996 to February 1997); (2) data shown in Table 1 (Parkland Acreage Needs); and (3) monitoring of the use of recreation programs and facilities. 1. West Newport 64.7 1 9.1 34 43.1 2L6 2. Balboa Peninsula 25.5 6.5 44 50.5 +25.0 3. Newport Hts. at al 64.3 50.2 O 50.2 44.1 4. Santa Ana Heights 3.2 6.8 0 6.8 +3.6 5. Lower Bay 17.3 0.1 0 0.1 -172 6. Balboa Island 17.9 0.3 1 1.3 -16.6 7. Eastbluff 31-3 71-0 0 7LO +39.7 8. Big Canyon 13.9 0 0 0 -13.9 9. Newport Center 10.9 19 0 19 +8.1 10. Corona del Mar 44.4 23.9 11.4 35.3 -9.1 11. Harbor View 722 99.5 0 99.5 +27.3 12. Newport Coast* 50 58.1* Private parks only 0 -50 Totals 415.6a 286.4 90.42b 376.8 38.8 ** • Newport coast Private Park Area is 58.1 ac. This private parkland satisfies the County park dedication standards. * *Deficb/excess acreage if no additional parks are built. • 83,120 x 5 ac. per thousand - 415.6 ac. b includes beach area where active recreation takes place (i.e., typically within 100 feet of the water). In addition, there are 174 acres of passive beach open space, 136 acres of open space land In the Upper Bay Ecological reserve, and an undetermined amount of water open space in the Upper Bay and Newport Harbor. RECREATION-DRAFT, 10112105 5 33 DENTIFIED ISSUES AND NEEDS Sports Fields. Perhaps the fastest growing recreational demand in Newport Beach is the need for additional sports fields, especially lighted facilities available for after -work sports leagues. This need stems from the evolving nature of sports activities, diversity of sports that residents ate involved in, growing participation of girls in a number of field sports, the lengthening of seasons for many sports and consequent season overlap, the need for sports facilities for the physically challenged, and the continuing high level of participation in company sports leagues such as coed softball. Meeting this need will be a challenge because of the large amount of area required for sports fields, the lack of suitable vacant land in the City, and the high cost of such land. In addition, school districts are adding new teams to accommodate the diversity of sports students are interested in, making it more difficult for the City's Recreation Department to use school sports fields to provide public recreation opportunities. Indoor Facilities. The community surveys emphasized the need for additional gymnasium or other indoor sports facilities, such as for basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. With the exception of the West Newport Community Center, all of the current indoor facilities owned by the City are small and consist of one or two small classrooms. There is a need for community centers with large meeting and multipurpose rooms that can be programmed for many different classes and activities. Additional indoor facilities should be planned for the long -term, located preferably within a community -level park. Community Pool Facilities. The need surveys showed a strong desire for additional adult and youth swimming pool and aquatic sports facilities and programs. The City does not own a swimming pool and currently offers all aquatics programs to the community at one of two high school pools. There is a growing demand through the schools for additional aquatic programs serving the students, thereby limiting the amount of time the City can operate programs for the general public. Sharing of School Facilities. Public schools within the City administered by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District contain a number of important indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. After- school recreational use of these facilities including playfields, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and other facilities could be utilized by other non - school age residents of Newport Beach to maximize the recreational opportunities available. However, as schools evolve in function, the City's Recreation Department may lose use of these school facilities. Other Facilities. Other identified facility needs include bike and pedestrian trails, lighted tennis courts, dog parks, tot lots /playgrounds, golf driving range, public marine recreational and educational facilities, and public restrootns. Temporary Events. Temporary events such as festivals are held at parks and recreation facilities within the City. During these events, access to and use of these facilities could be impacted. Marine Recreation and Facilities The citywide marine recreation and facilities needs described below have been identified through community surveys (administered from December 1996 to February 1997), through the data in Table 1 Parkland Acreage Needs, and through monitoring of the use of recreation programs and facilities. RECREATION — DRAFT, 10112105 6 3� DENTIFIED ISSUES AND NEEDS Boating Facilities. Although not as great as the need for sports fields, there is a substantial demand for public boat launching facilities, sailing facilities, marine sanitation facilities, and guest slips. In addition, there is a continuing high level of interest in crew towing and outtigger paddling activities and facilities. Shoreline Access. Throughout Southern California, access to the shoreline is restricted to the public due to private residential communities. However, there are a few private residential communities that impede public access to and along the shoreline. Temporary Events. Newport Beach's coastal areas have long been the venue for temporary events, including film production, surfing contests, volleyball tournaments, runs, races, concerts, boat shows, and other such competitions, exhibitions, and events. Also, a number of view parks have become popular locations for large private gatherings. The nature and frequency of such events can impact access to the shoreline and other coastal resources. Service Areas The City has been divided into service areas, as shown in Figure 1, for the purposes of park planning and to equitably administer parkland dedications and fees provided by residential development. Two of the 12 service areas within the City, Santa Ana Heights /Airport Commercial and Newport Center, have no identified park and recreation needs, as discussed below. Service Area 4 — Santa Ana Heights /Airport Commercial. The population within this area is expected to remain stable or decline in light of the Land Use Element's policies aimed at limiting residential development under the flight pattern of John Wayne Airport. There is currently a park surplus, and the present two -acre Bayview Park and the proximity of the Upper Bay recreation area provide substantial recreational opportunities for this area. There is also a planned pocket park and the City is planning a joint use community center project with the YMCA. Service Area 9 — Newport Center. There is park surplus within this service area. The Back Bay View Park was completed in the summer of 2005, and a new passive park, Newport Center Park, is planned for development sometime after 2006. Parks and Recreational Facilities Service area parks and recreational facilities needs described below have been identified through community surveys (administered from December 1996 to February 1997), through the data in Table 1 Parkland Acreage Needs, and through monitoring of the use of recreation programs and facilities. DENTIFIED ISSUES AND NEED Service Area 1 —West Newport. Most of West Newport's recreation land is in beaches. There is a deficit of 21.6 acres, and a need for sports fields within a new community or neighborhood - level park. There is a future park site identified in this service area, Sunset Ridge Park which is designated as an active park to include ball fields, (possibly lighted), picnic areas, a playground, parking, and restrooms. If Banning Ranch is annexed into the City and is developed for urban RECREATION — DRAFT, 10/12105 3 5 1 N W E r S 1 M1L •. +••• suvia AREA BOUNDARY Newport Heights/ . Upper Ray I Figure 1 NnUE R • Fastbluff/ . Newport Ngrlh. °•.�� i SN Canyon/ • eekourt .,; Newport Center aS, r D '••' 11 r Harbor View u ts�and *•, 10 No •aaea r •, Service Area Locations 12 Newport Coast •• a uses, there will be additional demand for recreation facilities by new residents of this area. Locating an active park on Banning Ranch could help satisfy the existing and future park needs of the area. Service Area 2— Balboa Peninsula. Like West Newport, most of the peninsula's recreation area is in beaches. This area has little vacant land for development and the population is expected to remain stable. Although there is currently a surplus in park acreage, any future park needs can be satisfied via the renovation and upgrading of facilities, such as those at Las Arenas Park and Peninsula Park. Additional active park facilities are desirable, along with support facilities such as restrooms, showers and drinking fountains. There is also a need for additional boat launching and mooring facilities, as well as pedestrian pathways to and along the Bay. Future development of RECREATION— DRAFT, 70172105 8 3 y the City's Marina Park property could provide for the existing community center and the City's current sailing and boating facilities on the site to be renovated and expanded. Service Area 3— Newport Heights /Harbor Highlands. Thus area is largely built out and contains several important park and recreation facilities. Substantial school recreation facilities, including Newport Harbor High School, Ensign Junior High, Mariners Elementary, and Newport Heights Elementary, compensate for the deficiency in total park area. Service Area 5 —Lower Bay. This area contains Lido Isle and the Bayside Drive area and is largely built out. Although there is a deficiency in park area, the service area has substantial private recreational and boating facilities. It is also adjacent to Area 3 (Newport Heights) where there are extensive recreational facilities. Because of these factors and the fact there is little or no vacant land suitable for park use, the provision of additional parkland is probably not feasible in this area. Service Area 6— Balboa Island. This area is similar, in terms of recreation needs and conditions with a deficiency in park area, to Area 5 above. However, Balboa Island contains more public recreational facilities in the form of public beach area, the Carroll Beek Community Center, and Balboa Island Park (a mini -park). The acquisition of additional parkland is probably not feasible in this area. Service Area 7— Eastbluff /North Ford. Although there is a numerical excess of existing parkland in this area, most of the land is limited to passive use, such as Big Canyon Park. Additional sports fields and other active facilities will be needed to satisfy the recreational demands from new development. However, this Service Area is adjacent to Service Area 11 Harbor View, which contains the 47.6 acre public park in Bonita Canyon that is available to all Newport Beach residents. Service Area 8 —Big Canyon /Belcourt. Although there are substantial private facilities, there are no public recreation facilities in this area; thus, there is park deficiency. However, this Service Area is adjacent to Service Area 11 Harbor View, which contains the 47.6 acre public park in Bonita Canyon that is available to all Newport Beach residents. Service Area 10--- Corona del Mat. Although there is a deficiency in park area, existing active and passive facilities should meet present and future need, provided these facilities are renovated and upgraded to meet demand for sports fields and active recreation. Service Area 11— Harbot View. Although there is a deficiency in park area, the Harbor View Service Area contains substantial active and passive recreation facilities. The City's efforts should be focused on maintaining and /or upgrading existing facilities, such as Grant Howald Park, Arroyo Park and Bonita Canyon Sports Park. Service Area 12— Newport Coast. This area is deficient in public facilities, but exceeds the City park ratio standard if its extensive private facilities are included. Currently, there is one public park planned for development in the future at the end of Ridge Road, and a neighborhood community center that will include meeting and activity rooms and a gymnasium. The City's Recreation Department has not been permitted to offer programs at the privately -owned park. The youth of Newport Coast Service Area patticipate in programs outside of the service area. RECREATION — DRAFT, 10112105 9 31 GOALS AND POLICIES Park and Recreation Facilities Goal R1 Provision of adequate park and recreation facilities that meet the recreational needs of existing and new residents of the community. Policy R1.1 Require future development to dedicate land or pay in -lieu fees at a minimum of five acres of parkland per 1,000 persons. Policy R1.2 Require developers of new residential subdivisions to provide parklands at 5 acres per 1,000 persons, as stated in the City's Park Dedication Fee Ordinance, or to contribute in4leu fees for the development of public recreation facilities meeting demands generated by the development's resident population. Policy R1.3 Require developers of new high - density residential developments on parcels eight acres or larger, to provide on-site recreational amenities. For these developments, 44 square feet of on-site recreational amenities shall be provided for each dwelling unit in addition to the requirements under the City's Park Dedication Ordinance. On -site recreational amenities can consist of public urban plazas or squares where there is the capability for recreation and outdoor activity. These recreational amenities can also include swimming pools, exercise facilities, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Where there is insufficient land to provide on -site recreational amenities, the developer shall be required to pay the City of Newport Beach cash In -lieu that would be used to develop or upgrade nearby recreation facilities to offset user demand as defined In the City's Park Dedication Fee Ordinance. Policy R1.4 Update the park fee assessed to new residential development in lieu of dedicating park land on a regular basis. Policy R1.5 Consider development of incentives such as density bonuses for private commercial, office, and other developments to provide usable open space such as rooftop courts, pocket parks, public plazas, jogging trails, and pedestrian trails. Policy R1.6 Use the following criteria when considering acquisition for parkland: a) City's identified current and projected needs for recreation and sports facilities b) City's needs for recreation facilities based on location of existing facilities c) The preservation of natural resources, historic and cultural areas d) Ease of accessibility e) Usability of proposed parklands considering topography and other landform constraints f) Consistency with established parks and recreational facility goals g) Fiscal impact on General Fund for any immediately needed refurbishments and on -going maintenance RECREATION—DRAFT, `101`12105 10 M Policy R1.7 In the event that surplus school sites become available for parkland acquisition, site desirability should be evaluated using the following criteria: a) Does the school site currently provide recreational facilities that have been identified to meet local or community -wide needs? b) Are other public lands in the vicinity of the school site Inadequate to meet the identified existing or foreseeable needs of the community for recreation or open space purposes? c) Is the school site a more economical or otherwise more feasible alternative than other parcels which are available as potential sites in the area? Policy R1.8 Coordinate with the appropriate home owners association to conduct City recreation programs on private parkland. Policy R1.9 Continue to use underutilized City rights -of -way located on Ocean Boulevard and Bayside Drive in Corona del Mar as passive parks. Policy R1.10 Provide additional park and recreation facilities, in the priority order listed below, that meet the needs as identified by direct feedback from residents, analysis of future trends, and through observations by Recreation and Senior Services staff. Parks 1. Newport Center Service Area: Develop Newport Center Park as a passive park. 2. West Newport Service Area: Develop Sunset Ridge Park, an active park with playfields, picnic areas, a playground, and other facilities. 3. Newport Coast Service Area: Develop an active park located at the end of Ridge Park Road; and develop a community center and a gymnasium. 4. Santa Ana Heights /Airport Commercial Service Area: Develop a pocket park in Santa Ana Heights, and consider acquiring the Caltrans excess right- of-way site located at MacArthur Boulevard and SR 73 as a park to support future residents in the Airport Area. 5. West Newport Service Area: If the Banning Ranch area is annexed into the City, develop an active park on this site. Recreation Facilities 1. Complete the Santa Ana Heights and Newport Coast Community Centers in a manner that allows the provision of a variety of recreational programs while meeting the needs of the community. 2. Renovate the Oasis Senior Center to continue to function as a multipurpose senior center that meets the needs of the Senior population. 3. Renovate the existing recreation facilities to ensure they are a safe environment and offer quality programs and services. Policy R1.11 Review the list of identified community park and recreation needs on a regular basis, and update them as priorities for facilities change. RECREATION — DRAFT, 10112105 11 3A Policy RL12 Review policies regularly for priority usage of facilities to ensure fair and Policy R4.3 Continue to provide a variety of quality programs offered in safe and secure environments for the community's youth that enhance and extend the learning day, promote health and wellness, encourage expansion of skills, and reinforce self esteem, good character, and positive behavior. Policy R4.4 Prioritize outdoor youth sports programs that are inclusive in nature, not for profit, and recreational in focus. Policy R4.5 Continue to provide a variety of quality enrichment and recreational programs for the adult population that promote health and wellness; RECREATION - DRAFT, 10112105 12 Li0 balanced assignments. Priority hierarchy shall be weighted for programs that are Inclusive in nature and provide for the recreational enrichment of community's youth, adults, groups, and businesses. Scheduling shall be done in a manner that accommodates both the needs of organized activities as well as casual use by residents. Consideration shall also be given to the proper maintenance and revitalization of facilities when scheduling programs and activities. Goal R2 Maintenance and preservation of existing parks and recreation facilities. Policy R2.1 Use funding from the City's Park Dedication Fee Ordinance to enhance existing parks and recreation facilities. Policy R2.2 Protect public parkland from non - recreational uses; any loss of parkland through governmental action shall be replaced in -kind. Policy R2.3 Preserve all beaches for public only purposes. Goal R3 Accessible parks and recreation facilities to persons with disabilities. Policy R3.9. Ensure that parks and recreation facilities include provisions for adequate access for persons with disabilities and that existing facilities are appropriately retrofitted to include such access as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Policy R3.2 Continue to provide beach wheelchairs commensurate with demand. Policy R3.3 Design guardrails on parks, piers, trails, and public viewing areas to take into consideration the views at the eye level of persons in wheelchairs. Recreation Programs Goal R4 Provision of a variety of seasonal and year -round recreational programs designed to meet the needs of all residents, including children, seniors, and persons with special needs. Policy R4.1 Provide high quality recreational services through professionally- trained recreational personnel to program participants. Policy R4.2 Provide a variety of compatible recreational activities within a given location. Policy R4.3 Continue to provide a variety of quality programs offered in safe and secure environments for the community's youth that enhance and extend the learning day, promote health and wellness, encourage expansion of skills, and reinforce self esteem, good character, and positive behavior. Policy R4.4 Prioritize outdoor youth sports programs that are inclusive in nature, not for profit, and recreational in focus. Policy R4.5 Continue to provide a variety of quality enrichment and recreational programs for the adult population that promote health and wellness; RECREATION - DRAFT, 10112105 12 Li0 Goal 115 Maximized use of the community's recreational resources by coordinating with the agencies responsible for non -city recreational facilities and open space. Policy R5.1 Utilize non -City recreational facilities and open space (i.e., Newport-Mesa development and /or enhancement of skills and talents; extend learning opportunities; promote sportsmanship; and provide unique opportunities to engage in new activities. Policy R4.6 Design adult programs to be self sustaining in nature, covering all direct Policy R5.2 expenses and administrative overhead costs. Policy R4.7 Continue to provide quality services and programs which meet social, recreational and health needs of the senior population. Policy R4.8 Continue to form partnerships with other organizations in order to optimize the services and programs available to seniors in this community. Policy R4.9 Give priority usage to senior programs before other uses are allowed in facilities that are designated for senior services. Shared Facilities Goal 115 Maximized use of the community's recreational resources by coordinating with the agencies responsible for non -city recreational facilities and open space. Policy R5.1 Utilize non -City recreational facilities and open space (i.e., Newport-Mesa RECREATION — DRAFT, 10/12105 13 1,A\ Unified School District, county, and state facilities) to satisfy park and recreational needs of the community. Maintain the use of existing shared facilities, and expand the use of non -city facilities /amenities where desirable and feasible. Policy R5.2 Continue to expand and maintain existing joint use agreements with Newport -Mesa Unified School District for use of facilities that will enhance the provision of parks and recreational facilities for residents. Policy R5.3 Develop additional long-term, joint -use agreements with other public and private agencies to assure recreation facilities for future generations. Policy R5.4 Continue existing joint use of facilities for City - operated recreational programs on City -owned properties that are used for other purposes, as needed. Policy R5.5 Design public facilities to incorporate recreational elements such as children's play areas, rooftop courts, pocket parks, and usable public plazas. Policy R5.6 Explore use of government-owned surplus or remnant parcels for public park use. RECREATION — DRAFT, 10/12105 13 1,A\ Coastal Recreation and Support Facilities, Goal R6 Protection and enhancement of a wlde-range of recreational Policy R8.1 Continue to utilize existing City marine recreational facilities, including piers, docks, bays, beaches and educational and support facilities such as the Intercollegiate rowing facilities, marine ways and services, launching facilities, gas and pump -out stations, parking facilities, restrooms, showers, drinking fountains, and concessions. [LCPj Policy R8.2 Provide additional marine recreational, educational and support facilities and opportunities as feasible. [LCPj Policy R8.3 Encourage the provision of guest slips, moorings, and anchorages in Newport Harbor. Coordinate work with the Orange County Harbor, Beaches, RECREATION— DRAFT, 10117JOS 14 tit opportunities along the coast and beaches. Policy R6.1 Protect recreational opportunities along the coast and beaches from non- recreational uses. Where feasible, expand and enhance recreational opportunities along the coast and beaches. Policy R6.2 Continue to cooperate with the State Department of Parks and Recreation, the State Department of Fish and Game, and Orange County to protect, expand and enhance opportunities for recreational activities at County and State beaches and parks. [LCPj Policy R6.3 Continue to allow recreational commercial uses In commercial areas adjacent to beaches and the bay. [LCPj Goal R7 Adequate support facilities serving recreational opportunities within the coastal zone. Policy R7.1 Continue to protect public coastal access recreational opportunities through the provision of adequate support facilities and services. [LCPj Policy R7.2 Distribute support facilities and services in coastal areas to avoid overcrowding and overuse by the public. [LCPj Policy R7.3 Maintain the ability to distribute, remove and relocate support facilities and services in coastal areas In response to changes in demographics and recreational Interests while continuing to provide comparable facilities and levels of service. [LCPj Policy R7.4 Continue to cooperate with the State Department of Parks and Recreation, the State Department of Fish and Game, Orange County, and private organizations to protect, expand and enhance support facilities and services at County and State beaches and parks. [LCPj Marine Recreation Goal R8 Provision and maintenance of marine recreation related facilities that enhance the enjoyment of the City's natural resources. Policy R8.1 Continue to utilize existing City marine recreational facilities, including piers, docks, bays, beaches and educational and support facilities such as the Intercollegiate rowing facilities, marine ways and services, launching facilities, gas and pump -out stations, parking facilities, restrooms, showers, drinking fountains, and concessions. [LCPj Policy R8.2 Provide additional marine recreational, educational and support facilities and opportunities as feasible. [LCPj Policy R8.3 Encourage the provision of guest slips, moorings, and anchorages in Newport Harbor. Coordinate work with the Orange County Harbor, Beaches, RECREATION— DRAFT, 10117JOS 14 tit and Parks Department to provide such facilities where appropriate and feasible. [LCP] Policy R8.4 Provide for marine safety such as lifeguards, harbor patrol, police, traffic and parking enforcement. [LCP] Policy R8.5 Protect and, where feasible, expand, and enhance: [LCP] • Vessel launching facilities • Low-cost public launching facilities • Marinas and dry boat storage facilities • Guest docks . at public facilities, yacht clubs and at privately owned - marinas, restaurants and other appropriate locations • Facilities and services for visiting vessels • Facilities necessary to support vessels berthed or moored in the harbor, such as boat haul out facilities • Existing harbor support uses serving the needs of existing waterfront uses, recreational boaters, the boating community, and visiting vessels Policy RB.6 Continue to provide shore moorings and offshore moorings as an important source of low -cost public access to the water and harbor. [LCP) Policy R8.7 Protect and enhance specific programs that utilize the harbor, bay, and ocean such as the City's sailing program and junior lifeguard program. [LCP] Public Access Goal R9 Provision and maintenance of public access for recreational purposes to the City's coastal resources. Policy R9.1 Provide adequate public access to the shoreline, beach, coastal parks, trails, and bay and acquire additional public access points to the areas. Policy R9.2 Develop and implement a long -range plan for public trails and walkways to access all appropriate commercial areas of the harbor, including: [LCP] • Extend the Lido Marina Village boardwalk across all of the waterfront commercial properties in Lido Village • Provide a continuous waterfront walkway along the Rhine Channel connecting Cannery Village and McFadden Square waterfront commercial areas with Las Arenas Beach at 19th Street • Provide a walkway connecting the Lido Village area with Mariner's Mlle, if feasible • Provide a continuous walkway along the Mariner's Mile waterfront from the Coast Highway /Newport Boulevard Bridge to the Balboa Bay Club Policy R9.3 As part of a uniform coastal access signing program, provide information to direct the public to parking areas, restrooms, and other support facilities. [LCP] RECREATION - DRAFT, 10112705 15 t'i3 Policy R9.4 Protect public access to coastal resources from bay /harbor encroachments such as pier:, floats, and bulkheads. Policy R9.5 Protect public access to coastal resources from private /gated communities. Policy R9.6 Continue to require that impacts to public access, recreation, and coastal resources be minimized as a result from special events. RECREATION — DRAFT, 10/12105 i[3 �k-\ Exhibit No. 3 Revised Safety Element L):5 Safety Pan. Additions to the original staff recommendations are indicated by underline and deletions by serikeent. Recommendations of the General Plan Advisoa Committee GPAQ and Planning Commission are not included. In addition, the recommended goals have been revised to reflect State of California General Plan Guidelines' directives that thev be worded as "...ends. not actions." INTRODUCTION The primary goal of the Safety Element is to reduce the potential risk of death, injuries, property damage, and economic and social dislocation resulting from natural and human - induced hazards. This Safety Element recognizes and responds to public health and safety risks that could cause exposure to the residents of Newport Beach. Implementation of city, county, and state emergency response and mutual aid plans will enable the community to avert or minimize impacts to the extent practical and feasible, as well as allow restoration of the City in a timely manner after an event. This element specifically addresses coastal hazards, geologic hazards, seismic hazards, flood hazards, wildland and urban fire hazards, hazardous materials, aviation hazards, and disaster planting. As discussed below, the type and location of hazards have been identified in this element, as well as policies and programs to minimize impacts. CONTEXT Coastal Hazards Newport Beach is susceptible to low- probability but high -risk events such as tsunamis, and two, more common, isolated hazards such as storm surges and coastal erosion. Each of these has a potential to significandy impact Newport Beach residents and the built environment. Figure 1 shows potential tsunami inundation areas, and areas subject to coastal erosion. Tsunamis and Rogue Waves. Newport Beach is generally protected from most distantly generated tsunamis by the Channel Islands and Point Arguello, except for those generated in the Aleutian Islands, off the coast of Chile, and possibly off the coast of Central America. Nevertheless, since the early 1800s, more than thirty tsunamis have been recorded in Southern California, and at least six of these caused damage in the area, although not necessarily in Newport Beach. Tsunamis generated in the Alaskan region take approximately six hours to arrive in the Southern California area, while tsunamis generated off the Chilean coast take 12 to 15 hours. Given those timeframes, coastal communities in Southern California can receive adequate warning, allowing them to implement evacuation procedures. Alternatively, very little warning time, if any, can be expected from locally generated tsunamis. Locally generated tsunamis caused by offshore faulting or landsliding immediately offshore from Newport Beach are possible, and these tsunamis have the potential to be worst -case scenarios for the coastal communities in SAFETY —CITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS, 1014105 I `� Orange County. Modeling off the Santa Barbara coast suggests that locally generated tsunamis can cause waves between 2 and 20 meters (6 to 60 feet) high, and that these could impact the coastline with almost no warning, within minutes of the causative earthquake or slump. Areas within Newport Beach that are most likely to be impacted by a tsunami include West Newport, Balboa Peninsula, Lido Isle, Balboa Island, and Upper Newport Bay. Rogue waves are very high waves that arise unexpectedly in the open ocean. These waves are difficult to plan for as they are unpredictable. Rogue waves have historically impacted the Orange County coast and have the potential to impact Newport Beach in the future. Storm Surges. Unlike tsunamis, which can occur anytime, storm surges are associated with inclement weather. Given that during inclement weather a lot less people are expected to be at the beach, storm surges are more likely to impact residents than tourists, and the potential number of casualties can be expected to be significantly less. The most common problem associated with storm surges is flooding of low -lying areas, including structures. This is often compounded by intense rainfall and strong winds. If a storm surge occurs during high tide, the flooded area can be significant. Coastal flooding in Newport Beach occurred in the past when major storms, many of these E1 Nino Southern Oscillation events, impacted the area. Storm surging associated with a tropical storm has been reported only once in the history of Newport Beach, in 1939. This suggests that the hazard of cyclone- induced storm surges has a low probability of occurrence. Nevertheless, this incident caused millions of dollars in damage to Newport Beach. Storm surge events affect development along the ocean, and to a lesser extent, Newport Bay. Coastal Emsiom Newport Beach has a variety of coastal features ranging from replenished beach sands in West Newport, to steep bluffs comprised of sandstone and siltstone to the south of Corona del Mar. Significant coastal bluff retreat, bluff -top erosion, gullying, and beach erosion are occurring along the eastern Newport shoreline, and the rates of erosion are dependent on the underlying geologic units and their different responses to the weathering effects of water (including rain and waves), gravity, and wind. Coastal erosion occurs as a result of natural processes such as long -shore drift, storm surge, and sea level rise. Sea bluff erosion occurs as a result of processes that impact both the bottom and top of the cliffs. Pounding of the waves during high tide and storm surges causes considerable damage to the bottom of the bluffs. If the sediments exposed in this zone are soft and highly erodible, eventual collapse of the bluff can occur as it is undercut by wave action. Uncontrolled surface runoff, if allowed to flow over the top of the bluffs, can cause extensive erosion in the form of rills and gullies. During wet years, large canyons can develop iluickly, often as a result of a single storm. Unchecked foot and vehicular traffic and rodent burrowing can also cause significant damage at the top of the bluffs. Increased irrigation associated with agricultural and residential watering can lubricate fine- grained layers in the sediments or bedrock forming the cliffs, leading to failure as a result of landsliding. The protection of the beaches from coastal erosion, through effective structural devices and sand replenishment, provides more than just a wider beach; it serves as a buffer zone that provides protection from tsunami rum -up or storm surges, especially in areas where there are no dune deposits in front of residential or commercial development. SAFETY — DRAFT, 91205 2 Ll$ Geologic Hazards The geologic diversity of Newport Beach is strongly related to tectonic movement along the San Andreas Fault and its broad zone of subsidiary faults. This, along with sea level fluctuations related to changes in climate, has resulted in a landscape that is also diverse in geologic hazards. Geologic hazards are generally defined as surficial earth processes that have the potential to cause loss or harm to the community or the environment. Slope failures. Slope failures often occur as elements of interrelated natural hazards in which one event triggers a secondary event such as a storm - induced mudflow. Slope failure can occur on natural and man-made slopes. The City's remaining natural hillsides and coastal bluff areas are generally vulnerable to slope failures that include: San Joaquin Hills; and bluffs along Upper Newport Bay, Newport Harbor, and the Pacific Ocean. Despite the abundance of landslides and new development in the San Joaquin Hills, damage from slope failures in Newport Beach has been small compared to other hillside communities. This can probably be attributed to the development of strict hillside grading ordinances, sound project design that avoid severely hazardous areas, soil engineering practices, and effective agency review of hillside grading projects. Compressible Soils. Compressible soils underlie a significant part of the City, typically in the lowland areas and in canyon bottoms. These ate generally young sediments of low density with variable amounts of organic materials. Under the added weight of fill embankments or buildings, these sediments will settle, causing distress to improvements. Low- density soils, if sandy in composition and saturated with water, will also be susceptible of the effects of liquefaction during a moderate to strong earthquake. Expansive Soils. Some of the geologic units in the Newport Beach area, including both surficial soils and bedrock, have fine- grained components that are moderate to highly expansive. These materials may be present at the surface or exposed by grading activities. Man -made fills can also be expansive, depending on the soils used to construct them. Seismic Hazards The City of Newport Beach is located in the northern part of the Peninsular Ranges Province, an area that is exposed to risk from multiple earthquake fault zones. The highest risks originate from the Newport- Inglewood fault zone, the Whittier fault zone, the San Joaquin Hills fault zone, and the Elysian Park fault zone, each with the potential to cause moderate to large earthquakes that would cause ground shaking in Newport Beach and nearby communities. Earthquake - triggered geologic effects also include surface fault rupture, landslides, liquefaction, subsidence, and seiches. Earthquakes can also lead to urban fires, dam failures, and toxic chemical releases, all man - related hazards. Figure 2 shows areas within Newport Beach that are subject to liquefaction and landslides. Liquefaction. Strong ground shaking can result in liquefaction. Liquefaction, a geologic process that causes ground failure, typically occurs in loose, saturated sediments primarily of sandy composition. Areas of Newport susceptible to liquefaction and related ground failure (i.e. seismically induced settlement) include areas along the coastline that includes Balboa Peninsula, in and around the Newport Bay and Upper Newport Bay, in the lower reaches of major streams in Newport Beach, and in the floodplain of the Santa Ana River. it is'likely that residential or SAFETY — DRAFT, 9/26105 Lk'� commercial development will never occur in many of the other liquefiable areas, such as Upper Newport Bay, the Newport Coast beaches, and the bottoms of stream channels. However, other structures (such as bridges, roadways, major utility lines, and park improvements) that occupy these areas are vulnerable to damage from liquefaction if mitigation measures have not been included in their design. Seismically Induced Slope Failure. Strong ground motions can also worsen existing unstable slope conditions, particularly if coupled with saturated ground conditions. Seismically induced landslides can overrun structures, people or property, sever utility lines, and block roads, thereby hindering rescue operations after an earthquake. Much of the area in eastern Newport Beach has been identified as vulnerable to seismically induced slope failure. Approximately 90 percent of the land from Los Trancos Canyon to State Park boundary is mapped as susceptible to landsliding by the California Geologic Survey. Additionally, the sedimentary bedrock that crops out in the San Joaquin Hills is locally highly weathered. In steep areas, strong ground shaking can cause slides or rockfalls in this material. Rupture along the Newport- Inglewood Fault Zone and other faults in Southern California could reactivate existing landslides and cause new slope failures throughout the San Joaquin Hills. Slope failures can also be expected to occur along stream banks and coastal bluffs, such as Big Canyon, around San Joaquin Reservoir, Newport and Upper Newport Bays, and Corona del Mar. Flood Hazards Flooding can be a destructive natural hazard, and is a recurring event. Flood hazards in Newport Beach can be classified into two general categories: flash flooding from small, natural channels; and more moderate and sustained flooding from the Santa Ana River and San Diego Creek. The 100- and 500 -year flood zones have been identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and include the low -lying areas in West Newport at the base of the bluffs, the coastal areas which surround Newport Bay and all low -lying areas adjacent to Upper Newport Bay. 100 - and 500 -year flooding is also anticipated to occur along the lower reaches of Coyote Canyon, in the lower reaches of San Diego Creek and the Santa Ana Delhi Channel, and in a portion of Buck Gully. Most flooding along these second- and third -order streams is not expected to impact significant development. However, flooding in the coastal areas of the City will impact residential and commercial zones along West Newport, the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island and the seaward side of Pacific Coast Highway. Figure 3 shows the 100- and 500 -year flood zones. In addition, seismically induced inundation, which refers to flooding that results when water retention structures fail due to an earthquake, can also occur in the City. Portions of Newport Beach are threatened by flooding from Prado Dam, Santiago Creek Reservoir, Villa Park Reservoir, San Joaquin Reservoir, Big Canyon Reservoir, and Harbor View Reservoir. Seismically induced inundation can also occur if strong ground shaking causes structural damage to aboveground water tanks. Currently, there are no above - ground water tanks in the City. Various flood control measures have helped mitigate flood damage in the City, including reservoirs in the San Joaquin Hills and Santa Ana Mountain foothills, and channel alterations for the Santa Ana River. These structures help regulate flow in the Santa Ana River, San Diego Creek, and smaller streams and hold back some of the flow during intense rainfall period that could otherwise overwhehn the storm drain system in Newport Beach. SAFETY— DRAFT, 9126105 q ,So Fire Hazards Wildland Fires. The City of Newport Beach defines a wildland fire hazard area as any geographic area that contains the type and condition of vegetation, topography, weather, and structure density that potentially increases the possibility of wildland fires. The eastern portion of the City and portions of the Newport Beach region and surrounding areas to the north, east, and southeast include grass- and brush - covered hillsides with significant topographic relief that facilitate the rapid spread of fire, especially if fanned by coastal breezes or Santa Ana winds. Fire susceptibility in Newport Beach is shown in Figure 4. In those areas identified as susceptible to wildland fire, land development is governed by special State codes. In addition, the Fire Department enforces locally developed regulations which reduce the amount and continuity of fuel (vegetation) available, firewood storage, debris clearing, proximity of vegetation to structures and other measures aimed at "Hazard Reduction." New construction and development are further protected by local amendments to the Uniform Building Code. These amendments, which are designed to increase the fire resistance of a building, include: protection of exposed eaves, non - combustible construction of exterior walls, protection of openings, and the requirement for Class "A" fireproof roofing throughout the City. Additionally, a "Fuel Modification" plan aimed at reducing fire encroachment into structures from adjacent vegetation must be developed and maintained. Urban Fires. Many factors contribute to an area being at risk of structural fires in terms of the local fire departments capabilities to control them, including the construction size and type, built - in protection, density of construction, street widths, and occupancy size. The City's daytime population levels may also add to the congestion and difficulty of ingress and egress of emergency response vehicles. Many of the structures in the older portions of the City, some dating back to the 1930s, are susceptible to urban fires. These areas were built to older building standards and fire codes, made from non -fie- resistive construction materials, and built with no internal sprinklers and other fire safety systems in place. These areas include Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, and Corona del Mar. Newport Beach has over 30 high -rise buildings that were constructed since the 1960s, four of which are not sprinklered: 3121 West Coast Highway, 601 Lido Park Drive, 400 Newport Center Drive, and 611 Lido Park Drive. Geography is also a factor to fie safety in the City. Upper and Lower Newport Bay essentially divide the City into two regions, with approximately one -third of the Fie Department assets located west of the bay, and the remaining assets east of the bay. Connection between these two sides is provided by only a limited number of roadways (Pacific Coast Highway in the south, Bristol Street and the 73 Freeway on the north), making it difficult for fire stations on both sides of the bay to support each other during multiple alarm emergencies. Failure of the bridge connectors on any of these roadways as a result of an earthquake, for example, would hinder emergency response from fie stations in east Newport Beach and Newport Coast into the densely populated areas of the City west and south of the bay. Earthquake - induced fires have the potential to be the worst -case fie- suppression scenarios for a community because an earthquake can cause multiple ignitions distributed over a broad geographic area. There are some older sections in Newport Beach where due to ground failure, SAFETY— DRAFT, 9126105 5 S1 breaks in the gas mains and the water distribution system could lead to a significant fire- after- earthquake situation. The City of Newport Beach has adopted the 2001 California Fire Code with City amendments and some exceptions. These provisions include construction standards in new structures and remodels, road widths and configurations designed to accommodate the passage of fire trucks and engines, and requirements for minimum fire flow rates for water mains. Hazardous Materials The state of California defines hazardous materials as substances that are toxic, ignitable or flammable, reactive, and /or corrosive. The state also defines hazardous materials as substances that show high acute or chronic toxicity, is carcinogenic (causes cancer), has bioaccumuladve properties (accumulates in the body's tissues), is persistent in the environment, or is water reactive. The primary concern associated with a hazardous materials release is the short and /or long term effect to the public from exposure to the hazardous material. The best way to reduce the liability for a hazardous material release is through regulation governing the storage, use, manufacturing and handling of hazardous materials. These regulations are typically issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but various local agencies are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring those facilities that use, store, transport, and dispose hazardous materials for compliance with the federal guidelines, or if applicable, with more stringent State guidelines. Following is a summary of hazardous material found in Newport Beach. Toxic Release Inventory. According to the EPA records, there is one facility in the Newport Beach area that is listed in the most recently available Toxics Release Inventory (W. TRI sites are known to release toxic chemicals into the air. The EPA closely monitors the emissions from these facilities to ensure that their annual limits are not exceeded. The South Coast Air Quality Management District also issues permits to facilities that. emit chemicals, both toxic and non- toxic, into the atmosphere. These facilities include restaurants, hotels, dry - cleaners, and other small businesses. Hazardous Waste. According to the most recent EPA and City data available, there are two large quantity generators and approximately 115 small quantity generators in the Newport Beach area. The number of small quantity generators is expected to increase with increasing development in the City, since this list includes businesses like gasoline stations, dry cleaners, and photo - processing shops. Leaking Underground Storage Tanks. According to data from the State Water Resources Control Board, 76 underground storage tank leaks have been reported in the Newport Beach area. Of these, 47 sites have been either cleaned up or deemed to be of no environmental consequence, leaving 29 cases that are still open and in various stages of the remediation process. None of the leaks that have been reported in the City have impacted a drinking source of ground water. The Orange County Environmental Health Department provides oversight and conducts inspections of all underground tank removals and installation of new tanks. Oil Fields. There is one oil field in the City of Newport Beach and one in its Sphere of Influence. Hazardous materials are often associated with these facilities, usually as a result of poor practices in the early days of exploration, when oil cuttings, brine water, and other by- products were dumped onto the ground. The development of oil fields for residential or SAFETY— DRAFT, 9126105 g .. 5i commercial purposes typically involves a detailed study to identify any areas impacted by oil or other hazardous materials, and the remediation of the property prior to development. Methane Gas Mitigation Districts. Natural seepages of gas occur in the western and southwestern portions of the City. Methane gas associated with an abandoned landfill has also been reported near the City's northwestern comer. The City has implemented a series of mitigation measures to reduce the hazard associated with methane gas. Hazards Overlay. Given the mixed -use character of Newport Beach, where residential and commercial uses reside relatively close to one another or often co- exist, facilities that generate, use, or store hazardous materials are often located near residential areas or near critical facilities, with the potential to impact these areas if hazardous materials are released into the environment at concentrations of concern. Aviation Hazards John Wayne Airport QWA) generates nearly all aviation traffic above the City of Newport Beach. On an average business day, 150 commercial and 20 regional flights arrive at and depart from JWA. Newport Beach borders the southeastern portion of JWA. More than 95 percent of all airplanes take off and ascend over the City. Accidents with one or more fatalities involving commercial aircraft are rare events. However, in the event of an aviation hazard, pilots are instructed to follow Newport Bay away from residential or developed area. Any potential impact will be significantly reduced by coordinated response operations of all available emergency services. The airport is protected by an on -site airport fire service as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. This service is provided by Orange County Fire Station No. 33. In addition, the Orange County Fire Services Area Plan Annex contains a Marine (Air /Sea) Disaster Response Plan that establishes protocols for marine disasters in the harbor or ocean from either aircraft or boating accidents. This plan, which includes a county -wide mutual aid response to a disaster, would be implemented by the Newport Beach Fire Department. Three areas found to be of increased vulnerability to aviation hazards in the City are Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, and Upper Newport Bay. As previously discussed under Urban Fires, Balboa Island is susceptible to fire hazards due to the fact that structures were built prior to implementation of stringent fire codes. Additionally, access and egress is limited to a small bridge. In the event of a fire caused by an aviation accident, it could spread quickly. An aviation accident in Upper Newport Bay could create a significant ecological and economic hazard to the environment. The recreational value of the City of Newport Beach with its more than 9,000 registered boats could be dramatically affected, and an aviation accident could significantly pollute the waterways. Disaster Planning Any potential hazard in the City resulting from a manmade or natural disaster may result in the need for evacuation of few or thousands of citizens of Newport Beach. Homeland Security has brought disaster awareness to the forefront of the minds of the community, safety officials, and City staff. The City of Newport Beach is currently using the Standardized Emergency Management System for emergency response in the City, where depending on the type of incident, several different agencies and disciplines may be called upon to assist with emergency response. Agencies and disciplines that can be expected to be part of an emergency response SAFETY— DRAFT, 9126105 7 team include medical, health, fire and rescue, police, public works, and coroner. Additionally, policies and plans from the Orange County Operational Area Mutual Aid Plan, the state's Mutual Aid Plan, and the state's Fite and Rescue Mutual Aid System would be implemented Within the Newport Beach Fire Department (NBFD), the Disaster Preparedness Coordinator has updated . the City's Emergency Management Plan, including . the development and implementation of disaster training for employees. The Emergency Management Plan describes the different levels of emergencies, the local emergency management organization, and the specific responsibilities of each participating agency, government office, and City staff. A City -. wide fire drill, which involves implementation of the Plan, is conducted annually. Currently, NBFD provides basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS) and emergency transportation utilizing the fire engines and ladder trucks housed in the Department's eight fire stations along with the paramedics housed in three of those stations. While the NBFD has the immediate capability of providing ALS service at three simultaneous incidents, there is an occasional need for additional ALS units. Additional ALS service is provided by nearby and adjoining public agencies by means of cooperative automatic aid agreements. Emergency transportation beyond the capability of the department is provided by private ambulance companies. Mass casualty incidents, those incidents usually involving three or more critical patients require the implementation of the Orange County Fire Services Operational Plan Annex "Multi- Casualty Incident Response Plan." This Plan is an organizational plan that aids in assigning treatment teams and quickly moving patients off scene to appropriate receiving centers in an expeditious and organized manner. The multi- casualty plan is intended to be implemented during any multi casualty incident, such as multiple vehicle accidents, aviation accidents, hazardous materials incidents, high -rise fires, and so forth. Although the system has been designed to be used with as few. as three patients, it can be expanded to an infinite number as it becomes necessary. Lastly, in the event of a disaster, the City s Emergency Operations Center can be opened. The center has undergone a series of considerable upgrades and improvements. Training for the residents within the City continues through the Community Emergency Response Team program. The continued development of the community's disaster preparedness efforts will aid the residents of Newport Beach in an areawide disaster by fostering a citywide culture of "preparedness." GOALS AND POLICIES Policies derived from the draft City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Plan are indicated bv,(LCP). In some case, these have been simplified for purposes of the General Plan Coastal Hazards Goal S1 Adverse effects of coastal hazards related to tsunamis and rogue wavesm Veonle and Property are -vPA be minimized. Policy Sl.l Review local and distant tsunami inundation traps for Newport Beach and adjacent coastal communities as they are developed to identify susceptible areas and plan evacuation routes. CPl SAFETY — DRAFT, 9126105 g 64 Policy S1.2 Participate in any regional effort to develop and implement workable response plans that the City's emergency services can adopt immediately for evacuation in the case of a tsunami warning. CP SAFETY — DRAFT, 9126105 SS (moved ,to Goal S4 Policy SQJS Continue projects like the Surfside- Sunset /West Newport Beach Replenishment program to maintain beach width. Wide beaches provide critical protection against tsunami run -up for structures along the oceanfront. rl_cM Policy S1.36 Develop and implement a tsunami educational program for residents, visitors, Pahey 81.7 and people who work in the susceptible areas.-( " CPS Require feeilitiea in avefftight visitaim serving suseep6hle afeits to provide Policy S1._3 them. Support tsunami research in the Newport Beach offshore and Newport Bay areas. Goal S2 Adverse effects of coastal hazards related to storm surges and seiches to people and property re minimized. Policy S2.1 Prepare and periodically update (every 5 years) comprehensive wave up -rush and impact reports for shoreline and coastal bluff areas subject to wave action that will be made available to applicants for new development on a beach or coastal bluff property. "P) Policy S2.2 Develop and implement shoreline management plans for shoreline areas subject to wave hazards and erosion. Shoreline management plans should provide for the protection of private property, public improvements, coastal access, public opportunities for coastal recreation, and coastal tesources._CP , Policy S2.3 Continue to utilize temporary sand dunes in shoreline areas to protect buildings and infrastructure from wave up -rush, while minimizing significant impacts to coastal access and resources. - (IMP), Policy S2.4 Encourage the use of existing and dunes with native vegetation as a protective device in beach areas. (LCPI Policy S2.5 Encourage the use of nonstructural methods, such as dune restoration and sand nourishment, as alternatives to shoreline protective structures._(_ CP) SAFETY — DRAFT, 9126105 SS Policy S2.6 Maintain and regularly clean out storm drains in low lying areas, as necessary, such that flood waters can be effectively conveyed away from. structures. Policy S2.7 Require new or remodel of residential structures in areas susceptible to storm surge goad- pxette zeaes -to raise floor elevations as requited by building codes. s Goal S3 Adverse effects of coastal erosion to people and property wiFl- -bearg minimized tea- feasible. Policy S3.1 Prepare and periodically update comprehensive studies of seasonal and long- term shoreline change, episodic and chronic bluff retreat, flooding, and local changes in sea levels, and other coastal hazard conditions. CP Policy S3.2 Continue to monitor beach width and elevations and analyze monitoring data to establish approximate thresholds for when beach erosion or deflation will reach a point that it could expose the backshore development to flooding or damage from storm waves. UP) Policy S3.3 Develop and implement a comprehensive beach replenishment program to assist in maintaining beach width and elevations. Analyze monitoring data to determine nourishment priorities, and try to use nourishment as shore protection, in lieu of more permanent hard shoreline armoring options. CP Policy S3.4 Maintain existing groin fields and jetties and modify as necessary to eliminate or mitigate adverse effects on shoreline processes. a CPI Policy S3.5 Pem-jit revetments, breakwaters, groins, harbor channels, seawalls, cliff retaining walls and other structures altering natural shoreline processes or retaining walls when required to serve coastal- dependent uses or to protect existing structures or public beaches in danger from erosion and when designed to eliminate or mitigate adverse impacts on local shoreline sand supply. CP Policy S3.6 Design and, site protective devices to minimize impacts to coastal resources, minimize alteration of natural shoreline processes, provide for coastal access, minimize visual impacts, and eliminate or mitigate adverse impacts on local shoreline sand supply. (LCZ Policy S3.7 Discourage shoreline protective devices on public land to protect private property /development. Site and design any such protective devices as far landward as possible. (LCPI Policy S3.8 Limit the use of protective devices to the minimum required to protect existing development and prohibit their use to enlarge or expand areas for new development or for new development. "Existing development" for purposes of this policy shall consist only of a principle structure, e.g. residential dwelling, required garage, or second residential unit, and shall not include accessory or SAFETY— DRAFT, 91205 10 -sy ancillary structures such as decks, patios, pools, tennis courts, cabanas, stairs, landscaping etc. CP Policy S3.9 Requite property owners to record a waiver of future shoreline protection for new development during the economic life of the structure (75 years) as a condition of approval of a coastal development permit for new development on a beach or shoreline that is subject to wave action, erosion, flooding, landslides, or other hazards associated with development on a beach or bluff. Shoreline protection may be permitted to protect existing structures that were legally constructed prior to the certification of the LCP, unless a waiver of future shoreline protection was required by a previous coastal development permit. (LCP), Policy 53.10 Site and design new structures to avoid the need for shoreline and bluff protective devices during the economic life of the structure (75 years), unless an is devised. (LCP) Policy 53.11 Require that applications for new development with the potential to be impacted or impact coastal erosion ta- include slope stability analyses and erosion rate estitnates provided by a licensed Certified Engineering Geologist or Geotechnical Engineer. Policy 53.12 Require new development adjacent to the edge of coastal bluffs to incorporate drainage improvements, irrigation systems, and /or native or drought - tolerant vegetation into the design to minimize coastal bluff recession. Seismic and Geologic Hazards Goal S4 Adverse effects caused by seismic and geologic hazards r will--he minimized by reducing the known level of risk to loss 9-f ,life, personal injury, public and private property damage, economic and social dislocation, and disruption of essential services. Policy 54.21 Continue to regularly update building and fire codes to provide forte e seismic safety design. (.CPI Policy S4AZ Support and encourage the seismic retrofitting and strengthening of essential facilities such as hospitals and schools to minimize damage in the event of seismic or geologic hazards. SAFETY —DRAFT, 8126105 11 5-1 Policy 54.43 Continue to require the retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings during remodels to minimize damage in the event of seismic or geologic hazards. Policy SO4 PrebibiERe to the location of new essential facilities within areas that would directly be affected by seismic or geologic hazards -, in accordance with State law. Policy S4.63 n--bit— Regulate the location of new sensitive facilities such as schools, hospitals, and facilities for the elderly population, within 500 feet to active and potentially active faultsa in accordance with State law. Policy S4.:6 Ensure that existing essential facilities that have been built in or on seismic and geological hazards are upgraded and maintained in order to prevent and reduce loss. Flood Hazards Goal S5 The potential tisk of flood hazards Protection of human life and public and private property wig he redueed from the risks of flooding: Policy S5.1 Require that all new development within 100—year floodplains incorporate sufficient measures to mitigate flood hazards including the design of onsite drainage systems that are connected with the City s storm drainage system, gradation of the site such that runoff does not impact adjacent properties, and buildings are elevated. �0 �M—Oved and re-worded for Coal S2) Policy S5. -32 Require that all new facilities storing, using, or otherwise involved with substantial quantities of onsite hazardous materials within flood zones comply with standards of elevation, anchoring, and flood proofing, and hazardous materials are stored in watertight containers. Policy 55.43 Require stormwater detention basins, where appropriate, to reduce the potential risk of flood hazards. Fire Hazards Goal S6 Damage to people—Protection of human life and property used by -fr m the risks of wildfires and urban fires wiB be minimiiaed. Policy S6.21 Review the adequacy of the water storage capacity and distribution network, in the event of a natural disaster, on a regular basis. Policy S6.32 Apply hazard reduction, fuel modification, and other methods to reduce wildfire hazards to existing and new development in urban wildland interface areas. a C13 SAFETY— DRAFT, 9126105 12 n% Policy 56.45 Site and design new development to avoid the need to extend fuel modification zones into sensitive habitats. (L 'Pl Policy S6.64 Use fire- resistive, native plant species from the City- approved plant list in fuel modification zones abutting sensitive habitats. LCP Policy S6.65 Prohibit invasive ornamental plant species in fuel modification zones abutting sensitive habitats.-a CP Policy S6.76 Continue to maintain a database of parcels in urban wildland interface areas. CP Policy S6.87 Continue regular inspections of parcels in the urban wildland interface areas and;��_____�_ , direct property owners to bring their property into compliance with fire inspection standards. U.CPI Policy S6.% Continue to regularly update building and fire codes to row, vide re9eet� for fire safety design. C' Policy S6.479 Encourage owners of non- sprinklered properties, especially high- and mid -rise structures, to retrofit their buildings and include internal fire sprinklers. Hazardous Materials Goal S7 Exposure of people and the environment to hazardous materials associated with methane gas extraction, oil operations, leaking underground storage tanks, and hazardous waste generators will —bets minimized. Policy S7.1 Require proponents of projects in known areas of contamination from oil operations or other uses to perform comprehensive soil and groundwater contamination assessments in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials standards, and if contamination exceeds regulatory action levels, require the proponent to undertake remediation procedures prior to grading and development under the supervision of the County Environmental Health Division, County Department of Toxic Substances Control, or Regional Water Quality Control Board (depending upon the nature of any identified contamination). Policy S7.2 Ensure that y development within identified methane gas districts xre be designed consistent with the requirements of a Ghftptet 1 OF e Newport Beach Municipal Code. Policy S7.3 Educate residents and businesses about how to reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous materials, including using safer non -toxic equivalents. Policy S7.4 Minimize the potential risk of contamination to surface water and groundwater resources and implement remediation efforts to any resources adversely impacted by urban activities. SAFETY — DRAFT, 9126105 13 5q Policy 57.5 Develop and implement strict land use controls, performance standards, and structure design standards including development setbacks from sensitive uses such as schools, hospitals, day care facilities, elder care facilities, residential uses, and other sensitive uses, if it is determined that a hazardous materials management facility or hazardous waste collection center is required. Policy 57.6 Require all users, producers, and transporters of hazardous materials and wastes to clearly identify the materials that they store, use, or transport, and to notify the appropriate City, County, State and Federal agencies in the event of a violation. Aviation Hazards Goal S8 fmpaets- "Residents, property, and the environment are protected from aviation - related hazards will be minimized. Policy 58.21 Provide a formalized Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting training program (including airport and aircraft familiarization, fuel fire extinguishment, hazards associated with airplanes and aircraft cargo, safety procedure, aviation communications, evacuation, and rescue operations) for all firefighters and Chief Fite Officers in Newport Beach. Policy 5842 Provide Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting awareness training for all Newport Beach emergency personnel on a regular basis. M' ......... -1, MINN. Policy S8.61 Implement policies outlined in the Orange County Fire Services Operational Area Mutual Aid Plan, and the California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid Plan, Policy 58.74 Develop clear mutual aid agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with the airport fire service, county emergency and law enforcement agencies, United States Coast Guard, private ferry providers, and other potential resources. Waytte AiT.�ert fincorpotated in Land Use Elementl Disaster Planning Goal S9 Effective emergency response to natural or human - induced disasters that minimizes the loss of life and damage to property, while also reducing SAFETY— DRAFT, 9126105 14 4e disruptions in the delivery of vital public and private services- dtwisg-and Policy S9.1 Review and update, as necessary, the City's Emergency Management Plan on an annual basis. Policy S9.3 Ensure that all Newport Beach egg personnel are familiar with and any other relevant response plans consistent with their position in the-City's Emergency Management Plan. 4k Conduct annual training_sessions using adopted emergenT agement systems. Coordinate with other urban area jurisdictions to execute a variety of exercises to test operational and emergency fans. Policy S9.5 Sponsor and dis. eminate--s�education programs pertaining to emergency /disaster preparedness. evacuation —and response protocols and procedures. Distribute information -es about emergency glace preparedness to community groups, schools, religious institutions, sad- transient occupancy establishments. business associations, and residents.- Policy S+4426 Include tsunami evacuation route information as part of any overall evacuation route sign program implemented in the City. Evacuation routes off of the peninsula and islands in the Bay should be clearly disseminated to the public. An evacuation route traffic monitoring system that provides real -tithe information on the traffic flow at critical roadways should be considered. uP� Policy S-9-22.7 Implement flood warning systems and evacuation plans for areas that are already developed within 100 -year flood zones. Policy S949.8 Designate staging areas and rendezvous points for mutual aid agencies and procedure to escort outside ambulances, fire companies, and other relevant emergency vehicles to the incident site, and casualty collection points. Policy 54.49.9 Develop, implement, and exercise a citywide aviation emergency response plan. Policy S"9.10 Conduct comprehensive exercises on mass casualty events in areas potentially at risk that include areas such as Upper and Lower Newport Bay, Balboa Island, and Main Channel) with the participation of all available agencies, jurisdictions, and resources. SAFETY — DRAFT, 9126105 15 4k Policy 9.11 Conduct annual training sessions using adopted emergency management saystems. Coordinate with other urban area jurisdictions to execute a vafiM o exercises to test operational and emergency Plans. following a disaster. Policy 9.13 Develop and maintain a hazard rr tdgation_plan that advocates the use of Programs and projects which, when implemented. will reduce the impacts on the community from a natural or human - induced disaster. SAFETY— DRAFT, 9126105 16 \,j'2