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Resource Management ElementRESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT CITY OF ENCINITAS GENERAL PLAN As Amended 1/30/91, 6/16/93, 3/9/94, 5/11/95, and 03/09/11 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Introduction to the Resource Management Element RM-1 Purpose of the Element RM-1 Related Plans and Programs RM-2 Format and Scope of this Element RM-3 Resource Management Goals and Policies RM-3 Quality of Water and Groundwater Resources RM-4 Quality of the Ocean Waters RM-5 Preservation of Trees and Habitat RM-6 Community Views, Vistas and Aesthetic Qualities RM-8 Air Quality RM-11 Waste Management RM-12 Preservation of Cultural Resources RM-13 Preservation of Coastal Areas RM-13 Plant Resources and Landscaping RM-15 Preservation of Environmentally Sensitive Habitats RM-16 Preservation of Agriculture RM-22 Land Use Policy and Resource Management RM-25 Environmental Impacts from New Development RM-26 Energy Conservation RM-27 Related Goals and Policies RM-28 Resource Management Plan RM-30 Land Use Policy RM-30 Natural Resource Management RM-31 Preservation of Scenic Visual Resources RM-33 Cultural Resource Management RM-35 LIST OF TABLES Table Page Table 1: Resource Management Policy Matrix RM-29 LIST OF FIGURES Table Page Figure 1: Special Study Overlay Zone RM-32 Figure 2: Natural Resources Sensitivity RM-34 Figure 3: Visual Resources Sensitivity RM-36 Figure 4: Cultural Resource Sensitivity RM-38 RM-1 3/29/89 INTRODUCTION TO THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT sites that have been found in the Encinitas area. The undeveloped areas of the City are the only remnants of an environment that existed for many thousands of years. Plant and animal species that were once common are now confined to habitats that are many times smaller. Once these habitats are destroyed a number of rare and endangered plant and animal species may be lost as well. Other environmental concerns also face the residents of the City and the surrounding Southern California region. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat have become increasingly polluted over the past decades due to practices that are environmentally unsound. Contaminants range from hazardous materials affecting local groundwater to careless use of pesticides. The Land Use Element includes a number of overlay designations that will be useful in implementing the policies contained in this Element. In addition, the Land Use Policy Map identifies those areas of the City where development densities will be reduced to maximize any open space which will also benefit efforts to preserve certain environmentally sensitive areas. thousands of artifacts and hundreds of archaeological the evidenced by as New World region many thousands of years before the European discovery of the Early man was attracted to the North County region, is rich in both natural and cultural resources. This Element The City of Encinitas, as well as the surrounding Purpose of This Element is concerned with identifying goals and policies that are designed to preserve significant natural and cultural resources in the Planning Area. The Resource Management Element also builds upon goals and policies in the other elements, especially the Land Use Element. The Resource Management Technical Report provides necessary background information as a supporting document for the Element. This Element meets State requirements concerning the Conservation and Open Space Elements as defined in Sections 65302e and 65302f of the Government Code. According to these requirements, the Conservation Element must contain goals and policies that further the protection and maintenance of the State's natural resources, prevents their wasteful exploitation, RM-2 3/29/89 degradation, and destruction. The Open Space Element must contain goals and policies concerned with managing all open space areas, including undeveloped wilderness lands. There are a number of existing plans and programs which are directly applicable to the aims and objectives of this Element. These plans and programs were enacted through federal and state legislation and are administered by Federal and State agencies or special districts that have been delegated with powers to enforce federal and state law. • Restore Batiquitos Lagoon to its natural state, to the extent that this is possible, including the restoration of tidal action, enhancement of resource value, protection of buffer areas and the creation of a 1000+ acre park reserve; • Acquire additional sites to provide access to the shoreline; • Designate the Highway 101 corridor as a scenic highway; • Protect coastal floriculture and agriculture within the coastal area; • Link existing and future parks with a trails system; • Retain the low density, semi-rural character of existing "San Dieguito" communities; and • Acquire 1000+ acres within the San Elijo Lagoon as an ecological reserve and regional park. The State Coastal Commission has prepared guidelines designed to assist local governments and the Coastal Commission staff in how to implement State relating to the Coastal Act. These guidelines have been adhered to in the preparation of the Local Coastal Program for the City of Encinitas. Related Plans and Programs California Coastal Plan: This plan was prepared in response to a public mandate (Coastal Initiative - Proposition 20, 1972) that underscored citizen desires that the State's coastal resources be protected. A regional plan was prepared for the Encinitas Planning Area by the County of San Diego. This plan included the following policies, a number of which have been implemented or are included in this General Plan; RM-3a 3/9/94 Paragraphs Added 3/9/94 Shoreline Preservation Strategy: In 1993 the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) adopted a Shoreline Preservation Strategy, aimed at protecting this region's shoreline as an environmental amenity, and to avoid hazards to public safety. The Strategy includes general objectives and policies, and suggests more detailed strategies for shoreline preservation for identified sub-regional "littoral cells." Encinitas is within the Oceanside Littoral Cell system. The Encinitas General Plan/LCP is intended to be consistent with, and to help aide implementation of, the objectives and policies of the Shoreline Preservation Strategy. Detailed actions and programs which may be pursued within Encinitas and immediately offshore to implement the Strategy must be monitored, and checked for consistency with the goals and policies of this General Plan. California Environmental Quality Act Law and Guidelines: The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was adopted by the State legislature in response to a public mandate that called for a thorough environmental analysis of those projects that might adversely affect the environment. The provisions of the law, review procedure, and any subsequent analysis are described in the CEQA Law and Guidelines as amended in 1986. CEQA will continue to be instrumental in ensuring that the impacts of all potentially significant projects are assessed by City officials (both appointed and elected) and the general public. San Diego County Air Quality Plan: The City of Encinitas is located within a non-attainment area in that Federal clean air standards prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency have not been achieved. To comply with the provisions of the Clean Air Act, the State of California established a number of special districts charged with implementing plans and programs to achieve Federal clean air standards. The San Diego County Air Pollution District was responsible for preparing the 1982 State Implementation Plan Revision for the San Diego Air Basin which identifies strategies designed to improve air quality compliance with Federal standards. Other Federal laws that are concerned with the protection of significant cultural and natural resources include the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended in 1978), the Antiquities Act and the RM-3b 3/29/89 National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Format and Scope of this Element The Resource Management Element includes two sections in addition to the Introduction. Resource Management Goals and Policies follow this section identifying goals and supporting policies aimed at preserving or managing resources in the City. This Element also includes a Resource Management Plan which is concerned with protecting and managing both natural and cultural resources. The Plan establishes linkages between the land use policy and existing resource management programs to preserve those areas identified as being ecologically or culturally significant. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GOALS AND POLICIES The goals and supporting policies included in this Element are concerned with a diverse range of issue and policy areas. A number of goals and policies focus on preserving significant habitats in the RM-4 3/29/89 Quality of Water and Groundwater Resources One of the most important issues facing the State of California concerns the continued polluting of the State's groundwater. Agricultural practices, illegal dumping of toxic chemicals, urban stormwater, and inadequate protection against the leaching taking place in landfills are a few of the many sources contributing to this pollution. Increased development has also led to a corresponding decline in groundwater reserves. Unfortunately, water conservation measures are practiced on a widespread basis only during periods of prolonged drought. If the State's water resources are to be preserved, these water conservation practices need to be implemented at all times. GOAL 1: The City will conserve, protect, and enhance the water resources in the Planning Area. (Coastal Act/30231) POLICY 1.1: Require new development to utilize measures designed to conserve water in their construction. POLICY 1.2: Cooperate with the Federal, State, and County governments and surrounding jurisdictions concerning the maintenance and improvement of water quality from local groundwater sources. (Coastal Act/ 30231) POLICY 1.3: The City will implement a program for both the using and sale of treated wastewater from a new wastewater treatment facility. The City should attempt to use the treated wastewater for the landscaping of transportation corridors, parks and recreation areas, and other public uses. (Coastal Act/30231) need for development practices to be sensitive to the environment are included in the final set of policies. Finally, policies that emphasize the emphasized in policies aimed primarily at preserving views in the coastal zone as well as providing for scenic highways. Planning Area including habitats containing rare or endangered plant and animal species. Another set of policies underscore the importance of maintaining agricultural production in the City as long as it is economically feasible to do so. The maintenance of air and water quality is emphasized in a number of goals and policies that support ongoing programs that are being undertaken to improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. The preservation of important viewsheds within the Planning Area is RM-5 3/29/89 POLICY 1.4: The City will explore the possibilities of establishing or promoting a tree farm or plant growing operation to take advantage of the possibilities for sewage sludge and wastewater recycling. POLICY 1.5: A study of the feasibility of participating with other governmental agencies in the processing of sludge into usable products should be conducted, including the possibility of worm farming. POLICY 1.6: Phase out the use of water softeners which utilize salt in the water-softening process to prevent continued degradation of the water. (Coastal Act/30231) POLICY 1.7: Investigate ways to reduce the reliance of local water users on imported water. The City will seek reductions in per capita water consumption and will support reclaiming sewage effluent for re-use. POLICY 1.9: Encourage the use of recycled liquid wastes where appropriate. (Coastal Act/30231) POLICY 1.10: Promote the use of water efficient sprinkling and gardening systems to include ordinances and technology to encourage drought tolerant plants. POLICY 1.11: If a development can be connected to the sewer system, the system must have the capacity to handle the additional load of the proposed project. POLICY 1.12: Development within unsewered areas shall only be allowed after testing proves that septic systems would not create potential pollution. All development within unsewered areas shall be limited to parcels of at least one (1) acre. Quality of the Ocean Waters The coastal areas not only serve as resources for recreation and relaxation for both residents and visitors to the City, but also provide homes to many forms of marine life. As with groundwater, a major threat to the quality of our coastal waters comes from pollution. Policies listed in the following section focus on the importance of eliminating those practices that contribute to degradation and pollution of the secondary sewage treatment through available means such as development fees, user fees, bond issues, etc. to prevent sewage pollution into the lagoons, ocean waters, or ground waters. (Coastal Act/30231) The City will achieve and maintain POLICY 1.8: RM-6 3/29/89 GOAL 2: The City shall make every effort to improve ocean water quality. (Coastal Act/30231) POLICY 2.1: In that ocean water quality conditions are of utmost importance, the City shall aggressively pursue the elimination of all forms of potential unacceptable pollution that threatens marine or human health. (Coastal Act/30230/30231) POLICY 2.4: The City shall prohibit support facilities in the City for offshore exploration of oil or drilling of oil in coastal waters within its jurisdiction and strongly discourage such activity in any coastal waters in San Diego County. (Coastal Act/30232) Preservation of Trees and Habitat coastal waters. In addition, these policies support the aims and objectives of the Coastal Act that relate to the improvement of water quality in coastal waters. POLICY 2.3: To minimize harmful pollutants from entering the ocean environment from lagoons, streams, storm drains and other waterways containing potential contaminants, the City shall mandate the reduction or elimination of contaminants entering all such waterways; pursue measures to monitor the quality of such contaminated waterways, and pursue prosecution of intentional and grossly negligent polluters of such waterways. (Coastal Act/30230/30231/30233) Trees are important in making a community attractive both residents and visitors. In addition to the aesthetic value, these trees also play an important role in providing habitats and food to a wide variety of animals, cleansing the air, and even regulating the climate. While the loss of mature trees in any single community may not result in any significant adverse affects on the environment, the cumulative impacts associated with the cutting down of large numbers of trees within a region might. POLICY 2.2: In that the San Elijo ocean wastewater outfall lies within the jurisdiction of the City and the Encina outfall lies north of the City, the City shall encourage the highest feasible level of treatment of said wastewater prior to entering the outfalls and continually encourage the reduction of volume of wastewater to said outfalls by this City and other jurisdictions. (Coastal Act/30230/30231) RM-7 3/29/89 In a number of areas of the City there are stands of trees that existed in native habitats prior to European settlement. Over many thousands of years, complex plant and animal communities evolved with these trees being an important component in the ecosystem. The loss of mature trees in certain habitats could significantly alter those habitats in which they are located. GOAL 3: The City will make every effort possible to preserve significant mature trees, vegetation and wildlife habitat within the Planning Area. (Coastal 30240) POLICY 3.1: Mature trees of community significance cannot be removed without City authorization. POLICY 3.2: Mature trees shall not be removed or disturbed to provide public right-of-way improvements if such improvements can be deferred, redesigned, or eliminated. This policy is not meant to conflict with the establishment of riding/hiking trails and other natural resource paths for the public good, or with the preservation of views. POLICY 3.3: The City will examine ways to aesthetically trim street trees and vegetation within the public right-of-way including the possibility of using contract services or City personnel. (Coastal Act/30240/30251) POLICY 3.5: A street tree planting program shall be developed and implemented. POLICY 3.6: Future development shall maintain significant mature trees to the extent possible and incorporate them into the design of development projects. POLICY 3.7: Where trees are now encroaching into the right-of-way, the City will establish a program that plants replacement trees in anticipation of removal of existing trees. POLICY 3.4: A program shall be developed to trim roots and replace sidewalks and other public facilities which may be damaged by roots. (Coastal Act/30251/30254) Community Views, Vistas, and Aesthetic Qualities POLICY 4.1: The following Vista Points and others will be acquired and developed, as feasible: - Northeast and northwest corner of I-5 and La Costa Avenue POLICY 4.2: The following Vista Points will be developed and maintained as feasible: POLICY 4.3: The following Vista Points will be maintained as needed, and upgraded as necessary: RM-8 3/29/89 GOAL 4: The City, with the assistance of the State, Federal and Regional Agencies, shall provide the maximum visual access to coastal and inland views through the acquisition and development of a system of coastal and inland vista points. (Coastal Act/30251) - San Elijo & Kilkenny (overlooking lagoon & coast) - Highway 101, north of La Costa Avenue - Encinitas Community Park site (Coastal Act/30251) - Orpheus Street Park site - Oak Crest Park site - West end of "D" Street - West end of "F" Street - West end of "J" Street (Coastal Act/30251) - Leucadia Beach State Park - West end of "I" Street - Moonlight State Beach policies are also consistent with policies contained in the Coastal Act that stress the importance of preserving significant viewsheds in the coastal areas. These designated. been have scenic highways compromised by future development. Finally, a number of program that involves the acquisition and development of sites for vista points and the establishment of a "Scenic/Visual Corridor Overlay" land use designation which will ensure that existing views are not concerns that significant The City will undertake a viewshed be preserved. The importance of aesthetic resources in the City are underscored by local RM-9 3/29/89 - Cardiff Beach State Park (south parking lot) (Coastal Act/30251) POLICY 4.4: The system of Vista Points will provide for the differing needs of automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian users, and will recognize as a recreational resource, the function of Vista Points as facilities for the passive, and occasionally remote enjoyment of the coastal and inland view. (Coastal Act/30251/30212.5/30210) POLICY 4.5: The City will designate "Scenic/Visual Corridor Overlay" areas within which the character of development would be regulated to protect the integrity of the Vista Points according to the following criteria: - Critical viewshed areas should meet the following requirements: • extend radially for 2,000 feet (610M) from the Vista Point; and • cover areas upon which development could potentially obstruct, limit, or degrade the view. - Development within the critical viewshed area should be subject to design review based on the following: • building height, bulk, roof line and color and scale should not obstruct, limit or degrade the existing views; (Coastal Act/30251/30253) POLICY 4.6: The City will maintain and enhance the scenic highway/visual corridor viewsheds. (Coastal Act/30251) POLICY 4.7: The City will designate the following view corridors as scenic highway/visual corridor viewsheds: - Swami's City Park - Existing Vista Point on southbound I-5 landscaping should be located to screen adjacent undesirable views (parking lot areas, mechanical equipment, etc.) RM-10 3/29/89 - Saxony Road, from Leucadia Blvd., north to La Costa Ave. - Highway 101 from Encinitas Blvd. south to Santa Fe Drive - El Camino Real from Encinitas Blvd. north to La Costa Blvd. - Highway 101, La Costa Ave. to South Carlsbad Beach - La Costa Ave. from just west of I-5 to El Camino Real - Highway 101, from Encinitas Blvd. to La Costa Ave. - San Elijo Ave. (and Hwy 101) south of Cardiff Beach State Park to Santa Fe Drive - Manchester Ave. from San Elijo Ave. to Encinitas Blvd. - Interstate 5, crossing San Elijo Lagoon (Coastal Act/30251/30253) POLICY 4.8: The City will designate Scenic/Visual Corridor Overlay and scenic highway viewshed areas as illustrated on the Visual Resource Sensitivity Map (Figure 3). (Coastal Act/30251) POLICY 4.9: The City will designate historic viewsheds in order to preserve historical views which represent a significant cultural or historic resource to the community. The following historic viewsheds will be developed and maintained as feasible: - Station White POLICY 4.10: It is intended that development would be subject to the design review provisions of the Scenic/ Visual Corridor Overlay Zone for those locations within Scenic View Corridors, along scenic highways and adjacent to significant viewsheds, historic viewsheds and vista points with the addition of the following design criteria: • Type and physical characteristics of roadway should be compatible with natural character of corridor, and with the scenic highway function. - Leucadia Blvd. between Hwy 101 and El Camino Real - Road Design • Building and vegetation setbacks, scenic easements, and height and bulk restrictions should be used to maintain existing views and vistas from the roadway. • Off-site signage should be prohibited and existing billboards removed. areas and Escondido Creek. • Where possible, development should be placed and set back from the bases of bluffs, and similarly, set back from bluff or ridge top silhouette lines; shall leave lagoon areas and floodplains open, and shall be sited to provide unobstructed view corridors from the nearest scenic highway. environment. (Coastal Act/30251/30253) POLICY 4.11: The City will develop a program to preserve views that also preserves the appropriate vegetation and removes obstacles that impact views. Trees and vegetation which are themselves part of the view quality along the public right-of-way will be retained. (Coastal Act/30251) Air Quality RM-11 3/29/89 - Development Design regulated along any bluff silhouette line on adjacent slopes within view of the lagoon and minimized be should Development native the of colors and location on site to the topography, existing vegetation, viewshed area must respond in scale, roof line, materials, color, massing, within allowed is that Development participate in programs to improve air and water quality in the San Diego region. (Coastal Act/30231) The City will make every effort to GOAL 5: The City is located in the San Diego Air Basin which has been designated as a non-attainment area for a number of air pollutants including ozone, carbon monoxide, and suspended particulates. As indicated in the following goal and supporting policies, the City will endeavor to contribute to ongoing efforts for improving the air quality within the region. In addition, the City will cooperate with current efforts undertaken by the Federal government aimed at improving water quality in the region. RM-12 3/29/89 POLICY 5.1: The City will monitor and cooperate with the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the San Diego Air Pollution Control District, and the State of California Air Resources Board in improving air quality in the regional air basin. The City will implement appropriate strategies from the San Diego County SIP which are consistent with the goals and policies of this plan. POLICY 5.2: The City will monitor and cooperate with the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the State of California Water Resources Control Board, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board in improving water quality in the San Diego region. Waste Management Solid and liquid waste is a necessary byproduct of our society. Every person generates hundreds of pounds of solid waste and thousands of gallons of liquid waste every year. Commercial and industrial establishments generate additional waste that must be disposed of. Programs are needed to address the problems of disposal of these wastes and ensuring that these substances do not pollute after they have been disposed of. The following goal and supporting policies underscore the City's resolve towards achieving this balance. GOAL 6: The City will make every effort to reduce the amount of solid and liquid waste generated in the Planning Area and will identify ways to responsibly deal with these wastes. POLICY 6.1: The City will phase in all practical forms of mandatory recycling as soon as possible. POLICY 6.2: The City will contract only with waste haulers who will willingly cooperate with the City's recycling effort. POLICY 6.3: The City will continue to oppose the permanent location of hazardous waste disposal facilities, trash-burning plants and inappropriate sitings of landfills in or adjacent to the City. POLICY 6.4: The City will cooperate with other cities in the region to site and operate both landfill and recycling facilities. RM-13 3/29/89 Preservation of Cultural Resources GOAL 7: The City will make every effort to ensure significant scientific and cultural resources in the Planning Area are preserved for future generations. (Coastal Act/30250) POLICY 7.1: Require that paleontological, historical and archaeological resources in the planning area are documented, preserved or salvaged if threatened by new development. (Coastal Act/30250) POLICY 7.2: Conduct a survey to identify historic structures and archaeological/cultural sites throughout the community and ensure that every action is taken to ensure their preservation. (Coastal Act/30250/30253(5)) POLICY 7.3: The City will pursue the development of a historic resources program to assist in the identification, preservation, and restoration of those buildings, structures, and places within the City that have historic significance. POLICY 7.4: The City will encourage the development of cultural facilities to be made available to the public, such as performing arts theaters, museums, and libraries. (Coastal Act/30250) Preservation of Coastal Areas and safe for residents and visitors in the future. A number of other policies focus on the replenishment of the beaches and the maintenance of the coastal bluffs which overlook the beaches. recreation has resulted in additional following policies ensure that the maintained so they will be both clean beaches will be Furthermore, the use of the beaches by many thousands of persons for impacts. The processes. natural radically altered the continual change due to natural processes. Modern development, including the construction of dams on major streams and development of the coastal areas have The coast is a dynamic environment undergoing The City of Encinitas is rich in both prehistoric and historic resources. Human occupation of the area predates European settlement by many thousands of years as evidenced by the large number of archaeological sites that have been identified in recent years. Just as significant, are the large number of structures that are considered to be historically significant by the five communities that comprise the City. The following goal and policies indicate how important the preservation of these resources are to the residents of the City. RM-14 3/29/89 GOAL 8: The City will undertake programs to ensure that the Coastal Areas are maintained and remain safe and scenic for both residents and wildlife. (Coastal Act/30240) POLICY 8.2: Institute a comprehensive program for maintaining all beaches within the incorporated boundaries of the City. (Coastal Act/30220) POLICY 8.3: Institute a program of identifying and removing man-made hazardous obstacles from our coastal waters, shorelines and beaches. (Coastal Act/30220/30230) POLICY 8.4: Utilize work release program volunteers and other available sources to assist in the clean up of beaches and other public areas throughout the City. (Coastal Act/30220) POLICY 8.6: The City will encourage measures which would replenish sandy beaches in order to protect coastal bluffs from wave action and maintain beach recreational resources. The City shall consider the needs of surf- related recreational activities prior to implementation of such measures. (Coastal Act/30233/30235) POLICY 8.1: Ban the possession and use of materials or articles on beaches, lagoons, and in City parks which are hazardous to wildlife. (Coastal Act/30240) POLICY 8.5: The City will encourage the retention of the coastal bluffs in their natural state to minimize the geologic hazard and as a scenic resource. Construction of structures for bluff protection shall only be permitted when an existing principal structure is endangered and no other means of protection of that structure is possible. Only shoreline/bluff structures that will not further endanger adjacent properties shall be permitted as further defined by City coastal bluff regulations. Shoreline protective works, when approved, shall be aligned to minimize encroachment onto sandy beaches. Beach materials shall not be used as backfill material where retaining structures are approved. Approved devices protecting against marine waves shall be designed relative to a design wave, at least equal to 1982-83 winter storm waves. (Coastal Act/30235/30240/30251/30253) RM-15 3/29/89 POLICY 8.7: The City will establish, as primary objectives, the preservation of natural beaches and visual quality as guides to the establishment of shoreline structures. All fishing piers, new boat launch ramps, and shoreline structures along the seaward shoreline of Encinitas will be discouraged. (Coastal Act/30233/30235/30251) Plant Resources And Landscaping GOAL 9: The City will encourage the abundant use of natural and drought tolerant landscaping in new development and preserve natural vegetation, as much as possible, in undeveloped areas. (Coastal Act/30240/30251) POLICY 9.1: The City will initiate and pursue the landscaping of appropriate median and parking areas with trees on all new and existing arterial streets. (Coastal Act/30251) POLICY 9.2: All drainage courses should be maintained in natural or semi-natural vegetation utilizing existing topography as opposed to concrete ditches or pipes. (Coastal Act/30231/30240) POLICY 9.3: Where possible, bridges should be used in lieu of pipes, box culverts, or underground channels to preserve the integrity of the natural stream courses, in keeping with community character in the Planning Area. (Coastal Act/30231/30240) POLICY 9.4: Encourage and adopt standards for the use of drought tolerant and/or natural landscaping and efficient irrigation systems throughout the City. (Coastal Act/30231/30240) POLICY 9.5: Encourage and adopt standards for clean-up, landscaping, beautification, utility undergrounding, and additional landscaping in parking facilities where needed in existing commercial areas. (Coastal Act/30251/30252) The importance of preserving natural vegetation has been emphasized in other goals and policies included elsewhere in this Element and is restated here. The following policies stress the importance of landscaping in new development. The following policies establish guidelines for landscaping in all new development in Encinitas which will both enhance the City's overall appearance and that of the individual developments. The following policies also support the objectives of the Coastal Act concerned with the preservation of plant resources. POLICY 9.6: Require landscaping in the design of new residential, commercial, and industrial areas and buildings as detailed in the City Zoning Code regulations. (Coastal Act/30251/30253) POLICY 9.7: Encourage and adopt standards for landscaping of existing commercial and industrial uses to screen and buffer unsightly and congested commercial/industrial areas from surrounding land uses. (Coastal Act/30251) POLICY 9.8: Brush clearing and grading for agricultural, construction and non-construction purposes shall be subject to City review. (Coastal Act/30240) Preservation of Environmentally Sensitive Habitats POLICY 9.9: The City shall develop and implement a program to preserve natural drainage courses and their associated vegetation. (Coastal Act/30240) GOAL 10: The City will preserve the integrity, function, productivity, and long term viability of environmentally sensitive habitats throughout the City, including kelp- beds, ocean recreational areas, coastal water, beaches, lagoons and their up-lands, riparian areas, coastal strand areas, coastal sage scrub and coastal mixed chaparral habitats. (Coastal Act/30230/30231/30240) RM-16 3/29/89 reasonable use of the property (one dwelling unit per lot). This policy shall not apply to construction of application thereof would preclude any this policy may be permitted only upon a finding that strict A deviation from impacts on coastal mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub environmentally sensitive habitats by preserving within the inland bluff and hillside systems, all native vegetation on natural slopes of 25% grade and over other than manufactured slopes. The City will minimize development POLICY 10.1: environmentally significant areas and minimizing potentially adverse impacts from new development. these preserving aimed at strategies resources. The following policies contain guidelines and valuable these of preservation aesthetic or environmental value. The City seeks to establish a balance between new development and the maintenance and A number of areas within the City and the sphere of influence contain habitats, that once lost, cannot be replaced. Many of these areas contain plant and animal species that are unique to the area. Other habitats are valued by the community for their RM-17 roads of the City's circulation element, except to the extent that adverse impacts on habitat should be minimized to the degree feasible. Encroachments for any purpose, including fire break brush clearance around structures, shall be limited as specified in Public Safety Policy 1.2. Brush clearance, when allowed in an area of sensitive habitat or vegetation, shall be conducted by selective hand clearance. (Coastal Act/30240/30250/30251/30253) POLICY 10.2: To preserve and protect sensitive offshore kelp bed areas, the City will prohibit the overcultivation overpruning, and overcutting of kelp. (Coastal Act/30230) - conservation of as much existing contiguous area of Coastal Mixed Chaparral or Coastal Sage Scrub as feasible while protecting the remaining areas from highly impacting uses; - minimize fragmentation or separation of existing contiguous natural areas; - connection of existing natural areas with each other or other open space areas adjacent to maintain local wildlife movement corridors; - maintenance of the broadest possible configuration of natural habitat area to aid dispersal of organisms within the habitat; - where appropriate, based on community character and design, clustering of residential or other uses near the edges of the to utilize available beach replenishment sands (as necessary, permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, California Coastal Commission, Department of Fish and Game, EPA, etc.). (Coastal Act/30232) The City shall obtain necessary permits to be able dredging, in conjunction with the development of a consistent and approved project. through excavation or erosion. Beaches shall be artificially nourished with excavated sand whenever suitable material becomes available The City shall explore the prevention of beach sand POLICY 10.3: POLICY 10.4: The City will develop a program to acquire or preserve the entire undeveloped riparian corridor within the City that drains into the San Elijo Lagoon and Batiquitos Lagoon. Methods of financing acquisition may include, but are not limited to, use of available State and Federal grants for such purpose; the application of developer or mitigation fees specifically for open space presentation; and creations of a non-profit or joint-powers agency for lagoon and drainage sheds acquisition and management. (Coastal Act/30231/30240) Mixed Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub environmentally sensitive habitats by including all parcels containing concentrations of these habitats within the Special Study Overlay designation. The following guidelines will be used to evaluate projects for approval. The City will control development design on Coastal POLICY 10.5: RM-18 natural areas rather than dispersing such uses within the natural areas; - where significant, yet isolated habitat areas exist, development shall be designed to preserve and protect them; - conservation of the widest variety of physical and vegetational conditions on site to maintain the highest habitat diversity; - design of development, with adjacent uses given consideration, to maximize conformance to these guidelines; and - preservation of rare and endangered species on site rather than by transplantation off site. (Coastal Act/30240/30250) Game. Policy 10.5 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) There shall be no net loss of wetland acreage or resource value as a result of land use or development, and the City's goal is to realize a net gain in acreage and value when ever possible. Within the Coastal Zone, the diking, filling, or dredging of open coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes shall be permitted where there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative, and where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects, and shall be limited to the following newly permitted uses and activities: b. Mineral extraction, including sand for restoring beaches, except in environmentally sensitive areas. d. Nature study, aquaculture, or other similar resource dependent activities. States Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and United with the consultation in be implemented Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act. Compliance with these goals requirements shall In addition, all new development shall be designed to be consistent with multi-species and multi-habitat preservation goals and requirements as established in the statewide Natural Communities be the limited to, all lands which are transitional between terrestrial aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near surface or the land is covered by shallow water. POLICY 10.6: The City shall preserve and protect wetlands within the City's planning area. "Wetlands" shall be defined and delineated consistent with the definitions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Coastal Act and the Coastal Commission Regulations, as applicable, and shall include, but not a. Incidental public service projects. c. Restoration purposes. RM-19 Identification of wetland acreage and resource value shall precede any consideration of use or development on sites where wetlands are present or suspected. With the exception of development for the primary purpose of the improvement of wetland resource value, all public and private use and development proposals which would intrude into, reduce the area of, or reduce the resource value of wetlands shall be subject to alternatives and mitigation analyses consistent with Federal E.P.A 404(b)(1) findings and procedures under the U.S. Army Corps permit process. Practicable project and site development alternatives which involve no wetland intrusion or impact shall be preferred over alternatives which involve intrusion or impact. Wetland mitigation, replacement or compensation shall not be used to offset impacts or intrusion avoidable through other practicable project or site development alternatives. When wetland intrusion or impact is unavoidable, replacement of the lost wetland shall be required through the creation of new wetland of the same type lost, at a ratio determined by regulatory agencies with authority over wetland resources, but in any case at a ratio of greater than one acre provided for each acre impacted so as to result in a net gain. Replacement of wetland on-site or adjacent, within the same wetland system, shall be given preference over replacement off-site or within a different system. The City shall also control use and development in surrounding areas of influence to wetlands with the application of buffer zones. At a minimum, 100-foot wide buffers shall be provided upland of salt water wetlands, and 50-foot wide buffers shall be provided upland of riparian wetlands. Unless otherwise specified in this plan, use and development within buffer areas shall be limited to minor passive recreational uses with fencing, desiltation or erosion control facilities, or other improvements deemed necessary to protect the habitat, to be located in the upper (upland) half of the buffer area when feasible. 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) POLICY 10.7: The City will urge the State to take appropriate preservation measures relative to Coastal Strand Dune habitat in its development of State beach areas. (Coastal Act/30240) POLICY 10.8: The City will investigate the establishment of one or more preserves for the preservation of endangered plant species, such as the Encinitas Baccharis, of sufficient size to ensure perpetuation of the species. (Coastal Act/30240) All wetlands and buffers identified and resulting from development and use approval shall be permanently conserved or protected through the application of an open space easement or other suitable device. The City shall not approve subdivisions or boundary line adjustments which would allow increased impacts from development in wetlands or wetland buffers. (Coastal Act/30231) Policy 10.6 amended 1/30/91 and RM-20 1/30/91 Policy 10.9 Amended 1/30/91 - involve wetland fill or increased sedimentation into wetlands; - adversely affect existing wildlife habitats. (Coastal Act/30231) POLICY 10.10: The City will encourage and cooperate with other responsible agencies to plan and implement an integrated management plan for the long-term conservation and restoration of wetlands resources at San Elijo Lagoon (and where it applies, Batiquitos Lagoon), Escondido and Encinitas Creeks and their significant upstream feeder creeks, according to the following guidelines: - Plans for the west, central and eastern basins should be treated as internal parts of the whole; manipulations; - Wildlife corridors between the wetland shoreline and important upland areas and upstream riparian areas should be maintained and enhanced; proposed development, etc., show that a smaller - adversely decrease stream flow into the wetlands; - reduce tidal interchange; - reduce internal water circulation; or discreet physical alterations can be performed as funds become available, and so that the effects of changes can be evaluated at each stage, and recognizing the experimental basis of wetland The plan should be implemented in phases so that development occurs adjacent to the floodplain and sensitive habitats; 100 foot wide buffers should be provided adjacent to all identified wetlands, and 50 foot wide buffers should be provided adjacent to riparian areas. In some cases, smaller buffers may be appropriate, when conditions of the site as demonstrated in a site specific biological survey, the nature of the Adequate buffer zones should be utilized when POLICY 10.9: The City will encourage the preservation and the function of San Elijo Lagoon and Batiquitos Lagoon and their adjacent uplands as viable wetlands, ecosystems and habitat for resident and migratory wildlife, by prohibiting actions (subject to the detailed provisions of RM policy 10.6) which: RM-21 3/29/89 buffer would provide adequate protection; and when the Department of Fish and Game has been consulted and their comments have been accorded great weight. - Management plans should implement adopted State and Federal wildlife management plans (i.e., California Least Tern Recovery Plan, etc.); - Human uses of the wetland and adjacent areas should be compatible with the primary use of the wetland as a natural value; - Passive recreational activity at the lagoons should be encouraged to the extent there are no substantial adverse impacts to wildlife; important sensitive wildlife habitat; populations; is operational; management agencies) to the extent feasible; improvements; wetland shoreline since the immediate wetland shoreline and adjacent shallows are the most There should be limited human access to the Boating and other water surface activities should catch basins or other control devices outside the wetland area and should allow for periodic removal of recently accumulated sediment from the lagoon until a long-range sediment control plan The plan should include a provision for sediment species already known to use the wetlands, as well as certain "featured" species recognized as depleted, rare, or endangered (California Least Tern, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Snowy Plover, and other species recommended by wildlife Plans should attempt to optimize the habitat for circulation, tidal flushing, and plant habitat water internal lagoon to restore be disturbed, except as should not cover) required particular, topography, hydrology, and vegetative The integrity of the existing natural system (in not be allowed in significant wildlife habitat areas, particularly in the central and east basins of the San Elijo Lagoon and parts of the west basin supporting significant waterbird RM-22 3/29/89 maintenance of optimal conditions; reduced or degraded; and improving tidal flow with the ocean; (Coastal Act/30231/30233) Preservation of Agriculture biological changes should be carried out for periodic re-evaluation of the management plan and Adequate monitoring of chemical, physical and Rare and significant habitats such as coastal serve to remove impediments to internal lagoon water circulation (except where such areas are significant wildlife habitats in their own right) High priority shall be given to actions which blockage such as that caused by existing fills for transportation facilities and by existing dikes to the extent necessary to create an adequate internal water circulation system. It shall be a long-range goal to remove the flow facilities, boating facilities, etc.) shall not be sited in the wetland area (San Elijo Lagoon and contiguous wetlands). (Coastal Act/30231) Coastal-dependent developments (i.e., utility necessarily adjunct aquaculture uses. No recreational boating facilities will be permitted in San Elijo Lagoon. non-degrading recreational activities; and facilities public facilities; study; passive, minor nature to feasible, restore the biological productivity and quality of San Elijo Lagoon, the City will limit alterations and uses restorative measures; In acting to maintain and, where POLICY 10.11: strand (dunes), salt flats and fresh water ponds existing in and around the lagoon should not be A surprising amount of land within the Planning Area devoted to some form of agricultural production. The City of Encinitas and the surrounding area continues to produce a large proportion of cut flowers for the Statewide market. While prime agricultural land as defined by the USDA is limited to a few areas, soils in the region are well suited for the crops grown there. In recent years, much of this land has been lost due to development and there may be increased pressure to develop the remaining agricultural lands. The following policies underscore the City's commitment toward preserving the remaining agricultural lands in the City. RM-23 GOAL 11: The City recognizes the important contribution of agricultural and horticultural land uses in the local economy and the emphasis of the need to maintain these activities. POLICY 11.1: Investigate the feasibility of establishing and instituting an incentive program for preservation of land within the City suitable for agricultural production. Institute such a program if fiscally sound within the City. POLICY 11.2: Support agricultural water rates for agricultural/horticultural operations and explore the use of treated wastewater for agricultural operations. POLICY 11.3: Support efforts of the floriculture industry and/or the University of California Extension Service in establishing a farm cooperative and/or flower auction in the City of Encinitas. POLICY 11.4: Encourage and support the establishment of a horticultural park in the Encinitas area. POLICY 11.5: Encourage the establishment and preservation of new agricultural preserves for areas within the coastal zone designated for agricultural land use. POLICY 11.6: Continue to support the policy of the Metropolitan Water District and its member agencies to provide water to agricultural users at a lower rate than to domestic users, when conservation measures by such users are assured. POLICY 11.7: Encourage the San Diego County Water Authority and the local retail water agencies to consider additional reductions in the agricultural water rate. The City will look at lowering current minimum acreage requirements for agricultural water rates. POLICY 11.8: Preserve and promote the right to produce unique horticultural crops and community gardens in Encinitas. POLICY 11.9: Recognize agriculture/horticulture, with proper mitigation to preserve wetland habitats when present, as one of the highest and best uses for those areas within the planning area located in floodplains. RM-24 POLICY 11.10: Provide an economic advantage, where possible, to agriculture in competing with the forces of urbanization to minimize pressures to redevelop to urban land uses. POLICY 11.11: Enforce regulations and ordinances with regard to maintenance and upkeep of greenhouses and other agricultural accessory buildings. POLICY 11.12: Support air quality control measures to protect against agricultural crop damage. POLICY 11.13: Encourage agricultural/horticultural practices which minimize adverse impacts on surrounding areas. POLICY 11.14: Encourage the producers of agricultural/horticultural products to provide suitable housing for farm laborers. POLICY 11.15: Encourage projects for community food and flower producing gardens. POLICY 11.16: Encourage projects for community garden and surplus food and flower resources marketing. GOAL 12: The City will encourage the preservation of "prime" agriculture lands within its sphere of influence. (Coastal Act/30241) POLICY 12.1: For the purpose of this plan and the LCP, "prime" agriculture is defined as land in the sphere of influence of the City of Encinitas Coastal Zone presently producing or with the future potential for commercial production of agricultural products and with a soil classification of Class I-IV. (Coastal Act/30241) POLICY 12.2: No "prime" agriculture lands are located within the City of Encinitas Coastal Zone. However, the Ecke Holdings, et. al., are within the City of Encinitas' Coastal Zone sphere of influence, and may, therefore, be influenced by the City's LCP and General Plan policies. The City recognizes this land as "prime" agriculture suitability and as such, designates it for long term preservation as "Agriculture/Open Space Preserve." (Coastal Act/30241) RM-25 3/29/89 Land Use Policy and Resource Management GOAL 13: Create a desirable, healthful, and comfortable environment for living while preserving Encinitas' unique natural resources by encouraging land use policies that will preserve the environment. (Coastal Act/30250/30251) POLICY 13.2: The City shall plan for compatible land uses within and adjacent to recreation areas, natural preserves, and agricultural areas. (Coastal Act/30240/30250) POLICY 13.3: Encourage the use of buffer zones to separate major thoroughfares from adjacent areas and protect them from pollutants of noise, exhaust, and light. (Coastal Act/30250/30251) POLICY 13.4: Minimize visual pollution by establishing design review standards. (Coastal Act/30251/30253(5)) POLICY 13.5: The City shall promote and require the conservation and preservation of natural resources and features of the area in their natural state and avoid the creation of a totally urbanized landscape. Encourage the planting of trees and other vegetation, especially native species, to enhance the environment. (Coastal Act/30240/30251) POLICY 13.6: Establish and preserve wildlife corridors. (Coastal Act/30231/30240) POLICY 13.1: The City shall plan for types and patterns of development which minimize water pollution, air pollution, fire hazard, soil erosion, silting, slide damage, flooding and severe hillside cutting and scarring. (Coastal Act/30250) The important relationship between the policies contained in the Land Use Element and those included in this element are underscored in the policies listed below. The following goal and supporting policies emphasize the need to consider the environmental consequences of future development in the City as well as ensuring that environmentally sensitive areas are protected from this development. The following policies also serve to implement the Coastal Act. Environmental Impacts from New Development GOAL 14: The City shall stringently control erosion and sedimentation from land use and development to avoid environmental degradation of lagoons and other sensitive biological habitat, preserve public resources and avoid the costs of dealing with repair and sedimentation removal. (Coastal Act/30231/30240/30250/30253) POLICY 14.1: The best strategy to reduce erosion and sedimentation is to reduce to the maximum extent feasible, grading and removal of vegetation. It is the policy of the City that, in any land use and development, grading and vegetation removal shall be limited to the minimum necessary. (Coastal Act/30240/30250) POLICY 14.2: The City shall develop a comprehensive program to control sedimentation and erosion. (Coastal Act/30233/30240) POLICY 14.3: The City will reduce the rate of sedimentation of the lagoons by requiring procedures for controlling runoff and erosion associated with upland grading and development based on a minimum 10-year, six- hour storm event. The City shall provide regulations for the use of sedimentation basins and the potential transfer of sediment as beach replenishment (if of an acceptable material). (Coastal Act/30250/30251) RM-26 3/29/89 POLICY 14.4: Revegetation and appropriate landscaping of all areas graded and scraped of vegetative cover shall be required with land use and development. Plantings, hydroseeding, and irrigation systems used shall be selected on the bases of minimizing erosion and conserving water. (Coastal Act/30251) New development in the City, as has already been pointed out, can have significant adverse affects on adjacent areas. Many of these impacts arise from activities related to construction of new projects, especially when there is a significant amount of grading and site preparation involved. Problems associated with certain construction practices include the build-up of sediment in watercourses and lakes and erosion. The following policies identify strategies the City intends to implement to reduce the affects of erosion and sedimentation from new development. Energy Conservation POLICY 14.6: To achieve the ends of erosion control, a comprehensive erosion control plan shall be required with final building permit and improvement plans, subject to review and approval prior to commencement of grading and construction. (Coastal Act/30251) POLICY 14.7: Minimize extensive or premature grading or filling, and penalize illegal grading or filling. Energy conservation is important in preserving non- renewable fuels to ensure that these resources are available for use by future generations. There are also a number of benefits associated with energy conservation including improved air quality and lower energy costs. GOAL 15: The City will make every effort to conserve energy in the City thus reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. POLICY 15.1: The City will encourage the use of alternate energy systems, including passive solar and architectural and mechanical systems, in both commercial and residential development. (Coastal Act/30253) POLICY 15.2: The patterns of proposed subdivisions and the orientation and design of structures on lots shall be designed with the objective of maximizing the opportunities for solar energy use and energy conservation. RM-27 be allowable, all necessary erosion control devices, including sedimentation basins, must be in place, and shall be monitored and maintained throughout the grading period. (Coastal Act/30251) Then, if grading is determined to floodplains, where sedimentation might occur in other sensitive habitat areas. POLICY 14.5: To minimize erosion and allow sedimentation control systems to work, no grading or vegetation removal shall be allowed to occur during the wet season, October 1 - April 15, without all systems and devices per an approved erosion control plan and program being in place. During other times of the year such systems shall be provided and operative as required by a comprehensive City erosion control ordinance. No grading shall occur during the rainy season within the Special Study Overlay area, or in areas upland of sensitive areas including lagoons, floodplains, riparian or wetland habitat areas, unless by site-specific determination, the grading would not be occurring on sensitive slopes, in floodplain areas or upland of Related Goals and Policies POLICY 15.3: Energy conserving construction standards and requirements shall be enforced in the field inspection of new construction. Throughout this General Plan community resolve concerning the protection of the City's significant cultural and natural resources are expressed. Table l: Resource Management Policy Matrix identifies those elements containing policies that either directly or indirectly supports the City's efforts at managing or preserving these resources. RM-28 3/29/89 RM-29 3/29/89 TABLE 1 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICY MATRIX | | | Public | | Issue Area Land Use Housing Circulation Noise Safety Recreation| | | | | |Water Quality X | | | |Preservation X X | | of Trees | | | |Aesthetic X X X X | | Resources | | | |Air Quality X | | | |Waste X | | Management | | | |Cultural X | | Resources | | | |Coastal X X X X | | Preservation | | | |Biotic Resources X X | | | |Protection of X | | Agriculture | | | |Energy X | | Conservation | | | | | RM-30 3/29/89 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN Much of the planning area is presently undeveloped and, for the time being, is considered open space. Over time, portions of these undeveloped areas will be developed. Most of these areas have been designated for residential development. A study was conducted as part of this general plan to identify those areas within the Planning Area subject to development constraints. These constraints included certain environmental factors that could directly affect future development such as flooding problems, excessive slopes, and soil limitations. A substantial portion of the undeveloped land is located in those areas that are these environmental constraints. Other open space areas contain significant ecological resources that require preservation. Land Use Policy Land use policy outlined in the Land Use Element will be instrumental in protecting those natural and cultural resources identified as being significant. A single land use designation and a number of overlay zones will be effective in either preserving environmentally significant areas and outright or substantially reducing potential impacts from development. These land use categories include the following: Ecological Resource/Open Space/Parks: This land use designation includes all land that has been permanently set aside for the public's use or for the preservation of areas deemed ecologically significant. No private development is permitted within these area, therefore, all land within this category is within or will be within the public domain. an important contributor to the character of the community and an important reason why many people have located in the sparsely developed parts of the City. Nevertheless, these natural areas are areas are not presently utilized for any economically productive use. Other open space activities range from scattered green houses in the western half of the City to larger agricultural operations in the Ecke properties. A substantial portion of this open space is currently being used for agriculture. These agricultural RM-31 3/29/89 A primary purpose of this element is to designate appropriate development for those undeveloped parcels within the Planning Area. Virtually every privately owned property in the City has been designated to allow for some type of development. As a result, most of the existing undeveloped areas will, over time, be committed to development. Natural Resource Management There are a number of goals and policies in the General Plan that are concerned with the maintenance, preservation, or conservation of natural resources. This section of the Resource Management element is specifically concerned with those resources that can be best managed through the implementation of land use policies. These policies will be effective in mitigating the impacts of development on sensitive ecological areas within or adjacent to properties undergoing development. potentially adverse impacts from development. any minimize more stringent to be environmentally significant areas, they will be effective in indicating those areas where development standards may expressly used for preserving will be commercial. While not all Special Studies Overlay Zones Special Study Overlay Zone: This overlay designation is shown in Figure 1 and may be applied to any number of land use categories including residential and Significant natural resources within the planning area are described in detail in the Resource Management Technical Report. For planning purposes, three sensitivity categories have been developed to identify all area's sensitivity to development. This sensitivity rating is described as follows: Another important feature of the General Plan is that it permits a transition of uses in those areas devoted to agricultural production. Most of these agricultural areas consist of green houses scattered throughout the Planning Area as well as large scale agricultural activities within the Ecke land holdings. Low Sensitivity: Areas with little or no ecologically sensitive, or significant habitats are in this classification. Past development in the urbanized sections of the City destroyed or significantly altered native plant communities and animal habitats. Moderate Sensitivity: A number of areas in the City have been developed at densities sufficiently low so remnants of environmentally significant areas remain. In addition, some development is located adjacent to ecologically significant zones, which could be adversely impacted by any increase in density or intensity of development. Preservation of Scenic Visual Resources A number of elements in the Encinitas General Plan are concerned with preserving scenic and visual resources in the Planning Area. The Recreation Element provides for the development and maintenance of vista points along the coast, the Land Use Element promotes urban design that is sensitive to significant viewsheds, and the Circulation Element identifies scenic highways in the City. The Land Use Element and Map includes a Scenic/Visual Corridor Overlay Zone that identifies those areas where significant aesthetic and visual resources are present. RM-33 3/29/89 located on properties that are publicly owned. are Space/Parks if they Resource/Open Other significant areas are designated Policy Map. Ecological High Sensitivity: The Resource Management Technical Report identified those portions of the Planning Area that are judged to be ecologically significant by biologists and naturalists. These areas correspond with those zones in Figure 2 identified as having a high sensitivity. Many of those areas identified as having a "high sensitivity" are included within a Special Studies Overlay designation on the Land Use Development proposals within those areas with high sensitivity ratings identified in Figure 2 will be reviewed to determine the extent of significant ecological resources on the property and the potential impacts new development will have on these resources. The location of sensitive lands as shown in Figure 2 is generalized and not parcel-specific. Figure 2 is a tool used as an aid in locating sensitive lands, but is not an exact or exclusive determinant. A detailed identification and review of the presence of sensitive resources will be required with each development proposal. The review may include environmental impact assessments or EIRs to identify significant plant and/or animal species present. After this evaluation has been completed, appropriate modifications to the site plan, development densities, etc., may be required to mitigate any potential adverse impacts. Lux Canyon Cultural Resource Management Cultural resource management and historic preservation require the cooperation of many government agencies. Encinitas alone, however, has the ability to preserve and enhance many of the City's cultural resources. Furthermore, it is the City's desire to establish facilities and programs which will inspire appreciation for the City's past and will encourage participation in a wide range of educational and social activities. RM-35 3/29/89 Proposals for new development need to be evaluated to ensure that significant views will be preserved. This designation is also applied to those roads that have been identified as Scenic Highways. Figure 3 indicates those areas and roadways that have been placed within a Scenic/Visual Corridor Overlay. Protection of these resources during construction activities generally involve the salvage and curation of materials discovered at the site. Future development within the planning area and surrounding region is certain to result in the discovery of new sites. Other sites will also undoubtedly be discovered through the efforts of future archaeological field surveys. archaeological, significance. historical paleontological, of site a or adversely affect The existence of rich cultural resources in the planning area present some challenges for future development in the City. The California Environmental Quality Act requires that a project be considered "significant" in terms of impact if it will disrupt or A map indicating cultural resource sensitivity is provided in Figure 4. This figure identifies those areas where there is a high probability of discovering archaeological sites in the course of new development. A sensitivity rating has been applied to all of the planning area and is described as follows: resource sites but which provided negative Low sensitivity areas also include land where development or grading has resulted in movement or relocation of massive amounts of earth. identifying of express purpose the with sensitivity include those lands which have been surveyed cultural results. Areas of low cultural resource Low Sensitivity: Moderate Sensitivity: Areas of moderate sensitivity include those lands which have been developed or altered by means which may not have resulted in the removal or relocation of earth on a large scale. E n c i n i t a s General Plan F i g u r e 3 RM-36 Depending on the methods by which urbanization was accomplished, variable degrees of destruction to cultural resources can result. For example, agricultural fields represent areas where the surface has been disturbed though any buried artifacts have been preserved. • An excavation plan will be prepared according to the requirements outlined in CEQA-Appendix K; • If it is impossible to avoid disturbing the site through revisions in project design, the Lead Agency will initiate salvage efforts according to the parameters outlined in Appendix K, Section VII of the CEQA Law and Guidelines. RM-37 3/29/89 High Sensitivity: High sensitivity areas within the Encinitas planning area include those areas which have not been previously surveyed or have been subject to historic human disturbance other than agriculture. Based on the demonstrated prehistoric settlement pattern for coastal southern California and on the density of recorded archaeological sites within the planning area, those portions of the planning area which retain their natural character and which have not been subject to surveys specifically related to the identification of cultural resources are considered to have a high potential for the presence of cultural resource sites. A substantial number of archaeological sites have been discovered in those areas of the City that have undergone past development. For this reason, any proposed project that involves a significant amount of grading should have an archaeological survey conducted prior to construction. In addition, archaeological resources may be discovered in the course of construction and appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that artifacts are recorded and salvaged. California State Assembly Bill AB 492 and the adoption of the Appendix K in the CEQA Law and Guidelines provide direction with regard to the mitigation, preservation, or salvage of significant archaeologic resources that are affected by development (OPR, 1986). The measures identified below are excerpts from Appendix K and will only be applied in the event that an archaeological site is discovered during excavation or construction phases of any new project. If a site and/or artifacts are discovered, the following mitigation measures will be enacted: RM-37 3/29/89 • In the event of the discovery of human remains, procedures outlined in Section VIII of Appendix K contained in the CEQA Law and Guidelines will apply. Numerous sites of historical significance are identified in the Resource Management Technical Report. Certain sites may be incorporated into future parks, while others may be recorded using historical markers. A policy included in this Element indicates the City will inventory all of the historically significant sites and/or structures that require protection. Implementation of this policy may involve nomination to the Federal Register of Historic Places or the establishment of City historic guidelines that will protect these structures from future demolition or alteration. RM-39 3/29/89 objectives of historic preservation. use and development incentives may be part of an overall program to achieve the included as Based on the results of the City-wide survey, the City may also consider an historic preservation program and ordinance, which may include expansion of an Historic Preservation Overlay zone designation in the City's zoning and development code. A combination of appropriate