5. Environmental Analysis

5. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 5.1 AESTHETICS

Characterizing aesthetics and aesthetic impacts is highly subjective by nature. Aesthetics, as evaluated in this Section of the EIR, involves establishing the existing visual character including visual resources and scenic vistas unique to the City of San Bernardino, the SOI and the Arrowhead Springs area. Visual resources are determined by identifying existing landforms, natural features or urban characteristics; views of sensitive receptors (i.e., residential, schools, recreation areas, etc.); and existing light and glare (i.e., nighttime illumination). The aesthetic impacts of the proposed project are evaluated by determining the aesthetic compatibility of the proposed project with the surrounding area taking into consideration the visual qualities as well as the sensitivity of receptors to these features.

5.1.1 Environmental Setting

5.1.1.1 San Bernardino General Plan Update

Visual Character

The City of San Bernardino lies on a broad, gently sloping lowland that flanks the southwest margin of the San Bernardino Mountains. The lowland is underlain by alluvial sediments eroded from bedrock in the adjacent mountains and washed by rivers and creeks into the valley region where they have accumulated in layers of gravel, sand, silt and clay. This low lying valley is framed by the San Bernardino Mountains on the northeast and east, Blue Mountains and Box Springs Mountain abutting the Cities of Loma Linda and Redlands to the south, and the San Gabriel Mountains and the Jurupa Hills to the northwest and southwest, respectively. The Santa Ana River has a number of tributaries in the vicinity of San Bernardino that contribute flow to the main stem of the river including Lytle Creek, Cajon Creek, Warm Creek, East Creek and West Twin Creek (see Figure 3.1-2). The east branch of the California Aqueduct traverses the northwestern portion of the City. These watercourses provide valuable riparian habitat that supports flora and fauna within the San Bernardino Valley. Figures 5.1-1 and 5.1-2 show photographs of the City of San Bernardino that depict the visual character of the City.

The City’s total planning area is 45,231 acres, or approximately 71 square miles. This includes 38,402 acres, or 60 square miles, of incorporated territory and 6,829 acres, or 11 square miles, of unincorporated lands within the City’s SOI.

The City of San Bernardino is surrounded by Highland on the east, Redlands to the southeast, Loma Linda on the south, Colton to the southwest and Rialto on the west. These cities also lie in the valley region of San Bernardino and are comprised primarily of urban land uses. To the north, in the San Bernardino Mountain range, the City is bound by the San Bernardino National Forest. In addition the San Manuel Indian Reservation abuts the City’s northeastern boundary.

Visual Resources

The San Bernardino Mountains comprise the City’s northern boundary and provide the primary backdrop for residents of the City of San Bernardino (see Figure 5.1-1, top). Historically the City of San Bernardino has been utilized for a multitude of uses including, tourism centered around the regions unique geothermal activity, agricultural, military, industrial, commercial and residential. Today much of the valley has been urbanized and the City of San Bernardino has been built out from its original central historic district which is centered around the rail lines, because San Bernardino became the hub for the Santa Fe, the Union Pacific and the Southern Pacific railroads early on in the City’s history. To the west of the central downtown district are the transportation industries that developed around the Santa Fe rail yard. Residential districts developed during the late nineteenth century spread from the downtown commercial district northward along E Street toward the Shandin Hills. Today, single-family residential, open space, flood control and education facilities

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City of San Bernardino Site Photos

View of the San Bernardino Mountains looking northeast from downtown San Bernardino.

View of the City of San Bernardino looking south toward Box Springs Mountain and Blue Mountain.

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comprise the majority of the current land uses in the northern portions of the City, while industrial uses comprise the majority of land uses on the northwestern and southeastern potions of the City. Figure 5.1-1 (bottom) displays the viewshed of the City from the foothills looking south, toward Box Spring Mountain and Blue Mountain. In addition, the former Norton Air Force Base, now known as the San Bernardino International Airport and Trade Center, occupies the southeastern portion of the City.

The biological conditions in San Bernardino and throughout the region are highly modified from a pristine environment, although some areas still retain significant biological resource value. Upland areas support inland coastal sage scrub vegetation with a fauna typical of such habitats in southern California. Alluvial fans and floodplains of the valley floor support distinctive scrub vegetation containing an assortment of plants characteristic of both coastal sagebrush and chaparral communities. Deep canyons that support riparian and oak woodland plan communities provide a high quality habitat for a diverse assemblage of large and small wildlife species. Broad canyons and mountain slopes support mainly chaparral and woodland vegetation of a relatively undisturbed nature. In addition to its diverse natural communities, San Bernardino supports a wide variety of plant and animal species within its boundaries and SOI.

Landform

The San Bernardino Mountains, to the north of the City of San Bernardino, climb to an elevation of 4,237 feet above mean sea level (msl) at Arrowhead Peak near the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area. Just to the west of Arrowhead Peak and north of the Verdemont Heights Specific Plan area is Marshall Peak, which rises to an elevation of 4,003 feet above msl. The northwestern portions of the City are nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The Shandin Hills, a small hilly portion of the City just south of the California State University San Bernardino, rise to an elevation of 1,717 feet above msl on Little Mountain. The majority of the developed portions of the City are located on the low lying valley floor at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet above msl. The topography slowly rises toward the San Bernardino Mountains to the north.

Scenic Vistas and Corridors

Although much of the character of San Bernardino can be derived from its unique setting adjacent to the San Bernardino Mountains, unique geothermal resources, and central location in the San Bernardino Valley, the City of San Bernardino also obtains much of its character from its distinct neighborhoods. Each neigh- borhood has, or can have, its own unique character that is a source of pride for the residents. Neighborhood character is defined by many factors: what the neighborhood looks like, what it feels like, how well it is maintained, etc. But more importantly, it is an image in the minds of those who live and work there and in the perceptions of those who visit. These distinct neighborhoods provide the aesthetic foreground (closest viewing area) for the City of San Bernardino.

The Verdemont Heights area lies in the northwestern corner of the City of San Bernardino. This area encompasses 3,011 acres. This community is comprised primarily of low density residential uses, which are nestled in the north-south sloping foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. Residents of this area currently enjoy views overlooking Cajon Creek Wash to the southeast and the Glen Helen Regional Park. Furthermore, this unique area is bordered on the north by the San Bernardino National Forest. Several seasonal creeks flow from the mountains in the north including Cable Creek, which is fed by the Meyers Canyon and Meecham Canyon creeks. Figure 5.1-2 (top) depicts residential uses within the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains within the Verdemont Heights area.

In the northwestern portion of the City lies the California State University San Bernardino. The University area lies just south of the flood control basins of the Devil Canyon Flood Control Basin and the East Branch of the California Aqueduct, south of the Verdemont Heights area. Growth and development within this portion of the City has occurred independent of growth within the rest of the City due to the University.

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The City’s downtown area stretches from 9th Street on the north, to Mill Street and Rialto Avenue on the south, from Interstate 215 on the west, to Waterman Avenue on the east. The City’s downtown area creates a unique aesthetic environment as it is comprised of many historic structures that give the downtown area a distinct atmosphere. Figure 5.1-2 (bottom) depicts the historic character of the City’s downtown district.

Rivers, creeks and washes within the City of San Bernardino also add to the aesthetic middle ground of views around the City of San Bernardino. (Middle-ground would be the viewing area that is visible at a distance between 500 feet to one mile away.) In the southern portion of the City, the Santa Ana River meanders through the valley allowing for unique natural biological communities that depend on this year round water source and provides an aesthetically pleasing quality to the southern portions of the City. The Lytle Creek Wash and the Cajon Wash carve through the canyons before meandering through the northwestern portions of the City, where they ultimately join the Santa Ana River. In the northeastern portion of the City, Warm Creek, once a year-round stream fed by the Harlem Hot Springs and the Rabel Hot Springs, also creates a unique natural community. These natural communities are described in more detail in Section 5.3, Biological Resources. Furthermore, trails along these watercourses provide for viewing opportunities of these areas.

The background views of the City of San Bernardino are dominated by the San Bernardino Mountains that tower over the City in the north. (The background viewing area is described as the area that can be seen at a long distance, greater than one mile away and typically would include the horizon.) This valuable scenic resource provides much of the backdrop for the City’s unique atmosphere. Although there are no designated State Scenic Highways located within the City of San Bernardino or SOI areas, SR-18, which travels through the San Bernardino Mountains past the Arrowhead Springs Planning Area is an eligible state scenic highway.

5.1.1.2 Arrowhead Springs

Visual Character

The exiting Arrowhead Springs resort is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, perched on a flat plateau area above the City of San Bernardino. The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area encompasses a larger area that is surrounded on the west, north and east by the San Bernardino National Forest, while urban areas of the City are located to the south. Being adjacent to the San Bernardino National Forest provides for vast areas of open space, and the opportunity to buffer the developed areas from view of urban areas in the City of San Bernardino. Figures 5.1-3 and 5.1-4 display images of the Arrowhead Springs area that depict the visual character of this old resort area.

The only residents of the existing Arrowhead Springs area are a few employees who occupy the bungalows that are part of the resort. The Arrowhead Springs area is primarily rural, although its primary use corresponds to its unique geological setting, as it is located in an area known for its geothermal resources. As a result, the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area has historically been utilized as a tourist destination for individuals seeking the luxuries associated with the mud baths, steam caves, hot springs, and the famous Esther Williams pool. In the past, tourism in the Arrowhead Springs area relied on the pristine natural environment and valuable geothermal resource that this area rests on. The resort is no longer open to the general public. These geothermal resources are inextricably linked to the hydrology and the tectonic activity beneath this area. Figure 5.1-3 (top) provides an aerial view of the Arrowhead Springs area and shows where existing uses are concentrated.

Arrowhead Springs is located within the West Twin Creek and East Twin Creek watersheds. There are three primary water courses that flow through the Arrowhead Springs property. The East Twin Creek, Strawberry Creek, and the West Twin Creek that flows through Waterman Canyon compose the major waterways (see Section 5.7, Hydrology and Water Quality).

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Visual Resources

Due to its remote setting, diverse topography, and vast areas of open space, the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area offers many breathtaking views of the mountainous region and valley below. Figure 5.1-3 (bottom) shows the view of the City of San Bernardino from a point on the ridge below Lake Vonette in the central portion of Arrowhead Springs area. One of the most prominent visual features of Arrowhead Springs is the unique geologic landform in the shape of an arrowhead that lies on the slopes, off-site, above the historic hotel and gives the resort its name (see bottom photo in Figure 5.1-4). The large historic hotel itself dominates foreground views.

The natural biological conditions within the proposed Specific Plan area have been disturbed by the past construction and operation of existing and previous facilities and the infrastructure of roads and utilities. The grounds of the resort have been formally landscaped and contain mature trees and large lawns. The grounds continue to be well maintained. More recently both East and West Twin Creeks and nearby hillsides have been disturbed by the pipeline project of the MWD (see photos in Figure 5.1-5). Native plant communities consist of ruderal, mixed annual grassland and scrub, chaparral, riparian woodlands, and lower montane coniferous forest. In addition to its diverse natural communities, the Arrowhead Springs area supports a wide variety of bird, animal, and fish species within its boundaries. Some of the exotic species of the formally landscaped areas, such as palm trees have also naturalized in the some of the drainages and other locations.

Landform

The Arrowhead Springs area is located in the Transverse Range of the San Bernardino Mountains. The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is comprised of diverse topography, rising from approximately 1500 feet in the southern portions to over 2400 feet above msl in the northernmost portion Specific Plan area. Arrowhead Peak, which rises above the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area, rises to an elevation of 4,237 feet above msl just north of the Specific Plan boundary.

Scenic Vistas and Corridors

The foreground of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is comprised of historic structures, such as the Arrowhead Springs Hotel, in addition to structures that correspond with the other existing uses of the Arrowhead Springs area. Within the developed portions of Arrowhead Springs, the primary middle ground viewshed is that of rolling hills. Figure 5.1-4 (top photo) shows the diverse landforms within the Arrowhead Springs Area, Lake Vonette is visible in this figure. Waterman Canyon runs through the western portion of the Arrowhead Springs area and a year round water course (West Twin Creek) follows the canyon’s course. In some locations the creek channel is narrow and steep and in other locations spreads out in a small flood plain. West Twin Creek and Waterman Canyon is known for extreme rapid flood conditions that have from time to time scoured the creek bed leaving boulders scattered around. Some of this destructive character can be see in the lower photos in Figures 5.1-3 and 5.1-5. Coldwater Canyon with East Twin Creek carves through the eastern portion of the plan area along with Strawberry Creek. The two creeks join at the edge of the developed area as seen in the top photo in Figure 5.1-3 and continue southerly to the percolation basins at the southern boundary of the property. These creek channels are primarily steep and narrow through the site. The creeks and other drainages throughout the property contribute to the mountainous character of the site. The primary backdrop of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is the San Bernardino Mountains and the valley below. Since the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is located in the mountainous portions of the City of San Bernardino, the higher elevations provide for some unobstructed views of the outstretching City below. These natural scenic resources provide the majority of the scenic quality of the Arrowhead Springs area. In addition, although no designated scenic highways pass through the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area, SR-18, the current entrance to Arrowhead Springs, is considered eligible for designation as a state scenic highway.

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Unique Scenic Resources

As mentioned above, rising above the historic Arrowhead Springs Hotel on Arrowhead Peak, is a unique geologic formation that resembles an arrowhead. This name was adopted circa 1875–1876. The arrowhead stands out above the resort and creates an unmistakable landmark; however, this landmark cannot be seen from many areas of the City.

In addition to this unique scenic resource, the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is located atop an active geothermal area. Geothermal vents are often seen when driving local access roads. In addition, hot springs, steam caves, and mud baths provided major attractions for visitors to the Arrowhead Springs area when it was operational as a resort.

5.1.2 Thresholds of Significance

According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on the environment if the project would:

AE-1 Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.

AE-2 Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway.

AE-3 Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings.

AE-4 Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area.

The Initial Study, included in Volume II, Appendix A, substantiates that impacts associated with threshold with the following threshold would be less than significant: AE-2. Therefore, this topic will not be discussed further in this EIR.

5.1.3 Environmental Impacts

The following impact analysis addresses thresholds of significance for which the Initial Study disclosed potentially significant impacts. The applicable thresholds are identified in parentheses after the impact statement.

5.1.3.1 San Bernardino General Plan Update

The City of San Bernardino General Plan Update guides development within the City. In addition to the underlying vision of the General Plan, the General Plan defines the important characteristics that would define San Bernardino in the future. The General Plan is therefore inextricably connected with the aesthetic character of the City as it would help define the aesthetic environment through community design and land use. Some of the key strategies related to aesthetics of the General Plan include: develop a distinct personality both at a community wide and a neighborhood level; Realize quality housing in safe and attractive neighborhoods; enhance cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities; and maintain a collective sense of community pride. As part of the General Plan’s Community Design Element, goals and policies are established to provide for community-wide design features, district and neighborhood level design features and project level design features.

As part of the General Plan update, the City has created the University District Specific Plan. The vision of the Specific Plan for this area is to collaborate with the California State University San Bernardino to fully

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integrate the campus with the surrounding community. The focus of this Plan is upon the aesthetic treatment of the public rights-of-way within the University District. To accomplish the goals of the University District Specific Plan, the plan focuses on creating a village at the intersection of University Parkway and Northpark Boulevard to anchor the entrance to the University. The plan also includes a coordinated system of signage, landscape features, entryways, and street furniture to provide a cohesive impact to tie the University District together.

GP IMPACT 5.1-1: BUILD-OUT OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO GENERAL PLAN WOULD ALTER THE VISUAL APPEARANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO. [THRESHOLDS AE-1 AND AE-3]

Impact Analysis: Any amount of growth in the City of San Bernardino could potentially result in the development of undeveloped portions of the City, which are primarily concentrated in the north and northwest part of the City. However, implementation of the City’s General Plan update would result in conservation of the existing open space areas near the City’s northern boundary, near SR-18. The majority of planned land uses in this portion of the City are single-family residential. These land uses are proposed at densities of 1 dwelling unit per acre, at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, to 4.5 dwelling units per acre closer to the existing urban areas. Land use change as a result of new development would alter the visual appearance from natural open space to urban land uses. However, development within the low lying areas of the valley and foothills adjacent to the San Bernardino Mountain would not impact scenic views of the City provided by this backdrop as the peaks of these mountains rise to over 4,000 feet above msl.

The San Bernardino General Plan also focuses on revitalization of the City’s urban areas through redevelopment. These redevelopment areas include the Central City Projects, the Central City North, the Central City West, State College, Southeast Industrial Park, Northwest, Tri-City, South Valley, Uptown, and the Mt. Vernon Corridor. Concentrating redevelopment efforts through revitalization of underutilized areas within the City would result in an improvement in the existing aesthetic quality of these neighborhoods by reinvigorating business investment in the community.

University District Specific Plan

Due to the existing commitments and existing developments, there is little ability to make significant land use changes within the University District. Instead, the focus of this Plan is upon the aesthetic treatment of the public rights-of-way within the University District. As such, the University District Specific Plan seeks to improve the aesthetic character of the University district through interconnectivity and land use linkages by signage, lighting and other public right-of-way design treatments.

GP IMPACT 5.1-2: BUILD-OUT OF THE SAN BERNARDINO GENERAL PLAN WOULD GENERATE ADDITIONAL LIGHT AND GLARE WITHIN THE CITY. [THRESHOLD AE-4]

Impact Analysis: Development within the City of San Bernardino, as it slowly creeps northward into the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, would result in an additional source of light or glare on area residents and within undeveloped portions of the City. Sensitive plant and animal communities, specifically in the foothills and adjacent to watercourses, in the City are especially affected by addition of new light sources brought on by new development.

Relevant Policies and Programs

The following City of San Bernardino policies and programs related to aesthetics include:

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Land Use Element

Policy 2.1.1: Actively enforce development standards, design guidelines, and policies to preserve and enhance the character of San Bernardino’s neighborhoods.

Policy 2.1.2: Require that new development with potentially adverse impacts on existing neighborhoods or residents such as noise, traffic, emissions, and storm water runoff, be located and designed so that quality of life and safety in existing neighborhoods are preserved.

Policy 2.1.3: Encourage future development to provide public spaces that foster social interaction.

Policy 2.1.4: Provide assistance in the form of grants, loans, home improvement efforts, coordinated code and law enforcement, public right-of-way maintenance and enhancement, and trash collection to help improve San Bernardino’s residential neighborhoods.

Policy 2.1.5: Ensure compliance with maintenance and development standards through the rigorous enforcement of Code Enforcement and Safety standards.

Policy 2.2.1: Ensure compatibility between land uses and quality design through adherence to the standards and regulations in the Development Code and policies and guidelines in the Community Design Element.

Policy 2.2.2: Require new uses to provide mitigation or buffers between existing uses where potential adverse impacts could occur, including, as appropriate, decorative walls, landscape setbacks, restricted vehicular access, enclosure of parking structures to prevent sound transmission, and control of lighting and ambient illumination.

Policy 2.2.3: Sensitively integrate regionally beneficial land uses such as transportation corridors, flood control systems, utility corridors, and recreational corridors into the community.

Policy 2.2.4: Hillside development and development adjacent to natural areas shall be designed and landscaped to preserve natural features and habitat and protect structures from the threats from natural disasters, such as wildfires and floods.

Policy 2.2.5: Establish and maintain an ongoing liaison with Caltrans, the railroads, and other agencies to help minimize impacts and improve aesthetics of their facilities and operations; including possible noise walls, berms, limitation on hours and types of operations, landscaped setbacks and decorative walls along its periphery.

Policy 2.2.6: Establish and maintain an ongoing liaison with the County of San Bernardino to conform development projects within the City’s sphere of influence to the City’s General Plan.

Policy 2.2.7: Control the development of industrial and similar uses that use, store, produce or transport toxics, air emissions, and other pollutants.

Policy 2.2.10: The protection of the quality of life shall take precedence during the review of new projects. Accordingly, the City shall utilize its discretion to deny or require mitigation of projects that result in impacts that outweigh benefits to the public.

Policy 2.3.1: Commercial centers, open spaces, educational facilities, and recreational facilities should be linked to residential neighborhoods.

Policy 2.3.2: Promote development that is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and served by a variety of transportation options along major corridors and in key activity areas.

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Policy 2.3.3: Entries into the City and distinct neighborhoods should be well defined or highlighted to help define boundaries and act as landmarks.

Policy 2.3.4: Develop a cohesive theme for the entire City as well as sub-themes for neighborhoods to provide identity, help create a sense of community, and add to the City’s personality.

Policy 2.3.5: Capitalize on cultural events, such as the Route 66 Rendezvous, to help market and build a distinct identity for the City.

Policy 2.3.6: Circulation system improvements shall continue to be pursued that facilitate connectivity across freeway and rail corridors.

Policy 2.3.7: Improvements shall be made to transportation corridors that promote physical connectivity and reflect consistently high aesthetic values.

Policy 2.4.1: Quality infill development shall be accorded a high priority in the commitment of City resources and available funding.

Policy 2.4.2: Continue to provide special incentives and improvement programs to revitalize deteriorated housing stock, residential neighborhoods, major business corridors, and employment centers.

Policy 2.4.3: Where necessary to stimulate the desired mix and intensity of development, land use flexibility and customized site development standards shall be achieved through various master-planning devices such as specific plans, planned development zoning, and creative site planning.

Policy 2.5.1: Use code enforcement in coordination with all relevant City departments to reverse deterioration and achieve acceptable levels of development quality. These efforts should focus on structural maintenance and rehabilitation, debris and weed removal, property maintenance, and safety.

Policy 2.5.2: Continue collaboration with the San Manuel Indians and County of San Bernardino to achieve acceptable development quality within San Bernardino’s sphere of influence.

Policy 2.5.4: Require that all new structures achieve a high level of architectural design and provide a careful attention to detail.

Policy 2.5.5: Provide programs that educate residential and commercial property owners and tenants regarding methods for the maintenance and upkeep of their property.

Policy 2.5.6: Require that new developments be designed to complement and not devalue the physical characteristics of the surrounding environment, including consideration of:

• The site’s natural topography and vegetation; • Surrounding exemplary architectural design styles; • Linkages to pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian paths; • The use of consistent fencing and signage; • The provision of interconnecting greenbelts and community amenities, such as clubhouses, health clubs, tennis courts, and swimming pools; • The use of building materials, colors, and forms that contribute to a “neighborhood” character; • The use of extensive site landscaping; • The use of consistent and well designed street signage, building signage, and entry monumentation; • A variation in the setbacks of structures; • The inclusion of extensive landscape throughout the site and along street frontages;

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• The articulation of building facades to provide interest and variation by the use of offset planes and cubic volumes, building details, balconies, arcades, or recessed or projecting windows, and other techniques which avoid “box”-like structures; • The integration of exterior stairways into the architectural design; • The screening of rooftop mechanical equipment; • The use of a consistent design through the use of unifying architectural design elements, signage, lighting, and pedestrian areas; • The provision of art and other visual amenities; • The inclusion of awnings, overhangs, arcades, and other architectural elements to provide protection from sun, rain, and wind; and • The location of parking at the rear, above or below the ground floor of non-residential buildings to enhance pedestrian connectivity.

Policy 2.6.1: Hillside development and development adjacent to natural areas shall be designed and sited to maintain the character of the City’s significant open spaces and historic and cultural landmarks.

Policy 2.6.2: Balance the preservation of plant and wildlife habitats with the need for new development through site plan review and enforcement of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Policy 2.6.3: Capitalize on the recreational and environmental resources offered by the Santa Ana River and Cajon Wash by requiring the dedication and development of pedestrian and greenbelt linkages.

Policy 2.7.3: Continue to explore opportunities, such as water themed uses, to financially capitalize on the City’s water resources to enhance the City’s image.

Policy 2.10.3: Ensure that residents of San Bernardino have the opportunity to provide input to the determination of future land use development that may significantly affect the character and quality of life.

Community Design Element

Policy 5.1.1: Provide improvements along principal streets at the City boundary that clearly identify major entries to the City. Such improvements may include signage, landscaping, vertical pylons, and/or other distinctive treatments.

Policy 5.1.2: Designate and provide monumentation for important primary and secondary entry points into the City, especially at the following locations:

• Primary Entryways: Waterman at Hospitality Lane; State Route 18 at National Forest boundary; State Route 330 (City Creek Road) at Highland Avenue; I-215 Freeway at Shandin Hills; I-215 Freeway at Cable Wash; and I-215 Freeway at Inland Center Drive off-ramps

• Secondary Entryways: 2nd Street at I-215 Freeway; Highland at Lytle Creek Wash (east side); Baseline at Lytle Creek Wash (east side); Santa Fe Railroad Passenger Terminal; 5th Street at Nunez Park; 5th Street at Waterman; Freeway off-ramps

Policy 5.1.3: Prepare an entry signage program that would denote Primary and Secondary entries to the City through informational lettering, the City logo, photo-silkscreens, banners, and/or graphics.

Policy 5.1.4: Locate major accent trees at entry locations and intersections. Species should be of a "grand" scale to differentiate these key locations (such as palms, canary island pines, or poplars).

Policy. 5.1.5: Develop a Citywide program of public art to provide unifying themes for gateways.

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Policy 5.2.1: Establish and implement a comprehensive citywide streetscape and landscape program for those corridors identified on General Plan Figure CD-1 and includes the following right-of-way improvements:

• Street trees • Street lighting • Streetscape elements (sidewalk/crosswalk paving, street furniture) • Public signage

Policy 5.2.2: Require that landscaping be adequately maintained and replaced if removed due to damage or health.

Policy 5.2.3: Require that all new street landscape incorporate an irrigation system to provide proper watering.

Policy 5.2.4: Screen public facilities and above-ground infrastructure support structures and equipment, such as electrical substations and water wells, through sensitive site design, appropriately scaled landscaping, undergrounding of utilities, and other methods of screening (e.g., cell tower stealthing).

Policy 5.2.5: Use landscaping and facade articulation to break up long stretches of walls associated with residential development along major corridors.

Ensure implementation of sign regulations, which address issues of scale, type, design, materials, placement, compatibility, and maintenance.

Policy 5.2.7: Provide for the use of well-designed and placed banners for City events, holidays, and other special occasions.

Policy 5.2.8: Provide for the use of kiosks or other street furniture along the City’s streets.

Policy 5.2.9: Along major corridors, continue to pay special attention to design features that include screening, berms, fencing, and landscaping for outdoor storage and handling areas. )

Policy 5.3.1: Utilizing the Neighborhood Associations to develop a program to identify unique design features and create design themes for distinct areas of the City.

Policy 5.3.2: Distinct neighborhood identities should be achieved by applying streetscape and landscape design, entry treatments, and architectural detailing standards, which are tailored to each particular area and also incorporate citywide design features.

Policy 5.3.3: A well-integrated network of bike and pedestrian paths should connect residential areas to schools, parks, and shopping centers.

Policy 5.3.4: Enhance and encourage neighborhood or street identity with theme landscaping or trees, entry statements, enhanced school or community facility identification, and a unified range of architectural detailing.

Policy 5.3.5: Create entry improvements to help identify distinct districts; these elements could consist of monument pylons, freestanding banners on poles, banners hung from existing light or marbelite standards (subject to agreement with the utility company) or graphic elements hung from or attached to private buildings.

Policy 5.3.6: Provide for streetscape improvements, landscape and/or signage that uniquely identify architecturally or historically significant residential neighborhoods.

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Policy 5.3.7: Establish a program to select and install streetlights that reinforce the character of the particular district.

Policy 5.4.1: Aggressively apply and enforce citywide landscape and development standards in new and revitalized development throughout the City.

Policy 5.4.3: Ensure that the design of all public facilities fits well into their surroundings and incorporates symbolic references to the City, including its past and/or present, as appropriate.

Policy 5.5.1: Require new and in-fill development to be of compatible scale and massing as existing development yet allow the flexibility to accommodate unique architecture, colors, and materials in individual projects.

Policy 5.5.2: Improve the pedestrian atmosphere of the street by orienting new homes to the street with attractive front porches, highly visible street facades, and garages located in the rear of the property.

Policy 5.5.3: Maintain, improve and/or develop parkways with canopy street trees, providing shade, beauty and a unifying identity to residential streets.

Policy 5.5.4: Setback garages from the street and minimize street frontage devoted to driveways and vehicular access.

Policy 5.5.5: Provide continuous sidewalks and links to nearby community facilities and retail centers.

Policy 5.5.6: Ensure a variety of architectural styles, massing, floor plans, façade treatment, and elevations to create visual interest.

Policy 5.5.7: In residential tract developments, a diversity of floor plans, garage orientation, setbacks, styles, building materials, color and rooflines shall be preferred over more uniform design patterns.

Policy 5.6.1: Reduce the visual impact of large-scale, multi-family buildings by requiring articulated entry features, such as attractive porches and detailed facade treatments, which create visual interest and give each unit more personalized design.

Policy 5.6.2: Discourage visually monotonous, multi-family residences by incorporating different archi- tectural styles, a variety of rooflines, wall articulation, balconies, window treatments, and varied colors and building materials on all elevations.

Policy 5.6.3: Reduce the visual impact of parking areas by utilizing interior courtyard garages, parking structures, subterranean lots, or tuck-under, alley-loaded designs.

Policy 5.6.4: Provide usable common open space amenities. Common open space should be centrally located and contain amenities such as seating, shade and play equipment. Private open space may include courtyards, balconies, patios, terraces and enclosed play areas.

Policy 5.6.5: Provide convenient pedestrian access from multi-family development to nearby commercial centers, schools, and transit stops.

Policy 5.7.1: Ensure the provision of people-gathering places and street level amenities, such as mini- plazas, courtyards, benches, movable seating, shade, trash receptacles, water fountains awnings large storefront windows, arcades, small sitting areas, and accent landscaping.

Policy 5.7.2: Orient buildings toward major thoroughfares, sidewalks, and public spaces so that parking is convenient but not visually dominating.

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Policy 5.7.3: Maintain architectural interest and variety through varied rooflines, building setbacks, and detailed façade treatments and maintain a strong sense of project identity through similarities in façade organization, signage, landscaping, material use, colors, and roof shapes.

Policy 5.7.4: The size, colors, type, materials, and design of signs shall be related to the scale of the building or development and its relation to the street.

Policy 5.7.5: Parking areas shall provide, where practical, pedestrian pathways for safe access to shopping and activity areas that are defined by landscaped planters and incorporated into the parking lot design.

Policy 5.7.6: Encourage architectural detailing, which includes richly articulated surfaces and varied facade treatment, rather than plain or blank walls.

Policy 5.7.7: Minimize the visual impact of surface parking lots by locating them behind buildings, away from the street or through perimeter and interior landscaping, berming, and small-scale fencing.

Policy 5.7.8: Design public plazas and spaces that are both comfortable and convenient. They should be well defined by surrounding buildings, located near the street for visual contact and convenience, contain abundant seating opportunities, and incorporate amenities such as distinctive focal points, public art, ample shade, and eating and entertainment possibilities.

Policy 5.7.9: Ensure that the scale and massing of office, commercial, and industrial uses are sensitive to the context of surrounding residential development.

Policy 5.7.10: Lighting should provide for safety and to highlight features of center but not shine directly onto neighboring properties or into the eyes of motorists.

Policy 5.7.11: Loading bays should be screened by walls and landscaping and oriented away from major streets and entries.

Policy 5.7.12: Install new streetlights in commercial districts that are pedestrian-oriented, attractively designed, compatible in design with other street furniture, and provide adequate visibility and security.

5.1.3.2 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan

The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would increase the intensity of land uses in an area which is largely comprised of open space. Implementation of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would result in a build-out of 1,350 residential units and 1,044,646 square feet of commercial and office uses. These additional commercial and residential uses would be located around the existing developed areas in the central portion of the plan area. The central portion of the planning area is the historic Arrowhead Springs Hotel. With implementation of the Arrowhead Spring Specific Plan, the hotel would be restored and an annex to the existing hotel would be built. A new earth sheltered conference center would extend to the south of the hotel. Other hotel/report amenities would be restored to take advantage of the unique geothermal resource found within the Arrowhead Springs area. Under the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan, a new 300-room hotel is also proposed. On the western edge of the property near State SR-18, the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan proposes a 199-acre public golf course along the route of Waterman Canyon, which would force a realignment of West Twin Creek.

The plan also proposes a ‘Village Walk’ Commercial Center, which would wrap around the southern portion an expanded Lake Vonette. The Village Walk is proposed for 200,000 square-feet of shops, restaurants, cafes, and pedestrian promenades. New botanical gardens would be built on the northern side of Lake Vonette.

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Due to the intensity of the uses proposed, the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan also includes infrastructure improvements including, new or improved roads, bridges, water distribution and treatment facilities, wastewater collection improvements and a new wastewater treatment facility with recycled water capabilities to accommodate the irrigation requirements of the golf course.

Some of the reservoirs for drinking water would be located outside the conceptual grading footprint identified in Figure 3.3-6, in Section 3.3, Project Description, and would require a small access road for maintenance. However, the reservoirs would be located and designed to avoid inundation of nearby neighborhoods in the event of failure and shielded from views of residential areas where practical. Construction of four water reservoirs would be required to obtain adequate water pressure and water supply for the proposed develop- ment. The northernmost water-tower would be located at the northernmost boundary of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan site to supply Zone VIII and VII. This 0.5 million gallon water tower is proposed at an elevation of approximately 2,810 feet and would be visible from SR-18, approximately 1,000 feet away, across from the golf course area. Another water reservoir is proposed adjacent to the golf course area to the south of the northernmost water reservoir and would supply Zone V and VI. This water tank would have a capacity of 0.75 million gallons and be located at an elevation of 2,450 feet. Another water reservoir would be located to the north of the development area in the central portion of the Arrowhead Springs development. This water reservoir would have a capacity of 3.2 million gallons and would be the largest of the four reservoirs. This reservoir would be located at an elevation of 2,130 feet to supply water to Zone III and IV. The fourth water reservoir would be located to the south of the large reservoir to supply Zone I and II. This reservoir would be located at an elevation of 1,790 feet and have a capacity of 0.75 million gallons.

In order to accomplish the infrastructure needs and development of the land uses proposed for the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan, significant quantities of cut and fill would be required for construction of level pads, as the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is located in a topographically diverse location. The conceptual grading plan (see Figure 3.3-6 in Section 3.3, Project Description) identifies that development of the plan would require approximately 7 million cubic yards of earth to be cut and then used as fill elsewhere on-site for development proposed under the plan. An additional one million cubic yards of earth may need to be removed to remediate potential landslide areas throughout the property.

AHS IMPACT 5.1-1: BUILD-OUT OF THE ARROWHEAD SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN WOULD ALTER THE VISUAL APPEARANCE OF THE ARROWHEAD SPRINGS AREA. [THRESHOLDS AE-1 AND AE-3]

Impact Analysis: The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is a combination of scenic natural environment and resort development that was founded on the natural resources provided by the San Bernardino Mountains, including the mountain streams and geothermal activity, such as natural hot springs. The existing resort development is nestled in the higher elevations of the San Bernardino Mountains. Build-out of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would be primarily centered around the existing development, which now occupies approximately 200 acres of land, while preserving or enhancing the remaining natural features. Not including the golf course, the existing development footprint would be expanded by little over 100 acres but that area would also include over 21 acres of parks. However, build-out of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would result in modification of a portion the existing natural environment. Specifically, the proposed commercial development area around Lake Vonette, the new residential development south of Lake Vonette and the new residential development north or the historic hotel would visibly alter the existing landscape. Cut and fill required for slope stabilization, road construction and development sites would result in landform modification of the existing topography. Additionally, construction of the golf course, which would require major realignment of West Twin Creek, would alter the character of the existing creek. It should be noted however, that the character of both West and East Twin Creeks in specific locations has already been altered by the construction of the MWD pipeline project.

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Views of the development from outside the area would be mostly obscured because of the placement of the development within the canyons and valleys of the San Bernardino Mountains and in areas high above and distant from the developed areas of San Bernardino. However, the southern portion of the Arrowhead Springs development areas would be visible from existing residents within a small portion of northern San Bernardino, adjacent to the Arrowhead Springs area and to the west of SR-18, and from existing residences to the southeast near the proposed Village Parkway. In addition, the water reservoirs necessary for the water supply of the Arrowhead Springs development may be visible from many locations within the Arrowhead Springs development and along SR-18 because of placement out side the grading footprint. The reservoirs outside the grading footprint the access roads to reach them would detract from the views of the pristine natural environment. The majority of the reservoirs would not be clearly visible to travelers on SR-18 or residents outside the Arrowhead Springs development.

Although implementation of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would alter the topography and character of approximately 306 acres of land outside the existing development footprint of 200 acres, the remaining 1,400 acres would stay in its current natural condition. The Specific Plan contains extensive design guide- lines and development standards that require sensitivity to natural landforms and emphasize preservation of views and the natural environment where possible and all developed areas have requirements for land- scaping that would restore areas that have been disturbed and obscure views of developed areas. West Twin Creek would experience the greatest difference in character, however the golf course development would retain the feeling of openness and realignment of the creek would avoid the scouring of valley during flooding that has periodically removed all vegetation. Restoration of riparian habitat would occur where necessary with some assurance that flooding events would not denude the area providing for long term enhancement of the area. The golf course would also be planted with trees which would eventually obscure views of the golf course from passers-by on SR-18.

AHS IMPACT 5.1-2: BUILD-OUT OF THE ARROWHEAD SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN WOULD GENERATE ADDITIONAL LIGHT AND GLARE IN A PREVIOUSLY UNDEVELOPED AREA. [THRESHOLD AE-4]

Impact Analysis: Implementation of Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would result in additional sources of light and glare with greater intensity in the areas where development currently exists adjacent to open space. Since very few residences actually live near the Arrowhead Springs area and development would be shielded by the terrain and landscaping, light and glare from the future development would affect a minimal number of people or other sensitive users.

Relevant Polices and Development Standards

The policies and development standards set forth for the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan for aesthetics include the following:

Hillside Development

• To minimize the effects of grading and ensure that the natural character of hillside areas is retained;

• To protect and balance the rights of property owners with the desire of neighbors to preserve the most visually significant slope banks and ridgelines in their natural state by providing for developing hillsides at low densities;

• To encourage variety in housing types, padding techniques, grading techniques, lot sizes, site design, density, arrangement, and spacing of homes and developments;

• To encourage innovative architectural, landscaping, circulation, and site design;

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• To discourage mass grading of large pads and excessive terracing;

• To provide for safe circulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and within hillside areas, and to provide adequate access for emergency vehicles necessary to serve hillside areas;

• To take into account unstable slopes, or slopes subject to erosion and deterioration, in order to protect human lives and property;

• To encourage design and building practices to assure maximum safety from wild fire hazard;

• To preserve visually significant rock outcroppings, native plant materials, and natural hydrology;

• To protect and balance the rights of hillside property owners with the public benefits of reducing the visual effects of grading and minimizing the apparent bulk of structures on ridges and hillsides; and

• To balance the desire of neighbors who may object to changes in a hill’s natural shape with the rights of property owners desiring to place upscale homes at low densities on slopes and ridges.

Design

• Dwelling units and structures shall be compatible with the natural surroundings of the area and shall not dominate the natural environment.

• Exterior finishes of dwelling units and structures should blend in with the natural surroundings by using earth tone colors and avoiding reflective materials or finishes.

• Site design should utilize varying setbacks, building heights, innovative building techniques, and building and wall forms which serve to blend buildings into the terrain.

• Dwelling units and structures shall be sited in a manner that will:

o Retain outward views from each unit; o Preserve or enhance vistas, particularly those seen from public places; o Preserve visually significant rock outcroppings, natural hydrology, native plant materials, and areas of visual or historical significance.

• The highest point of any structure shall not exceed 25-feet above a natural or graded ridgeline. A ridgeline is a long, narrow, conspicuous elevation which is visible north of Highland Avenue, from a freeway, arterial, or collector street, which forms part of the skyline or is seen as a distant edge against a backdrop of land at least 300 feet horizontally behind it. The height of a ridgeline shall not be reduced more than necessary to construct roadways and structures but in any event more than 50-feet. Acceptable techniques to reduce the impact on ridgelines include the following:

o Use the natural ridgeline as a backdrop for structures; o Use landscape plant materials as a backdrop; and o Use the structure to maximize concealment of cut slopes.

• The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan includes Development Requirements for residential, business, mixed residential and business, and open space required for all new developments in the Arrowhead Springs area. In addition general development standards, consistent with Section 19.20.030 of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code.

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• Parking design standards within the Historic Hotel and Spa District and Village are to be determined administratively, in consultation with the Development Services Department, subject to the approval of the Development Services Director. If agreement cannot be reached administratively, then a parking variance application shall be required.

5.1.4 Existing Regulations and Standard Conditions

• The City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Section 19.04, Residential Districts, contains applicable regulations pertaining to commercial zone and industrial district development standards within the City of San Bernardino.

• The City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Section 19.06, Commercial Districts, contains applicable regulations pertaining to residential development standards within the City of San Bernardino.

• The City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Section 19.28, Landscaping Standards, includes general regulations, screening requirements, setback and parkway treatment standards, and landscape design guidelines for new developments in the City of San Bernardino. These land- scaping regulations are intended to enhance the aesthetic appearance of development in all areas of the City by providing standards relating to quality, quantity and functional aspects of landscaping and landscape screening; increase compatibility between residential and abutting commercial and industrial land uses; reduce the heat and glare generated by development; protect public health, safety, and welfare by minimizing the impact of all forms of physical and visual pollution, controlling soil erosion, screening incompatible land uses, preserving the integrity of neighborhoods, and enhancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic and safety; and establish a water conservation plan to reduce water consumption in the landscape environment by using drought tolerant principals.

• The City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Section 19.20, Property Development Standards, to ensure that new or modified uses and development will produce an urban environment of stable, desirable character which is harmonious with the existing and future development, consistent with the General Plan. The following general standards are discussed in detail in Section 19.20.030 of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, which pertain to aesthetic quality and apply to new development:

o Access o Additional Height Restrictions o Antennae, Satellite Dish, and Telecommunications Facilities o Design Considerations o Dust and Dirt o Environmental Resources/Constraints o Exterior Building Walls o Fences and Walls o Glare o Height Determination (Buildings and Structures) o Lighting o Projections into Setbacks o Public Street Improvements o Refuse Storage/Disposal o Screening o Solar Energy o Signs, Off-Street Parking, Off-Street Loading and Landscaping o Storage

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• Pursuant to Section 19.20.030 of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, no glare incidental to any use shall be visible beyond the boundary line of the parcel.

• Pursuant to Section 19.20.030, exterior lighting shall be energy-efficient and shielded or recessed so that direct glare and reflections are contained within the boundaries of the parcel, and shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way. No lighting shall blink, flash, or be of unusually high intensity or brightness. All lighting fixtures shall be appropriate in scale, intensity, and height to the use it is serving. Security lighting shall be provided at all entrances/exits.

• The City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Section 19.22, Sign Regulations, establishes sign regulations that are intended to protect the general public health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of the community; implement community design standards, consistent with the General Plan; promote the Community's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, type, quality of materials, scale, color, illumination, and maintenance of signs; limit the use of signs which provide direction and aid orientation for businesses and activities; promote signs that identify uses and premises without confusion; and reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signage. No sign, including a copy change, or temporary sign, unless exempted by this Chapter, shall be constructed, displayed or altered without a sign permit or sign program approved by the City. The Director shall review all signs unless otherwise stated. A sign permit for a sign program may be submitted for all new commercial, office, and industrial centers consisting of three or more tenant spaces. The program may be filed with the project application to construct the center, and can be processed concurrently with the project application. The purpose of the program shall be to integrate signs with building and landscaping design to form a unified architectural statement.

• The City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Section 19.24, Parking Standards and Design, contains applicable regulations pertaining to parking standards and design within the City of San Bernardino.

5.1.5 Level of Significance Before Mitigation

5.1.5.1 San Bernardino General Plan Update

Upon implementation of policies, regulatory requirements, and standard conditions of approval, the following impacts would be less than significant:

GP Impact 5.1-1 Build-out of the City of San Bernardino General Plan would have the potential to alter the visual appearance and character of many areas including the conversion of open space to urban land uses. In addition, redevelopment in the City, including the University District, would also result in alteration of land uses, thus altering the visual appearance of the urban areas. However, new developments are subject to a development plan review process and subsequent CEQA review overseen by the City, to ensure preservation of the aesthetic quality of the natural and manmade environment within the City of San Bernardino.

GP Impact 5.1-2 Build-out in accordance with the City of San Bernardino General Plan would result in new sources of light and glare on existing residences and in areas where none exists. However, Section 19.20.030 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code regulates light and glare impacts from new developments.

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5.1.5.2 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan

Upon implementation of regulatory requirements, standard conditions of approval including the development standards of the Specific Plan the following impacts would be less than significant:

AHS Impact 5.1-1 Land use change as a result of new development in accordance with the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would alter the visual appearance of an additional 306 acres of the 1,916-acre property, for a total of 506 acres of development. All development plans for Arrowhead are subject to a development plan review process overseen by the City, that would ensure compliance with the development standards put forth in the Specific Plan that emphasize preservation of the natural environment and sensitivity to existing topography. Additionally, the developed areas would not be clearly visible to the majority of residents of San Bernardino or nearby areas.

AHS Impact 5.1-2 Build-out of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would result in the addition of new sources of light and glare and the intensification of light and glare in and around the existing developed areas. The developed areas would be too distant from existing residential areas to adversely effect views of the area.

5.1.6 Mitigation Measures

No significant impacts have been identified for either the San Bernardino General Plan update or the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan and no mitigation measures are required.

5.1.7 Level of Significance After Mitigation

Impacts identified have been determined to be less than significant with application of the existing conditions and regulations in addition adherence to the goals and policies contained within the General Plan and the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating aesthetics have been identified.

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