2. Project Description
2.1 Project Location and Site Characteristics
2.1.2 Physical Environmental Setting Existing On Site Land Uses
2.2 Project Background and Objectives
2.2.2 Legislative Mandates 
2.2.3 LAUSD Facilities Master Plan
2.2.4 Existing School Facility Needs 
2.3 Project Description
2.3.1 Construction
2.3.2 Operation Access
2.3.3 Project Features  
2.4 Required Permits and Approvals
2.5 Cumulative Scenario 

Main DEIR Index

2.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND SITE CHARACTERISTICS Regional and Local Setting

The proposed project site is located in the community of Northridge, within the City and County of Los Angeles. The approximately 5.3 acre site is on the campus of the California State University Northridge (CSUN) and is west of the intersection of Zelzah Avenue and Halsted Street. The property is bound on the north, west, and south by properties and facilities of CSUN and on the east by Zelzah Avenue. The LAUSD would obtain from CSUN the five-acre Zelzah Court site in exchange, either through sale or lease, for the LAUSD-owned former Prairie Street school site located adjacent to the University core campus. Figure 2-1 illustrates the regional location and project vicinity, and Figure 2-2 provides an aerial view of the project site. to index

2.1.2 Physical Environmental Setting Existing On Site Land Uses The approximately 5.3-acre project site previously supported portable classroom trailers, but is currently vacant. The topography is relatively flat. The project site is adjacent to CSUN athletic facilities, which will be used by the proposed school under a shared use agreement with CSUN. This new school will also use science and language laboratories on the CSUN campus as part of the shared use agreement.

General Plan and Zoning The Northridge Community Plan, one of 35 community plans that are a portion of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, governs the proposed project site. The Northridge Community Plan designates the proposed project site as Public Facilities. The zoning designation is PF (Public Facilities). The CSUN Master Plan also applies to this project. The Plan addresses the goals and policies for University planning and development.

Surrounding Land Uses The proposed project site is located on the northeastern portion of the CSUN campus in an area called Zelzah Court. Specific land uses in the immediate vicinity (including campus and non-campus uses) are as follows:

Campus residences are located north and northwest of the project site, fronting Zelzah Avenue The east side fronts Zelzah Avenue, which is a four-lane throughway that carries relatively heavy traffic in the area

A Child and Family Guidance center is on the southeast corner of Superior Street and Zelzah Avenue (northeast of the project site)

Single-and multiple-family residences, and a religious center, are located on the block east of the project site (across Zelzah Avenue) 

  CSUN Project Site

Pacific Ocean Ventura Co. Los Angeles Co. San Bernardino Co.

Riverside Co. San Diego Co. Orange Co.

Project Site

  Figure 2-1 Regional Location and Local Vicinity of the Project

Valley New High School 1

Valley New High School No. 1 Draft EIR 2. Project Description October 2001 2-2

DEVONSHIRE  Figure 2-2 Aerial Photo

Valley New High School 1

2. Project Description October 2001 2-3 N Valley New High School No. 1 Draft EIR 1000 0 500 250 Scale in Feet

Proposed Project Site CSUN campus 

Tennis courts and a parking lot are south of the project site CSUN athletic facilities are west and southwest of the project site.  to index

2.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES 2.2.1 Existing LAUSD Facilities and Enrollment District-Wide The LAUSD is the nation's second largest district encompassing a 707 square-mile area. Its geographic boundaries contain and extend beyond the City of Los Angeles and include all or parts of 28 other cities such as Cudahy, Gardena, Huntington Park, Lomita, Maywood, San Fernando, Vernon, West Hollywood, and South Gate. The LAUSD is faced with a critical need to provide new school facilities throughout the district to accommodate students in all grade levels. The LAUSD has a kindergarten through 12 th grade enrollment of about 723,000 students enrolled in 791 elementary, middle, and high schools within the district boundaries, based on statistics from October 2000 (LAUSD website, 2001c). In a greater scope the LAUSD has over 889,000 students enrolled in 932 total schools and centers, based on the July 2000 statistics (LAUSD website, 2001c).

The following items drive the demand for classroom seats in LAUSD schools: School enrollments that continue to grow and exceed year-round capacities The desire to reduce or end busing of capped students The desire to reduce class sizes at all levels The need to provide additional special education classrooms in resident areas.

The LAUSD uses the following step-by-step process to determine the need for new schools: 1. Annual analysis of the pattern of change in the resident population or neighborhood enrollment of each school 2. A review and assessment of each existing school's ability to accommodate change in resident enrollment based on the approved goals and guidelines of the Board of Education

3. Identification of the ability of each school to accommodate its neighborhood students 4. Determination of whether, or not, overcrowded schools can accommodate additional classrooms, and if boundary changes could relieve overcrowding

Proposals for new schools are developed to address the need for additional classroom seats, if space for additional classroom facilities are not available, and boundary changes are not possible. 

Valley Planning Area The Valley Planning Area currently has 22 existing schools above peak capacity, including five high schools, five middle schools, and 12 elementary schools. The total peak year-round capacity in the Valley Planning Area accommodates 43,396 seats, including 18,046 high school seats, 11,343 middle school seats, and 14,007 elementary school seats (LAUSD, 1998 and 2000a). The existing capacities for each of these school facilities are summarized in Table 2-1, and Figure 2-3 shows the location of these schools in relation to the project site.

Table 2-1 Existing Schools and Enrollment for Schools Over Capacity within the Valley Planning Area

School Area/ Name Peak Capacity (year-round) 2-Semester Seats Needed to Meet

Shortfall on Year-Round Calendar Seats Short at Peak (Year-Round)
 HIGH SCHOOLS Monroe 3,766 (2,718) (3,805)

North Hollywood 3,579 (1,111) (1,555) 
Polytechnic 3,292 (1,511) (2,116) 
San Fernando 3,723 (979) (1,371) 
Van Nuys 3,686 (1,611) (2,255) 
Subtotal 18,046 (7,930) (11,102) 
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Fulton 2,497 (339) (475)
Madison 2,466 (396) (555)
Sepulveda 2,567 (1,290) (1,806)
Sun Valley 2,395 (736) (1,031)
Van Nuys 1,417 (506) (708)
Subtotal 11,343 (3,268) (4,575)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Bassett 1,311 (66) (92)
Fair 1,518 (115) (161)
Hazeltine 1,127 (329) (460)
Langdon 1,035 (427) (598) 
Noble 1,518 (279) (391)
Oxnard 897 (148) (207)
Plummer 1,334 (871) (1,219)
Sylvan Park 1,173 (49) (69)
Valerio 1,334 (230) (322)
Van Nuys 621 (82) (115)
Vaughn 897 (82) (115)
Victory 1,242 (329) (460) 
Subtotal 14,007 (3,006) (4,209)
TOTAL VALLEY AREA 43,396 (14,204) (19,886) Source: LAUSD Master Plan Priority List, 6/ 29/ 00 to index

2.2.2 Legislative Mandates A number of legislative mandates identify guidelines to improve education and assist schools with funding for improvements to existing school facilities and development of new facilities. These mandates are described below. 

High Schools

 1. Monroe
2. North Hollywood
3. Francis Polytechnic
4. San Fernando
5. Van Nuys

Middle Schools 
6. Van Nuys
7. Fulton 8. Madison
9. Sepulveda
10. Sun Valley

Elementary Schools
11. Bassett
12. Fair 
13. Hazeltine 
14. Langdon 
15. Noble 
16. Oxnard 
17. Plummer 
18. Sylvan Park 
19. Valerio 
20. Van Nuys 
21. Vaughn 
22. Victory

 Figure 2-3 Schools Above Peak Capacity

Valley New High School 1

SB 50 and Proposition 1A. Proposition 1A, the Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 1998, provided $9.2 billion to fund school facilities in kindergarten through university public education facilities. This bond provided 50 percent of the funding for necessary eligible construction projects for education facilities for at least four years, with the intent to achieve the following:

Reduce class sizes Relieve overcrowding Accommodate student enrollment growth Repair older schools Provide wiring and cabling for education technology Upgrade and build new classrooms in community colleges, the California State University, and the University of California.

Proposition BB Funds. This proposition was passed by City of Los Angeles voters in 1997 and provides $2.4 billion to fund LAUSD facilities. This funding source provided the remaining 50 percent required by SB 50 (described above). According to the Facilities Master Plan, $900 million of this fund was earmarked for new construction projects. In addition, the plan considers dollars that the LAUSD can obtain as a match from the State Lease-Purchase School Building Program (LAUSD, 1998).

AB 1746 – Escutia. Assembly Bill 1746 provides funding to eligible districts to reduce class sizes for K-3 enrollment at multi-track schools with pupil density of at least 200 pupils per acre. This bill was used primarily to fund primary centers, additions, and portable classrooms throughout the LAUSD. to index

2.2.3 LAUSD Facilities Master Plan In response to state and local legislation, and the need to provide additional school facilities throughout the LAUSD, the Los Angeles Board of Education adopted goals and guidelines that provided a policy framework for the development of a Facilities Master Plan (LAUSD, 1998). These basic goals include:

Allowing K– 12 students to attend their neighborhood schools Providing classroom space for enrollment growth Providing classroom space to implement Class Size Reduction, Option I, for K– 3 in all schools and reduce class size for grades 4– 12 to pre-1990 levels

Allowing special education students to attend schools in their neighborhood.

In its long-range plan for new school facilities, the LAUSD identified a need to provide an additional 201,000 classroom seats in order to accommodate anticipated enrollment growth and to allow current multi-track schools to return to a traditional school year; 78,000 seats are needed at the elementary school level, 51,000 seats at the middle school level, and 72,000 seats at the high school level. In June 2000, the Board of Education approved a near-term plan to build new schools and additions with a total 44,000 two-semester seats, which would operate on a multi-track calendar providing classroom space that will accommodate over 

61,000 students. As a result of this plan, classroom space for nearly 16,000 students will be built at the elementary school level, over 13,000 at the middle school level, and over 32,000 at the high school level (LAUSD, 1998 and 2001c).

In addition to the overall need, there is a temporal issue extremely important in providing new school facilities. Because of demographic trends, the expected peak enrollments differ across grade levels as the peak year kindergarten students proceed through the system. For example, while overall enrollment growth is projected to peak in the 2006-07 school year, at the elementary school level enrollment is currently peaking, at the middle school level it is expected to peak in the 2003-4 school year, and at the high school level enrollment is expected to peak in the 2007-08 school year. However, there are areas of LAUSD that will continue to grow in years beyond the anticipated peaks (LAUSD, 1998 and 2001c).

Due to the extreme overcrowded conditions, the Valley Planning Area remains a high priority for new school construction within the LAUSD. In the Valley Planning Area, there remains a shortfall of 14,204 two-semester seats and 19,886 year-round seats that are projected to be needed at the peak year. Projected needs at the high school level include 7,930 two-semester and 11,102 year-round seats (LAUSD, 2001c). to index

2.2.4 Existing School Facility Needs LAUSD's School Facilities Master Plan establishes long-term goals for school facilities including:

Providing a K-12 neighborhood school seat for every student in LAUSD Reducing class sizes at all grade levels.

To meet these goals, this new high school would relieve overcrowding at Monroe High School and would provide an opportunity to construct an academy high school. Projected enrollment at Monroe High School was over 3,800 students in 2000-2001 (LAUSD, 2000a).

The project site was identified as the preferred location because it would permit the high school to share use of adjoining CSUN athletic fields and create opportunities for students to pursue higher education in CSUN's Education program. The project site would also accommodate local students who currently commute to other schools in the area.

Small School Site Policy The California Department of Education (CDE) recognizes that school districts cannot achieve, in all cases, school site sizes recommended in the Guide to School Site Analysis and Development (2000 Edition), due to lack of sufficient acreage in urban or suburban areas, economic infeasibility, geographic barriers, or traffic congestion. However, the Guide addresses unusual site conditions as defined by the California Code of Regulations, Title 5 [Chapter 13 of Division 1, Section 1401( a) and (b)] to enable schools to develop schools at sites smaller than recommended size. In developing a small school site, the school district must consider: 

Compliance with Title 5 for building square footages, classroom sizes, and the provision of minimum essential facilities such as cafeterias, libraries, multi-purpose rooms, and gyms

Assurance of site safety using criteria for environmental toxic hazards, geological hazards and railroad safety analysis

Completion of CEQA review Adequate and safe access to the site Adequate provision for staff parking and access to site Adequate physical education, intramural, recess, and/ or competitive athletic program areas provided on site, adjacent to the site, or in shared facilities with other schools or public/ private spaces

Compliance with the Rodriguez Consent Decree (in case of LAUSD) for minimum high school playground acreage of 9 acres for high schools with up to 3,500 students

Locating schools within areas of the greatest student population densities and within residential areas CDE review of at least three alternatives for each site selected by the district for formal processing.

The proposed Valley New High School No. 1, as designed, meets the requirements outlined in the Small School Site Policy (LAUSD 2000b). The athletic facility requirements would be met through the shared use of the CSUN academic and athletic facilities. The LAUSD and CSUN will enter into a formal agreement (Joint Participation Agreement) that outlines the specific requirements of the shared use concept. For a detailed description of project components, refer to Section 2.3 (Project Description).  to index

2.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.3.1 Construction LAUSD proposes to build multi-story buildings (approximately 115,501 sq. ft.), up to four stories high that would include 38 classrooms, a library, an auditorium, a fitness center, gymnasium and support facilities, administrative offices, a cafeteria and food service area, a student store, and underground parking. The school would also include basketball courts. The main school entrance would be on Zelzah Avenue with multiple drop-off areas along the perimeter of the school. The main entrance would include visitor parking. No demolition would be required, as the site is vacant.

Construction of the school is expected to start in late 2002 and will include the recommendations of the geotechnical report. It is estimated that construction would occur over an 18-month period at a cost of about $26 million. Table 2-2 provides the number and types of construction equipment that would be used for each phase of construction. Figure 2-4 provides details on proposed project construction schedule and phasing. 

Table 2-2 Construction Equipment Construction Phase Equipment Excavation/ Site Preparation/ Trenching 2 backhoes/ trenchers; 2 double drum rollers; 1 loader; 1 excavator; power hand compactors (gas/ diesel) Concrete Foundations 2 backhoes; concrete trucks; dump truck (delivery/ pick-up) Steel Erection 2 cranes (additional); welder generator set (additional) Decks 1 concrete pumper; powered trowels/ screeds/ finishers Building Enclosures Motor mixers

Offsite Parking 1 paver; 1 compacter/ roller, 1 milling machine; dump truck (delivery/ pick-up); powered hand compactors (gas/ diesel) Offsite Utilities 1 backhoe; 1 trencher; dump truck (delivery/ pick-up); powered hand compactors (gas/ diesel); jack hammer; air compressor Throughout Construction (starting at foundations) 2 cranes; 1 jackhammer; 1 air compressor; 2 bobcats; 1 4X4 forklift; 1 boom truck; 1 air nozzle; 1 freight elevator; scissor lifts; saws (table & hand electric/ gas powered); trucks; tractor/ trailer (deliveries); welder generator set; hand tools.

LAUSD recognizes that certain measures will need to be taken to address construction impacts in the field. These measures are outlined in Section 2.3.3 and include specific air quality, noise, and geotechnical requirements that LAUSD has adopted as part of the project description. to index

2.3.2 Operation Access. Primary pedestrian access (or main entrance) for the proposed new high school would be oriented toward Zelzah Avenue with a student drop-off/ pick-up throughway circling the perimeter of the school site. The perimeter access road would include an entrance at the south end and an exit at the north end. Approximately three to six buses would be used for Special Education students on a daily basis. Other students would either walk to school, use public transportation, be dropped off by parents/ guardians, or drive themselves. No busing of students, other than Special Education students, is expected.

Facilities. The proposed new high school would be developed on the approximately 5.3-acre project site with the following facilities:

38 classrooms One library One auditorium Administrative offices A cafeteria and food service area

Fitness Center Gymnasium and other Support Facilities Student Store Basketball courts Underground parking.

This new academy high school also would use CSUN science and language laboratories and the CSUN athletic fields under a shared use agreement between CSUN and LAUSD. The fields add about 10 acres of recreational area. Table 2-3 provides a breakdown of the LAUSD facilities and the associated square footage proposed for development of each facility. Figure 2-5 illustrates the proposed site plan and Figure 2-6 provides building elevations.

Parking. The underground parking, which would be located beneath the school facilities, would include 228 parking spaces. Entrance to the underground parking would be along the main entrance area. 

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Mobilization/ Configure Site (6 weeks) Excavation/ Site Prep

Trenching (5 weeks)

Steel Erection (9 weeks) Decks (8 weeks) Building Enclosure (20 weeks) Interiors (58 weeks) Exterior Finishes (8 weeks) Exterior Finishes (8 weeks)

Offsite Parking (6 weeks) Offsite Utilities (8 weeks) Land-scaping (3 weeks)

Foundations (5 weeks) Approximate Months of Construction Aspen Environmental Group

Figure 2-4 Projected Construction Schedule and Phasing

2. Project Description October 2001 UP UP UP

UP

900 UP

UP

UP

UP UP KITCHEN ADMINISTRATION AUDITORIUM

FITNESS / SHOWERS / LOCKERS

QUAD LUNCH SHELTER VISITOR PARKING

BASKETBALL SERVICES

TURF ZELZAH AVENUE

DROP OFF

DROP OFF DROP OFF

EXISTING BUILDING CSUN EXISTING RELOCATABLE

HALSTEAD STREET N

Aspen Environmental Group Figure 2-5 Site Plan

Valley New High School 1

Source: LHA VALLEY NEW HIGH SCHOOL VALLEY NEW HIGH SCHOOL ADRESS OF SCHOOL HERE, NORTHRIDGE, CA. 9XXXX ADRESS OF SCHOOL HERE, NORTHRIDGE, CA. 9XXXX Figure 2-6 Exterior Elevations

Valley New High School 1

Table 2-3 Proposed On-Site Facilities Facility Approximate Square Feet
 CLASSROOM, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND RELATED SUPPORT FACILITIES 
Classrooms 45,946
Library/ Multi-Media 2,930
Student Store 835
Health Offices 662
Food Services 6,079
Auditorium 6,148
Support 2,019
Police Security 178
Restrooms 2,623
Corridors 15,624
Mechanical/ Janitorial/ Storage 3,016
Administrative Staff Area 7.784
Subtotal 93,844
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Fitness Center 2,225
Classroom 969
Locker Room 3,129
Team's Locker Room 975
Other Related Areas 3,356
Gymnasium and Support Facilities 11,003
Subtotal 21,657
PROJECT TOTAL 115,501

Schedule and Student Capacity. The proposed high school would provide 888 two-semester seats. The school would be operated on a Concept 6 schedule of three tracks for a total of 1,243 students in grades 9 through 12. The maximum number of students on campus at any one time would be 888 students. School hours would typically be from 7: 30 a. m. to 3: 30 p. m., Monday through Friday, on a year-round basis. Extra curricular or after school activities may require some students to remain on campus past 3: 30 p. m. Figure 2-7 illustrates the LAUSD's Concept 6 schedule.

Staffing. A total of 74 staff including teachers, school administrators, counselors, clerical and librarian staff would be required to support the student population and required ancillary facilities. to index

2.3.3 Project Features The LAUSD has incorporated in the project description specific measures that avoid or reduce environmental impacts associated with the project. The EIR presents these measures as project features and not as mitigation measures. However, these measures, like the mitigation measures identified in this EIR, have been incorporated to address specific potential impacts and will be part of the mitigation-monitoring plan for this project to ensure their effective implementation. The project design measures that would help reduce impacts are categorized by issue area and are presented below.

Air Quality The LAUSD will comply with all applicable South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 403 requirements for high wind conditions and normal wind conditions.

January February March April May June July August September October November December Track A

Track B Track C Track B

Track A Track B Track B Track C

Figure 2-7 LAUSD Concept 6 Schedule Year-Round Instructional

School Calender

Valley New High School 1

The LAUSD will limit the amount of on-site heavy-duty construction equipment and off-site number of haul trips to the amounts that were used for the estimation of pollutant emissions or an alternative mix of equipment that does not result in emissions exceeding the threshold of significance.

All equipment will be properly tuned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. General contractors will maintain and operate construction equipment so as to minimize exhaust emissions. During construction, trucks and vehicles in loading and unloading queues would be kept with their engines off, when not in use, to reduce vehicle emissions. Construction emissions should be phased and scheduled to avoid emissions peaks and discontinued during second-stage smog alerts.

The LAUSD will promote ride-sharing programs for both students and teachers. The LAUSD will maintain fleet vehicles including school buses, maintenance vehicles, and other service fleet vehicles in good condition.

To ensure that daily ROC emissions associated with architectural coating opertions remain below the SCAQMD threshold of 75 pounds, LAUSD required its contractors to use an approved list of paints with specific volatile organic compound (VOC) limits. All primer paints shall contain VOCs of 1.25 pounds per gallon or less, and all topcoat paints shall contain VOCs of 0.83 pounds per gallon or less. In addition, the architectural coating schedule shall span a period of at least 50 days.

Cultural Resources While no evidence of cultural resources was identified within the project area (see Appendix B), LAUSD will have a qualified archaeological monitor on-call to assess any remains that may be uncovered as a result of the activities related to the establishment of the proposed high school. The archaeological monitor will have the authority to conduct spot-checks during any grading or trenching and halt any activities that may be adversely impacting potentially significant cultural resources until the resources can be evaluated in accordance with CEQA guidelines.

Geology and Soils The LAUSD has implemented recommendations of the Report of Comprehensive Geotechnical Investigation by incorporating them in the structural design of the project. The recommendations address foundations, floor slab support, excavation and slopes, shoring, retaining walls and walls below grade, paving, and grading.

Noise LAUSD will provide at least 72-hour advance notice at the commencement of construction to all sensitive receptors, business, and residences adjacent to the project construction area. The announcement will state specifically where and when construction will occur. Notices will provide tips on reducing noise intrusion, for example, by closing windows facing the planned construction and identify a contact person.

LAUSD will maintain properly functioning mufflers on all internal combustion and vehicle engines used in construction to reduce noise to the maximum feasible extent.

LAUSD will monitor construction noise levels to ensure compliance with the noise ordinance. In the event of complaints by nearby residents or receptors, the LAUSD will monitor noise from the construction activity to ensure that construction noise does not exceed limits specified in the noise ordinance. Measurements will be conducted at adjacent residential uses. In the event that construction noise exceeds the specified limits, appropriate measures will be implemented to limit noise to acceptable levels.

If found to be necessary on a case by case basis, the LAUSD will direct the construction contractor to install noise curtains along the construction perimeter adjoining noise sensitive land uses. Noise thresholds not to be exceeded will be included in the construction contractors contract with the LAUSD. 

Transportation The LAUSD recognizes that student parking in adjacent neighborhoods may be a concern to residents. Therefore, the LAUSD will request that LADOT monitor parking conditions in adjacent neighborhoods to determine if residential permit parking is necessary. LADOT has a standardized approach to the assessment of the eligibility of a neighborhood for permit parking and approval of the program by residents.  to index

2.4 REQUIRED PERMITS AND APPROVALS This EIR is intended to provide environmental clearance for the proposed project in accordance with the requirements of the CEQA. The Final EIR must be certified by the Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District as to its adequacy in complying with the requirements of CEQA before taking any action on the proposed project. The Board will consider the information contained in the EIR in making a decision to approve or deny the proposed new high school. The analysis in the EIR is intended to provide environmental clearance for the whole of the proposed project, including site clearance, excavation and grading of the site, construction of school buildings and appurtenant facilities, and ongoing operation of the school and associated school programs.

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) will be involved in the environmental review process for the Valley New High School No. 1. The DTSC's participation in this evaluation results from two new laws affecting schools constructed with the use of state funds; these two laws are AB387 and SB162. DTSC has issued a further action letter for this site. Based on information presented in the Preliminary Endangerment Assessment, the DTSC will require removal of pesticide contamination in the soil. The DTSC will monitor site remediation to ensure that the proposed school site is suitable for residential land use, which is DTSC's most protective standard for children.

Other responsible agencies that will be involved in the evaluation and approval of this project include: California Office of Public School Construction California Department of Education – School Facilities Planning Division California Division of State Architect City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

Reviewing agencies include: California Department of Parks and Recreation South Coast Air Quality Management District Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board City of Los Angeles Neighborhood Community Planning City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation 

City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering City of Los Angeles Police Department Operations – Valley Bureau City of Los Angeles Fire Department City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks City of Los Angeles Department of Environmental Affairs.  to index

2.5 CUMULATIVE SCENARIO Cumulative impacts refer to the combined effect of project impacts with the impacts of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects. Both CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines require that cumulative impacts be analyzed in an EIR when the resulting impacts are cumulatively considerable, and therefore, potentially significant. The discussion of cumulative impacts must reflect the severity of the impacts, as well as the likelihood of their occurrence; however, the discussion need not be as detailed as the discussion of environmental impacts attributable to the project alone. Further, the discussion is intended to be guided by the standards of practicality and reasonableness. According to Section 15355 of the 1999 CEQA Guidelines:

"Cumulative impacts" refer to two or more individual effects which, when considered together, are considerable or which compound or increase other environmental impacts.

(a) The individual effects may be changes resulting from a single project or a number of separate projects. (b) The cumulative impact from several projects is the change in the environment, which results from the incremental impact of the project when added to other closely related past, present, and reasonably foreseeable probable future projects. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant projects taking place over a period of time.

Further, according to CEQA Guidelines Section 15130 (a)( 1): As defined in Section 15355, a "cumulative impact" consists of an impact, which is created as a result of the combination of the project evaluated in the EIR together with other projects causing related impacts. An EIR should not discuss impacts, which do not result in part from the project evaluated in the EIR.

In addition, as stated in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15064( i)( 5) it should be noted that: The mere existence of significant cumulative impacts caused by other projects alone shall not constitute substantial evidence that the proposed project's incremental effects are cumulatively considerable.

Therefore, the cumulative discussion in an EIR focuses on whether the impacts of the project under review are cumulatively considerable within the context of impacts caused by other past, present, or future projects. Cumulative impact discussions for each issue area are provided in the technical analyses contained within Section 3 (Environmental Analysis). 

Cumulative projects could be identified within a local or regional context. Both of these areas are described below:

Local Context: Development of the school in conjunction with other projects in the nearby area. Local projects were identified by contacting the City Planning Department, the City Department of Building and Safety, and the CSUN Facilities Planning Department. City departments identified four projects, while the CSUN Facilities Planning Department identified one project to be constructed near the project site.

Regional Context: Development of the school in conjunction with other schools in the LAUSD's Master Plan and regionally significant projects. Table 2-4 provides a list of proposed schools as described in the LAUSD's Master Plan. Figure 2-8 illustrates the location of the proposed project in relation to other proposed master plan schools in the valley area. None of these schools are within 2.5 miles of the project site and are therefore not included in the cumulative project analysis.

Table 2-4 LAUSD Master Plan Schools for the Valley Planning Area School/ Site Name 2-Semester Seats to be Built Year-Round Capacity 1 
East Valley New High School #1A 1,539 2,155
East Valley New High School #1B 1,392 1,949
East Valley New High School #2 1,512 2,117
East Valley New High School #3 2,142 2,999
Valley New High School #1 870 1,218
East Valley New Middle School #1 1,620 2,268
East Valley New Middle School #2 1,629 2,281
Monroe New Elementary School #2 904 1,266
North Hollywood New Elementary School #3 766 1,072
Van Nuys New Elementary School 427 598 
Total 12,801 17,923 

Source: LAUSD New Facilities Project Summary, 7/ 3/ 01. 1 Year-round capacity = 2-Semester Seats to be Built X 1.4

As previously stated, cumulative projects consist of projects that are reasonably foreseeable and that would be constructed or operated during the life of the proposed project. Eleven cumulative projects are considered in this environmental analysis and comprise development projects planned, approved, or under construction in the City of Los Angeles, and applicable to the proposed project area. These projects are identified on Figure 2-9 and listed in Table 2-5.

For an analysis of the cumulative impacts associated with these cumulative projects and the proposed project, the reader is referred to the cumulative impact discussions under each individual issue area analysis presented in Section 3 of this EIR. It is noted that cumulative impacts analyzed in this EIR (impacts from related projects in conjunction with the proposed project) would likely represent a "worst-case" scenario for the following reasons:

Not all of the related projects will be approved and/ or built. Further, it is also likely that the related projects will not be constructed or opened until after the proposed project had been built and occupied

Impact projections for related projects would likely be, or have been, subject to unspecified mitigation measures, which would reduce potential impacts 

Many related projects are expressed in terms of gross square footage or are conceptual plans such as master plans that assume complete development; in reality, such projects may be smaller (i. e., the net new development) because of the demolition or removal of existing land uses resulting from development of the related project.

Table 2-5 Cumulative Projects No. Land Use Address Size 

1 Shopping Center 18501-18711 Devonshire St. 166 ksf

2 Brighton Gardens, Residence/ Youth Camp/ Convalescent Home 17850 Devonshire St. N/ A 

3 Apartments Zelzah Ave & Lassen St. 45 DU 

4 San Fernando Valley Academy, (Child Care Center) 17601 Lassen St. N/ A

5 McDonald's Restaurant, (fast food restaurant replacing gas station) 9857 Balboa Blvd 3.25 ksf

6 Pharmacy 18444 Plummer St. 16.7 ksf 

7 CSUN Center of Achievement CSUN campus N/ A

8 Pharmacy with Drive through Window Tampa Ave & Nordhoff St 13 ksf

9 Office Building Nordhoff St. & Wilbur Av 30 ksf

10 Apartments Zelzah Ave & Lassen St 140 DU

11 Target Expansion, (Free Standing Discount Store) 8999 Balboa St. 39.5 ksf 

Total Source: Aceves, 2001; Wiley, 2001b; MMA, 2001.
  Valley New HS #1 Monroe New ES #2

East Valley Area New HS #2

Maclay New PC

Canoga Park New PC Noble New ES #1 East Valley Area New MS #2 East Valley Area

New HS #3

Van Nuys New ES #1

East Valley Area New HS #1A North Hollywood New ES #4 East Valley Area New MS #1 North Hollywood New ES #3

East Valley Area New HS #1B

CSUN Saticoy Street Canoga Avenue

Nordhoff Street Roscoe Blvd.

Victory Blvd. N

Figure 2-8 New Schools Needed in the Valley Planning Area

Valley New High School 1

New Primary Centers and Elementary Schools New Middle Schools New High Schools

2. Project Description October 2001 NOT TO SCALE N

Figure 2-9 Location of Cumulative Projects

Valley New High School 1

2. Project Description October 2001 Source: MMA, 2001

Tampa Av.

Halsted St. Plummer St.

Nordhoff St.

Reseda Bl. Zelzah Av. Balboa

Bl.

Lassen St. Devonshire St. Louise

Av. Wilbur Av.

10 9 8

5 4 3 2 7

6 11 Discount Store

1 Shopping Center Convalescent Home Aparments 1 Child Care Center Fast Food Pharmacy 1

CSUN Residence Hall Pharmacy 2 Office Building Apartments 2 Project Site

LEGEND

CSUN Campus Boundary Study Intersection

4 2

6 7 8 10 9

11

1 3 5 

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