SU0006255 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EXHIBIT A Bases for Master Plan Amendment (PA-0600364) 1. The Master Plan Amendment is consistent with the General Plan as amended and the Public Financing Plan. This determination can be made because the proposed map and text changes are consistent with the policies of the General Plan and because the proposed changes do not negatively affect the Public Financing Plan. With respect to map changes and text changes, the amendments are consistent with General Plan policies regarding protections against net loss of riparian or wetland N habitat or values caused by development. Although approximately one acre of wetlands would be eliminated on the project site, the General Plan permits such destruction of wetlands provided the Review Authority finds that: 1) "no suitable alternative site exists for the land us, and the use is considered necessary for the public"; 2) "there is no degradation of the habitat or numbers of any rare, threatened, or endangered plant, or animal species as a result of the project"; and 3) habitat of superior quality and superior or comparable quality will be created or restored to compensate for the loss". All three findings can be made in the affirmative. The rationale with respect to the first finding ("no suitable alternative site exists for the land us, and the use is considered necessary for the public") is as follows: No suitable alternative site exists for the proposed project. The project site is part of the Mountain House New Community Master Plan area and is designated for the development of approximately 4.2 residential dwelling units per acre in Mountain House Specific Plan III. As discussed in the environmental impact report("EIR") for Specific Plan III,there are no reasonably available and suitable I alternative sites for the development contemplated in Specific Plan III, because alternative sites outside of Mountain House would not meet the goal of creating _ a distinct new community and would not be consistent with the Master Plan goals, particularly the goals of providing an adequate supply of housing for all income groups in the community and creating a financially and fiscally viable community resulting in a positive economic impact on the County. The proposed project is necessary to the public, because it would support the implementation of Specific Plan III by providing residential development to -- ensure an adequate supply of housing for all income groups in the community. As discussed in the Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations adopted by the County in conjunction with the certification of the Specific Plan III. EIR, implementation of Specific Plan III would allow for a great deal of choice for potential residents when deciding to buy, share, or rent a home in San Joaquin County, which in turn would cause prices and rents to vary considerably and allow increased housing opportunities for a variety of income levels. (San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Order B-05-1289 at attachment A, pages 34-35.) The rationale with respect to the second finding ("there is no degradation of the habitat or numbers of any rare,threatened, or endangered plant, or animal species . 1