Item 22 - Public Hearing Ordinance Second Reading - General Plan Amendment, Zoo Overflow Parking Rezone

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SANTA ANA REZONE PROJECT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION estimate air pollutant emissions, as described under Impact 2.3(b). The proposed project construction would generate 99 MT CO2e (Appendix A). Operational GHG Emissions Operational or long-term GHG emissions occur over the life of the proposed project. Sources for operational emissions include: • Motor Vehicles: These emissions refer to tailpipe exhaust from the cars and trucks that would travel to and from the project site. • Indirect Electricity: These emissions refer to those generated by off -site power plants to supply electricity required for the proposed project. The proposed project is estimated to generate approximately 821 MT CO2e/year (Appendix A). For conservative analysis purposes, the vehicle fuel consumption estimates are based on County average vehicle category percentages (e.g., gasoline versus electricity versus diesel versus compressed natural gas) and do not account for the fact that greater portion of vehicles would likely be electric vehicles given the project's nature including a portion of EV charging. In addition, the proposed solar panel structures would further offset energy consumption by offsetting some of the electricity usage. Project Impacts As discussed above, the significance of the proposed project's potential impacts regarding GHG emissions and climate change will be assessed solely on its consistency with plans and policies adopted for the purposes of reducing GHG emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. The proposed project would continue the use of the existing overflow parking lot to serve the Santa Ana Zoo, maintaining its current function. However, under the proposed project, the lot would be improved with paving, marked parking spaces, and circulation lanes, enhancing both its appearance and operational efficiency. The use of this portion of the proposed project is unchanged and would not generate additional trips. The proposed EV charging component would directly support and advance General Plan Policies CN-1.12 and M-5.6 by expanding the City's clean transportation infrastructure and promoting the use of low- and zero -emission vehicles.41,44 By installing electric vehicle charging stations within the parking lot, the proposed project provides essential infrastructure to encourage the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, consistent with the City's goals for sustainable transportation and climate resilience. Additionally, the proposed project aligns with the ARB's 2022 Scoping Plan, which identifies widespread electrification of the transportation sector as a critical strategy to achieve the State's GHG emission reduction targets. The proposed project contributes to regional and statewide efforts to reduce transportation -related emissions and supports the transition toward a cleaner, more 43 Policy CN-1.12 -Sustainable Infrastructure: Encourage the use of low or zero -emission vehicles, bicycles, non motorized vehicles, and car -sharing programs by supporting new and existing development that includes sustainable infrastructure and strategies such as vehicle charging stations, drop-off areas for ride sharing services, secure bicycle parking, and transportation demand management programs. 44 Policy M-5.6 - Clean Fuels and Vehicles: Encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles and mobility technologies through the installation of supporting infrastructure. FCS 59 Https://adecinnovations.sharepoint.com/sites/PubiicationsSite/Shared Documents/Publications/Client(PN-JN)/D327/03270D47/ISMND/0327D047 Santa Ana Rezone Project ISMND.docx