ATT-PFMD-102125-Initial Study_Mitigated Negative Declaration-CF Station 227.pdf

FINAL

INITIAL STUDY FOR THE PROJ-10.10.1202

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

FIRE STATION No. 227 PROJECT

APN: 015-428-101

Lead Agency:

County of San Bernardino Land Use Services Department 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue, 1st Floor

San Bernardino, California 92415-0182

Applicant:

San Bernardino County Fire Protection District

Prepared By:

WSP

862 E Hospitality Lane #350 San Bernardino, CA 92408

August 2025

NOTE TO REVIEWERS OF THE FINAL INITIAL STUDY

AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

The Draft Initial Study (IS) and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 227 Project (Project) was circulated for public and agency review from June 12, 2025, to July 12, 2017 (State Clearinghouse [SCH] No. 2025060902). During the 30-day public and agency review period, four comment letters were received from the following recipients: 1) California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC); 2) South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD); and 3) Charles Ryan (Davis Construction Inc.). These letters are located in Appendix 6, with responses to comments provided adjacent to the individual comments in each letter.

MINOR REVISIONS OR CLARIFICATIONS TO THE DRAFT IS/MND

Responses to the three comment letters provide additional clarification on the analysis provided in the Draft IS/MND. Where responses to comments required minor revisions to the Draft IS/MND, these revisions have been provided in strikeout and underline within the Final IS/MND.

No changes to the Project Description or substantial revisions to the impact analysis were required as a result of the comments received on the Draft IS/MND.

In accordance with Section 15097 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) has been prepared for the proposed Project and is included as Attachment 7 of the Final IS/MND.

Initial Study PROJ-10.10.1202 San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 227 Project

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Table of Contents

PROJECT LABEL

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

PROPOSED SITE DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT SITE LOCATION, EXISTING SITE LAND USES, AND CONDITIONS

ADDITIONAL APPROVAL REQUIRES BY OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION WITH CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES

EVALUATION FORMAT

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED

DETERMINATION

I. AESTHETICS

II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES

III. AIR QUALITY

IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

V. CULTURAL RESOURCES

VI. ENERGY

VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS

VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY

XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING

XII. MINERAL RESOURCES

XIII. NOISE

XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING

XV. PUBLIC SERVICES

XVI. RECREATION

XVII. TRANSPORTATION

XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES

XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS

XX. WILDFIRE

XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE

XXII. MITIGATION MEASURES

GENERAL REFERENCES

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PROJECT-SPECIFIC REFERENCES

List of Figures Figure 1: Site Plan

Figure 2: Existing Surrounding Land Use

Figure 3: Regional Project Location Overview

Figure 4: Project Location Overview

List of Tables Table 1: Existing Land Use and Land Zoning Districts

Appendices Appendix 1: San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 227 Project Site Plans

Appendix 2: Air Quality and Global Climate Change Impact Analysis

Appendix 3: General Biological Resource and Habitat Suitability Assessment

Appendix 4: Cultural Resources Assessment

Appendix 5: Noise Analysis Report

Appendix 6: Response to Comments

Appendix 7: Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACROYNMS

AAQS ambient air quality standards AB Assembly Bill ACE Areas of Conservation Emphasis amsl above mean sea level AQMP Air Quality Management Plan bgs below ground surface BMP best management practice CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards CalEEMod California Emissions Estimator Model CalEPA California Environmental Protection Agency Cal Fire California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CALGreen California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11 of Title 24 of the California

Code of Regulations Caltrans California Department of Transportation CAP Climate Action Plan CARB California Air Resources Board CBC California Building Code CCR California Code of Regulations CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife CEC California Energy Commission CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CFC chlorofluorocarbon CFR Code of Federal Regulations CH4 methane CHRIS Cultural Historical Resources Information System CIRP Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database CNPS California Native Plant Society CO carbon monoxide CO2 carbon dioxide CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent dBA A-weighted Decibel DOC Department of Conservation DTSC Department of Toxic Substances Control EIA Energy Information Administration EIR Environmental Impact Report FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FHWA Federal Highway Administration FMMP Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program GHG greenhouse gas GHGRP Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan GSP Groundwater Sustainability Plan GWh gigawatt-hours H2S hydrogen sulfide HCFC hydro chlorofluorocarbon IAFF International Association of Fire Fighters IRUWMP Integrated Regional Urban Water Management Plan

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Page iv of v kWh kilowatt-hour LED Light-emitting diode LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Leq Equivalent Sound Level LID low-impact development Lmax maximum sound level LRA Local Responsibility Area MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act MFR Multiple Family Residential MLD Most Likely Descendant MM mitigation measure MRZ Mineral Resource Zone MT metric ton N2O nitrous oxide NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAHC Native American Heritage Commission NFHL National Flood Hazard Layer NO2 nitrogen dioxide NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency NOI Notice of Intent NOX nitrogen oxides NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System O3 ozone Pb lead PF Public Facilities PM particulate matter PM2.5 fine particulate matter PM10 respirable particulate matter PP Public Park PPV peak particle velocity PQP Public/Quasi-Public PRC Public Resources Code RM Residential Medium ROG reactive organic gas RS Residential Suburban RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board SBCFPD San Bernardino County Fire Protection District SBCUSD San Bernardino City Unified School District SBMWD City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department SBWRP City of San Bernardino Water Reclamation Plant SCAG Southern California Association of Governments SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District SCE Southern California Edison SF square feet SGMA Sustainable Groundwater Management Act SLF Sacred Lands File SMARA California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 SO2 sulfur dioxide SOX sulfur oxides

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SP Special Purpose SR State Route SRA State Responsibility Area SSC species of special concern SWP State Water Project SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board TAC toxic air contaminant TIA Traffic Impact Analysis USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS U.S. Geological Survey VdB vibration decibel VMT vehicle miles traveled VOC volatile organic compound WQMP Water Quality Management Plan

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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM

This form and the descriptive information provided in the application package constitute the contents of the Initial Study pursuant to San Bernardino County (County) Guidelines under Ordinance 3040 and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15063.

PROJECT LABEL

APNs: 015-428-101 USGS Quad: 7.5-minute San Bernardino, California

Applicants: STK Architecture, Inc. T, R, Section: Section 00, Township 1 North, Range 4 West

Location:

The proposed Project is located on an approximately 1.21-acre site, occupying a portion of a 5.3-acre parcel at the south end of Arrowhead Elementary School property at 3825 N. Mountain View Avenue San Bernardino, CA, 92405. The approximate coordinates of the Project site are:

34.115872°, -116.345263°

Thomas Bros: N/A

Project No: PROJ-10.10.1202 LUC: Public/Quasi-Public (PQP)

Rep: 3rd Supervisorial District Zone: Public Facilities (PF)

Proposal: PROJECT APPROVAL Overlays: N/A

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION

Lead agency: San Bernardino County

Land Use Services Department 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue, 1st Floor San Bernardino, CA 92415-0182

Contact person: Ernesto Gonzalez, Project Manager Phone: (909) 387-5000 E-mail: Ernesto.Gonzalez@pfm.sbcounty.gov

Project Sponsor: Tony Finaldi

(951) 296-9110 Tfinaldi@stkinc.com

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Introduction

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) is an all-risk/full-service fire district dedicated to providing the highest level of service in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. The SBCFPD provides premier fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to over 60 communities, ranging from rural towns to major cities, and all the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County (County). The SBCFPD operates 50 fire stations that provide services to 20,105 square miles throughout the County (SBCFPD 2025). Based on the latest available Fiscal Year 2023-2024 San Bernardino County Fire Statistics, SBCFPD has 1,166 county fire personnel and 712 fire suppression personnel (SBCFPD 2025). In Fiscal Year 2023-2024, SBCFPD responded to 6,619 fires, 3,442 investigation/alarms, 63,593 medical responses, and 5,424 traffic collisions (SBCFPD 2025).

Since 1953, the SBCFPD has operated the existing Fire Station No. 227, located at 282 W. 40th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92407. Fire Station No. 227 is staffed with one captain, one engineer, and one firefighter/paramedic and is equipped with one Type 1 medic engine and one Type 3 brush engine. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 935, the medic engine at Fire Station No. 227 received 3,358 calls (an average of 9.2 calls per day) in 2021.

Fire Station No. 227, along with 17 other active SBCFPD fire stations, serve the Valley Region, which borders Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties and is generally defined as all the area south and west of the U.S. Forest Service boundaries. The Countywide Service Review for: Fire Protection/Emergency Medical Services/Dispatch (2020), prepared by the Local Area Formation Commission for San Bernardino County, showed that 70.6% of the Valley Region is covered within the 5-minute drive time area, and 93.6% of the Valley Region is covered within the 10-minute drive time area. A population analysis highlighted the anticipated population growth in the Valley Region, particularly in San Bernardino County, given the high cost of housing in the coastal areas of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. This anticipated population increase, up to 25.3% in the Valley Region, would reduce the number of firefighters per person in the area and could reduce drive time.

The City of San Bernardino already has one of the highest call volumes in the nation. Therefore, the SBCFPD determined that a new fire station is essential to expand firefighting capacity and to ensure swift, efficient emergency responses. The proposed fire station would replace the existing Fire Station No. 277, which is more than 70 years old, and would include additional apparatus space and personnel to meet the fire, rescue, and emergency medical services needs for decades to come.

In May 2024, the San Bernardino City Unified School District announced the approval of a ground lease agreement with the SBCFPD to facilitate the construction of a new fire station on the southern portion of the existing Arrowhead Elementary School property, located at 3825 N.

Mountain View Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92405. This area is designated for Public/Quasi-

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Public (PQP) use per the City of San Bernardino General Plan and is currently characterized as a landscaped grass playfield. The lease includes provisions for a long-term commitment that could extend up to 99 years, reflecting a significant investment in community safety and infrastructure. As a result, the SBCFPD plans to relocate all firefighting and emergency services from Fire Station No. 227 to the new fire station, providing immediate fire protection services adjacent to the school site. The modernized, energy-efficient facility would include additional apparatus space and accommodate additional personnel.

Since the proposed Project is located within the County and is proposed by the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, the County will act as the Lead Agency pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines 15051 and will be responsible for approval of the proposed Project.

Project Description

As previously described, the County is proposing the development of a new fire station to replace the existing Fire Station No. 227. This new facility would be classified as an “essential services facility,” designed to provide critical emergency assistance to surrounding communities by enhancing emergency response capabilities within the region and ensuring that communities are well-prepared to manage emergencies effectively.

The proposed Project would include a total of approximately 12,564 square feet (SF) of development. Approximately 10,764 SF would serve as the Fire Station Building, approximately 400 SF will be provided for a separate Storage Building and approximately 1,400 SF will be used for a steel-roofed parking lot canopy, each of which would be one story or the equivalent of one-story tall. The site would also feature the installation of a 1,000-gallon fuel tank and a backup generator.

The design of the Fire Station Building includes essential amenities to support operational needs and public services. The building includes three apparatus bays capable of housing two Type 1 engines, one medic ambulance, and one future ladder truck in accordance with the County fire requirements. Living quarters for nine on-duty firefighters would include five single-use toilet/sink-shower combinations, a laundry facility, and storage areas for gear, equipment, and accessories. The building would also include data communications systems with emergency power backup. Common areas, such as a day room, dining area, kitchen, study, and gym would also improve the firefighters’ quality of life during their shifts. Further, the facility would include an administrative space and a public lobby with one unisex restroom.

The Project site would be paved with concrete to ensure long-term durability and ease of maintenance. Additionally, an existing landscaped strip would be established along the west property line. This proposed Project is designed to address the community's needs while adhering to all relevant safety and operational standards, including compliance with the County Development Code.

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Proposed Site Design

The proposed San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 227 Project consists of development on approximately 1.21 acres (Figure 1, Site Plan) within San Bernardino City Unified School District property, designated PQP use per the City of San Bernardino General Plan. The site will be located along Genevieve Street north of West 38th Street, east of North Mountain View Avenue, and north of I-210 in the community of Arrowhead in San Bernardino, California. The project will be situated on the southern portion of one parcel with the following Assessor Parcel Number (APN): 015-428-101. Refer to the Site Plan provided as Figure 1, Site Plan. The complete Project site plans are provided as Appendix 1 in this Initial Study.

The Project proposes a new fire station that would be developed with a modern design, incorporating sustainable, energy-efficient building systems and features. The Project would be developed as follows:

Fire Station Building (10,764 SF)

Storage Building (400 SF)

Steel Roofed Canopy (1,4000 SF)

Backup Generator and 1,000-gallon Fuel Tank (318 SF)

Trash Enclosure (160 SF)

In total, the San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 227 Project would use/install a total building area of 12,564 SF, excluding the 1,000-gallon fuel tank, backup generator, and trash enclosure.

The Fire Station Building will include the following features:

Staff Support Features

Three Bay Apparatus for two Type 1 engines, one medic ambulance, and one future ladder truck, in accordance with the County and SBCFPD fire requirements

Sleeping quarters for nine crew members

Five single-use toilet/sink-shower combinations

Communal living area and day room

Dining area

Laundry room

Gym

Work center

Storage area for gear, equipment, and accessories

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Data communications room for emergency power

Administration area

Public Area

Lobby

Public service counter

Unisex restroom

Existing water, sanitation, and other public utilities are available on-site and have adequate capacities to support the proposed uses. Water services are provided by the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department, electricity is supplied by Southern California Edison, and natural gas service is provided by the Southern California Gas Company. Various telecommunications companies offer local telephone and Internet service connections to the area.

Other improvements would include the construction of two commercial driveway approaches that would meet the specification of San Bernardino County Standard Drawing 1. The driveway nearest to N. Mountain View Avenue would orient in a north-south direction and wrap around the Fire Station Building to provide access to the proposed parking spaces. The second driveway nearest Genevieve Street would provide direct access to the three apparatus bays.

Construction

The construction of the proposed San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 227 Project is anticipated to be completed as described under the Proposed Site Design section above.

Construction is expected to occur over a period of up to 16 months, beginning in the third quarter of 2025. Development of the site will require site preparation (clearing, grading, excavation), paving, and construction of buildings. The Project is anticipated to require minimal cut and fill, with any cut material being reused to balance the site through grading, thereby minimizing the import/export of soil material. (While not anticipated, if import imported soil and fill materials are required, they would be tested to confirm that any contaminants of concern meet the screening levels as outlined in DTSC’s PEA Guidance Manual.)

The development of the San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 227 Project will require the installation of pavement, curbs, handrails, and sidewalks throughout the site. Additionally, the Project will necessitate the installation of drainage inlets at several locations within the Project site, along with other water quality control measures as required by Project-specific plans.

Delivery of construction supplies and removal of any excavated materials, if necessary, will be accomplished using hauling trucks during normal working hours, with a maximum of 12 round trips per day. We anticipate that a maximum of 22 construction personnel will be required to support the construction of the Project each day. Grading activities will be conducted using traditional mechanized grading and compaction equipment, including but not limited to the

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Project Site location, Existing Site Land Uses, and Conditions

The Project site is located on an approximately 5.3-acre parcel at the northwest junction of 38th Street and Genevieve Street in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. The regional terrain consists of urban development interspersed with natural landscapes, including hills and valleys. The Project site itself is relatively flat and has been previously disturbed, making it suitable for construction activities (see Figure 3, Regional Project Location Overview and Figure 4, Project Location Overview). The entire parcel is already developed as part of the existing Arrowhead Elementary School.

According to a General Biological Resources Assessment prepared for this proposed Project by WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. (Appendix 3), the site is characterized by a landscaped grass playfield. The existing surrounding land uses include developed civic/public spaces adjacent to the north and east, multifamily residential spaces to the south, and a landscaped strip along the west property line, with additional single-family homes just beyond.

There are few small undeveloped spaces in proximity to the site, primarily located along the hillside, a few parcels further west.

The San Bernardino County General Land Use designation for the Project site is PQP. The zoning classification is Public Facilities (PF). The land uses bordering the Project site are outlined in Table 1 below and illustrated in Figure 2, Existing and Surrounding Land Use. Photos of the Project site and the surrounding uses are provided in Figures 4a-h, below:

Table 1: Existing Land Use and Land Zoning Districts Location Existing Land Use Land Use Category Zoning District

Project Site Southern portion of the existing Arrowhead Elementary School playfield

PQP PF

North The Arrowhead Elementary School playground and building are immediately north, while a variety of multifamily residential units are located further north.

Adjacent to these units, at the corner of West Ralston Avenue, is a religious facility.

Multiple Family Residential (MFR)

Residential Medium (RM)

South Residential apartment complex known as the Avalon Court Apartments

MFR RM

East Immediately to the east is the San Bernardino Fire Station Headquarters, along with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection lots. Further north is the Cal Fire Museum, and directly behind it is St. Sierra Park, a

Special Purpose (SP), Residential, Open Space

PF,

Public Park (PP)

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Location Existing Land Use Land Use Category Zoning District 1.13-acre vacant grassland park with a few trees dispersed that provide shade.

West Immediately west is a strip of ornamental landscaping that includes a few trees.

On the other side of this landscaping are several single-family residential homes.

SP Residential Suburban (RS)

Sources: San Bernardino County Parcel Viewer. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/ index.html?id=87e70bb9b6994559ba7512792588d57a.

ADDITIONAL APPROVAL REQUIRES BY OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Federal: None.

State of California: State Water Resources Control Board Regional: Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board County of San Bernardino: Land Use Services Department-Building and Safety, Environmental Health Services, Public Works, San Berardino County Air Pollution Control District

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Figure 1: Site Plan

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Figure 2: Existing Surrounding Land Use

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Figure 3: Regional Project Location Overview

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Figure 4: Project Location Overview

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Figure 4a: Site Photographs

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Figure 4b: Site Photographs

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Figure 4c: Site Photographs

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Figure 4d: Site Photographs

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Figure 4e: Site Photographs

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Figure 4f: Site Photographs

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Figure 4g: Site Photographs

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Figure 4h: Site Photographs

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SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION WITH CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES

Have California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the Project area requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1? If so, is there a plan for consultation that includes, for example, the determination of significance of impacts to tribal cultural resources, procedures regarding confidentiality, etc.?

Consultation notices pursuant to AB 52 were sent by the County on November 15, 2024 to the following Native American Tribe Affiliations: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians, Cahuilla Band of Indians, Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians - Kizh Nation, Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council, Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Band of Indians, Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Reservation, Ramona Band of Cahuilla, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, Serrano Nation of Mission Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, and Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians.

The Yuhaavitam of San Manuel Nation office requested government-to-government consultation under Assembly Bill (AB) 52 (California Public Resources Code § 21080.3.1). Please see Section XVIII of this Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for a full analysis on Tribal Cultural Resources.

Note: Conducting consultation early in the CEQA process allows tribal governments, lead agencies, and project proponents to discuss the level of environmental review, identify, and address potential adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources and reduce the potential for delay and conflict in the environmental review process. (See Public Resources Code Section 21083.3.2). Information may also be available from the California Native American Heritage Commission’s (NAHC’s) Sacred Lands File (SLF), per Public Resources Code Section 5097.96 and the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) administered by the California Office of Historic Preservation.

Please also note that Public Resources Code Section 21082.3(c) contains provisions specific to confidentiality.

EVALUATION FORMAT

This Initial Study is prepared in compliance with CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq. and the state CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000, et seq.). Specifically, the preparation of an Initial Study is guided by Section 15063 of the state CEQA Guidelines. This format of the study is presented as follows. The Project is evaluated based on its effect on 20 major categories of environmental factors. Each factor is reviewed by responding to a series of questions regarding the impact of the Project on each element of the overall factor. The Initial Study checklist provides a formatted analysis that provides a determination of the effect of the project on the factor and its elements. The effect of the project is categorized into one of the following four categories of possible determinations:

Potentially Significant Impact

Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant No Impact

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Substantiation is then provided to justify each determination. One of the four following conclusions is then provided as a summary of the analysis for each of the major environmental factors.

No Impact: No impacts are identified or anticipated, and no mitigation measures are required.

Less than Significant Impact: No significant adverse impacts are identified or anticipated, and no mitigation measures are required.

Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated: Possible significant adverse impacts have been identified or anticipated, and the following mitigation measures are required as a condition of project approval to reduce these impacts to a level below significant. The required mitigation measures are: (List of mitigation measures).

Potentially Significant Impact: Significant adverse impacts have been identified or anticipated. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required to evaluate these impacts, which are (List of the impacts requiring analysis within the EIR).

At the end of the analysis the required mitigation measures are restated and categorized as being either self- monitoring or as requiring a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED

The environmental factors checked below will be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages:

☐ Aesthetics ☐ Agriculture and Forestry Resources ☐ Air Quality

☐ Biological Resources ☐ Cultural Resources ☐ Energy

☐ Geology/Soils ☐ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ☐ Hazards & Hazardous Materials

☐ Hydrology/Water Quality ☐ Land Use/Planning ☐ Mineral Resources

☐ Noise ☐ Population/Housing ☐ Public Services

☐ Recreation ☐ Transportation ☒ Tribal Cultural Resources

☐ Utilities/Service Systems ☐ Wildfire ☐ Mandatory Findings of Significance

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DETERMINATION

(To be completed by the Lead Agency)

On the basis of this initial evaluation, the following finding is made:

On the basis of this initial evaluation, the following finding is made: The proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION shall be prepared.

Although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there shall not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION shall be prepared.

☐ The proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

The proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

Although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Signature (prepared by STK Architecture, Inc.) Date

Signature (County Representative)

San Bernardino County Project & Facilities Management

Date

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Issues Potentially Significant

Impact

Less than Significant with Mitigation

Incorporated

Less than Significant

No Impact

I. AESTHETICS – Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the project:

a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?

b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

c) In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point).

If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?

d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which will adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?

City of San Bernardino General Plan, 2005

San Bernardino County Code of Ordinances, 2007

San Bernardino County Countywide Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2019

San Bernardino County Countywide Plan, Natural Resources Element, 2020

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a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?

Less than Significant. The Project site is located within the Valley Region of San Bernadino County. According to the San Bernardino Countywide Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, the visual character of the Valley Region is primarily urban but becomes less and less dense closer to the foothills of the mountain ranges and low-lying hills to the north and east, which provide scenic vistas from various areas within the region.1 The Project site and surrounding areas are flat. The San Bernardino Mountains are located approximately 1.13 miles north of the Project site. The Project site and surrounding areas do not contain significant scenic features, like scenic vistas or corridors.

The proposed Project would develop a new fire station to replace the existing Fire Station No. 227. The Project site covers approximately 1.21 acres, and the proposed Project would result in approximately 12,564 square feet (SF) of new building area; of which approximately 10,764 SF will serve as the Fire Station Building, approximately 400 SF will be provided for a separate Storage Building and approximately 1,400 SF will be used for a steel-roofed parking lot canopy. The site will also feature the installation of a 1,000-gallon fuel tank and a backup generator. The new fire station would be one story, with an approximate maximum height of 29 feet, which would not obstruct any existing views. Surrounding structures include one-and two-story buildings, so the proposed Project would be similar to the existing visual character.

Given the Project is located away from the San Bernardino Mountains and is comparable to the surrounding neighborhood, it would not be visible from the mountains.

While the Project may be visible from public roads and elevated areas, it would not alter the visual character of the area, which is defined as urban and suburban developed land. The design and scale of the new fire station are in harmony with the existing built environment. Furthermore, the Project does not involve the removal of any significant scenic features or the obstruction of any scenic vistas. Development of the Project would maintain the overall aesthetic quality of the area and would not introduce any elements that detract from the visual appeal of the surroundings. Therefore, the Project would not have a significant impact on scenic vistas, and impacts would be less than significant.

1 San Bernardino County, San Bernardino Countywide Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, accessed February 2025.

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b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

No Impact. The nearest state scenic highway to the Project site is State Route 330, located approximately 5.82 miles southeast of the Project site.2 The nearest County Scenic Route is State Route 18, located approximately 4.42 miles north of the Project site. The Project site would not be visible from either of these scenic highways and would not significantly alter the scenic resources within these corridors.

The entire Project site is disturbed and landscaped with non-native grasses and a few native and non-native trees dispersed throughout, However, these trees are not considered significant scenic resources. Additionally, the Project site does not contain any other identified scenic resources, such as rock outcroppings or historic buildings, nor are any such resources located in the immediate surroundings of the Project site.

Therefore, the implementation of the Project would result in no impact on scenic resources within a scenic highway, and no mitigation is required.

c) In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?

Less than Significant. The proposed Project is located in the census-designated urban area of Riverside-San Bernardino. The Project site is designated for Public/Quasi-Public (PQP) use per the city of San Bernardino General Plan, which allows for public facilities, government institutions, transportation facilities, public schools (K-12), public or private colleges and universities, museums, and public libraries.3 The proposed Project would be consistent with applicable requirements, such as setbacks, height, and density.

Construction. Construction of the proposed Project is anticipated to commence in late 2025 and take approximately 16 months. Construction equipment would be located on-site and away from off-site sensitive receptors. During construction, the presence of construction vehicles and equipment could temporarily degrade the visual quality of the Project site due to the presence of construction activity. The current Project site is characterized as a landscaped grass playfield located adjacent to an existing elementary school. The presence of construction equipment would be temporary and cease once construction is complete. Therefore, construction of the Project would not substantially interfere with the view or visual character of the surrounding area. Due to the temporary

2 San Bernardino County, San Bernardino Countywide Plan, Policy Map NR-3 Scenic Routes & Highways, accessed February 2025.

3 City of San Bernardino, City of San Bernardino General Plan, accessed February 2025.

APN: 015-428-101

August 2025 nature of construction activities and the existing visual character of the surrounding area, impacts would be less than significant during construction, and mitigation is not required.

Operation. As stated above, the Project site is located within the PQP overlay. The County’s Development Review Committee would review the Project, and it would comply with all applicable design and development requirements. Operation of the proposed Project would not impact the visual character of the surrounding area and would not damage the scenic quality. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant, and mitigation is not required.

d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which will adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?

The Project site is currently characterized by a landscaped grass playfield, located adjacent to an existing elementary school. The site is surrounded by single-family and multifamily residences in all directions. Light and glare from the elementary school is partially shielded by surrounding structures, such as fencing and vegetation. There are currently no light sources on the grass playfield. In the surrounding areas, sources of light and glare include streetlights, vehicle lights, and residential lights.

Development of the proposed Project would introduce new sources of light into the surrounding area, consistent with and expanding upon current light sources. New light sources would be introduced through the development of the fire station and would include exterior building lighting, parking lot lighting, and security lighting. Additionally, the Project would operate 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. Therefore, vehicles such as fire trucks accessing the Project site between sunset and sunrise would also introduce new sources of light and glare.

All lighting on the Project site would be installed in accordance with Chapter 83.07 (Glare and Outdoor Lighting) of the County Development Code,4 which requires light shielding, functional and aesthetic design, and compatibility with surrounding uses.

Additionally, as discussed above, the Project would be reviewed according to the County’s Design Review process, ensuring compliance with applicable lighting requirements. The lighting requirements aim to minimize light pollution, glare, and spillover; conserve energy; and reduce adverse effects on the nighttime views in the Project vicinity.

Although the proposed Project includes new lighting, these light sources would be comparable to existing lighting conditions and would replace some of the lighting

4 San Bernardino County, Code of Ordinances, Glare and Outdoor Lighting – Valley Region, accessed February 2025.

APN: 015-428-101

August 2025 associated with the current uses on site. The Project would comply with development regulations outlined in Chapter 83.11: Parking and Loading Standards of the San Bernardino Development Code, which state that parking area lighting and glare shall reflect away from public throughfares and adjacent residences.5 Landscaping and screening requirements set forth in Chapter 19.28 would also reduce impacts created by glare.6 The proposed Project would include egress windows with overhangs to significantly reduce potential glare. Flashing lights on the station’s fire apparatus would only be operated when responding to emergency calls or during routine vehicle inspections and would be visible from surrounding land uses for a very short duration during each instance. Therefore, the use of flashing lights would be limited and would not result in substantial light or glare affecting nighttime views.

The proposed Project would not create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the surrounding urban area. Impacts would be less than significant, and mitigation is not required.

Issues Potentially Significant

Impact

Less than Significant with Mitigation

Incorporated

Less than Significant

No Impact

II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES - In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:

a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique

Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland) as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?

5 San Bernardino County, Development Code, Parking and Loading Standards, accessed February 2025.

6 San Bernardino County, Development Code, Landscaping Standards, accessed February 2025.

APN: 015-428-101

August 2025

Issues Potentially Significant

Impact

Less than Significant with Mitigation

Incorporated

Less than Significant

No Impact

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?

c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?

d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program

California Department of Conservation Williamson Act Enrollment Finder

City of San Bernardino General Plan, 2005

Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey

San Bernardino County Countywide Plan, 2020

a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland) as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to nonagricultural use?

No impact. The California Department of Conservation’s Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program identifies the Project site as “Urban and Built-Up Land” in its

APN: 015-428-101

August 2025

California Important Farmland Finder.7 Additionally, based on the San Bernardino Countywide Plan Policy Map, no prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide importance occurs at the Project site or within the immediate vicinity.8 Therefore, the Project site is not located on Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), and implementation of the proposed Project, therefore, would not convert farmland to nonagricultural use. No impact would occur, and no mitigation is required.

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?

No Impact. The Project site is zoned as Public Facilities (PF) and is not zoned for agricultural use. According to the Department of Conservation’s California Williamson Act Enrollment Finder, the Project site is not under a Williamson Act contract.9 Therefore, implementation of the proposed Project would not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract. No impact would occur, and no mitigation is required.

c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?

No Impact. As discussed above, the Project site is zoned as PF, and is not zoned as forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production. Therefore, the proposed Project would not conflict with existing zoning for forest or timberland resources. No impact would occur, and no mitigation is required.

d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

No Impact. There is no forest land within the Project site or the surrounding vicinity.

Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use. No impact would occur, and no mitigation is required.

7 California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program, accessed February 2025.

8 San Bernardino County, San Bernardino Countywide Plan, Policy Map NR-5 Agricultural Resources, accessed February 2025.

9 California Department of Conservation, Williamson Act Enrollment Finder, accessed February 2025.

APN: 015-428-101

August 2025

e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

No impact. As discussed above, there is no farmland or forest land within the Project site or surrounding vicinity. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in the conversion of farmland to nonagricultural use or forest land to non-forest use. No impact would occur, and no mitigation is required.

Issues Potentially Significant

Impact

Less than Significant with Mitigation

Incorporated

Less than Significant

No Impact

III. AIR QUALITY - Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district might be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:

a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?

b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?

c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?

d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?

APN: 015-428-101

August 2025

South Coast Air Basin National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) Attainment Status

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Air Quality Management Plan

(AQMP), 2022

SCAQMD California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Quality Handbook, 1993

SCAQMD Air Quality Significance Thresholds, 2011

The Project site is located within the South Coast Air Basin (Basin). The Basin is currently designated nonattainment for 1- and 8-hour ozone (O3) and particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 under the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). It is designated attainment for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead (Pb), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), vinyl chloride, and sulfates.10 The federal Clean Air Act and the California Clean Air Act regulate specific air pollutants. Under these acts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the California Air Resources Board have established ambient air quality standards (AAQS) for specific pollutants to maintain air quality. The AAQS level for each pollutant defines the safe exposure level to avoid adverse health effects associated with each pollutant.

Regionally, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for developing and implementing the clean air plan for attainment and maintenance of the ambient air quality standards in the Basin. Under the SCAQMD, projects are considered significant if they exceed established significant emissions thresholds, as shown in Table III.A.

Table III.A: MDAQMD Significant Emissions Thresholds of Significance (lbs/day) Emission Source VOCs NOx CO PM10 PM2.5 SOx Construction 75 100 550 150 55 150 Operation 55 55 550 150 55 150 Source: SCAQMD, SCAQMD Air Quality Significance Thresholds, accessed February 2025

CO = carbon monoxide PM10 =…