DATE: MARCH 19, 2025
TO: CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: ANDREA GILBERT, CITY PLANNER
SUBJECT
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Environmental Determinations for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program.
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RECOMMENDATION
Find the environmental determinations of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects to be categorically exempt in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and the environmental regulations of the City.
BACKGROUND
On June 20, 2023, City Council adopted a two-year budget for fiscal years (FY) 2023-24 and FY 2024-25. Furthermore, on January 21, 2025, City Council approved a mid-term budget update for FY 2024-25. The budget includes a schedule for the City of Chino’s Four-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City’s CIP includes major City-financed construction projects in such areas as 1) road construction and rehabilitation; 2) installation and modification of traffic signals; 3) construction of new public facilities; 4) park construction and improvement projects; 5) installation of new sidewalks and streetlights; and 6) improvements to the City’s water, sewer, and storm drain infrastructure.
The four-year CIP adopted as part of the City Budget for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 was reviewed by the City of Chino Planning Commission on May 17, 2023, and May 15, 2024, respectively, and was determined to be in conformance with the City’s General Plan.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
In accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), all projects shall receive an individual and appropriate environmental review prior to commencement of any construction. Public Works staff have identified those CIP projects which are intended to be advertised for construction before the end of FY 2024-25. These projects have been assessed and evaluated in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines and the environmental regulations of the City. The list of CIP projects and their environmental determinations are included in Exhibit “A”. State Street Water Treatment Plant (WA212) was previously approved with the adoption and filing of a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) on October 18, 2022, by City Council. A Notice of Exemption for each Categorically Exempt Project will be filed with the San Bernardino County Recorder prior to the date of advertisement of construction bids.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as this activity is covered under the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have a potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Receiving and filing of the environmental determination for certain projects found to be categorically exempt under CEQA does not have the potential for having a significant effect on the environment.
Attachment: Exhibit “A” - FY24-25 CIP Project Environmental Clearance Status