Escondido General Plan Update, Downtown Specific Plan Update & Climate Action Plan

Fourth Addendum to the Escondido 2012 General Plan FEIR for the 2022 General Plan Amendment to update the Community Health and Services Element and the Community Protection (Safety) Element to comply with state law, including adding the Environmental Justice Chapter to the Community Health and Services Element. The 2022 General Plan Amendment consists of updates to the City of Esondido's Community Protection Element and the addition of an Environmental Justice chapter to the Community Health and Safety Element. These updates were initiated to respond to emerging community priorities and to ensure compliance wth evolving State requirements. Key revisions to the Community Protection Element include the preparation of an updated evacuation access map, the incorporation of related City and regional plans by reference, and the adoption of new and revised policies related to disaster preparedness, fire protection, flood protection, seismic hazards, and climate adaptation. The new Environmental Justice addition to the Community Health and Services Element identifies disadvantaged communities and establishes goals and policies aimed at reducing pollution exposure, improving access to housing, food, and public facilities, increasing opportunities for physical activity, and fostering civic engagement. A Fourth Addendum to the certified Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 2012 General Plan Update, Downtown Specific Plan Update, and Climate Action Plan (SCH #2010071064), has been prepared for the 2022 General Plan Amendment, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15164, Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq., the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations section 15000 et seq.), and the City’s Environmental Review Guidelines (Article 47 of the Escondido Zoning Code. The Addendum determined that the Project would not result in substantial changes to the circumstances under which the 2012 General Plan Update was undertaken, nor is there new information of substantial importance that would change the conclusions of the certified EIR.