Pasadena General Plan Update

The purpose of this Addendum to the Pasadena General Plan Environmental Impact Report (GP EIR) is to evaluate the environmental effects associated with the proposed NLSP Update and to determine whether these impacts are consistent with the evaluation presented in the GP EIR in compliance with CEQA (Public Resource Code Sections 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.). The proposed project would update the NLSP to implement the Pasadena General Plan (General Plan). This project proposes to update the following components of the NLSP to bring it into alignment with the General Plan: • Specific Plan Area boundary • Vision, objectives, goals and policies • Zoning districts regulating allowed land uses • Density and intensity of development • Height and/or overall scale of buildings and structures • Distance of buildings and structures to the property line (setbacks/stepbacks) • Urban design standards • Vehicle access and parking standards • Types and amount of open space and landscaping requirements • Public realm standards (sidewalks, parkways and street trees) • Implementation programs The NLSP sets out a plan to facilitate investment, development, and improvements to the Plan Area, that will ultimately help realize the community's vision for North Lake Avenue. The NLSP optimizes land uses to increase opportunities for financially feasible commercial and residential developments, and help ensure that new development, sidewalk improvements, and added amenities contribute positively to the pedestrian experience. It also includes standards to protect historic resources and support existing elements of the area that provide a sense of place and distinct character, while providing contextual standards for new development. Future redevelopment opportunities will focus on infill development and making incremental changes to the area's built environment and land use mix. This document will be used by property and business owners, grant-seeking nonprofits, developers, decision makers, and City staff as the regulations that will guide private and public development projects. While the specific plan introduces a framework and toolkit for designing and implementing future developments, it does not mandate or accelerate any specific projects or immediate changes to the built environment. The General Plan leaves the more detailed development and design standards to be identified in the Specific Plan. The NLSP establishes the regulatory tools needed to implement the General Plan through the identification of development and design standards suited to the NLSP area. An EIR was prepared for the General Plan in compliance with CEQA and adopted by the City Council on August 17, 2015. This addendum to the General Plan EIR has been prepared to compare the environmental impacts of the proposed NLSP Update to those analyzed in the GP EIR.