PUBLIC SERVICES TECHNICAL REPORT - North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Planning and Environmental Study - Metro
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North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Planning and Environmental Study PUBLIC SERVICES TECHNICAL REPORT Prepared For:
Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................... ii
LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................. iii
LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................... iiv
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................. v
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Project Route Description .......................................................................................... 2
2.2 BRT Elements ........................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Dedicated Bus Lanes ................................................................................................ 4
2.4 Transit Signal Priority ................................................................................................ 7
2.5 Enhanced Stations .................................................................................................... 7
2.6 Description of Construction ....................................................................................... 9
2.7 Description of Operations .......................................................................................... 9
3. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ......................................................................................... 10
3.1 Federal Regulations ................................................................................................ 10
3.2 State Regulations .................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Local Regulations .................................................................................................... 13
4. EXISTING SETTING .......................................................................................................... 26
4.1 Regional and Local Setting ...................................................................................... 26
5. SIGNIFICANCE THRESHOLDS AND METHODOLOGY ..................................................... 35
5.1 Significance Thresholds .......................................................................................... 35
5.2 Methodology ............................................................................................................ 35
6. IMPACT ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................... 36
7. CUMULATIVE ANALYSIS ................................................................................................ 42
8. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 52
9. LIST OF PREPARERS ...................................................................................................... 53
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Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 – Proposed Project with Route Options ........................................................................ 3
Figure 2a – Fire and Police Services.........................................................................................28
Figure 2b – Fire and Police Services.........................................................................................29
Figure 3a – Schools, Parks, and Other Public Facilities ............................................................31
Figure 3b – Schools, Parks, and Other Public Facilities ............................................................32
Figure 4a – Cumulative Impact Study Area ...............................................................................43
Figure 4b – Cumulative Impact Study Area ...............................................................................44
Figure 4c – Cumulative Impact Study Area ...............................................................................45
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Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 – Route Segments......................................................................................................... 5
Table 2 – Proposed/Optional Stations ........................................................................................ 8
Table 3 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan – Fire Services ......................................13
Table 4 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan – Police Services ...................................16
Table 5 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan – School Services ..................................17
Table 6 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan– Park Services ......................................18
Table 7 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan – Library Services ..................................19
Table 8 – City of Burbank Relevant General Plan – Fire Services .............................................19
Table 9 – City of Burbank Relevant General Plan – Police Services .........................................20
Table 10 – City of Burbank Relevant General Plan Policies – Parks and Recreation ................20
Table 11 – City of Glendale General Plan – Fire Hazards .........................................................21
Table 12 – City of Glendale Relevant General Plan – Police Services ......................................22
Table 13 – City of Glendale Relevant General Plan – Parks .....................................................22
Table 14 – City of Pasadena Relevant General Plan – Fire Services ........................................23
Table 15 – City of Pasadena Relevant General Plan – Police Services ....................................24
Table 16 – City of Pasadena Relevant General Plan – Parks....................................................25
Table 17 – Fire and Police Services ..........................................................................................27
Table 18 – Public Schools .........................................................................................................30
Table 19 – Parks .......................................................................................................................33
Table 20 – Libraries and Government Offices ...........................................................................34
Table 21 – Related Projects ......................................................................................................46
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Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BRT Bus Rapid Transit
Cal OES California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
CCR California Code of Regulations
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EMMA Emergency Management Mutual Aid
LAMC Los Angeles Municipal Code
LAPD Los Angeles Police Department
Metro Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
PRC Public Resources Code
ROW Right-of-Way
SEMS Standardized Emergency Management System
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Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
1. Introduction
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is proposing the North
Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Project (Proposed Project or Project)
which would provide a BRT service connecting several cities and communities between the San
Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. Specifically, the Proposed Project would consist of a BRT
service that runs from the North Hollywood Metro B/G Line (Red/Orange) station in the City of
Los Angeles through the Cities of Burbank, Glendale, the community of Eagle Rock in the City
of Los Angeles, and Pasadena, ending at Pasadena City College. The Proposed Project with
route options would operate along a combination of local roadways and freeway sections with
various configurations of mixed-flow and dedicated bus lanes depending on location. A Draft
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is being prepared for the following purposes:
To satisfy the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public
Resources Code (PRC) Section 21000, et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (California
Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15000, et seq.).
To inform public agency decision makers and the public of the significant environmental
effects of the Proposed Project, as well as possible ways to minimize those significant
effects, and reasonable alternatives to the Proposed Project that would avoid or
minimize those significant effects.
To enable Metro to consider environmental consequences when deciding whether to
approve the Proposed Project.
This Public Services Technical Report is comprised of the following sections:
1. Introduction
2. Project Description
3. Regulatory Framework
4. Existing Setting
5. Significance Thresholds and Methodology
6. Impact Analysis
7. Cumulative Analysis
8. References
9. List of Preparers
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Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
2. Project Description
This section is an abbreviated version of the Project Description contained in the Draft EIR. This
abbreviated version provides information pertinent to the Technical Reports. Please reference
the Project Description chapter in the Draft EIR for additional details about the Proposed Project
location and surrounding uses, project history, project components, and construction methods.
The Draft EIR also includes a more comprehensive narrative description providing additional
detail on the project routing, station locations, and proposed roadway configurations. Unless
otherwise noted, the project description is valid for the Proposed Project and all route variations,
treatments, and configurations.
2.1 PROJECT ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Metro is proposing the BRT service to connect several cities and communities between the San
Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. The Proposed Project extends approximately 18 miles from
the North Hollywood Metro B/G Line (Red/Orange) Station on the west to Pasadena City
College on the east. The BRT corridor generally parallels the Ventura Freeway (State Route
134) between the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys and traverses the communities of
North Hollywood and Eagle Rock in the City of Los Angeles as well as the Cities of Burbank,
Glendale, and Pasadena. Potential connections with existing high-capacity transit services
include the Metro B Line (Red) and G Line (Orange) in North Hollywood, the Metrolink Antelope
Valley and Ventura Lines in Burbank, and the Metro L Line (Gold) in Pasadena. The Study Area
includes several dense residential areas as well as many cultural, entertainment, shopping and
employment centers, including the North Hollywood Arts District, Burbank Media District,
Downtown Burbank, Downtown Glendale, Eagle Rock, Old Pasadena and Pasadena City
College (see Figure 1).
2.2 BRT ELEMENTS
BRT is intended to move large numbers of people quickly and efficiently to their destinations.
BRT may be used to implement rapid transit service in heavily traveled corridors while also
offering many of the same amenities as light rail but on rubber tires and at a lower cost. The
Project would provide enhanced transit service and improve regional connectivity and mobility
by implementing several key BRT elements. Primary components of the BRT are further
addressed below and include:
Dedicated bus lanes on city streets
Transit signal priority (TSP)
Enhanced stations with all-door boarding
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Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
Figure 1 – Proposed Project with Route Options
DRAFT
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North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
2.3 DEDICATED BUS LANES
The Proposed Project would generally include dedicated bus lanes where there is adequate
existing street width, while operating in mixed traffic within the City of Pasadena. BRT service
would operate in various configurations depending upon the characteristics of the roadways as
shown below:
Center-Running Bus Lanes: Typically includes two lanes (one for each direction of
travel) located in the center of the roadway. Stations are usually provided on islands at
intersections and are accessible from the crosswalk.
Median-Running Bus Lanes: Typically includes two lanes (one for each direction of
travel) located in the inside lane adjacent to a raised median in the center of the
roadway. Stations are usually provided on islands at intersections and are accessible
from the crosswalk.
Side-Running Bus Lanes: Buses operate in the right-most travel lane separated from
the curb by bicycle lanes, parking lanes, or both. Stations are typically provided along
curb extensions where the sidewalk is widened to meet the bus lane. At intersections,
right-turn bays may be provided to allow buses to operate without interference from
turning vehicles and pedestrians.
Curb-Running Operations: Buses operate in the right-most travel lane immediately
adjacent to the curb. Stations are located along the sidewalk which may be widened to
accommodate pedestrian movement along the block. Right-turning traffic merges with
the bus lane approaching intersections and buses may be delayed due to interaction
with right-turning vehicles and pedestrians.
Mixed-Flow Operations: Where provision of dedicated bus lanes is impractical, the
BRT service operates in lanes shared with other roadway vehicles, although potentially
with transit signal priority. For example, where the service transitions from a center-
running to side-running configuration, buses would operate in mixed-flow. Buses would
also operate in mixed-flow along freeway facilities.
Table 1 provides the bus lane configurations for each route segment of the Proposed Project.
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North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
Table 1 – Route Segments
Bus Lane
Key Segment From To
Configuration
Lankershim Blvd. N. Chandler Blvd. Chandler Blvd. Mixed-Flow
Chandler Blvd. Lankershim Blvd. Vineland Ave. Side-Running
A1 (Proposed Project) Vineland Ave. Chandler Blvd. Lankershim Blvd. Center-Running
Center-Running
Lankershim Blvd. Vineland Ave. SR-134 Interchange
Mixed-Flow 1
Side-Running
A2 (Route Option) Lankershim Blvd. N. Chandler Blvd. SR-134 Interchange
Curb-Running2
Pass Ave. (EB)
B (Proposed Project) SR-134 Freeway Lankershim Blvd. Mixed-Flow
Hollywood Wy. (WB)
Pass Ave. – Riverside Dr. (EB)
Hollywood Wy. – Alameda Ave. SR-134 Freeway Olive Ave. Mixed-Flow 3
C (Proposed Project) (WB)
Hollywood Wy. (EB)
Olive Ave. Glenoaks Blvd. Curb-Running
DRAFT
Riverside Dr. (WB)
Curb-Running
D (Proposed Project) Glenoaks Blvd. Olive Ave. Central Ave.
Median-Running4
Mixed Flow
Central Ave. Glenoaks Blvd. Broadway
E1 (Proposed Project) Side-Running5
Broadway Central Ave. Colorado Blvd. Side-Running
Central Ave. Glenoaks Blvd. Colorado St. Side-Running
E2 (Route Option)
Colorado St. – Colorado Blvd. Central Ave. Broadway Side-Running
Goode Ave. (WB)
Central Ave. Glenoaks Blvd. Mixed-Flow
Sanchez Dr. (EB)
E3 (Route Option) Goode Ave. (WB)
Central Ave. Brand Blvd. Mixed-Flow
Sanchez Dr. (EB)
SR-1346 Brand Blvd. Harvey Dr. Mixed-Flow
Side-Running
Linda Rosa Ave.
F1 (Route Option) Colorado Blvd. Broadway Side-Running
(SR-134 Interchange)
Center Running7
F2 (Proposed Project) Colorado Blvd. Broadway Linda Rosa Ave. Side-Running
(SR-134 Interchange)
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North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
Bus Lane
Key Segment From To
Configuration
SR-134 Harvey Dr. Figueroa St. Mixed-Flow
Figueroa St. SR-134 Colorado Blvd. Mixed-Flow
F3 (Route Option)
Colorado Blvd. Figueroa St. SR-134 via N. San Rafael Ave.
Mixed-Flow
Interchange
SR-134 Colorado Blvd. Fair Oaks Ave. Interchange Mixed-Flow
Fair Oaks Ave. SR-134 Walnut St. Mixed-Flow
G1 (Proposed Project) Walnut St. Fair Oaks Ave. Raymond Ave. Mixed-Flow
Colorado Blvd. or
Raymond Ave. Walnut St. Mixed-Flow
Union St./Green St.
SR-134 Colorado Blvd. Colorado Blvd. Interchange Mixed-Flow
G2 (Route Option) Colorado Blvd. or Colorado Blvd.
Raymond Ave. Mixed-Flow
Union St./Green St. Interchange
H1 (Proposed Project) Colorado Blvd. Raymond Ave. Hill Ave. Mixed-Flow
Union St. (WB)
H2 (Route Option) Raymond Ave. Hill Ave. Mixed-Flow
Green St. (EB)
DRAFT
Notes:
1
South of Kling St.
2
South of Huston St.
3
Eastbound curb-running bus lane on Riverside Dr. east of Kenwood Ave.
4
East of Providencia Ave.
5
South of Sanchez Dr.
6
Route continues via Broadway to Colorado/Broadway intersection (Proposed Project F2 or Route Option F1) or via SR-134 (Route Option F3)
7
Transition between Ellenwood Dr. and El Rio Ave.
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North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
2.4 TRANSIT SIGNAL PRIORITY
TSP expedites buses through signalized intersections and improves transit travel times. Transit
priority is available areawide within the City of Los Angeles and is expected to be available in all
jurisdictions served by the time the Proposed Project is in service. Basic functions are described
below:
Early Green: When a bus is approaching a red signal, conflicting phases may be
terminated early to obtain the green indication for the bus.
Extended Green: When a bus is approaching the end of a green signal cycle, the green
may be extended to allow bus passage before the green phase terminates.
Transit Phase: A dedicated bus-only phase is activated before or after the green for
parallel traffic to allow the bus to proceed through the intersection. For example, a queue
jump may be implemented in which the bus departs from a dedicated bus lane or a
station ahead of other traffic, so the bus can weave across lanes or make a turn.
2.5 ENHANCED STATIONS
It is anticipated that the stations servicing the Proposed Project may include the following
elements:
Canopy and wind screen
Seating (benches)
Illumination, security video and/or emergency call button
Real-time bus arrival information
Bike racks
Monument sign and map displays
Metro is considering near-level boarding which may be achieved by a combination of a raised
curb along the boarding zone and/or ramps to facilitate loading and unloading. It is anticipated
that BRT buses would support all door boarding with on-board fare collection transponders in
lieu of deployment of ticket vending machines at stations.
The Proposed Project includes 21 proposed stations and two “optional” stations, and additional
optional stations have been identified along the Route Options, as indicated in Table 2. Of the
21 proposed stations, four would be in the center of the street or adjacent to the median, and
the remaining 17 stations would be situated on curbs on the outside of the street.
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North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
Table 2 – Proposed/Optional Stations
Jurisdiction Proposed Project Route Option
North Hollywood North Hollywood Transit Center
(City of Los (Metro B/G Lines (Red/Orange) Station)
Angeles) Vineland Ave./Hesby St. Lankershim Blvd./Hesby St.
Olive Ave./Riverside Dr.
Olive Ave./Alameda Ave.
Olive Ave./Buena Vista St.
Olive Ave./Verdugo Ave.
City of Burbank (optional station)
Olive Ave./Front St.
(on bridge at Burbank-Downtown
Metrolink Station)
Olive Ave./San Fernando Blvd.
Glenoaks Blvd./Alameda Ave.
Glenoaks Blvd./Western Ave.
Glenoaks Blvd./Grandview Ave.
(optional station)
Goode Ave. (WB) & Sanchez Dr. (EB)
Central Ave./Lexington Dr.
west of Brand Blvd.
City of Glendale
Central Ave./Americana Way
Broadway/Brand Blvd. Colorado St./Brand Blvd.
Broadway/Glendale Ave. Colorado St./Glendale Ave.
Broadway/Verdugo Rd. Colorado St./Verdugo Rd.
SR 134 EB off-ramp/WB on-ramp west
of Harvey Dr.
Eagle Rock Colorado Blvd./Eagle Rock Plaza
(City of Los Colorado Blvd./Eagle Rock Blvd.
Angeles) Colorado Blvd./Townsend Ave. Colorado Blvd./Figueroa St.
1
Raymond Ave./Holly St.
(near Metro L Line (Gold) Station)
2
2 Union St./Arroyo Pkwy. (WB)
Colorado Blvd./Arroyo Pkwy. 2
Green St./Arroyo Pkwy. (EB)
1
1 Union St./Los Robles Ave. (WB)
City of Pasadena Colorado Blvd./Los Robles Ave. 1
Green St./Los Robles Ave. (EB)
Union St./Lake Ave. (WB)
Colorado Blvd./Lake Ave.
Green St./Lake Ave. (EB)
Pasadena City College Pasadena City College
(Colorado Blvd./Hill Ave.) (Hill Ave./Colorado Blvd.)
1
With Fair Oaks Ave. interchange routing
2
With Colorado Blvd. interchange routing
8Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
2.6 DESCRIPTION OF CONSTRUCTION
Construction of the Proposed Project would likely include a combination of the following
elements dependent upon the chosen BRT configuration for the segment: restriping, curb-and-
gutter/sidewalk reconstruction, right-of-way (ROW) clearing, pavement improvements,
station/loading platform construction, landscaping, and lighting and traffic signal modifications.
Generally, construction of dedicated bus lanes consists of pavement improvements including
restriping, whereas ground-disturbing activities occur with station construction and other support
structures. Existing utilities would be protected or relocated. Due to the shallow profile of
construction, substantial utility conflicts are not anticipated, and relocation efforts should be
brief. Construction equipment anticipated to be used for the Proposed Project consists of
asphalt milling machines, asphalt paving machines, large and small excavators/backhoes,
loaders, bulldozers, dump trucks, compactors/rollers, and concrete trucks. Additional smaller
equipment may also be used such as walk-behind compactors, compact excavators and
tractors, and small hydraulic equipment.
The construction of the Proposed Project is expected to last approximately 24 to 30 months.
Construction activities would shift along the corridor so that overall construction activities should
be of relatively short duration within each segment. Most construction activities would occur
during daytime hours. For specialized construction tasks, it may be necessary to work during
nighttime hours to minimize traffic disruptions. Traffic control and pedestrian control during
construction would follow local jurisdiction guidelines and the Work Area Traffic Control
Handbook. Typical roadway construction traffic control methods would be followed including the
use of signage and barricades.
It is anticipated that publicly owned ROW or land in proximity to the Proposed Project’s
alignment would be available for staging areas. Because the Proposed Project is anticipated to
be constructed in a linear segment-by-segment method, there would not be a need for large
construction staging areas in proximity to the alignment.
2.7 DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS
The Proposed Project would provide BRT service from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. or 21 hours per
day Sunday through Thursday, and longer service hours (4:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.) would be
provided on Fridays and Saturdays. The proposed service span is consistent with the Metro B
Line (Red). The BRT would operate with 10-minute frequency throughout the day on weekdays
tapering to 15 to 20 minutes frequency during the evenings, and with 15-minute frequency
during the day on weekends tapering to 30 minutes in the evenings. The BRT service would be
provided on 40-foot zero-emission electric buses with the capacity to serve up to
75 passengers, including 35-50 seated passengers and 30-40 standees, and a maximum of
16 buses are anticipated to be in service along the route during peak operations. The buses
would be stored at an existing Metro facility.
9Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
3. Regulatory Framework
3.1 FEDERAL REGULATIONS
There are no existing federal regulations pertaining to public services that are applicable to the
Proposed Project.
3.2 STATE REGULATIONS
3.2.1 Fire Protection
3.2.1.1 California Constitution Article XIII Section 35
Section 35 of Article III of the California Constitution at subdivision (a)(2) provides: “The
protection of the public safety is the first responsibility of local government and local officials
have an obligation to give priority to the provision of adequate public safety services.” Section
35 of Article XIII of the California Constitution was adopted by the voters in 1993 under
Proposition 172. Proposition 172 directed the proceeds of a 0.50 percent sales tax to be used
exclusively for local public safety services. California Government Code Sections 30051-30056
provide rules to implement Proposition 172. Public safety services include fire protection.
Section 30056 provides that cities are not allowed to spend less of their own financial resources
on their combined public safety services in any given year compared to the 1992-93 fiscal year.
Therefore, an agency is required to use Proposition 172 to supplement its local funds used on
fire protection, as well as other public safety services. In City of Hayward v. Trustee of California
State University (2015) 242 Cal. App. 4th 833, the court found that, Section 35 of Article XIII of
the California Constitution requires local agencies to provide fire services and that it is
reasonable to conclude that a lead agency would comply with that provision and ensure that
public services are provided.
3.2.1.2 California Fire Code
Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), also referred to as the California
Fire Code, is part of the California Building Code and provides building standard regulations
regarding fire protection and notification systems for residential and commercial buildings. It
includes fire safety requirements and regulations, including: the implementation of fire protection
devices such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms; installation of sprinklers in all high-rise
buildings; establishment of fire resistance standards for fire doors, building materials, and types
of construction; clearance of debris and vegetation within a prescribed distance from occupied
structures in wildfire hazards areas; and fire suppression training. The California Fire Code is
applicable to all occupancies in California except if adopted local regulations are more stringent.
Regulations within the California Fire Code have been incorporated by reference with
amendments in the Los Angeles Building Code, Fire Safety Regulations.
10Public Services Technical Report
North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
3.2.1.3 Title 8 California Code of Regulations (CCR) Sections 1270 and 6773
In accordance with CCR, Title 8 Section 1270 “Fire Prevention” and Section 6773 “Fire
Protection and Fire Equipment,” the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration
has established minimum standards for fire suppression and emergency medical services. The
standards include, but are not limited to, guidelines on the handling of highly combustible
materials, fire hosing sizing requirements, restrictions on the use of compressed air, access
roads, and the testing, maintenance, and use of all firefighting and emergency medical
equipment.
3.2.1.4 California Health and Safety Code Section 13100-13135
California Health Safety Code Section 13100-13135 codifies regulations known as the
“Regulations of the State Fire Marshal” and constitutes the Basic Building Design and
Construction Standards of the State Fire Marshal. The regulations establish minimum standards
for the preservation and protection of life and property against fire, explosion, and panic through
requirements for fire protection and notification systems, fire protection devices, and fire
suppression training.
3.2.1.5 California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
The Cal OES prepared a Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) program (Title
19 CCR Section 2401 et seq.), which sets forth measures by which a jurisdiction should handle
emergency disasters. SEMS provides the mechanism by which local government requests
assistance. Non-compliance with SEMS could result in the state withholding disaster relief from
the non-complying jurisdiction in the event of an emergency disaster. Cal OES coordinates the
state’s preparation for, prevention of, and response to major disasters, such as fires, floods,
earthquakes and terrorist attacks. During an emergency, Cal OES serves as the lead state
agency for emergency management in the state. It also serves as the lead agency for mobilizing
the state’s resources and obtaining federal resources. Cal OES coordinates the state response
to major emergencies in support of local government. The primary responsibility for emergency
management resides with local government. Local jurisdictions first use their own resources
and, as they are exhausted, obtain more from neighboring cities and special districts, the county
in which they are located, and other counties throughout the state through the statewide mutual
aid system (see discussion of Mutual Aid Agreement, below). The California Emergency
Management Agency maintains oversight of the state’s mutual aid system.
3.2.1.6 Mutual Aid Agreement
Cal OES developed the Emergency Management Mutual Aid (EMMA) System in response to
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The EMMA System coordinates emergency response and
recovery efforts along the coastal, inland, and southern regions of California. The purpose of
EMMA is to provide emergency management personnel and technical specialists to afflicted
jurisdictions in support of disaster operations during emergency events. Objectives of the EMMA
Plan is to provide a system to coordinate and mobilize assigned personnel, formal requests,
assignment, training and demobilization of assigned personnel; establish structure to maintain
the Plan and its procedures; provide the coordination of training for EMMA resources, including
SEMS training, coursework, exercises, and disaster response procedures; and to promote
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North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
professionalism in emergency management and response. The EMMA Plan was updated in
November 2012 and supersedes the 1997 EMMA Plan and November 2001 EMMA Guidance.
3.2.2 Police Protection
3.2.2.1 California Constitution, Article XIII, Section 35
Section 35 of Article XIII of the California Constitution was adopted by the voters in 1993 under
Proposition 172, which directed the proceeds of a 0.50 percent sales tax to be used exclusively
for local public safety services, including police. California Government Code Sections 30051-
30056 provide rules to implement Proposition 172. Section 30056 provides that a city is not
allowed to spend less of its own financial resources on its combined public safety services in
any given year compared to its 1992-93 fiscal year. Therefore, an agency is required to use
Proposition 172 to supplement its local funds used on police protection, as well as other public
safety services. In City of Hayward v. Trustee of California State University (2015) 242 Cal. App.
4th 833, the court found that, Section 35 of Article XIII of the California Constitution requires
local agencies to provide fire services and that it is reasonable to conclude that a lead agency
would comply with that provision and ensure that public services are provided. It is reasonable
to analogize that a similar analysis would apply to police services, as Section 35 of Article XIII
includes a responsibility for cities to give priority to public safety services, which includes police
services. See the “Regulatory Framework” for Fire Protection, above, for further discussion.
3.2.2.2 California Penal Code
All law enforcement agencies within the State of California are organized and operated in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Penal Code. This code sets forth the
authority, rules of conduct, and training for peace officers. Under State law, all sworn municipal
and county officers are state peace officers.
3.2.3 Schools
There are no existing State regulations pertaining to school facilities that are applicable to the
Proposed Project.
3.2.4 Parks
3.2.4.1 Quimby Act
The Quimby Act was established by the California State Legislature in 1965 and codified as
California Government Code Section 66477. The Quimby Act allows the legislative body of a
city or county to require, by ordinance, the dedication of land, payment of fees in lieu thereof, or
a combination of both for park or recreational purposes as a condition to the approval of a
tentative tract map or parcel map. Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Sections 12.33 and
17.12 are codified city ordinances that were enacted as a way to implement the Quimby Act.
LAMC Sections 12.33 and 17.12 are colloquially referred to as the City’s “Quimby Code.”1
1
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Quimby/Park Fees, accessed June 20, 2019.
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North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT Corridor P&E Study October 9, 2020
3.2.4.2 State Public Park Preservation Act of 1971
The primary instrument for protecting and preserving parkland is this Act (PRC Sections 5400–
5409). Under this Act, cities and counties may not acquire any real property that is in use as a
public park for any non-park use unless compensation or land, or both, are provided to replace
the parkland acquired. This provides no net loss of parkland and facilities.
3.2.4.3 California Mitigation Fee Act
This California Mitigation Fee Act, Government Code Sections 66000, et seq., allows cities to
establish fees to be imposed on development projects for the purpose of mitigating the impact of
development on a city’s ability to provide specified public facilities. In order to comply with this
Act, a city must follow the following primary requirements: (1) Make certain determinations
regarding the purpose and use of a fee and establish a nexus or connection between a
development project or class of project and the public improvement being financed with the fee;
(2) Segregate fee revenue from the General Fund in order to avoid commingling of capital
facilities fees and general funds; (3) For fees that have been in the possession of a city for five
years or more and for which the dollars have not been spent or committed to a project, the city
must make findings each fiscal year.
3.3 LOCAL REGULATIONS
3.3.1 City of Los Angeles
3.3.1.1 Fire Protection
The City of Los Angeles General Plan Framework provides guidance for long-term growth in the
City and guides the update of community plans and Citywide elements. The General Plan
Framework also contains purposes, policies, and programs for City development. Chapter 9
(Infrastructure and Public Services) of the Framework Element addresses fire prevention, fire
protection and emergency medical services provided to the City.
The Safety Element of the General Plan identifies existing police, fire, and emergency services
and the service needs of the City of Los Angeles in the event of a natural disaster. The Safety
Element provides goals, objectives, and policies related to the City’s response to hazards and
natural disasters. The Safety Element goals, objectives, policies, and programs are broadly
stated to reflect the comprehensive scope of the Emergency Operations Organization, which is
the program that implements the Safety Element. Table 3 shows goals, objectives, and policies
that are applicable to fire protection and emergency services.
Table 3 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan – Fire Services
Goals/Objectives/Policy Description
FRAMEWORK ELEMENT – INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES
Every neighborhood has the necessary level of fire protection service,
Goal 9J
emergency medical service and infrastructure.
Monitor and forecast demand for existing and projected fire facilities
Objective 9.16
and service.
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Goals/Objectives/Policy Description
Collect appropriate fire and population development statistics for the
Policy 9.16.1 purpose of evaluating fire service needs based on existing and future
conditions.
Assure that all areas of the City have the highest level of fire protection
Objective 9.17 and emergency medical service, at the lowest possible cost, to meet
existing and future demand.
Identify areas of the City with deficient fire facilities and/or service and
Policy 9.17.2 prioritize the order in which these areas should be upgraded based on
established fire protection standards.
Consider the Fire Department's concerns and, where feasible adhere
to them, regarding the quality of the area's fire protection and
Policy 9.17.4 emergency medical services when developing General Plan
amendments and zone changes or considering discretionary land use
permits.
Maintain the Los Angeles Fire Department's ability to assure public
Objective 9.19
safety in emergency situations.
Maintain mutual aid or mutual assistance agreements with local fire
departments to ensure an adequate response in the event of a major
Policy 9.19.1
earthquake, wildfire, urban fire, fire in areas with substandard fire
protection, or other fire emergencies.
Maintain the continued involvement of the Fire Department in the
Policy 9.19.3
preparation of contingency plans for emergencies and disasters.
SAFETY ELEMENT
A city that responds with the maximum feasible speed and efficiency to
disaster events so as to minimize injury, loss of life, property damage
Goal 2
and disruption of the social and economic life of the City and its
immediate environs.
Develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans
Objective 2.1 and programs that are integrated with each other and with the City’s
comprehensive hazard mitigation and recovery plans and programs.
Response. Develop, implement, and continue to improve the City's
ability to respond to emergency events. [All Emergency Operations
Organization emergency response programs and all hazard mitigation
Policy 2.1.5
and disaster recovery programs related to protecting and
reestablishing communications and other infrastructure, service and
governmental operations systems implement this policy.]
Standards/fire. Continue to maintain, enforce and upgrade
requirements, procedures and standards to facilitate more effective fire
suppression. [All peak load water and other standards, code
Policy 2.1.6
requirements (including minimum road widths, access, and clearances
around structures) and other requirements or procedures related to fire
suppression implement this policy.]
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Goals/Objectives/Policy Description
The Fire Department and/or appropriate City agencies shall revise
regulations or procedures to include the establishment of minimum
standards for location and expansion of fire facilities, based upon fire
flow requirements, intensity and type of land use, life hazard,
occupancy and degree of hazard so as to provide adequate fire and
emergency medical event response. At a minimum, site selection
criteria should include the following standards which were contained in
the 1979 General Plan Fire Protection and Prevention Plan:
Fire stations should be located along improved major or secondary
highways. If, in a given service area, the only available site is on a
local street, the site must be on a street which leads directly to an
improved major or secondary highway.
Fire station properties should be situated so as to provide drive-
thru capability for heavy fire apparatus.
If a fire station site is on the side of a street or highway where the
flow of traffic is toward a signalized intersection, the site should be
at least 200 feet from that intersection in order to avoid blockage
during ingress and egress.
The total number of companies which would be available for
dispatch to first alarms would vary with the required fire flow and
distance as follows: (a) less than 2,000 gpm would require not less
than 2 engine companies and 1 truck company; (b) 2,000 but less
than 4,500 gpm, not less than 2 or 3 engine companies and 1 or 2
truck companies; and (c) 4,500 or more gpm, not less than
3 engine companies and 2 truck companies.
These provisions of the 1979 Plan were modified by the Fire
Department for purposes of clarification.
A city where private and public systems, services, activities, physical
Goal 3 condition and environment are reestablished as quickly as feasible to a
level equal to or better than that which existed prior to the disaster.
Develop and implement comprehensive disaster recovery plans which
Objective 3.1 are integrated with each other and with the City's comprehensive
hazard mitigation and emergency response plans and programs.
SOURCE: City of Los Angeles, The Citywide General Plan Framework, An Element of the City of Los
Angeles General Plan, re-adopted 2001; and City of Los Angeles, Safety Element of the Los Angeles City
General Plan, adopted 1996.
The Los Angeles Fire Code is contained within Chapter V, Article 7, Fire Protection and
Prevention of the LAMC. As required by the Fire Code, Los Angeles Fire Department Bureau of
Fire Prevention and Public Safety is required to administer and enforce basic building
regulations as set forth by the state fire marshal. The Los Angeles Fire Code is a combination of
the California Fire Code and Los Angeles amendments. The Los Angeles Fire Code provides
regulations for the safeguarding of life and property from fire, explosion, panic, or other
hazardous conditions which may arise in the use or occupancy of buildings, structures, or
premises.
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3.3.1.2 Police Protection
The General Plan Framework Element for Fire Protection and Emergency Services addresses
police services within the City. Table 4 shows goals, objectives, and policies within the General
Plan Framework Element applicable to police services.
Table 4 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan – Police Services
Goal/Objective/
Description
Policy
Every neighborhood has the necessary level of fire protection service, emergency
Goal 9J
medical service (EMS) and infrastructure.
Objective 9.13 Monitor and forecast demand for existing and projected police service and facilities.
Monitor and report police statistics, as appropriate, and population projections for the
Policy 9.13.1
purpose of evaluating police service based on existing and future needs.
Protect the public and provide adequate police services, facilities, equipment and
Objective 9.14
personnel to meet existing and future needs.
Work with the Police Department to maintain standards for the appropriate number
Policy 9.14.1
of sworn police officers to serve the needs of residents, businesses, and industries.
Identify neighborhoods in Los Angeles where facilities are needed to provide
Policy 9.14.5
adequate police protection.
Participate fully in the planning of activities that assist in defensible space design and
Policy 9.14.7
utilize the most current law enforcement technology affecting physical development.
Objective 9.15 Provide for adequate public safety in emergency situations.
Maintain mutual assistance agreements with local law enforcement agencies, State
Policy 9.15.1 law enforcement agencies, and the National Guard to provide for public safety in the
event of emergency situations.
SOURCE: City of Los Angeles, The Citywide General Plan Framework, An Element of the City of Los
Angeles General Plan, 2001.
The law enforcement regulations, as well as the powers and duties of the Los Angeles Police
Department (LAPD), are outlined in the City of Los Angeles’ Charter, Administrative Code, and
the LAMC. Article V, Section 570 of the City of Los Angeles Charter gives power and duty to the
LAPD to enforce the penal provisions of the Charter, city ordinances, and State and federal law.
The Charter gives responsibility to LAPD officers to act as peace officers and to protect lives
and property in case of disaster or public calamity. Chapter 11, Section 22.240 of the Los
Angeles Administrative Code requires the LAPD to adhere to the State of California standards
described in Section 13522 of the California Penal Code.
Section 13522 charges LAPD with the responsibility of enforcing all LAMC Chapter 5
regulations related to fire arms, illegal hazardous waste disposal, and nuisances
(e.g., excessive noise), and with providing support to the Department of Building and Safety
Code Enforcement inspectors and LAFD in the enforcement of the City’s Fire, Building, and
Health Codes. LAPD is also given the power and the duty to protect residents and property and
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to review and enforce specific security-related mitigation measures in regard to new
development.
3.3.1.3 Schools
The Infrastructure and Public Services of the Framework General Plan includes goals,
objectives, and policies applicable to public schools, which are shown in Table 5. The Los
Angeles Unified School District is the largest public-school system in California and the second
largest public-school district in the United States. The Los Angeles Unified School District
Strategic Plan outlines essential elements of effective learning environments, objectives and key
initiatives. The Plan is intended to cultivate common understanding and coherence, and to
empower all stakeholders to take action toward creating a district of graduates.2
Table 5 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan – School Services
Goal/Objective/
Description
Policy
Public schools that provide a quality education for all of the City’s children,
including those with special needs, and adequate school facilities to serve every
Goal 9N
neighborhood in the City so that students have an opportunity to attend school in
their neighborhoods.
Work constructively with the Los Angeles Unified School District to monitor and
Objective 9.31
forecast school service demand based upon actual and predicted growth.
Work constructively with LAUSD to promote the siting and construction of
Objective 9.32
adequate school facilities phased with growth.
Work with the Los Angeles Unified School District to ensure that school facilities
Policy 9.32.1 and programs are expanded commensurate with the City’s population growth
and development.
SOURCE: City of Los Angeles, The Citywide General Plan Framework, An Element of the City of Los
Angeles General Plan, 2001.
3.3.1.4 Parks
The Infrastructure and Public Services of the Framework Element includes policies applicable to
parks and recreation, which are shown in Table 6. The Public Recreation Plan of the Service
Systems Element of the General Plan identifies existing recreational facilities and parks in the
City of Los Angeles. The Public Recreation Plan categorizes parks into three types:
neighborhood, community, and regional. Ideally, neighborhood parks have a service radius of
approximately 0.5 mile and are pedestrian-accessible without crossing a major arterial street or
highway/freeway. Community parks have a service radius of two miles and are easily accessible
to the area served. Regional parks in the City provide specialized recreational facilities and/or
attractions and have a service radius encompassing the entire Los Angeles region.
2
Los Angeles Unified School District, 2016-2019 LAUSD Strategic Plan, 2016.
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Table 6 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan– Park Services
Goal/Objective/
Description
Policy
Sufficient and accessible parkland and recreation opportunities in every
Goal 9L neighborhood of the City, which gives all residents the opportunity to enjoy green
spaces, athletic activities, social activities, and passive recreation.
Monitor and forecast demand for existing and projected recreation and park
Objective 9.22
facilities and programs.
Monitor and report appropriate park and recreation statistics and compare with
Policy 9.22.1 population projections and demand to identify the existing and future recreation
and parks needs of the City.
Objective 9.24 Phase recreational programming and park development with growth.
Phase the development of new recreational and park programs and facilities to
Policy 9.24.1
accommodate projected growth.
Objective 9.25 Utilize park space in emergency situations.
Policy 9.25.2 Continue to utilize parks and recreation facilities as shelters in times of emergency.
SOURCE: City of Los Angeles, The Citywide General Plan Framework, An Element of the City of Los
Angeles General Plan, 2001.
The Public Recreation Plan also provides the City’s standard long-range ratios for parks to
population. The City’s standard ratio of parks to population is two acres per 1,000 residents for
neighborhood parks and two acres per 1,000 residents for community parks, or four acres per
1,000 residents of combined neighborhood and community parks.3 The City also recommends a
minimum of six acres of regional recreational facilities for every 1,000 persons for long-range
needs; a minimum of one acre of neighborhood and community parks for every 1,000 persons
to meet short- and intermediate-range standards; and the overall provision of one acre of land
per 1,000 persons for total recreational facilities.4 In addition to the park acreage standards, the
Public Recreation Plan also states that the types of amenities (e.g., recreation center, gym,
basketball courts, etc.) that are offered on public parks and recreation land should also be
considered when determining the adequacy of park space.
3.3.1.5 Other Public Facilities
The City of Los Angeles General Plan Framework addresses library services within the City.
Goals and objectives within the General Plan Framework Element applicable to library services
are provided in Table 7. To guide the construction, maintenance, and operation of libraries
within the City, the Los Angeles Public Libraries Board of Commissioners adopted the Branch
Facilities Plan in 1988. The Branch Facilities Plan is comprised of two components. One
component sets the size and features of a local branch based upon the population and location
it would serve, and the other component is a status list of existing branches and identification of
communities that do not have library services.
3
City of Los Angeles, General Plan Public Recreation Plan, 1980.
4
City of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles Resolution , accessed June 20, 2019.
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Table 7 – City of Los Angeles Relevant General Plan – Library Services
Goal/Objective/
Description
Policy
Objective 9.21 Ensure library services for current and future residents and businesses.
Policy 9.21.1 Seek additional resources to maintain and expand library services.
SOURCE: City of Los Angeles, The Citywide General Plan Framework, An Element of the City
of Los Angeles General Plan, re-adopted 2001.
3.3.2 City of Burbank
3.3.2.1 Fire Protection
The Safety Element of the General Plan identifies existing police, fire, and emergency services
and the service needs of the City of Burbank in the event of a natural disaster. The goals and
policies contained in this Safety Element provide Burbank with a framework for keeping
residents, businesses, and visitors safe from natural and human hazards. They also provide
increased safety for the City’s emergency response personnel. Table 8 shows goals and
policies that are applicable to fire protection and emergency services.
Table 8 – City of Burbank Relevant General Plan – Fire Services
Goal/Policy Description
Goal 1 Emergency Response and Preparation
Policy 1.1 Regularly update all disaster preparedness and emergency response plans.
Policy 1.5 Establish designated emergency response and evacuation routes throughout the city.
Goal 4 Fire Protection
Maintain a maximum response time of 5 minutes for fire suppression services. Require
Policy 4.1 new development to ensure that fire response times and service standards are
maintained.
Provide adequate staffing, equipment, technology, and funding for the Burbank Fire
Policy 4.2
Department to meet existing and projected service demands and response times.
Implement fire prevention and suppression programs in areas of high fire hazard risk,
Policy 4.3
including both urban and wildland areas.
Policy 4.5 Coordinate firefighting efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.
SOURCE: City of Burbank, General Plan Safety Element, February 9, 2013.
The City of Burbank Fire Code is contained within Title 9, Chapter 2, Fire Prevention of the
Burbank Municipal Code. The Fire Department is required to administer and enforce basic
building regulations as set forth by the state fire marshal. The Burbank Fire Code provides
regulations for the safeguarding of life and property from fire, explosion, panic, or other
hazardous conditions which may arise in the use or occupancy of buildings, structures, or
premises.
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3.3.2.2 Police Protection
The General Plan Safety Element addresses police services within the City. Table 9 shows
goals and policies within the General Plan Safety Element applicable to police services. The law
enforcement regulations, as well as the powers and duties of the Burbank Police Department,
are outlined in the City of Burbank Charter, Title 2 Chapter 1 - Administration, Title 5, Chapter 2
– Disasters and Chapter 3 – Morals and Conduct.
Table 9 – City of Burbank Relevant General Plan – Police Services
Goal/Policy Description
Goal 1 Emergency Response and Preparation
Policy 1.1 Regularly update all disaster preparedness and emergency response plans.
Policy 1.5 Establish designated emergency response and evacuation routes throughout the city.
Goal 2 Police Protection
Maintain an average police response time of less than 4 minutes to emergency calls
Policy 2.1
for service.
Policy 2.1 Provide and use up‐to‐date technology to improve crime prevention.
Goal 3 Crime Prevention
Policy 3.1 Adapt to the changing safety needs of the community.
Reduce opportunities for criminal activity through physical design standards such as
Policy 3.2 CPTED and youth programs, recreation opportunities, educational programs, and
counseling services.
SOURCE: City of Burbank, General Plan Safety Element, February 9, 2013.
3.3.2.3 Schools
There are no local ordinances or community plans in the City of Burbank pertaining to schools
that are applicable to the Proposed Project.
3.3.2.4 Parks
The City of Burbank General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element describes the
conservation, development, and use of natural resources and addresses Burbank’s parks and
recreation opportunities. Table 10 shows goals and policies applicable to parks and recreation.
Table 10 – City of Burbank Relevant General Plan Policies – Parks and Recreation
Objectives/Po
Description
licy
Parks, open space and recreation facilities contribute to the high quality of life enjoyed
Goal 2 by Burbank residents and the economic value of the community.
Identify areas of the city that are currently underserved and focus park expansion and
Policy 2.1 open space acquisition in these areas.
Parks and recreation facilities are improved and maintained to ensure they meet the
Goal 3 needs of the community.
Policy 3.1 Improve and rehabilitate existing parks and recreation facilities.
Ensure that the public transit system connects parks and recreation facilities to the rest
Policy 3.7 of the community.
SOURCE: City of Burbank, General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element, February 9, 2013.
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