4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS AESTHETICS

LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicWorks Harbor‐UCLAMedicalCenterCampusMasterPlanProjectSCH#2014111004 4.A‐1

4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS A. AESTHETICS

1. INTRODUCTION

ThissectionaddressesthepotentialaestheticandvisualresourceimpactsthatcouldresultfromtheProjectwithregard tovisualquality,views, light/glare,andshading. Thissection isbased, inpart,on informationprovidedintheHarbor‐UCLAMasterPlan(Perkins+Will,2012)andalsoincorporatesrelevantinformationfromtheLosCounty2035GeneralPlanUpdateandassociatedEIR(2015).

2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

a. Existing Conditions

(1) Visual Character and Views

(a) Visual Character of the Medical Center Campus

(i) General Medical Center Campus Character

The Medical Center Campus is fully developed with the range of uses illustrated in Figure 2‐4, ExistingMedical Center Campus Buildings, in Chapter 2.0, Project Description, of this Draft EIR. Taller buildings,including theexistingeight‐storyHospitalTower, surfaceparking lots, andstreetedge landscaping,walls,andfencesarevisiblefromadjacentstreetsandproperties.ExistinglandscapingwithintheMedicalCenterCampusisillustratedinFigure4.A‐1,ExistingLandscaping.

TheMedical Center Campus extends approximately one‐halfmile along its Carson Street and220th Streetfrontagesand,assuch,hastheaspectofaverylargepropertyrelatedbycommon,medical‐relatedusesandcontinuous hedges, walls, and fences. The street‐facing landscaping features and walls are largelyuninterrupted along themajority of the street frontages. TheMedical CenterCampus is characterizedbygenerally flat topography, varying approximately one foot fromnorth to southbetweenCarson and220thStreets, and less than 10 feet from east to west, between Vermont and Normandie Avenues. Thistopography,lackofelevatedvantagepoints,anddensityofexistingdevelopment,asisalsocharacteristicofthe surrounding community, prevents panoramic views within the Project area from adjacent andsurroundingstreets.

Medical Center Campus as Viewed from Carson Street

ThevisualcharacteroftheSitederivesfromviewsfromadjacentpublicstreetsandlow‐riselanduses. Asviewed from Carson Street approaching from the east, the eight‐story Existing Hospital Tower is visibleabovestreetlandscapingtopedestriansandvehiclesapproachingfromtheeast.Threelowmonumentsignsidentifying theHarbor‐UCLAMedical Center are located at the intersectionof Carson Street andVermontAvenue. Landscaping including mature pine trees and lawn line the Carson Street frontage from theintersectiontotheMedicalCenterCampus’landscapedentrancearea(adistanceofapproximately600feet).SurfaceparkinglotsBandCarevisiblebehindtheexitinglargepinetreesandlandscapedstrip.Thestreetfrontage fromtheMedicalCenterCampusentrancebeyondParkingLotB, topastBerendoAvenue(alsoadistance of approximately 600 feet) is characterized by a landscaped strip of lawn and recently planted

4.A. Aesthetics August 2016


street trees and flower beds. Parking lot B and the single‐story Building N6 are visible beyond thelandscaping.Althoughoneoftheoriginal1943barracks,BuildingN6isinpoorphysicalconditionanddoesnotconstituteadistinctivevisualresource.Abougainvilleahedgeintendedforscreeningsurfaceparkingisplanted along the south side of the Carson Street frontage extending from beyond Building N6 toapproximately 540 feet from the corner of Carson Street and Normandie Avenue (a distance ofapproximately 800 feet). Several breaks for entrance gates or thatwere caused by plant die‐back occurwithin this hedge, and a surface parking strip fronting the street are intermittently visible. Mature treeswithinthegroundsarealsovisiblebeyondthesurfaceparkingarea.Landscapingfromthewestedgeofthehedge to the cornerofCarsonStreetandNormandieAvenue (approximately540 feet) consistsof sparserbougainvilleashrubsthatallowafullviewintothesiteandtheadjacentparkinglotatthenorthwestcorneroftheMedicalCenterCampus.Afewmaturetreesarelocatedintheparkinglot.

Medical Center Campus as Viewed from Normandie Avenue

LandscapingalongtheNormandieAvenuefrontage(thewestedgeoftheMedicalCenterCampus)includesageneral continuation of the sporadic bougainvillea hedge, beyond which the corner parking lot at theNormandie Avenue and Carson Street intersection is highly visible. In the approximate location of theChildren’s Institute International building, a concrete blockwall and hedge is present along the frontage.The landscaping extends to the west entrance of the Medical Center Campus. To the south of the westentrance,thestreetedgeislinedwithanopen(notlandscaped)eight‐foot‐highchainlinkfencethatextendstothesouthwestcorneroftheMedicalCenterCampusatNormandieAvenueand220thStreet.Theloadingareaforthesingle‐storyHarbor‐UCLAProfessionalBuildingisvisiblethroughthefencing. Tothesouthofthe loadingarea, theconfigurationof theHarbor‐UCLAProfessionalBuildingallowsanapproximately50‐footdeeplandscapedsetback(lawn)attheedgeofthebuilding.Asurfaceparkinglotwithaminimal,ten‐foot lawn setback is located along the street edge to 220th Street. The surface parking lot and buildingswithintheMedicalCenterCampusarevisiblefromNormandieAvenueandresidentialneighborhoodstotheeast;however,theeight‐storyExistingHospitalTowerisminimallyvisiblefromthisarea.

Medical Center Campus as Viewed from 220th Street

Thestreetfrontagealong220thStreetislinedwithabougainvilleahedge,whichobscuresviewsoftheopendrainagechannel that runsalong the street frontage to theMedicalCenterCampusentrancedriveway. Astandofmaturetreesislocatedtointheeasterlysectorofthisfrontage.Themaindrivewayislandscapedwith lawns and flower beds. A segment of screened construction fencing is located to the east of thedrivewayand,totheeastofthefencing,landscapingconsistsofmatureeucalyptustreesthatextendtothecornerof220thStreetandVermontAvenue.TheLotDparkingstructureislocatednearthesidewalkandispartiallyvisiblethroughthelowerlevelsofthetrees.Theeight‐storyExistingHospitalTowerisvisiblefrom220thStreetandresidentialneighborhoodstothesouth.

Medical Center Campus as Viewed from Vermont Avenue

ThestreetfrontagealongVermontAvenueislandscapedwithstreettreesonapproximately100‐footcentersandlowevergreenshrubs.TheMedicalCenterCampusisalsoborderedbyanapproximatelythree‐foot‐highmasonrywall, toppedbyapproximately three feetof chain link fencing. TheLotDparking structureandsurfaceparkinglotsarevisiblefromthestreet.Theeight‐storyExistingHospitalTowerisalsovisiblefrom

FIGUREExis ng Landscaping

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Master Plan 4.A-1Source: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Campus Master Plan, 2012.

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August 2016 4.A. Aesthetics


street,althoughitispartiallyobscuredbytheA.F.ParlowLibrarywhenviewedfromthesouth.Thelatterislocatedclosertothestreetfront.

Overall, existing open landscaping and chain link fencing allow views into the site from the surroundingstreetsandneighborhoods.ThevisibleaspectoftheMedicalCenterCampusismixed,varyingfromloadingareas,olderwarehousingandservicebuildingstomodernandarchitecturallynotablebuildingssuchastheA.F.ParlowLibrary.Asviewedfromsurroundingstreetsandneighborhoods,themixtureofbuildingtypes,visibleparking lotsandvehicles, andvariations in theamountand typeof landscaping, createsanoverallvisualdiscontinuity.

(b) Visual Character of the Project Vicinity

ThevisualcharacteroftheMedicalCenterCampusvicinityisdefinedbythemixoflandusesalongthestreetfrontintheMedicalCenterCampusvicinity. TheHarbor(I‐110)Freewayislocatedlessthan1/8thmiletotheeast.Becausethefreewayisprimarilybelowgrade,itisnotaprominentfeatureofthelocallandscape.Amixofgasstations,restaurants,fastfoodrestaurants,retailusesandsmallprofessionalservicesarelocatedbetweenVermontAvenueandthefreeway.TwogasstationsandafastfoodrestaurantoccupythecornersofCarsonStreetandVermontAvenue,oppositetheMedicalCenterCampus.ThestreetfrontalongVermontAvenueacross from theMedicalCenterCampus contains restaurants,mini‐mallswith shopsandservices,three‐story multi‐family residences and a mobile home park. Uses along Carson Street across from theMedicalCenterCampusincludeathree‐storymulti‐familyresidentialcomplex,severalsmallgrocerystores,retail stores, services, and restaurants. A large mall with a broad surface parking lot and very limitedlandscapingislocatedalongthenorthsideofCarsonStreetandatthenortheastcornerofCarsonStreetandNormandieAvenueacrossfromtheMedicalCenterCampus.Theoverallcommercialdistrict(CarsonStreetand Vermont Avenue) is low‐rise and contains no distinctive plazas, parks, public art, or distinctivelandscapedfeatures.Signageconsistslargelyofpoleandpylonsigns,andafewbillboards(largeadvertisingsigns) are present. Although utilities are underground, landscaping is minimal. A few palm trees arerandomly locatednear thestreets,butnostreet treeprogramhasbeen implementedalong therespectivefrontages.

Residentialneighborhoodsthatcombinesingle‐andmulti‐familyhomesarelocatedtothewestandsouthoftheMedicalCenterCampus.Alargethree‐storymulti‐familybuildingislocatednearthesouthwestcornerofCarsonStreetandNormandieAvenueandsingle‐storyduplexunitsare locatedbetween thisbuildingandsingle‐familyresidences to thesouthalongNormandieAvenue. NormandieAvenuecomprisesa four‐lanesegment,which is separatedbyanapproximately60‐foot‐widegrassy,butotherwisebarren, stripof landfromaparallelaccessroadusedbytheresidentialneighborhoodtothewest.ThestripwascreatedbytheremovaloftheformerUnionPacificRailroadtracksthatformerlyranalongNormandieAvenue.ThehomesalongNormandieAvenuehavenoaccesstoNormandieAvenue’sfour‐lanecomponentandtakeaccessalongtheparallelaccessroadtothewestofthe60‐foot‐wideseparationstrip.Theresidencesfacetheresidentialstreets intersecting the access road and are not directly facing the Medical Center Campus. NormandieAvenue’s four‐lane road component and access road do not contains trees or other landscape features.Landscaping,suchastrees,intheresidentialneighborhoodstothewestisalsominimal.Thefour‐laneroadcomponentischaracterizedbyarowoftallutilitypolesliningbothsidesoftheroadway.Withthecombinedfour‐lane component, grassy strip, andaccess road, the setbackbetween the residentialneighborhood (atpropertylines)andtheMedicalCenterCampusisapproximately160feet.



ResidentialneighborhoodstothesouthoftheMedicalCenterCampusalong220thStreetareacombinationofsingle‐family residences, condominiumuses, and two‐and three‐storymulti‐familycomplexes. Theolder,and larger, multi‐family complexes are two story and located nearer the Vermont Avenue and 220thintersection.Mostoftheresidencesalong220thStreetdirectlyfacetheMedicalCenter.ThesetbackbetweentheMedicalCenterCampusandtheresidentialpropertiestothesouthisapproximately45feet.Becauseofgreaterproximity to theMedical CenterCampus, residences along220th Street havebroader viewsof theexistingeight‐storyHospitalTowerandotherbuildings in theMedicalCenterCampus. More landscaping,lawntrees,andstreettreesoccuralongthesouthsideof220thStreetthanintheNormandieAvenuearea;however, there are no consistent types or character of landscaping, or program of uniform street trees.Above‐groundutilitylinesarelocatedalongthesouthedgeofthestreet.

(2) Views

TheMedicalCenterCampus is locatedwithinahighlyurbanizedarea surroundedby residentialusesandcommercialdevelopment. Aswith theblocks andcommunities immediately surrounding the site, the72‐acreMedicalCenterCampusvariesverylittleinelevationfromapproximately46feetto50feetsiteabovemeansealevel(AMSL). Becauseof theflattopographyanddensityofdevelopmentontheMedicalCenterCampusand in thearea,panoramicviewsacross theMedicalCenterCampusareunavailable. ThenearbyHarborFreeway,whichislessthanone‐eighthofamiletotheeast,isgenerallybelow‐gradeandalsohasnoviewsacross theMedicalCenterCampus Thecommercialandresidentialneighborhoodssurrounding theMedicalCenterCampusareprimarily low‐rise. Newdevelopment is generallymulti‐familyor largerstripmalls,suchasthestripmallatthenortheastcornerofNormandieAvenueandCarsonStreet.Therearenodistinctivetallerbuildingsorgroupsofbuildingsthatwouldcreateauniqueskylineand,becauseoftheflatterrain in thearea,nodistinctive long‐rangeviewsare available in thearea. TheMedicalCenterCampuswouldbeaminorelementintheviewfieldofdistantbuildingsorviewingareasthatwouldhavelong‐rangeviewsofthesite.

(3) Light and Glare

ExistingnighttimelightingwithintheProjectvicinityconsistsoflightfromcommercialbuildings,illuminatedbuildingidentificationsigns,streetlights,vehiclelights,illuminatedbillboards,andsurfaceparkinglotlightsthatoccurwithin commercial areas along Carson Street to the east andwest of theMedical Center Campus andVermontAvenuetothenorthandsouthoftheMedicalCenterCampus.Nighttimeilluminationislowestinthearea’sresidentialneighborhoodstothewestandsouthoftheMedicalCenterCampus.ResidentialuseslocatedonVermontAvenueandCarsonStreetwouldhavehigherlightexposurebecauseofgreatertrafficactivityandcommercialuseswithilluminatedsignsonthesestreets.

TheMedicalCenterCampusalsofeatureslightfixturesandpolesinparkingareasandsecuritylighting. Lightspillagefromthewindowsoftallerbuildingswouldbevisiblefromadjacentresidentialareas,particularlyalong220thStreet.TheMedicalCenterCampuswouldalsogeneratelow‐levellightingfromidentificationsignsattheintersectionofCarsonStreetandVermontAvenue. However, this lightsource isminimalat this intersectioncomparedtotheexistingilluminatedpolelightsandon‐sitelightingattheShellgasstation,Union76gasstation,andJack‐in‐the‐Boxrestaurantattheotherthreecornersoftheintersection.ResidentialneighborhoodsonallfourstreetsborderingtheMedicalCenterCampushavevaryinglevelsoflightexposurefromthecommercialstreetsbecauseofinterveningdevelopmentfromtheMedicalCenterCampus.However,theMedicalCenterCampus’sparkinglotlightsarevisibletoalladjacentresidentialneighborhoods.



Daytimeglareisgenerallyassociatedwithsunlightreflectedfrommobileandparkedvehiclesandbuildingwalls.Activitiesthatwouldbesensitivetodaytimeglarefromreflectedsunlightincludemotoriststravelingnorth,east,orwestontheadjacentroadways. Freestanding, illuminatedsignagealsohasthepotentialtogenerateglare. Becauseoftheeast/westorientationofCarsonStreetand220thStreet, thepotentialexistsduring some seasons for reflected glare from the east, west, and south façades of buildings along thesestreets.However,nonotablehighlyreflectiveglareisevidentinthearea.

b. Regulatory Framework Summary

Nofederalorregionalagencyregulationsareapplicabletoaestheticsandvisualresources.

(1) State

(a) Senate Bill No. 743

OnSeptember27,2013,GovernorBrownsignedSenateBill(SB)743,whichbecameeffectiveonJanuary1,2014.ThepurposeofSB743istostreamlinethereviewunderCEQAforseveralcategoriesofdevelopmentprojects including the development of infill projects in transit priority areas. The bill adds to the CEQAStatute,CaliforniaPublicResourcesCodeChapter2.7,ModernizationofTransportationAnalysisforTransit‐OrientedInfillProjects,Section21099.PursuanttoSection21099(d)(1)“Aestheticandparkingimpactsofaresidential,mixed‐useresidential,oremploymentcenterprojectonaninfillsitewithinatransitpriorityareashallnotbeconsideredsignificantimpactsontheenvironment.”1TheprovisionsofSB743applytoprojectslocatedona“lotwithinanurbanareathathasbeenpreviouslydeveloped,oronavacantsitewhereatleast75percentoftheperimeterofthesiteadjoins,orisseparatedonlyby,animprovedpublicright‐of‐wayfrom,parcelsthataredevelopedwithqualifiedurbanuses….anditislocatedwithinone‐halfmileofamajortransitstop.”2 TheProjectwouldmeet the criteria set forth in SB743because it (1) is locatedwithin a transitpriority area less than one‐halfmile from theHarbor Freeway/Carson Station TOD (connection toMetroSilverLine)and(2)comprisesanemploymentcenterwithinanestablishedurbanarea.UnderSB743,theProject would be exempt from findings of significance related to aesthetic effects, including view, visualquality,andlightandglarethatexceedCEQAGuidelines,AppendixG,criteria.However,forthepurposeofthisEIR,aestheticeffectsareevaluatedwithrespecttotheCounty’simpactthresholds.

(2) Local

(a) County of Los Angeles General Plan 2035

Guiding principles of the Los Angeles County General Plan include promoting smart growth throughstrategies that are tailored to each community. According to General Plan, strategies, such as transit‐oriented development, will create vibrant centers around transit stations that promote neighborhoodswherepeoplecanlive,work,andshopwithouttheneedtodrivetoeachdestination.Anothersmartgrowthstrategy is to facilitate the creation of vibrant and active corridors that connect major centers anddestinations, and thrivingneighborhoodcenterswithin theunincorporatedareas.TheGeneralPlan statesthat these work in conjunction with other smart growth strategies to “green” streets and buildings, and

1 Section21009(2)(B)clarifies that “For thepurposesof this subdivision,aesthetic impactsdonot include impactsonhistoricalor

culturalresources.”2 PerdefinitionsincludedinSection21099(a).



protectandconservetheCounty’snaturalresources.AGuidingPrincipallatteristodesigncommunitiesthatincorporate their cultural and historic surroundings, are not overburdened by nuisance and negativeenvironmental factors. The General Plan also promotes the creation of communities that foster physicalactivityandcreatepedestrian‐friendlyenvironmentsandcompletestreetsthatareaccessibletoalluserstoproducepositiveoutcomesfromalanduseandpublichealthperspective.3

TheLandUseElementoftheGeneralPlan(Chapter6)setsforthpoliciesthatsupportaestheticgoals.TheseincludeGoalLU7toprovidecompatiblelandusesthatcomplementneighborhoodcharacterandthenaturalenvironment. Goal LU10 is to providewell‐designed andhealthyplaces that support a diversity of builtenvironments.PoliciestosupportGoalLU10includePolicyLU10.3toconsiderthebuiltenvironmentofthesurrounding area in the design and scale of new or remodeled buildings, architectural styles, and reflectappropriatefeaturessuchasmassing,materials,color,detailingorornament.

Other policies supporting Policy LU 10 include Policy LU 10.4 to promote environmentally‐sensitive andsustainabledesignandPolicyLU10.10 topromotearchitecturallydistinctivebuildingsand focalpointsatprominentlocations,suchasmajorcommercialintersectionsandneartransitstationsoropenspaces.PolicyLU 10.5: Encourage the use of distinctive landscaping, signage and other features to define the uniquecharacter of districts, neighborhoods or communities, and engender community identity, pride andcommunity interaction. PolicyLU10.6:Encouragepedestrianactivitythroughthefollowing:(i)Designingthe main entrance of buildings to front the street; (ii) Incorporating landscaping features; (iii) Limitingmasonry walls and parking lots along commercial corridors and other public spaces; (iv) Incorporatingstreet furniture, signage, andpubliceventsandactivities; and (v)Usingwayfinding strategies tohighlightcommunitypointsofinterest.

PolicyLU10.8istopromotepublicartandculturalamenitiesthatsupportcommunityvaluesandenhancecommunity context; and Policy LU 10.9 is to encourage land uses and design that stimulate positive andproductivehumanrelationsandfostertheachievementofcommunitygoals;andPolicyLU10.10:Promotearchitecturally distinctive buildings and focal points at prominent locations, such as major commercialintersectionsandneartransitstationsoropenspaces.TheProjectiscomparedtotheapplicablepoliciesoftheLandUseElementinSubsection3.d,ProjectImpacts,below.

The Conservation andNatural Resources Element of theGeneral Plan (Chapter 9) also sets forth policiesrelatedtoaestheticvalues.Theprimaryfocusofthischapter,however,istheCounty’sroleintheprotection,conservation andpreservation of natural resources andopen space areas. Because theProject is locatedwithinanareathatisentirelyurbanized,thegoalsandpoliciesoftheConservationandNaturalResourcesElementwouldnotbeapplicable.

(b) County of Los Angeles Code

(i) Title 26 – Sign Regulations

Title26,Chapter65oftheLACCfurtherestablishesdevelopmentstandardsforsignswithinunincorporatedcommunities of Los Angeles County. The LACC sign regulations, apply to all types of commercial signs,

3 LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofRegionalPlanning,CountyofLosAngelesGeneralPlan,Chapter3,GuidingPrinciples,adopted

October6,2015,pages16and17.



includinggroundsigns,projectingsigns,roofsigns,wallsigns.TheLACCdefineswallsignsasasignattachedto or erected against awall of a building,with the plane of the sign parallel to the plane of the building.Projectingsignsaredefinedassignssuspendedfromorsupportedbyabuilding(butnotawallsign).Roofsigns are defined as a sign erecteduponor above a roof or parapetwall of a building. Ground signs aredefinedas signsdetached from thebuildingand supportedby theground. UnderLACCSection6502.2, abuilding permit is required for every sign and sign structure regulated under the LACC. Under Section6502.7, no sign shall be erected that would interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. Section 6502.10requires that signsandsign structuresbemaintainedat all times in a stateof good repairandbeable towithstandwindpressure.

(ii) Title 31 – Green Building Standards

Title31setsforthCountyregulationspertinenttolandscapedesign. LACCSection4.106.5oftheLACCforpost‐construction landscape design requires that a project shall not provide more than 25 percent turfwithin the total landscapedarea;non‐invasivedrought‐tolerantplantand treespeciesappropriate for theclimatezoneshallbeutilizedinatleast75percentofthetotallandscapedarea;andhydrozoningirrigationtechniquesshallbeincorporatedintothelandscapedesign. Title31alsorequiresenergyefficiency,whichappliestothedesignofinteriorandexteriorlightingfixtures.

(iii) Title 12 – Environmental Protection Pertinent to Lighting

Title12oftheLACCestablishescertaincontrolsonexteriorlighting. Inparticular,theregulationsrequirethatdisplaylighting(definedastheuseofartificiallightfordecorativepurposesortodirectattentiontotheprovidersofgoodsorservicesortoilluminatedirectattentiontosignsadvertisinggoodsorservices,displayof goods, objects or designs symbolic of commercial enterprises or trademarks, or landscaping or otherexterioreffect)shallnotbepermittedduringanelectricalpowershortagepursuanttoSection12.40.030ofthe LACC. The aesthetic policies of the LACC applicable to the Project (aswell as an analysis of projectconsistency)arepresentedinSubsection3.d,ProjectImpacts,below.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

a. Methodology

(1) Visual Character

Theevaluationof visual characterpertains to thedegreeandnatureof contrastbetween theMasterPlanProjectanditssurroundings.Intheanalysisofvisualcharacter,theexistingvisualpropertiesoftheMedicalCenterCampusarecomparedtotheexpectedappearanceof theMedicalCenterCampusundertheMasterPlan Project and the surrounding area to determine whether the visual character of the area would bedegraded. Factors such as changes in the appearance of theMedical Center Campus, buildingheight andmassing,setbacks, landscapebuffers,andotherfeaturesaretakenintoaccount. Theevaluation,therefore,considerstheamountorrelativeproportionofexistingfeaturesorelementsthatsubstantiallycontributetothe valued visual character or image of a neighborhood, community, or localized area, which would beremoved, altered or demolished. It takes into consideration the degree of contrast between proposedfeatures and existing features that represent the area’s valued aesthetic image, the degree to which theProjectwouldcontributetothearea’saestheticvalue,andapplicableguidelinesandregulations.



(2) Views

The analysis of view impacts is based on the evaluation of field surveys and topography of the MedicalCenterCampus,surroundingarea,andregiontodetermineanybroadviewsofvisualresourcesthatwouldbe available across theMedical Center Campus. The intent of the evaluation of views is to determine ifvalued visual resources exist across the site and whether valued visual resources would be blocked ordiminishedasaresultofProjectdevelopment. Theevaluation furtherconsiderswhether theMasterPlanProjectwouldenhanceviewingconditions throughthecreationofnewresourcesandwhether theProjectincludesdesigncharacteristicsthatwouldoffsetormitigatespecificimpacts.

(3) Light and Glare

The effects of a project’s artificial light sources are contextual and depend upon the existing lightingenvironment, lightintensity,andproximitytolightsources. Lightimpactsmayincludevisualprominence,decrease of available views, alterations to the nature of a community or neighborhood character, orilluminationofasensitive landuse. Theanalysisof lightandglareidentifiesthelocationof light‐sensitivelandusesanddescribes theexistingambientconditionson theMedicalCenterCampusand in theProjectvicinity.TheanalysisdescribestheMasterPlanProject’sproposedlightandglaresources,andtheextenttowhichProjectlighting,includingilluminatedsignage,wouldspillofftheMedicalCenterCampusontolight‐sensitive areas. The analysis also describes the affected street frontages, the direction inwhich the lightwouldbefocused,andtheextenttowhichtheProjectwouldilluminatesensitivelanduses.Theanalysisalsoconsidersthepotentialforsunlighttoreflectoffbuildingsurfaces(glare)andtheextenttowhichsuchglarewouldinterferewiththeoperationofmotorvehiclesorotheractivities.

b. Thresholds of Significance

ThepotentialforaestheticimpactsisbasedonthresholdsderivedfromtheCounty’sInitialStudyChecklistquestions, which are based in part on Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines. These questions are asfollows:

(I) Aesthetics. Would the project:

a) Haveasubstantialadverseeffectonascenicvista?

b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, andhistoric buildings or other locally recognized desirable aesthetic natural feature within a state‐designatedscenichighway?

c) Substantiallydegradetheexistingvisualcharacterorqualityofthesiteanditssurroundings?

d) Createanewsourceofsubstantiallightorglarewhichwouldadverselyaffectdayornighttimeviewsinthearea?

TheCountydetermined in theNOP/IS(seeAppendixAof thisDraftEIR) that theproposedProjectwouldresultinalessthansignificantimpactwithrespecttochecklistquestionb).Accordingly,thisenvironmentaltopicisnotevaluatedinthisEIR.

Basedontheabovefactors,theProjectwouldhaveapotentiallysignificantimpactonAestheticsifitwould:



AES‐1 Substantiallydegradetheexistingvisualcharacterorqualityofthesiteanditssurroundingsbecauseofheight,bulk,pattern,scale,character,orotherfeatures.

AES‐2 Substantiallyobstructoralteranexisting,recognizedvaluedpublicvieworscenicvista.

AES‐3 Create a new source of substantial light, or glare which would adversely affect day ornighttimeviewsinthearea.

c. Project Characteristics or Design Features

(1) Project Characteristics

(a) Construction Activities

Constructionactivitiesassociatedwitheachproposednewcomponentwouldentailthephaseddemolitionofexisting buildings or facilities and excavation, grading, construction, and finishing of new buildings orfacilities. Construction is expected to occur in at least sixmainphases, someofwhich are anticipated tooverlap,culminatingin2030.Duringconstruction,materialstorageandequipmentstagingareaswouldbelocatedon‐site.Temporaryconstructionworkerparkingwouldbeprovidedeitheron‐siteoratoneormoreoff‐siteparkingfacilities.Noon‐streetconstructionworkerparking,materialstorage,orequipmentstagingwouldbepermitted.

The actual timing, phasing, and scheduling of future construction projects has not been preciselydetermined;however,theproposedphasingdiscussedinChapter2.0,ProjectDescription,ofthisDraftEIR,describestheaffectedportionsoftheMedicalCenterCampusthatwouldbedisturbedatonetime.Withtheexceptionoftheinitialconstructionphase,asnotedabove,severalphaseshavethepotentialtooverlap.

As discussed in Chapter 2.0, the preliminary phase (Phase M) would involve the demolition of existingmedicalofficebuildings,andlocatingtwotemporary,modularmedicalofficebuildings.PhaseMisexpectedtobeimplementedoverapproximatelyoneyearbetweenlate2016andlate2017. Phase1wouldinvolvedemolition or temporary relocation of buildings and construction of a new Staff Parking Structure andassociatedinfrastructure.Phase1isexpectedtobeimplementedoverthreeyearsbetween2018and2021.

PhaseCwouldrequirethedemolitionofexistingmedicalofficebuildingsandstoragecontainers,followedbyconstruction of the Central Utility Plant, IT Building, SCE service yard, utility tunnel, and related surfaceparkingareas. PhaseCisexpectedtobecompletedoverapproximatelyfouryearsbetweenlate2018andearly2023.

Phase 2 involves the construction of the OutpatientMental Health Building, Outpatient Building A, and abridge connecting the twobuildings, aswell as associated infrastructureon thenorth sideof theMedicalCenterCampus.Phase2oftheMasterPlanisexpectedtooccuroverthreeyearsbetween2021and2023.Phase3wouldrequirethecompletionofdemolitionofexistingLABioMedbuildingsandrelocationoftheLABioMed programs to the LA BioMed Campus. The remainingmedical clinics in the newOutpatient ZonewouldbedemolishedandtheirprogramsrelocatedintothenewOutpatientClinicalBuildingAconstructedaspartofPhase2.



Phase3 improvements include theconstructionofanewstaffparkingstructure immediatelynorthof theproposednewCentralPlantlocationandatemporaryhelistop.HalfofnewLABioMedresearchuseswouldbe constructed in the proposed Bioscience Tech Park and LA BioMed Campus. Phase 3 of Master Planbuildoutisexpectedtobecompletedinapproximatelytwoyearsbetweenearly2021andearly2023.

UnderPhase4,theNewHospitalTowerandDiagnosticandTreatmentCenterwouldbeconstructednearthecenteroftheMedicalCenterCampus.Themainentryplazawouldbere‐configuredalongwiththeadjacentsurfaceparkinglot. ThesecondhalfofthenewCentralPlantandCoolingTowerswouldbecompletedtheNewHospitalTowerwouldneedtobeoccupiedpriortotheyear2030,anditisexpectedtobeconstructedover approximately four years between 2023 and 2027, overlappingwith construction of some Phase C,Phase3,andPhase6(BioscienceTechPark)improvements.

During Phase 5, the SouthWing of the existing Hospital would be demolished for the new Staff ParkingStructure.TheNorthWingwouldbedemolishedaftertheexistingHospitalisrenovated,andParlowLibraryand existing warehouse space within the Central Plant area would also be demolished. The final StaffParking Structurewould be constructed at the east end of theMedical Center Campus alongwith a staffsurfaceparkinglot,andconfigurationofinternalroadways.TheexistingHospitalwouldberemodeledfloorbyfloor,andthepublicparkinglotonthenorthsideoftheMedicalCenterCampuswouldbereconfiguredtoaccommodate a new retail anchor at the intersection of Carson Street and Vermont Avenue. The finalCampusSupportbuildingswouldbecompletedinthesoutheasternportionoftheMedicalCenterCampus,andnew infrastructurewouldbeconstructedoffVermontAvenue. Phase5 isexpected tobeconstructedoverapproximatelysixyearsbetweenlate2024andearly2030.

During Phase 6, the existing Harbor‐UCLA Professional Building and remaining existing medical officebuildings, storage containers, Imaging Center, temporary modular medical office buildings place, surfaceparkinglot,andtemporaryhelistopwouldbedemolished.ConstructionofOutpatientBuildingB,aswellasassociatedroadway/accessandlandscape/hardscapeimprovements,wouldoccurunderthisPhase.Phase6implementation is expected to occur over an approximately 2.5‐year period between late 2021 andmid‐2024.

Inadditiontotheon‐siteimprovementsundertheMasterPlanProject,severaloff‐siteutilityand/orotherinfrastructure improvementsmay also be necessary to serve future uses on theMedical Center Campus,including water, sewer, electrical, or other such facilities. Such off‐site improvements would beimplemented, as necessary, along affected portions of street rights‐of‐way, particularly along theMedicalCenterCampus street frontages, or other areas asdeterminedbyaffectedagencies and serviceproviders.Such improvementswouldresult in limitedconstructionactivities thatwouldbe temporary innatureandarenotexpectedtoaffectasubstantialnumberofpeople,disturbalargeportionofland,orresultinnotablechangesinvisualresourcesintheProjectarea.

(b) Project Characteristics

TheMasterPlanProject includestheconstructionofaNewHospitalTowerfor446beds,there‐useoftheExisting Hospital Tower, detached structures consisting of three Outpatient Clinical Buildings and retailspace, as well as planned improvements on the LA BioMed Campus, and incremental development ofbiomedicalresearchuseswithintheproposedBioscienceTechParkportionoftheMedicalCenterCampus.The proposed conceptual Site Plan provided in Figure 2‐6 in Chapter 2.0 of this Draft EIR illustrates the



expectedlocationofnewandremainingbuildingsandfacilitiesundertheeventualbuild‐outoftheMasterPlanProject. Theproposedconceptualmassingdiagrampresented inFigure2‐7 inChapter2.0 illustratesthe approximate organization of the programing. As shown in Figure 2‐7, the New Hospital Tower andOutpatient facilitieswould be rotated off the north/south grid to better alignwith the appropriate solarorientationandtomaximizetheamountofnaturaldaylightthatpenetratesthebuildings.TheNewHospitalTowerwouldbethetallestandmostdistinctivestructureintheMasterPlanProjectandthevisualfocusofthesite.Althoughlargerinfloorarea,thenewbuildingswouldbescaledfortheexistingsite,andwouldbeconsistentwithheightoftheExistingHospitalTower.Approximatebuildingheightsaccordingtouses(butnotrelativelocations)arerepresentedinFigure4.A‐2,StackingDiagram,below.

Design Principles set forth inMaster Plan Project would apply to individual building projectswithin theMedical Center Campus andmust be taken into consideration during development of architectural plans.Theseincludethefollowing:

Potentialtocomplementthecharacterofsurroundingspaces,streets,andwalks;

Viewcorridors,bothtoandfrombuildings;

Alignmentofaxis,cornicelines,andfeaturesofneighboringbuildingsandspaces;

Overallheights,massing,styles,andmaterialsofneighboringbuildings;

Overallscale,styles,andmaterialsofexistingbuildings;

Screeningofunsightlyviewsofserviceareasandmechanicalequipmentlocatedbothongradeandonbuildingroofs;

Campuscirculation;

Solarorientationandotherenvironmentalinfluences.

Under the design guidelines set forth in the Master Plan Project, the New Hospital would become thedominant architectural element in the center of theMedical CenterCampus. It is expected to convey theopenness,accessibility,andhumanscaleinherentonacampus,aswellasanunderlyingprogressivemedicaltheme.

OnepurposeoftheMasterPlanProjectistoconsolidatethescatteringofprogramsacrossthesite,whilealsosoftening the built environment through the addition of gardens and plazas for patients, staff and public.Within theMedicalCenterCampus,buildingmasswouldbearticulated throughground floor arcadesandcovered pathways,whichwould offer a pedestrian scale to the site. A continuous pedestrian circulationnetworkwouldprovideconnectivitythroughouttheMedicalCenterCampusandsharedusebythegeneralpublicandstaff.Severalnorth/southwalksandpromenadeswouldconnectthecenteroftheMedicalCenterCampuswiththepublicedgealongCarsonStreet,whileacomprehensivenetworkofwalksandtrailswoulddirect pedestrians east/west through the Medical Center Campus. The planned pedestrian circulationsystem would allow for direct access between parking areas and facilities, with a secondary systemconnecting courtyards and plazas. Shaded pathways would also allow pedestrian connection betweenbuildingswithoutinterruptionbyautomobiletraffic.

TheMasterPlanProjectwouldcreateoutdoorspaces that canaccommodatebothactivesocial gatheringsandpassivegardens.Thesespaceswouldserveasauniqueamenitythatwouldmaximizetheopportunity



formeeting,whilealsoprovidingmore intimateareas forcontemplationandrelaxation. For instance, thegardenbenches,cafétables,shadedtreebosques,andlargeopenplazasintheCentralGardenSpinewouldallowstaff,patients,andvisitors torelaxandsocialize inagardensetting. Theconceptualplantingzonescomprising the park and trail, perimeter, demonstration garden, parking lot, entry, and rooftop plantingzonesare illustrated inFigure4.A‐3,PlantingZones,below. Figure4.A‐4,LandscapeProgram, illustratesspecificlocationsofrecommendedlandscapingfeatures,suchastheCarsonStreetLandscapeEdge,CentralSpineGardens,andotherfeaturespresentedintheFigure4.A‐3.ThePedestrianCirculationandLandscapeMasterPlansfortheMasterPlanProjectarepresentedinFigure2‐9,PedestrianCirculationPlan,andFigure2‐10,LandscapeMasterPlan, inChapter2.0ofthisDraftEIR. Utilizingastronglandscapeframeworkandpedestriancirculationsystem,theLandscapeMasterPlanwouldprovideavarietyofopenspacecourtyards,gardens, and plazas that would collectively define Master Plan Project. It is also anticipated that roofgardens,whereimplemented,wouldfeaturefloweringcanopytreeswithperennialshrubsandplanterpotswithannualcolorthatwouldbevisiblefromsurroundingstreets.

The Landscape Master Plan, as shown in Figure 2‐10, recommends consistent 35‐foot to 45‐foot highevergreen/semi‐evergreentreesalongtheMedicalCenterCampusperiphery.ThesewouldhaveanuprightformalcharacterthatmaintainsviewsintotheMedicalCenterCampusfromsurroundingstreets. ThenextlandscapinglayerwouldconsistofhighlightingthetwomainentriesoffCarsonStreetbyusingamixofpalmtreesandfloweringdeciduoustrees.ThepalmtreeswouldbethetallesttreesontheMedicalCenterCampusandestablishaclearvisualgatewaywhilethefloweringcanopytreeswouldprovideapedestrianscale.Thefinal layer of landscaping would consist of courtyard gardens and plazas that provide a diverse spatialqualitythroughoutthesite.Theuseofmediumsizedtreesalongtheperimeter,whichwouldbehighlightedby taller trees at the entry, would visually integrate the Medical Center Campus into the surroundingresidential communitywhilemaintaining theMedical Center Campus’s identity. Along Carson Street theperimetertreewouldbecenteredinahedgedparkwaywithasecondhedgeatthebackofwalk. Thelowhedge in the parkway along Carson Streetwould buffer vehicle traffic to further improve the pedestrianexperience.AlongNormandieandVermontAvenues,theperimetertreewouldbeplantedinlandscapedtreewellswithin the perimeterwalkwith the perimeter hedge occurring at the back ofwalk. Any perimeterhedgeswouldbemaintainedbelowthreeandone‐halffeetinheighttoallowforsightlinesintotheMedicalCenterCampus.Along220thStreet,thenarrowsidewalk(publicright‐of‐way)wouldrequiretheuseofin‐sidewalk treegrates.Figure4.A‐5,PerimeterStreetscape, illustrates the configurationof landscapingwithrespecttopublicsidewalks.

The single rowof trees alongCarsonStreetwouldbeplanted in a ten‐foot‐wideplanter at the curb edgewhichbufferpedestriansfromthebusytrafficstreet.TheexistingchainlinkfencearoundtheperimeteroftheMedicalCenterCampuswouldberemovedtohelpcreateasenseofopennessandaccessibilityfornearbyresidents.ThenewornamentalfenceplantedwithvineswillbeplacedaroundtheperimeteroftheProjectSite with breaks for pedestrian and vehicular access. The fencing along 220th Street would help ensurepedestriansafetyadjacenttotheexistingopendrainagechannel.TherewillbeprimeaestheticfencingalongCarsonStreet, secondary fencingalongNormandieandVermontAvenues,and tertiary fencingalong220thStreet.

ThetwoMedicalCenterCampusentrydriveswouldbeeasilyrecognizableandwouldvisuallyconnecttothemainhospitalandadjacentparkingareas,helpingtosimplifywayfindingwithintheMedicalCenterCampus.ThetallesttreesonMedicalCenterCampus,HybridFanPalms,wouldbespaced30feetoncenterandwouldcreate an iconic entry experience. To ensure spatial scale as the palm trees grow to over 60 feet high,

FIGUREStacking Diagram


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floweringcanopytreesareplantedinthemedianand30feetoncenterbetweeneachpalmtree. Asthesetreesmature,thecanopieswouldgrowovertheentrydriveandcreateauniquegatewayexperience.

ThecombinationoftreeswouldalsocreateseasonalcolorandtheformalityoftheentrieswouldbebrokenupbyinformalplacementofdeciduousandevergreentreesthroughouttheMedicalCenterCampus.

UndertheproposedLandscapeMasterPlan,parkinglotlandscapingwouldconsistoftwoplantingtypes:abio‐swale planting and a perimeter planting. Both of which consist of plants that are native or climateappropriate and adaptable to the unique conditions found in each of the planting area. The bio‐swaleplanting areas would occur at the interior of each lot. All parking lot runoff should be directed to theplantingareaswhichactasadetentionbasinforstormrun‐off.Duetoseasonalconditionsthetrees,shrubs,andgroundcoverselectedfortheseareaswouldbeselectedtoaccommodateperiodicsubmersionsandlongperiods of saturated soil. The perimeter plantingwould consist of a single hedge species thatwraps theparkinglotandscreensparkedcarsfromtheadjacentareas.Thetreesineachparkinglotshouldconsistofasingle tree species that is adaptable to the parking lot conditions (swale or no swale). Trees would beplantedatasizeandspacingthatminimizestheheatislandeffectcreatingbytheparkinglots.

AsrecommendedundertheLandscapeMasterPlan,specieswillbepredominatelynativeorculturallynative(adapted) that help further create a unique campus setting. These plants would require less water androutine maintenance than the existing landscape. The Medical Center Campus has several mature treespecimensthatwerecatalogedduringearlysiteanalysisstudiesfortheHarbor‐UCLAMedicalCenterMasterPlanwithrecommendationstosalvageandrelocateforfutureuse.Mostofthetreesselectedaresuitableforhelpingtoestablishthewesternopenspacearealandscape,inthoseportionsofthisareanotdevelopedwithBioscienceTechParkuses,whichcallsforarichvarietyoftreetypes.ThisareawouldbeusedasastaginggrounduntilotherareasontheMedicalCenterCampusbecomeavailableforrelocations.OtherareasontheMedicalCenterCampussuitableforrelocatingexistingtreesarethecourtyardsandgardenareastotheeastandwestofthecentralspine.EvergreenAshisselectedasapreferredstreettreespecies;however,manyofthe existingEvergreenAshTrees couldbe located along theperipheryof theCentral Spine to extend thegardencharactertothepublicedge.OtherexistingaccentspecimenssuchastheJacaranda,CoralTree,andSilkTreearesuitableforrelocationtothecourtyardgardens. Figure4.A‐6,SalvagedandRelocatedTrees,illustratesthelocationsofexistingtreesandrecommendedrelocationsites.

MostoftheexteriorimprovementsontheMedicalCenterCampuswouldusecast‐in‐placeconcretepaving,including perimeter sidewalks, entries, and major east/west sidewalks. Integral color, hand seededaggregateandsandblastfinishesthatwouldcreatevarietyinthepavingtypeanddefinedifferentareasofthe Medical Center Campus, such as the east/west/ plazas that feed off the Central Garden Spine arerecommended. Precastconcreteunitpaversarearecommendedas thepredominantpaving typewith theCentral Garden Spine. Decomposed granite paths are recommended along the west side of the MedicalCenter Campus and support a park‐like setting. As these trails extend east along Carson Street,recommendedpavingmaterialwouldbecast‐in‐placeconcrete.

Withconsolidationoflargerbuildings,thewestsideoftheMedicalCenterCampuswouldbecomeavailableforfuturehospitalexpansionanddevelopment. TheMasterPlanProjectproposesinterimusesthatwouldprovideaestheticbenefits. Under the interimplan, thewest sideof theMedicalCenterCampuswouldbedivided by the west entry road into two parcels which collectively contain a 14 acre urban park. The



northwestparcelwouldfeatureadiversenetworkofpathsandtrailsthroughundulatinglandformsplantedwith an eclecticmix of trees and shrubs. The large central lawn space could stage bothMedical CenterCampus‐related and other community events creating a medium for better engagement with the localcommunity. The southwest parcel would continue the open landscape space quality and a fitness trailaround a smaller turf area and demonstration garden could showcase native plants or small agriculturalplots.

TheMasterPlanProjectalsorecommendsapublicartprograminaccordancewiththeCounty’sartpolicy,whichprovidesforcivicartincapitalimprovementprojects.ForthepurposesoftheMasterPlanProject,artwould include, butwould not be limited to, sculpture,murals, portable paintings, earthworks andwaterworks,neon,mosaics,photographs,prints,film,sound,video,andcombinationsorformsofmediaandnewgenres, plus Medical Center Campus fixtures such as grates, street lights, seating, and other designenhancements. Several sites have been identified as potential locations for permanent public artworksincludingmajor commissions of outdoor sculpture. Themain pedestrian plaza area in the center of theMedical Center Campus can also be utilized for temporary installations and performances. Figure4.A‐7,PublicArtPlan,below,illustratesthepotentiallocationsforinstallationsofpublicart.

(2) Project Design Features

TheMasterPlanProjectdoesnot includeanyspecificProjectDesignFeatures (PDFs) thatwouldapply toaestheticsandvisualresources.

d. Project Impacts


ThresholdAES‐1:WouldtheProjectsubstantiallydegradetheexistingvisualcharacterorqualityofthesiteanditssurroundingsbecauseofheight,bulk,pattern,scale,character,orotherfeatures?

ImpactStatementAES‐1:TheMasterPlanProjectwouldgenerateadversevisualcharacterimpactsresultingfrom construction and landscaping activities, as well as off‐site infrastructure improvements.Constructionwouldoccurinspecifiedphasesthatwouldbetemporaryinnatureandnotencompassthesiteatanyonetime,constructionisnotconsideredtosubstantiallydegradetheexistingvisualcharacterofthesiteandsurroundingarea.Duringoperation,thevisualcharacteroftheMedicalCenterCampuswouldbeenhancedbyhighqualityarchitectureandlandscaping,includinglandscapingimprovementsalong the public sidewalks. The Projectwould also be consistentwith aesthetic policies of the LosAngelesCountyGeneralPlan. Becauseof improvements in thepublicrealmandconsistencywith theGeneralPlan,operation isnotconsideredtosubstantiallydegradetheexistingvisualcharacterofthesiteandsurroundingarea.Therefore,impactsrelatedtovisualcharacterwouldbelessthansignificant.

(a) Construction

Constructionactivities,whichwouldentailthedemolitionoftheexistingbuildings,surfaceparkinglots,andsidewalks,would give anunfinished or disturbed appearance to areaswithin theMedical Center Campussubjecttotheseactivities.Demolitionwouldinvolveclearanceofexistingvegetation,haulingofdebris,andgrading of the development sites. Excavationwould be required for some building foundations. Duringbuildingconstruction,theuseofcraneswouldberequiredfortheconstructionoftheProject’smulti‐story

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FIGURESalvaged and Relocated Trees

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Master Plan 4.A-6Source: Perkins+Will, 2012.

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Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Master Plan 4.A-7Source: Perkins+Will, 2012.

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components.Theactivitycausedbyexcavators,dumptrucks,andotherhaulinghasthepotentialtoimpactthevisualcharacterofthearea.Demolitionandconstructionactivities,however,wouldoccurwithindefinedareasoftheMedicalCenterCampusandwouldbegenerallyshieldedbyexistingwalls,buildings,peripherallandscaping,andotherfeatures.

Constructionwouldalsoinvolveconstructionofnewsidewalks,curbs,andanynewutilitylineconnectionsinthestreetrights‐of‐way,andplantingof formal landscapingalongCarsonStreet,VermontAvenue,220thStreet,andNormandieAvenue.UtilitypoleswithintheMedicalCenterCampuswouldberemovedandnewlines would be located underground. Where construction projects would occur along the edges of theMedical Center Campus and result in the removal of landscaping and other amenities during specificconstructionphases,theseareaswouldhaveanunfinishedappearance.BecauseofproximitytotheMedicalCenter Campus, residents along 220th Streetwould be themost visually affected by construction activity,particularlyconstructionwithinthesouthsectoroftheMedicalCenterCampus.ConstructionprojectsinthesouthportionoftheMedicalCenterCampus,includingtheconstructionoftheStaffParkingStructure,theLABioMedCampusbuildings,andtheNewCentralPlantwouldhavethegreatestvisualeffectontheadjacentresidential neighborhood to the south. Installation of new sidewalks and peripheral landscaping, whichwouldtakeplacefromapproximatelylate2021andmid‐2024(duringPhase6),wouldbethemostvisiblefromadjacentstreetsandsurroundingusesandwouldhavethegreatesteffectontheoverallsurroundingstreetsandneighborhoods.

Construction activitieswouldoccurover the courseof several years andwithin specific areasof thehalf‐mile‐longMedical Center Campus, aswell as in limited off‐site areas related to infrastructure and utilityimprovementsnecessarytoservetheMasterPlanProject.Assuch,visualcharacterimpactsexperiencedatanysingleviewing location, forbothon‐siteandoff‐siteconstructionactivities,wouldbe intermittentandtemporary. Because adversevisual effectswouldbe temporaryandwouldbe confined toportionsof theMedicalCenterCampusordistinctoff‐siteareasatanyonetime,sucheffectswouldnotbeexperiencedbynearbyviewerscontinuallyduringthebuildoutoftheMasterPlanProject,andfurther,becauseconstructionactivitieswouldnotbedissimilartobuildingprojectsthathaveoccurredwithintheMedicalCenterCampusinrecentyears (i.e., theSurgeryandEmergencyRoomReplacementProject),visual impactswouldnotbeconsidered to substantially alter, degrade, or eliminate the visual character of the area. Therefore,constructionactivitieswouldhavealessthansignificanteffectwithrespecttovisualcharacter.

The effects of demolition on on‐site historical buildings are discussed in Chapter 6.0, Other CEQAConsiderations, of this Draft EIR. As discussed therein and in the Initial Study prepared for this Project(providedinAppendixA),Projectimpactsonhistoricresourceswouldbelessthansignificant.Assuch,thisconstructionactivitywouldnotadverselyaffectthevisualcharacteroftheHarbor‐UCLACampus.

(b) Project Operation

The development of theMaster Plan Projectwould substantially alter the existing visual character of theMedical Center Campus. The Master Plan Project would result in denser and taller development thancurrently exists on theMedical Center Campus. The area as awhole,which is locatedwithin theHarborFreeway/CarsonStationTOD,isundergoingatransitiontogreaterurbanization.Thisischaracterizedbytherecentdevelopmentofhigherdensitymulti‐familyresidentialuses immediatelytothewestof theMedicalCenter Campus and the construction of the Carson Street/Normandie Avenue Mall to the north of theMedical Center Campus. The Medical Center Campus, itself, has been developed, including the prior



construction of the eight‐story Existing Hospital Tower, othermedical uses, and surface parking lots, forseveraldecades. ThetransitionoftheMedicalCenterCampustogreaterdensificationwouldbeconsistentwith growth trends and buildout in the surrounding area. In addition, theMaster Plan Projectwould becontainedwithintheexistingMedicalCenterCampus,asidefromtemporaryoff‐siteimprovements,asnotedabove,andwouldnotdirectlyadjoinanyotherexistingneighborhoodorcommunityuses.

NewbuildingsundertheMasterPlanProjectwouldberequiredtoimplementtheHarbor‐UCLAMasterPlanDesign Guidelines, in which individual buildings must complement each other and the character ofsurroundingspaces,streets,andwalks;maintainviewcorridors,bothtoandfrombuildings;andalignaxes,cornerlinesandfeaturesofneighboringbuildingsandspaces.UndertheDesignGuidelines,overallheights,massing, styles, and materials of neighboring buildings within the Medical Center Campus must becompatible.Viewsofserviceareasandmechanicalequipmentlocatedbothongradeandonbuildingroofsmustbescreened. With the implementationof theDesignGuidelines, themassingofbuildingswithin thesitewouldcreateavisuallypleasantskylineeffect(cluster)thatwouldcontributetothevisualcharacterofthecommunity.

The existing pedestrian experience along Carson Street, Vermont Avenue, Normandie Avenue, and 220thStreet would be improved by landscaping and streetscape, including the installation of canopy trees,provision of a landscaped parkway between the sidewalk and Carson Street, the removal of chain linkfencing and walls along Vermont and Normandie Avenues and 220th Street, and other improvements invisualcharacterandsafetyalong220thStreet.ThesenewstreetscapecomponentswereillustratedinFigure4.A‐5,PerimeterStreetscape,above. Undertherecommendedstreetscapeprogram,perimetertreeswouldbecenteredinahedgedparkwaywithasecondhedgeatthebackofwalk. Thelowhedgeintheparkwayalong Carson Street would buffer vehicle traffic to further improve pedestrian comfort. At present, nosidewalktreesarepresentalongthefourstreetfrontages.

The Medical Center Campus currently features many high‐quality tree specimens that contribute to thevisualcharacterofthearea.Figure4.A‐6,above,illustrateson‐sitetreesthatwouldberelocatedtoallowfordevelopment.AsshowninFigure4.A‐6,relocatedtreeswouldbeprimarilyreplantedinthewesternsectoroftheMedicalCenterCampus. Also,asshownintheLandscapeMasterPlan,Figure2‐10inChapter2.0ofthisDraftEIR,thewesternsectorandsouthwestedgeoftheMedicalCenterCampuswouldbemorelushlylandscaped than under existing conditions, even when accounting for the potential development ofBioscienceTechParkuseswithin thisarea. The improvements inperimeter landscapingand locationsofgardensinthewesternportionoftheMedicalCenterCampus,wherenotdisplacedindistinct locationsbyfuture Bioscience Tech Park improvements, would improve the visual character of the Medical CenterCampusasexperiencedbyadjacentresidentialneighborhoodstothesouthandwest.

Sidewalkand landscape improvementsalongCarsonStreetwouldalsoenhance thepedestrianexperiencebetween the transit station and multi‐family residential uses to the west and, thus, promote greaterpedestrianactivity.LowerhedgesalongtheMedicalCenterCampusperipherywouldprovidevisibilityintotheMedicalCenterCampus’gardens,specimentrees,andnew,high‐qualityarchitecture.GardensandotheropenspaceareaswithintheMedicalCenterCampuswouldprovideforpublicaccess.Theremovalofsurfaceparking facingCarsonStreetwouldalsoenhance thevisual characterof theMedicalCenterCampus. TheMasterPlanProject’spublicartprogram,muchofwhichwouldnearandvisiblefromCarsonStreetfrontagewouldalsoprovideanaestheticbenefittopedestriansandsitevisitors.



Overall, the Master Plan Project would create a more aesthetic public environment than under existingconditions.Becauseitwouldintroduceelementsthatwouldenhancethepublicinterfacealongalladjacentstreets,aswellaspublicaccesstogardens,publicart,andotherbenefits,andmaintainahigharchitecturalstandard,theMasterPlanProjectisnotconsideredtosubstantiallydegradethevisualcharacteroftheSiteor its surroundings because of height, bulk, pattern, scale, character, and other features. Impacts withrespecttovisualcharacterwouldbelessthansignificant.

(c) Policy Consistency

(i) County of Los Angeles General Plan

Table4.A‐1,ComparisonoftheProjecttoApplicableAestheticPoliciesoftheLosAngelesCountyGeneralPlan,compares the Project to applicable implementation policies contained in the Land Use Element of theGeneralPlan. AsshowninTable4.A‐1,theMasterPlanProjectwouldbesubstantiallyconsistentwiththegoalsoftheGeneralPlanrelatedtoaestheticvalues.BecausetheProjectwoulddensifydevelopmentwithinanexistingdevelopedsiteandarea,itwouldbeconsistentwithGeneralPlanGeneralPlanPolicyLU10.3toconsiderthesurroundingurbanenvironmentanditsownexistingandproposedbuiltenvironmentthroughthe implementation of the Master Plan Design Guidelines, which require that individual buildings becompatible with each other in relation to massing, materials, design, building orientation, detailing, andother features. TheMasterPlanProjectwouldbe consistentwithPolicyLU10.5 to encourage theuseofdistinctive landscaping, signage and other features to define the unique character of the area andwouldencouragepedestrianactivitybyorienting themainentrance toCarsonStreet, incorporatinganextensivelandscapingprogram,includingstreettreesandlowhedgesalongpublicsidewalks,andprovidinggardensandwalkwaysforpublicaccess.TheProjectwouldbeconsistentwithPolicyLU10.8topromotepublicartbyprovidingforpublicartinstallationsthroughouttheMedicalCenterCampusalongpathways,ingardens,andatbuildingentrancesand interiors toenhance the community contextof theMedicalCenterCampus.TheProjectwouldalsobeconsistentwithPolicyLU10.10topromotearchitecturallydistinctivebuildingsand focalpoints inanareaservedby theHarborFreeway/CarsonTransitStationTOD(WestCarsonTODSpecific Plan). Because of improvements in the public realm and consistency with the General Plan,operationoftheMasterPlanProjectisnotconsideredtosubstantiallydegradetheexistingvisualcharacterofthesiteandsurroundingarea.

Table 4.A‐1

Consistency of the Project with Applicable Aesthetics Policies of the Los Angeles General Plan

Policy Evaluation of Consistency

GoalLU3:Adevelopmentpatternthatdiscouragessprawlandprotectsandconservesgreenfieldareas,naturalresources,andSEAs.

Consistent: The Master Plan Project would densifydevelopment within an existing developed site. Theconcentration of uses within an area that is alreadyurbanizedwouldreducepressuretoextendurbanusestonaturalorotheropenareas.

PolicyLU9.3:Considerthebuiltenvironmentofthesurroundingareainthedesignandscaleofneworremodeledbuildings,architecturalstyles,andreflectappropriatefeaturessuchasmassing,materials,color,

Consistent: The built environment surrounding theMedicalCenterCampusiscurrentlyurbanizedandlocatedwithin the Harbor Freeway/Carson Station TOD.Densificationoftheareaisevidentinrecentlyconstructedretailmalls andmulti‐family housing in proximity to the


Table 4.A‐1 (Continued)




detailingorornament. Medical Center Campus. Because the Medical CenterCampus is already developed and contains a high‐riseelement (existing eight‐story Hospital Tower), and islocated within an existing urbanized area, it would beconsistentwiththecharacteroftheexisting,surroundingbuilt environment. The Medical Center Campus is anapproximately one‐half‐mile‐long block, abutting threemajor roadways (Carson Street, and Normandie andVermont Avenues) and is self‐contained with respect tobuilding design and interface with on‐site structures.Under the Master Plan Design Guidelines, individualbuildingsmustbecompatiblewitheachother inrelationto massing, materials, design, building orientation,detailing,andotherfeatures.

PolicyLU9.5:Encouragetheuseofdistinctivelandscaping,signageandotherfeaturestodefinetheuniquecharacterofdistricts,neighborhoodsorcommunities,andengendercommunityidentity,prideandcommunityinteraction.

Consistent:TheMasterPlanProjectwouldimplementanextensive landscapingandpublicartprogramthatwouldprovide for public access, which would encouragecommunity interaction. The Project’s architecturalguidelines, which would result in high‐quality buildingdesign,andrecommendedimprovements,suchascanopytrees along public sidewalks, distinguished plantings atthe primary gateways, removal of street‐facing surfaceparking lots, andother featureswould furtherdefine theuniquecharacterofthesite.

PolicyLU9.6:Encouragepedestrianactivitythroughthefollowing:

Designingthemainentranceofbuildingstofrontthestreet;

Incorporatinglandscapingfeatures;

Limitingmasonrywallsandparkinglotsalongcommercialcorridorsandotherpublicspaces;

Incorporatingstreetfurniture,signage,andpubliceventsandactivities;and

Usingwayfindingstrategiestohighlightcommunitypointsofinterest.

Consistent:

The main visitor entrance to the Medical CenterCampus would be located on Carson Street, amajor highway serving the HarborFreeway/Carson transit station (approximately0.25‐miletotheeast).CarsonStreet,whichwouldprovide primary vehicle access to the MedicalCenter Campus would also serve as the primarypedestrianroute.

TheMasterPlanProjectincorporatesanextensivelandscaping program, including street trees andlow hedges along public sidewalks. Gardens andwalkways within the Medical Center Campuswouldallowforpublicaccess.

All existing masonry walls along public streets,includingmasonrywallsalongNormandieAvenuewouldbe removedandreplacedwithstreet treesandlowhedges.

Garden areas within the Medical Center Campuswouldaccommodateand,inpart,areintendedforpubliceventsandactivities.

Thedesignof themainvisitorentrancewouldbedistinguishedbydistinctivetrees,lighting,art,andotherfeaturestoenhancewayfindingandtocreate

August 2016 A. Aesthetics

Table 4.A‐1(Continued)




apointofinterest.

PolicyLU9.8:Promotepublicartandculturalamenitiesthatsupportcommunityvaluesandenhancecommunitycontext.

Consistent: TheMaster Plan Project would provide forpublic art installations throughout the Medical CenterCampus along pathways, in gardens, and at buildingentrancesandinteriorstoenhancethecommunitycontextoftheMedicalCenterCampus.

PolicyLU9.10:Promotearchitecturallydistinctivebuildingsandfocalpointsatprominentlocations,suchasmajorcommercialintersectionsandneartransitstationsoropenspaces.

Consistent: The implementation of the Master PlanDesign Guidelines would provide for high architecturalquality and compatibility between the new buildings, inwhich the New Hospital Tower would be the MedicalCenter Campus’ focal point. The compatibility betweenbuildings would create a visually distinctive cluster thatwould be visible from Harbor Freeway/Carson transitstation,approximately¼miletotheeast.

Source: PCR Services Corporation, 2016.

(ii) County of Los Angeles Code

TheLACCcontainsregulationsregardingvisualcharacter, signregulations, landscapedesign,and lighting.Table 4.A‐2, Comparison of the Project to Applicable Aesthetic Policies of the Los Angeles County Code,compares the Project to applicable policies. As shown in Table 4.A‐2, the Project would comply withapplicable regulationsrelated tosigns, landscaping,anddisplay lighting. Because theProjectwouldbe incompliancewith applicable aesthetic requirements of the LACC, visual character impacts related to LACCrequirementswouldbelessthansignificant.

(2) Views

ThresholdAES‐2: Would theProject substantiallyobstructoralteranexisting, recognizedvaluedpublicvieworscenicvista?

ImpactStatementAES‐2:TheMasterPlanProjectwouldnotsubstantiallyobstructfocalorpanoramicviewsacross theMedicalCenterCampusorsubstantiallyalteranexistingrecognizedscenicvistaorvaluedpubliclyavailableviewasaresultofviewobstruction. TheProject’s tallestbuildingwouldbevisiblefrom220thStreet.However,thedeepsetbackofmorethan200feetfromthenearestbuildingcornertothestreet,thenorthwestorientationofthebuilding,andnewperimeterstreetscapealong220thStreetwould reduce the visual effect to a less than significant level. Impacts related to views and viewresourceswouldbelessthansignificant.



View resources in the region include long‐distance views of the Los Angeles Basin from the San GabrielMountains,andSantaMonicaMountains,andPalosVerdesHills.Viewsofdistantmountainsandhillsfromsomestreetcorridorsintheareawouldalsobeconsideredviewresources.Othercommonviewresourcesinthe Los Angeles Basin, such as views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline, or high‐rise clusters inWestwood or Santa Monica are generally too far from the Project vicinity to constitute view resources.Becauseoftheflatterraininthelocalarea,viewsofaestheticresources,suchasthePacificOcean,arenotavailable. Also because of the area’s relatively flat topography, other view locations, such as the nearest

Table 4.A‐2

Comparison of the Project to Applicable Aesthetic Policies of the Los Angeles County Code

Policy Analysis of Consistency

Title26.‐SignRegulations:Section6502.2.AbuildingpermitisrequiredforeverysignandsignstructureregulatedundertheLACC.Wheresignsareilluminatedbyelectricity,aseparateelectricalpermitshallbeobtainedasrequiredbytheElectricalCode,Title27oftheLosAngelesCountyCode.

Consistent: TheMasterPlanProjectwouldincreasewayfindingsigns and other potential signage. Any sign programwould bewould be submitted for approval to the Department of PublicWorks for compliance with Section 6502.2. Permits would beobtained for signs and electrical permits for lighting inaccordancewiththeCode.

Section6502.7:Nosignshallbeerectedthatwouldinterferewith,misleadorconfusetraffic.

Consistent: All signswouldbe reviewedby theDepartment ofPublic Works to ensure that signs would not interfere with,mislead,orconfusetraffic.

Section6502.10.Signsandsignstructuresshallbemaintainedatalltimesinastateofgoodrepairandbeabletowithstandwindpressure.

Consistent:ThedevelopmentmustabidebyCountybuildingandmaintenancecodes,includingmaintenanceoffacilitiesandsigns.Theenforcementof this code requirementby theCountywouldensurethatsignswouldbemaintainedinastateofgoodrepair.

Title31.GreenCodeSection4.106.5.Aprojectshallnotprovidemorethan25percentturfwithinthetotallandscapedarea;non‐invasivedrought‐tolerantplantandtreespeciesappropriatefortheclimatezoneshallbeutilizedinatleast75percentofthetotallandscapedarea;andhydrozoningirrigationtechniquesshallbeincorporatedintothelandscapedesign.Title31alsorequiresenergyefficiency,whichappliestothedesignofinteriorandexteriorlightingfixtures.

Consistent: The Master Plan Project would reduce turfcompared to existing conditions. As illustrated in Figure 2‐10,Landscape Master Plan, in Chapter 2.0 of this Draft EIR, turfwouldcomprisea smallportionof total landscaping. Under theLandscapeMasterPlan,threeacresofexistingturfareaswouldbeconvertedtolowwateruseplants.TheMasterPlanProjectmustalsoabidebyTitle31energyefficiencyrequirementsenforcedbythe Los Angeles County Department of Public Works for allbuilding designs and enforced by the County Department ofHealth Services for ongoing operation. County policy requiresLEED Silver‐level certification or the equivalent, larger projects,including green practices for landscaped areas. Respectively,hydrozoning irrigation techniques and stormwater treatmentwouldbeintegratedintotheproposeddevelopment.

Title12.EnvironmentalProtection Section12.40.040.Inanelectricalpowershortageemergency,nodisplaylighting,includinglandscapingortheoutsideofabuildingshallbepermitted.

Consistent:TheProjectwouldabidebyCountyrequirementstocease landscaping and building lighting during an electricalpowershortage,asenforcedbytheCountyDepartmentofPublicWorks and/or Department of Health Services, as appropriate.Non‐essential lighting will be shut off, but the emergencyentrancesignandessentialbuildinglightingwillremainon.

Source: PCR Services Corporation, 2016.



publicparktotheMedicalCenterCampus,donothaveviewsof,oracross,theMedicalCenterCampus.Theonly public park within a one mile radius of the Medical Center Campus is the Normandale RecreationCenter, located approximately 0.33 mile to the southwest. Therefore, no panoramic views of scenicresourcesareavailableacrosstheexistingMedicalCenterCampusfromsurroundingstreetsandparks.

The Medical Center Campus is, however, visible from the Carson Street overcrossing over the HarborFreewayandadjacentstreets, includingCarsonStreet,NormandieandVermontAvenues,and220thStreet.TheHarborFreewayisrecessedintheProjectareaandprovidesnoviewsoftheMedicalCenterCampus.

Other than original and newer buildings and existing landscaping associated with the Medical CenterCampus,thelocalareaisnotdistinguishedbyhistoricalorarchitecturallynotablebuildingsornaturalareas,focalviewsofwhichwouldbeconsideredvisualresources.

The new buildings of theMaster Plan Project would beminimally visible in panoramic views of the LosAngelesBasinand,assuch,wouldnotcauseanyadversevieweffects.However,developmentoftheProjecthas thepotential to affect existingviewsof theMedicalCenterCampus fromadjacentpublic streets. Theviews of the Medical Center Campus from Carson Street would be improved by new, high qualityconstruction, removalofhedgingand fencingmaterials and surfaceparking lots facingCarsonStreet, andinstallationofevergreen/semi‐evergreentreesalongtheMedicalCenterCampusperipherythatallowviewsintotheProject’sgardens,paths,buildingsandpublicart.ViewsfromCarsonStreetwouldalsobeupgradedby the streetscape program, shown in Figure 4.A‐10, Perimeter Streetscape, above. The recommendedstreetscapeincludestreeswithinaparkwaybetweenthesidewalkandthestreetandalongtheedgeoftheMedical Center Campus. Views of the main entrance areas would be upgraded by the recommendedlandscape program,which suggests tall palm trees to establish a clear visual gatewaywith the floweringcanopytreestoprovideapedestrianscale.

ViewsoftheMedicalCenterCampusfromNormandieAvenueand220thStreetwouldbeimprovedwiththeinstallationofperimeterlandscaping,developmentoflushergardensandlandscapinginthewestandsouthedgesoftheMedicalCenterCampusandremovalofwallsandchainlinkfencing.Theperimetertreeswouldbe spaced to allow views into the garden areas of the Medical Center Campus. The construction of theMasterPlanProject’stallestcomponentintheeasternsectoroftheMedicalCenterCampuswouldbemorevisiblefrom220thStreetbecauseofproximity.Althoughvisible,thenewbuildingwouldnotblockviewsofanyscenicvistasacrosstheMedicalCenterCampus. Also,perimeter landscapingintheforeground(alongthesidewalkandsouthedgeoftheMedicalCenterCampus),incombinationwiththebuilding’sdeepsetbackofmore than200 feet from220th Street at its closest point and thenorthwest orientationof the buildingwouldsoftenthecharacteroftheview. Assuch,theeffectoftheviewoftheMedicalCenterCampusfrom220thStreetwouldbelessthansignificant.

AlongtheVermontAvenuefrontageseveraltreeswouldberemovedtoallowforconstructionofaparkingstructureinthecurrentlocationofParkingLotA.Manyofthesetreeswouldberelocated,asshownaboveinFigure 4.A‐6, Salvaged and Relocated Trees. The existing A.F. Parlow Library and the Existing HospitalTower, which impart an attractive aspect to the Vermont Avenue frontage, would remain. With theimplementationofthePerimeterStreetscapePlan,whichrecommendsdoublerowsoftreesontheinsideofasidewalkandathirdrowoftreesintheparkwaybetweenthesidewalkandtheroadway;theremovalof



theexistingwallandchainlinkfencing;andtheremovaloftheexistingsurfaceparkinglotwouldupgradetheexistingviewsoftheMedicalCenterCampusfromthisstreet.

Under existing conditions, no recognized valued publicly available views or scenic vistas are currentlyevidentacross theMedicalCenterCampusand,as such, theMasterPlanProjectwouldnotblockviewsofexisting scenic resources. In addition, the Project would upgrade overall views of the Medical CenterCampus,whileprovidingfordeeperviewsintotheproposedgardenareas.Therefore,theProjectwouldnotsubstantiallyobstructoralteranexisting,recognizedvaluedpublicvieworscenicvista,andimpactsrelatedtoviewswouldbelessthansignificant.

(3) Light and Glare

Threshold AES‐3: Would the Project create a new source of substantial light, or glare which wouldadverselyaffectdayornighttimeviewsinthearea?

ImpactStatementAES‐3: New light sourcesassociatedprimarilywithanynew entrance/wayfinding signs,lightspillfromtallerbuildings,landscapelighting,andsecuritylighting.Alllightsourceswouldbelow‐levelanddirecteddownwardtomaintainambientandpointsourcelightingconsistentwiththeon‐sitehospital use.As such, theMasterPlanProjectwould not substantially alter the character of off‐siteareas surrounding theMedical Center Campus or result in substantial light spill and/or glare ontoadjacentlight‐sensitiveresidentialuses.TheHarbor‐UCLAMasterPlanDesignGuidelineswouldrequirethat buildings be compatiblewith the style,materials, andmassing of other Project buildings, thefunctionofwhicharetoserveasamedicalcampus.Itisnotanticipatedthatexpansesofreflectiveglassandmetalswouldbe implemented inbuildingdesign. As such, theProjectwouldnot causeadverseglareimpacts. Therefore,potentialimpactsassociatedwithnighttimeilluminationand/orglarefromreflectedsunlightwouldbelessthansignificant.

(a) Construction

Lighting needed during Project construction would generate minor light spillover in the vicinity of theMedical Center Campus including residential uses to the south, east, and west. However, constructionactivitieswouldoccurprimarilyduringdaylighthoursandanyconstruction‐related illuminationwouldbeused for safety and security purposes only. Construction lighting would take place in specific locationswithintheapproximately72‐acresiteandwouldnotbeexperiencedbyanysensitive,off‐sitereceptorsforalong duration. Any construction lighting would limited and directed onto specific locations withinconstructionsitestoavoidimpactingon‐sitemedicalpatients.Similarly,withregardtooff‐siteconstructionactivities that may be necessary to address infrastructure improvements, such activities would betemporary,wouldonlyoccurinonegivenlocationforalimitedtime,andwouldoccurduringdaylighthours.Because artificial light associated with construction activities would be limited to security lighting andspecific construction tasks, it would not be expected to cause any significant off‐site spillage or glare,particularly in the contextof thehighlyurbanizednatureof the surroundingareaandassociatedexistinglightsources. Assuch,construction lightingwouldnotadversely impactoff‐sitesensitivereceptors. Suchlightingwouldnotsubstantiallyalterthecharacterofoff‐siteareassurroundingtheMedicalCenterCampus.Therefore,artificiallightimpactsassociatedwithconstructionwouldbelessthansignificant. Constructionactivitiesarenotanticipatedtoresultinflat,shinysurfacesthatwouldreflectsunlightorcauseothernaturalglare.Assuch,constructionglareimpactswouldbeconsideredlessthansignificant.



(b) Operation

(i) Artificial Light

Light‐sensitivelandusesintheareaincluderesidentialusestothewestofNormandieAvenue,totheeastofVermont Avenue, and to the south of 220th Street. The Project has the potential to introduce new pointsource lighting, including architectural lighting, security and way‐finding lights, landscape lighting, andvisible interior light emanating from thewindows of the Project’s newmulti‐story buildings. EmergencyservicelocationswouldbeinteriortotheMedicalCenterCampusandshieldedbyinterveningbuildingsandlandscaping from adjacent residential neighborhoods. Any illuminated identification orwayfinding signswouldbelocatedonCarsonStreetnearthemainentryareasandwouldnotbevisiblefromtheresidentialneighborhoods. Thesesignsarenotexpectedtobeasbrightasexistingcommercialsignsthatare locatedalong Carson Street, at the northeast corner of Normandie Avenue and Carson Street; at the northeast,northwest, and southeast corners of Carson Street and Vermont Avenue (the Project is located at thesouthwestcornerofCarsonStreetandVermontAvenue);andalongtheeastsideofVermontAvenuetothesouthofCarsonStreet.

Securitylightingandlandscapelightingwouldbelocatedatgroundlevel, low‐level,andgenerallyshieldedfromadjacentusesbylandscaping.Lightingwouldbedirecteddownwardtoavoidglareaton‐siteoccupiedhospital rooms and to maintain a calm ambience for on‐site visitors and employees. Landscaping androoftop garden lighting would be low‐level consistent with the proposed hospital use. Any illuminationassociated with rooftop gardens, illustrated in Figure 4.A‐3 above, would be located in the center of theMedicalCenterCampusandshieldedfromoff‐siteresidentialareasbyinterveningbuildings.LightspillagefromtheProject’smulti‐storycomponentswouldnotbedissimilarfromexistingconditionsandwouldnotbedisruptiveofoff‐siteresidentialuses,thenearestofwhichwouldbemorethan200feettothesouthoftheNewHospitalTower.

TheProjectwouldcontainnosignage,floodlighting,orotherstrongpointsourcelightingonthesouthsideof the building interfacing residential uses to the south of 220th Street. The Project’s lightingwould notsignificantlyintensifyambientorpointsourcelightingthatcurrentlyoccursduringtheeveninghoursalong220thStreet

Theremovalofsurfaceparkinglots,includingParkingLotA,whichisvisiblefromresidentialusestotheeastandthesurfaceparkinglotinthesouthwestcorneroftheMedicalCenterCampus,whichisvisibletousesatthesouthsideof220thStreet,wouldreducevehicle lightsourcesandsecurity lightscurrentlyvisiblefromtheseresidentialareas.Directheadlightglarefromvehiclesleavingthenewparkingstructureswouldnotbevisible from residential neighborhoods or adjacent residential uses. Therefore, the Project’s new lightingsources are not expected to substantially increase ambient light or cause light spill onto adjacent light‐sensitivereceptors.TheMasterPlanProjectwouldnotsubstantiallyalterthecharacteroftheoff‐siteareassurrounding the Medical Center Campus and artificial lighting impacts would be considered less thansignificant.

(ii) Glare

Daytime glare can result from sunlight reflecting from a shiny surface that would interfere with theperformanceofanoff‐siteactivity,suchas theoperationofamotorvehicleorcauseglareatnearbyuses.Sun reflection occurswhen the sun is behind the viewer and reflected back. The proposed development



(new buildings) would be visible from Carson Street, 220th Street, and Vermont Avenue and, to a lesserdegree,fromNormandieAvenue(duetolower‐scaledevelopmentinthisareawhichwouldgenerallybeupto two stories in height, included future Bioscience Tech Park uses). During themorning and afternoonhours,thesunwouldbelocatedbehinddriversandpedestriansonCarsonStreetand220thStreetandfromnorthbounddriversonVermontAvenueandcouldreflectoffthefaçadesofthemulti‐storybuildings. ThebuildingswouldnotbevisiblefromthenorthboundorsouthboundHarborFreeway.Reflectivesurfacescanbe associatedwithwindow glass and polished surfaces, such asmetallic or glass curtainwalls and trim.Glarecanalsooccurbetweenneighboringbuildingswhenexpansesofglassandmetalsareusedforbuildingsheathing. Under the Master Plan Design Guidelines, building materials, massing, and styles must beconsistent with neighboring buildings, including the Existing Hospital Tower, and to complement thecharacter of the surrounding Medical Center Campus buildings. Buildings using expanses of metals andreflectiveglasswouldnotmeetthesecriteria,norwouldsuchmaterialsbeconsistentwiththeoveralluseoftheProjectSiteasamedicalcampus.Assuch,itisnotanticipatedthattheProjectwouldgenerateglarefromreflectedsunlightthatwouldalterthecharacteroftheoff‐siteareassurroundingtheMedicalCenterCampus.Therefore,glareimpactswouldbeconsideredlessthansignificant.

e. Cumulative Impacts

Table3‐1,RelatedProjectsList, inChapter3.0,GeneralDescriptionofEnvironmentalSetting,of thisDraftEIR identifies related projects that are planned or are under construction in the Project study area. Therelatedprojectsreflectinfilldevelopmentwithinthelarger,builtoutcommunity.Assuchtheycontributetoa variety of local settings with varied aesthetic characteristics. The majority of the related projects arelocatedindifferentviewshedsfromtheMasterPlanProjectwhenviewedatthepedestrianlevelwithinthearea’sflatter,urbanareasofHollywood.Fromdistantlocationsathigherelevations,especiallyhillsideareas,therelatedprojectsandproposedProjectwouldbetoominorintheviewfieldtocontributecumulativelytoeffects on the form of the viewshed, including the Los Angeles Basin. The cumulative effects of relatedprojectswiththeProjectarediscussedbelowforeachoftheaestheticcategoriesaddressedabove.


Theanalysisofvisualcharacteraddresses the impactofdevelopmenton theappearanceofnewbuildingsand their relationship to changes in the nearby settings in which they are located. Because of the flattopography of the area, related projects that would be visible in the same view field or along a similarroadway, would in combination with the project have the greatest effect on cumulative visual characterimpacts. AsshowninFigure3‐1 inChapter3.0of thisDraftEIR,norelatedprojectsare inthe immediatevicinity of the Medical Center Campus. The nearest related project along the Carson Street frontage isRelatedProjectNo.7,whichconsistsof152apartmentunitsandretailmixeduseat616EastCarsonStreet.Thisprojectislocatedapproximately0.7miletotheeast,eastoftheHarborFreeway.Aswithmanyrelatedprojects listed in Table 3‐1, Related ProjectNo. 7 is a residentialmixed use thatwould contribute to theurbanized landscape already exemplified bymulti‐family residential uses and retail centers along CarsonStreetandothermajorthoroughfaresinthearea. ThelargestoftherelatedprojectsisRelatedProjectNo.15, the CarsonMarketplace,which comprises regional and neighborhood retail, 1,550 residential units, a300‐room hotel, restaurants, and commercial recreational uses. This related project is locatedapproximatelytwomilestothenortheastoftheProjectSiteinthevicinityofDelAmoBoulevard.Althoughthe scale of the CarsonMarketplace in combinationwith the Project would be the largest component inchanging the visual character of the region, because of the distance of the Carson Marketplace from theProject,itwouldnotoccurwithinthesameviewfieldoralongthesamestreetfrontageand,thus,wouldnot



cumulativelycontributetoastrongchangeinthevisualcharacterasexperiencedbyresidentsorvisitorstothe area. Because relatedprojects in combinationwith theProjectwouldnotdegrade the existing visualcharacter or quality of the site and its surroundings, visual character impactswould not be cumulativelysignificant.

(2) Views

AsdiscussedaboveandillustratedinFigure3‐1,relatedprojectsdonotliewithinthesameviewfieldastheProjectand,therefore,wouldnotcumulativecontributetoanyviewblockages.Also,becauseofthebuilt‐outcharacter of the region and the flat topography, public views of broad vistas are generally unavailable.Becauserelatedprojects,incombinationwiththeProject,wouldnotobstructoralteranexisting,recognizedvaluedpublicvieworscenicvista,viewimpactswouldnotbecumulativelysignificant.

(3) Light and Glare

TheWestCarsonareaisurbanizedandwithintheproximityoftheHarborFreeway.Theretaildevelopment,includinggasstations,restaurant,andmallsalongmajorstreets,suchasCarsonStreet,generatesarelativelyhighlevelofambientlight.RelatedprojectslistedinTable3‐1,aretypicaloftheresidentialandcommercialdevelopmentthatcurrentlyoccurs intheareaand,assuch,wouldnotcause lightandglare thatwouldbeexcessive or inappropriate for the setting. The combination of related projects and the Project has thepotentialtoincreaseambientlighting.However,becausetheareaisalreadyhighlyurbanized,itwouldnotbeadiscernableincrease.BecausetheProjectincombinationwithrelatedprojectswouldnotcreateanewsourceoflightorglarethatwouldsubstantiallyalterthecharacterofthearea,orresultinsubstantiallightspill/orglare,impactswithrespecttolightandglarewouldnotbecumulativelysignificant.

4. MITIGATION MEASURES

WiththeimplementationoftheMasterPlanProject’sarchitecturalandlandscapedesignsrecommendations,impacts related to aesthetics, including visual character, views, and light and glare, would be less thansignificant and no mitigation measures are required. In addition, no significant impacts with respect tocumulativeimpactsareanticipatedthatwouldrequiremitigation.

5. LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION

Project‐specificandcumulativeimpactsregardingvisualcharacter,views,andlightandglarewouldbelessthansignificant.Therefore,nomitigationmeasureswouldbeimplementedorrequired.



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4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS AESTHETICS