Agenda - 10-10-1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4080 represents a greater level of detail in terms of potential impacts of the project and reasonable alternatives to avoid or minimize adverse impacts. The primary purpose of the EIS is to serve as a decision-making tool to make sure that local and state policies are served. The EIS is similar in concept to a detailed Stormwater Management Study or a Traffic Impact Study which may be required under current regulations. An EIS would encompass any other such studies which would be required under other County provisions. Section 6.2 . 1 of the attached ordinance specifies the content and format requirements of the EIS. Unlike the EA, there is no standardized form proposed for an EIS. Cost Planning Staff attempted to estimate what an Environmental Impact Statement would cost the developer. There was no meaningful figure which could be determined because there are so many factors which would affect the type and extent of documentation required. Staff obtained one estimate of $8,000 - $20,000 for a Stormwater Management Study depending on factors such as size, complexity, degree of engineering required, etc. The costs can certainly go substantially higher for very large projects or projects with site features that required a great deal of engineering. It is the intent of Staff to develop, by the next public hearing, cost estimates for a range of sample projects. CONCLUSION Staff will be taking a closer look at the state and local timelines, to identify more specifically how existing processing time lines will be affected by the ordinance and minimize those changes to the extent possible. Another area to be researched is that of document preparation costs. Staff intends to develop costs estimates for a range of sample projects. That information would be presented at the next public hearing. In summary, the Planning Department believes that the EIO will provide a valuable tool for enhancing the quality of development and the quality of life in Orange County. However, the mechanics of implementation need to be further refined and detailed so as to avoid undue costs to the development community. Because there is no other active ordinance of this type in the State, we are not able to draw on the experience of others. The public hearing will provide Staff with valuable information to identify problems and solutions to be incorporated into the next draft.