DATE: August 5, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Development Services Department
TITLE: RESOLUTION ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION PREPARED FOR THE NORTH RIVER ROAD AND SLEEPING INDIAN ROAD DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program (MMRP) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15070 and 15097 for the proposed North River Road and Sleeping Indian Road Drainage Improvement Project.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The project consists of the development of drainage improvements at four existing stormwater culverts, located north of the San Luis Rey River along North River Road and Sleeping Indian Road. The existing culverts have been identified as undersized and prone to sedimentation and blockage, resulting in recurring flooding and roadway damage.
The project includes the replacement of these facilities with improved box culverts and storm drain structures to increase hydraulic capacity and improve resiliency. Construction will require trenching, culvert removal, installation of new culverts, and pavement restoration.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15070-15075, the City prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) to evaluate potential environmental impacts.
The Draft IS/MND was circulated for a 30-day public review beginning February 4, 2026, ending March 6, 2026, and extended 10-days through March 16, 2026, at the request of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Two comment letters were received, one from CDFW and one from the San Diego County Archaeological Society.
All comments were reviewed, and responses were prepared. No substantial revisions to the IS/MND were required, and the Final IS/MND incorporates responses to comments and minor clarifications.
The IS/MND found that potential environmental impacts to biological resources, cultural resources, and tribal cultural resources would be less than significant with mitigation. All other areas, such as air quality, greenhouse gases, hydrology, noise, hazards, and transportation, were determined to have less-than-significant impacts through standard regulatory compliance. No significant or unavoidable impacts were identified.
Upon City Council adoption of the MND and MMRP, staff will finalize the project’s Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) and prepare bid documents for construction. Work is anticipated to start in Fall 2026, with culvert replacement activities sequenced to minimize traffic impacts. All mitigation measures will be implemented through the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, ensuring compliance throughout construction and restoration.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the MND.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
Does not apply.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The referenced documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
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Prepared by: Edwin Medina, Associate Engineer
Reviewed by: Brian Thomas, Acting Development Services Director
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Final MND and MMRP
2. City Council Resolution (MND Adoption)