Related Plans & Programs

Several state and federal plans and programs pertain to the park land, historic resources, and air and water quality issues addressed in this Element. Such plans are administered by agencies or special districts that have been delegated the power to enforce the legislation.

The primary federal law concerned with environmental protection is the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Follow-up legislation includes the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act.

Quimby Act

Section 66477 of the Government Code provides local jurisdictions with the authority to acquire park lands in association with new land divisions. Commonly referred to as the Quimby Act, this provision of state law allows a city, by ordinance, to require the dedication of land, payment of an in-lieu fee, or a combination of both, for park and recreational purposes as a condition on approving a subdivision map. Monterey Park has adopted such an ordinance to require the payment of fees and allow for improvement of its parks.

Los Angeles County Proposition A

In 1992, Los Angeles County voters approved Proposition A, a bond measure which established funds for improving the safety of recreation areas, and for facilitating acquisition, restoration, and preservation of open space resources county-wide. Proposition A identifies specific projects to be pursued and also provides for a competitive grant program whereby public agencies and non-profit organizations can compete for funds for parks and recreation facilities and programs.

California Environmental Quality Act

The State legislature adopted California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in 1970 to ensure that environmental protection received due consideration in the planning and development process. CEQA requires a thorough analysis of potential environmental consequences which could result from a development project or plan that guides future development. CEQA provides a means by which city officials and the public can identify the potential impacts a project will have on a community, and to allow for mitigation or avoidance of such impacts.

Air Quality Management Plan

The federal Clean Air Act requires preparation of plans to improve air quality in any region designated as a non-attainment area. (A non-attainment area is a geographic area identified by the Environmental Protection Agency and/or California Air Resources Board as not meeting state or federal standards for a given pollutant). The plan must outline specific programs and strategies - and timelines - for bringing the area into compliance with national and/or state air quality standards. The Air Quality Management Plan prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, first adopted in 1994 and updated on a three-year cycle, contains policies and measures designed to achieve federal and state standards for healthier air quality in the South Coast Air Basin. Many of the programs address circulation improvements, since fossil-fuel-powered vehicles account for more than 60% of the NOx emissions and 70% of the carbon monoxide emissions within the basin.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

As part of a multi-pronged effort to improve the quality of water resources nationwide, the federal government authorizes the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region to set up programs to implement National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) goals. Under the NPDES Stormwater Permit issued to the county of Los Angeles and Monterey Park, as co-permittees, most new development projects in the city are required to incorporate measures to minimize pollutant levels in storm water runoff. Compliance is required at the time construction permits area issued, as well as over the long term through periodic inspections.

Historical-Heritage Commission

The city recognizes historic resources as an important part of the community. The Monterey Park Municipal Code established a Historical-Heritage Commission in January 1984 with the responsibility of increasing public awareness of Monterey Park's history, maintaining a written history of the city, and acting in an advisory capacity to the City Council on all matters pertaining to the city's history and heritage. Members of the Commission are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the City Council, and carry out a three-year term.

Arts and Cultural Commission

Established in 1972, the city's Arts and Cultural Commission's purpose is to promote arts and cultural activities in Monterey Park.