Public notice for a proposed affordable housing project in a floodplain.

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the County of San Diego (County) ( Responsible Entity (RE) and City of Escondido (City) (RE) under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded by the County under Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) ProjectBased Vouchers [HUD Grant ID: CA108]. Since the early public notice, City of Escondido HOME funds have also been added to the project authorized by Title II of the CranstonGonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) of 1990. [HUD Grant ID M[18]DC060534. The proposed project is located 620 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido, San Diego County and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using 0.2 percent flood approach. The Valley Creek Apartments Project will consist of 100% affordable senior housing for ages 55+ which will also include 12 senior homeless veterans. The new construction development will consist of two buildings, each five stories tall with 136 units. Exterior amenities for the project include common areas for outdoor activities, a bike hub for residents, a fenced dog area and a bike repair station adjacent to Escondido Creek Trail for private and public use. Interior amenities include a community room, offices, and a common laundry facility. The development also includes an onsite daycare facility to provide opportunities for multigenerational engagement between seniors and residents. With the addition of the daycare on the development, the project is classified as a critical action project. The development will provide approximately 67 surface parking spaces. The entire project falls within the 500year floodplain or FFRMS floodplain which is approximately 2.02acres. The project scope and details did not change as a result of the added HOME funds. The information included in the early public notice is current. The County of San Diego has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland: (i) the project site is Countyowned surplus land that was awarded to the developer through a competitive bid process but the proposal was specific to the site to turn into affordable housing. (ii) The County of San Diego suffers from a lack of affordable housing. Specifically, the City of Escondido housing needs are the third highest in the San Diego County region. The developer evaluated alternative levels of density to try to reach the maximum density allowed for the lot but due to the project relying on various forms of public subsidy which are limited in nature, the project resulted in 136units. (iii) The developer will be complying with all Part 55 regulations of building within a FFRMS floodplain. Several mitigation measures will be implemented to ensure the minimization of adverse impacts and preservation of natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain are accomplished. The developer will have lease agreements for new and renewing residents indicating the development is within the FFRMS floodplain. The leasing agreement will highlight ingress and egress route(s) relative to the FFRMS floodplain, emergency notification resources, and property emergency procedures for residents in the event of flooding. The developer will prepare an evacuation plan and provide clear communication and resources for residents. The project will also provide an early warning system for facility occupants related to the daycare. The project will also meet the requirement that the project will be built 3feet above the base flood elevation. An elevation certificate will be completed by the developer prior to construction. The project will incorporate open green spaces and add droughttolerant vegetation and native plant and tree species. The project will also have a modular wetland for onsite stormwater treatment. The County of San Diego has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the County of San Diego at the following address on or before April 30, 2026: County of San Diego, Department of Public Works, Environmental Service Unit, 5510 Overland Avenue, Suite 410, MS0332, San Diego, CA 92123 and 6194159920, Attention: Emily Roberts, Land Use / Environmental Planning Manager. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 7:30AM to 4:30PM at the same address as above. Comments may also be submitted via email at Emily.Roberts@sdcounty.ca.gov Date: April 22, 2026 San Diego UnionTribune Published: 4/22/26