The proposed project site is relatively flat, although a slightly elevated area is located in the Sweetwater District. The surface elevation of the site ranges between approximately five and 25 feet above mean sea level. The Sweetwater District is undeveloped and currently composed primarily of fallow fields. The majority of vegetation is generally ruderal with small areas of disturbed native habitats, including California coastal sage scrub. The Harbor District and Otay District are generally developed and consist of limited areas designated as jurisdictional waters.

Marine and biological resources are abundant in the project area, primarily due to its proximity to San Diego Bay and the estimated 3,940-acre San Diego Bay Natural Wildlife Refuge (SDBNWR) south of the Plan Area. The SDBNWR preserves mudflats, salt marsh, submerged lands, and eelgrass beds that provide a fertile breeding ground for a wide range of species, including many designated threatened and endangered species. The Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, Chula Vista Nature Center, and “F&G” Street Marsh are all components of the larger SDBNWR. The unique ecosystem characteristics of the south San Diego Bay have made the area a resting site on the Pacific Flyway for a wide variety of resident and migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, as well as a fertile breeding ground for a range of aquatic and land species.

The major wetlands and related sensitive habitat areas within the Chula Vista Bayfront area have been acquired by the USFWS and comprise the majority of the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, in addition to the “F&G” Street Marsh. With the preservation of these areas the focus of these regulations is reducing and mitigating impacts on the refuge from new development within the Bayfront in addition to protection of other wetlands within the LCP Planning Area. (Ord. 3352 § 2, 2015; Ord. 3238 § 2 (Exh. B), 2012; Ord. 2532, 1992; Res. 11903, 1985).