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Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
2
A. SUMMARY INFORMATION
1. Project Title:
City of Saratoga General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
2. Lead Agency Name and Address:
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
3. Contact Person and Phone Number:
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
(408) 868-1241
4. Project Location:
The proposed project would be located in the City of Saratoga, California.
Attachment A, Figure C-5 Existing/Planned Bicycle Facilities shows the proposed changes to the Circula-
tion Element Bike Map and the affected roadways.
5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address:
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
6. General Plan Designation:
Various.
7. Zoning:
Various.
8. Description of Project:
The project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General
Plan, including updates of descriptive information, clarification of existing policies, updates of bicycle
facilities maps to reclassify or remove certain existing bike routes; identifying new bike routes, bike
lanes, and bike trails; and showing future bike routes and conceptual alignments of proposed future bike
trails. The project also includes conforming amendments to the City’s Open Space and Conservation
Element.
The project would not result in any physical changes or construction. The policy changes proposed would
have negligible impact on traffic and may reduce traffic impacts and levels in some cases. Specific
recommendations for updating the Circulation Element are shown in the proposed Circulation Element
included as Attachment A.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
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9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:
The project applies to the entire City of Saratoga, a city with a population of approximately 30,000
located in Santa Clara County. Saratoga, which comprises approximately 12 square miles, is located at the
base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is surrounded by Cupertino and San Jose on the north; Campbell,
Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno on the east; and unincorporated lands of Santa Clara County on the south
and west.
The affected bike routes and bike lanes are generally located on existing roadways. The Class I Off-road
Bike Trail designation paralleling Highway 9/Congress Springs Road and Pierce Road proposed for
designation as a proposed future trail would be located adjacent to existing roadways, and the Class I Off-
road Bike Trail designation on the PG&E right-of-way proposed for designation as a new and proposed
future trail would be located adjacent to a Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. All the routes, lanes, and
trails would connect to bike facilities on roadways throughout the City. See Attachment A, Figure C-5.
Land uses surrounding the bike routes, lanes, and trails consist of low to medium density residential uses
and several commercial centers along the major arterial roadways.
10. Other agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation
agreement): None.
11. List of Attachments:
Attachment A City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
Attachment B City Council Packet dated April 15, 2009
Attachment C Open Space and Conservation Element Trails Map Update
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
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B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Saratoga General Plan Circulation Element (Circulation Element) identifies goals and policies
for travel and transportation and the location of existing and proposed transportation routes and other
local public facilities for transportation within the City. The proposed project updates the document. A
copy of the proposed Circulation Element is provided in Attachment A of this Initial Study. The follow-
ing discussion includes a description of the project site and surrounding land uses and a description of the
proposed project.
1. Overview and Background
In October 2008 the City Council considered proposed amendments to the City’s Circulation and Scenic
Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan concerning Saratoga bikeways. The Council
accepted public testimony and directed staff to consult further with the Pedestrian, Equestrian, and
Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee (“PEBTAC” or “Committee”) to explore alternatives to the proposed
amendments.
The PEBTAC recommended amendments to the Circulation Element, Bicycle Facilities Map. The
Committee’s recommendation is included in Attachment B. The revised Bicycle Facilities Map was
prepared in consultation with the City’s Traffic Engineers, Fehr & Peers. Their assessment of the map is
also included in Attachment B.
In the course of analyzing the proposed amendments, staff determined that other updates to the Circula-
tion Element were appropriate, including updates to technical information, clarification of policies, and
updates to the Bicycle Facilities Map and Trails Map to ensure consistency between the Circulation
Element and the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element (Open Space Element).
This Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) analyzes the potential impacts of updating the City’s
General Plan policies and amending the Bicycle Facilities Map to show changes in bicycle route classifi-
cation and implementing a no parking/no stopping zone on a portion of Saratoga Avenue. Implementa-
tion of bicycle facilities that require future design and construction (i.e., construction of bike trails) will
be subject to further environmental review of project-level impacts under CEQA when specific trail
alignments and designs are proposed.
2. Existing Conditions
The entirety of the Project would be located in Saratoga, a city with a population of approximately 30,000
located in Santa Clara County. Saratoga, which comprises approximately 12 square miles, is located at the
base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is surrounded by Cupertino and San Jose on the north; Campbell,
Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno on the east; and unincorporated lands of Santa Clara County on the south
and west.
The Circulation Element Update primarily includes changes to the bicycle facilities maps to reclassify or
remove certain existing bike routes; identify bike lanes, and bike trails; and to show future bike routes.
The roadways affected by the proposed project include the following:
- Mount Eden Road (General Plan classification - collector road)
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
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- Highway 9/Big Basin Way (General Plan classification - minor arterial road)
- Pierce Road (General Plan classification - collector road)
- Highway 9/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road from Highway 9/Big Basin Way south to the City boundary
(General Plan classification – principal arterial road)
- Miller Avenue between Cox Avenue and Prospect Road (General Plan classification - collector road)
- Roadways along the “Postal Route” including 4th Street, Elva Avenue, Reid Lane, Verde Vista Lane,
Saraview Drive, Surrey Lane, Comer Drive, Arroyo De Arguello, Via Roncole (General Plan classifi-
cation - collector road) Saratoga Hills Road, Pontiac Avenue, Trinity Avenue, Malcolm Avenue, Sea-
ton Avenue, Tamworth Avenue, Sarahills Drive and Wardell Road (all General Plan classifications –
local streets).
The Project includes designation of a conceptual alignment for a proposed Class I bike trail along High-
way 9/Congress Springs Road and Pierce Road. No specific trail alignment has been determined. The
conceptual alignment along Highway 9/Congress Springs Road would be immediately to the south of
Highway 9 and to the west of Pierce Road. See Attachment A, Figure C-5. The conceptual trail align-
ment area consists of disturbed areas and vegetated areas, including both non-native plant species and
native species. The conceptual trail alignment traverses areas of steep slopes immediately south of
Highway 9 and west of Pierce Road.
Saratoga Creek and tributaries to it cross the conceptual alignment several times. On portions of the
conceptual alignment, the creek channel is surrounded by riparian vegetation. Saratoga Creek supports a
dense, multi-layered woodland typical of riparian habitat. The conceptual trail alignment would cross
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional waters. The creek is also under the jurisdiction of the
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
The Project includes designation of a conceptual alignment for a proposed Class I bike trail on either side
of Joes’ Trail to extend the trail to the City boundaries. The conceptual trail alignment is situated in urban
land adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad. No specific trail alignment has been determined. The
conceptual alignment would cross the utility corridor along the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way from
Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Prospect Road and from Saratoga Avenue to the City boundary. See At-
tachment A, Figure C-5. The conceptual trail alignment is located in a valley and is not immediately
adjacent to steep hillside slopes. The conceptual trail alignment consists of disturbed areas and vegetated
areas, including both non-native plant species and native species. Calabazas Creek and San Tomas
Aquino Creek cross the conceptual trail alignment. On portions of the conceptual trail alignment, the
creek channel is surrounded by riparian vegetation. The conceptual trail alignment may cross U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers jurisdictional waters. The creeks are also under the jurisdiction of the California
Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and the Santa
Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD).
Portions of the trail alignment are currently informally used by hikers, runners, and bicyclists.
The conceptual trail alignment requires road crossings at Arroyo de Arguello and Quito Road.
In the course of preparing this update, staff determined that certain roadway segments currently have
traffic volumes that exceed the capacity for those segments. Specifically, two roadway segments,
Saratoga Avenue between Cox Avenue and SR 85 and Quito Road between Allendale Avenue and
Saratoga Avenue currently operate at level of service (LOS) E and F respectively. As such, the Circula-
tion Element Update revises policies to reflect these existing conditions.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
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Surrounding Land Uses. Land uses surrounding the affected roadways consist of low to medium density
residential uses and several commercial centers along the major arterial roadways.
The proposed bike routes would be located along existing roadways.
3. Project Goals and Objectives
The key goal of the project is to update policies and procedures to reflect conditions that have evolved
since preparation of the 2000 Circulation element and to enhance bicycle safety to benefit residents in
Saratoga. Specific objectives of the project include the following:
• Improve the City’s transportation system by promoting ‘complete streets’ that balance the needs of
bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users with consideration for safe automobile travel.
• Improve bicycle safety and routing within the City.
• Reduce automobile use to benefit regional air quality and reduce traffic congestion.
• Improve public health.
• Enhance bicycle connectivity within the City and to neighboring communities.
4. Proposed Project
The project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General
Plan, including updates of descriptive information, clarification of existing policies, updates of bicycle
facilities maps, redesignation of certain existing bike routes, designation of roadways as new bike routes
and bike trails, and establishment of proposed bike route and bike trail designations. The project would
also amend the trails map in the City’s Open Space/Conservation Element to correct inaccuracies and
ensure consistency with the trails map in the Circulation Element. The project would not include physical
changes or construction.
Implementation of the proposed project would update the Bicycle Facilities Map in the City’s Circulation
and Scenic Highway Element to include the following changes:
• Add a new Class III bike route following the “Postal Route” by adding bicycle facilities onto 4th
Street, Elva Avenue, Reid Lane, Saratoga Hills Road, Pontiac Avenue, Trinity Avenue, Malcolm
Avenue, Seaton Avenue, Tamworth Avenue, Verde Vista Lane, Sarahills Drive, Saraview Drive, Sur-
rey Lane, Comer Drive, Arroyo De Arguello, Via Roncole, and Wardell Road;
• Add a new Class III bicycle route along the sections of Miller Avenue between Cox Avenue and
Prospect Road that do not already include a bike lane;
• Add a proposed future Class III bicycle route along:
- Highway 9/Big Basin Way between 4th Street and Springer Avenue, and
- Pierce Road between Surrey Lane and Mt. Eden Road;
• Add a proposed future Class I off-road bike trail conceptual alignment along:
- Highway 9/Congress Springs Road east of Springer Avenue, and
- Pierce Road south of Mt. Eden Road
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
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- adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad near Highway 85 west of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road
and east of Saratoga Avenue to the City boundaries
• Reclassify roadway segments from a Class III bike route to a combination of Class II and Class III
bike routes and lanes on Highway 9/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road from Highway 9/Big Basin Way south
to the City boundary. (These roadway segments are already striped with bike lanes.)
• Remove Class III bike route facility designations on:
- Highway 9/Big Basin Way west of 4th Street,
- Mount Eden Road, and
- Pierce Road west of Surrey Lane;
Bike Routes.
Proposed removal of existing bike route designations would extend along portions of Highway 9 (a.k.a.
Big Basin Way and Congress Springs Road), Pierce Road and Mt. Eden Road. The proposed project
would designate new bike routes along portions of Miller Avenue and along the old “Postal Route”.
Proposed future bike routes would be designated on Pierce Road between Surrey Lane and Mt. Eden
Road and Highway 9/Big Basin Way between 4th Street and Springer Avenue. Class III bike routes are
not striped. The new and proposed future bike routes are shown in Attachment A at Figure C-5.
Bike Lanes.
A change in designation of Saratoga Los-Gatos Road from bike routes to bike lanes is proposed to reflect
the current bicycle facilities on these roadways. Class II Bike lanes consist of striped bike lanes on the
roadway. The new bike lanes are shown in Attachment A, Figure C-5.
Bike Trails.
Depending on the specific location of the trail alignment, implementation of the proposed Class I bike
trails would require the City to acquire easements or other means of access to Santa Clara County Parks
land, San Jose Water Company land, and other private property. Specific trail alignments are not known
or proposed at this time. Therefore, the project proposes only designations of conceptual trail alignments.
Other Trails.
The project would also amend the Trails Map in the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element to
correct inaccuracies and ensure consistency with the Existing and Proposed Trails Map in the Circulation
Element. In several cases, the trails map depicts ‘Existing City Trails’ that do not yet exist. The revised
map would depict these trails as ‘Proposed City Trails’. In some cases, trails previously depicted as
‘Proposed City Trails’ have either been constructed or the City has since acquired use agreements to
facilitate construction. The revised map would depict these trails as ‘Existing City Trails’. In other cases,
the revised map would: show existing and newly relocated trails that were omitted from the previous map
and remove depicted private trails that are not City trails.
Project Approvals/Entitlements
The City does not require permits and/or approval from other agencies to implement the proposed project.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
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C. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project.
Aesthetics
Biological Resources
Hazards & Hazardous Materials
Mineral Resources
Public Services
Utilities/Service Systems
Agricultural Resources
Cultural Resources
Hydrology/Water Quality
Noise
Recreation
Mandatory Findings of
Significance
Air Quality
Geology/Soils
Land Use/Planning
Population/Housing
Transportation/Traffic
Determination. (To be completed by the Lead Agency.)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
X I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
_ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there
will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or
agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be pre-
pared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially signifi-
cant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately ana-
lyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by
mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that re-
main to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because
all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE
DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant
to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that
are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
__________________________________________ ______________________
Signature Date
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
City of Saratoga
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
I. AESTHETICS. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but
not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
buildings within a State scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or
quality of the site and its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which
would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
Discussion:
Scenic vistas of the Monte Bello Ridge to the northwest and the forested slopes of taller mountains in the
Santa Cruz Mountain range to the south can be seen from many roadways throughout the City. The
proposed project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga
General Plan, including an amendment to the Bicycle Facilities map, and would not result in physical
changes or construction. Thus, the project would not result in adverse impacts to scenic resources or
visual character of the area. The visual character or quality of the bicycle facilities and roadways and their
surroundings are not affected by the proposed updates. Therefore the project would not have a significant
impact related to scenic vistas.
Highway 9 is officially designated as a State Scenic Highway Corridor from the Los Gatos city limit (east
of Saratoga) to Highway 35/Skyline Boulevard1. The proposed update of the Bicycle Facilities map does
not include any portions of a County scenic roadway. No other proposed policy updates would result in
physical changes that would lead to adverse impacts to scenic resources or visual character. Implementa-
tion of the proposed project would not result in the removal of trees, rock outcroppings or historic
buildings, therefore the project would not have a significant impact related to damage of scenic resources.
The proposed project does not include the installation or use of lights, or large areas of reflective material.
Therefore, the proposed project would not adversely affect day or nighttime views in the surrounding,
predominantly residential neighborhoods.
1 http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic_highways/route9.htm
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
10
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. In determining
whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant
environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the Cali-
fornia Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment
Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conserva-
tion as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on
agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to
forest resources, including timberland, are significant envi-
ronmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information
compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection regarding the states’ inventory of forest land,
including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the
Forest Legacy Assessment Project; and forest carbon mea-
surement methodology provided in Forest Protocols
adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the
project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farm-
land of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on
the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping
and Monitoring Program of the California Resources
Agency, to a non-agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a
Williamson Act contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of,
forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code sec-
tion 12220(g), timberland (as defined by Public Re-
sources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Tim-
berland Production (as defined by Government Code
section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest
land to non-forest use?
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or con-
version of forest land to non-forest?
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
11
Discussion:
The proposed project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga
General Plan, including an amendment to the Bicycle Facilities map in the City’s Circulation and Scenic
Highway Element to facilitate bicycle travel. As such, implementation of the proposed project would not
result in physical changes or construction. Implementation of the proposed project would not convert
agricultural land to non-agricultural uses and would not conflict with existing agricultural uses or Wil-
liamson Act contracts. Updating the Circulation Element would not result in the extension of infrastruc-
ture into an undeveloped area, the development of urban uses on a greenfield site, or other physical
changes that would result in the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorpo-
rated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No Impact
III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria
established by the applicable air quality management or air
pollution control district may be relied upon to make the
following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the appli-
cable air quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substan-
tially to an existing or projected air quality violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of
any criteria pollutant for which the project region is
non-attainment under an applicable federal or State
ambient air quality standard (including releasing emis-
sions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant con-
centrations?
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial num-
ber of people?
Discussion:
The proposed project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga
General Plan, including an amendment to the Bicycle Facilities map in the City’s Circulation and Scenic
Highway Element. Implementation of the proposed project would not result in physical changes or
construction and would not result in changes in land use or policies that would result in growth and
associated increases in emissions from motor vehicles. Additionally, implementation of the project would
result in safer bicycle routes within the City limits and is expected to encourage more bicycle use. This
would in turn, reduce automobile use to benefit regional air quality. As discussed below, the project
would not result in a significant adverse effect to air quality or conflict with the latest Clean Air Plan.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
12
This introduction provides background air quality information that is referenced in the responses to the
Initial Study checklist questions below.
Existing Air Quality.
The City of Saratoga is within the jurisdiction of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD), which regulates air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area. Air quality conditions in the San
Francisco Bay Area have improved significantly since the BAAQMD was created in 1955. Ambient
concentrations of air pollutants and the number of days during which the region exceeds air quality
standards have fallen substantially. In Saratoga and the rest of the air basin, exceedances of air quality
standards occur primarily during meteorological conditions conducive to high pollution levels, such as
cold, windless winter nights or hot, sunny summer afternoons.
Ozone levels, as measured by peak concentrations and the number of days over the State one-hour
standard, have declined substantially as a result of aggressive programs by the BAAQMD and other
regional, State and federal agencies. The reduction of peak concentrations represents progress in improv-
ing public health; however the Bay Area still exceeds the State standard for 1-hour ozone levels. Twenty-
four hour levels of particulate matter (PM10) in the Bay Area have exceeded State standards at least
several times per year from 2004 to 2006 (the latest year for which data is available). The area is consi-
dered a nonattainment area for this pollutant relative to the State standards. The Bay Area is an unclassi-
fied area for the federal PM10 standard. An “unclassified” designation signifies that data does not support
either an attainment or nonattainment status. No exceedances of the State or federal carbon monoxide
(CO) standards have been recorded at any of the region’s monitoring stations since 1991. The Bay Area is
currently considered a maintenance area for State and Federal CO standards.
New national and State standards for fine particulate matter (diameter 2.5 microns or less, PM2.5) have
been adopted for 24-hour and annual averaging periods. Fine particulate matter, because of the small size
of individual particles, can be especially harmful to human health. Fine particulate matter is emitted by
common combustion sources such as cars, trucks, buses and power plants, in addition to ground disturb-
ing activities. The Bay Area is considered an attainment area for PM2.5 at the national level and a nonat-
tainment area for PM2.5 at the State level.
Clean Air Plan.
The most recent BAAQMD plan for attaining California Ambient Air Quality Standards, the Bay Area
2005 Ozone Strategy, was adopted by BAAQMD on January 4, 2006. The 2005 Ozone Strategy is the
fourth triennial update of the BAAQMD’s original 1991 Clean Air Plan (CAP). The 2005 Ozone Strategy
demonstrates how the San Francisco Bay Area will achieve compliance with the State 1-hour air quality
standard for ozone and how the region will reduce transport of ozone and ozone precursors to neighboring
air basins. The Ozone Strategy also includes stationary source control measures, mobile source control
measures and transportation control measures. Although it is only required to address ozone pollution and
associated control measures, the Ozone Strategy also discusses particulate matter pollution and reduction
measures.
a) As noted above, the Bay Area 2005 Ozone Strategy, which also addresses particulate matter, is the air
quality plan that applies to Saratoga. The primary source of ozone is internal combustion engines and
power plants. Because the proposed project would not result in any physical changes or construction, it
would not contribute to regional ozone emissions in the form of emissions from construction vehicles.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
13
The proposed update of the Circulation Element would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan.
b) As discussed in the introduction to this section, the San Francisco Bay air basin is considered a
nonattainment area for particulate matter and for one-hour ozone levels, under State standards. The
proposed project would not result in any physical changes or construction and it would not result in a
substantial contribution of particulate matter due to construction or soil disturbance. Implementation of
the updated Circulation Element would not result in changes in land use or policies that would result in
growth and associated increases in emissions from motor vehicles. Therefore, the proposed project would
not contribute substantially to violations of air quality standards.
c) As discussed in Section III. a and b, the proposed project would not result in significant emissions of
ozone precursors, including particulate matter. Therefore, the project does not make a cumulatively
considerable contribution to the air basin’s non-attainment status for particulate matter or other ozone
precursors.
d) The project would not result in physical changes that would generate increased pollutant emissions.
Implementation of the updated Circulation Element would not result in changes in land uses or policies
that would place sensitive receptors in greater proximity to emission sources or expose sensitive receptors
to emission sources for longer durations.
e) Implementation of the Circulation Element Update would not result in physical changes or in policies
that would result in physical changes that would create long-term objectionable odors.
Therefore, updating the Circulation Element would not violate air quality standards, affect the City’s
ability to comply with air quality plans, result in a considerable increase of a criteria pollutant, expose
receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations, nor create objectionable odors to a substantial number of
people. In addition, any future development activities related to the designated bike trails would be
subject to further review under CEQA.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or
through habitat modifications, on any species identified
as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in lo-
cal or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habi-
tat or other sensitive natural community identified in
local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service?
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
14
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected
wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool,
coastal, etc.) Through direct removal, filling, hydrolog-
ical interruption, or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native
resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with es-
tablished native resident or migratory wildlife corri-
dors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protect-
ing biological resources, such as a tree preservation
policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan or other approved local, regional, or State habitat
conservation plan?
Discussion:
Because the proposed update of the Circulation Element would not result in physical changes or construc-
tion, implementation of the project would not result in adverse impacts to biological resources.
Future development of designated bike trails would be subject to further review under CEQA, which
would include analysis of potential impacts to existing vegetation and other potential biological resources.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance
of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines
Section 15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance
of an archaeological resource pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological
resource or site or unique geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred
outside of formal cemeteries?
Discussion:
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
15
The proposed project would not result in physical changes. The project does not involve construction or
excavation. As such, it will not result in a change to an historical, archaeological, or paleontological
resource or result in the disturbance of human remains. Future development of the designated bike trails
would be subject to further review under CEQA, which would include analysis of potential impacts to
cultural resources. Therefore, the project would not result in adverse impacts to cultural resources.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial ad-
verse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated
on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the
area or based on other substantial evidence of a
known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geol-
ogy Special Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefac-
tion?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or
that would become unstable as a result of the project,
and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-
B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating sub-
stantial risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use
of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal sys-
tems where sewers are not available for the disposal of
waste water?
Discussion:
The proposed project would not result in construction or excavation that could result in significant
adverse impacts related to geology and soils.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
16
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or
indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation
adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
Discussion:
On December 30, 2009, the California Natural Resources Agency adopted CEQA Guidelines
Amendments related to Climate Change. These amendments become effective on March 18, 2010,
and state that the “lead agency shall have discretion to determine, in the context of a particular
project, whether to: (1) Use a model or methodology to quantify greenhouse gas emissions resulting
from a project…and/or (2) Rely on a qualitative analysis or performance based standards.” The
qualitative analysis here considers whether the project will generate greenhouse gas emissions or conflict
with State goals and plans to reduce such emissions.
The proposed project would not result in physical changes or construction and would not result in
changes in land use or policies that would result in growth and associated increases in emissions from
motor vehicles. The goals of the project is to update policies and procedures to reflect conditions that
have evolved since preparation of the 2000 Circulation element and to enhance bicycle safety to benefit
residents in Saratoga. The policy changes proposed would have negligible impact on traffic and may
reduce traffic levels and related emission in some cases. Therefore, updating the City’s Circulation
Element would not generate greenhouse gas emissions. The update does not include policies that conflict
with any applicable regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan
for the reduction or mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the project’s contribution to
cumulative GHG emissions would be less than significant.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
VIII. HAZARDS. Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the envi-
ronment through the routine transport, use, or disposal
of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the envi-
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
17
ronment through reasonably foreseeable upset and ac-
cident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste with-
in one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of ha-
zardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Govern-
ment Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it
create a significant hazard to the public or the environ-
ment?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would
the project result in a safety hazard for people residing
or working in the project area?
f) For a project located within the vicinity of a private air-
strip, would the project result in a safety hazard for
people residing or working in the project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with
an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss,
injury or death involving wildland fires, including
where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or
where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
Discussion:
The proposed project would update the Circulation Element of the City’s General Plan and amend the
bicycle facilities maps. The project would not result in physical changes or construction. Implementation
of the proposed project would not involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
The proposed project does not include facilities that would permanently result in emissions of hazardous
materials or the regular handling of hazardous waste. Therefore, the project would not pose a hazard to
any sensitive receptors.
Implementation of the project would not take place within an airport land use plan area, within two miles
of a public airport or public use airport, or within the vicinity of a private airstrip. The project would not
interfere with an adopted emergency response or emergency evacuation plan. Therefore, the proposed
project would not result in significant adverse impacts related to hazards.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
18
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorpo-
rated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the
project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge
requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere
substantially with groundwater recharge such that there
would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering
of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the produc-
tion rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a
level which would not support existing land uses or
planned uses for which permits have been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, in a manner which would
result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the
rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which
would result in flooding on- or off-site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed
the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage
systems or provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as
mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood
Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation
map?
h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss,
injury or death involving flooding, including flooding
of as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
19
Discussion:
The proposed project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga
General Plan and amend the bicycle facilities maps. The project would not include excavation or con-
struction and would thus not impact groundwater resources or infiltration capacity, or alter drainage
patterns in a way that would increase erosion or flooding.
There are no levees or dams in Saratoga and the City is not subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or
mudflow.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorpo-
rated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or
regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to the general plan,
specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordin-
ance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating
an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan
or natural community conservation plan?
Discussion:
The proposed project would update the Circulation Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan and
amend the bicycle facilities maps. Implementation of bicycle facilities that require construction (i.e.,
construction of bike trails) would be subject to further review under CEQA when specific trail alignments
are proposed.
The physical division of an established community would typically involve the construction of large fea-
tures (such as freeways) that then function as physical or psychological barriers between communities, or
the removal of roadways (e.g., through the assembly of numerous parcels and the creation of “super-
blocks”) such that access from one neighborhood to another is diminished. The designated bicycle routes
would enhance bicycle access in the City, and would not impede vehicle traffic on the roadways with
designated bicycle routes. Therefore, the project would not physically divide any residential communi-
ties.
The affected portions of Highway 9/Big Basin Way and Highway 9/Congress Springs Road are identified
in the General Plan as Minor Arterial Roadways. Highway 9/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road is identified in the
General Plan as a Major Arterial Roadway. Pierce Road and all other affected roadways are identified in
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
20
the General Plan as a Collector Roads. Zoning for uses along the proposed bicycle routes include
residential, commercial, and community facilities.
The project would not conflict with an applicable land use plan, policy or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project and would not conflict with any adopted habitat or natural community
conservation plan. Therefore, the project would not result in any adverse impacts related to land use.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral re-
source that would be of value to the region and the res-
idents of the State?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?
Discussion:
Mineral resources in and around Saratoga are limited primarily to sandstone and shale. No active mines
are located in Saratoga. Updating the City’s Circulation Element would not result in adverse impacts to
mineral resources. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in the loss of
availability of a known mineral resource.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
XII. NOISE. Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in
excess of standards established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies?
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive
ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise le-
vels in the project vicinity above levels existing with-
out the project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
21
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would
the project expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
would the project expose people residing or working in
the project area to excessive noise levels?
Discussion:
Updating the City’s Circulation Element would not result in physical changes or construction that could
result in adverse noise impacts. Implementation of the updated Circulation Element would not result in
changes in land uses or policies that would place sensitive receptors in greater proximity to high levels of
airport- or airstrip-related noise or expose sensitive receptors to noise sources for longer durations.
Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in significant impacts related to noise.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either
directly (for example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example, through exten-
sion of roads or other infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, ne-
cessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating
the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
Discussion:
The proposed project would result in an updated Circulation Element and amended maps. Implementa-
tion of the updated Circulation Element would not result in changes to land use or policies that would
result in growth. Thus, the project would not directly or indirectly induce population growth, would not
remove existing housing stock and would not displace people.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
22
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES.
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical
impacts associated with the provision of new or physi-
cally altered governmental facilities, need for new or
physically altered governmental facilities, the construc-
tion of which could cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios,
response times or other performance objectives for any
of the public services:
Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
Discussion:
Implementation of the proposed project would result in an updated Circulation Element. Thus, the project
would not increase the risk of fire hazard in the area or result in significant impacts related to increased
provision of fire and police services. The proposed project does not involve the construction of housing or
employment-generating facilities. Therefore, it would not increase demand for school services. The
project increases bicycle routes and designated bicycle trails in Saratoga and thus would not result in
adverse impacts on existing recreational facilities or other public facilities, such as libraries.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
XV. RECREATION.
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neigh-
borhood and regional parks or other recreational facili-
ties such that substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or re-
quire the construction or expansion of recreational fa-
cilities which might have an adverse physical effect on
the environment?
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
23
Discussion:
Implementation of the proposed project would result in a net increase in bicycle facilities in the City of
Saratoga. The project does not require construction or expansion of recreational facilities. Therefore, the
project would not adversely impact recreational facilities and would not have a substantial adverse
physical effect on the environment.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC. Would the project:
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy
establishing measures of effectiveness for the perfor-
mance of the circulation system, taking into account all
modes of transportation including mass transit and non-
motorized travel and relevant components of the circu-
lation system, including but not limited to intersections,
streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle
paths, and mass transit?
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management
program, including, but not limited to level of service
standards, and travel demand measures, or other stan-
dards established by the county congestion manage-
ment agency for designated roads or highways.
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including ei-
ther an increase in traffic levels or a change in location
that results in substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature
(e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or in-
compatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs re-
garding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities,
or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such
facilities.
Discussion:
The project would result in an updated Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga
General Plan and amended maps. Implementation of the updated Circulation Element would not result in
changes to land use or policies that would result in a substantial increase in traffic. Circulation Element
policies would be updated to encourage alternative travel modes, such as walking, biking, and transit.
The Circulation Element analysis of existing roadway conditions indicates that two roadway segments
(i.e., Saratoga Avenue between Cox Avenue and SR 85 and Quito Road between Allendale Avenue and
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
24
Saratoga Avenue) are currently operating below the City’s standard of level-of-service D. See, Circula-
tion Element included as Attachment A, at 13. The Circulation Element analysis also indicates that the
same two roadway segments and four other roadway segments (also along Saratoga Avenue and Quito
Road) are projected to exceed LOS D in 2030. See, Circulation Element included as Attachment A, at 25.
Thus, the six roadway segments in question would experience increased traffic congestion compared to
current conditions.
The anticipated change in level of service is considered a less-than-significant impact to the City’s
circulation system as a whole. The City’s circulation system includes all modes of transportation includ-
ing public transit, bicycle facilities, and pedestrian facilities, as well as roadways and intersections.
Therefore, the preservation of all components of the circulation system has been considered in this
evaluation. The roadway segments that are projected to exceed LOS D have existing and planned
sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Preservation of these pedestrian and bicycle facilities precludes changes in
roadway configurations along these roadway segments. As such, taking into account all modes of
transportation in the City, the projected increase in traffic congestion at the aforementioned roadway
segments are not expected to result in significant adverse impacts.
Updating the City’s Circulation Element would not result in conflicts with established plans, policies, or
other measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system or substantial changes in the
amount or flow of traffic. Updates to the City’s Circulation Element also include revisions to the bicycle
facility designations. Bike lanes shown on the updated facilities map reflect existing conditions. No lanes
were removed or are planned to be removed to implement these bike lanes. Implementation of the
proposed project would ultimately allow for increased bike access to the existing bicycle facilities and to
newly identified routes. The proposed project would offer a transportation alternative to driving and
could reduce car trips. Therefore, the proposed project would not cause an increase in car traffic which is
substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system.
The City of Saratoga has one intersection (i.e., Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road) that is monitored by the Santa
Clara County Congestion Management Agency (CMA). According to the most recent CMA monitoring
results, that intersection does not exceed the Congestion Management Program standard for levels of
service. There is no indication that implementation of the proposed project would conflict with the
CMA’s policies. In the event that the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road intersection exceeds CMA level of
service standards in the future, the Circulation Element includes a policy that requires the City to prepare
a deficiency plan in accordance with CMA policies. See, Attachment A, at 38.
The project would not result in a change to air traffic patterns or air traffic levels, therefore the update of
the Circulation Element would result in no impacts related to safety risks.
The conceptual trail alignments may require crossing over Highway 9/Big Basin Way at the intersection
with Pierce Road and crossings at Arroyo de Arguello and Quito Road. Any impacts related to increased
hazards associated with construction of the Class III bicycle trails would be evaluated during environmen-
tal review of project-level impacts when a specific trail alignments and designs are proposed.
Emergency vehicle access around the City would be unaffected by the proposed project.
Bike lanes shown on the updated bicycle facilities map reflect existing conditions. No center lanes were
removed to implement these bike lanes and roadway configurations would not be altered.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
25
Updating the Circulation Element, amending relevant maps, and identifying new and future bike routes,
bike lanes, and bike trails would benefit bicycle users in Saratoga. The proposed project would ultimately
provide a safe way to commute via bicycle through Saratoga. The project is consistent with both the
County and City bicycle plans, and other programs supporting alternative transportation.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the
project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the ap-
plicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or
wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause signifi-
cant environmental effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm wa-
ter drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,
the construction of which could cause significant envi-
ronmental effects?
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the
project from existing entitlements and resources, or are
new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment
provider which serves or may serve the project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected
demand in addition to the provider’s existing commit-
ments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capaci-
ty to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal
needs?
g) Comply with federal, State, and local statutes and regu-
lations related to solid waste?
Discussion:
The proposed project would update the City’s Circulation and Scenic Highway Element. Implementation
of the proposed project would not result in physical changes or construction. As such, implementation of
the proposed project would not affect wastewater treatment, water supplies, storm water facilities,
wastewater treatment capacity, or solid waste disposal capacity and would not require the construction of
new wastewater or water facilities, or the expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, the project is not
expected to result in adverse impacts on utilities and service systems.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
26
Any impacts resulting from alteration of drainage patterns or construction of stormwater facilities
associated with construction of the Class III bicycle trails would be evaluated during environmental
review of project-level impacts when specific trail alignments and designs are proposed.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incor-
porated
Less
Than
Signifi-
cant
Impact
No
Impact
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE.
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the ha-
bitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wild-
life population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, re-
duce the number or restrict the range of a rare or en-
dangered plant or animal, or eliminate important exam-
ples of the major periods of California history or pre-
history?
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually li-
mited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively
considerable” means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the effects of other
current projects, and the effects of probable future
projects.)
d) Does the project have environmental effects which will
cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, ei-
ther directly or indirectly?
Implementation of the proposed project would not degrade the quality of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-
sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the
range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory. The proposed project would update the City’s Circulation Element to
reflect conditions that have evolved since preparation of the last update and would enhance bicycle access
in Saratoga, which would benefit regional air quality in the long-term.
Other planned and anticipated projects in Saratoga include small-scale residential developments and the
revitalization of Saratoga Village. The foreseeable projects in Saratoga would be expected to result in
minimal adverse environmental impacts. These impacts could include incremental increases in stormwa-
ter runoff, minor disturbances to urban wildlife, and other effects typical of projects undertaken in
already-developed areas. The proposed project’s environmental impacts are individually limited and do
not make a cumulatively considerable contribution to anticipated impacts from associated with other
pending or planned projects. Therefore, all environmental impacts that could occur as a result of the
proposed project would be at less-than-significant levels.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
27
Implementation of the proposed project would not result in environmental effects that would cause
substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update
28
D. REPORT PREPARERS
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, LLP City Attorney and Urban Planning Consultant: Project
Management and Report Production; Project Description; Initial Study Preparation
Fehr and Peers, City Traffic Engineers: Transportation, Circulation and Parking analysis.
E. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bay Area Air Quality Management District, 2010. Draft CEQA Guidelines. Website:
http://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/Files/Planning%20and%20Research/CEQA/Draft%20BAAQMD
%20CEQA%20Guidelines_Dec%207%202009.ashx
California Department of Transportation website:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic_highways/route9.htm
\\Smw01\vol1_data\SARATOGA\Circulation Element Update\Final Initial Study w-attach\FINAL Initial Study for Circ Element (7-19-10).doc
The project would amend Exhibit OSC-2 in the City’s Open Space/Conservation Element
depicting Existing and Proposed Trails to correct inaccuracies and ensure consistency with the
Circulation Element trails map. The first map attached is the existing Exhibit OSC-2; the second
map is Exhibit OSC-2 as amended.
Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road
Prospect Road
Cox Avenue
Quito Road
Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
Pierce R o a d
B i g Basin Way
Saratoga Avenue
Fruitvale Avenue
Mountain Winery
Saratoga High School
Prospect High School
Redwood Middle SchoolFoothill Elementary
Argonaut Elementary
Blue Hills Elementary
Marshall Lane Elementary
Saratoga Elementary
Christa McAuliffe Elementary
Villa MontalvoSanborn County Park
Fremont Older OSP
Central Park
Kevin Moran Park
El Quito Park
Azule Park
St. Marcos Open Space
Wildwood Park
Bellgrove Park
Beauchamps Park
Congress Springs Park
Gardiner Park
Foothill Park
Historical Park
Brookglen Park
Ravenswood Park
Hakone Gardens
Saratoga Country Club
City of Saratoga Open Space/Conservation ElementBackground Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures
¬
Page 10UNGO-McCORMICK CONSULTINGJerry Haag, Urban PlannerRevised by City of Saratoga
EXISTING ANDPROPOSED TRAILS
Exhibit OSC-2
Saratoga Parks
Other Park Resources
Public Schools
0 3,000 6,0001,500 Feet
Legend
Existing City Trails
Proposed City Trails
Other Existing Public Trails
Other Proposed Public Trails
City Limits
Sphere of Influence