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HomeMy WebLinkAbout105-Initial Study.pdf OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING FACILITIES Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study CITY OF SARATOGA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT January 2009 Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 2 1. Project Title Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Update 2. Lead Agency and Address City of Saratoga Community Development 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, California 95070 3. Contact Person and Phone Number Cynthia McCormick, Assistant Planner: (408) 868 – 1230 4. Project Location The CH-1 and CH-2 zoning districts border Big Basin Way, generally bounded by Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Saratoga-Los Gatos Road to the east and Springer Avenue to the west within the Saratoga Village. 5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address City of Saratoga Community Development 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, California 95070 6. General Plan Designation Commercial Retail and Professional Administrative 7. Zoning Commercial Historic (CH1 And CH2) 8. Description of Project (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off-site features necessary for its implementation. Attach additional sheets if necessary). The City of Saratoga proposes to extend the off-street parking waiver for surplus floor area in the C-H Zoning District and clarify the related regulations. In 2006, the City of Saratoga adopted an ordinance to waive off-street parking requirements for up to 41,850 square feet of Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 3 gross floor area (“surplus floor area”) of any new, altered, or enlarged site or structure in the CH1 and CH2 Zoning Districts. That waiver does not apply to projects that apply after February 28, 2009. As of December 2008, approximately 24,000 SF of surplus floor area still remained subject to the waiver. The project would amend the ordinance to extend the waiver for three years until February 28, 2012 or until the remaining surplus floor area is developed, whichever occurs first. The project could result in new development in the Village being developed without addition of new parking spaces. Any new uses or development in the Village will be subject to review by the City for compliance with applicable local and state laws including Saratoga design review and CEQA. Any development in the Village beyond the available surplus floor area would be required to meet the standard parking requirements. 9. Surrounding land uses and setting. Briefly describe the project’s surroundings. The off-street parking waiver for surplus floor area applies in the C-H Zoning District these are commercially zoned properties in the City’s downtown, known as The Village. Surrounding land uses include commercial, professional administrative and residential uses. The City is primarily comprised of custom, single-family homes on individual lots. Several commercial centers exist along major arterials in addition to the Village. 10 . Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g. permits, financing approval, or participation agreement). None. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Agricultural Resources Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils Hazards & Hazardous Materials Hydrology/Water Quality Land Use/Planning Mineral Resources Noise Population/Housing Public Services Recreation Transportation/Traffic Utilities/Service Systems Mandatory Findings of Significance Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 4 DETERMINATION: 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 prepared. 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 significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed 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 remain 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. Cynthia McCormick, Project Planner Date John Livingstone, Community Development Director Date Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 5 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact I. AESTHETICS – Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? X c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? X d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? X Discussion The Saratoga Village is not part of any scenic vista and is not located near a state scenic highway. The proposed ordinance would relax parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years and would thus not result in adverse impacts to scenic resources or visual character of the area. The visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings are not affected by parking standards therefore the ordinance would not have a significant impact related to aesthetics. Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 6 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES – In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? X b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? X c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non- agricultural use? X Discussion The Village area does not include agricultural or farmlands and is not under a Williamson Act contract. Therefore, no impacts to agricultural resources would occur as a result of the project. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 7 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant 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 applicable air quality plan? X b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? X 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 emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? X d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? X e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? X Discussion The project extends the timeframe for the existing off-street parking waiver for surplus floor area in the Village. According to a study by the City’s Traffic Consultant, no significant increase in traffic has occurred since the existing parking waiver was adopted in 2005. Additionally, implementation of the project would result in fewer parking spaces being constructed such that the project would not encourage more drivers to the area. Therefore, extension of the off-street parking waiver for three additional years is not expected to result in significant increases in traffic and would thus not result in significant adverse impacts to air quality. According to the Bay Area Air Quality District, the project is below the size likely to generate significant emissions (BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, page 25). Extension of the parking waiver would not Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 8 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, all potential and future development projects in the Village would be subject to further review under CEQA. Therefore, the project will not have an adverse impact on air quality. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 9 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant 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 local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? X b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? X 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, hydrological interruption, or other means? X d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? X Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 10 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? X 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? X Discussion The proposed project would relax parking standards in the Village, an urbanized portion of the City, for a period of three additional years and would not result in adverse impacts to biological resources. Because of the urban character of the Village the project will not have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat, other sensitive natural community candidate, or any sensitive or special status species. The project does not include removal, filling or interruption of any protected wetland areas. The project will not conflict with any adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or the City’s Tree Ordinance. Therefore, the project will not have an adverse impact on biological resources. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 11 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant 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 '15064.5? X b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to '15064.5? X c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? X d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? X Discussion The proposed project would relax parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years. Because parking standards do not affect cultural resources the ordinance and would not result in adverse impacts to cultural resources. The Village area has not been identified as containing any unique archaeological, paleontological or geological features and therefore no such resources will be affected by the project. The project does not involve construction or excavation so will not result in a change to an archaeological resource or result in the disturbance of human remains. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 12 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS – Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse 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 Geology Special Publication 42. X ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? X iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? X iv) Landslides? X b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? X 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? X d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or X Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 13 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? X Discussion Relaxing parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years would not result in any excavation or other activity that could cause significant adverse impacts related to geology and soils. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 14 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS – Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? X b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? X c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? X d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? X 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? X f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or X Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 15 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? X 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? X Discussion The Village is located within an already urbanized area. The Village is not located within an airport land use plan, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, or within the vicinity of a private airstrip. The project, which would relax parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years, would not interfere with an adopted emergency response or emergency evacuation plan. Existing uses and new development are required to meet all applicable requirements for the transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Therefore, the project will not have adverse hazards or hazardous material impacts. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 16 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY – Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? X 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 production 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)? X 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? X 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? X e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 17 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact additional sources of polluted runoff? X f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? X 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? X h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? X i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? X j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X Discussion The proposed project, which would relax parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years, would not affect hydrology or water quality. There are no levees or dams in the Village area and the Village is not subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. The project is not expected to substantially affect groundwater recharge. The project would result in fewer parking spaces being constructed in the Village area. All construction in the City is required to meet strict standards for water quality, waste discharge and runoff limitation requirements, and grading and drainage permit requirements. Any new development within a flood hazard area would also be subject to review by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 18 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING – Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? X 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 ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? X c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? X Discussion The proposed update to the zoning regulations for off-street parking would relax parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years. The project will not physically divide established neighborhoods; does not conflict with any adopted habitat or natural community conservation plan; and does not conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project. Therefore, the project would not result in any adverse impacts related to land use. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 19 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact X. MINERAL RESOURCES – Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? X 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? X Discussion Relaxation of parking standards for three years will not have an effect on the availability of any mineral resources. Therefore, the project would not result in adverse impacts to mineral resources. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 20 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XI. 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? X b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? X c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? X d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? X 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? X 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? X Discussion Approval and implementation of a zoning ordinance to relax parking standards in the Village Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 21 would not result in substantial additional noise impacts. According to a study by the City’s Traffic Consultant, no significant increase in traffic has occurred since the existing parking waiver was adopted in 2005. Additionally, implementation of the project would result in fewer parking spaces being constructed such that the project would not encourage more drivers to the area. Therefore, extension of the off-street parking waiver for three additional years is not expected to result in significant increases in traffic that would translate to an increase in ambient noise. Therefore, project-related increases in noise would be incremental and would be considered less than significant. Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XII. 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 extension of roads or other infrastructure)? X b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? X c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? X Discussion The project comprises relaxing parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years and would therefore not result in substantial population growth in the City or the region nor displacement of substantial numbers of existing housing or people. Therefore, the project would not have an adverse impact on housing. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 22 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction 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? X Police protection? X Schools? X Parks? X Other public facilities? X Discussion The project would temporarily relax all parking requirements in the Village for no more than three years. Therefore, the project will not result in a need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, schools, parks, or other public facilities. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 23 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XIV. RECREATION – a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? X b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? X Discussion Relaxing parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years would not result in the increased use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur. The project does not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities. Therefore, the project would not negatively impact recreation facilities. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 24 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC – Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? X b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? X c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? X d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? X e) Result in inadequate emergency access? X f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? X g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? X Discussion Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 25 The project extends the timeframe for the existing off-street parking waiver for surplus floor area in the Village. The surplus floor area was determined by a study conducted by the City’s Traffic Consultant in 2005, which showed surplus parking during peak periods. The study concluded that, at a ratio of 1 parking space per 450 square feet of potential development, approximately 41,850 square feet of new development could be constructed without significant impact to parking. At present, there remains approximately 24,000 square feet of of the originally designated 41,850 square feet of surplus floor area that has not been constructed or otherwise allocated for the parking waiver. According to the study by the City’s Traffic Consultant, no significant increase in parking demand or traffic has occurred since the existing parking waiver was adopted in 2005. Therefore, extension of the off-street parking waiver for three additional years is not expected to result in significant increases in traffic or exceedance of level-of-service standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways. Any incremental change in traffic in the Village area resulting from this project is not expected to be individually or cumulatively significant. The project would not alter existing access and would thus not result in inadequate emergency access or conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation. The project area is not located near an airport and would not result in a change in air traffic patterns. The project would not result in changes to roads in the vicinity and thus would not result in increased hazards or circulation-related conflicts. Therefore, any project-related impacts to transportation and traffic would be incremental and considered less than significant. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 26 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS – Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? X 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 significant environmental effects? X c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? X d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? X 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 commitments? X f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste X Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 27 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? X Discussion Implementation of the project would result in relaxed parking standards in the Village for a period of three additional years. This will not affect wastewater treatment, water supplies, wastewater treatment capacity, or solid waste disposal capacity. Therefore, the project will not require, or result in, the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities, new storm water drainage facilities, or the expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, the project is not expected to result in adverse impacts on utilities and service systems. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 28 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE – a) Does the project have the potential to 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? X b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, 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)? X c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? X Discussion a. The Village is within an urbanized area that has already been developed and does not include sensitive habitats or sensitive species. The project would extend the timeframe Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 29 for the existing off-street parking waiver for proposed development in the Village. The 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. Therefore, significant impacts are not expected to occur. b. Other planned and anticipated projects in Saratoga include small-scale residential developments, construction of the Joe’s Run bicycle and pedestrian trail, and the revitalization of Saratoga Village. The foreseeable projects in Saratoga would be expected to result in minimal adverse environmental impacts, similar to the project. These impacts could include incremental increases in stormwater runoff, minor disturbances to urban wildlife, and other effects typical of projects undertaken in already- developed areas. The impacts of the project are individually limited and not cumulatively considerable in the context of impacts associated with other pending or planned projects. The project extends the timeframe for the existing off-street parking waiver. The project is intended to make use of underutilized parking capacity. Therefore, the project is not expected to result in impacts that are cumulatively considerable. c. The project would not expose construction workers and the public to significant health risks or any kind and would not otherwise result in environmental effects that will cause adverse effects on human beings directly or indirectly. Zoning Ordinance Update ZOA 09-0001 Environmental Checklist / Initial Study (January 2009) Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities Zoning Regulations Page 30 SOURCE REFERENCES: 1. Project planner’s knowledge of Saratoga and current regulations 2. Zoning Regulations for Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities including existing parking waiver for surplus floor area. 3. Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants Summary of Village Parking Surveys (dated 10/11/05) 4. Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants 2008 Village Parking Survey in Saratoga, California (dated 6/11/08) ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft of update to Zoning Regulations for Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities