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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 14-013 Adopting Negative Declaration and General Plan Noise ElementRESOLUTION NO. 14 -013 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA APPROVING OF THE GENERAL PLAN NOISE ELEMENT UPDATE AND A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WHEREAS, the Noise Element is one of seven general plan elements mandated by state law and its contents are specified in Section 65302(f) of the California Government Code; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Noise Element is to characterize existing and potential future noise levels for use in various land -use planning processes and is intended to be used by the community in the goal of preserving the quiet residential environment of Saratoga. This is done by controlling noise in all zoning districts to levels that are compatible with existing and future land uses; and WHEREAS, public participation opportunities were provided through several means including, two community meetings, two Planning Commission study sessions, two Planning Commission public hearings, and the City of Saratoga Website; and WHEREAS, on January 22, 2014 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed Public Hearing on the draft Noise Element and related amendments to the City Code at which time all interested parties were given a full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence and argument. The Planning Commission considered the proposed update of the Noise Element and implementing City Code amendments (collectively, the "Project "), CEQA documentation, correspondence, presentations from the public, and all testimony and other evidence presented at the Public Hearing. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the updated Noise Element (attached as Exhibit 1), all related City Code amendments, and a Negative Declaration (attached as Exhibit 2); and WHEREAS, on March 5, 2014, the City Council held a duly noticed Public Hearing on the Project at which time all interested parties were given a full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence and argument. The City Council considered the proposed update of the Noise Element, CEQA documentation, City Code Amendments, correspondence, presentations from the public, and all testimony and other evidence presented at the Public Hearing; and WHEREAS, environmental review was completed in the form of an Initial Study/Negative Declaration ( "ND ") and it was determined that the proposed adoption of the Noise Element would not result in potential significant impacts on the environment, and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the Noise Element is consistent with the remaining portions of the City of Saratoga General Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Saratoga hereby makes the following findings: Notice of all hearings on the ND was given as required by law and the actions were conducted pursuant to CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines, and local City requirements; and 2. All Interested Parties desiring to comment on the ND were given the opportunity to submit oral and written comments on the adequacy of the ND prior to this action by the City Council; and 3. All comments raised during the public comment period and at the public hearings on the ND were responded to adequately; and 4. Analysis of the changes to the Project subsequent to preparation of the ND demonstrates that those changes do not raise any new issues about the significant effects of the Project on the environment; and The City Council was presented with and has reviewed all of the information in the administrative record; and 6. The ND has been completed in compliance with the intent and requirements of CEQA, CEQA Guidelines, and the City's CEQA requirements, and the ND represents the City Council's independent judgment. The City Council has considered the information contained in the ND and the record in considering the Project and related actions; and 7. Based on the entire record of this matter, there is no evidence that the Project as revised may have a significant effect on the environment; and 8. The documents constituting the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based are located in the City of Saratoga Department of Community Development and are maintained by the Director of that Department. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council adopts the ND attached as Exhibit 2; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council adopts the Noise Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan attached as Exhibit 1. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Saratoga, this 5th day of March, 2014 by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Emily Lo, Vice Mayor Howard Miller, Council Member Manny Cappello, Chuck Page, Jill Hunter NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None —� Emily Lo, Mayor ATTEST: DATE: ry 1 Bothelio, City Clerk Exhibit 1 —Noise Element Exhibit 2 — Negative Declaration OUT-01 CITY OF SARATOGA Updated Noise Element of the General Plan Prepared for: City of Saratoga Community Development Department 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Prepared by.- Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc. 130 Sutter Street, Floor 5 San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone: 415.397.0442 Fax: 415.397.0454 City of Saratoga Noise Element Adopted: March 5, 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction .................................................................................................... ..............................4 Purpose and Goal of Noise Element .................................................................. ..............................4 II. Environmental Noise Fundamentals .................................................................. ..............................4 FrequencySpectrum ....................................................................................... ..............................4 Variationof Sound with Time ........................................................................... ..............................5 Levelof Sound ................................................................................................ ..............................5 Propagationof Sound ...................................................................................... ..............................7 Effectsof Noise on People ............................................................................... ..............................7 III. Noise Environment in Saratoga ........................................................................ ..............................8 RoadTraffic .................................................................................................... ..............................8 Rail................................................................................................................ ..............................8 Aircraft........................................................................................................... ..............................8 Commercial.................................................................................................... ..............................8 Existing Traffic Noise Levels ............................................................................. ..............................8 Future Traffic Noise Levels ............................................................................. .............................10 IV. Acoustical Standards ...................................................................................... .............................10 Land -Use Compatibility ................................................................................... .............................10 Standards Related to State Regulations ........................................................... .............................12 Municipal Regulations and Noise Reduction Techniques .................................... .............................12 V. Goals, Policies, and Implementations .............................................................. .............................14 AppendixA: Definitions ........................................................................................ .............................17 Appendix B: Methodology and References ............................................................. .............................18 Methodology.................................................................................................. .............................18 NoiseMeasurement Map ................................................................................ .............................19 References and Bibliography ........................................................................... .............................19 Appendix C: Existing Noise Contours ..................................................................... .............................21 Appendix D: Projected Future Noise Contours ........................................................ .............................23 Page 2 City of Saratoga List of Tables Table NE -1: Noise measurement locations and results Table NE -2: Land -use compatibility guidelines Table NE -A1: Existing roadway noise and noise contour distances Table NE -A2: Projected future (2030) roadway noise and noise contour distances List of Figures Figure NE -1: How loud is it? (common sound levels) Figure NE -2: Existing traffic noise contours Figure NE -3: Projected future (2030) traffic noise contours Noise Element Page 3 City of Saratoga Noise Element I. INTRODUCTION The Noise Element of the General Plan provides a basis for comprehensive local programs to control and abate environmental noise and to protect citizens from excessive exposure. The Noise Element has been prepared to meet the requirements of California Planning law Section 65302 (f), which requires a Noise Element as one of the seven mandatory elements. The Noise Element has been prepared in recognition of the guidelines adopted by the State Office of Noise Control pursuant to the Health and Safety Code. The Noise Element quantifies the community noise environment in terms of noise exposure contours for both the near and long -term levels of growth and traffic activity. Purpose and Goal of Noise Element The purpose of the Noise Element is to characterize existing and potential future environmental noise levels for use in various land -use planning processes. The Noise Element is intended to be used by the community in the goal of preserving the quiet residential environment of Saratoga. This is done by controlling noise in all zone districts to levels that are compatible with existing and future land uses. II. ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE FUNDAMENTALS Airborne sound is a rapid fluctuation of air pressure above and below atmospheric pressure. Noise is usually defined as unwanted sound. Environmental noise is a part of modern society, such as noise from transportation vehicles, machinery, people, and other devices. Some sounds that are desirable to one person might be noise to another individual. Therefore, objective measures have been developed to characterize noise environments. These measures include the following aspects of sound: • The frequency spectrum of the sound • The time - varying character of the sound • The intensity or level of the sound Frequency Spectrum The "frequency" of a sound refers to the number of complete pressure fluctuations per second in the sound. The unit of measurement is cycles per second (cps) or hertz (Hz). Most of the sounds we hear in the environment do not consist of a single frequency, but rather of a broad band of frequencies, differing in level. The frequency and level content of a sound is called its sound spectrum. To permit comparisons of sounds having quite different spectra, frequency weighting methods have been devised to correlate with human response (i.e., perceived loudness). "A- weighting" progressively de- emphasizes the importance of frequency components below 1,000 Hz and above 5,000 Hz. This frequency weighting reflects the fact that human hearing is less sensitive at low frequencies and at extreme high frequencies relative to the mid - range. The unit of A- weighted sound levels is sometimes abbreviated "dBA." Page 4 City of Saratoga Noise Element Variation of Sound with Time Although a single sound level value can adequately describe environmental noise at any instant in time, community noise levels vary continuously. Most environmental noise is a conglomeration of distant noise sources, which results in a relatively steady noise having no identifiable source. These distant sources could include traffic, wind in trees, or continuous industrial processes and are relatively constant from moment to moment but usually vary from hour to hour with community activities (e.g., traffic levels). Superimposed on this slowly varying background is a succession of identifiable noisy events of brief duration. These might include nearby activities such as single vehicle passbys, train horns, or aircraft flyovers that cause the environmental noise level to vary from moment to moment. To describe the time - varying character of environmental noise, statistical noise descriptors were developed. "Llo" is the A- weighted sound level equaled or exceeded during 10 percent of a stated time period and is considered a good measure of typical maximum sound levels caused by discrete noise events. The °190" is the A- weighted sound level equaled or exceeded during 90 percent of a stated time period and is commonly used to describe the noise. A single number called "Leq" is also widely used. The term "Leq" originated from the concept of a so- called Equivalent Sound Level that contains the same acoustical energy as a varying sound level during the same time period. In other words, the Leq is the average A- weighted sound level in a stated time period. In determining the daily measure of environmental noise, it is important to account for the different response of people to daytime and nighttime noise. During the nighttime, exterior noise levels are generally lower than in the daytime. However, most household noise also decreases at night; thus, exterior noise intrusions become noticeable. Further, most people trying to sleep at night are more sensitive to noise. To account for human sensitivity to nighttime noise levels, a special descriptor was developed. The descriptor is called the DNL (Day -Night Average Sound Level), which represents the 24 -hour average sound level with a 10 dB "penalty" for noise occurring at night. Level of Sound It has been found that the human ear responds logarithmically to changes in sound pressure levels. Therefore, sound levels are usually measured and expressed in decibels (dB), with 0 dB corresponding roughly to the threshold of hearing. A decibel is a logarithmic unit used to describe the intensity or level of a sound with respect to a standardized reference sound level. With regard to increases in noise level, knowledge of the following relationships will be helpful in understanding the quantitative sections of this report: 1. Except in carefully controlled laboratory experiments, a change of only 1 dB in sound level cannot be perceived. 2. Outside of the laboratory, a 3 dB change is considered a just - noticeable difference. 3. A change in level of at least 5 dB is required before any noticeable change in community response would be expected. 4. A 10 dB change is subjectively heard as approximately a doubling in loudness, and would almost certainly cause an adverse community response. Page 5 City of Saratoga Noise Element 5. Sound levels do not combine arithmetically. Instead, they sum logarithmically, in a manner similar to the Richter scale, which is used for measuring the intensity of earthquakes. The following two examples illustrate this: - If the existing noise level at a particular location is 60 dB, and a new source of sound with a similar spectrum is introduced that also measures 60 dB, the result is not 120 dB; it is 63 dB. - If the existing noise level at a particular location is 60 dB, and a new sound source with a similar spectrum is introduced that measures 50 dB, the result is not 110 dB; it is still 60 dB. The new source is so much quieter than the existing one that it does not significantly contribute to the resulting sound level. Additional definitions of acoustical terms are listed in Appendix A. Common sound levels found in the environment are identified in Figure NE -1. FIGURE NE -1: How LOUD IS IT? Sound Level in A- weighted Decibels (dB) Jet takeoff (at 200') —120— Rock music band _110— Jackhammer (at 25') — 100 — Motorcycle accelerating (at 25') — 90 — Power lawn mower (at 20') _ 80 _ Steady urban traffic (at 25') _ 70 _ Normal conversation (at 3') — 60 — Daytime street, no nearby traffic — 50 — Inside average residence — 40 — Inside quiet home — 30 — Rustling leaves — 20 — Mosquito (at 3') _ 10 _ - 0 - Threshold of pain Threshold of hearing Page 6 City of Saratoga Noise Element Propagation of Sound As sound propagates away from a source, the level is attenuated with increasing distance. In general, sound radiating from a single object (called a "point" source), like a train horn or rooftop fan, is reduced by 6 dB for every doubling of distance. Noise radiating from a long single source or long continuous series of similar sources (called a "line" source) is attenuated by 3 dB for every doubling of distance. A roadway with varying levels of continuous traffic behaves similar to a line source with noise levels attenuated by between 3 and 4.5 dB per doubling of distance in typical conditions. Noise levels can also be reduced by intervening structures. For example, a noise barrier wall or even a single row of buildings between the receptor and the noise source reduces the noise level by about 5 dB to 10 dB. Structures also act to insulate people inside these structures from exterior noise. Common home construction methods generally provide a reduction of exterior -to- interior noise levels of about 20 dB to 30 dB with closed windows. Effects of Noise on People The typical effects of noise on people are summarized below. The sound levels associated with environmental noise usually only produce effects in the first four categories. • Annoyance is the most difficult of all noise responses to describe. Annoyance is a very individual characteristic and can vary widely from person to person. What one person considers acceptable can be intolerable to another of equal hearing capability. For example, some people like the sound of trains, while others do not. • Physiological responses are those measurable noise effects on the human body, such as changes in pulse rate, blood pressure, etc. While such effects can be induced and observed, the extent to which these physiological responses cause harm or are a sign of harm is not known. • Sleep interference is a major concern with respect to transportation - generated noise. Sleep disturbance studies have identified interior noise levels attributed to transportation noise as a key factor of sleep disturbance. However, sleep disturbance does not necessarily equate to awakening from sleep; rather, it can refer to disruption of the sleep pattern and stages of sleep. Train and aircraft noise is a major source of complaints. • Speech interference is one of the primary concerns associated with environmental noise. Normal conversational speech is in the range of 60 to 66 dB. Steady elevated noise levels can interfere with speech. Depending on the distance between the speaker and the listener, raised voice levels may be required to overcome the background noise. • Potential hearing loss is commonly associated with occupational exposures in heavy industry or very noisy work environments. Noise levels in neighborhoods, even near very noisy airports, are not considered sufficiently loud to cause hearing loss. Page 7 City of Saratoga Noise Element III.NOISE ENVIRONMENT IN SARATOGA Noise exposure in the City of Saratoga is principally generated by vehicular traffic on highways and arterial roads. Other sources of noise include a spur rail line, distant aircraft, and commercial activities. Road Traffic Traffic noise levels depend primarily on vehicular speed and total traffic volume, but also the type of vehicle. The primary source of noise from automobiles is high- frequency tire noise. Trucks, older automobiles, and motorcycles produce significant engine and exhaust noise, and trucks can also generate wind noise. Descriptions of major roadways in the City of Saratoga are found in the Circulation Element of the General Plan. Raiff The Southern Pacific rail network includes a spur line extending from San Jose, across Saratoga from Prospect Road in the north to Quito Road in the southeast. Train passbys occur occasionally. For example, during a one week survey in 2013, only two train passbys were identified. Often the loudest noise source associated with rail lines is horn blasts at grade crossings which occur at Arroyo De Arguello, Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road, Cox Avenue, Glen Brae Drive, and Quito Road. Locomotive, rail car, and wheel contact are other sources of noise during passbys. Aircraft Occasional aircraft flyovers are generated by facilities such as San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Moffett Field. Aircraft noise in Saratoga is a relatively small part of the City's noise environment. Flyovers of large aircraft from San Jose International Airport are at altitudes that make their noise noticeable, but not intrusive at ground level. Commercial Commercial concentrations and community and neighborhood shopping centers are located on Saratoga Avenue and Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road at intersections with other arterial streets. There is also a neighborhood center on Cox Avenue. The Village is also a concentration of business activities and is the historic commercial core. Activities such as truck unloading, trash collection, landscape maintenance, HVAC equipment, and events are sources of environmental noise associated with commercial and community centers. Facilities located in the Saratoga hills are also associated with event - related noise that contributes to the noise environment in the City. Existing Traffic Noise Levels Existing traffic noise levels in the City of Saratoga are assessed via noise measurements and computer - generated noise contours. The contours are based on both traffic data and noise measurement results. A noise measurement survey was conducted in Saratoga during July 2013 to determine noise levels throughout the community. The noise survey consisted of long -term (seven -day) noise measurements at six locations along major roadways. The noise monitors were installed at a height of 12 feet above grade. Additional short -term (15- minute) measurements were conducted at an additional six associated locations along the subject roadways to compare various roadway segments. Results of the survey are listed in Table NE -1 below. Measurement locations are shown in a map in Appendix B. Page 8 City of Saratoga TABLE NE -1: NOISE MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS AND RESULTS Location DNL at 50 feet Location Description No. From Centerline Along Prospect Road between Saratoga - ST -1 Sunnyvale Road and Miller Avenue 70 dB ST -2 Saratoga - Sunnyvale between Prospect Road 71 dB and Cox Avenue LT -3 Saratoga - Sunnyvale between Cox Avenue 70 dB and Saratoga Avenue ST -4 Cox Avenue between Saratoga - Sunnyvale 66 dB Road and Saratoga Avenue LT -5 Saratoga Avenue between Cox Avenue and 72 dB Highway 85 ST -6 Saratoga Avenue between Fruitvale Avenue 68 dB and Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road LT -7 Big Basin Way between Saratoga - Sunnyvale 68 dB Road and Pierce Road ST -8 Quito Road between Saratoga Avenue and 68 dB Allendale Avenue ST -9 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road between Saratoga 67 dB Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue LT -10 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road between Fruitvale 71 dB Avenue and Quito Road At nominal Highway 85 between Prospect Road and 100 -foot distance: LT -11 Cox Avenue 67 to 71 dB with barrier shielding _ At nominal LT -12 Along railway between Saratoga - Sunnyvale 100 -foot distance: Road and Cox Avenue 56 dB Noise Element Notes: Unless noted, DNL values are normalized to a measurement distance of 50 feet from the roadway centerline. LT'and 'ST'indicates long -term and short -term measurement locations, respectively. DNL at short -term measurement locations are estimated based on comparison with long -term data. Source: Charles Salter Associates, 2013 Page 9 City of Saratoga Noise Element The Federal Highway Administration's Highway Traffic Noise Model (FHWA -RD -77 -108) was used to calculate traffic noise levels along major roadways in Saratoga using traffic data from Circulation Element traffic study. Appendix C provides a summary of the results and calculated nominal distances to several noise contour levels for the existing condition. The analysis of city-wide traffic noise levels and associated policies were primarily based on these annualized average daily traffic data. The noise measurement results were used to verify these calculations. The measurements were in -line with calculation results. The noise contour map of existing conditions generated for highways and major arterials in Saratoga is contained in Appendix C. The map indicates the noise exposure levels associated with these roadways. Actual conditions on each property will vary from the contours, particularly at longer distances, due to such factors as elevation, terrain, noise barriers, and screening. In establishing noise contours for land -use planning, it is customary to ignore noise attenuation afforded by such factors. The result is a worst -case estimate of the noise environment. The assumption is that it is preferable to overestimate the potential noise at a site than to underestimate the noise environment and allow for potentially incompatible land -use development. However, Saratoga noise contours do account for the depression of Highway 85 and the virtually continuous noise barriers flanking the roadway since these features have a significant effect on the traffic noise levels in the surrounding areas. Future Traffic Noise L e vels Projected future traffic noise levels in the City of Saratoga were calculated based on projected traffic volume data for major roadways. Estimated future traffic volume data for City roadways in 2030 are published in the Circulation Element of the General Plan. Estimated future traffic volume for Highway 85 are based on a Caltrans estimate for growth of 3- percent per year. Appendix D provides a summary of the results and calculated nominal distances to several noise contour levels for the future (2030) condition and also a map illustrating the noise contours. From existing conditions, traffic noise levels are expected to increase by between 1 and 3 dB. IV. ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS A. Land -Use Compatibility (Exterior Noise Impacts) The exterior noise land -use compatibility guidelines shown in Table NE -2 are those recommended as being environmentally acceptable for approval of new development in the City of Saratoga, consistent with the previous noise element, and in line with communities similar to the City of Saratoga and State guidelines. Noise in the City of Saratoga is generated by a variety of sources. Land -use compatibility for new development may take into account the nature of the sources and receivers under consideration. For example, community uses and events within residential neighborhoods are commonly desirable features even though such facilities may have a noise characteristic that varies from typical residential areas. Page 10 City of Saratoga TABLE NE -2: NEW DEVELOPMENT LAND-USE COMPATIBILITY GUIDELINES Outdoor Day -Night Average Sound Level (DNQ, in dB Noise Element rl_114Q01:6]1xy Sound levels above are as measured at the exterior of the proposed location of the new development (e.g., residential unit, commercial building, etc.) rather than at the property boundary of the source or the property to be developed. Refer to Table LU -1 (Land -Use Element) for detailed descriptions of land -use categories and land -uses for which these guidelines apply. These guidelines are derived from the California Department of Health Services, Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan, 2003. The State Guidelines have been modified to reflect standards for the City of Saratoga. 1 Normally Acceptable — Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction. There are no special noise insulation requirements. z Conditionally Acceptable — New construction should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirement is conducted and needed noise insulation features included in the design. 3 Normally Unacceptable — New construction should be discouraged and may be denied as inconsistent with the General Plan and City Code. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. 4 Outdoor open space noise standards do not apply to private balconies /patios. Land -use planning can provide an effective means of mitigating adverse noise impacts by separating noise - sensitive areas from noise sources. Site - specific noise mitigation structures, such as sound walls or structural soundproofing, can then be avoided or reduced. In developed areas, however, there is not always sufficient land to allow adequate separation of population concentrations from transportation systems, which are the major sources of noise. Site - specific noise abatement measures must be taken in these instances. Control of noise can be accomplished by controlling noise at the source in the new development, buffering the pathway of sound waves with barriers or increased distance, controlling the transmission of noise through structures, and by enclosing or protecting the receiver of noise. Page 11 Normally Conditionally Normally Land -Use Category Acceptable' Acceptable Unacceptable Residential - Single- family up to 60 > 60 to 70 > 70 - Multi- family up to 65 > 65 to 70 > 70 Open Space4 /Parks up to 60 > 60 to 70 > 70 Commercial /Office up to 65 > 65 to 75 > 75 Public and quasi - Public Facilities up to 60 > 60 to 65 > 65 rl_114Q01:6]1xy Sound levels above are as measured at the exterior of the proposed location of the new development (e.g., residential unit, commercial building, etc.) rather than at the property boundary of the source or the property to be developed. Refer to Table LU -1 (Land -Use Element) for detailed descriptions of land -use categories and land -uses for which these guidelines apply. These guidelines are derived from the California Department of Health Services, Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of the Noise Element of the General Plan, 2003. The State Guidelines have been modified to reflect standards for the City of Saratoga. 1 Normally Acceptable — Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction. There are no special noise insulation requirements. z Conditionally Acceptable — New construction should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirement is conducted and needed noise insulation features included in the design. 3 Normally Unacceptable — New construction should be discouraged and may be denied as inconsistent with the General Plan and City Code. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. 4 Outdoor open space noise standards do not apply to private balconies /patios. Land -use planning can provide an effective means of mitigating adverse noise impacts by separating noise - sensitive areas from noise sources. Site - specific noise mitigation structures, such as sound walls or structural soundproofing, can then be avoided or reduced. In developed areas, however, there is not always sufficient land to allow adequate separation of population concentrations from transportation systems, which are the major sources of noise. Site - specific noise abatement measures must be taken in these instances. Control of noise can be accomplished by controlling noise at the source in the new development, buffering the pathway of sound waves with barriers or increased distance, controlling the transmission of noise through structures, and by enclosing or protecting the receiver of noise. Page 11 City of Saratoga Noise Element B. Land -Use Compatibility (Interior Noise Impacts) - Standards Related to State Regulations Traditionally, the State of California Building Code has included sound insulation standards to reduce exterior -to- interior noise intrusion to habitable rooms of multi - family residential buildings. An interior noise level standard of DNL 45 dB is established for the City of Saratoga as the maximum allowable noise level in all residential buildings including single - family homes (due to outdoor noise sources). The State of California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) includes interior noise standards for non - residential buildings. Currently, the CALGreen Code prescribes an interior noise level standard of Leq(h) 50 dB as the maximum allowable hourly average noise level during any hour of operation in certain commercial /office buildings (due to outdoor noise sources). This standard is established for the City of Saratoga as the maximum allowable noise level in all non - residential buildings (due to outdoor noise sources). C. Municipal Regulations for Existing Noise Sources Community responses to existing noise sources have centered on equipment, animals, and events. The City of Saratoga City Code includes regulations on sources of noise to limit noise transfer across property lines and administrative controls regarding animals. Typical limits address operating levels and restricted hours. Further restrictions on equipment noise might be appropriate as improved technology is developed. Noise control standards are incorporated into the City Code to limit the level of noise from a source which may be transferred at the property plane between adjoining properties in the City and are described in greater detail below. Noise control standards of the City Code (e.g., the Noise Control Ordinance at City Code Article 7 -30 are applied two ways. They are used to address potential noise from new /proposed equipment that is submitted for permit. In addition, the standards are to address complaints of noise transfer between properties. The objective limits contained in the Noise Control Ordinance are developed to establish standards for unacceptable noise levels generated by equipment, animals, amplified sound systems and other sources. Zoning Standards The principal use of zoning standards is related to noise compatibility and separating incompatible land -uses for new development. In addition, zoning standards can regulate specific details of development design or construction, such as limiting building heights, and requiring buffer strips, noise barriers, and sound - insulating constructions. Physical noise reduction techniques that can be utilized fall into the four major categories shown below. These physical techniques vary widely in their noise reduction characteristics, their costs, and in their applicability to specific locations and conditions D. Noise Reduction Techniques Education should be made available to increase awareness of noise compatibility issues and noise control measures. Page 12 City of Saratoga Noise Element Acoustical site planning uses the arrangement of buildings on a tract of land to reduce noise impacts by capitalizing on a site's natural characteristics. Opportunities for successful acoustical site planning are determined by the size of the lot, the terrain, and the zoning restrictions. Acoustical site planning techniques include: • Placing as much distance as feasible between the noise source and the noise sensitive activity. • Placing noise - compatible activities such as parking lots, open space, and commercial facilities, between the noise source and the sensitive activity. • Using buildings as noise barriers. • Orienting noise - sensitive buildings to face away from the noise sources. For example, houses placed near the front of long narrow lots can have deep rear yards available to act as noise buffers from a neighboring noise source. Acoustical architectural design incorporates noise - reducing concepts in the layout of individual buildings. The areas of architectural concern include building height, room arrangement, window placement, and balcony and courtyard design. For example, in some cases, noise impacts can be reduced if the building is limited to one story and if bedrooms and living rooms are placed in the part of the building farthest from the noise source, while kitchens and bathrooms are placed closer to the noise source. Acoustical building construction is the treatment of the various parts of a building to reduce interior noise impacts. It includes the use of walls, windows, doors, roof assemblies, and penetrations in the building envelope that have been treated to reduce sound transmission into a building. The use of dense materials, structural isolation, and air - spaces within assemblies are primary noise reduction techniques. Acoustical construction is one of the most effective ways of reducing interior noise. Noise barriers can be erected between noise sources and noise - sensitive areas. Barrier types include berms made of sloping mounds of earth, walls, fences, and combinations of these materials. The choice between these depends on a variety of factors including the desired level of sound reduction, space, cost, safety, privacy, and aesthetics. Solid wall barriers might reflect sound from one side of a highway to the other, slightly increasing sound levels. Earth berms deflect sound upward and tend to eliminate this condition; a combination of the two is usually recommended where possible for this reason. Page 13 City of Saratoga V. GOALS, POLICIES, AND IMPLEMENTATIONS Noise Element Goal #1 Maintain or reduce noise levels in the City to avoid exposure to unacceptable or harmful noise. Policy 1.1 The City shall maintain an up -to -date Noise Element in accordance with State regulations. Implementation 1.1.1 The City should periodically measure and monitor noise levels in the City to identify changes. Policy 1.2 The City shall use the planning and code enforcement processes to discourage activities, practices, or land uses that create or result in excessive noise exposure. Implementation 1.2.1 The City should review and revise the Noise Ordinance and enforcement processes to appropriately reflect changing conditions and technological developments. Policy 1.3 The City shall require that all City-owned and operated equipment and equipment operated under contract with the City meet City noise standards. Implementation 1.3.1 New purchases of City fleet equipment should be considered if there are significant advances in equipment noise reduction technology. Implementation 1.3.2 City contracts should encourage use of equipment that incorporates the latest noise reduction techniques. Policy 1.4 The City shall encourage public awareness and education of noise issues and acoustical standards as key ingredients in controlling unwanted noise and its effects on the quality of life in Saratoga. Implementation 1.4.1 The City should provide a resource (e.g., a website) devoted to public awareness of City noise standards, policies, and procedures. Page 14 City of Saratoga Noise Element Goal #2 Promote land -use compatibility by addressing noise exposure from existing noise sources. Policy 2.1 An acoustical analysis is to be conducted for proposed Residential and Quasi - Public development where the existing noise level exceeds Outdoor DNL 60 dB to determine measures needed to reduce noise impacts to meet City noise standards. Policy 2.2 New residential development shall be designed and constructed to provide an interior noise level of DNL 45 dB or less in habitable rooms (due to outdoor sources). Policy 2.3 Residential outdoor open space intended for use and enjoyment shall be designed to meet Outdoor DNL 60 dB. This policy does not apply to private exterior balconies. Where this level cannot feasibly be met by incorporating reasonable measures, such as strategic site layout and noise barriers, DNL 65 dB may be approved. Policy 2.4 New office /commercial development shall be designed and constructed to reduce daytime interior noise levels in accordance with State CALGreen standards prescribing an interior noise level standard of Leq(h) 50 dB as the maximum allowable hourly average noise level during any hour of operation. Policy 2.5 Parks and recreational areas should be protected from excessive noise to permit the enjoyment of sports and other leisure time activities. Parks and other recreational areas which are impacted by outside noise sources should be provided with noise protection devices, including barriers and landscaping. Park design should locate passive recreation areas away from noise sources. Policy 2.6 The City recognizes that certain community uses and events are inherent to a suburban environment. Implementation 2.6.1 Update City Noise Control Ordinance to specifically address sources that would have an impact on the community, such as noise generated by equipment, animals and amplified sound. Policy 2.7 Noise generated by equipment, animals and amplified sound shall meet adopted standards as amended from time to time. Implementation 2.7.1 The City should continue to enforce the restrictions in the Noise Ordinance of the Saratoga City Code. Page 15 City of Saratoga Noise Element Policy 2.8 The City shall enforce regulations pertaining to home occupations and not permit those that create noise beyond the property boundaries. Goal #3 Promote land -use compatibility by addressing noise exposure from new noise sources. Policy 3.1 Changes in use and development shall be reviewed for noise impacts to neighboring land uses. Policy 3.2 New development shall be required to utilize appropriate measures to reduce noise impacts to the adopted noise standards; and acoustical analysis may be required by the approving authority. Goal #4 Maintain or reduce noise levels generated by the ground transportation system. Policy 4.1 The City should work with other agencies to mitigate the effect of existing and future transportation noise sources. Policy 4.2 The City should consider the implementation of alternative transportation methods in order to reduce cumulative traffic levels and noise generation. Implementation 4.2.1 The City should continue traffic reduction programs outlined in the goals, policies, and implementation actions in the Circulation Element. Policy 4.3 The City should design new or improved roads in Saratoga with careful consideration given to both long and short -term noise impacts. Implementation 4.3.1 Noise abatement measures should be considered in the design of new and improved roadways. Policy 4.4 The City should discourage through traffic in residential neighborhoods to reduce noise impacts. Policy 4.5 The City should continue to designate truck routes in order to direct truck traffic away from noise - sensitive land uses. Policy 4.6 Municipal speed limits and State of California Vehicle Code noise regulations are intended to reduce traffic noise in the City. Implementation 4.5.1 The City should continue to coordinate enforcement of speed limits and State regulations related to vehicles that generate unacceptable noise. Page 16 City of Saratoga Noise Element APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS Average Daily Traffic (ADT): The total volume during a given time period in whole days greater than one day and less than one year divided by the number of days in that time period, commonly abbreviated as ADT. A- Weighting: A frequency weighting applied to sound pressure levels to better correlate with the loudness of sounds as perceived by the human ear. All sound levels discussed in this Element are A- Weighted. The unit of A- weighted sound levels is sometimes abbreviated "dBA ". Continuous Noise: On -going noise, the intensity of which remains at a measurable level (which might or might not vary) without interruption over an indefinite period or a specified period of time. Day -Night Average Sound Level (DNL): An A- Weighted sound level averaged on the basis of sound energy for a 24 -hour noise exposure including a 10 dB penalty added to sound levels occurring during nighttime hours. dB (Decibel): A standardized unit of sound pressure level. Increasing values related to louder sounds. Decible represents the logarithm of the ratio of measured acoustical energy and a standard reference of 20 microPascals. Frequency: The time rate of repetition of a periodic phenomenon (in cycles per second or hertz). Hours, Daytime: Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Hours, Evening: Between the hours of 7:00 p.m and 10:00 p.m. Hours, Nighttime: Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Land -Use Area: Reasonably homogenous and identifiable areas composed of similar general types of land uses such as residential, commercial, or industrial districts. L10 and L90 Sound Levels: The sound level that is exceeded, cumulatively, during 10, 50, or 90 percent of a specified time period, respectively. "Llo" is the A- weighted sound level equaled or exceeded during 10 percent of a stated time period and is considered a good measure of typical maximum sound levels caused by discrete noise events. The "L90" is the A- weighted sound level equaled or exceeded during 90 percent of a stated time period and is commonly used to describe the noise level. LeQ, Equivalent Sound Level: The average A- weighted noise level over a stated time period. Loudness: The attribute of an auditory sensation relating to its intensity or magnitude. Loudness depends primarily upon the sound pressure of the stimulus, but it also depends upon the frequency and wave form of the stimulus. Noise Exposure Contours: Lines drawn about a noise source indicating constant levels of noise exposure. DNL is the metric utilized herein to describe community exposure to noise. Sound Insulation: (1) the use of structures and materials designed to reduce the transmission of sound. (2) The degree by which sound transmission is reduced by means of sound insulating structures and materials. Page 17 City of Saratoga Noise Element APPENDIX B: METHODOLOGY AND REFERENCES Methodology The Noise Element was prepared to accomplish two tasks. One was to comply with Section 65302 (f) of the Government Code which states that a Noise Element is a mandatory element of a General Plan. The other task is to establish a City-wide policy document that stipulates that the preservation of the City of Saratoga's 'relatively quiet" acoustic environment is necessary and beneficial for the General health and welfare of all residents. To accomplish both of these tasks, the following methodology was utilized. During the writing of the Noise Element some parts of the methodology were emphasized more than others due to the acoustical characteristics inherent to the City of Saratoga. • Preliminary identification of problem noise areas • Collection of data on existing and proposed transportation sound sources • Collection of information on general sound levels throughout the City • Review of information from published sources regarding effects of sound on human activities, health, and well -being • Survey of noise control regulations from other jurisdictions • Preparation of standards that relate sound levels to types of land use and environmental factors • Formulation of policy statements and implementation alternatives • Citizen input and awareness To update the Noise Element, additional transportation noise measurements were conducted throughout the City, revised models of existing and projected future noise contours were generated, content was refined to reflect updated State Guidelines on the preparation of Noise Elements, and updated community feedback was gathered. The following notes summarize input received at two community meetings: Noise Issues from 20 August 2013 meeting at Fireman's Hall • Noise levels may be too low in current ordinance, needs to be real and practical • Motorcycles engines are too loud • Construction Noise — Sunday work, better information should be provided to contractors • Maintain existing noise standards for residential • Look at noise emitted from community functions — Schools, Clubs, Hakone • Leaf Blowers — compare with other cities (popular issue) • Garbage Trucks — time of pick up, too noisy in the morning • Barking Dogs — need better regulations and enforcement (popular issue) • The volume of outdoor music in the village is better this year than last • Review strict dB levels — children playing can exceed allowable noise levels Not all noise is the same — the type of noise can make a big difference Amplified noise vs. voices • Construction Noise — compressor can be less noisy than a hammer Noise Issues from 27 August 2013 meeting at Saratoga Library Create Noise Web Page Animal Noise — Turkeys, chickens, roosters Community uses — schools can be sources of noise Page 18 City of Saratoga Noise Element • Barking Dogs (popular issue) • Home Occupation Noise — home based businesses creating too much noise • Resurface Highway 85 to reduce noise • Leaf Blowers — consider banning gas powered leaf blowers • Motorcycle noise • Allendale and Quito Bus — bus stopping in front of house with loud speaker being heard • Hakone — noise from events. Stop amplification of noise after certain hours • Construction noise — limit hours. Better information should be provided to contractors. Contact information should be made available to public /neighbors • Children's Hospital — amplified music /excessive parties /children's playground location, truck deliveries • Residential garbage pickup — limit hours • Backyard parties — live music • City should get out information to the community so everyone knows the rules • Tailor the type of measurement weight (A /B /C) to the type of noise • Low flying aircraft are too noisy • Declare Saratoga a Noise Adverse City • Updates should have "Common Sense" • Car key fobs and alarms are too loud Noise Measurement Map A map of noise measurement locations (see Table 1) is provided at the end of this appendix. References and Bibliography • State of California, State Planning Law, Government Code Section 65302 (f). • United States Environmental Protection Agency, Quieting in the House. • Office of Noise Control, California Department of Health, Model Community Noise Control Ordinance, April 1977. • National Association of Home Builders, Acoustical Manual. • United States Environmental Protection Agency, Protective Noise Levels, Condensed Version of the EPA Levels Document. • Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of Noise Elements of the General Plan (Noise Control Program, California Department of Health, in coordination with the California Governor's Office of Planning and Research, Sacramento, CA) February 1976, Revised 2003. • The Audible Landscape: A Manual for Highway Noise and Land Use, Prepared for U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Offices of Research and Development, November 1974. Page 19 f J -- f-jlf 3,000 I = Short -Term Measurement = Long -Term Measurement 161390 13,000 I I LL CITY OF SARATOGA NOISE ELEMENT UPDATE PROPOSED NOISE MEASUREMENT LOCATI ON S J M300 1,l s r� r T.600 1.1,$00 6,100 © 2013 CHARLES M. SALTER ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ACOUSTICAL DESIGN INFORMATION ONLY FIGURE 1 CSA # JLD 13 -0257 06.13.13 C h a r l e s M S a l t e r A s s o c i a t e s I n c 130 Sutter Street San Francisco California 94104 Tel: 415 397 0442 Fax: 415 397 0454 City of Saratoga Noise Element APPENDIX C: EXISTING NOISE CONTOURS TABLE NE -A1: EXISTING ROADWAY NOISE AND NOISE CONTOUR DISTANCES Notes: DNL values are normalized to a measurement distance of 50 feet from the roadway centerline. DNL values for SR 85 are also normalized for comparison purposes and account for shielding from terrain and barriers (even though a 50 -Foot setback is within the right -of -way). Source: Charles Salter Associates, 2013 Page 21 DNL at Distance from 50 -foot Centerline setback to DNL Contour 70 65 60 55 Street Segment in dB Saratoga - Prospect Road Sunnyvale Road to Miller Avenue 69 <50 94 202 435 Lawrence Prospect Road Miller Avenue to Expressway 70 <50 101 218 4.70_ Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road Prospect Road to Cox Avenue 71 60 128 276_ 595 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road Cox Avenue to Saratoga Avenue 70 51 110 237 511 Pierce Road Surrey Lane to Comer Dr. 59 <50 <50 <50 96 Saratoga - Cox Avenue Sunnyvale Road to Saratoga Avenue 66 <50 56 121 261 Lawrence Saratoga Avenue Expressway to Cox Avenue 72 68 147 316 680 Saratoga Avenue Cox Avenue to SR 85 72 72 156 335 723 Avenue SR 85 to Fruitvale Avenue 72 69 149 322 693 _Saratoga Saratoga - Saratoga Avenue Fruitvale Avenue to Sunnyvale Road 68 <50 76 164 354 Saratoga - Big Basin Way Sunnyvale Road to Pierce Road 68 <50 76 164 353 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue 69 <50 86 185 399 Saratoga -Los Fruitvale Avenue Allendale Avenue to Gatos Road 65 <50 <50 105 226 Allendale Avenue Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road 64 <50 <50 98 210 Quito Road Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue 68 <50 80 172 371 Saratoga -Los Quito Road Allendale Avenue to Gatos Road 66 <50 57 123 265 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road Saratoga Avenue to Fruitvale Avenue 67 <50 65 139 301 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road - - -- Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road -- - -..__ _ _— __. -._ 71 __.. 62 134 - 288 620 __ —.. 101 _ 468 - __. 1009 SR 85 (Cupertino) to Saratoga Avenue 75 217 SR 85 Saratoga Avenue to Los Gatos 75 114 1 245 528 1137 Notes: DNL values are normalized to a measurement distance of 50 feet from the roadway centerline. DNL values for SR 85 are also normalized for comparison purposes and account for shielding from terrain and barriers (even though a 50 -Foot setback is within the right -of -way). Source: Charles Salter Associates, 2013 Page 21 r� ,11 City of Saratoga oga l - 1 \ Existing Traffic Noise - _ Contours - DNL55to60d6 i DNL60to65dB DNL65to70dB DNL70to75dB > DNL 75 dB i N -- L CSA Project No. 13 -0257 1 Oct. 2013 T —. City of Saratoga APPENDIX D: PROJECTED FUTURE NOISE CONTOURS Noise Element TABLE NE -A2: PROJECTED FUTURE (2030) ROADWAY NOISE AND NOISE CONTOUR DISTANCES Notes: DNL values are normalized to a measurement distance of 50 feet from the roadway centerline. DNL values for SR 85 are also normalized for comparison purposes and account for shielding from terrain and barriers (even though a 50 -Foot setback is within the right -of -way). Source: Charles Salter Associates, 2013 Page 23 DNL at Distance from 50 -foot Centerline setback to DNL Contour 70 65 60 55 Street Segment in dB Saratoga- 70 51 110 237 510 Prospect Road Sunnyvale Road to Miller Avenue Lawrence 71 55 119 256 552 Prospect Road Miller Avenue to Expressway Saratoga - Sunnyvale 72 70 151 324 699 Road Prospect Road to Cox Avenue Saratoga - Sunnyvale 71 60 129 279 601 Road Cox Avenue to Saratoga Avenue Pierce Road Surrey Lane to Comer Dr. 60 <50 <50 52 112 Saratoga- 67 <50 66 142 305 Cox Avenue Sunnyvale Road to Saratoga Avenue Lawrence 73 80 172 370 798 Saratoga Avenue Expressway to Cox Avenue_ 74 Saratoga Avenue Cox Avenue to SR 85 88 190 408 880 Avenue SR 85 to Fruitvale Avenue 73 69 81 <50 _175 89 378 813 414 _Saratoga Saratoga- 192 Saratoga Avenue Fruitvale Avenue to Sunnyvale Road Saratoga- 69 <50 89 192 413 Big Basin Way Sunnyvale Road to Pierce Road Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue 70 <50 101 217 468 Saratoga -Los 66 <50 57 123 266 Fruitvale Avenue Allendale Avenue to Gatos Road Allendale Avenue Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road 65 <50 53 115 247 Quito Road Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue 69 <50 94 202 434 Saratoga -Los 67 <50 67 144 311 Quito Road Allendale Avenue to Gatos Road _ 68 <50 Saratoga -Los Gatos 76 164 352 Road Saratoga Avenue to Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga -Los Gatos 73 74 159 343 739 Road - - -- Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road -- - -..__ _ -- —_. -.— ___ 698 1503 SR 85 (Cupertino) to Saratoga Avenue 77 150 324 SR 85 Saratoga Avenue to Los Gatos 78 170 1 365 787 1 1695 Notes: DNL values are normalized to a measurement distance of 50 feet from the roadway centerline. DNL values for SR 85 are also normalized for comparison purposes and account for shielding from terrain and barriers (even though a 50 -Foot setback is within the right -of -way). Source: Charles Salter Associates, 2013 Page 23 wa II City of Saratoga Future (2030) Traffic Noise I�� Contours DNL 55 to 60 dB DNL 60 to 65 dB DNL 65 to 70 dB DNL 70 to 75 dB > DNL 75 dB N L CSA Project No. 13-0257 A 1 Oct. 2013 Initial Study and Negative Declaration City of Saratoga Noise Element Prepared for The City of Saratoga By DYETT & BHATIA Urban and Regional Planners December 10, 2013 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration Introduction 1.1 Initial Study /Negative Declaration This Initial Study /Negative Declaration has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which can be found in the California Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and the CEQA Guidelines found in California Code of Regulations Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15000 et seq., as amended. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15074 (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Chapter 3) when considering adoption of a Negative Declaration the Lead Agency is bound by the following: A. Any advisory body of a public agency making a recommendation to the decision - making body shall consider the proposed negative declaration before making its recommendation. B. Prior to approving a project the Lead Agency shall consider the proposed negative declaration together with any comments received during the public review process. The decision - making body shall adopt the proposed negative declaration only if it finds on the whole of the record before it that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment and that a negative declaration reflects the Lead Agency's independent judgment and analysis. C. When adopting a negative declaration, the Lead Agency shall specify the location and custodian of the documents or other material which constitute the record of proceedings upon which its decision is based. D. When adopting a negative declaration, the Lead Agency shall also adopt a program for reporting on or monitoring the changes which it has either required in the Project or made a condition of approval to avoid or mitigate significant environmental impacts. E. A Lead Agency shall not adopt a negative declaration for a project within the boundaries of a comprehensive airport land use plan or, if a comprehensive airport land use plan has not been adopted, for a project within two nautical miles of a public use airport, without first considering whether the project will 1 -2 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration result in a safety hazard or noise problem for persons using the airport or for persons residing or working in the project area. In the case of the Proposed Project, advisory board is the Planning Commission and the decision making body is the City Council of Saratoga. LEAD AGENCY /CONTACT The Lead Agency for this Initial Study /Negative Declaration is the City of Saratoga. During the 20 -day comment period, please mail comments on this Initial Study/ Negative Declaration to the project manager for the Lead Agency at the following address: City of Saratoga; Planning Division Christopher Riordan AICP, Senior Planner 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 1.2 Proiect Information PROJECT TITLE General Plan Noise Element Update LEAD AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS City of Saratoga; Planning Division 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 CONTACT PERSON Christopher Riordan AICP, Senior Planner PROJECT LOCATION City of Saratoga PROJECT SPONSOR NAME City of Saratoga; Planning Division 1 -3 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION Citywide •17TRC7 Citywide BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT The proposed project is an update to the City's existing Noise Element. The Noise Element is a mandatory element of the General Plan, as required by § 65302(f) of the California Government Code. The Noise Element must analyze and quantify current and project noise levels that contribute to the community noise environment. The Noise Element is intended to be used by the community for the goal of preserving the quire residential environment of Saratoga, by controlling noise in all zone districts to levels that are compatible with existing and future land districts. OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES WHOSE APPROVAL IS REQUIRED None. However, the City will submit, as required, the Initial Study /Negative Declaration for the Noise Element and the draft Noise Element itself to other potentially interested government agencies at the local, regional, state and federal levels for their review and comment. 1 -4 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 1.3 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected Environmental factors that may be affected by the Project, as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act are listed alphabetically below. Factors marked with a filled in block (X) were determined to be potentially affected by the Project, involving at least one impact that has been identified as a "Potentially Significant Impact" with mitigation measures identified that would reduce the impact to a less than significant level, as indicated in the Environmental Checklist (Chapter 3) and the related discussion that follows. Unmarked factors () were determined to not be significantly affected by the Project, based on the discussion provided in Chapter 3. O Aesthetics El Agriculture Resources O Air Quality El Biological Resources O Cultural Resources El Geology /Soils 1 -5 El Greenhouse Gas Emissions El Hazards and Hazardous Materials El Hydrology and Water Quality El Land Use /Planning El Mineral Resources O Noise El Population / Housing El Public Services O Recreation El Transportation /Traffic El Utilities/ Service Systems El Mandatory Findings of Significance City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 1.4 Lead Agency's Determination On the basis of the evaluation in this Initial Study: 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. Signature Date 1 -6 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 2 Project Description 2.1 Proiect Location and Settin The City of Saratoga is located in the western portion of Santa Clara County just southwest of the major metropolitan community of San Jose, and approximately 35 miles south of San Francisco. Saratoga is at the southern end of the San Francisco Peninsula. It covers an area of 12.4 square miles, with an elevation of 410 feet, and has a population of 30,677 people. The northern, southern and eastern portions of the community are sited on a historic alluvial plain shared with the adjacent communities of Cupertino, San Jose, Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno. The western portion consists of low -lying foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is adjacent to unincorporated areas within Santa Clara County. Major regional access to the community is provided by State Route 85 (SR -85), a six - lane freeway linking to US 280 in Cupertino and US 101 to the north in Mountain View, US 101 south in San Jose, and to SR17 to north San Jose and southwest to Santa Cruz County. Local roadways linking Saratoga to surrounding communities include Saratoga - Los Gatos Road, Saratoga Avenue, Highway 9 and Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road. 2.2 Project Description The Noise Element is a mandatory element of the General Plan required by §65302(0 of the California Government Code. The Noise Element must analyze and quantify, to the extent practicable, current and projected noise levels from the following noise sources: major traffic thoroughfares, passenger and freight railroad operations, commercial and general aviation operations, industrial plants, and other ground stationary noise sources contributing to the community noise environment. Noise levels for these sources must be shown on noise contour maps prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or modeling techniques, and the resulting noise contours must be used to guide land use decisions to reduce noise impacts ( §65302(f) of the California Government Code). 2 -7 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration The proposed Noise Element would update Saratoga's original Noise Element, adopted in 1988. The Noise Element is intended to be used by the community for the goal of preserving the quiet residential environment of Saratoga, by controlling noise in all zone districts to levels that are compatible with existing and future land districts. The updated element contains five chapters: 1. Introduction 2. Environmental Noise Fundamentals 3. Noise Environment in Saratoga 4. Acoustical Standards S. Goals, Policies and Implementations The Draft Noise Element is attached as an appendix to this negative declaration. Figure 1 shows the existing (2013) noise contours. Figure 2 depicts the projected future traffic noise levels, calculated based on projected traffic volume for major roadways. The Circulation Element of the General Plan contains the estimated future traffic volume data for City roadways in 2030. Estimated future traffic volumes for State Route 85 are based on a Caltrans estimate of 3 percent growth per year. It should be noted that the future noise contours simply portray conditions that would result from traffic already projected and included in the Circulation Element, rather than from any projects proposed as part of the Noise Element update. Table 1 shows the difference between existing and projected future noise levels, measured as a day -night average sound level (DNL), at key road segments. Traffic noise levels are expected to increase by between 1 and 3 decibels (dB) from existing to projected 2030 conditions. Table I: Roadway Traffic Noise Levels (Exiting and Projected Future) 2 -8 Noise Levels (d8) Roadway Start to End of Roadway Existing DNL at 50' Future DNL Difference at 50' Prospect Road Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road to Miller Avenue 69 70 1 Prospect Road Miller Avenue to Lawrence Expressway 70 71 1 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road Prospect Road to Cox Avenue 71 72 1 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road Cox Avenue to Saratoga Avenue 70 71 1 Pierce Road Surrey Lane to Comer Dr. 59 60 1 Cox Avenue Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road to Saratoga Avenue 66 67 1 Saratoga Avenue Lawrence Expressway to Cox Avenue 72 73 1 Saratoga Avenue Cox Avenue to SR 85 73 74 1 Saratoga Avenue SR 85 to Fruitvale Avenue 72 73 1 Saratoga Avenue Fruitvale Avenue to Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road 68 69 1 2 -8 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration Big Basin Way Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road to Pierce Road 68 69 1 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue 69 70 1 Fruitvale Avenue Allendale Avenue to Saratoga -Los Gatos Road 65 66 1 Allendale Avenue Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road 64 65 1 Quito Road Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue 68 69 1 Quito Road Allendale Avenue to Saratoga -Los Gatos Road 66 67 1 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road Saratoga Avenue to Fruitvale Avenue 67 68 1 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road 72 73 I SR 85 (Cupertino) to Saratoga Avenue 84 86 3 SR 85 Saratoga Avenue to (Los Gatos) 84 87 3 2 -9 Cupertino 'SooC,00< 0 0 ,O O Q COME,q Q \E� OR 0� J z411ptt P N �Q. O G��� THELMAAVE a VERDEVISTA LN Saratoga HERRIMANAVE VILLA 01 O TO C9 TF RD SPRINGS NGRESS� SANTA CLARA COUNTY PIERCE RD w Q J W'D ON CO J� PP O� Pl' DOUGLASS LN w Q REE OAKS H LL San w cf a 2 aQ- ~ 00� co QP 001/0 DEVON AVE MARTHAAVE qFT gcyq� OR ON V E H AR�E�GH DR O@- O w J J O U /"ON DR O of m O SOBEY RD Los Gatos Monte Serena Figure I City of Saratoga ExistingTraffic Noise Contours Existing Noise Contours DNL 55 to 60 dB DNL 60 to 65 dB DNL 65 to 70 dB - DNL 70 to 75 dB - DNL >75 dB Q00000 0 0 City of Saratoga O00000 Major Highway Major Roads Railroads 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Source: Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc, 2013; City of Saratoga, 2013; ESRI, 2013: Dyett and Bhatia, 2013. Cupertino 'SooC,00< 0 0 ,O O Q / COME,q el OR I 0�I 9 Z 4O� � P N �Q. O THELMAAVE a N VERDEVISTA LN Saratoga � HERRIMANAVE VILLA 01 FO F� PO rp �9 TF RD SPRING 5 INGRESS SANTA CLARA COUNTY u, Q sFg GG�< � PY PIERCE RD San u cf 0 Q 2 O7 v Q' � Oyp m QP '0 DEVON AVE MARTHAAVE � gFT gC�gRO p�gVE H A,�E\GH DR r u P (r P% w SOBEY RD 0 S 0 � p DOUGLASS LN it U S�� w o�S\ Los P \p Gatos 110 Rp d HREEOAKSWA�, Mp �TFV'STA DR Monte Serena Figure 2 City of Saratoga Future (2030) Traffic Noise Contours Future Noise Contours DNL 55 to 60 dB DNL 60 to 65 dB DNL 65 to 70 dB - DNL 70 to 75 dB - DNL >75 dB Q00000 0 00 City of Saratoga O00000 Major Highway Major Roads Railroads 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Source: Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc, 2013; City of Saratoga, 2013; ESRI, 20 13: Dyett and Bhatia, 2013. City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 3 Environmental Checklist This Environmental Checklist provides technical analysis and discussion of environmental impacts in support of the City of Saratoga's determination regarding the appropriateness of a Negative Declaration as the environmental review process for the Project. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST This section provides an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the Project. These potential impacts are based on the Environmental Checklist in the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G and each checklist item is followed by a detailed discussion and, if necessary, mitigation measures to reduce impacts to a less than significant level. The level of significance is determined by considering the predicted magnitude of the Project's potential for significant impacts. The following levels of impact significance are described in this initial study: No Impact - Impact does not apply to the projects like the one involved. Less than Significant Impact - Impact would not result in a substantial and adverse change in the environment and would not require mitigation. Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation - Impact may result in a substantial or potentially substantial, adverse change in the environment; the incorporation of mitigation measures would reduce the potentially significant impact to a less than significant level. Potentially Significant Impact - Impact may result in a substantial or potentially substantial, adverse change in the environment. 3 -12 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 3.1 Aesthetics Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation 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 a -d) Aesthetics This update to the General Plan Noise Element characterizes the existing and potential future environmental noise levels and regulates noise to levels that are compatible with existing and future land uses. Implementation of the updated Noise Element would not have a negative impact on aesthetics as it does not propose any projects, programs or actions that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect scenic vistas, damage scenic resources, degrade the visual character of any sites, or create substantial light or glare. Implementing Policy 4.3.1 of the updated Noise Element describes that noise abatement measures should be considered in the design of roadways, which may include sounds barriers. However, this would be a continuation of existing policies, and any sound barriers must conform with City policies and standards regarding visual and aesthetic resources and quality. In addition, impacts that may result from any new sound barriers would be evaluated in subsequent project- specific CEQA review. Therefore, there would be no impact on aesthetics or scenic resources. 3.2 Agricultural Resources Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Determination Potentially Less Than Less Than No of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitiqation Impact 3 -13 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration AGRICULTURE AND FOREST 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. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. 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? 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 section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland 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 conversion of forest land to non - forest use? DISCUSSION a — e) Farmland and Forestland In the City of Saratoga, there are a number of agricultural lands of varying sizes, including approximately 109 acres of land currently under Williamson Act, and several hundred acres of land under Williamson Act contracts within the City's sphere of influence. This update to the General Plan Noise Element does not propose any actions that would directly or indirectly affect the agricultural or forestland resources in Saratoga. Adoption of the General Plan Noise Element goals and policies would not result in changes to areas designated for agriculture or forestry and are consistent with 3 -14 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration the General Plan Open Space /Conservation Element. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact on agricultural resources. 3.3 Air Quality Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Determination of Environmental 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? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially 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 emissions, which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? DISCUSSION a -e) Air Quality Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitiqation Impact J Since this update to the General Plan Noise Element does not propose any construction, development, or increase in vehicle traffic, implementation of the element is anticipated to have no negative impacts on air quality. Policies under the "Air Quality" section of the Open Space /Conservation Element of the General Plan —with which the Noise Element is consistent —are intended to require projects to comply with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) measures to reduce air pollutants. Therefore, there would be no impact to air quality. 3 -15 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 3.4 Biological Resources Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Determination of Environmental Impact Significant 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? 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? 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? 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? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting 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 a -f) Biological Resources Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant with Significant Mitigation Impact According to the General Plan Open Space /Conservation Element, Saratoga is characterized by a diverse array of wildlife and plant species, divided into two discrete habitat types —the urbanized area and the hillside area. This update to the General Plan Noise Element characterizes future and existing and potential future noise sources with the goal of preserving the quiet residential environment of Saratoga, and does not propose any actions that would result in the development of a specific site or have an 3 -16 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration effect on areas designated for protection of biological resources, in both urbanized and hillside areas. Policies under the "Biological Resources" section of the Open Space /Conservation element of the General Plan —with which the Noise Element is consistent —are intended to require projects to protect and enhance biological resources. Therefore, there would be no impact to biological resources. 3.5 Cultural Resources Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Determination of Environmental Impact Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation 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? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the ✓ significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §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 a -d) Cultural Resources Saratoga has adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance to protect irreplaceable heritage resources, and has eight historic landmarks, which are included on the National and State of California Historic Registers. The City Council has also designated the brick portion of Austin Way west of Highway 9 and Saratoga Avenue between Fruitvale Avenue and 14301 Saratoga Avenue as heritage lanes. Implementation of the General Plan would not have an impact on cultural resources in Saratoga, as it does not propose any projects, programs or actions (including ground disturbance) that could reasonably be expected to cause a substantial adverse change to a historical or archaeological resources, or affect the heritage lanes. The Noise Element would be consistent with the Historic Preservation Ordinance and goals and policies in the General Plan protecting cultural resources. Therefore, there would be no impact to cultural resources. 3 -17 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 3.6 Geology and Soils Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Impact Mitigation 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. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction? 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 substantial risks to life or 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? DISCUSSION a -e) Geology and Soils Less Than No Impact Significant IFA IFA IFA IFA The General Plan Safety Element describes natural and man -made hazards within the City, and indicates that areas of the City may be subject to geologic and seismic hazards. The updated Noise Element characterizes existing and potential future environmental noise levels with the goal of preserving the quiet residential environment of Saratoga. The Noise Element does not propose any construction or development projects that 3 -18 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration could be reasonably expected to expose people or structures to geologic risks, or have adverse impacts related to soils and geology. Therefore, there would be no impact. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Impact Mitigation Less Than No Impact Significant XVII. 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 a — b) Greenhouse Gas Emissions This update to the General Plan Noise Element characterizes the existing and potential future noise level to control noise to levels that are compatible with existing and future land uses, and does not propose any projects or actions that would emit GHGs. Adoption of the Noise Element will not generate GHG emissions within the City. Therefore, there would be no impact to climate change or GHG emissions. 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation 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? 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? 3 -19 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or ✓ acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one - quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? 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? 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 within the vicinity of a private airstrip, ✓ 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 a — h) Hazards and Hazardous Materials This update to the General Plan Noise Element does not propose any actions that would directly result in development of a specific site or have an effect on areas of the City. The Safety Element of the General Plan provides generalized mapping and information related to hazardous materials. Implementation of the Noise Element would not conflict with the Safety Element and does not propose projects that are expected to have negative impacts related to hazardous materials. Therefore, there would be no impact to hazards and hazardous materials. 3 -20 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality VIII. 3 -21 Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Impact Mitiaation 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 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)? 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 as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? Less Than No Impact Significant IFA City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration DISCUSSION a -j) Hydrology and Water Quality Since the Noise Element does not propose any construction or development projects, its implementation is not anticipated to have negative effects on hydrology or water quality. The General Plan Open Space /Conservation Element contains goals, policies and implementation measures for watershed protection and to protect and enhance water quality. No additional impacts related to hydrology and water quality would occur as a result of the Noise Element. 3.9 Land Use and Planning Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Impact Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant with Significant Mitigation Impact IX. 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 ordinance) 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 a -c) Division of an Established Community or Conflict with Plans Implementation of the updated Noise Element is not anticipated to have an impact related to land use and planning as it does not propose any projects, programs or actions that could reasonably be expected to physically divide an established community; conflict with applicable land use plans, policies or regulations; or conflict with any habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. Rather, the Noise Element is intended to control noise in all zone districts to levels that are compatible with existing land uses. Therefore, there would be no impact to land use or applicable plans. 3 -22 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 3.10 Mineral Resources Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Impact Mitigation 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? 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 a — b) Mineral Resources Less Than No Impact Significant IFA IFA According to the General Plan Open Space /Conservation Element, currently there are no mines or quarries known to be operating in Saratoga or its Sphere of Influence. Implementation of the updated Noise Element would not have an impact on mineral resources as it does not propose any projects, programs or actions that could reasonably be expected to result in the loss of availability of a locally- important mineral resource recovery site. 3.11 Noise Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Determination of Environmental 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? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the Project vicinity above levels existing without the Project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the Project vicinity above levels existing without the Project? 3 -23 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact 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 a -fl Noise This update to the Noise Element characterizes existing and future environmental noise levels in the City. The Noise Element does not include new noise - generating policies, but projects future noise levels based on traffic conditions that would result from traffic already projected and included in the General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highway Element. Figures 1 and 2 show the existing and projected future noise conditions. There is a projected expansion of areas exposed to noise in the 55 to 60 dB range and 60 to 65 dB range, particularly along the Highway 85, and northeast of Highway 85 along Prospect Road, Saratoga Avenue, and Quito Road. Areas already exposed to higher noise levels along these main thoroughfares is predicted to increase. Future noise levels are expected to increase between 1 to 3 dB at key roadway segments due to roadway traffic, as shown in Table 1. As described in the draft Noise Element, a change of 1 dB in sound level cannot be perceived and a 3 dB change is considered a just- noticeable difference. The increases in exposure to higher noise levels reflect levels of traffic projected in the General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highway Element, and the associated Negative Declaration. The Noise Element is intended to preserve the quiet residential environment of Saratoga. The goals, policies and implementation measures in the Noise Element are intended to maintain or reduce noise levels in the City to avoid exposure to unacceptable or harmful noise and to promote land use compatibility by addressing noise exposure from existing and new noise sources. The goals of the Noise Element — to maintain or reduce noise levels in the City to avoid exposure to unacceptable or harmful noise; to promote land -use compatibility by addressing noise exposure from existing noise sources; to promote land -use compatibility by addressing noise exposure from new noise sources; and to maintain or reduce noise levels generated by the ground transportation system —are intended to ameliorate noise levels citywide. 3 -24 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration Implementation of the Noise Element would not have a negative impact related to noise as it does not propose any projects, programs, or actions that could reasonably be expected to degrade the community's noise environment. Therefore, there would be no impact to noise. 3.12 Population and Housing Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Impact Mitigation Less Than No Impact Significant 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)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, ✓ necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, ✓ necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? DISCUSSION a -c) Population and Housing Since the proposed Noise Element does not propose any projects, programs or actions that could be reasonably expected to induce substantial population growth in the area, or displace substantial numbers or people or of existing housing units, implementation of the Noise Element is not anticipated to have an impact related to population and housing. Therefore, there would be no impact to population and housing. 3.13 Public Services Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Determination of Environmental Impact XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES — 3 -25 Potentially Less Than Significant Significant with Impact Mitigation Less Than No Impact Significant City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact 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: i) Fire protection? ✓ ii) Police protection? ✓ iii) Schools? ✓ iv) Parks? ✓ v) Other public facilities? ✓ DISCUSSION a) Public Services As described in the General Plan Safety Element, Fire Protection for the City of Saratoga is provided by the Santa Clara County Fire Department. and the Saratoga Fire Protection District.. The Santa Clara County Sherriff's Office West Valley Patrol Divisions serves the City of Saratoga for law enforcement services. As of February 2013, according the General Plan Safety Element, four elementary school districts, three high school districts and two community college districts serve Saratoga. According to the Open Space /Conservation Element, the City contains approximately 87 acres of parkland, of which 63 acres have been improved for park purposes. The update to the Noise Element contains goals, policies and implementation measures to control noise levels and maintain the quiet residential environment for Saratoga. These goals, policies and implementation measures are consistent with other General Plan elements. Implementing the Noise Element would not generate new demand for new or physically altered government facilities, or increase the demand for fire or police protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities. There would be no impact on public services. 3.14 Recreation Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitiqation Impact XIV. RECREATION — 3 -26 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact 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? 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? DISCUSSION a, b) Recreation The General Plan Open Space /Conservation Element describes parks, open space resource and other recreation within the City of Saratoga, including the Montalvo Arboretum, Upper Stevens Creek Park, Sanborn County Park, and a network of multi- use trails in the community. The Open Space /Conservation Element also provides goals and policies to ensure that parks and trails are developed, protected, and preserved. Implementation of this update to the Noise Element does not propose any actions that would conflict with the Open Space /Conservation Element, or result in the development of a specific site or change an area, and would have no impact on the availability of existing parks or recreational facilities. 3.15 Transportation and Traffic Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Determination of Environmental Impact Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact XV. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC — Would the Project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or ✓ policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non - motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? 3 -27 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact b) Conflict with an applicable congestion ✓ management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? 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? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design ✓ feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ✓ f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs ✓ regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? DISCUSSION a -f) Transportation and Traffic The General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highway Element describes the City of Saratoga's existing transportation system, circulation issues, scenic highways and corridors, future conditions and goals, policies and implementation measures to maintain and improve the transportation system. The projected future (2030) traffic noise contours in the Noise Element are derived from the traffic volumes in the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element. This update to the General Plan Noise Element does not propose any projects or actions that would result in the development of a specific site or change and areas within the City. Implementation of the Noise Element could therefore not be reasonably expected to cause a substantial increase in traffic, exceed traffic level of service standards, result in a change in air traffic patterns, substantially increase traffic - related hazards, result in inadequate emergency access, result in inadequate parking capacity, or interfere with alternative- transportation modes. No impacts related to transportation or traffic are anticipated. 3 -28 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 3.16 Utilities and Service Systems XVI. Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Potentially Less Than Determination of Environmental Impact Significant Significant with Impact Mitigation UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS — Would the Project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable 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 significant environmental effects? 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? 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 commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the Project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? DISCUSSION a -g) Utilities and Service Systems Less Than No Impact Significant Implementation of the Noise Element would not have an negative impact on utilities and service systems as it does not propose any projects, programs or actions that could reasonably be expected to exceed wastewater treatment requirements; result in the construction or expansion of water, wastewater - treatment or stormwater- drainage facilities; result in insufficient water supplies or landfill capacity; or violate solid -waste related regulations. No additional impacts related to utilities and service systems are anticipated as a result of the project. 3 -29 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 3.17 Mandatory Findings of Significance Environmental Factors and Focused Questions for Determination of Environmental Impact XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE — Would the Project: a) 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 or a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) 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)? c) Have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? DISCUSSION Potentially Less Than Significant Significant with Impact Mitigation a, c) Quality of Environment and Adverse Effects on Human Beings Less Than No Impact Significant I J Implementation of the Noise Element would not degrade the quality and extent of the environment nor result in adverse effects on human beings. b) Cumulative Impacts The updated Noise Element is entirely consistent with the other elements of the General Plan and would not result in new additional cumulative impacts. 3 -30 City of Saratoga Noise Element Initial Study /Negative Declaration 4 Resources Consulted City of Saratoga Draft Updated Noise Element to the General Plan (November, 2013) City of Saratoga General Plan Introduction and Background (May 1983) City of Saratoga General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highway Element (November 2010) City of Saratoga General Plan Land Use Element (June 2007) City of Saratoga General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element (June 2007) City of Saratoga General Plan Noise Element (August 1988) City of Saratoga General Plan Safety Element (February 2013) 4 -31