HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 14-068 - Housing Element Negative declaration RESOLUTION NO. 14-068
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
APPLICATION NUMBERS: ZOA14-0004 AND GPA14-0006
APPROVAL OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE 2015-2023 GENERAL PLAN
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE INCLUDING THE GENERAL PLAN HOUSING
ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ORDINANCE AND AMENDMENTS TO THE
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT
The City of Saratoga City Council finds and determines as follows with respect to the proposed
Negative Declaration regarding the above-described application for approval of the Project
identified below:
I. Project Summary
The City of Saratoga City Council has considered a proposed Negative Declaration for adoption
of the 2015-2023 General Plan Housing Element and related actions including the General Plan
Housing Element Implementation Ordinance and Conforming Amendments to the General Plan
Land Use Element. The foregoing actions are described as the "Project" in this Resolution.
II. Environmental Review
The City Council hereby finds that:
1. An Initial Study (IS) and Negative Declaration (ND) were prepared for the Project
(Attachment A) by the City of Saratoga, pursuant to the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, Public Resources Code sections 21000-21177),
CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations sections 15000-15387), and other
applicable requirements.
2. The IS and a notice of intent to adopt a ND were duly noticed and circulated for a 30-day
public review period ending on July 22, 2014.
3. The Negative Declaration was forwarded to the State Clearinghouse for review
(Document#2014062067) and the 30 day review period ended on July 21, 2014
4. The IS and ND represents the City's independent judgment and analysis.
5. On July 23, 2014 the Planning Commission conducted a Public Hearing on the Project,
during which opportunity was given to address the adequacy of the ND. All comments
on the IS and ND raised during the public and agency comment period and prior to and at
the Public Hearing on the Project were considered by the Planning Commission. The
Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the ND and the
Proj ect.
Pagel of 3
6. The City Council was presented with and/or had the opportunity to review all of the
information in the administrative record.
7. On November 19, 2014 the City Council held a Public Hearing on the Project, during
which opportunity was given to address the adequacy of the ND. All comments on the IS
and ND raised during the public and agency comment period and prior to and at the
Public Hearing on the Project were considered by the City Council. After the conclusion
of such Public Hearing, the City Council considered all oral and written comments and
the Planning Commission's recommendation for approval of the ND and reviewed and
considered the information in the IS and ND, public and agency comments on the IS and
ND, the administrative record, and the staff report for completeness and compliance with
CEQA,the CEQA Guidelines, and any and all other applicable requirements.
8. The ND has been completed in compliance with the intent and requirements of CEQA,
CEQA Guidelines and any and all other applicable requirements. The City Council has
considered the information contained in the ND and the record in considering the Project
and related actions.
9. 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.
10. Pursuant to CEQA and CEQA Guidelines, the City Council finds on the basis of, and
after review of, the whole record before it (including the Initial Study, the Negative
Declaration, any and all comments received, and in light of expert and other evidence
submitted), that there is no credible, substantial evidence that the Project may have a
significant effect on the environment as to any issue raised.
III. Adoption of Negative Declaration
After careful consideration of the matter, the City Council hereby adopts the Negative
Declaration for the Project included as Attachment A.
Page 2 of 3
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Saratoga, this 19th day of
November, 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:
Ott-C DATE: ( � p
Cryst 1 Bothelio, City Clerk
Page 3 of 3
J
INITIAL STUDY AND NEGATIVE
DECLARATION
CITY OF SARATOGA
2015-2023 HOUSING ELEMENT
LEAD AGENCY:
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Contact: Christopher Riordan, AICP Senior Planner
408-868-1200 x 235
PREPARED BY:
Metropolitan Planning Group
579 Clyde Avenue, Suite 340
Mountain View, CA 94043
Contact: Olivia Ervin, Environmental Planner
707-259-1790
June 23, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................
1.1 STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND REQUIREMENTS..............................................................................................1
1.2 PURPOSE OF INITIAL STUDY..............................................................................................................................2
1.3 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.....................................................................................................................2
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................4
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION............................................................................................................................................8
2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING ..............................................................................................................................10
2.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES/GOALS.........................................................................................................................12
2.4 PROJECT PHASING............................................................................................................................................12
2.5 AGREEMENTS, PERMITS AND APPROVALS....................................................................................................12
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY.............................................................................................................15
3.1 BACKGROUND....................................................................................................................................................15
3.2 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS.................................................................................................16
3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED................................................................................17
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS.............................................................................................................18
4.1 AESTHETICS......................................................................................................................................................18
4.2 AGRICULTURE RESOURCES............................................................................................................................21
4.3 AIR QUALITY......................................................................................................................................................22
4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES...............................................................................................................................25
4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES..................................................................................................................................28
4.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS.......................................................................................................................................31
4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS........................................................................:.............................................34
4.8 HAZARDS/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS...............................................................................................................35
4.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY...............................................................................................................38
4.10 LAND USE AND PLANNING...............................................................................................................................41
4.11 MINERAL RESOURCES.....................................................................................................................................42
4.12 NOISE..................................................................................................................................................................43
4.14 PUBLIC SERVICES.............................................................................................................................................48
4.15 RECREATION.....................................................................................................................................................49
4.16 TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC............................................................................................................................50
4.17 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................54
4.18 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE....................................................................................................57
4.19 REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................................59
4.20 REPORT PREPARATION PERSONNEL............................................................................................................60
5.0 CONSULTANT RECOMMENDATION...................................................................................................60
6.0 LEAD AGENCY DETERMINATION ......................................................................................................61
iii
LIST OF TABLES
Table2-0.1 Sites Summary..............................................................................................................................................7
Table 2-2.1 RHNA Allocation For Housing Cycle 2014-2022.........................................................................................11
Table 4.13-1 Housing Element Projections(2014-2022) Compared to ABAG...............................................................46
LIST OF EXHIBITS
2-1 General Plan Planning Area........................................................................................................................9
iii
l_II1 "A'S A FZ A T Initial Study and Negative Declaration
City of Saratoga 2015-2023 Housing Element
1 .0 INTRODUCTION
The City of Saratoga's Housing Element comprises one of the seven General Plan Elements mandated
by the State of California. The Housing Element update covers the planning period from January
2015 to July 2023 relative to the maintenance and development of housing to meet the needs of
existing and future residents. The Project includes the 2015-2023 Housing Element as described in
section 2.0.
The Project is subject to the guidelines and regulations of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). This Initial Study addresses the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental effects
associated with the Project, as proposed.
1.1 STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with CEQA (Public Resources Code Sections 21000-21177) and pursuant to Section
15063 (Initial Study) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), the City of Saratoga,
acting in the capacity of the lead agency, is required to undertake the preparation of an Initial Study to
determine whether the Project would have a significant environmental impact. If, as a result of the
Initial Study, the lead agency finds that there is evidence that any aspect of the Project may cause a
significant environmental effect, the lead agency shall further find that an Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) is warranted to analyze Project-related and cumulative environmental impacts. Alternatively, if
the lead agency finds that there is no evidence that the Project, either as proposed or as modified to
include the mitigation measures identified in the Initial Study, may cause a significant effect on the
environment, the lead agency shall find that the Project would not have a significant effect on the
environment and shall prepare a negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration for the Project.
Such determination can be made only if "there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record
before the lead agency"that such an effect may occur(Section 21080(c), Public Resources Code).
The environmental documentation, which is ultimately approved and/or certified by the City in
accordance with CEQA, is intended as an informational document undertaken to provide an
environmental basis of subsequent discretionary actions upon the Project. The resulting documentation
is not; however, a policy document, and its approval and/or certification neither presupposes nor
mandates any actions on the part of those agencies from which permits and other discretionary
approvals would be required.
The environmental documentation and supporting analysis are subject to a public review period.
During this review, comments on the document relative to environmental issues should be addressed to
the City. Following review of any comments received, the City will consider these comments as a part
of the Project's environmental review and include them with the Initial Study documentation for
consideration by the City.
-7 - Introduction
S A R A T A Initial Study and Negative Declaration
'" City of Saratoga 2015-2023 Housing Element
1 .2 PURPOSE OF INITIAL STUDY
The purpose of the Initial Study is to: (1) identify environmental impacts; (2) provide the lead agency
with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an EIR or a negative declaration;
(3) enable an applicant or lead agency to modify a project, mitigating adverse impacts before an EIR is
required to be prepared; (4) facilitate environmental assessment early in the design of the project;
(5) document the factual basis of the finding in a negative declaration that a project would not have a
significant environmental effect; (6) eliminate needless EIRs; (7) determine whether a previously
prepared EIR could be used for the project; and (8) assist in the preparation of an EIR, if required, by
focusing the EIR on the effects determined to be significant, identifying the effects determined not to be
significant, and explaining the reasons for determining that potentially significant effects would not be
significant.
Section 15063(4) of the CEQA Guidelines (Sections 15000-15387 of the CCR) identifies the
following specific disclosure requirements for inclusion in an Initial Study:
(1) A description of the project including the location of the project;
(2) An identification of the environmental setting;
(3) An identification of environmental effects by use of a checklist, matrix, or other method,
provided that entries on a checklist or other form are briefly explained to indicate that there is
some evidence to support the entries. . . ;
(4) A discussion of ways to mitigate significant effects identified, if any;
(5) An examination of whether the project would be consistent with existing zoning, plans, and
other applicable land use controls;and,
(6) The name of the person or persons who prepared or participated in the initial study.
1.3 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The following references were utilized during preparation of this Initial Study, and are incorporated into
this document by reference. These documents are available for review at the City of Saratoga City Hall
located at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga.
•
City of Saratoga General Plan and Environmental Impact Report (GP EIR). The City of
Saratoga General Plan (General Plan) contains the plan for the future development and
operation of the City. The General Plan is composed of seven elements mandated for
inclusion by the State: Land Use (updated June 2007), Circulation and Scenic Highways
(updated November 2010), Open Space and Conservation (these two elements consolidated
and updated June 2007), Safety (updated February 2013), Noise (updated March 2014), and
Housing (updated June 2007). The General Plan EIR has been updated by inclusion of the
2007 Housing Element Negative Declaration,the 2013 Safety Element Negative Declaration, the
2014 Noise Element Negative Declaration and the 2007 Land Use Element Mitigated
Negative Declaration. The GP EIR concluded implementation of the General Plan would result
in a built out capacity of approximately 35,000 persons. The 2007 Housing Element and
Land Use Element found no significant impacts to population as the housing needs and
population projections were covered by the residential units projected and analyzed in the GP
EIR.
-2. Introduction
The GP EIR was utilized throughout this Initial Study as the fundamental planning document
governing the proposed update to the Housing Element. Background information and policy
information from the General Plan is cited in throughout this Initial Study.
• Design Guidelines, adopted for the Saratoga Village Specific Plan area and for commercial
properties in the Saratoga Sunnyvale Road Gateway District. The Guidelines serve to guide
new development and redevelopment in a manner that enhances the unique character of the
area. In particular the Guidelines provide direction for the design of mixed-use projects that
introduce a residential component. The City also adopted the Residential Design Handbook,
which further guides design considerations to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses.
City of Saratoga Zoning Code, as (continuously) updated. Chapter 15 of the City of Saratoga
Municipal Code is known as the Zoning Regulations. The purposes of the Zoning Regulations
are to protect, promote, and enhance the public health, safety, and general welfare, ensuring
that development within the City is related to the City's ability to provide essential urban
services and is consistent with the City's General Plan. Specifically, these regulations are
adopted to achieve the following:
a) To control the physical development of the City in such a manner as to preserve it as
essentially a residential community with a rural atmosphere.
b) To achieve the arrangement of land uses depicted in the General Plan.
c) To foster a harmonious,convenient,workable relationship among land uses.
d) To promote the stability of existing land uses which conform with the General Plan, and to protect
them from inharmonious influences and harmful intrusions.
e) To ensure that public and private lands ultimately are used for the purposes, which are most
appropriate and most beneficial from the standpoint of the City as a whole.
f) To prevent population densities in excess of those prescribed in the General Plan, and to
maintain a suitable balance between structures and open spaces on each site.
g) To ensure adequate light,air and privacy for each dwelling unit.
h) To minimize traffic congestion and to avoid the overloading of utilities by preventing the
construction of buildings of excessive size in relation to the land around them.
i) To facilitate the appropriate location of community facilities and institutions.
j) To provide for adequate off-street parking and loading facilities.
k) To provide for the orderly, attractive development of commercial facilities in those areas where
permitted by the General Plan.
1) To exclude new industrial development in order to preserve the essential residential
character of the City.
m) To preserve natural beauty of the City.
n) To ensure that uses and structures enhance their sites and harmonize with improvements in the
surrounding area.
o) To protect and enhance real property values within the City.
-3- Project Description
i
p) To protect and preserve heritage, native, and other significant trees at all times, including, the
real property development planning and implementation processes.
The Zoning Code specifies regulations that must be followed by every project within the City's
jurisdictional area. Information within the City's Code was utilized in various sections of this
Initial Study.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project consists of the City of Saratoga's 2015-2023 Housing Element, which constitutes
an update to the 2007-2014 Housing Element. The purpose of the Housing Element Update is to
document the projected housing needs within the community and to set forth policies and programs that
promote the development of diverse housing types and ensure affordability of housing Citywide. The
proposed project for environmental review is the adoption of the 2015-2023 Housing Element, which
includes the following:
• Introduction(Chapter 1)
• Housing Needs Assessment(Chapter 2)
• Housing Constraints and Resources(Chapter 3)
• Policy Program(Chapter 4)
• Appendices A-D
The Housing Element is one of seven General Plan Elements mandated by the State of California as
outlined in Section 65580 to 65589.9 of the California Government Code. California State Law requires
the Housing Element include, "... identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and
a statement of goals, policies, qualified objectives and schedules programs for the preservation,
improvement and development of housing." California State law further requires that a City plan for its
share of new housing needs for all five state-defined income categories through the identification of an
adequate amount of land zoned at densities necessary to accommodate the respective income
categories. The RHNA goals established by the State of California do not represent a requirement that
the city physically construct housing; rather, it requires the City address housing needs in its
discretionary planning actions; this may involve incorporation of housing opportunities into the land use
plan or facilitation of housing development through City policies.
Housing Element Statutory Requirements
California State Law requires the Housing Element be updated on an eight-year basis, on a timeline that
is consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan, unless extended by the Legislature. Article 10.6,
Section 65580-65589.8, Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code stipulates the legal
requirements for housing and encourages the provision of affordable and decent housing for all
communities. The 2015-2023 Housing Element update serves as the policy document that assesses
current and projected housing needs as identified by the Housing and Community Development
Department (HCD) and the Association of Bay Area Government (ABAG) and addresses those needs
through targeted goals, policies and objectives that will be part of the comprehensive policy document.
-4- Project Description
Housing Programs and Objectives
The 2015-2023 Saratoga Housing Element profiles community demographics and examines the
interrelated housing needs of different groups including owners and renters, low-income households,
elderly households and homeless persons amongst others. The programmatic information therein
displays the City's good faith effort to provide and maintain an acceptable housing stock that serves the
community at large per Government Code Section 65583(c). Saratoga's Housing goals and objectives
can be found in Chapter 4.
In order to reach the RHNA goals for extremely low, very-low, low, and moderate-income housing, the
Housing Element has identified under-utilized or vacant sites that are prime areas through which to
accommodate the City's projected housing needs. Saratoga needs to demonstrate that it has an
adequate supply of land to support higher density housing, consisting of 20 or more du/acre. The
concentration of high density housing on the identified "opportunity sites" opens up the potential for
subsidies and affordable housing programs that may not otherwise be available.
Meeting Regional Share Goals
To enable the City of Saratoga to meet its share of the region's housing needs,the City has evaluated its
capacity to provide available sites to meet the projected future housing needs, based on entitled
development, existing development capacities, and vacant land resources. Chapter 15 of the City of
Saratoga Municipal Code identifies eleven residential zoning districts. The City must demonstrate that it
has, or will make available, adequate sites with appropriate zoning and development standards that are
sufficiently served by public utilities and services with capacity available to accommodate the outstanding
RHNA.The Housing Element Update identifies the City's plan to fulfill its share of regional housing needs
through:
Entitled Development (to Date (March 2014): The City of Saratoga has approved 18 new single family
residential units, 10 new parcels through approved subdivisions and 5 new condominiums in mixed-use
projects as of March 2014. It is anticipated that these approved units will be constructed within the 2014-
2022 RHNA Planning Period. The 33 approved units will be affordable to above-moderate income
households. As these units are anticipated for development within the 2014-2022 planning period, the
adjusted RHNA figures total 406 units. However, the city is planning for a buffer of 41 units, bringing the
total unit count over the planning period to 480 including the 33 already approved units.
Vacant Land Resources: It is expected that a capacity of 77 dwelling units could be accommodated
through development of vacant lands within existing residential areas based on the permitted densities,
ranging from 1 to approximately 15 dwelling units per acres the sites identified in Table B-3. The 77
units that could be developed on vacant lands would fulfill a large portion of the above-moderate income
RHNA allocation.
Candidate Sites for Mixed Use Development: Pursuant to AB 2348,jurisdictions with a shortfall of vacant
and underutilized residential land to meet its RHNA needs must commit to a rezoning program to provide
adequate sites to meet its housing growth needs. The Housing Element identifies several opportunity
sites that along with vacant and underutilized lots provide sufficient opportunity to meet RHNA needs.As
such, a rezoning program is not warranted. The following sites are identified in the Housing Element
Update as having an opportunity to support residential development in conjunction with mixed-use:
-5. Project Description
Opportunity Site 1. Prospect Road
The Prospect Road site includes six adjoining parcels located on Prospect Road between Saratoga
Avenue and the Lawrence Expressway. The site currently supports a variety of uses including retail,
restaurant, personal services and office uses and is located along an easily accessible, major
transportation corridor. The Prospect Road site is bordered on three sides by parcels in San Jose that
are zoned to allow residential development of up to 55 du/ac. The Prospect Road parcels contain
adequate infrastructure to support residential development and no environmental constraints have been
identified which would significantly limit the potential for residential development.
During the 2007-2014 planning cycle, the identified parcels on the Prospect Road Opportunity Site were
rezoned from Commercial Neighborhood (CN)to Commercial Neighborhood Residential High Density C-
N(RHD). This rezone was intended to encourage mixed use development with a minimum net density
standard of 20 du/ac thereby allowing 87 units to be counted towards the City's lower income housing
needs pursuant to AB 2348.
The 2015-2023 Housing Element Update modifies the C-N(RHD)ordinance to allow for up to 30 du/ac, a
maximum height of 35 feet and would permit 3-story development.Accordingly,this level of development
would provide for a realistic capacity of 173 dwelling units that would be affordable to low and very-low
income households.
Opportunity Site 2. Saratoga Village Center
The parcels are currently characterized by retail and service uses setback from the street and
surrounded by paved parking areas.The large surface parking area in front of the property is inconsistent
with the development pattern of the Village Center along Big Basin Way.
The Saratoga Village Commercial Center site consists of three adjoining parcels on 1.19 acres located
between Highway 9 and Third Street.All parcels are located in what is the Commercial Historic District of
Saratoga and are zoned CH-1 (Commercial-Historic). The CH-1 zone conditionally allows for mixed-use
development. It is expected that the site would accommodate 22 units with a mix of commercial uses.
These units would be affordable to moderate income households.
Opportunity Site 3. Saratoga Gateway Site
The Gateway Site feature four adjoining parcels located on the east side of Saratoga/Sunnyvale Road,
north of the Southern Pacific Railroad Line. This site is located on a major transportation corridor with
access to Highway 85 and Highway 280. The parcels are zoned Commercial Visitor (C-V) which
conditionally allows for mixed use development. The existing uses onsite include retail and service. The
existing buildings onsite is set back from the street and consists of single story structures dating from the
1960s to 1980s. The current retail businesses onsite include a public storage business, a funeral home
and a variety of other retail/service-oriented businesses. Adjacent to the site are moderate density
housing units.As described in Appendix B of the Housing Element Update the Gateway Site Opportunity
Site 2 could accommodate 65 units at a density of 15 du/ac with a mix of commercial uses. These units
would be affordable to moderate income households.
-6. Project Description
Opportunity Site 4.Abrams @ Saratoga Avenue
Saratoga Avenue at Cox is characterized by a relatively vacant lot that is zoned Professional/
Administrative (P-A). The P-A zoning designation conditionally allows for mixed-use development. The
site would support approximately 81 units at the low and very-low income level. This site is not counted
towards the RHNA goals, as sufficient housing capacity is identified through the sites described in
Housing Element. Nonetheless, in order to evaluate the site's cumulative contribution to result in potential
impacts, Opportunity Site 4 is included as part of this environmental review document.
Fellowship Plaza
Fellowship Plaza is currently comprised of 150 independent living apartments. The Conditional Use
Permit for Fellowship Plaza allows for the development of a minimum of 75 additional units affordable to
Very Low- and Low-Income households without discretionary action beyond Design Review. The
Community is comprised of 10.53 acres and represents the greatest potential to accommodate the
RHNA need for lower income households.
Second Unit Potential
The City issued 15 final building permits for second dwelling units during the 2007-2014 reporting period.
The City anticipates that the demand for second dwelling unit permits will increase with modifications to
the City's Second Unit Ordinance through adoption of the 2015-2023 Housing Element. Proposed
ordinance modifications include elimination of the minimum unit size and reductions to the requirements
for minimum lot size necessary to support a second dwelling unit. Based on the proposed amendment to
the City's Second Unit Ordinance, it is expected that 35-second dwelling units could be built with an
average of five per year over the course of the 2014-2022 RHNA reporting period.
Sites Summary
Table a below summarizes Saratoga's capacity to meet the RHNA goals. It accounts for construction
achievements and entitled projects and the realistic capacity from new units based on identified vacant
land, candidate site, opportunity sites, and Fellowship Plaza Retirement Community, as well as the
amendments to the Second Unit Ordinance.As indicated in the table below, the City has the capacity to
meet all of the housing needs of the RHNA for the 2014-2022 period.
Table 2-0.1
Sites Summary
�•- `{ S d:;- Tf o t '7'
Very Low- Low- Moderate- Above Total
Incomel Income Income Moderate-
Income
2014-2022 RHNA Need 147 95 104 93 439
Approved Units/Subdivisions 0 0 0 33 33
Vacant Land Capacity 0 0 0 77 77
-7- Project Description
t
Opportunity Site 1:C-N(RHD)Candidate Sites 173 0 0 173
Opportunity Site 2:Saratoga Village Center Sites 0 22 0 22
Opportunity Site 3:Saratoga Gateway Sites 65 65
Fellowship Plaza 75 0 0 75
Second Unit Potential 35 35
TOTAL Unit Potential 283 87 110 480
Source:City of Saratoga
1 The Extremely Low-income need is assumed to be 50%of the Very Low-Income allocation=73 units.
The City's Regional housing needs(determined by ABAG) for the 2014-2022 period amount to 439 with
147 units allocated to low and extremely-low income residents. It should be noted that Opportunity Site 4
has also been identified as a candidate site that could support residential development, as a CUP would
allow for mixed-use under the General Plan land Use designation. Accordingly, this site has also been
considered as part of the overall development potential of the subject Housing Element Update although
not specifically identified as part of the site survey location or counted towards achieving the designated
RHNA allocation.
Conforming_Amendments: In conjunction with the Housing Element the City will consider adoption of
conforming amendments to the Land Use Element of the General Plan to ensure consistency with the
proposed maximum height allowance and minimum density.
Zoning Ordinance: The City will undertake review and update ordinances to implement the Housing
Element, including the provision to allow a smaller lot size to support Second Unit development, the
development of standards for Emergency Shelters, and the allowance of transitional and supportive
housing in all zones where residential is a permitted use in accordance with S62.
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The City of Saratoga(City)is located at the southerly end of the San Francisco Peninsula, in the Western
portion of Santa Clara County. The City lies southwest of San Jose and approximately 35 miles
southeast of San Francisco. The city boundaries encompass an area of approximately 12.8 miles.
However, the city's sphere of influence extends beyond the city's jurisdictional boundaries and includes
approximately 4 square miles of unincorporated land located south and west of the City. (See Figure 1
below).
The north, south and eastern limits of the City are sited on an alluvial plain that is shared with the
adjacent communities of Cupertino, San Jose, Los Gatos and Monte Sereno. The topography of the
western portion of the City is defined by the low-lying foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Regional Access is provided by State Route 85(SR-85)that connects to US 280 in Cupertino, US 101 in
Mountain View and South San Jose, and SR 17 to San Jose and Santa Cruz County. Local connectivity
to adjacent cities is provided via Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Saratoga Avenue, Highway 9,and Saratoga-
Sunnyvale Road.
The Housing Element Update applies to the land located within the City limits of Saratoga.
-8. Project Description
FIGURE 1:GENERAL PLAN MAP
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-9. Project Description
,i
2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
POPULATION
The City of Saratoga is one of 15 incorporated cities within Santa Clara County. The most recent census
data for Santa Clara County is provided by the 2010 Census and indicates a population of 1,682,585 in
2000 and a population of 1,781,642 in 2010; an increase of 5.9%. Those numbers continued to rise
between January 2012 and January 2013 to 1,862,041, making Santa Clara County, California's Number
1 fastest growing county. The City of Saratoga's population totaled 29,843 in 2000 and reached
approximately 29,926 in 2010,exhibiting a 0.3% increase.The City has experienced a slower growth rate
than the rest of the County.'
HOUSING
In the years between 2000 and 2010 Santa Clara's housing units increased from 579,329 to 631,920 and
Saratoga's from 10,667 to 11,123, an increase of more than 4%. Saratoga continues to accommodate
approximately 1.8% of the County's housing units. Review of the 2000 and 2010 censuses indicate that
single family, detached homes plus detached units continue to make up more than 90% of the housing
stock in Saratoga. Detached homes make up the majority, with 85% consisting of single family detached.
There has been a very slight decrease in the percentage of single-family detached homes from 2000 to
2010 of 5.4%. One notable change that took place between 2000 and 2010 was the increase in
construction of the number multiple family dwellings with 2 or more bedrooms.
Of Saratoga's owner-occupied housing for the years 2007-2011, 93.1 percent or 8,493 were single-family
detached, which are followed by the second largest group of single family-attached, constituting 438 units
or 4.8 percent. Likewise, renter-occupied units are weighted to single family-detached, accounting for
approximately 606 units or 38.1% of renter-occupied units. The second largest renter-occupied housing
type is multi-family units (5+ units), which amount to 676 units or 425%. 2011 Census data indicates that
for that year 85%of the housing stock was owner-occupied with 15%renter occupied. In the greater Santa
Clara County census data indicates that from 2007-2011, owner-occupied housing accounted for
approximately 58.7%of housing units,followed closely by renter-occupied units at 41.3%.
At the time of the 2010 census the vacancy rate reported for Saratoga was 3.5 percent, up until 2008 it
was reported by the Department of Finance as 1.9%. Vacancy is an indicator of housing supply and
demand. Low vacancy rates influence greater upward price pressures and inversely, a high vacancy rate
influences downward price pressures. Typically, a 4-5% vacancy rate is considered in the healthy range
that is beneficial to renters and property owners.
The age of the City's housing stock can also be a valuable indicator of housing conditions. In Saratoga,
approximately 80.1 percent of the housing units were built prior to 1980 and 31.6 percent prior to 1960. It is
expected that housing older than 30 years may require basic repairs and housing older than 50 years is
considered "aged" and likely to require more extensive repairs. A spike in home construction occurred in
the 1960s when 3,074 homes were built, which translates to 27.6 percent of the present housing stock.
The era exhibiting the most limited home construction was the era spanning from 1940-1949 when only
333 homes were built or 3.0 percent of the present housing stock.
US Census and Bay Area Census,2010.
_10- Project Description
1
Further indicative of housing conditions is the level of infrastructure and utilities able to adequately serve
households. Housing is considered substandard when conditions are found to be below the minimum
standard of living as defined by the California Health and Safety Code. In addition to absence of adequate
infrastructure and/or utilities, housing may be considered substandard when it exhibits inadequate
maintenance, structural instabilities, faulty weather protection and potential fire hazards. The 2007-2011
American Community Census Data indicates that 74 or 0.7 percent of housing units in Saratoga lack
plumbing facilities and_140, or 1.3 percent, lack complete kitchen facilities. Some of the properties
accounted for lack both complete plumbing facilities and kitchen facilities.
Housing affordability is directly related to a household's ability to pay for housing, and to be considered
"affordable", housing expenses should constitute 30 percent or less of a household's expenses.According
to the 2013 California Department of Housing the median value for all owner-occupied units in Saratoga
exceeded $1,000,000. Comparatively, in 2011 the median housing value for all houses in Santa Clara
County was $681,000. The American Community Survey data for 2007-2011 indicates that in Saratoga,
95.7 percent of homes are valued at or above $500,000 (with 83.9 percent of those valued at or above
$1,000,000),while 4.3 percent are valued at or below$500,000. In 2012 the median sale price in Saratoga
was$1,527,500 and in 2013 that number rose to$1,600,000,an increase of 4.75 percent.
The average gross rent in Saratoga in 2011 was $1,698, exhibiting a decrease of 25.5 percent from the
year 2000. Current surveys of market rents indicate an average rent of$4,510 for a 3-bedroom single
family home. According to the 2007-2011 American Community Survey, 37 percent of renters in
Saratoga devoted 30 percent or more of their income to rent in 2011, and more than 20 percent of
households spent 50 percent or more of their income on rent.
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Each local jurisdiction in California is mandated by State Law to adequately accommodate its "fair share"
of regional housing needs. The "fair share" is defined as the number of additional housing units needed to
accommodate the forecasted growth and is represented as the number of additional units needed to
accommodate future growth and replace demolished or converted housing units. The "fair share" should
be accommodated with the intention of achieving a future vacancy rate that allows for a healthy housing
market.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) is the entity responsible for allocating housing needs
to Bay Area Jurisdictions, including Saratoga. The allocation is reflected in the Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA). The RHNA allocates housing for all respective income categories including
extremely low , very low, low, moderate and above moderate incomes. The RHNA allocation quantifying
the future housing needs for the period of 2014-2022 is depicted in Table 2-2.1, below. The total identified
housing needs inclusive of all income levels amounts to 439.
Table 2-2.1
RHNA Allocation For Housing Cycle 2014-2022
Saratoga 74 73 95 104 93 _ 439
-11 - Project Description
i
2.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES/GOALS
The Housing Policy Program (Chapter 4) details the City's goals, policies, and actions in regards to
the maintenance, improvement, preservation, and development of housing for all segments of the
community. In developing the Policy Program, the City assessed its current and projected housing
needs, evaluated performance in implementing existing policies and programs, analyzed current
constraints and resources,and considered input from residents and stakeholders.
Through the development of the Policy Program,the City has identified five broad housing priorities:
1. To ensure an adequate supply of housing is available to meet future and existing housing
needs of all economic segments of the community.
2. To provide maintenance and rehabilitation activities to help ensure the quality of the City's
existing housing stock and neighborhoods is preserved.
3. To ensure quality design of new developments and to enhance the aesthetic qualities and
livability of the City.
4. To promote the practice of providing equal housing opportunities for all persons without
discrimination on the basis of families with children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities,
the homeless and all other segments of the community.
5. To maximize use of limited local resources by building partnerships and coordinating housing
efforts with outside agencies and organizations.
a
2.4 PROJECT PHASING
The Housing Element addresses the planning period from 2015-2023.
2.5 AGREEMENTS, PERMITS AND APPROVALS
Approval of the Project is subject to the following legislative actions by the City of Saratoga:
• 2015-2023 Housing Element Approval
• Amendments to the Second Dwelling Units Ordinance, 15-56.030
• General Plan Amendment(to allow for increase in stories and minimum density;to be confirmed)
• Amendment to Ordinance C-N(RHD)
Copies of these proposed actions (the approval documents) are available in the City of Saratoga
Community Development Department and are a part of this project description.
Adoption of the update to General Plan's Housing Element is subject to review and/or approval by the
following agencies:
• City of Saratoga Planning Commission; City of Saratoga City Council; and California Department
of Housing and Community Development.
-12- Project Description
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY
3.1 BACKGROUND
1. Project Title: City of Saratoga 2015-2023 Housing Element
2. Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Road, Saratoga, CA 95070
3. Contact Persons and Phone Number: Christopher Riordan, Senior Planner
Phone: 707-259-1790
4. Project Location: City of Saratoga
5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: City Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
6. General Plan Designation: Various
7. Zoning: Various
8. Description of the Project:
The Project consists of an update to the Housing Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan; refer to
Section 2.0, Pr
ojecf Description.
9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:
North: City of Cupertino
South: City of Monte Sereno
East: City of San Jose
West: Sphere of Influence
and County of Santa Clara
10. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or
participation agreement):
The California Department of Housing and Community Development has authority of review and comment
on the Housing Element. No other public agencies have authority over the Project.
-15- Environmental Summary
i
3.2 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
This Initial Study and Negative Declaration analyze the potential environmental impacts associated
with the proposed Project. The issue areas evaluated in this Initial Study are:
• Aesthetics; Land Use and Planning;
• Agriculture Resources; Mineral Resources;
• Air Quality; Noise;
• Biological Resources; Population and Housing;
• Cultural Resources; Public Services;
• Geology and Soils; Recreation;
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials; Transportation/Traffic;and
• Hydrology and Water Quality; Utilities and Service Systems.
The environmental analysis in this section is patterned after the Initial Study Checklist recommended by
the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G and used by the City in its environmental review process. For the
preliminary environmental assessment undertaken as part of this Initial Study's preparation, a
determination that there is a potential for significant effects indicates the need to more fully analyze the
Project's impacts and to identify mitigation.
In the evaluation of potential impacts in Section 4.0, Environmental Analysis, the questions in the Initial
Study Checklist are stated and an answer is provided based on the analysis undertaken as part of the
Initial Study. The analysis considers the short-term, long-term, direct, indirect and cumulative impacts
of the Project. To each question,there are four possible responses:
• No Impact: The project would not have any measurable environmental impact on the
environment.
• Less Than Significant Impact: The project would have the potential for impacting the
environment,although this impact would be below established significance thresholds.
• Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated: The project would have the
potential to generate impacts that may be considered a significant effect on the environment,
although mitigation measures or changes to the project's physical or operational
characteristics could reduce these impacts to levels that are less than significant.
• Potentially Significant Impact: The project would have impacts that are considered
significant, and additional analysis is required to identify mitigation.measures that could reduce
these impacts to less than significant levels.
-16- Environmental Summary
i
3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this Project, involving at least
one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" or a "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation
Incorporated,"as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
Aesthetics Land Use and Planning
Agriculture Resources Mineral Resources
Air Quality Noise
Biological Resources Population and Housing
Cultural Resources Public Services
Geology and Soils Recreation
Hazards and Hazardous Materials Transportation/Traffic
Hydrology and Water Quality Utilities and Service Systems
Mandatory Findings of Significance
-17- Environmental Summary
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The following is a discussion of potential project impacts as identified in this Initial Study and Negative
Declaration. Explanations are provided for each item.
4.1 AESTHETICS
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a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a X
scenic vista?
b. Substantially damage scenic
resources, including,but not limited to,
trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
buildings within a state scenic X
highway?
c. Substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of the site X
and its surroundings?
d. Create a new source of substantial
light or glare, which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the
area? X
Aesthetics Setting: The City's Planning Area contains a number of aesthetic and visual resources that
include views of the Santa Cruz Mountains,landmarks and notable viewsheds.
Aesthetics Impact Discussion:
4.1(a) Less than Significant Impact: Scenic Vistas identified in the Saratoga General Plan are largely
limited to the ridgelines and hillsides of the Santa Cruz Mountains.All identified housing sites are confined to
previously developed and/or underdeveloped sites located within an urbanized area. None of the identified
"opportunity sites" are located in an area that would block or adversely impact a scenic vista. Therefore,
impacts to scenic vistas would be below levels of significance.
4.1(b) Less than Significant Impact: The City of Saratoga has one State Designated Scenic Highway,
Highway 9.The designated scenic portion of Highway 9 begins at the Los Gatos City Limit,east of Saratoga,
and extends to the intersection of SR 35(Skyline Boulevard)at the Santa Cruz County line. In addition to the
State designated Scenic Highway,the City also has locally designated the portion of Saratoga Ave, between
Fruitvale Avenue and Park Place, and Austin Way, south of Saratoga to Los Gatos way as "Heritage
Lanes."
-18- Environmental Analysis
Five roadway segments are defined as Santa Clara County Scenic Roadways per Section 3.30.050 of the
Santa Clara Municipal Code. The county has designated portions of Skyline Boulevard; Congress Springs
Road; Bohlman Road/Montelvina Road; Mt. Eden Road;and Sanborn Road as County Scenic Roadways.
State Route 9 traverses the Saratoga Village Center,which is delineated as Opportunity Site 2.An increase
in density and/or height allowances at this location could potentially impact scenic resources viewed from the
State Scenic Highway if not properly protected. The stretch of highway in the Village Center extending from
just before 6th street to the terminus at Blaney Plaza is developed with existing residential and commercial
structures. The Housing Element Update does not propose an increase in height at this location, but would
support up to 22 residential units under a mixed-use redevelopment project.
The Housing Element Update proposes increases density and heights at Opportunity Site 1, which could
potentially affect viewsheds if not properly designed. However, any proposed development would constitute
infill and not significantly alter the view as seen from the State Scenic Highway. Furthermore, design
parameters will be reviewed during the site-specific development proposals and mitigated appropriately. The
Housing Element Update would not result in a cumulative impact that would substantially alter the views as
seen from a State Designated Highway. Therefore, impacts to scenic resources would remain at levels below
significant.
4.1(c) Less than Significant Impact: The new sites identified as part of the Housing Element Update are
generally confined to already developed or underdeveloped areas located within the City's Planning Area.All
proposed development, including that of opportunity sites, would be confined to underdeveloped land and is
not expected to depart significantly from the existing conditions in terms of scale and/or character to
surrounding development. Impacts related to visual resources are expected to remain at levels below
significance.
The"opportunity site" located at Saratoga Avenue and Cox is vacant. It is presently zoned P-A(Professional
Administrative)which conditionally allows for mixed use development including residential. Given the current
zoning of the site, the residential development potential has been previously evaluated. Accordingly, the
identification of this site as an opportunity site for residential development is consistent with the existing
General Plan and zoning.Additionally, it should be noted that this site is surrounded by existing single-family
residential and commercial land uses and would constitute infill development.Any proposed development for
the site would be subject to design review and the goals and policies of the General Plan, which will ensure
that any new development is consistent with the scale and design of the surrounding urban setting.
The Housing Element introduces new policies and programs that encourage infill development in areas that
have been identified as opportunity sites capable of supporting residential development.Although residential
densities have the potential to increase slightly,the additional units would not substantially alter the character
of the Planning Area. All future residential development will be required to conform to the existing General
Plan and will be reviewed for compatibility with surrounding development. Therefore,the HE Element update
is not expected to adversely affect the visual environment of the Planning Area and any impacts to visual
resources would be at levels below significance.
4.1(d) Less than Significant Impact: The proposed 2015-2023 Housing Element Update would potentially
create new sources of light and glare associated with residential uses. However, site specific CEQA review
and site-specific design review per Article 15-46 of the City's Municipal Code will be performed at the time
that development applications are received. The subject updated to the HE would not introduce new sources
of light or glare beyond what has been anticipated as part of the overall development potential within the
Planning Area. Therefore, any impacts resulting from the Housing Element Update would be less than
significant.
-19- Environmental Analysis
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with the General Plan policies including the
following:
Land Use
LU 8 The natural beauty of the West Valley hillside area shall be maintained and protected for its
contribution to the overall quality of life of current and future generations.
LU 9 Preserve the rural nature of the hills by limiting incompatible development.
LU 10 Minimize he visual impacts of hillside development,especially on ridgetops.
LU 13 The City shall use the design review process to assure that new construction and major
additions thereto are compatible with the site and the adjacent surroundings.
Open Space
OSC 2 Preserve the City's existing character which includes small town residential, rural/semi-rural
areas and open spaces.
OSC 6 Preserve the hillside lands in their natural condition and inherent natural beauty.
OSC 7 Use the design review and environmental review process to ensure that development
proposals in the hillsides are compatible with the natural environment
-20- Environmental Analysis
4.2 AGRICULTURE RESOURCES
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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 X
California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural X
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 X
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 X
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 X
Farmland, to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Agricultural Resources Setting: The City of Saratoga retains approximately 150 acres of agricultural
lands within the otherwise urbanized City. Approximately 109 of the 150 acres of agricultural lands are
protected under Williamson Act Contracts.
Agricultural Resources Impact Discussion:
4.2. (a-e) No Impact: The 2015-2023 Housing Element does not propose any changes to agricultural lands
including the conversion of prime farmland, unique farmland or farmland of statewide importance to a non-
agricultural use, nor will the project conflict with any agricultural zoning or Williamson Act Contracts. As the
project will be confined to urbanized areas within the planning area there is no expectation of impacts to
forestlands (lands exhibiting 10% native tree cover of any species that allow for management of one or
more forest resources) and therefore there is no indication that the project would conflict with existing
forested land zoning or encourage the loss or conversion of forested land to another use. The project will
be confined to already urbanized areas and underutilized sites and therefore, no impacts associated with
agricultural lands or forestlands are expected.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with the goals outlined in the General Plan and
hillside Specific Plan including:
LU 7 Protect existing agricultural resources and encourage expansion of this use.
-21 - Environmental Analysis
1
4.3 AIR QUALITY
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a. Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the applicable air X
quality Ian?
b. Violate any air quality standard or
contribute substantially to an existing X
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 X
(including releasing emissions which
exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
d. Expose sensitive receptors to X
substantial pollutant concentrations?
e. Create objectionable odors affecting a X
substantial number of people?
Sources:2010 BAAQMD Clean Air Plan;and BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines
Air Quality Setting: The City of Saratoga is located in the Santa Clara Valley and within the San
Francisco Bay Area Air Basin (SFBAAB) and therefore subject to the ambient air quality standards
(AAQS)established by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District(BAAQMD), and those adopted by
the California Resources Board (CARE), and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.Air quality within
the Bay Area Air Basin is determined by natural, geographical, and meteorological conditions, as well as
human activities including construction and development, operation of vehicles, and industry and
manufacturing.
The Santa Clara Valley is bounded by the Bay to the north, and mountains to the east, south and west.
Winds in the valley are largely influenced by the terrain of the valley and typically parallel the valley's
northwest-southeast axis. The air pollution potential for the Santa Clara Valley is considered high based
on the high summer temperatures, stable air and topographical features, which serve to promote ozone
formation. The inversion pattern that occurs in both the summer and winter months exacerbates the
impacts of pollutants. Ozone precursors are also generated by adjacent municipalities and carried over
by prevailing winds into the Santa Clara Valley. The high concentration of industry in the Silicon Valley
generates air toxics and criteria air pollutants with a high rate of mobile source emissions generated by
the many work-site destinations.
The BAAQMD is responsible for planning, implementing, and enforcing air quality standards within the
Bay Area Air Basin, including the City of Saratoga. The BAAQMD operates a monitoring station nearby
in Los Gatos,where it records pollutant concentration levels for carbon monoxide(CO), Nitrogen Dioxide
(NO2), Ozone (Os), and Particulate Matter(PM2.5). The BAAQMD Compliance and Enforcement Division
routinely conducts inspections and audits of potential polluting sites to ensure compliance with applicable
federal,State, and BAAQMD regulations.
-22- Environmental Analysis
The Bay Area Air Basin is designated as non-attainment for both the one-hour and eight-hour state and
national ozone standards; 0.09 parts per million (ppm) and 0.070 ppm, respectively. The Basin is also in
non-attainment for the PMio and PM2.5 state standards, which require an annual arithmetic mean (AAM)
of less than 20 pg/m3 for PM10 and less than 12 pg/m3 for PM2.5• In addition, the Bay Area Air Basin is
designated as non-attainment for the national 24-hour PM2.5 standard. All other national ambient air
quality standards within the Bay Area Air Basin are in attainment.2
The 2010 Bay Area Clean Air Plan (CAP), adopted by the BAAQMD in September 2010, served to
update the 2005 Bay Area Ozone plan in accordance with the requirements of California Clean Air Act.
The Bay Area CAP incorporated updated emissions inventories, ambient measurements, new
meteorological episodes and air quality modeling tools and serves as the framework for SFAAB to
achieve attainment of the California AAQS.
Air Quality Impact Discussion
4.3(a) No Impact: The BAAQMD adopted the Bay Area 2010 Clean Air Plan (CAP) in September 2010 to
comply with state air quality planning requirements set forth in the California Health & Safety Code. The
2010 CAP serves to update the 2005 Ozone Strategy and provides control strategies to address air quality
pollutants including ozone (03), Particulate Matter (PM), toxic air contaminants (TACs), and greenhouse
gases(GHGs).A total of 55 control strategies have been developed as part of the CAP for land use, energy
and climate, stationary sources, transportation, and mobile sources. Control strategies are designed to
reduce emissions of ozone precursors, PM, air toxics, and greenhouse gases, work towards attainment of
state ozone standards, reduce transport of ozone to neighboring basins, and to protect public health and
the climate. Measures to implement control strategies include the use of clean and efficient vehicles, Green
Construction Fleets, enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access, energy efficiency, and others.
The BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines set forth criteria for determining consistency with the CAP. In general a
project is considered consistent if a) the project supports the primary goals of the CAP, b) includes control
measures and c) does not interfere with implementation of the CAP measures. The Housing Element
Update is consistent with the existing CAP and none of its proposed changes would conflict with the
implementation of the CAP. Therefore, no impacts related to a Regional Air Quality Plan are expected.
4.3(b-c) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Update proposes that Saratoga
accommodate future housing on vacant and/or underdeveloped lands located within the boundaries of the
City's Planning Area. It is anticipated that construction and operation of proposed housing will generate
pollutant emissions through both stationary and mobile-point sources. However, as the Housing Element
Update is a policy document and not a site specific project proposal, no emission calculations and have
been conducted.All future residential development proposed will be reviewed in accordance with CEQA at
which time air quality impacts would be evaluated and mitigated for as needed. The subject Housing
Element Update does not introduce new policies or require amendments that have the potential to
generate air quality emissions beyond what has been anticipated. Therefore, any air quality impacts
associated with the proposed Update will remain at levels below significant.
4.3(d) Less than Significant Impact: Sensitive Receptors refers to those who may have a heightened
sensitivity to air pollutants; these may include persons under the age of 14 and over the age of 65,
persons with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases and athletes in training. The Housing
Element identifies potential housing sites to be located in underdeveloped areas throughout the City. The
policy updates proposed would not substantially increase the risk to nearby sensitive receptors.
z "2010 Clean Air Plan,"prepared by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District,September 2010.
-23- Environmental Analysis
Furthermore, air quality impacts to sensitive receptors will be reviewed and mitigated for on a site-specific
basis if and when development is proposed. Therefore, the subject Update will result in less than
significant impacts to sensitive receptors.
4.3(e) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element is not expected to create objectionable odors
affecting a substantial number of people. Future development has the potential to generate odors during
construction from heavy-duty equipment exhaust or from application of paint and asphalt.
Construction activities would be temporary and not result in any permanent impacts to the adjacent land
uses, including those with sensitive receptors. All new development would be subject to compliance
with standards established for the BAAQMD for odor control. Therefore, impacts related to
objectionable odors are expected to be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with the following General plan policies:
LU 15 Improve local and regional air quality by ensuring all development projects
incorporate all feasible measures to reduce air pollutants.
LU 15.1 Require development projects to comply with BAAQMD measures to reduce fugitive
dust emissions due to grading and construction activities.
LU 15.2 Encourage use of trip demand measures as part of major commercial and office
development projects to reduce dependence on auto use.
LU 15.3 Discourage the use of wood burning fireplaces by limiting to one per residence,
including outdoor/patio fireplaces.
Circulation and Scenic Highway Element
CI 2.22 Require a transportation analysis for all development projects resulting in 50 or more
net new daily trips. The analysis shall identify potential impacts to intersection and
roadway operations, project access, and alternative travel modes, and shall identify
feasible improvements or project modifications to reduce or eliminate impacts. Impact
significance should be consistent with the criteria maintained b the VTA. City staff
should have the discretion to require focused'studies regarding access, sight
distance,and other operational and safety issues.
Cl 2.23 Evaluate development proposals and design roadway improvements based on
established Level of Service standards.
C1.2.28 Develop and adopt a Neighborhood Traffic Management (NTM) Plan to specifically
include a process for identifying problem areas, and for evaluating, funding, and
implementing traffic calming measures to reduce high traffic volumes and travel
speeds on City streets.
C14.Oa Promote local and regional transit as a viable alternative to automobile travel for
destinations within and outside the City.
CI 4.Ob Promote the use of alternative modes of transportation by improving the capacity,
safety, accessibility, and convenience of existing and planned transit, bicycle and
pedestrian systems.
-24- Environmental Analysis
4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
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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 X
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 X
plans, policies, regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and
Game or U.S.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 X
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 X
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, X
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? X
Sources:Saratoga General Plan:Open Space&Conservation Element,2007;Holland's Preliminary Descriptions of
Terrestrial Natural Communities of California(Holland,1986);US Fish&Wildlife National Wetlands Mapper.
Biological Resources Setting: Biological resources are protected by statute including the Federal
Endangered Species Act (FESA), the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and the Clean
Water Act(CWA). The Migratory Bird Treaty Act(META)affords protection to migratory bird species
including birds of prey. These regulations provide the legal protection for plant and animal species of
concern and their habitat.
-25- Environmental Analysis
The Saratoga Planning Area includes two discrete habitat types within the boundaries of the
Planning Area: hillside habitat and urban habitat. The hillside habitat is largely confined to the
western portions of the City and is comprised of a mix of chaparral (on the dry hillsides), Oak
woodland,and Redwood groves. The urban habitat located on the relatively flat expanses of the City
is largely limited to, "ornamental landscaping, non-native grasses and weed associations (ruderal
vegetation)and/or scattered agricultural crop and orchard plantings."(Holland). Sensitive animal and
plant species located within the urbanized portions of the City include Burrowing Owl, California
Tiger Salamander, and Red Legged Frog. There are also a number of native and ornamental tree
species within the urbanized area that are protected through Saratoga's Tree Regulations per City
Code, Article 15-50 and through the adoption of the 2001 International Society of Arborist's
Standards.
Biological Impact Discussion:
4.4 (a — d) Less than Significant Impact: As a policy document, the Saratoga Housing Element
Update is not expected to adversely impact any biological resources. Future housing anticipated by
this policy document will be accommodated in urbanized areas of the City, thereby avoiding
especially valuable and/or sensitive habitat. However, it is noted in the Saratoga General Plan a
number of plant and animal species, including, but not limited to, the Burrowing Owl, California Tiger
Salamander and Red Legged Frog may be present within City limits. Therefore, removal and/or
modification of vacant and/or underdeveloped lands within the urbanized area could adversely
impact said species. However, as stated earlier, the Housing Element Update is a policy document
intended to plan for and enable future housing development. Any development that is carried out as
an extension of the goals and objectives set forth in the subject Element will be evaluated and
reviewed in accordance with General Plan Policy OSC 11.2 at which time any adverse impacts to
biological resources will be identified based on site specific design.
The Housing Element does not alter the existing land use designations nor does it introduce new
policies that would promote development within sensitive areas. Rather, the majority of the
development potential identified by the Housing Element Update is within already developed areas
and underutilized lots. Adherence to the adopted General Plan policies such as OSC 11.2 that
requires site specific biological surveys will ensure that sensitive habitat is identified and protected or
mitigation appropriate as part of the development review process. Therefore, potential impacts to
sensitive habitat generated by the policies set forth in the Housing Element Update would be less
than significant.
4.4(e) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Update encourages infill development
in previously developed or urbanized areas of the City. Thus, any potential for conflict with an
existing plan will be limited.As part of the development review process potential impacts to biological
resources will be evaluated on a project by project basis as required by CEQA. However, because
the proposed Housing Element Update and goals therein remain consistent with goals and
objectives outlined in the General Plan, specifically the Open Space and Conservation Element, any
potential impacts would be below levels of significance.
4.4(f) No Impact: At present, no Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan,
or other approved local, regional, or State Habitat Conservation Plan exists for the City of Saratoga.
The Housing Element Update sets forth policies to accommodate new residential development within
the existing, urbanized portions of the City thereby avoiding areas designated open space and/or
those supporting significant animal or plant habitat. Therefore, the Housing Element Update would
have no impact due to a conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan or any
other Natural Community Conservation Plan approved by a local, regional or state body.
-26- Environmental Analysis
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with General Plan policies and goals including
the following:
LU 8.1 Development proposals shall minimize impacts to ridgelines, significant natural hillside
features, including but not limited to steep topography, major stands of vegetation,
especially native vegetation and oak trees, and watercourses.
LU 8.2 Adhere to the Northwestern Hillside Specific Plan (derived by Measure A) which is
incorporated herein by this reference.
LU 9.1 Limit the amount of grading within hillside areas to the minimum amount needed for
dwellings and access.
OSC 11 Protect and enhance sensitive vegetative and wildlife habitat in the Saratoga Planning
area.
OSC 11.1 Minimize development that would encroach into important wildlife habitats, limit or restrict
normal range areas, or restrict access to water food or shelter. This includes limitations on
the installation of barrier fencing in hillside areas.
OSC 11.2 Through the development and CEQA process, preserve, protect, and maintain riparian
habitats and creek corridors. This includes requiring biological surveys of parcels of land
that could contain sensitive species or their habitats prior to allowing development on
these parcels.
OSC 12 Support appropriate management for sustaining the health and increasing the extent of
urban forest resources in the City. The specific vision is to increase overall tree cover, tree
health and consequent tree benefits in an equitable, cost beneficial and sustainable
manner.
OSC 12.1 Development projects should include the preservation of protected trees and other
significant trees. Any adverse effect on the health and longevity of native oak trees,
protected or other significant trees should be avoided through appropriate design
measures and construction practices. When tree preservation is not feasible, individual
development projects shall include appropriate tree replacement as approved by the City.
OSC 12.2 It is the City's policy that forested lands in the City's Sphere of Influence shall be managed
to maximize environmental protection and to discourage logging to the maximum extent
possible,consistent with proper fire protection standards and practices.
-27- Environmental Analysis
4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Rotwm
Potentially sipli Less Than
Would themiect: Significant unless No Impact
Impact miogation t
nwmmaWd mpact
a. Cause a substantial adverse change
in the significance of a historical X
resource as defined in CEQA
Guidelines 15064.5?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change
in the significance of an X
archaeological resource pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines 15064.5?
c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or X
unique geologic feature?
d. Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal X
cemeteries?
Sources: City of Saratoga General Plan; CEQA Section 15064.5, Subdivision (F); and California Health and
Safety Code Section 7050.5
Cultural Resources Setting: Saratoga's beginnings date back to 1846 when Bill Campbell and sons
established Quito Mill along the banks of Quito Creek. The subsequent discovery of mineral springs
prompted a robust spa industry. Later, agricultural industry and orchards became a dominant facet of
the landscape until the 1940s when the post-WII Housing boom happened and much of the agricultural
land transitioned from crops to housing.
In order to perpetuate the unique character of Saratoga,the City adopted a resolution that established a
Historic Preservation Ordinance and created a Historic Preservation Commission that reviews the
impacts of new development on the City's historic resources. There are a number of properties in
Saratoga listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places.
There are several archeological sites throughout the City with two formally listed on the State
Archeological Inventory Survey. One of the listed sites is located on or near Saratoga Avenue with the
other at an undisclosed location.
Cultural Impact Discussion:
4.5 (a) Less than Significant Impact: Historic resources are distributed throughout the City and are
present in both urbanized and rural areas. The 2015-2023 Housing Element Update encourages
targeted growth and infill development in vacant and underutilized lands including those identified as
"opportunity sites." Historic resources located in or adjacent to "opportunity sites", as is the case with
the "Village area" (Saratoga's historical center) are potentially vulnerable to new development.
However, proper adherence to the goals and policies set forth in the General Plan will ensure that new
development occurs in a manner that preserves historic resources. Furthermore, the Historic
Preservation Ordinance and Historic Preservation Review Committee require subsequent review and
analysis when a historic resources is involved. Therefore, with proper compliance to the General Plan
and Historic Preservation Ordinance, impacts to historic resources would be less than significant.
-28- Environmental Analysis
4.5(b) Less Than Significant Impact: The City of Saratoga exhibits a rich archeological history due to
the presence of the Ohlone Indians during the prehistoric period. Potentially significant archeological
resources include, but are not limited to concentrations of artifacts or culturally modified soil deposits,
modified stone,shell, bone, or other cultural materials such as charcoal, ash, and burned rock indicative
of food procurement or processing activities, or prehistoric domestic features including hearths, fire pits,
or house floor depressions or other such historic artifacts (potentially including trash pits and all by-
products of human land use greater than 50 years of age). As such, undisturbed lands within the City's
Planning Area, particularly lands near Saratoga Creek have a heightened potential to contain
prehistoric archaeological resources.
Disturbance to buried cultural resources would constitute a potentially significant impact if not properly
managed. However, compliance with CEQA Section 15064.5, Subdivision (F)stipulates that should any
archeological resources be encountered during grading, all ground disturbing activity shall be halted
immediately until a qualified archaeologist can evaluate the artifacts identified and recommend further
action. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element Update sets forth policies intended to facilitate
housing development in accordance with the RHNA needs and will not directly result in any specific
construction or development. Adherence to CEQA Section 15064.5, Subdivision (F) at the time that
future development occurs will ensure that archeological resources are protected.Additionally, General
Plan policies LU 12.9 stipulates that new development require reconnaissance level analysis, which will
be performed when project specific development is proposed, as necessary. Therefore, implementation
of the proposed Housing Element Updated would have a less than significant impact on archeological
resources.
4.5 (c) Less Than Significant Impact: The Saratoga General Plan does not identify the presence of
any paleontological or unique geological resources within the boundaries of the City's planning area.
Therefore, the project is not expected to impact any paleontological or unique geologic resources.
Furthermore, as site specific development is proposed each project will be reviewed pursuant to CEQA
any will require conformance will all applicable General Plan policies including LU 12.9 as described
above. The subject Housing Element Update does not identify any new sites that were not previously
evaluated for development potential. Therefore, implementation of the Housing Element Update will
result in less than significant impact to paleontological resources.
4.5 (d) Less than Significant Impact: California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 mandates
that, in the event human remains are discovered in a location other than a dedicated cemetery, all
disturbance or excavation must cease and the county coroner must be notified. If the human remains
are found to be of Native American origin, the Native American Heritage Commission will then identify
and contact a likely descendent to inspect the site and recommend future treatment associated with the
contents of the grave. No evidence suggests that human remains have been interred within the areas
considered to have residential development potential including vacant, underutilized, and "opportunity
sites".
New developed promulgated by the subject Housing Element would require subsequent review and due
compliance with applicable policies and regulation including CA Health & Safety Code Section 7050.5.
In the event that future development project where to encounter human remains, all requirements of
state law shall be duly complied with, including the immediate cessation of ground disturbing activities
near or in any area potentially overlying adjacent human remains. Proper adherence to CA Health &
Safety Code Section 7050.5 will ensure any impacts to interred human remains are avoided.
-29- Environmental Analysis
i
The proposed Housing Element Update does not result in any ground disturbance nor does it identify
new land not previously considered for development. Therefore impacts due to discovery of human
remains will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond consistency with General Plan policies, including those
listed below:
LU 12 Recognize the heritage of the City by seeking to protect historic and cultural resources,
where feasible.
LU 12.1 Enhance the visual character of the City by encouraging compatibility of architectural
styles that reflect established architectural traditions.
LU 12.2 Develop zoning and other incentives for property owners to preserve historic resources
and seek out historic designations for their respective properties.
LU 12.3 In order to create an incentive for the protection of historic structures, modify the Zoning
Ordinance to allow the Planning Commission to have the authority to modify any of the
development regulations in the Ordinance, if the subject of the application is a structure
which has been designated as an historic landmark.
LU 12.4 The City shall continue to participate in the Mills Act program which allows property
owners of historic residences a reduction of their property tax.
LU 12.5 Encourage public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the City's past and foster
civic and neighborhood pride and sense of identity based upon the recognition and use of
the City's heritage resources.
LU 12.6 The Heritage Preservation Commission shall regularly update the City's Historic
Resources Inventory.
LU 12.7 Development proposals impacting any of the City's heritage land and/or any historic
resources listed on any local or state inventory shall be reviewed by Heritage Preservation
Commission and the Planning Commission, as required.
LU 12.8 For any project development affecting structures that are 50 years of age or older,
conduct a historic review.
LU 12.9 Conduct reconnaissance-level analyses of new development projects to ensure that no
significant archeological, prehistoric, paleontological Native American resources would be
disturbed. If such resources are found, appropriate steps shall be taken, consistent with
CEQA requirements to protect these resources.
-30- Environmental Analysis
Y
4.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Potentially toss Than I�lo
Significant tillitigation Sgriifant
Impact Incapmrat3ecl t
a. Expose people or structures to
potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
1) Rupture of a known earthquake
fault, as delineated on the most
recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake X
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.
2) Strong seismic ground shaking? X
3) Seismic-related ground failure,
including liquefaction? X
4) Landslides? X
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the
loss of topsoil? X
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil
that is unstable,or that would become
unstable as a result of the project,and X
potentially result in on-site 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
California Building Code (2001),
creating substantial risks to life or X
property?
e. Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal X
systems where sewers are not
available for the disposal of
wastewater?
Sources: Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42; Article 16-15 of the City's buildings code; and
Title 24 of the California Building Code.
Geology and Soils Setting: Saratoga is located towards the Southern end of San Francisco Bay in the
Santa Clara Valley. The topography of the City features a low-lying, relatively flat valley floor and prominent
foothills located in the western portion of the city. The Castle Rock portions of the Santa Cruz Mountains lie
just outside of the City limits, but within the City's sphere of influence. The valley floor is underlain by alluvial
deposits comprised of unconsolidated particles of clay, silt, sand and gravel whereas the hillsides feature a
limited amount of exposed bedrock.
-31 - Environmental Analysis
The northeast-southwest segment of the San Andreas Fault Zone traverses the southwestem-most corner
of the Saratoga Sphere of Influence, along the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Local regulations
related to geologic concerns are outlined in Article 16-15 of the City's buildings code that is modeled after
the most current California Building Code requirements and enforces Title 24 regulations. All development
proposed within geographically hazardous areas are subject to detailed geotechnical investigation.
Geology and Soils Impact Discussion:
4.6(a.1-a.4;c) Less than Significant Impact: The City of Saratoga like the entire Bay Area is located in a s
seismically active region. The San Andreas Fault traverses the southwestern most part of the City's sphere
of influence, along the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is identified as an Alquist Priolo Special Study
Zone. This is the only "active" fault in the immediate vicinity of Saratoga, meaning that it has experienced
displacement in the previous 11,000 years and is expected to do so again. The Berrocal, Monta Vista, and
Shannon faults are located within City limits and are considered "potentially active"faults, meaning that they
have moved within the last 2 million to 11,000 years. Although these potentially active faults do pose
seismic hazards it is expected that adherence to the stipulations outlined in the City's Building Code and
compliance to Title 24 requirements will ensure that potential risks due to hazardous activity are minimized.
All vacant, underdeveloped and opportunity sites identified in the 2015-2023 Housing Element inventory are
located within city limits. No faults identified as Alquist-Priolo fault zones are located within the City limits
and therefore no impact from fault rupture is expected. There is potential for liquefaction and or ground
failure on the Santa Clara Valley floor, especially adjacent to streams and/or creeks, however, with proper
geotechnical considerations and adherence to city code requirements and setback requirements future
development will not be at risk for impacts related to liquefactions or subsidence. Although there are a few
sites that are identified within hillside areas, these will require subsequent review and adherence to the
Hillside Preservation Ordinance. Landslides are generally confined to areas with slopes greater than 15%,
where developed is generally discouraged. Adherence to adopted General Plan Policies and the Hillside
Preservation Ordinance will ensure that potential geotechnical constraints are identified during project
specific development review.
The primary geotechnical consideration is that of strong ground shaking generated by seismic activity. It is
expected that any geotechnical concerns related to strong ground shaking will be anticipated in design and
construction activities in accordance with Saratoga City Code and California Building Code. As stated, all
future development projects proposed will individually be subject to CEQA review and will require a site
specific evaluation of geotechnical concerns. The subject Housing Element does not introduce any new
policies that would conflict with measures intended to protect residents from the adverse effects of seismic
activity. Therefore potential impacts due to seismic impact resulting from implementation of the subject
Housing Element Update would be less than significant.
4.6(b) Less than Significant Impact: The RHNA allocation will be accommodated on existing,
underdeveloped and vacant lands. Activities associated with site preparation and construction such as,
clearing, grading and/or grubbing may disturb top soil and could lead to soil erosion if proper measures
are not taken. Any projects proposed as part of the Housing Element will be required to evaluate and
mitigate for potential impacts related to the loss of topsoil and/or erosion on a site-specific basis. These
potential impacts have been previously identified and evaluated in the General Plan EIR. Furthermore,any
projects proposed for lands greater than one acre will be required to create a Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and adhere to Best Management Practices. The subject Housing Element
Update does not result in any new ground disturbance not previously anticipated by the existing General
Plan. Therefore, impacts related to erosion and/or loss of topsoil will be less than significant.
-32- Environmental Analysis
I
4.6(d) Less than Significant Impact: Expansive soils are not especially prevalent in the City of Saratoga
and are largely confined to the western hillsides, where development potential is restricted. Nonetheless
as has been previously identified the presence of expansive soils has the potential to result in impacts to
foundations and structures. Future development promulgated by the subject 2015-2023 Housing Element
Update will be individually reviewed pursuant to CEQA and City regulations which require a thorough
geotechnical investigation if there is reason to believe that geotechnical concerns may be present,
including expansive soils. The Housing Element Update does not result in any policy changes that would
conflict with the requirements to perform site specific investigation, nor does it introduce any new
development on land not previously evaluated in the General Plan EIR. Implementation of the Housing
Element Update would be consistent with the analysis presented in the General Plan EIR. Therefore,
impacts due to expansive soils would be less than significant.
4.6(e) No Impact: The 2015-2023 Housing Element Update identifies potential residential sites that can
be accommodated within existing developed areas, vacant lots, or underutilizes lots. There is no
expectation that any of the future projects envisioned as part of the Housing Element would warrant the
use of septic tanks or an alternative wastewater disposal system. Rather, all new development would be
served by the City's sewer system. Therefore, no Impacts associated with septic tanks or other
wastewater disposal systems are expected.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with General Plan policies, including the
following:
LU 8.1 Development proposals shall minimize impacts to ridgelines, significant natural hillside
features, including but not limited to steep topography, major stands of vegetation,
especially native vegetation and oak trees, and watercourses.
LU 9.1 Limit expansion of urban development in the hillside areas.
LU 9.2 Limit the amount of grading within hillside areas to the minimum amount needed for
swellings and access.
OSC 6.1 Through the Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance, designate lands in the hillier
portions of the Saratoga Planning Area for open space- managed resource production,
which allows very low-density residential uses while maintaining a significant amount of
open space.
SAF 1-2 Development in areas subject to natural hazards shall be limited and shall be designed to
protect the environment, inhabitants and general public. In areas that have been proven to
be unsafe, development of structures for human habitation shall be prohibited to the
maximum extent permitted by law.
SAF 1-3 Proposals for General Plan amendments, zone changes, use permit, variances, building
site approvals, and all land development application subject to environmental assessment
according to CEQA guidelines shall be reviewed for hazardous conditions utilizing the most
current data.
-33- Environmental Analysis
i
4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
r las Thn No
tiheprojecAW
a. Generate greenhouse gas X
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 X
of greenhouse gases?
Sources:BAAQMD 2010 Clean Air Plan;BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines 2010 and 2012.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Impact Discussion:
4.7(a-b) Less than Significant Impact: This update to the General Plan Housing Element does not
propose any actions that would result in the development of a specific site. Rather, it provides policy
direction for the governance of residential development citywide. The goals and policies of the General
Plan Housing Element are intended to ensure the continued availability of housing to meet the diverse
needs of Saratoga's residents.All future development projects would be required to undergo CEQA review
including an evaluation of impacts associated with the generation of GHGs during construction and
operation. Additional, all new residential projects proposed would be required to adhere to the adopted
policies that minimize the generation of GHG.The subject Housing Element Update does not introduce any
polices or programs that would interfere with efforts to reduce GHG emissions citywide. Accordingly,
impacts associated with GHG resulting from the Housing Element Update would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with applicable General Plan policies.
-34- Environmental Analysis
4.8 HAZARDS/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
IL=Than No
S111111"
Would the project: 1111PWUnbu hwd
knorpomb
M'�tton
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials? X
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions X
involving the release of hazardous materials
into the environment?
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one-quarter mile X
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 X
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 X
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 X
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area?
g. Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency X
response plan or emergency evacuation
Ian?
h. Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland
fires, including where wildlands are adjacent X
to urbanized areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands?
Sources:General Plan Safety Element.
Hazards/Hazardous Materials Setting: The California Department of Toxic Substances Control(DTSC)
defines a hazardous material as: "a substance or combination of substances that, because of its quantity,
concentration or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may either: 1) cause, or significantly
contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious, irreversible, or incapacitating illness;or 2)
pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or environment when improperly treated,
stored,transported, disposed of,or otherwise managed."
-35- Environmental Analysis
Regulations governing the use, management, handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste
and materials are administered by Federal, State and local governmental agencies. Pursuant to the
Planning and Zoning Law, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) maintains a hazardous
waste and substances site list, also known as the"Cortese List."At present, Saratoga does not have any
sites designated as Cortese sites per the DTSC.
Hazardous waste management in the City of Saratoga is administered by the Santa Clara County
Department of Public Health. The Hazardous Material Compliance Division (HMCD) provides
comprehensive environmental regulatory compliance inspection services and is also the Certified Unified
Program Agency (CUPA)for Santa Clara County, with the exception of the Cities of Santa Clara, Gilroy
and Sunnyvale. Within the City of Saratoga hazardous materials are regulated by Chapter of 8 of the
Saratoga Municipal Code.
Hazards/Hazardous Materials Impact Discussion:
4.8(a-b) Less than Significant Impact: The subject Housing Element Update does not propose any
new development projects. Rather, it identifies lands that could support residential development and
establishes policies and program to ensure that sufficient housing continues to remain available and
affordable for Saratoga residence. As sites identified include both vacant and developed lands, future
projects may require demolition, grubbing, site preparation and construction activities. Construction
activities may result in the temporary presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to fuels
and lubricants, paints, solvents, insulation, electrical wiring, and other construction related materials
onsite. However,future development is required to comply with all existing federal, state and local safety
regulations governing the transportation, use, handling, storage and disposal of potentially hazardous
materials.Additionally, any residential development projects proposed in the future will be subject to site-
specific CEQA review including a Phase I investigation as appropriate to identify the presence of any
potentially hazardous materials. The Housing Element Update does not identify any new land not
previously considered to have development potential. Compliance with safety regulation as well as
policies identified in the General plan Safety Element will ensure that any future development would not
introduce a hazardous or potentially hazardous risk. As a policy for development that does not conflict
with any established regulations that project health and safety potential impacts associated with
hazardous materials would be less than significant.
4.8(c) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Update will not generate potentially
hazardous emissions near or adjacent to an existing or proposed school. Although future residential
development projects proposed in proximity to schools may result in the limited and temporary presence
of hazardous materials,these sites will be evaluated on a site-specific basis at the time that development
is formally proposed. Therefore, the subject Housing Element Update would have less than significant
impacts due to the generation of hazardous materials in proximity to an existing or proposed school.
4.8(d) No Impact: As of May 2014, no CORTESE Sites were listed as being present in the City of
Saratoga. Therefore, there would be no impacts associated with locating a future residential
development project on a site that is included on a list of hazardous material sites.
4.8(e-f) No Impact: There are no airports or private airstrips located within the boundaries of the
Saratoga Planning Area.Therefore, no impacts associated with airport-related hazards are expected.
4.8(g) Less than Significant Impact: None of the proposed policies or programs set forth in the
Housing Element Update would seriously impair the implementation of, or physically interfere with, an
adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
-36- Environmental Analysis
Any future development projects proposed will be required to comply with adopted plans and regulations
which will ensure that emergency ingress and egress is accommodated in the design of the site, both
during construction and operation. Therefore, impacts due to conflict with an emergency response plan
are expected to remain at levels below significant.
4.8(h) Less than Significant Impact: Moderate to high fire hazard zones are located along the wildland-
urban interface in Saratoga, concentrated in the hillsides that border the City to the South and West
along Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (HWY 9). However, while fire hazards
do exist in areas of the City, any future development proposed in these areas will be subject to the
Uniform Fire Code for Wildland-Urban Interface areas as well as development regulations set forth in
Chapter 14 and Chapter 16 of the City's Municipal Code. Future development proposed be subject to the
County and City regulations that outline measures to prevent and reduce hazards associated with fire.
The Housing Element Update does not directly result in development nor does it introduce any policies or
programs that would increase the fire hazard risk. Therefore, impact due to the implementation of the
subject Housing Element update will remain at levels below significant.
Mitigation Measures: None Required.
SW41 The City shall require the installation of an early warning fire alarm system.
SW4.4 The City shall continue to enforce existing regulation pertaining to hazardous fire
areas (wildland-urban interface) fire retardant construction and landscaping (fuel
modification).
SW4.5 The City shall coordinate with the Santa Clara County Fire Department on the need
for additional fire prevention regulation for the built up, populated area of the City.
SOF61 The City shall review and update on a regular basis its plan for emergency
response and preparedness. This plan shall use local resources and manpower to
provide maximum benefit and protection for the City's residents.
SW52 The City shall coordinate its Emergency Operation Plan with local jurisdiction and
regional agencies to anticipate cumulative impacts during times of disaster.
SW52b On an annual basis, the City will review the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex to
ensure that identified mitigation actions are being incorporated into upcoming City
sponsored projects,where appropriate.
SW53 The City shall encourage all citizens to take responsibility for their own safety in the
event of a disaster.
SW53a The City shall publicize and participate in disaster preparedness exercises and
distribute emergency planning information to the citizens of Saratoga.
-37- Environmental Analysis
i
4.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
a. Violate any water quality standards or
waste discharge requirements? X
b. Substantially deplete groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that there
would be a net deficit in aquifer volume
or a lowering of the local groundwater
table level (e.g., the production rate of X
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 X
course of 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 X
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 which
would exceed the capacity of existing
or planned storm water drainage
systems or provide substantial X
additional sources of polluted runoff?
f. Otherwise substantially degrade X
water quality?
g. Place housing within a 100-year flood
hazard as mapped on a Federal Flood
Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance X
Rate Map or other flood hazard
delineation map?
h. Place within a 100-year flood hazard
area structures, which would impede or X
redirect flood flows?
i. Expose people or structures to a
significant risk of loss, injury or death
involving flooding, including flooding as X
a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or
mudflow? X
Source:FEMA;and General Plan including Safety Element and Exhibits therein.
-38- Environmental Analysis
Hydrology and Water Quality Setting: The City of Saratoga is located in the North Central Flood Zone
of the Santa Clara County Water District. There are three primary drainages under the City's jurisdiction
which drain in a north-south direction. From east to west, the primary drainages are; San Tomas Aquino
Saratoga and Calabasas Creeks, all of which ultimately discharge into the San Francisco Bay. As such,
limited areas within the city have been identified by FEMA as being located within the 100 year
floodplain. As the identified flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation, the City of Saratoga
developed a Floodplain Management Plan codified in City Code Article 16-66.
The primary source of water for Saratoga is supplied by the San Jose Water company, a private
company serving Central Santa Clara County; two smaller companies supply water to areas of the City
adjacent to Bohlman Road. The water is available from three sources including local groundwater, local
surface water and water imported from the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The City participates in the
Santa Clara Non-Point Source Pollution Control Program which is intended to protect water bodies in
compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES)Permit requirements.
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY IMPACT DISCUSSION
4.9(a) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element is a policy document intended to facilitate
and guide future housing development. No policies within the Housing Element Update will directly alter
or conflict with existing water quality regulations and discharge standards. All future residential
development proposed will be subject to Federal, State and Local regulations governing storm water
runoff and water quality such as those stipulated by the Santa Clara Non-Point Source Pollution Program
and NPDES requirements including the preparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
on sites that result in soil disturbance to more than 1.0 acres. Compliance with applicable regulation will
ensure that future development projects do not adversely impact water quality. The subject Housing
Element Update does not introduce any polices or programs that interfere with adopted regulation that
protect water quality. Therefore, the subject Update will have a less than significant impact due to the
violation of water quality and waste discharge requirements.
4.9(b) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Updates identifies sufficient sites that could
support residential land uses consistent with the RHNA requirements. All of the sites identified currently
support or a planned to support residential development at densities that are comparable to what has
previously been anticipated. The San Jose Water Company Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP)
assumes a population growth of 1.1-1.5%. The UWMP indicates that sufficient water supplies are
expected to be available through normal and/or multiple dry years until 2025. It is expected that water
shortages may occur in the event of an extended drought period after 2025. The Housing Element
Update does not propose new housing or increased density that exceeds what has already been
evaluated for the General Plan or San Jose Water Company UWMP. Furthermore, any future
development projects proposed will be subject to CEQA review and required to comply with all existing
regulations governing water use.The subject Housing Element Update does not introduce any policies or
programs that would interfere with groundwater recharge or otherwise compromise water supplies.
Therefore, any impacts related to the depletion of groundwater will remain at levels below significant with
implementation of the Housing Element Update.
4.9(c-f) Less than Significant Impact: The sites identified in the Housing Element update that could
support future residential development were previously anticipated and considered as part of the General
Plan EIR. There are no new land use designations that were not previously anticipated to support
residential development. Accordingly, the proposed Housing Element Update will not generate impacts
greater than those previously identified in the GP EIR. Furthermore, all future development proposed
would be subject to local and state regulations governing erosion control, surface runoff and flooding.
General Plan policies outlined below ensure that flood control protection is afforded Citywide
-39- Environmental Analysis
The proposed Housing Element Update does not introduce any policies or programs that would interfere
or otherwise conflict with adopted flood control, drainage, and stormwater runoff strategies. Therefore,
adoption of the Housing Element Update would have less than significant impacts due to the alteration of
drainage and contribution of stormwater.
4.9(g-h) Less than Significant Impact: The Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) prepares
and maintains Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which show the extent of Special Flood Hazard
Areas (SFHAs) and other features related to flood risk. The City of Saratoga contains several drainage
creeks with floodplains that are susceptible to the 100-year flood (Zone A and AE). The balance of the
City is located within the 500 year floodplain (Flood Zone X). Refer to the Safety Element of the General
Plan, Exhibit 6, FEMA Flood Zones. The proposed Housing Element Update does not introduce any
policies or programs that would interfere with protection associated with the 100-year flood hazard
including the placement of structure within the 100-year flood hazard area.As mentioned, at the time that
future residential development is proposed, all projects will be subject the subsequent environmental
review pursuant to CEQA including an evaluation of potential flood zone impacts. All sites identified to
hold an opportunity for residential development have previously been analyzed and assessed for flood
hazards. The subject Housing Element Update does not introduce any new policies or development
potential not previously analyzed. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element would have a less than
significant impact due to the siting of structures within a flood hazard area.
4.9(i) Less Than Significant Impact: In the event that the Lake Ranch Dam were compromised,
upstream flooding could result in inundation along Saratoga Creek as described in the General Plan
Safety Element (and illustrated on Exhibit 5 therein). There are no other dams or levees that pose a
potential flooding hazard within the City of Saratoga. The subject Housing Element Update does not
introduce any policies that would alter the risk exposure associated with land along or in close proximity
to Saratoga Creek beyond what has been previously analyzed. Therefore, the subject Housing Element
Update would have less than significant impacts associated with increased risk of exposure due to the
failure of a dam or levee.
4.90) No Impact: The City of Saratoga is not located within an area that could be affected by seiche,
tsunami, or mudflow. There are no substantial water bodies within City limits that would pose a particular
risk of exposure. Therefore, there will be no impacts from inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflow
resulting from implementation of the subject Housing Element Update.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with the following General Plan policies:
OSC 9.2 Concentrate development in those portions of the community least susceptible to soil
erosion and minimize grading and the introduction of impervious surfaces. Where
appropriate, consider the use of on-site detention or retention basins to minimize
stormwater runoff from sites.
LU 6.1 Incorporate specific standards and requirements into the Zoning Ordinance to preserve
and protect sensitive watershed areas on hillsides within the community.
LU 6.2 Development proposals shall incorporate stormwater quality features, including but not
limited to grassy bio-swales,to protect surface and subsurface water quality.
OSC 9.a The City shall coordinate review of development projects adjacent to watercourses with
the Santa Clara Valley Water District and other applicable agencies.
_40- Environmental Analysis
4.10 LAND USE AND PLANNING
pawns*
"a� "�
kworllwabd
a. Physically divide an established X
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, X
local coastal program, or zoning ordinance)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding
or mitigating an environmental effect?
c. Conflict with any applicable habitat X
conservation plan or natural community
conservation Ian?
Source:General Plan;ABAG.
Land Use and Planning Setting: The City of Saratoga is nearly built out, with the predominant land use
being residential. Over 90% of the land in Saratoga is currently developed. A majority of the vacant lands
that remain are located on hillsides and therefore are restricted in their development potential. have
Land Use and Planning Impact Discussion
4.10(a) Less than Significant Impact: Division of an established community typically occurs when a new
physical feature, in the form of an interstate or railroad, physically transects an area, thereby removing
mobility and access within an established community. The division of an established community can also
occur through the removal of an existing road or pathway, which would reduce or remove access between
a community and outlying areas.
The City of Saratoga is largely built out, with limited opportunity for infill development and the development
of vacant land. The inventory conducted for the Housing Element Update shows that several of the
opportunity sites identified are located on underdeveloped parcels or parcels that are designated for mixed
use development. In accordance with the policies set forth in the subject update, it is expected that future
residential development proposals will be for projects located adjacent to similar and/or complimentary
uses and are comparable in scale and density.
Future development within will be accommodated within vacant and underdeveloped lands which would
be expected to encourage continuity and uniformity rather than division. There are no aspects of the
proposed Housing Element Update that would substantially reduce mobility or access. Therefore,
implementation of the Housing Element Update would have less than significant impacts due to the
division of an established community.
4.10(b) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element is consistent with all General Plan policies
and the Zoning Ordinance and does not introduce any policies or programs that would result in a conflict.
Future residential development proposals will be subject to CEQA and will require review to ensure
consistency with the Saratoga General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Specific Plan, and other regulations, as
-41 - Environmental Analysis
appropriate. Due compliance with CEQA and adopted City plans and ordinances will ensure that all future
development is consistent with adopted City regulation.
The subject Housing Element Update does not introduce any policies or programs that would conflict with
regulations. Therefore, implementation of the subject Housing Element Update would result in less than
significant impacts.
4.10(c) No Impact: The City of Saratoga is not subject to a habitat conservation plan or a natural
community conservation plan. Therefore, the Housing Element Update will have no impact to any
conservation plan or natural community plan.
Mitigation Measures: None Required beyond compliance with those policies set forth in the General Plan.
4.11 MINERAL RESOURCES
Would titie.pr*cty fes.
skofficam "Nig 0, ter
S111111millmd,
knpact
a. Result in the loss of availability of a
known mineral resource that would
be of value to the region and the
residents of the state? X
b. Result in the loss of availability of a
locally-important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a local X
general plan, specific plan or other
land use Ian?
Mineral Resources Setting: Mineral Resources located within Saratoga's Planning Area are limited to
Sandstone and Shale. Historically, the City supported a number of quarries but there are no active mineral
extraction activities within the City of Saratoga.
Mineral Resources Impact Discussion
4.11(a-b) No Impact: Although the City contains Sandstone and Shale deposits, the City has is largely
developed with existing residential land uses. Mineral extraction would be inconsistent with the established
land uses citywide. There are no active mineral extraction activities occurring within City limits. The subject
Housing Element Update does not introduce any policies or programs related to Mineral Resources.
Therefore, no impacts to mineral resources are expected to result from implementation of the proposed
Housing Element Update.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond applicable General Plan policies.
-42- Environmental Analysis
4.12 NOISE
PolleuU Lm Thm No
knpad
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 X
other a encies?
b. Exposure of persons to or generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or X
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? X
e. For a project located within an airport land
use plan or,where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working in the X
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 X
excessive noise levels?
Sources:Saratoga General Plan;and Noise Control Ordinance.
Noise Setting: Noise sources within Saratoga's Planning Area include vehicular traffic, rail, aircraft,
commercial and industrial activities, as well as the use of mechanical equipment and refrigeration units.
The City of Saratoga regulates the noise environment through the Noise Control Ordinance outlined in 7-
30 of the City's Municipal Code. The Saratoga General Plan indicates that single-family residential land
uses are considered normally acceptable in noise environments of 60 dB CNEULdn or less and
conditionally acceptable up to 70 dB CNEULdn. Multi-family residential land uses are acceptable in noise
environments of 65 dB CNEULdn or less and conditionally acceptable up to 70 dB CNEULdn. Residential
uses in areas with Ldn less than 70 dBA would be conditionally acceptable with noise reduction
measures that achieve 45 dBA or less.
Per Section 7-30.060 of the City's Zoning Ordinance, noise generating construction activities are limited
to the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Residential
construction is generally prohibited on Sunday and weekday holidays.
In order to ensure new development complies with the City's established noise standards, Section 7-
30.080 grants the City authority to require a noise study prior to the granting of any license, permit or
-43. Environmental Analysis
development approval. If the study anticipates violation of any established noise thresholds and/or
standards then adequate mitigation measures will be developed to reduce impacts to acceptable levels.
Should it be found that a violation cannot be prevented or corrected,then denial or revocation of a permit
or development approval may be necessary.
Noise Impact Discussion:
4.12(a-b) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Update anticipated the future
development of additional housing units. As all identified opportunity sites, vacant sites and underutilized
site are currently designated for residential or allow for residential development, the noise impacts
associated with these lands have previously been considered.
Site-specific noise impacts will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA at the time that development proposals
are submitted to the City and as appropriate will include the requirement for detailed acoustical analysis
in conformance with General Plan Policy 2.1 as set forth below. Short-term construction activities and
long-term operation of future residential developments would contribute to the City's noise environment.
Compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations including the City's General Plan and Section 7-30
of the Municipal Code will ensure that noise and vibration impacts related to exposure of persons to in
excess of those would be identified,disclosed and mitigated accordingly.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not introduce any policies or programs that would conflict
with adopted regulations that protect the noise environmental.Therefore, impacts due to excessive noise
or vibration resulting from the Housing Element Update would be less than significant.
4.12(c-d) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Update is consistent with the anticipated
growth rates as set forth in the General Plan. Increased density and future development envisioned by
the Housing Element would result in new residential units distributed throughout Saratoga. This level of
development would generally have a minimal contribution to the noise environment including stationary
noise and mobile noise sources.
The gradual increase in dwelling units over a seven year period and distributed across different areas of
the Planning Area is not expected to introduce a substantial permanent increase in the ambient noise
environment as a result of stationary or mobile sources. Stationary noise sources may include daily
activities and movements by residents, landscaping, maintenance and the use of HVAC.All of the noise
sources emit intermittent sources of low level noise and are not expected to cause a perceptible noise
increase. Mobile noise sources may include increased traffic proximate to the project site. However, the
wide distribution of development across opportunity sites and the gradual nature of development is not
expected to substantially increase ambient noise levels. Furthermore, the cumulative noise impacts from
continued growth and development within City limits has previously been analyzed and the subject
Housing Element does not introduce new policies or programs or anticipate rates of growth beyond what
has previously been anticipated. The General plan EIR found that significant noise impacts would result
from an increased amount of traffic. The analysis conducted in the General plan EIR remain consistent
with this Housing Element Update and no additional noise impacts would be generated.
All future residential development proposals will be reviewed on a site-specific basis and may be subject
to a noise study. New development will be evaluated pursuant to CEQA and in accordance with
applicable thresholds including a 5 dBA increase for determining whether the noise level resulting from a
given project would exceed what is"normally acceptable". The provision of a noise study for site-specific
project review, and in particular for mixed-use development proposals, will be subject to compliance with
the Saratoga Noise Ordinance, specifically, Section 7-30.060, as well as General Plan policies set forth
-44- Environmental Analysis
below would ensure that any impacts associated with future development would be less than significant.
The subject Housing Element does not introduce any polices or program that would result in a temporary
or permanent increase in the ambient noise environment. Therefore impacts would be less than
significant.
4.12(e-f) No Impact: The City of Saratoga does not contain any airports or provide airstrips. Thus,there
are no such facilities that would be located within two miles of a future residential development site.
Therefore,the Housing Element Update would not expose people residing or working onsite to significant
noise levels generated by an Airport. No impacts associated with the exposure of people to aircraft
related noise are expected.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with the following General Plan policies:
Policy 1.2 The City shall use the planning and code enforcement process to discourage activities,
practices, or land uses that create or result in excessive noise exposure.
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 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 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.
4.13 POPULATION AND HOUSING
tess Than
polerMly Dui significant No
Significant Mifigcx� Ind In
Impact inmporated
a. Induce substantial population growth
in an area, either directly (for
example, by proposing new homes X
and businesses) or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads
or other infrastructure)?
b. Displace substantial numbers of
existing housing, necessitating the X
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
-45- Environmental Analysis
c. Displace substantial numbers of
people, necessitating the X
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
Sources:Saratoga General Plan Land Use Element,2007;U.S Census.
Population and Housing Setting: Saratoga has experienced very limited growth since 1980 as a
majority of the City's vacant, developable land was largely developed by 1979. Since 1980 much of the
growth the City has experienced is attributed to changes in household size within existing dwelling units.
The 2007 population projections prepared by ABAG assume a population of 32,400 in 2015 and a
population of 33,300 by 2020.As of May 2014 Saratoga's population was 30,877.
The Housing Element facilitates the development of 480 dwelling units over the next seven years. The
addition of 480 dwelling units or 1,369 residents to the existing population would remain consistent with
the population projections set forth by ABAG.
Potential growth inducing impacts are primarily assessed based on a project's consistency with adopted
plans that have addressed growth management from a local and regional standpoint. The Association of
Bay Area Governments(ABAG) is the responsible agency for developing and adopting regional housing,
population, and employment growth forecasts for local Santa Clara County governments, among other
counties. Table 4.13-1, Housing Element Projections Compared to ABAG, analyzes the growth
anticipated with the Housing Element Update, as compared to ABAG's 2020 growth projections for the
City.
Table 4.13.1
Housing Element Projections 2014-2022 Compared to ABAG
moi* Population
Existing 2014 11,172 30,887
Housing Element Update 480 1,3692
Projected 2022 11,588 32,073
ABAG 2020 Projections3 11,6854 33,300
1. State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State,
2011-2014, with 2010 Benchmark. Released,May 1,2014.
2. The population projection is based on 100 percent occupancy of the dwelling units and 2.85 persons per household(State
of California,Department of Finance,Table 2-E-5 Population,2014).
3. 2020 ABAG projections.
4. The dwelling units projection is based on 100 percent occupancy of the dwelling units and 2.85 persons per household
State of California Department of Finance Table 2-E-5 Population,2010).
Population and Housing Impact Discussion:
4.13 (a) Less than Significant Impact: The adjusted regional housing need for the 2015-2023 housing
cycle amounts to 480 housing units for the City of Saratoga. The Housing Element Update anticipates
that future development will be accommodated through a combination of entitled development, use of
vacant lands and redevelopment of opportunity sites able to support higher densities and redevelopment
of mixed-use parcels. Assuming 100% occupancy and 2.85 persons per household (California
_46- Environmental Analysis
I
Department of Finance, 2014), the population growth facilitated by the Housing Element Update would
amount to approximately 1,369 new residents over a period of seven years.
Presuming that all new housing units facilitated by the Housing Element Update are occupied with new
residents, the population of Saratoga in 2022 would be 32,073. This level of growth is consistent with
what has been projected for the region and previously analyzed in the City's General Plan. Thus, the
Housing Element would have less than significant impacts due to induced growth.
Population can also be induced indirectly through the extension of roads and/or infrastructure. However,
while the project will facilitate additional housing unit it is not expected to necessitate the extension of
infrastructure as housing will be accommodated within urbanized sites located within the boundaries of
the planning area. Therefore, based on the fact that population growth from residential development
facilitated by the Housing Element will fall within the ABAG projections for the City and that the
development will be confined to urbanized areas, potential impacts associated with the induced
population growth resulting from the Housing Element would remain at levels below significant.
4.3(b-c) No Impact: As a policy document the 2015-2023 Housing Element will not physically initiate
development necessitating the replacement housing or the displacement of residents thereby requiring
replacement housing elsewhere. As a guiding policy document the Housing Element Update does
directly result in residential development. Rather, the intent of the document is to facilitate the
development of residential units in underdeveloped and or vacant sites and accommodate the housing
needs in existing urbanized areas. The policies and programs set forth in the Housing Element Update
would not displace a substantial number, require replacement housing, or result in the removal of the
existing housing stock. Therefore, the Housing Element Update would have no impacts due to the
displacement of existing housing and the displacement of residents.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with General Plan policies.
-47- Environmental Analysis
J
4.14 PUBLIC SERVICES
pew**
In nmno
unim
unku
linvad rn dad 1110110d
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 ublic services:
a) Fire protection? X
b) Police protection? X
c) Schools? X
d) Parks? X
e) Other public facilities? X
Sources:Saratoga General Plan
Public Services Setting: The City charges one-time impact fees on new private development in order to
offset the cost of improving or expanding City facilities. Impact fees are used to fund the construction or
expansion of needed capital improvements. Saratoga collects impact fees for schools, parkland,and others.
Development impact fees are necessary in order to finance required public facilities and service
improvements and to pay for new development's fair share of the costs of the required public facilities and
service improvements.
Public Services Impact Discussion:
4.14(a-e) No Impact: All potential impacts to public facilities generated by the housing development
proposed as part of the 2015-2023 Housing Element have been previously identified in the GP EIR and no
impacts beyond those previously identified are expected. Furthermore, any development proposed as part
of the Housing Element Update will be subject to the City's Impact fees which are intended to offset
increased demands placed on Public Services and the associated costs. All development will be reviewed
and evaluated on a project specific basis, at which time it will be considered whether the project would
individually impact public services. As the General Plan anticipated the growth projections at level
consistent with what would be supported by the Housing Element Update,the potential cumulative impacts
to public services have already been identified and determined to be less than significant. The subject
Housing Element Update does not introduce any new policies or programs that would interfere with the
provision for public services. Therefore, the Housing Element Update will not increase demand on public
services beyond what has already been anticipated and impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: None required beyond compliance with applicable General Plan policies.
-48- Environmental Analysis
4.15 RECREATION
SON Min
ftst
= fie
a. Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional parks or
other recreational facilities such that X
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 X
recreational facilities, which might have an
adverse physical effect on the environment?
Sources:Saratoga General Plan
Recreation Setting: The City of Saratoga maintains approximately 87 acres of parkland, 63 of which
have been improved for park purposes. The existing parkland consists of neighborhood, citywide and
specialty parks distributed throughout the City. In order to ensure adequate park facilities the City seeks
to ensure 5 acres of developed, municipal, park-land per 1,000 residents. The City assumes that by the
year 2020 approximately 165.5 acres of parks will be needed to serve the City's recreational needs.
Recreational features within Saratoga also include 29 linear miles of existing and dedicated, multi-use
trails and 12 linear miles of proposed or potential trail.
Recreation Impact Discussion:
4.15(a, b) No Impact: The 2015-2023 Housing Element identifies a potential population increase of
1,369,assuming the introduction of 480 dwelling units with an average household size of 2.85. While the
increase in population may put increased pressure on the City's recreational facilities, this has been
previously identified and evaluated in the GP EIR. It is expected that future residential development will
be distributed across the planning area and not concentrated in any given area. Accordingly, increased
patronage at the City's recreational facilities will be shared citywide. It should also be mentioned that
potential impacts to recreational resources will be evaluated and mitigated for on a project specific basis,
at the time that development proposals are submitted for residential development. The subject Housing
Element Update does not introduce any policies or programs that would conflict with the provision to
provide adequate park land facilities citywide. Therefore, no impacts to recreational facilities are
expected as a result of the Housing Element Update.
Mitigation Measures: None Required beyond the following General Plan policies:
OSC 3 To provide and maintain parks and a variety of passive and active recreational sites which
are located, designed, and improved to serve the needs of the residents, the community,
and the neighborhoods of Saratoga.
OSC 3.1 Ensure that existing and future parks and dedicated open spaces remain part of the public
domain in perpetuity.
OSC 3.4 Strive to achieve a ratio of 5 acres of park and open space area per 1,000 residents.
-49- Environmental Analysis
l
1
4.16 TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Wo11ddti1111eproject SN o No kWad
t
a. Cause an increase in traffic,which is
substantial in relation to the existing
traffic load and capacity of the street
system(i.e., result in a substantial X
increase in either the number of vehicle
trips,the volume to capacity ratio on
roads or con estion at intersections)?
b. Exceed, either individually or
cumulatively, a level of service standard
established by the county congestion
management agency for designated X
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? X
d. Substantially increase hazards due to a
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections)or incompatible
uses e. .,farm equipment)? X
e. Result in inadequate emergency X
access?
f. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or
programs supporting alternative
transportation(e.g.,bus turnouts,bicycle
racks)?
X
Source:General Plan.
Transportation/Traffic Setting: The City's circulation system is well established and provides local and
regional access within city limits and to neighboring jurisdictions. Roadways within Saratoga are
classified into several categories ranging from Freeways to hillside streets. Local roadways have narrow
widths and are generally designed to discourage cut through traffic. Regional access to the City of
Saratoga is provided by Freeways, Expressway, and Major and Minor arterials. The City reserves
jurisdiction over all City streets and City operated traffic signals.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) serves as the independent special district
responsible for congestion management, specific highway improvement projects, and countywide
transportation planning and bus and light rail operations in Santa Clara County. The VTA serves as the
Congestion Management Agency(CMA)for jurisdictions within the County including the City of Saratoga.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) serves as the regional transportation planning
agency for the SF Bay Area and reviews municipal Capital Improvement Projects.
-50- Environmental Analysis
Transportation/Traffic Impact Discussion:
4.16(a) Less than Significant Impact: Although the Housing Element Update will facilitate increased
residential densities,the development potential does not exceed what has been evaluated in the GP EIR.
Expected growth rates and associated increases in traffic volumes under the proposed Housing Element
Update are consistent with the growth rate utilized for local and regional traffic management efforts. In
addition, future residential developed projects proposed would be subject to the General Plan policies as
outlined in the General Plan's Circulation Element and would further be subject to CEQA review on a
project-specific basis. Based on the Housing Element's consistency with the GP EIR and that cumulative
traffic related impacts have previously been identified and evaluated, no new or exacerbated cumulative
impacts are expected to occur from the proposed Housing Element Update. Any increase in traffic related
impacts including a deterioration of level of service at planning area intersection will be evaluated on the
project specific basis. Given that the Housing Element does not introduce any policies or programs that
would conflict with the provisions to provide for a safe and multi-modal network, impacts associated with
traffic and circulation would be less than significant.
4.16(b) Less than Significant Impact: The City of Saratoga generally tries to maintain minimum Level of
Service(LOS)D operations at all signalized intersections under City jurisdiction. However,those under the
jurisdiction of the CMA are held to an LOS E standard. There are a number of roadway segments where
level of service is currently below LOS D and LOS is projected to further deteriorate under future year
traffic conditions. The acceptance of a LOS below D is considered acceptable, as there are no feasible or
practical improvements that can be made to correct the LOS deficiency.
The Housing Element does not directly contribute to increased traffic or generate new trips. The
development potential envisioned as part of the Housing Element Update is consistent with the level of
growth anticipated in the General Plan. Future residential development projects will increase traffic and
incrementally contribute to the future LOS deficits previously analyzed for certain roadways within
Saratoga. Potential environmental impacts to circulation and traffic will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA on
a project specific basis. It is anticipated that a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) will be conducted for each
proposed project that would contribute notable traffic volumes and that the TIA would set forth
recommendations to ensure that future development projects do not generate disproportionally affect
LOS. Based on the consistency of the subject Housing Element with what was previously evaluated in the
GP EIR and anticipation of subsequent CEQA analysis required for project specific residential
development, as well as conformance to applicable General Plan policies that govern traffic and
circulation, the Housing Element Update would result in less than significant impacts due to a conflict in
level of service.
4.16 (c) No Impact: Given the nature and location of any future residential development, which is well
outside of the established airport flight pattern, the Housing Element Update would have no impact on air
traffic patterns.
4.16(d) Less than Significant Impact: The subject Housing Element Update does not introduce any new
policies or program that would conflict with the provisions for safe access set froth in the General Plan. As
part of the development review process the City may require that the a TIA include an evaluation of
sighting distance, site access and other design features to ensure that any potential hazard is identified,
and avoided or appropriately mitigated. All future circulation and traffic improvements are required to be
constructed pursuant to the City's roadway safety standards.
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Furthermore, any circulatory improvements that would result in a potential traffic hazards as part of a
future residential development project will be subject to environmental review pursuant to CEQA and will
be evaluated on a site-specific basis. Therefore, the Housing Element Update will have less than
significant impacts resulting from site design hazards.
4.16(e) Less than Significant Impact: The City is largely built out and future development will primarily
occur within already developed and underutilized lots that currently have sufficient emergency access.The
proposed Housing Element Update does not introduce any policies or programs that would conflict with
the provision to provide for emergency access.
Additionally, all development projects will be subject to review and approval by the City of Saratoga Fire
Department and the Santa Clara County Sheriffs department and will be reviewed in accordance with
CEQA including an evaluation of adequate emergency access. This process will identify any potential
constraints in emergency access and will require that the design of all new residential development
sufficiently accommodates emergency access. Therefore, impacts associated with the subject Housing
Element Update will be at levels less than significant.
4.16 (f) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Update will facilitate development on
underutilized and vacant sites within the urbanized area of the City. Future residential development is not
expected to substantially impact existing alternative transportation facilities. Furthermore, all new
development are subject to the General Plan policies and implementing zoning ordinance that establishes
policies and programs supporting alternative transportation facilities including bus, bicycle and pedestrian
facilities. The Housing Element Update does not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs
supporting alternative transportation. Therefore, any impacts associated with alternative transportation will
be less than significant as a result of implementation of the proposed Housing Element Update.
Mitigation Program: No mitigation beyond compliance with the following General Plan policies:
Cl 2.3 Maintain a minimum level of service (LOS) D operations standard at all signalized street
intersections and roadway segments that are under City jurisdiction except for intersection
and roadways included in the Santa Clara County Congestion Management (which are
held to a LOS E standard,)and as otherwise specified in pursuant to Policy 2.4.
Cl 2.4 Accept Level of Service E or F operations on City-maintained roadways after finding that: 1)
no practical and feasible improvements can be implemented to mitigate the lower levels of
service, or 2) vehicle capacity enhancements would conflict with existing or planned
bicycle, pedestrian, or transit facilities and services. A proposed development that
exacerbates LOS E or F operations and causes a significant intersection impact should
also be considered for approval if it will provide a clear, overall benefit to the City (e.g.,
library expansion or relocation, new community center).
Cl 2.5 Ensure that new development or redevelopment projects provide adequate property
dedication to accommodate future roadway and multi-modal access improvements at key
intersections and other potential conflict areas.
Cl 2.11 Protect the integrity of and improve existing hillside streets by planning future development
according to existing street function.
Cl 2.12 Focus future improvements on the most congested intersections to maintain an acceptable
level of mobility for all modes of transportation.
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Cl 2.13 Require development projects to mitigate and reduce their respective traffic and parking
impacts by implementing practical and feasible street improvements to improve multi-modal
access.
Cl 2.7 Require a transportation analysis for all development projects resulting in 25 or more net
new peak-hour trips. As appropriate, the analysis shall identify potential impacts to
intersection and roadway operations, project access, and alternative travel modes, and
shall identify feasible improvements or project modifications to reduce or eliminate
impacts. City staff shall have the discretion to on I y require focused studies regarding
access, sight distance, and other operational and safety issues or to require detailed
studies that generate fewer peak hour trips.
Cl 4a Promote local and regional transit as a viable alternative to automobile travel for
destinations within and outside the City.
CI 4b Promote the use of alternative modes of transportation by improving the capacity, safety,
accessibility, and convenience of existing and planned transit, bicycle and pedestrian
systems.
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i
4.17 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
a. Exceed wastewater treatment
requirements of the applicable Regional X
Water Quality Control Board?
b. Require or result in the construction of
new water or wastewater treatment
facilities or expansion of existing X
facilities, the construction of which could
cause si nificant 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 X
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? X
e. Result in a determination by the
wastewater treatment provider, which
serves or may serve the project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected demand in addition to X
the provider's existing commitments?
f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the X
project's solid waste disposal needs?
g. Comply with federal, state, and local
statutes and regulations related to solid X
waste?
Source:General Plan.
Utilities & Services Setting: The planning area is currently well-served by existing public utilities and
service systems. Utility providers are responsible for the continued availability of services and increase and
expand as necessary to meet demands.
Water Service System
The City of Saratoga's primary source of potable water is supplied by the San Jose Water Company. Water
is provided from three sources,surface water(10%),groundwater(40%)and imported water from the Santa
Clara Valley Water District (50%). The San Jose Water Company updated its Urban Water Management
Plan in 2010 in accordance with applicable state laws. The UWMP determined that sufficient water supplies
will be available through 2020. Post 2020 extended drought conditions could result in water shortages. The
District has planned to make investments to ensure that no greater than 20% shortages are expected
through year 2035.To ensure sufficient water supplies remain available during drought conditions additional
groundwater pumping, acquisition of additional imported supplies, and implementation of conservation
measures will be employed and are described in the UWMP.
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Wastewater
The Cupertino Sanitary District and the West Valley Sanitation District treat all wastewater generated by
residential, commercial and industrial uses within the City of Saratoga. At General Plan buildout both
Sanitation Districts are expected to adequately accommodate the City's wastewater treatment needs.
Storm Drains
In the City of Saratoga, storm drains convey runoff from impervious surfaces such as streets, sidewalks,
and buildings to creeks that ultimately drain into the San Francisco Bay. This water is untreated and carries
with it any contaminants picked up along the way including solvents, oils, fuels, and sediments. The City
has standard conditions of approval for development projects that stipulates the use of Best Managements
Practices and low impact development.
Utilities&Services Impact Discussion:
4.17(a) Less Than Significant Impact: The subject Housing Element Update is consistent with the
anticipated level of development and population growth previously identified and evaluated in the General
Plan.While future development will result in the incremental increase in the generation of wastewater,the
established sanitation districts have sufficient capacity to treat all existing and future wastewater volumes
in accordance with Regional Water Quality Control Board standards. Given that there is sufficient capacity
to mange wastewater and that any increase in wastewater treatment will occur incrementally over several
years, future residential development will not necessitate the expansion or construction of wastewater
treatment facilities.
Wastewater treatment needs that will be generated by future development projects are within the capacity
of the existing sanitary sewer lines and the City's wastewater treatment facilities. The Housing Element
Update does not propose any industrial uses that would generate wastewater requiring special treatment
or would contain constituents exceeding applicable standards. The Housing Element Update is consistent
with the anticipated wastewater demand and would not exceed wastewater treatment requirements.
Therefore impact associated with implementation of the subject Housing Element Update would have a
less than significant impact on wastewater facilities.
4.17(b) Less Than Significant Impact: The expected wastewater generation and water supplies that
may be generated by future residential development envisioned as part of the Housing Element Update is
consistent with the level of service needs anticipated by the General Plan and will not require the
expansion of facilities or the construction of new facilities.
As new residential development proposals are submitted, each project will be evaluated on a site specific
basis to assess potential impacts associated with public services and to ensure compliance with existing
City policies and regulations regarding the availability of such services. The subject Housing Element
update does not interfere with the provision of applicable regulations intended to ensure the continued
availability of water and wastewater services, nor does it provide for an increased level of use beyond
what has previously been evaluated. Therefore, the Housing Element Update is expected to result in less
than significant impacts.
4.17(c) Less than Significant Impact: As described above under the Hydrology and Water Quality
discussion, the Housing Element Update facilitates residential development densities consistent with what
has previously been analyzed in the General Plan EIR. Future residential development projects have the
potential to result in an increase in impervious surfaces including building roofs, pavements, sidewalks,
and associated surfaces that could increase stormwater runoff.
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However, all new development project will be subject to regulations including BMPs and low impact
development standard that require onsite retention/detention and no net increase in offsite runoff. Site
specific development proposals will be reviewed and evaluated to ensure consistency with applicable
General Plan policies and CEQA requirements including the provision for adequate stormwater capacity.
Site specific design will be required to achieve the necessary storm flow requirements. Any future
development facilitated by the subject Housing Element Update would undergo subsequent review and be
conditioned accordingly to avoid any conflicts with stormwater drainage facilities.
The Housing Element Update is consistent with the General Plan and does not introduce and policies or
programs that would interfere with adequate storm water drainage or the requirement for new such
facilities as warranted by future development. Therefore implementation of the subject Housing Element
Update would result in less than significant impacts to due to stormwater and drainage facilities.
4.17(d)Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Update will not create a new water demand
that would exceed water supplies. The increase in population this new demand was considered in the GP
EIR. The increased water demand generated by buildout of the General Plan will be consistent with what
was previously identified in the GP EIR and what is anticipated for in the General Plan. In order to ensure
water availability,the UWMP proposes to make investments such that no greater than 20%shortages are
expected through the year 2035 in comparison to Santa Clara County's historic hydrology. The proposed
investments include the replacement of two existing wells per year beginning in 2015 with new, higher
capacity groundwater wells.Therefore,impacts would be less than significant.
4.17(e-f) Less than Significant Impact: The Housing Element Update will not generate additional solid
waste beyond what has previously been anticipated. Future residential development facilitated by the
Housing Element Update would generate additional solid waste, placing an increased demand on solid
waste disposal services including disposal at a landfill. Without specific housing project details, it is not
possible to precisely determine the volume of solid waste that would be generated by future residential
development. However, the GP EIR concluded that implementation of the General Plan would increase
the amount of solid waste generation consistent with what is anticipated under the Housing Element
Update. As such, the solid waste generation associated with future residential development was
previously evaluated in the GP EIR. Implementation of the proposed Housing Element Update would be
consistent with the analysis presented in the GP EIR, and would result in no greater impacts than
previously identified. Therefore, no new or expanded solid waste facilities would be required as a result
of the Housing Element Update and impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Program: None required beyond compliance with the General Plan policies including:
OSC 9.2: Concentrate development in those portions of the community least susceptible to soil erosion
and minimize grading and the introduction of impervious surfaces. Where appropriate,
consider the use of on-site detention or retention basins to minimize stormwater runoff from
sites.
OSC.9.b. The City shall ensure erosion control measures are required with each development project
as part of the development approval process.
OSC 10 Maximize efficiencies in the use of the City's water supply.
OSC 10.a The City shall inform applicants of water conservation provisions and require that all new
development proposals be in compliance with the water conservation provisions of the San
Jose Urban Water Management Plan.
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4.18 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
,Pat" .
a. Does the project have the potential to
degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a
fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-
sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate
a plant or animal community, reduce
the number or restrict the range of a X
rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the
major periods of California history or
rehistor
b. Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively
considerable" means that the
incremental effects of a project are
considerable when viewed in X
connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current
projects, and the effects of probable
future )ro'ects?
c. Does the project have en=beings,
effects, which will cause
adverse effects on humeither direct) or indirect) ? X
4.18(a) Less Than Significant Impact: The proposed Project is the City of Saratoga Housing
Element Update and related conforming and implementation actions. The Housing Element is a policy
document addressing demographic issues and local housing needs in the City for the planning period
from 2015 to 2023. The Project anticipates the development of 480 residential units to meet the adjusted
regional housing needs allocation. Although the presence of biological resources has been identified
(refer to Section 4.4) and the potential for uncovered cultural resources exists within the planning
area (refer to Section 4.5), implementation of the Project would not directly impact these resources,
because the Project does not infer direct development rights. Rather, at the time that site specific
development is proposed, individual assessments to identify any potential impacts to biological and
cultural resources pursuant to CEQA would be conducted. If necessary, mitigation would be required to
reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.
The proposed Project would not degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat
of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or
prehistory. It is hereby found that the proposed Project would have less than significant impacts, either
individually or cumulatively, on biological and cultural resources.
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4.18(b) Less Than Significant Impact: As a policy document, the subject Housing Element Update is
designed to aid the City in future planning, and provides the policy and regulatory mechanism to allow
the market development of up to 480 new residential units for the planning period from 2015 to 2023.
Future development proposals will require individual assessments to identify impacts and if necessary,
mitigation would be required to reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.
As described herein, the subject Housing Element Update is consistent with the level and intensity of
development previously envisioned within Saratoga. The Housing Element does not introduce increased
intensities beyond what has been previously considered. The cumulative affects of the Housing Element
Update are consistent with the anticipated population growth and rate of development expected in the
General Plan EIR. Therefore, the Housing Element Update would not have a cumulatively considerable
contribution and impacts would be less than significant.
4.18(c) Less Than Significant Impact:. The Housing Element is a policy document addressing
demographic issues and local housing needs in the City for the Planning period from 2015 to 2023.
The Project provides the policy and regulatory mechanism to facilitate the development of 480
residential units. Future residential projects would be evaluated for their potential direct and indirect
impacts on human beings. Through the City's environmental review process, future residential
developments would be evaluated to determine their impacts pursuant to CEQA, and if needed,
mitigation would be required to reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.
The subject Housing Element Update does not introduce any new policies or programs that would result
in a substantial adverse effect to human beings.Therefore,the Project would have a less than significant
1
impact.
Mitigation Program: No mitigation is required beyond compliance with the General Plan policies programs
and action implementation.
58_ Environmental Analysis
4.19 REFERENCES
The following references were utilized during preparation of this Initial Study. These documents are
available for review at the City of Saratoga, Community Development Department, 13777 Fruitvale
Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070.
1) City of Saratoga, City of Saratoga General Plan and EIR, May 1983.
2) City of Saratoga, City of Saratoga Housing Element and Initial Study/Negative Declaration,
2007.
3) City of Saratoga, City of Saratoga Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements of the
Saratoga General Plan and Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration, June 2007.
4) City of Saratoga, Municipal Code, Continuously Updated.
5) 2015-2023 Housing Element Update, May 2014.
6) San Jose Water Company 2010 Urban Water Management Plan,April 2011.
7) State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities,
Counties, and the State, 2011-2014, with 2010 Benchmark, Sacramento, California, May
2014.
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4.20 REPORT PREPARATION PERSONNEL
City of Saratoga(Lead Agency)
Department of Community Development 13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, California 95070
Christopher Riordan,Senior Planner
Metropolitan Planning Group(Environmental Analysis)
579 Clyde Avenue, Suite 340
Mountain View, CA 94043
Olivia Ervin, Environmental Planner
Lilly Bianco,Assistant Planner
5.0 CONSULTANT RECOMMENDATION
Based on the information and environmental analysis contained in the Initial Study and Environmental
Checklist, we recommend that the City of Saratoga prepare a Negative Declaration for the Project. We
find that the proposed Housing Element Update would not have a significant effect on the
environmental issues detailed in Section 4.0. We recommend the first category be selected for the
City's determination; refer to Section 6.0,Lead Agency Determination.
Olivia Ervin, Environmental Planner Date
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6.0 LEAD AGENCY DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed use COULD NOT have a significant effect on the
environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that, although the proposal could have a significant effect on the environment,
there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures
described in Section 5.0 have been incorporated. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the proposal MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. F-1
I find that the proposal MAY have a significant effect(s) 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, if the effect is a F-1
"potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigation
incorporated." An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must
analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
City of Saratoga Lead Agency Signature Date
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