HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Agenda Packet 03062007 Study Session Attachment 1Attachment 1
NEGATIVE DECLARTION
CITY OF SARATOGA
Declaration That An Environmental
Impact Report Is Not Required
Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements of the General Plan
The undersigned, Director of Community Development and Environmental Control of the CITY OF
SARATOGA, a Municipal Corporation, after study and evaluation, has determined and does hereby
determine pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Environmental Quality Act, and the City's
independent judgment, that the following described project will have no significant effect (no substantial
adverse impact) on the environment within the terms and meaning of said Act.
Project Location:
City-wide application
Applicant and Lead Agency:
City of Saratoga
Community Development Department
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Property Owner:
Various
Contact:
Therese M. Schmidt, AICP, Associate Planner
Phone: (408) 868-1230 / email: tschmidt@saratoga.ca.us
Project Description:
The project includes an amendment to the Saratoga General Plan to adopt updated Land Use and Open
Space/Conservation Elements of the Saratoga General Plan. These Elements establish City goals and
policies related to the location, type, density and intensity of development in the City (the Draft Land Use
Element), as well as the location of parks, trails, open space and natural resource areas in Saratoga and
protection and preservation of these resources in the City (the Draft Open Space/Conservation Element).
Finding:
A finding is proposed that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Explanation of Reasons for findings for a Negative Declaration:
The proposed Draft Elements, in conjunction with other General Plan Elements, contain goals and
strategies to reduce potential environmental impacts to a less -than -significant level.
Public Hearing: Study Session (September 27, 2006); Planning Commission Hearing (October 11,
2006). Planning Commission meetings are held in the City Council chambers at the City Hall located at
13777 Fruitvale Avenue. All environmental documents are available for review at the Community
Development Department, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue.
The comment period begins on August 25, 2006 and ends on September 25, 2006. Any comments on
the Negative Declaration/Initial Study for this project shall be submitted in writing by 5:00 pm on
September 25, 2006.
Posted on:
Executed at Saratoga, California this fr12 day of 2006.
F. Livingstone, CP
Community Development Director
Page 2 Negative Declaration
Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements
INITIAL STUDY
CITY OF SARATOGA
. Project Title:
Update of the Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements of the Saratoga
General Plan.
2. Project Location:
City-wide applicability.
3. Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of Saratoga, Community Development Department, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga, CA 95070.
4. Contact Person & Phone Number:
Therese M. Schmidt, AICP, Associate Planner (408) 868-1230
5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address:
City of Saratoga Community Development Department, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga, CA 95070.
6. General Plan Designations:
Varies, includes all General Plan designations.
7. Zoning:
Varies, includes all zoning districts.
S. Description of Project:
The proposed project includes an update of the City's Land Use and Open
Space/Conservation Elements of the Saratoga General Plan to meet requirements of
current State Law, correct technical inconsistencies, reformat for ease of use and
combine elements. These Elements establish City goals and policies related to the
location, type, density and intensity of development in the City (the Draft Land Use
Element), as well as the location of parks, trails, open space and natural resource
areas in Saratoga and protection and preservation of these resources in the City (the
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element).
9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:
The proposed project includes the regulation of land use, parks, open spaces, trails
and resource areas in the Saratoga Planning Area, including the incorporated portions
of the City as well as the City of Saratoga's Sphere of Influence.
10. Other Agencies whose approval is required:
None
EXHIBIT B
Table of Contents
I. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected 1
H. Determination 2
III. Background 3
Project Location and Context 3
Project Description 3
IV. Environmental Checklist 23
1. Aesthetics 24
2. Agricultural Resources 26
3. Air Quality 27
4. Biological Resources 29
5. Cultural Resources 32
6. Geology and Soils 34
7. Hazards 37
8. Hydrology 39
9. Land Use 42
10. Mineral Resources 43
11. Noise 43
12. Population and Housing 45
13. Public Services 46
14. Recreation 47
15. Traffic and Transportation 49
16. Utilities and Service Systems 52
17. Mandatory Findings of Significance 54
Initial Study Preparer 55
Agencies and Organizations Consulted 55
References 55
Appendix I 56
I. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
Environmental factors listed below were evaluated to determine if any would be
potentially affected by this project. No impact has been identified that is a "Potentially
Significant Impact", as indicated by the Environmental Checklist on the following pages:
II. DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
X
Aesthetics
Agricultural Resources
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Geology/Soils
Hazards and
Hazardous Materials
Hydrology/Water
Quality
Land Use/ Planning
Mineral Resources
Noise
Population/Housing
Public Services
Recreation
Transportation/
Circulation
Utilities/Service
Systems
Mandatory Findings of
Significance
II. DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
X
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,
and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,
there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been
made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a potentially significant impact" or "potentially
significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has
been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,
and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as
described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it
must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,
because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier
EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been
avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including
revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing
further is required.
i John Livingstone, AICP
Community Development Director
Page 2
Date
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
III. BACKGROUND
Project Location and Context
The City of Saratoga is located in the westerly portion of Santa Clara County, just
southwest of the major metropolitan community of San Jose and approximately 35 miles
south of San Francisco. Saratoga is found at the southerly end of the San Francisco
Peninsula.
The north, east and southerly portion of the community is sited on an historic alluvial
plain shared with the adjacent communities of Cupertino, San Jose, Los Gatos and Monte
Sereno. The westerly portion occupies low-lying foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains
and is adjacent to unincorporated properties within Santa Clara County.
Major regional access to the community is provided by State Route 85 (SR -85), a six -
lane freeway linking to US 101 to Mountain View and to US 280 in Cupertino to the
north, to US 101 south in San Jose, to SR 17 north to San Jose and southwest to Santa
Cruz County. Local roadways linking Saratoga to surrounding communities include:
Saratoga -Los Gatos Road, Saratoga Avenue, Highway 9, and Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road.
Exhibit 1 shows the regional setting of Saratoga.
Saratoga's Planning Area
Saratoga's Planning Area consists of all properties located within the incorporated
boundary of the City. As of 2006, this includes approximately 12.8 square miles. State
law also allows general plans to include lands outside of its boundaries which, in the
community's judgment, bear relation to its planning. The Planning Area also includes
approximately 4 square miles in the City's Sphere of Influence. The Sphere of Influence
consists of unincorporated lands that ultimately will annex to an incorporated jurisdiction.
Exhibit 2 depicts Saratoga's Planning Area.
Project Description
Background
The existing Land Use and Conservation Elements of the Saratoga General Plan were
adopted by the Saratoga City Council in 1983. The Open Space Element was adopted in
1983 and updated in1994.
Based on changes in State law and the need to ensure that all Elements of the General
Plan are internally consistent, the City has undertaken this update of the Land Use, Open
Space and Conservation Elements of the General Plan. Upon adoption of the proposed
Elements through the General Plan amendment process specified in the California
Government Code, the existing Land Use, Open Space and Conservation Elements would
be rescinded.
Page 3
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Page 4
Exhibit 1
REGIONAL LOCATION
f0
40 50 mites
initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
SOURCE: City of Saratoga, July 2006.
Page 5
Exhibit 2
SARATOGA PLANNING AREA
City Limit
Sphere of Influence Boundary
Urban Services Boundary
114 1/2 1 mile
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
A Vision for Saratoga
A valid and useful General Plan needs to provide a common goal to which the
community strives. This vision then becomes the touchstone by which future land use and
other decisions are made. The City's existing vision includes a series of statements that
serve as basis for the Draft Updates, as follows:
• Where the common good prevails;
• Where the natural beauty of the City and its hillsides is preserved;
• Where historic assets are preserved and promoted;
• Where local commerce provides a vibrant presence in the Village and the other
commercial areas;
• Where the orientation is toward the family;
• Where homes and neighborhoods are safe and peaceful;
• Where government is inclusive and values community involvement;
Where desirable recreational and leisure opportunities are provided;
Where quality education is provided and valued;
• Where value is placed on an attractive, well maintained and well planned
community;
• Where government provides high quality, basic services in a cost-effective
manner;
• Where a small town, picturesque, residential atmosphere is retained;
• Where the arts and cultural activities which serve the community and region is
promoted;
• Where neighbors work for the common good;
• Where leadership reflects community goals;
• Where, because of the foregoing, the citizens and families of Saratoga can
genuinely enjoy being a part of this special community.
The Draft Elements are summarized below:
Draft Land Use Element
The Draft Land Use Element consists of updated land use categories that establish land
use locations, densities and intensity of use, land use issues, a Land Use Map indicating
the location of various land uses in the community, suggested implemented strategies,
and a number of goals and implementation strategies to achieve the stated goals. In some
instances, land use categories have changed from the current Land Use Element to reduce
and simplify land use administration. However, the intent of this effort is not to change
the amount or type of development allowed in the City of Saratoga.
Table 1 presents existing General Plan land use designations, proposed land use
designations set forth in the Draft Land Use Element, consistent zoning districts for each
proposed land use designation and a discussion regarding proposed changes.
Page 6
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Exhibits 3 through 10 show the proposed changes to the Land Use Map of the General
Plan, which include the updated land use designations.
Land use goals and policies have also been modified and simplified from the list of
current goals to update the Land Use Element. Proposed goals recommended in the Draft
Land Use Element include:
Goal LU 1: Maintain the predominantly semi -rural residential character of
Saratoga.
Goal LU 2: Encourage the economic viability of Saratoga's existing commercial
and office areas and their accessibility by residents, taking into account the impact
on surrounding residential areas.
Goal LU 3: Promote the long-teiiii fiscal soundness of the City of Saratoga
through careful analysis of land use decisions and fiscal practices.
Goal LU 4: Provide sufficient land uses for public, quasi -public and similar land
uses in Saratoga.
Goal LU 5: Relate development proposals to existing and planned street
capacities to avoid excessive noise, traffic, and other public safety hazards so as
to protect neighborhoods. If it is determined that existing streets need to be
improved to accommodate a project, such improvements shall be in place or
bonded for prior to issuance of building permits.
Goal LU 6: Protect natural resources and amenities through appropriate land use
and related programs.
Goal LU 7: Protect existing agricultural resources and encourage expansion of
this use.
Goal LU 8: The natural beauty of the West Valley hillside areas shall be
maintained and protected for its contribution to the overall quality of life of
current and future generations.
Goal LU 9: Generally encourage medium density, multi -family residential and
non-residential uses in flatland areas where most appropriate for urban
development..
Goal LU 10: Minimize the visual impacts of hillside development, especially on
ridgetops.
Goal LU 11: Foster closer inter -jurisdictional cooperation and coordination
concerning land use and development issues.
Page 7
Mitial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Goal LU 12: Recognize the heritage of the City by seeking to protect historic and
cultural resources, where feasible.
Goal 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.
Goal LU 14: Seek to achieve appropriate and contiguous City boundaries to
provide for the efficient delivery of public services and to create a greater sense of
community.
Goal LU 15: Improve local and regional air quality by ensuring all development
projects incorporate all feasible measures to reduce air pollutants.
Goal LU 16: Review and amend (as needed) the Zoning Ordinance to provide
consistency with the General Plan updates, new State legislation and court
decisions.
In addition to the draft goals, above, the Draft Land Use Element includes an
Implementation Plan to allow the City to achieve these goals.
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
The Open Space and Conservation Elements have been combined into the Draft Open
Space/Conservation Element, and updated to identify current conditions in Saratoga.
Specific topics addressed in the Draft Element include: local and regional parks, other
open spaces, agricultural lands and Williamson Act contracts, public trails, school sites,
flood easements, mineral extraction areas, geological hazard areas, hillside areas, tree
resources, biological resources and other resources protection areas. Proposed goals
recommended in the Draft Open Space/Conservation Element include:
Goal OSC 1: To provide and maintain open space resources of local and regional
significance accessible to the public.
Goal OSC 2: To preserve the natural and rural character of Saratoga.
Goal OSC 3: To provide and maintain parks which are located, designed, and
improved to serve the needs of the residents, the community, and the
neighborhoods of Saratoga.
Goal OSC 4: Strive to achieve a ratio of 5 acres of park and open space area per
1,000 residents.
Goal OSC 5: A city-wide system of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails
shall be provided within the community, which includes regional trail linkages
Page 8
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
with City, County, State, and regional parks, and other publicly -owned open
space lands.
Goal OSC 6: Preserve the hillside lands in their natural condition and inherent
natural beauty.
Goal OSC 7: Preserve and protect existing view sheds, view corridors, and scenic
open spaces.
Goal OSC 8: Encourage preservation of land uses for open space and agriculture.
Goal OSC 9: Protect existing watercourses in the community and enhance water
quality in surface and subsurface water sources.
Goal OSC 10: Maximize the use of the City's water supply.
Goal OSC 11: Protect and enhance sensitive vegetative and wildlife habitat in the
Saratoga Planning area.
Goal 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.
Goal OSC 13: The preservation of native and other plant species indicative of
Saratoga's cultural heritage shall be given priority over development and the City
shall provide for the perpetuation of such species.
Goal OSC 14: Through coordination with and implementation of other related
General Plan strategies, encourage the preservation of the City's heritage by
providing for the protection of irreplaceable historic and cultural resources
representing significant elements of City and regional history. (Refer to Historic
Character Land Use Element Strategies).
Goal OSC 15: Improve local and regional air quality by ensuring all development
projects incorporate all feasible measures to reduce air pollutants.
Similar to the Draft Land Use Element, the Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
contains an Implementation Plan with specific implementation strategies associated with
each of the above goals.
Copies of the Draft Land Use Element and the Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
are available for review at the Saratoga Community Development Department, 13777
Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, during nouual business hours.
Page 9
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Table 1
Existing and Proposed GeneraPlan Land Use Designations
Existing GP
Category
Proposed GP
Category
Existing Zoning
Comments
Residential
RHC (Hillside
Conservation)
RHC
Residential)
No change *
RVLD (Very Low
Density)
RLVD
R-1-40.000
No change *
RLD (Low Density)
RLD
R'1-20.000
No change *
M (Medium
Density)
R-1'10'000
R-1'12.500
R-1-15,000
No change *
RMF (Residential
Multi -Family)
RMF
R -M 3,000
R -M 4,000
R -M 5,000
No change *
PDR (Planned
Development
Residential)
PDR
none
h
No cange *
MUPD
(Manufacturing
'Use Planned
Development)
Redesignate as
Medium
Density per
existing
development
MUPD
Text Amendment:
Nochange. DeeignaUonisnot listed
in text of Land Use Eement; appears
on Land dUae Map pon|yandioappUed
to one area only, east on Saratoga
Avenue between SR85 and
McFarland Ave.
Land Use Ma Amendment
Delete from tegend and redesignate
area to appropriate residential
density, as developed, which is the
RM (R-1-10,000) designation.
Implementation:
Rezone area to the R-1-10,000
Zoning District.
* Per Measure GG, no changes are allowed in these residential categories
Page 10
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Table 2 — continued:
Existing GP
Category
Proposed GP
Category
Existing
Zoning
Comments
Commercial:
CR( (Commercial
Retail)
CR
Various
commercial
Zones
Text Amendments: Add language
which clarifies that 100% coverage
only applies to downtown Saratoga
Village Specific Plan area; add - for
new commercial development
located adjacent to or across from
an established single-family or
multi -family residential use,
appropriate landscape buffers shall
be required that are at least equal
to the setbacks of the adjacent
residential district. Also, no single
tenant of said development shall
exceed 15,000 square feet of floor
area.
PA (Professional
Office)
PA
PA
Text Amendment: Eliminate
reference to FAR; amend maximum
building coverage to 30%,
consistent with Zoning Ordinance
standards.
Land Use Map Amendment:
Redesignate an approximate 9.7
acre site at 13025 Saratoga
Avenue, on the west side of
Saratoga Avenue approximately
1,000 feet north of State Route 85
to the CR (Commercial Retail) land
use designation. The purpose of the
proposed change is to encourage
commercial land uses on this site to
strengthen the community's
economic base.
Gateway
Landscaping
Delete
none
Text Amendment: Delete existing
category, which has only been
applied on Land Use Map to two
small parcels at the corners of
Prospect Road and Saratoga -
Sunnyvale Road. The Saratoga -
Sunnyvale Gateway Guidelines
have been adopted for the area and
address standards for development,
including mixed uses in that area.
Land Use Map Amendment: Delete
Gateway (G) designation from Land
Use Map. Redesignate the two
affected parcels to CR (Exhibit 3).
Page 11
initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Table 2 — continued:
Existing GP
Category
Proposed GP
Category
Existing
Zoning
Comments
PDM (Planned
Development
Mixed)
Delete
Various
commercial
and multi-
family
residential
Text Amendment:
Remove this category from the text
of the Land Use Element. Add
policy stating that mixed-use is
allowed in all commercial zones.
This is already provided for in
Zoning Ordinance.
Land Use Map Amendments:
Delete designation from map.
Affected properties are to be
redesignated to land use
designations that conform to
existing development as follows:
To CR (Commercial Retail)
Commercial properties fronting on
Prospect Road and Saratoga -
Sunnyvale Road as described in
Exhibits 3 and 4
To PA: (Professional
Administrative) Office complex
parcel located at the southeast
comer of Cox Ave. and Saratoga
Ave. See Exhibit 8.
To RMF (Residential Multiple
Family):
Multi -family residential properties
located immediately adjacent to
the east and west of commercial
properties fronting on Saratoga -
Sunnyvale, south of Prospect
Road. See Exhibits 3 and 4.
Public/Quasi Public/Community Facilities
CFS (Community
Facilities); PF
(Public Facilities)
and QPF (Quasi-
Public Facilities)
Merge CFS with
PF and QPF
Various
residential and
commercial
districts
Proposed Text Amendment:
Revise text to combine with PF and
QPF categories with CFS. All CFS
sites require a use permit for new
development or expansion of use.
Land Use Map Amendments:
Redesignate PF and QPF sites as
CFS, RM -10 and RLVD, See
Exhibits 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.
Zoning: City may consider new
Public Facilities/Institutional Zoning
District.
Page 12
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Table 2 — continued
Existing GP
Category
Proposed GP
Category
Existing
Zoning
Comments
Open Space
OS -NR (Natural
Delete
None
Text Amendments:
Resource
Preservation)
D&ete from Text.
No chanQes to Land Use Map as it
does not iist this category and no
such easements have been
incorporated in the Map. The City
controls and documents easements
more appropriate through the
subdivision process.
OS -MR (Open
Space -Managed
Resource)
OS -MR
R-1 zones
No change
OS -R (Outdoor
Recreation)
OS -R
R-1 zones
No change *
OS -P (Open
Space -Private)
OS -P
Residential
Open Space
No change (Appies only to
Saratoga GoIf Course).
Existing GP
Category
Proposed GP
Category
Existing
Zoning
Comments
OS -PHS (Public
Deete from text
None
Amendments:
Health and Safety
Preservation)
Delete from text.
No changes n Land Use Map
needed. This category s not shown
on Land Use Map. Development is
restricted by other policies that
cover issues (i.e. geotechnical
clearance, creek setbacks, etc)
PUC (Public
Delete from text
None
Amendments:
Utilities Corridor)
andmap
D&ete from L.0 text anci GP map,
as it ilonger applicable; lands
within this designation as shown on
the Land Use Mafall within
the Route 85 roadway and right of
way. Show as SR 85 right of way.
* No changes allowed in text per Measure G
Page 13
initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Opespom*monaervammElemenm
Table 2 — continued
Specific Plans (currently not shown or referenced in text or map)
Saratoga Village
Specific Plan
Show SP
boundary and
list on map.
CH -1 & 2
Proposed Amendments:
Reference added regarding SP &
included as Appendix
Land Use Map Amendments:
Show SP boundary on Land Use
Map.
Hillside Specific
Plan
Show SP
boundary and
list on map
RHC
Proposed Amendments:
Reference added regarding SP &
included as Appendix
Land Use Map Amendments:
Show SP boundary on Land Use
Map
Other Amendments:
RLD
RVLD
R-1-40,000
(no change in
zoning
designation)
Land Use Map Amendments:
Redesignate four parcels at 28010,
28020, 28021 & 28011 Audrey
Smith Lane, from RLD to RLVD.
This will make them consistent with
other parcels and development on
Audrey Smith Lane. Development
at higher density (per existing GP
designation) has potential
cumulative impacts on adjacent
properties. See Exhibit 6
RLD
RVLD
R-1-40,000
(no change in
zoning
designation)
Land Use Map Amendments:
Redesignate one parcel at 20170
Bonnie Brae, two parcels at 20152
& 20161 Hill Avenue, and one
parcel at 14931 Vickery Avenue.
Parcels include some topographic
constraints, and development at
higher density (per existing GP
designation) has potential
cumulative impacts on adjacent
properties. See Exhibit 6
Page 14
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
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Page 15
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
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Page 17
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
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Page 18
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
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Page 19
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
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Page 20
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
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Page 21
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
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Page 22
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
The following Environmental Checklist form is used to describe the impacts of the
proposed project, as detailed in the Project Description. Potential environmental impacts
are described as follows:
Potentially Significant Impact: An environmental impact that could be
significant and for which no feasible mitigation is known. If any potentially
significant impacts are identified in this Checklist, an Environmental Impact
report (EIR) must be prepared.
Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated: An environmental impact that
requires the incorporation of mitigation measures to reduce that impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Less -Than -Significant -Impact: An environmental impact may occur, however,
the impact would not be considered significant based on CEQA
environmental standards.
No Impact: No environmental impacts are proposed.
Page 23
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
1. Aesthetics
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the Proposal:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista?
X
b) Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not limited
to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state
scenic highway?
x
c) Substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of the site
and its surroundings?
X
d) Create a new source of substantial
light or glare which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
X
Discussion
a, b) The proposed project would revise the current Elements to meet requirements of
current State Law, correct technical inconsistencies, reformat for ease of use and
combine elements. The updated Elements contain City goals and policies related to
land use, parks, open spaces, trails, conservation and scenic areas within the
Saratoga planning area. The following goals contained in the Draft Open
Space/Conservation Element are relevant to protecting scenic vistas and related
scenic resources. There are also a number of related implementing strategies to
achieve these goals.
Goal OSC 1: To provide and maintain open space resources of local and
regional significance accessible to the public.
Goal OSC 2: To preserve the natural and rural character of Saratoga.
Goal OSC 6: Preserve the hillside lands in its natural condition and inherent
natural beauty.
Goal OSC 7: Preserve and protect existing view sheds, view corridors, and
scenic open spaces.
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initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
The following goals contained in the Draft Land Use Element would assist in
preserving the aesthetic features of Saratoga:
Goal LU 8: The natural beauty of the West Valley hillsides area shall be
maintained and protected for its contribution to the overall quality of life of
current and future generations.
Goal LU 9: Generally encourage medium density, multi -family residential and
non-residential uses in flatland areas where most appropriate for urban
development..
Goal LU 10: Minimize the visual impacts hillside development, especially on
ridgetops.
Goal 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.
Based on adherence to these goals and related implementing strategies contained in
the two Draft Elements, no impacts would result to scenic vistas and scenic
resources and no mitigation measures are required.
c) Adherence to the goals and implementing strategies contained in the two Draft
Elements, some of which are included above, will ensure that no impacts result to
the visual character and visual quality of the Saratoga Planning area.
d) No impacts are anticipated with regard to creation of additional light and glare
within the Saratoga planning area. For proposed development in more rural hillside
areas, adherence to the following goal and strategy in the Draft Land Use Element
will require Design review of new development proposals which will include
control of significant light and glare impacts.
Goal 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.
Strategy 13.1: Utilize the site development and design review process and the
California Environmental Quality Act in the review of proposed residential and
non-residential projects to promote high quality design, to ensure compliance
with applicable regulations, to ensure compatibility with surrounding property
and use, and to minimize environmental impact. Special attention shall be given
to ensuring compatibility between residential and non-residential uses (e.g. land
use buffering).
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
2. Agricultural Resources
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance (Farmland), as shown
on the maps prepared pursuant to
the Farmland mapping and
Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to
non-agricultural use?
X
b) Conflict with existing zoning for
agricultural use, or a Williamson
Act contract?
X
c) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their
location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland, to non-
agricultural use?
X
Discussion
a -c) The Draft Land Use Element proposes no change to prime farmlands, unique
farmlands, farmlands of Statewide Importance, zoning for agricultural uses or
Williamson Act Land Conservation Contracts. No existing non -fame or agricultural
properties would be converted to non-agricultural uses pursuant to the Draft Land
Use Element. The Draft Elements contain the following goals and implementing
strategies regarding agricultural land preservation and conservation that would
ensure there would be no impact related to protection of agricultural resources in
Saratoga.
Goal LU 7: Protect existing agricultural resources and encourage expansion of
this use.
Strategy LU 7.1: Encourage renewal and discourage cancellation of Williamson
Act Contracts to preserve agricultural lands.
Strategy LU 7.2: Allow agricultural and open space landowners to voluntarily
protect their land.
Strategy LU 7.3: Encourage agricultural use on suitable land with protection for
nearby residences as appropriate.
Goal OSC 8: Encourage preservation of land uses for open space and agriculture.
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Initial Study
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Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Strategy OSC 8.1: In evaluating future land uses, efforts shall be made to
maintain agricultural lands as a component of open space and to preserve the rural
and agricultural heritage of Saratoga. The City shall discourage the cancellation of
Williamson Act Contracts.
Strategy OSC 8.2: Encourage land owners to enter into new Williamson Act
Contracts.
3. Air Quality
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the Proposal:
a) Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the applicable air
quality plan?
X
b) Violate any air quality standard or
contribute substantially to an
existing or projected air quality
violation?
X
c) Result in a cumulatively
considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non -attainment
under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard
(including releasing emissions
which exceed quantitative
thresholds for ozone precursors)?
X
d) Expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant concentrations?
X
e) Create objectionable odors affecting
a substantial number of people?
X
Discussion
a) The proposed amendment to General Plan to adopt Draft Land Use and Open
Space/Conservation Elements would not change the rate of population growth as
shown in regional population and jobs projections published by the Association of
Bay Area Governments (ABAG), on which the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District's Clean Air Plan is based. No impacts are therefore anticipated.
b) The proposed project does not include any direct development actions that would
exceed regional air quality standards; however, the Draft Elements would facilitate
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Page 27
development that would be consistent with the Draft Element. The Draft Open
Space/Conservation Element includes the following goals and implementing
strategies to assist in minimizing both short-term and long-term operational air
quality impacts to a less -than -significant level.
Goal LU 15: Improve local and regional air quality by ensuring all development
projects incorporate all feasible measures to reduce air pollutants.
Strategy LU 15.1: Require development projects to comply with Bay Area Air
Quality Management District measures to reduce fugitive dust emissions due to
grading and construction activities.
Strategy LU 15.2: Encourage use of trip demand measures as part of major
commercial and office development projects to reduce dependence 011 auto use.
Goal OSC 15: Improve local and regional air quality by ensuring all
development projects incorporate all feasible measures to reduce air pollutants.
Strategy OSC 15.1: Require development projects to comply with Bay Area Air
Quality Management District measures to reduce fugitive dust emissions due to
grading and construction activities.
Strategy OSC 15.2: Encourage use of trip demand measures as part of major
commercial and office development projects to reduce dependence on auto use.
c) The Bay Area is currently a non -attainment area for the 1 -hour ozone standard.
However, in April 2004, the U.S. EPA made a final finding that the Bay Area has
attained the national 1 -hour ozone standard. The finding of attainment does not
mean the Bay Area has been reclassified as an attainment area for the 1 -hour
standard. The region must submit a re -designation request to EPA in order to be
reclassified as an attainment area.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified the San Francisco Bay
Area as a non -attainment area for the Federal 8 -hour ozone standard.
The proposed project would not significantly change land uses or transportation
patterns that would add major pollutant increases into the atmosphere. Therefore,
less -than -significant impacts are anticipated with regard to cumulatively
considerable ozone emissions.
d) The proposed project would not significantly change existing land use patterns. No
new land uses, such as industrial or manufacturing uses that could increase impacts
to sensitive receptors, such as hospitals, convalescent care facilities, day care
centers and similar uses, are proposed. Therefore, no impacts regarding introducing
significant pollutants to sensitive receptors are anticipated.
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
e) No significant change to existing land use patterns would occur pursuant to the
proposed project, including introducing land uses that would emit significant
quantities of odor. Therefore, no impacts regarding the introduction of significant
odor producing land uses are anticipated.
4. Biological Resources
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal result:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect,
either directly or through habitat
modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive,
or special status species in local or
regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
X
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on
any riparian habitat or other
sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans,
policies, and regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and
Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
X
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on
federally protected wetlands as
defined by Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act (including, but not
limited to, marsh, vernal pool,
coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
X
d) Interfere substantially with the
movement of any native resident or
migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife
nursery sites?
X
e) Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological
resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
X
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
f) Conflict with the provisions of an
adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community Conservation
X
Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
Discussion
a -d) The flatter portions of the Saratoga Planning Area exhibit plant and animal species
typical of urbanized areas, including a combination of native and introduced trees,
grasses and shrubs, the predominant variety of which are used for landscaping
purposes. Undeveloped areas are typified by native grasses and ruderal species.
The one bird species that may still exist in the urbanized area is burrowing owl,
which is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of
Fish and Game.
Local creeks and streams extending through the flatter, urbanized portion of the
Saratoga Planning Area may include California tiger salamander and red -legged
frog. Both species are listed as Threatened under the Federal Endangered Species
Act.
The Santa Cruz Mountains harbor many species of reptiles, amphibians, birds and
mammals. In addition to the more common varieties, several rare species are known
to live in these mountains or to regularly frequent the area in search of food and
shelter.
The California Natural Diversity Data Base, maintained by the California
Department of Fish and Game, lists several threatened and/or endangered plant and
wildlife species that may occur in the hillside potion of the Saratoga Planning Area,
including coho salmon, steelhead trout, Zayante band -winged grasshopper,
California tiger salamander, California red -legged frog, Cooper's hawk, San
Francisco garter snake, Alameda whipsnake, white -rayed pentachaeta, Ben Lomond
spineflower, Marin western flax, Tiburon paintbrush, Coyote ceanothus, Santa
Clara Valley dudleya, Metcalf Canyon jewelflower, fountain thistle and San Mateo
thom-mint.
The proposed Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements include the
following goals and strategies to protect sensitive biological resources in the
Saratoga Planning area:
Goal LU 8: The natural beauty of the West Valley hillside areas shall be
maintained and protected for its contribution to the overall quality of life of
current and future generations.
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Strategy LU 8.1: Development proposals shall minimize impacts to significant
natural hillside features, including but not limited to steep topography, major
stands of vegetation, especially native vegetation and oak trees, and
watercourses.
Strategy LU8.2: Adhere to the Northwestern Hillside Specific Plan which is
incorporated herein by this reference.
Goal LU 9: Generally encourage medium density, multi -family residential and
non-residential uses in flatland areas where most appropriate for urban
development..
Strategy LU 9.1: Limit Expansion of Urban Development in the Hillside Areas.
Goal OSC 11: Protect and enhance sensitive vegetative and wildlife habitat in
the Saratoga Planning area.
Strategy 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.
Strategy 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.
Also, the Draft Open Space/Conservation Element includes goals and strategies to
preserve existing trees that provide roosting and nesting opportunities for various
avian species in the planning area.
Goal 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.
Strategy OSC 12.1: Development projects should include the preservation of
protected trees and other significant trees. Any adverse affect 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.
Strategy OSC 12.3: To further support the City's urban forest resources and
build on the City's Tree Regulations, the City should establish a Community
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Forest Master Plan that will identify focus areas of the community in which to
implement tree management activities, inventory and assess trees, summarize
data and specify benchmarks.
Overall, impacts to sensitive biological species, including wetlands, other waters of
the US, waters of the state and wildlife corridors are anticipated to be less -than -
significant and no mitigation measures are required.
e) The Draft Open Space/Conservation Element includes specific goals and strategies
to protect tree resources, as identified above. No impact is anticipated.
f) The city is not located within the boundaries of any Habitat Conservation Plan or
Natural Community Conservation Plan area and no impact is therefore anticipated.
5. Cultural Resources
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal result: in: impacts to:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a historical
resource as defined in 1315064.5?
X
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to 1315064.5?
X
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a
unique paleontolgical resource or site
or unique geologic feature?
X
d) Disturb any human remains,
including those interred outside of
formal cemeteries?
X
Discussion
a) A number of historic resources have been identified in the Saratoga Planning Area.
These are described in the Draft Land Use Element. The Element also includes a
number of goals and strategies to protect and preserve these resources as part of the
vision of Saratoga. These goals and policies include:
Goal LU 12: Recognize the heritage of the City by seeking to protect historic
and cultural resources, wherever feasible.
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Strategy LU 12.1: Enhance the visual character of the City by encouraging
compatibility of architectural styles that reflect established architectural
traditions.
Strategy LU 12.2: Develop zoning and other incentives for property owners to
preserve historic resources and seek out historic designations for their respective
properties.
Strategy LU 12.3: Amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow, in all zoning districts,
a Modification of Standards for Historic Structures, as is currently permitted in
the C -H district. The Modification of Standards would 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.
Strategy 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.
Strategy 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.
Strategy LU 12.6: The Heritage Preservation Commission shall continually
update the City's Historic Resources Inventory.
Strategy LU 12.7: Design Review by both the Planning Commission and the
Heritage Preservation Commission shall be required for development proposals
impacting any of the City's heritage land and/or any historic resources listed on
any local or state inventory.
Strategy LU 12.8: For any project development affecting structures that are 50
years of age or older, conduct a historic review.
Since one of the stated goals is to protect and preserve historic resources in the
community, a less -than -significant impact would occur with regard to this topic and
no mitigation measures would be needed.
b,c) Future construction of public and private development projects that could be
facilitated by the Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements could
have a potentially significant impact on unsurveyed archeological, historic, cultural,
Native American and/or paleontological resources. Some private properties are
located adjacent to local creeks that could impact cultural resources if grading or
construction occurs on these sites. Implementation of Land Use Element Strategy
LU 12.9 would require that reconnaissance -levels surveys of development sites be
Page 33 Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
undertaken prior to construction to ensure that any cultural resources are identified
and properly dealt with prior to any impact. This Strategy includes:
Strategy LU 12.9: Conduct reconnaissance -level analyses of new development
projects to ensure that no significant archeological, pre -historic, paleontological
or Native American resources would be disturbed. If such resources are found,
appropriate steps shall be made, consistent with CEQA requirements, to protect
these resources.
The City of Saratoga initiated Native American Tribal Consultations in December
2005 as part of this General Plan Amendment to further comply with Government
Code Section 65352.3 regarding consultation with tribes. The NAHC recommends
conducting record starches through the NAHC and California Historic Resources
Information System (SHRIS) to determine if any cultural places are located within
the Planning Area. Adherence to Strategy LU 12.9 would meet this request.
Appendix 1 contains documentation of letters to potentially affected Native
American groups in the Saratoga Planning area.
Implementation of the above Strategy will reduce impacts to archeological, historic,
cultural, Native American and/or paleontological resources to a less -than -
significant level.
d) One historic cemetery has been established in Saratoga on Oak Street. No
development of structures would be allowed on this site. Therefore, no impact is
anticipated regarding disturbance of human remains.
6. Geology and Soils
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
a) Expose people or structures to
potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
X
i) Rupture of a known earthquake
fault, as delineated on the most
recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a
known fault? Refer to Division of
Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
X
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
X
iii) Seismic -related ground failure,
including liquefaction?
X
iv) Landslides?
X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or
the loss of topsoil?
X
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil
that is unstable, or that would
become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on-
or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction
or collapse?
X
d) Be located on expansive soil, as
defined in Table 18-1-B of the
Uniform Building Code (1994),
creating substantial risks to life or
property?
X
e) Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative waste water disposal
systems where sewers are not
available for the disposal of waste
water?
X
Discussion
a, c, d) Existing structures within Saratoga and future development projects that could be
constructed under the auspices of the Draft Land Use and Open
Space/Conservation Elements would be subject to geologic hazards, including but
not limited to moderate to severe ground shaking from seismic events,
liquefaction, landslides, and other potential unstable soil conditions. Two
potentially active faults lie within the alluvial plain portion of the planning area.
These include the Berrocal and Shannon Faults. The California Division of Mines
and Geology have established Earthquake Fault Zones adjacent to these faults,
which require site-specific geotechnical analyses prior to the construction of any
development on properties within these Zones, to ensure that construction does not
occur on identified fault traces and that building foundations can withstand
maximum credible earthquakes anticipated to occur on the faults. This requirement
will be enforced by the City of Saratoga as part of the normal development review
and geotechnical clearance process to ensure that impacts related to ground rupture
would be less -than -significant.
New development projects would be required to adhere to construction
requirements set forth in the California Uniform Building Code to minimize
hazards from groundshaking. The City of Saratoga may also require development
projects in or near steep hillside areas to be analyzed in site-specific geotechnical
Page 35 Initial Study
g City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
reports to determine appropriate construction techniques for individual sites.
Development allowed under the Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation
Element will also be required to adhere to the following goals and strategies set
forth in the Draft Land Use and Open Space Elements:
Goal LU 8: The natural beauty of the West Valley hillsides area shall be
maintained and protected for its contribution to the overall quality of life of
current and future generations.
Strategy LU 8.1: Development proposals shall minimize impacts to significant
natural hillside features, including but not limited to steep topography, major
stands of vegetation, especially native vegetation and oak trees, and
watercourses.
Goal LU 9: Confine urban uses to flatland areas most appropriate for urban
development.
Strategy LU 9.1: Limit Expansion of Urban Development into Hillside Areas.
Strategy LU 9.2: Limit the amount of grading within hillside areas to the
minimum amount needed for dwellings and access.
Goal OSC 6: Preserve the hillside lands in their natural condition and inherent
natural beauty.
Strategy 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, that allows very low density residential
uses while maintaining a significant amount of open space.
With adherence to required building codes and practice, and adherence to the goals
and strategies outlined above, there would be a less -than -significant impact
regarding geotechnical hazards.
Although the proposed project would not result in any direct construction,
individual public and private development projects could be facilitated pursuant to
the Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements that could result in soil
erosion into adjacent bodies of water. The City of Saratoga presently enforces
surface water quality standards that have been adopted by the Regional Water
Quality Control Board to minimize erosion potential from construction and
operational phases of projects. In addition, the Draft Open Space/Conservation
Element contains Goal 9, which states it is the policy of the City to protect existing
watercourses in the community and enhance water quality in surface and subsurface
water sources. Potential impacts of soil erosion would therefore be less -than -
significant.
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
e) A majority of dwellings constructed under the auspices of the Draft Land Use and
Open Space/Conservation Elements would be connected to a sanitary sewer system.
In hillside areas, there may be limited use of septic systems to support individual
custom homes. Any use of septic systems would only be undertaken with valid
peg wits from local and County agencies and with appropriate underlying soil
conditions, so this potential impact would be less -than -significant.
7. Hazards
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
a) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through
the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
X
b) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through
reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into
the environment?
X
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an
existing or proposed school?
X
d) Be located on a site which is
included on a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5
and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or
the environment?
X
e) For a project located within an
airport land use plan or, where such
a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project
result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project
area?
X
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
f)
For a project within the vicinity of a
private airstrip, would the project
result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project
area?
X
g)
Impair implementation of or
physically interfere with an adopted
emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
X
h)
Expose people or structures to a
significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving wildland fire,
including where wildlands are
adjacent to urbanized areas or where
residences are intermixed with
wildlands?
X
Discussion
a) Limited additional development in Saratoga would be permitted under the Draft
Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements. There is a possibility that some
commercial uses could involve the use, transport, and/or disposal of potentially
hazardous materials, such as auto service stations, dry cleaning establishments and
similar uses. All of these uses would be strictly regulated by city, county, state or
other regulatory agency that a less -than -significant impact would result.
b.c) In some instances, previous land uses within Saratoga may have used potentially
hazardous materials that, under limited conditions, could be released into the
atmosphere. This may include, but would not be limited, to agricultural chemical
residue, use of asbestos in building materials, and the presence of underground
storage tanks. Some of these sites may be located within one-quarter mile of a local
school. Construction activities undertaken pursuant to the Draft Land Use Element
could release hazardous or potentially hazardous material into the atmosphere, soil
or groundwater. This impact could be reduced to a less -than -significant level by
requiring applicant's to submit Phase I Environmental Site Assessment reports as
part of the noiinal development review process. Phase I Environmental Site
Assessments include an analysis of historic uses of individual properties, a review
of regulatory agency data bases for open cases of contamination, a site walk
through and review of similar secondary source material to detelinine the possibility
of site contamination. If warranted, the Environmental Site Assessment may require
additional testing and remediation.
d) There were no sites listed on the Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites (Cortese)
List as of July 21, 2006. This a planning document that is prepared by the California
Environmental Protection Agency and used by the State, local agencies and
developers to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act requirements
in providing information about the location of hazardous materials release sites.
Government Code Section 65962.5 requires that an updated Cortese List be
Page 38 Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
provided at least annually. Therefore, no impacts would result from adoption of the
Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements, and no mitigation
measures are needed.
e,f) There are no public or private airports or airstrips located within the Saratoga
Planning Area. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated and no mitigation measures
are needed.
g)
The Draft Land Use and Open Space Conservation Elements do not propose
development that would block or obstruct emergency evacuation routes. No impacts
are anticipated and no mitigation measures are required.
h) Portions of the Saratoga Planning Area are located within hillside areas that are
considered high fire hazard areas. The City of Saratoga is committed to working
with the two local fire districts to ensure that new individual development projects
are provided with adequate access for emergency fire and rescue equipment and
with an adequate and reliable water supply. These fire reduction measures are
included as conditions of approval for new development. Therefore, less -than -
significant impacts would result.
8. Hydrology
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
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?
X
c) Substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river, in a
manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on -or
off-site?
X
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
d)
Substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river, or
substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in
flooding on -or off-site?
X
e)
Create or contribute runoff water
which would exceed the capacity of
existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?
X
f)
Otherwise substantially degrade
water quality?
X
g)
Place housing within a 100 -year
flood hazard area as mapped on a
federal Flood Hazard Boundary or
Flood Insurance Rate Map or other
flood hazard delineation map?
X
h)
Place within a 100 -year flood hazard
area structures which would impede
or redirect flood flows?
X
i)
Expose people or structures to a
significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving flooding, including
flooding as a result of the failure of a
levee or dam?
X
J•
Inundation by seiche,tsunami, or
mudflow?
X
Discussion
a) The Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements do not include
significant increases in the amount, type, rate or intensity of development in
Saratoga that would cause or create violations of clean water or water discharge
standards to occur. Therefore, no impacts would result from adoption of the
Elements and no mitigation measures are required.
b) No significant changes to the use of water is anticipated with regard to adoption of
the Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements. Similarly, limited new
development would occur in the Saratoga Planning area but this amount of
development would not significantly impeded groundwater recharge. The Draft
Open Space/Conservation Element contains the following goals and strategies to
protect groundwater resources:
Goal OSC 9: Protect existing watercourses in the community and enhance water
quality in surface and subsurface water sources.
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Strategy OSC 9.3: Implement land use controls to protect watershed lands on
the upper elevations of hillsides.
With adherence to this goal and strategy, no impacts are anticipated with regard to
groundwater water resources and groundwater recharge areas and no mitigation
measures would be needed.
c, d)The proposed project involves consideration of Draft Land Use and Open
Space/Conservation Elements. No specific development is being proposed;
however, additional development could be facilitated pursuant to the Draft
Elements. The Draft Elements do not propose substantially greater development
than currently allowed under the existing General Plan so that existing drainage
patterns would not be substantially changed or altered. Furthermore, the Land Use
categories of the Draft Land Use Element contain limitations on site coverage
allowed in each category for the purpose of minimizing runoff from development.
Strategy OSC 9.2 contained in the Draft Open Space/Conservation Element would
also assist in limiting the amount of increased stormwater flows. This Strategy
reads as follows:
Strategy 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.
In addition, implementation of Draft Land Use Element Strategies LU 6.1 and LU
6.2 will assist in protecting water quality.
Strategy LU 6.1: Incorporate specific standards and requirements into the
Zoning Ordinance to preserve and protect sensitive watershed areas on hillsides
within the community.
Strategy 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.
A less -than -significant increase in the amount of stormwater runoff would occur as
a result of new development; however, this would be reviewed and accommodated
as part of the standard City development review process.
e, f) No specific development is being proposed as part of this project and no additional
stormwater flows would occur. New development that could be facilitated pursuant
to the Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements will be reviewed by
the City of Saratoga as part of the normal development review process and any
improvements in downstream drainage improvements will be required at that time.
Adherence to Draft Land Use Element Strategies LU 6.1 and 6.2 will assist in
protecting water quality. Similarly, new development will be subject to current
Clean Water standards adopted by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality
Control Board and enforced by the City of Saratoga to protect surface water quality
so that no impacts would result.
Page 41
Initial Study
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Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
g -i) Both Draft Elements include a discussion of 100 -year flood hazards and no
development would be permitted within flood hazard areas, so there would be no
impacts related to flooding of housing projects and no mitigation measures are
needed.
j)
The Saratoga Planning Area is well inland from the San Francisco Bay and other
major bodies of water. The Planning Area would therefore not be subject to seiche
or tsunami. Individual projects that would be allowed pursuant to the Draft Land
Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements in proximity to slopes could be subject
to geologic hazards including the potential for mudflow. Following standard City of
Saratoga development review procedures, project -specific development reviews
would be undertaken for development applications in potential hazard areas to
ensure safety from possible mudflows and similar hazards. Less -than -significant
impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to this topic and no mitigation
measures are needed.
9. Land Use
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
a) Physically divide an established
community?
X
b) Conflict with any applicable land use
plan, policy, or regulation of an
agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to
the general plan, specific plan, local
coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
X
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural
community conservation plan?
X
Discussion
a) No significant changes to the existing land use pattern of Saratoga are proposed in the
Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements that would physically divide
an established community. While changes in land use categories are proposed for
some parcels, as shown in Exhibits 3 through 10, the changes are consistent and
compatible with the existing use of sites and are intended primarily to bring internal
consistency between the land use designation and existing use of sites. The change in
designation from Professional Administrative (PA) to CR (Commercial Retail)
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Page 42
proposed for an existing 9.7 acre vacant parcel located west on Saratoga Avenue and
north of State Highway 85, will not be significant as both current and proposed land
use designations are commercial categories. Therefore, no impacts would therefore
result and no mitigation measures would be required.
b) The proposed project would include updating land use, open space and conservation
policies contained in the General Plan. Proposed policies are generally consistent with
policies contained in existing Elements. There would therefore be no impact with
regard to conflicts with plans or policies and no mitigation measures are needed.
c) No Habitat Conservation Plans or similar plans have been adopted within the City of
Saratoga. There would therefore be no impact and no mitigation measures are needed.
10. Mineral Resources
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
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
X
b) Result in the loss of availability of a
locally -important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan, or other
land use plan?
X
Discussion
a,b) No significant deposits of minerals are known to exist in the Saratoga Planning
Area. Therefore, no impacts would result and no mitigation measures are required.
11. Noise
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
a. Exposure of persons to or generation
of noise levels in excess of standards
established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
X
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City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
b. Exposure of persons to or generation
of excessive groundborne vibration
or groundborne noise levels?
Standards
Daytime
X
Commercial/Office
c. A substantial permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
Outdoor
X
55 dBA
d. A substantial temporary or periodic
increase in ambient noise levels in
the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project?
50 dBA
40 dBA
X
e. For a project located within an
airport land use plan or, where such
a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
Outdoor
60 dBA
50 dBA
X
f. For a project within the vicinity of a
private airstrip, would the project
expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
40 dBA
Residential
X
Discussion
a,) The Noise Element of the Saratoga General Plan (1988) establishes noise exposure
levels in the community as described in the following table:
Table 2. City of Saratoga Acoustic Standards
Land Use
Standards
Daytime
Evening
Commercial/Office
Outdoor
65 dBA
55 dBA
Indoor
50 dBA
40 dBA
Public/Park
Outdoor
60 dBA
50 dBA
Indoor
50 dBA
40 dBA
Residential
Outdoor
60 dBA
50 dBA
Indoor
45 bDA
35 dBA
Notes: dBA = decibels on the "A -weighted" acoustic scale
Source: Saratoga Noise Element, 1988
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Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
The Noise Element also includes goals, policies and implementation programs to
ensure that existing and future land uses constructed pursuant to the General Plan
will generate noise levels that are less -than -significant. Existing and future land
uses are also subject to the City's noise and nuisance standards. Policy 2.4 of the
Noise Element requires new noise -generation uses to mitigate excessive noise
levels through preparation of project -specific acoustic analyses. Therefore, future
noise levels are anticipated to be less -than -significant.
b) Adherence to the City's acoustic standards established in the Noise Element and
Noise Ordinance will ensure that the potential for future groundbome noise and
vibration that could be facilitated as a result of the Draft Land Use and Open
Space/Conservation Elements will be less -than -significant.
c, d) Future public and private construction projects could generate levels of noise in
excessive of standards adopted by the City of Saratoga. Adherence to Policy 2.4 of
the Noise Element requires potentially noisy projects to obtain site-specific acoustic
reports and to mitigate noise levels to a less -than -significant level. Long-term
operations of land use will also be required to adhere to City noise exposure
standards. In addition, Noise Element Policy 1.2 requires the City to control specific
noise sources through enforcement of noise standards.
e, f) No public or private airstrips are located in or adjacent to the Saratoga Planning
Area. No impacts would therefore result, and no mitigation measures would be
required.
12. Population and Housing
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
a) Induce substantial population
growth in an area, either directly (for
example, by proposing new homes
and businesses) or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads
or other infrastructure)?
X
b) Displace substantial numbers of
existing housing, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
X
c) Displace substantial numbers of
people, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
X
Page 45
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Discussion
a) The Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements do not propose
significant changes to existing land use patterns. There would be no substantial
population growth within any portion of the community resulting from adoption of
the Draft Elements. No major infrastructure extensions are proposed as part of
either Draft Element. Therefore, there would be no impact and no mitigation
measures would be required.
b,c) No residential units would be displaced as a result of adopting the two Draft
Elements. Therefore, there would be no impact and no mitigation measures would
be required.
13. Public Services
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal
a) Would the project result in
substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with the provision of new
or physically altered governmental
facilities, need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in
order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times or other
performance objectives for any of
the public services:
X
b) Fire protection?
X
c) Police protection?
X
d) Schools?
X
e) Parks?
X
f) Other public facilities?
X
Discussion
a,b) Fire service for Saratoga is provided by the Saratoga Fire District and the Santa
Clara Fire District, both of which are special districts with their own respective
boards of directors. The Draft Land Use Element notes that portions of Saratoga,
especially the hillside areas, are considered high fire hazard areas. Future individual
development projects that would be constructed in the City will be subject to review
Initial Study
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Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Page 46
by the appropriate fire district as part of the noniial development review process to
ensure that adequate emergency access can be provided for emergency equipment
and that an adequate and reliable water supply can be provided to suppress fires.
The Safety Element of the General Plan (1987) contains Goal 4, which directs the
City to reduce the danger of property damage and loss of life due to fire in both
urban and rural areas of the City. Implementing Policies requires the installation of
early warning fire alai m systems for many new dwellings, enforcement of fire
protection regulations for fire hazard areas and undertaking studies to determine the
need for additional fire protection regulations. It is unlikely that additional new or
substantially enlarged fire stations or other fire facilities would be required to serve
the additional amount of development anticipated in the Draft Land Use Element
and no impacts would occur.
c) Police protection for the city of Saratoga is provided under contract to the Santa
Clara Sheriffs department. Service to Saratoga is provided from the West Valley
Division of the Department located at 1601 S. De Anza Boulevard in Cupertino.
Since land use patterns in Saratoga would not significantly change if the Draft Land
Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements are adopted by the City, there would
be no need to significantly expand Sheriff Department offices or related physical
facilities to continue providing services to the City. No impacts are anticipated and
no mitigation measures would be needed.
d) The Draft Land Use Element does not propose an increase in the number of new
residential dwellings above that anticipated in the current Land Use Element that
would result in a significant increase in school -aged children; therefore no impacts
to local school facilities are anticipated. New residential development will be
required to pay state -mandated school impact fees to offset the costs of any impacts
to local school districts.
e For impacts to parks, refer to item 14, below.
f) No impacts to maintenance of other governmental functions are anticipated, since
new public services and facilities, once constructed, would be built to City and/or
appropriate special district standards and would not require maintenance for a
number of years. No mitigation measures would be needed.
14. Recreation
Issue
Potential
Potentially
Less
No
ly
Significant
Than
Impact
Significa
Unless
Significant
nt
Mitigated
Impact
Impact
Page 47
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Would the proposal:
a) Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional
parks or other recreational facilities
such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated?
X
b)
Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction
or expansion of recreational facilities
which might have an adverse
physical effect on the environment?
X
Discussion
a) The Draft Land Use Element does not propose a significant number of additional
residential dwellings in Saratoga that would require construction of a significant
number of new neighborhood or regional parks. As discussed in item b) below, the
project also includes goals and strategies for providing additional parks and open
space in the community. No impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to
increased use of neighborhood and/or regional parks and no mitigation measures
would be needed.
b) The proposed project consists of updates to the Land Use and Open Space/
Conservation Elements that, among other objectives, includes a strategy for
increasing the amount of parks in Saratoga. The following goals and strategies are
included in the Draft Open Space/Conservation Element to protect and increase the
amount of parkland in the City.
Goal OSC 3: To provide and maintain parks which are located, designed, and
improved to serve the needs of the residents, the community, and the
neighborhoods of Saratoga.
Strategy OSC 3.1: Ensure that existing and future parks and dedicated open
spaces remain part of the public domain in perpetuity.
Strategy OSC 3.2: Preserve open space and recreational resources provided on
school sites and surplus school sites through joint use agreements, acquisition
and/or land use controls.
Goal OSC 4: Strive to achieve a ratio of 5 acres of park and open space area per
1,000 residents.
Overall, no impacts are anticipated within regard to providing additional parks and
recreational facilities required and no mitigation measures would be needed.
Page 48
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
15. Traffic and Transportation
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the proposal:
a) Cause an increase in traffic which
is substantial in relation to the
existing traffic load and capacity
of the street system (i.e., result in
a substantial increase in either the
number of vehicle trips, the
volume -to -capacity ratio on
roads, or congestion at
intersections)?
X
b) Exceed, either individually or
cumulatively, a level of service
standard established by the
county congestion management
agency for designated roads or
highways?
X
c) Result in a change in air traffic
patterns, including either an
increase in traffic levels or a
change in location that results in
substantial safety risks?
X
d) Substantially increase hazards due
to a design feature (e.g., sharp
curves or dangerous intersections)
or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
X
e) Result in inadequate emergency
access?
X
f) Result in inadequate parking
capacity?
X
g) Conflict with adopted policies,
plans, or programs supporting
alternative transportation (e.g.,
bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?
X
Discussion
a -b) Accommodation of additional traffic in the community is governed by the
Circulation Element of the General Plan, last updated in 2001. This Element
establishes a minimum Level of Service (LOS) D at street intersections under City
jurisdiction. A lower LOS may be accepted if it is deteiuiined that achieving LOS D
Initial Study
Page 49 City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
is not feasible. For roadways and intersections under the jurisdiction of the Santa
Clara County Congestion Management Agency (CMA), the LOS standard is E.
Generally, no significant amount of additional development is proposed in the Draft
Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements that would substantially increase
traffic on roadways in Saratoga. Further, implementation Measure CI.2.22 requires
major development proposals in Saratoga that would generate more than 50 net new
trips to prepare a transportation analysis, including methods to reduce peak hour
trips to acceptable levels.
The proposed change of the Land Use Map includes a redesignation for the
approximately 9.7 -acre vacant parcel on the west side of Saratoga Avenue
(approximately 1,000 feet north of the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and State
Route 85) from PA (Professional Administrative) to CR (Commercial Retail). At
full buildout, this property could potentially accommodate an estimated 106,000
gross square feet of commercial land uses, assuming development at maximum
allowable site coverage. Under this assumption, a development could potentially
generate approximately 290 additional PM peak hour trips over and above the
number of PM peak hour trips that would result from the maximum development
potential under the existing Professional Administrative land use designation.
Intersections near the project site at Saratoga Avenue and Cox Avenue and the
Saratoga Avenue and SR 85 intersections are operating near maximum capacity and
the construction of additional travel lanes at these intersections may not be feasible.
However, any new project for that site will required design review and site-specific
environmental review. Adherence to Circulation Element Policy CI.2.22 will
require completion of a detailed traffic and transportation analysis of any future
project on this property when a site-specific development proposal is filed with the
City. At that time, appropriate recommendations can be made as to how best to
accommodate additional traffic that could be generated by retail commercial uses,
including but not limited to identifying an appropriate mix of land uses, maximum
floor area ratios, implementation of trip reduction techniques and other measures to
ensure that future traffic impacts would be less -than -significant within the
community.
Therefore, less -than -significant impacts would result with regard to traffic increases
or impacts to Congestion Management Agency (CMA) routes and no mitigation
measures are needed. Future project -specific mitigation measures may be
recommended based on individual traffic analyses.
c) The proposed project would have no impact on air traffic patterns, since it involves
updates to the Land Use and Circulation Elements of the General Plan. No
mitigation measures would be required.
d) All facilities constructed pursuant to the Draft Land Use and Open
Space/Conservation Elements would comply with City and/or special district design
standards. Therefore, the proposed project is anticipated to have no impact with
regard to safety factors.
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August 2006
e) Approval of the Draft Land Use and Open Space would have no impact regarding
emergency access, since any new private development that would be facilitated by
the proposed Draft Elements would not occur on public rights-of-way and will be
reviewed by the City of Saratoga, appropriate Fire Districts and the Santa Clara
County Sheriff's Department to ensure that no emergency accesses are blocked or
impeded.
f) Parking for individual projects facilitated as part of the Draft General Plan Elements
would contain on-site parking, per the City's Zoning Ordinance. Therefore, no
impacts are anticipated and no mitigation measures are needed.
The Draft Open Space/Conservation Element contains goals and implementing
strategies to promote the planning, acquisition and construction of new pedestrian,
equestrian and bicycle trails in Saratoga. These include:
Goal OSC 5: A city-wide system of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding
trails shall be provided within the community, which includes regional trail
linkages with City, County, State, and regional parks, and other publicly owned
open space lands.
g)
A number of implementing strategies are proposed in the Draft Open
Space/Conservation Element to assist is achieving the above goal, including:
Strategy OSC 5.1: The City shall continue to use the Parks and Trails Master
Plan as a day-to-day guide for the development, maintenance and financing of
trails in Saratoga.
Strategy OSC 5.2: The City shall promote the acquisition of new trails through
purchase, dedication or gifts.
Strategy OSC 5.3: Trail planning, acquisition, development, maintenance, and
management shall be coordinated among the various local and County volunteer
agencies, as well as local, regional, state, and federal agencies which provide
trails or funding for trails.
Strategy OSC 5.5: Trail development, patrol, and maintenance responsibilities
shall be coordinated with all entities involved with each trail segment. In most
cases, development responsibilities shall be borne by the property owner with
maintenance activities undertaken by the City.
No impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to promoting alternative modes of
transportation and no mitigation measures are needed.
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Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
16. Utilities and Service Systems
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project
a) Exceed wastewater treatment
requirements of the applicable
Regional Water Quality Control
Board
X
b) Require or result in the construction
of new water or wastewater treatment
facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which
could cause significant
environmental effects?
X
c) Require or result in the construction
of new storm water drainage
facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which
could cause significant
environmental effects?
X
d) Have sufficient water supplies
available to serve the project from
existing water entitlements and
resources, or are new or expanded
entitlements needed?
X
e) Result in a determination by the
wastewater treatment provider which
serves or may serve the project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected demand in
addition to the providers existing
commitments?
X
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate
the project's solid waste disposal
needs?
X
g) Comply with federal, state and local
statutes and regulations related to
solid waste?
X
Discussion
a, e) Wastewater treatment and disposal within Saratoga is provided by the Cupertino
Sanitary District. The Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements do
Initial Study
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Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Page 52
not include significant amounts of new development that would require treatment
capacity exceeding the capacity of existing facilities. Therefore, Regional Water
Quality Board discharge requirements would not be exceeded and no impact is
anticipated.
b, d) Potable water is supplied to Saratoga by the San Jose Water Company. The staff of
the San Jose Water Company has prepared an Urban Water Management Plan
(UWMP) that includes small increases in the amount of additional development in
Saratoga. The UWMP notes that a long-term reliable water supply is available to
supply existing uses in the water company's service area. In addition, the Draft
Open Space/Conservation Element includes the following goals and strategies to
conserve water resources:
Goal OSC 10: Maximize the use of the City's water supply.
Strategy OSC 10.1: Implement water conservation provisions of the Urban
Water Management Plan.
Based on the above, no additional water facilities would be required to support the
provisions of the Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements and no
impact would result. Similarly, there would not be a need to expand wastewater
treatment or disposal facilities and there would be no impact with regard to
expanding wastewater facilities.
c) The Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements do not propose
significant additional areas of growth in the Saratoga Planning Area. Adherence to
Implementation Strategy 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.) will further minimize any impacts from
development. Where appropriate, consider the use of on-site detention or retention
basins to minimize stormwater runoff from sites.") would serve to minimize storm
drain runoff in the community. Less -than -significant impacts are anticipated with
regard to construction of new drainage facilities.
f, g) The Draft Elements propose minimal expansion of additional development in the
City that would generate significantly increased amounts of solid waste. Therefore,
no new or expanded solid waste facilities would be required as a result of this
project and no impacts are anticipated.
Page 53
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
17. Mandatory Findings of Significance
Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigated
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
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 of or restrict the range of a
rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the
major periods of California history or
prehistory?
X
b) Does the project have the potential to
achieve short-term, to the
disadvantage of long-term,
environmental goals?
X
c) Does the project have impacts that
are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable?
X
d) Does the project have environmental
effects which will cause substantial
adverse effects on human beings,
either directly or indirectly?
X
a) No. The preceding analysis indicates that the proposed City of Saratoga Land Use
and Open Space/Conservation Elements of the General Plan would not have a
significant adverse impact on overall environmental quality, including the potential
of reducing the habitat of fish or wildlife species, elimination of any special -status
plants, a reduction of the number or range of endangered plant or animal species to
eliminate important examples of California history or prehistory.
b) No. The proposed General Plan Elements would not achieve short-term objectives
to the disadvantage of long-term goals, since goals and strategies contained in the
two Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements would assist in
preservation of open spaces, natural resource areas, and riparian areas, as well as
promoting the creation of new parks and recreational facilities in Saratoga.
c) No. No such cumulative impacts have been discovered in the course of preparing
this Initial Study.
d) The Initial Study notes that goals and implementing strategies included in the Draft
Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements will serve to protect the health of
humans.
Page 54
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Initial Study Preparer
Jerry Haag, Urban Planner
Deborah Ungo-M`-Cormick, Ungo-M'Cormick Consulting
Jane Maxwell, report graphics
Agencies and Organizations Consulted
The following agencies and organizations were contacted in the course of this Initial
Study:
City of Saratoga
John Livingstone, AICP, Community Development Director
Therese Schmidt, AICP, Associate Planner
Suzanne Thomas, Assistant Planner
Ivetta Harvancik, Associate Civil Engineer
Saratoga Fire District
Dirk Mattern, Fire Marshal
Traffic:
Sorab Rashid - Fehr & Peers, Transportation Consultants
References
Association of Bay Area Governments, Projections 2005
Bay Area Air Quality Management District, CEQA Guidelines, revised December
1999
California Department of Fish and Game, California Natural Diversity Database
(website), 2006
City of Saratoga, Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update, Fehr & Peers
Associates, 2001
City of Saratoga, Noise Element of the General Plan, Pack & Associates, 1988
City of Saratoga, Parks and Trails Master Plan, WRT Planning, 1991
City of Saratoga, Safety Element of the General Plan, 1987
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Cortese List (website), July 21, 2006
San Jose Water Company, Urban Water Management Plan, 2005
Page 55
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation
Ellts
Auguet en s
Appendix 1
Page 56
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
,111
! r J
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE SARATOG A. CALIFORNIA 95070
Incorporated October 22, 1956
December 19, 2005
Arnah Mutsun Tribal Band
Attn: Valentin Lopez, Chairperson
3015 Eastern Ave, #40
Sacramento, CA 95821
RE: Notification of Pending General Plan Update for the City of Saratoga
Dear Valentin Lopez:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Aileen Kao
Kathleen King
Norman Kline
Nick Streit
Ann Waltonsmith
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the City of Saratoga has contracted with a
consultant to update three Elements of the City's General Plan: Land Use, Open Space and
Conservation and to invite you, if you should so choose, to participate in the General Plan Update
process.
The City of Saratoga has a low-density residential land use pattern that is well established and is
unlikely to change. The Land Use Element will describe the history of land use planning in
Saratoga, discuss major issues that face the City, and present the objectives, policies, and
programs that will determine how land use and growth will be managed in Saratoga. The Land
Use Element was last updated in 1983.
The City Counsel adopted the Conservation Element of the General Plan in 1988. The Element
outlines natural and cultural resources available to the residents of Saratoga. The Open Space,
Recreation and Trails element of the General Plan serves as a basis for future trails, parks and
open space acquisitions within the City. The Open Space Element was adopted by the City
Council in 1993. The objective of the current task is to update and combine these two Elements
into one Element.
The targeted start date is January 2006, with adoption of the General Plan update by the City
County in October of 2006.
Please contact me within 90 -days of the postmark of this letter informing me if you will be
participating in the update process. Please feel free to contact me at 408-868-1230 if I can be of
any assistance in answering your questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
L4Gx-rfrh .(71fay-0.6e
Therese M. Schmidt, Associate Planner
r`+ r
rc'
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
corporated October 22, 1956
December 19, 2005
fuwekina Indian Tribe
Rosemary Carnbra, Chairperson
P.O. Box 360791
Milpitas, CA 95036
Notification of Pending General Plan Update for the City of Saratoga..
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Aileen Kao
Kathleen King
Norman Kline
Nick Streit
Ann Waltonsmith
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the City of Saratoga has contracted with a
consultant to update three Elements of the City's General Plan: Land Use, .Open Space and
Conservation and to invite you, if you should so choose, to participate in the General Plan Update
process.
The City of Saratoga has a low-density residential landuse pattern that is well established and is
unlikely to change. The Land Use Element will describe the history of land use planning in
Saratoga. discuss major issues that face the City, and present the objectives, policies, and
programs that will determine how land use and growth will be managed in Saratoga. The Land.
Use Element was last updated in 1983.
The City Counsel adopted the Conservation Element of the General. Plan in 1988. The Element
outlines natural and cultural resources available to the residents of Saratoga. The Open Space,
Recreation and Trails element of the General Plan serves as a basis for future trails, parks and
open space acquisitions within the City. The Open Space Element was adopted by the City
Council in 1993. The objective of the current task is to update and combine these two Elements
into one Element.
The targeted start date _ is January 2006, with adoptio
County in October of 2006.
of the General Planupdate by the. City
Please contact me within 90 -days of the postmark of this letter informing me if you will be
participating in the update process. Please feel free to contact me at 408-868-1230 if I can be of
any assistance in answering your questions or concerns.
Respectfully:,
Therese M. Schmidt, Associate Planner
it I, LJW rn�.Crla1 [771-
_.% 1
ri
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE 6 SARATOGA CALIFORNIA 95070
Incorporated October 22, 1956
December 19, 2005
Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan
Attn: Ann Marie Sayers, Chairperson
P.O. Box 28
Hollister, CA 95024
RE: Notification of Pending General Plan Update for the City of Saratoga
Dear Ann Marie Sayers:
COUNCII. MEMBERS:
• Aileen Kao
Kathleen King
Norman Kline
Nick Streit
Ann Waltonsmith
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the City of Saratoga has contracted with a
consultant to update three Elements of the City's General Plan: Land Use, Open Space and
Conservation and to invite you, if you should so choose, to participate in the General Plan Update
process.
The City of Saratoga has a low-density residential land use pattern that is well established and is
unlikely to change. The Land Use Element will describe the history of land use planning in
Saratoga, discuss major issues that face the City, and present the objectives, policies, and
programs that will determine how land use and growth will be managed in Saratoga. The Land
Use Element was last updated in 1983.
The City Counsel adopted the Conservation Element of the General Plan in 1988. The Element
outlines natural and cultural resources available to the residents of Saratoga. The Open Space,
Recreation and Trails element of the General Plan serves as a basis for future trails, parks and
open space acquisitions within the City. The Open Space Element was adopted by the City
Council in 1993. The objective of the current task is to update and combine these two Elements
into one Element.
The targeted start date is January 2006, with adoption of the General Plan update by the City
County in October of 2006.
Please contact me within 90 -days of the postmark of this letter informing me if you will be
participating in the update process. Please feel free to contact me at 408-868-1230 if I can be of
any assistance in answering your questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Therese M. Schmidt, Associate Planner
iv t
HilF1Y3/k
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE e SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
Incorporated October 22, 1956
December 19, 2005
Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
Attn: Irene Zwierlein, Chairperson
789 Canada Road
Woodside, CA 94062
RE: Notification of Pending General Plan Update for the City of Saratoga
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Aileen Kao
Kathleen King
Norman Kline
Nick Streit
Ann Waltonsmith
Dear Irene Zwierlein:
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the City of Saratoga has contracted with a
consultant to update three Elements of the City's General Plan: Land Use, Open Space and
Conservation and to invite you, if you should so choose, to participate in the General Plan Update
process.
The City of Saratoga has a low-density residential land use pattern that is well established and is
unlikely to change. The Land Use Element will describe the history of land use planning in
Saratoga, discuss major issues that face the City, and present the objectives, policies, and
programs that will determine how land use and growth will be managed in Saratoga. The Land
Use Element was last updated in 1983.
The City Counsel adopted the Conservation Element of the General Plan in 1988. The Element
outlines natural and cultural resources available to the residents of Saratoga. The Open Space,
Recreation and Trails element of the General Plan serves as a basis for future trails, parks and
open space acquisitions within the City. The Open Space Element was adopted by the City
Council in 1993. The objective of the current task is to update and combine these two Elements
into one Element.
The targeted start date is January 2006, with adoption of the General Plan update by the City
County in October of 2006.
Please contact me within 90 -days of the postmark of this letter informing me if you will be
participating in the update process. Please feel free to contact me at 408-868-1230 if I can be of
any assistance in answering your questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Therese M. Schmidt, Associate Planner
12/14/2005 16:51 FAX 916 657 5390 NAHC
Z 001/002
wysid.5.03tailmnr-ggra..-G-0-tr-uu4
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
915 CAPITOL MALL, ROOM 364
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
(916) 03-4082
Pas (916) 07-5390
Theresa Schmidt
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Sent Via Fax:
# of Page$: 2
December 14, 2005
408-867-8555
RE: General Plan Update, City of Saratoga
Dear Mr. Schmidt:
Government Code §65352.3 requires local governments to consult with California Native
American tribes identified by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) for the purpose of
protecting, and/or mitigating impacts to cultural places. Attached is a consultation list of tribes with
traditional lands or cultural places located within the requested General Plan boundaries.
Asa part of consultation, the NAHC recommends that local governments conduct record searches
through the NAHC and California Historic Resources Information System (CHRIS) to determine if any
cultural places are located within the area(s) affected by the proposed action. NAHC Sacred Lands
File requests must be made in writing. All requests must include: county, USGS quad map name,
township, range and section. Local governments should be aware, however, that records maintained
by the NAHC and CHRIS are not exhaustive, and a negative response to these searches does not
preclude the existence of a cultural place. A tribe may be the only source of information regarding
the existence of a cultural place.
If you receive notification of change of addresses and phone numbers from Tribes, please notify
me. With your assistance we are able to assure that our consultation list contains current information.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (916) 653-4038.
Si e ely,
De le Pilas-Treadway
Envir nmental Specialist III
12/14/2005 16:51 FAX 916 657 5390 NAHC
California Tribal Consultation List
City of Saratoga
December 14, 2005
4nah MutsunTribal Band
Valentin Lopez, Chairperson
3015 Eastern Ave, #40 Ohlone/Costanoan
Sacramento , CA 95821
(916) 481-5785
/kmah/MutsunTribal Band
Irene Zwierlein, Chairperson
789 Canada Road
Woodside , CA 94062
amah mutsun@yahoo.com
(650) -851-7747 - Home
Ohlone/Costanoan
Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan
Ann Marie Sayers, Chairperson
P.O. Box 28 Ohlone/Costanoan
Hollister , CA 95024
Muwekma Indian Tribe
Rosemary Cambra, Chairperson
PO Box 360791 Ohlone/Costanoan
Milpitas , CA 95036
Q002/002
:rtt, 64A.
cac447 ,g0.3)&,,t61.%
"r04"--4,
ks•--5,e OA).
This list Is current only as of the date of this document
Distribution of this list does not relieve any person of statutory responsibility as defined In Section 7050.5 of the Health and
Safety Code, Section 5097.94 of the Public Resources Code and Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code.
This list Is applicable only for consultation with Native American tribes under Government Code Section 65352.3.
12/14/2005 16:51 FAX 916 657 5390 NAHC 1001/002
tATEpFCLIrflRNIA
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
MS CAPITOL MALL, ROOM 364
SACRAMENTO, CA 96814
(916) 653-4082
Fax (916) 6.57-5390
Theresa Schmidt
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Sent Via Fax:
# of Pages: 2
408-867-8555
December 14, 2005
RE: General Plan Update, City of Saratoga
Dear Mr. Schmidt:
Government Code §65352.3 requires local governments to consult with California Native
American tribes identified by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) for the purpose of
protecting, and/or mitigating impacts to cultural places. Attached is a consultation list of tribes with
traditional lands or cultural places located within the requested General Plan boundaries.
Asa part of consultation, the NAHC recommends that local governments conduct record searches
through the NAHC and California Historic Resources Information System (CHRIS) to determine if any
cultural places are located within the area(s) affected by the proposed action. NAHC Sacred Lands
File requests must be made in writing. AH requests must include: county, USGS quad map name,
township, range and section. Local governments should be aware, however, that records maintained
by the NAHC and CHRIS are not exhaustive, and a negative response to these searches does not
preclude the existence of a cultural place_ A tribe may be the only source of information regarding
the existence of a cultural place.
If you receive notification of change of addresses and phone numbers from Tribes, please notify
me. With your assistance we are able to assure that our consultation list contains current information.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (916) 653-4038.
Si reIy,
De
Envir
ie PilaS-Treadway
nrnental Specialist III
City of Saratoga
Community Development Depa,tment
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
PUBLIC NOTICE AND NOTICE OF INTENT
TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION
PROJECT TITLE: Draft Land Use and Open Space/Conservation Elements
of the Saratoga General Plan
PROJECT LOCATION: City-wide applicability
PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Saratoga
PROJECT CONTACT PERSON: Therese Schmidt, AICP
ADDRESS: Community Development Department
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
TELEPHONE: 408-868-1230
PUBLIC HEARING: September 27, 2006 (Study Session)
October 11, 2006 (Planning Commission Hearing
PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: August 25 — September 25, 2006
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project includes an update of the City's Land Use and Open
Space/Conservation Elements of the Saratoga General Plan. These Elements establish City goals and
policies related to the location, type, density and intensity of development in the City as well as the
location of trails, open space and natural resource areas.
NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance
has been prepared for the project. The Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration certify
that the City of Saratoga has determined that no significant environmental impacts are anticipated to be
associated with the project. Copies of the Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and
project plans are available for review at the City of Saratoga Community Development Department,
13777 Fruitvale Avenue. You may also call the phone number listed above if you have any questions, or
to request a copy of the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. The 30 -day public review period
ends at the end of the day September 25, 2006. All written comments must be received by this time and
should be sent to: Community Development Department, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070;
Attn. Therese Schmidt; or faxed to: (408) 867-8555.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN THAT a Planning Commission Study Session will be schedule on
September 27, 2006, and a public hearing to consider the Negative Declaration and the project will be
scheduled for the October 11, 2006. All interested parties are encouraged to attend and be heard. When
the meeting date has been set, the City of Saratoga will send out an announcement to property owners
within 500 feet of the subject site and will post it on its Web site. To confirm the meeting date and time
please visit the City's Web site or call (408) 868-1230.
EXHIBIT C
City of Saratoga
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
Draft Land use and Open Space Conservation Elements
Corrections and Modifications
November 30, 2006
The following changes and modifications are hereby made and incorporated by reference into the
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration document that was released by the City of Saratoga
on August 25, 2006
1) Project Description.
a) The listing of Goals for the two proposed Elements identified in the Initial Study are
superseded by Goals that may be modified by the City Council as recommended by the
Planning Commission.
b) Table 1. The final list of General Plan categories may be modified by the City Council.
c) Table 1. The proposal to redesignate the approximate 9.7 -acre site at 13025 Saratoga
Avenue (the Abrams property) from the PA designation to the CR land use designation is
no longer a part of the proposed project and all references to this action are hereby
deleted from this application by reference. This includes amended Exhibit 8 as attached
to this document.
d) Exhibit 6 is hereby amended to include additional properties that are proposed to be
redesignated from QPF, PF and CR to CFS in downtown area. (See attached amended
Exhibit 6). Six parcels added to this exhibit for redesignation to CFS are currently
designated CR but are developed and/or utilized as public/quasi-public uses. Therefore,
no significant impacts are anticipated with this change.
e) Exhibit 6. The name of "Lomas" is hereby changed to "Lomita." (See attached amended
Exhibit 6).
2) Section IV. Environmental Checklist. All references made in this section to "strategies" are
hereby changed to "policies." The final number and wording of goals and policies are subject
to modification by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission.
3) Section IV, Environmental Checklist, Item 15, Traffic and Transportation. The discussion
regarding the proposed redesignation of the Abrams property in this section is hereby deleted
by reference and included by reference into the initial Study.
EXHIBIT D
fa'
•
•
Land Use Map Amendments
Exhibit 6
QPF to CFS
PF to CFS
RL:[) to RVLD
CR to CFS
CR to OS -MR
Page 18
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Revised November 29, 2006
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Land Use Map Amendments
Exhibit 8
QPF to CFS
QPF to RM 10
PUC to SR85
PDM to PA
MUPD to RM10
Page 20
Initial Study
City of Saratoga
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Elements
August 2006
Revised November 29, 2006