HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Agenda Packet 03062007 Study Session Attachment 5Attachment 5
DRAFT
OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION
ELEMENT
To the reader:
The enclosed document includes existing and proposed text, shown as follows:
Normal text = Language contained in existing Element that is proposed to be
incorporated in Update.
Strikethrough text - Existing Element text to be removed
Underlined normal text = Proposed new text (as included in August 25, 2006 Draft)
Bold/underlined text = New text as proposed to address Planning Commission
direction given during public hearing and study sessions.
AS REVISED BY PLANNING COMMISSION:
JANUARY 24, 2007
PREPARED BY:
DEBORAH UNGO-MCCORMICK
UNGO-MCCORMICK CONSULTING
JERRY HAAG, URBAN PLANNER
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Open Space/
Conservation Element
EXISTING OPEN SPACE RESOURCES 4
RESOURCE AREAS 17
OPEN SPACE/RESOURCE PLAN 26
IMPLEMENTING THE OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT 27
GOALS, POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS 28
LIST OF EXHIBITS
OSC-1 Parks and Open Space Resources 13
OSC-2 Existing and Proposed Trails 16
OSC-3 Flooding Potential 19
OSC-4 Hazardous Fire Areas 20
OSC-5 Watershed and Open Space Resources 22
Saratoga General Plan i Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006
August 25, 2006
INTRODUCTION
California cities and counties are required to
adopt and maintain both Open Space and
Conservation Elements as comprehensive parts
of their General Plan. The Elements are required
to identify existing open space and natural
resources within a community and set forth
goals and Policies for the protection and preser-
vation of these resources. Such resources include
public and private open space, sensitive biologi-
cal resources, flood hazards, agricultural lands,
hillsides and others. As provided for in Govern-
ment Code Section 65301, the General Plan may
be adopted in any format deemed appropriate or
convenient by the legislative body, including the
combining of elements. For purposes of stream-
lining and combining the discussion of related
issues, the City is combining the Open Space
and Conservation Elements into a single
functional element. The content of this single
Element fulfills the requirements established in
State law for both Open Space and Conservation
Elements.
The City of Saratoga adopted its Open Space
Element on August 7, 1974, in conjunction with
the 1974 General Plan. This Element was last
updated in 1993.
The Conservation Element was adopted in 1983.
The City's connection to the land and to the
natural environment has a lengthy history. The
City was founded and based on the lumber and
wood product industry, later evolving as an
agriculture, resort and artist center, all well tied
to and based on the resources and the beauty of
the natural environment. In the latter part of the
last century Saratoga became a single-family
residential community. The City has been able
to retain its identity and uniqueness by control-
ling the density and intensity of development,
and by preserving the greenery of private and
public gardens and yards, parks and hillside
open spaces.
Saratoga General Plan
Open Space/
Conservation Element
However, the continuing and rapid urban
growth in the Bay Area affects Saratoga as
well. The City's valley floor and foothills are
dominated by development. Very few orchards
and minimal agricultural lands have survived
as reminders of the City's past. Due to the
limited land available in the valley, develop-
ment has been slowly encroaching into the
hillsides and endangering this last remaining
natural resource.
The City is facing continuous development
pressures. The reality of increasing demands
for housing and rising land values requires the
City to reaffirm and clearly state its goals and
policies regarding its open space and natural
resources, and decide on the role of these
resources in determining the character and
quality of life for the community in the future.
The City of Saratoga has recently confirmed
the community's appreciation and desire to
preserve and enhance the City's existing ru-
ral/semi-rural character and open spaces in
and around the City, through a community
survey conducted in November/December
2005. As a follow up to this survey, the City
Council decided to update and combine the
Open Space and Conservation Elements, as
needed, to reflect community goals, to make
them internally consistent with other elements
of the General Plan and to meet requirements
of current state law. In 1970, the State Legis
lature added Open Space to the list of manda
recognize that open space land is a limited and
valuable resource, which must be conserved
wherever possible. Every local jurisdiction is
required to prepare and carry out an Open
Space Plan which, along, with State and re
gional Open S-paee Plans, will achieve a com
prehensive program to preserve and enhance
open space.
Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
The City of Saratoga adopted its Open Space
with the 1971 General Plan. The Element was
last updated in 1981.
The City's connection to the land and to the
natural environment has a lengthy history. The
City was founded and based on the lumbering
and—wood product industry, later evolving as
an agriculture, resort and artist center, all well
beauty of the natural environment. In the latter
part of this century. Saratoga became a single
family, residential community. The City has
been able to retain its identity and uniqueness
by controlling the density and intensity of
development, and by preserving the greenery
of private and public gardens and yards, parks
and hillside open spaces.
However, the continuing and rapid urban
growth in the Bay Area affects Saratoga as
well. The City's valley floor and foothills are
dominated by development. Very few orchards
and minimal agricultural lands have survived
as reminders of the City's past. Due to the
limited land available in the valley, develop
hillsides and endangering this last remaining
natural resource.
The City is facing continuous development
pressures. The reality of increasing demands
for housing and rising land values requires the
City to reaffirm and, clearly state its goals and
policies regarding its open space, and decide
on—the character and quality of life for the
community in the future.
The City of Saratoga has recently confirmed
the community's appreciation and desire to
preserve and enhance the City's existing char
acter and open spaces in and around the City,
through a community survey. As a follow up to
amine the City's open space policies and to
revise and update the Open Space Element to
reflect the current community needs.
An Open Space Task Force was formed by the
City in October 1990, to study open space
conservation issues, formulate preservation
policies and suggest implementation programs
to accomplish and carry out the City's goals
sources.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
(This Section shall be updated upon approval
of the Element to include a summary of
public participation process for the 2006
Open Space/Conservation Element Update.)
During February and March 1990, the City
conducted an open space assessment survey of
survey was to identify the community's current
and future open space needs and assess resi
dents' interest and willingness to pay for the
acquisition and preservation of open space and
parkland.
The survey results indicated strong community
support for the preservation and acquisition of
open space and parkland. These results con
firm a long term commitment and desire of
Saratoga's community to preserve the natural
beauty and the quality of life which character
ize Saratoga.
Following the survey, the City Council ap
pointed an Open Space Task Force consisting
of five residents representing different geo
graphic areas of the City, four representatives
of the Planning, Heritage Preservation, Parks
and Recreation Commissions and the Finance
Committee, and the Mayor. The Task Force
studied the open space issues and formulated
policies and implementation programs for
preservation, protection and acquisition of open
spaces. The policies and programs suggested by
the Task force are incorporated into this Open
Space Element..
Saratoga General Plan 2 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
public hearings were held by the Planning
additional public review and comment.
OPEN SPACE DEFINED
The definition of open space varies in different
communities and may often change, as it is
highly subjective. The residents of Saratoga,
perceive open space as a combination of many
elements.
The State of California requires each local
government to have an open space plan.*
Government Code Section 65560(b)1 defines
open space as "any parcel or area of land or
water which is essentially unimproved and
devoted to an open space use and which is
designated on a local, retional or state open
limited to, the following:
• Open space for the preservation of natural
resources, including, but not limited to,
the preservation of plants and animal life,
habitat' of fish and wildlife species, areas
'required for ecologic and other scientific
study purposes, water courses, riparian
corridors, watershed lands and utility
easements.
•. .
duction of resources, including but not'
limited to, forest land, rangeland, vine
eas of economic importance for the pro
duction of food or fiber, areas required for
the recharge of groundwater, streams, and
areas containing major. mineral deposits.
• Open space for outdoor recreation, in
eluding but not limit , : • , -
tion areas, areas of outstanding scenic,
historic or cultural value, areas particu
larly suited for park and recreational pur
poses, access to water courses and areas
which serve to link major recreation and
open space, utility easements, trails and
scenic roadways
including but not limited to areas which
require special management or regulations
because of hazardous or special condition
such as earthquake fault zones, unstable
soil areas, flood plains, watersheds, areas
presenting high fire risks, areas required
water reservoirs and areas required for
protection and enhancement of air quality.
• Open space for preservation of scenic
view sheds, including but, not limited to,
areas of natural scenic views, ridgelines,
hillsides, valleys, areas with natural vege
tation, orchards and roadway, scenery.
a diversity of open space lands which fall into
each of these categories. A majority of the open
space consists of hillsides and mountains in the
southern and, western areas of the City and .
Most of this land is undeveloped and undis
turbed. . Small neighborhood parks and school
sites within the City limits, serve the commu
the valley floor and in the foothill areas.
Saratoga Planning Area:
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. A full descrip-
tion of its regional setting and planning area
boundaries is contained in the Land Use Element
(See Exhibits LU -1 and LU -2 of the Land Use
Element).
Saratoga General Plan 3 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
EXISTING OPEN SPACE RESOURCES
OPEN SPACE EVALUATION CRITERIA
to assist the City in evaluating parcels for open
space value. Such an evaluation does not imply
increased public access. It is intended to provide
land that are consistent with the goals of the
General Plan. Criteria for open space evaluation
include, but are not limited to, the following:
serving various purposes including:
1. Providing habitat and preserving
plant and animal life, including
habitats for fish and wildlife.
2. Serving ecological and other scien
tific studies and environmental edu
cation.3, Generating oxygen, pu
rifying air and water while not pro
ducing air pollutants.
4. Conserving water and soil.
5. Maintaining ecological balance.
6. Maintaining genetic diversity of
plants and wildlife species.
7. Protecting watershed and water re
sources to ensure water supply and
water quality.
Production of resources. Areas of economic
and areas required for recharge of ground water
basins, including:
1. Agricultural and grazing lands.
2. Areas containing major mineral de
posits.
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
3. Cultivated lands or orchards, vine
yards or tree farms.
i. Forest land.
5. Rangeland.
6. Marshes, rivers and streams for man
agement of commercial fisheries.
Outdoor recreation. Land providing room for a
variety of passive and active recreational
pursuits and offering important opportunities
for the fulfillment of human and psychological
needs, including:
1. Areas of outstanding scenic value.
2. Areas of historic and cultural value.
3. Accessible areas particularly suited
for parks and recreation purposes
such as hiking, riding, biking,
swimming, tennis, ball fields and
more.
4. Areas providing access to and links
between major recreation, cultural.
and open space reservations, in-
cluding trails, utility easements,
banks of rivers and streams and
scenic highway corridors.
5. Areas with inherent qualities that
humans find visually pleasing,
beautiful, relaxing, stimulating or
enjoyable.
(This language to be retained and used as
Park/Outdoor Recreation Policy)
which pose a hazard to the public in
eluding: 1. Slopes over 30 per
cent.
Saratoga General Plan
4 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
side of known fault zones.
3. Areas of geologic instability.
/I. 100 year flood plains.
5. Areas of high fire danger.
Community view sheds. Parcel
tribute to the perception of open space. Such
perception should not depend on parcel size.
SCENIC OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS
A scenic open space classification system is
- -
and evaluation of valuable scenic lands.
Viewscale. A three level scale has been
.tt: tt
ttt•
croscale, intermediate and macroscale.
Microscale Open Space Small, inti
mate open spaces are defined as mi
croscale open spaces. The observer
will experience views up to 300 feet.
The views and attention are focused
on details of forms, color, texture and
foreground objects.
Intermediate Scale Open Space Ar
eas ranging from 5 to 50 acres, identi
fed by the sense of openness in the
middle ground, with definite back
ground limit. (such as parks, or school
sites) are defined as intermediate open
along with the intermediate views.
Macroscale Open Space Lands of
extensive openncss, focused on grand
vistas, are defined as macroscale open
C •
example of macroscale open spaces.
Microscale and intermediate scale
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
open spaces might exist within the
macroscale views.
•• : : •
can also be classified by the leve
of man's imprint.
and intensity
Natural Environmental Views This
category includes topographic and geo
e: -
valleys, creeks and faults, landslides,
floodplains), and botanical features
(trees, native vegetation).
Landscaped Designed Views Housing
environs, roadways, trails, gardens and
school sites are examples of landscaped
designed views.
Manmade Unenhanced Views This
category includes manmade unenhanced
views such as utility easements.
OPEN SPACE LANDS INVENTORY
The City's existing open space lands are diverse
most of the open space in the hillside is charac
terized by undeveloped and undisturbed land,
the typical open spaces in the foothills and
• .*: .t't t' :6'1
open space inventory is described and catego
rized in this chapter.
includes parcels and easements dedicated as
private or public open space, parks or sce
nic/open space easements. Most of the dedicated
lands were acquired through subdivision
approvals. These lands are de
category includes over 250 acres of dedicated
agriculture sites of varying sizes, which are
protected and restricted to agricultural or open
space use only, as defined in the specific
Williamson Act contracts. These lands add not
only to the perception of open spaces within the
Saratoga General Plan
5 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
City, but
modern City and its agricultural past.
agricultural lands where the owners have
contract. In those cases the contract will expire
dance with the standards of the zoning district in
which the land is located.
City limits, there are several hundred acres of
agricultural land under the Williamson Act
contracts within the City's .
Private and Community open space land
open space use such as the Saratoga Country
Club and Madronia Cemetery. Private lands
use,
creeks within Saratoga are • .
diction of the Santa Clara Valley Water
District. A few portions are dedicated and
easements are important natural resources
which contribute to the beauty of Saratoga.
These sites typically are la
dentia] areas and contribute to the perception
of open space.
tion of open space in the neighborhoods in
sites consist of playgrounds,. many of which
are used by the community through joint use
two high schools and a community college.
The total school site land area is over 300
use.
Parks. Twelve City parks are located
throughout the City. The parks are at differ
ent levels of improvement. Most parks are
used for neighborhood recreational activi
ties. A number of these parks are used for
City wide activities. The total area of parks -
is over 70 acres. The City of Saratoga Park
and Trail Master Plan evaluates the condi
the neighborhood it serves.
ally characterized by large lots with large
yards which creates a sense of openness.
These lots typically include a small portion
occupied by structures and the remainin_
space is used as private backyard area and is
not usually open or accessible to the general
public.
Properties: This category consists of vacant
or partially vacant sites which are not desig
nated as open spaces, but have scenic or
density in accordance with the City's Gen
oral Plan and Zoning Ordinances.
The undeveloped hillsides within the City
number of large, vacant or partially devel
oped hillside sites still exist. within the City
Saratoga General Plan
6 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
limits. Most of the undeveloped hillsides lie
outside the City limits, a portion of which is
included within its .
Regional Parks. Three major regional parks
exist within or partially within the City's and
parks are Montalvo Arboretum, Stevens
Creek Park and Sanborn County Park. These
parks have a total of 1830 acres.
Montalvo Arboretum includes 175 acres
of woodland in the hills straddling the
f; out hern boundary of the City. The ma
jority of this open space is located within
the County. The land is operated in trust
" • .
leased to the County on a long term ba
- -
recreational open space. The Villa,
which provides cultural activities_ and
programs, is owned and operated by the
Montalvo Association.. The park
maintained by the County with Federal
assistance.
Stevens Creek Park is a multiple purpose
park in. Cupertino's . It is accessible to
- - • . •
road. The park contains
'655 acres.
Sanborn County Park is a part of a larger
regional Skyline Park. The Skyline Park
contains 1,000 acres and extends from
Sanborn Park to Skyline Boulevard. It is
one of a series of multiple purpose rec
reation areas which complement Castle
Rock State Park and create an undis
turbed corridor along the scenic moun
tain highway.
MROSD OPEN SPACE LANDS
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
(MROSD) is a governmental agency dedi
over 320 acres within Saratoga's .
The City's open space lands include open
spaces which were dedicated as private or
public open spaces. Other lands also serve as
open space under their current use, but change
of. use may result in loss of these_ open
spaces. This section will focus on the preser
vation of existing open space and the antici
pated need for additional dedicated open
space and parkland.
Land Under Williamson Act Contract. The
cxisting Williamson Act Contracts within
Saratoga may expire in the near future, thus
increasing the potential and pressure for devel
opment on these parcels.
properties are currently designated for use
under the residential zoning category. Potential
exists for more intensive development of the
property in the future. For example, a portion
of the Saratoga Country Club property is
currently zoned Hillside Residential (HR).
Under the current zoning, the property could
be developed with single family homes.
School Sites. The 1990 U.S. Census indicates
that Saratoga is experiencing 'a continuing
aging of its population, with a reduction in the
student population. This change in population
may lead, to the closure of some existing
schools. The_ City has thc right under the
Naylor Act to purchase portions of this property
at below market prices.. The City should be
alert and prepared to acquire those sites when
opportunities and funds, become available.
Large Lots and Private Yards. Much of
Saratoga is developed in low density, single
Saratoga General Plan 7 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
family neighborhoods. Past city policies have
relied on this land use to provide necessary
open space to the exclusion of acquiring public
and pockets of dedicated open spaces.
These hills, and further away, the mountains,
are valuable scenic open spaces which balance
of these unspoiled open spaces with their
scenic views and undisturbed wildlife habitat
and native plants, as a permanent greenbelt
tion efforts of the City's rural character and
well being; Insensitive developments endanger
this last valuable natural resource. The preser
vation of ecological balance is essential for a
better quality of life in the future.
Parks. Although the City parks are located
throughout the City, there are areas of the City
space. Higher density. neighborhoods are
particularly sensitive to the absence of open
space. Development in the past, has been
open space dedications. It is important that,
provided on a neighborhood basis in reason
able proportion to the population in the area.
Trail System. There are a number of issue:,
related to the City's equestrian and pedestrian
trail systems. Dedicated trail easements which
connected by trails for pedestrian use.
(The following is currently found in Open Space
Element as under "Open Space Defined).
The State of California's Planning Law defines
open space as any parcel or area of land or
water which is essentially unimproved and
devoted to an open space use and which is
designated on a local, regional or state open
space plan. (Government Code Section 65560.)
Of particular relevance to Saratoga, the Plan-
ning Law states that open space includes, but is
not limited to, the following:
Open space for the preservation of natural
resources, including, but not limited to,
parks, recreation areas, areas required for
the preservation of plants and animal life,
habitat of fish and wildlife species, areas
required for ecologic and other scientific
study purposes, water courses, riparian
corridors, watershed lands and utility
easements.
Open space used for the managed produc-
tion of resources, including but not limited
to, forest land, rangeland, vineyards, pas-
tures, agricultural lands, and areas of eco-
nomic importance for the production of
food or fiber, areas required for the re-
charge of groundwater, streams, and areas
containing major mineral deposits.
Open space for outdoor recreation, in-
cluding but not limited to, parks, recrea-
tion areas, areas of outstanding scenic,
historic or cultural value, areas particu-
larly suited for park and recreational pur-
poses, access to water courses and areas
which serve to link major recreation and
open space areas, utility easements, trails
and scenic roadways.
Open space for public health and safety,
including but not limited to areas which
require special management or regulations
because of hazardous or special condition
such as earthquake fault zones, unstable
soil areas, flood plains, watersheds, areas
presenting high fire risks, areas required
for the protection of water quality and
Saratoga General Plan 8 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
water reservoirs and areas required for
protection and enhancement of air quality.
• Open space for preservation of scenic
viewsheds, including but, not limited to,
areas of natural scenic views, ridgelines,
hillsides, valleys, areas with natural vege-
tation, orchards and roadway, scenery.
Within the City of Saratoga Planning Area,
there exists a diversity of open space lands
which fall into each of the above -stated catego-
ries. A majority of the open space consists of
hillsides and mountains in the southern and
western areas of the City and Sphere of Influ-
ence. Most of this land is undeveloped and
undisturbed. Small neighborhood parks and
school sites serve the community. These parks
in the foothill areas.
The City's existing open space lands are diverse
in scale, use and level of improvement. While
most of the open space in the hillside is charac-
terized by undeveloped and undisturbed land,
the typical open spaces in the foothills and
valley floor are landscaped and designed. The
open space inventory is described and catego-
rized in this Element, as follows:
(The following section is found in the Open
Space Element under "Open Space Land Use
Inventory)
Dedicated Open Space Lands
This category includes parcels and easements
dedicated as private or public open space, parks
or scenic/open space easements. Most of the
dedicated lands were acquired through subdivi-
sion approvals. These lands are designated as
open space and are considered protected as such.
This category includes over 250 acres of
dedicated open spaces and easements.
Williamson Act Contracts
In the City there are a number of agriculture
sites of varying sizes, which are protected and
restricted to agricultural or open space use only,
as defined in the specific Williamson Act
contracts. These lands add not only to the
perception of open space within the City, but
also serve as a vital link between the modern
City and its agricultural past.
Land area of agricultural lands currently under
Williamson Act contracts total 24-6 109 acres.
This figure includes approximately 100 acres of
requested non renewal of the Williamson Act
contract. In those cases contract expire ten years
from the non renewal request date. The mini-
mum term for a contract is 10 years. However,
some jurisdictions exercise the option of making
the term longer, up to twenty years. Contracts
renew automatically every year unless non -
renewed. Upon request of non -renewal, con-
tracts will expire 9 years from the anniversary
date following the giving of a timely notice of
non -renewal (See Government Code Sections
51244 & 5). At that time, the land may be
developed in accordance with the standards of
the zoning district in which the land is located.
In addition to the agricultural land within the
City limits, there are several hundred acres of
agricultural land under the Williamson Act
contracts within the City's Sphere of Influence.
Private and Community Open Spaces.
Private and Community open space land
includes private properties with established open
space use such as the Saratoga Country Club,
Madronia Cemetery and Villa Montalvo. The
Madronia Cemetery is maintained by a Ceme-
tery District. Private lands such as Villa Mon-
talvo, is operated in trust by the Montalvo
Association and is leased to the County on a
long-term basis for public use.
Saratoga General Plan 9 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Flood Easeinents
Flood easements along creeks within Saratoga
that preclude development, are under the
jurisdiction of the Santa Clara Valley Water
District. A few portions are dedicated and
owned by the District but large portions are still
privately owned. The creeks and flood ease-
ments are important natural resources which
contribute to the beauty of Saratoga.
School Sites
Saratoga is generally served by four elementary
school districts, three high school districts and
two community college districts. Only one of the
elementary school districts. Saratoga Union
School District, is located entirely within the
city. All other elementary school districts
overlay other cities. The schools and community
college located within the City limits are listed
below:
Saratoga Union School District
• Argonaut School
• Foothill School
• Saratoga School
• Redwood Middle School
Cupertino Union School District (serves northern
Saratoga)
• Blue Hills School
• Christa McAuliffe School
• Marshall Lane School
Los Gatos -Saratoga High School District
• Saratoga High School
West Valley College
Currently, in addition to the public schools
listed above, there are three private elementary
(K-8) schools, and several nursery schools and
daycare centers serving the Saratoga commu-
nity. The total school site land area that serves
the Saratoga residents is over 300 acres; over
100 acres of these areas are already devoted to
open space and recreation use. School sites
contribute to the sense of open space in the
neighborhoods in which they are located. In
addition, many school sites include playgrounds
and playfields, many some of which are used by
the community through joint use agreements
with the Saratoga Union School school districts.
City Parks
The City controls approximately 87 acres of
parkland, of which 63 acres have been improved
for park purposes. City parks are generally well -
distributed throughout the community. Existing
parks are described below, and include a mix of
neighborhood, citywide and specialty parks.
• Azule Park includes 4.3 acres of city -owned land
located at 12777 Goleta Avenue. Improvements
include 2 playgrounds, one for 2-5 years olds
and one for 6-12 year olds, one tennis court, 2
horseshoe pits, 4 barbecue areas, 2 drinking
fountains, several park benches and picnic tables,
perimeter pathway with 4 par course stations,
grass turf area, security lighting and connection
to the VTA crossing point over Hwy. 85.
• Beauchamps Park contains 2.0 acres and facing
east on Beauchamps Lane between Crayside land
and Bowhill Court. Improvements include chil-
dren's play areas for 2-5 and 6-12 age appropri-
ate equipment, 1 basketball hoop, 1 tennis court,
1 picnic table, pedestrian pathway, security
lighting and an open turf area.
• Bellgrove Park is a linear -a-2 acre park that
parallels State Route 85 and contains a children's
play area and picnic tables.
• Brookglen Park contains 0.7 acres of land at
12734 Brookglen Court. Improvements include a
children's playground, half -court basketball
court, night lighting, climbing equipment, picnic
tables and an open turf area.
• Central Park or Heritage Orchard, located near
the Civic Center, is bounded on the north by
Saratoga Avenue, on the south by Wildcat Creek
and the Civic Center, and on the east by Fruit -
vale Avenue. It is a 17 -acre site that contains a
Saratoga General Plan 10 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
14 -acre orchard, the community library and the
library parking lot.
• Congress Springs Park, located at 12970 Glen
Brae Drive, contains 9.97 acres of land and is
improved with 7 soccer fields, 6 baseball dia
monde multi -use fields, 2-5 and 6-12 year old
children's play areas with age-appropriate play
equipment, picnic tables and barbecue, an open
turf practice field, concession stand, 2 restrooms,
2 drinking fountains, pedestrian path, benches
and an off-street parking area.
• El Quito Park is located at 12855 Paseo Presada.
This park contains 6.3 acres of land and has been
developed with a picnic area with barbeques, a
children's play area, a community garden, vol-
leyball courts, ball/soccer fields, horseshoe pits
and a fitness course. This park includes night
lighting.
• Foothill Park contains a total of 3 acres of land
(0.9 acres owned by the City and 2.1 acres of
land owned by the school district), It fronts on
Seaton Avenue, and facing north and south of
the park is Foothill School. The City -owned por-
tion includes benches and turf area.
• Gardiner Park, at 19085 Portos Drive, includes
two children's playground areas, for 2-5 and 6-
12 year-olds, benches and picnic tables, a drink-
ing fountain, an open turf area and a pedestrian
pathway on 2.1 acres of land.
• Hakone Gardens is a specialty park operated by
a non-profit organization and consists of
15.5 acres of land located at 21000 Big Basin
Way. It contains a picnic area, hillside and high
trails, a bamboo park and water -strolling gar-
dens, a Cultural Exchange Center, tea ceremo-
nies, foundation offices, food service, restrooms
and off-street parking. The park is one of 12 sites
designated by the National Trust as part of the
Trust's Save America's Treasures program. It is
available for weddings and special events.
• Historical Park, includes .5 acre of park located
at 20460 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road. It is the ite
of three of Saratoga's historic buildings: the
Historical Heritage Museum, Saratoga's first
library building (circa 1927), and the McWil-
liams House that was built in 1865 by the town's
blacksmith. The site also contains a eucalyptus
tree grove, off-street parking and security light-
ing.
• Kevin Moran Park includes 10.3 acres, of which
4 acres are developed, and is located at 12415
Scully Avenue. Improvements include picnic
tables, benches, a drinking fountain, a basketball
hoop, a perimeter pathway with 4 par course
stations, a grass turf area, security lighting and a
connection to a VTA crossing point over Hwy.
85.
• Pollard and Quito property. At the northeast
corner of Quito Road and Pollard Road is a .6
acre open space parcel that contains an t im-
proved path.
• Ravenwood Park is located at 13830 Ravenwood
Drive, across from Raven Court and includes a
small tot playground area and benches on 0.45
acres.
• San Marcos Wilderness Park includes 10 acres
of land between Sobey Road and Fruitvale Ave-
nue at Crisp Avenue. This is a natural open space
area with a trail that goes through it.
• Springhill Court property includes a 0.2 acre
parcel at the end of Springhill Court that was
dedicated to the city as park land as part of the
development of the adjacent subdivision. The
parcel is in its natural state with no improve-
ments.
• Wildwood Park is a 4.1 acre park located at
20764 Fourth Street that includes 2-5 and 6-12
year old children's play area with age appropri-
ate play equipment, a volleyball area, horseshoe
pits, bike paths, stage and amphitheatre, barbe-
Saratoga General Plan 11 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
cues, drinking fountains, a grass turf area, a pe-
destrian pathway and security lighting.
In addition to City parks, there are several
regional parks that, while not owned by the City
of Saratoga, are located partially or wholly
within its Sphere of Influence and/or immedi-
ately adjacent to its boundaries, and thus provide
an additional source of parklands for the
community. These parks include Villa Mon-
talvo, Stevens Creek Park, Sanborn Skyline
County Park and Fremont Older. (See discussion
under Regional Parks).
Exhibit OSC 1 shows the location of existing
Parks and Open Space Resources within or
adjacent to the Saratoga Planning Area.
Saratoga General Plan 12 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
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Exhibit OSC-1
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE RESOURCES
---- City Limit
Sphere of Influence
Parks 1 OS within Sphere of Influence
Parks / OS outside Sphere of Influence
o Ittfik.
Saratoga General Plan
13 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Large Residential Lots
Saratoga is generally characterized by large lots
penness. These lots typically include a small
portion occupied by structures and the remaining
land is visually open. Much of this open space is
open or accessible to the general public.
Vacant Undeveloped or Underdeveloped
Properties
This category consists of vacant or partially
vacant sites which are not designated as open
spaces. These sites have the potential to be
the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinances.
The undeveloped hillsides within the City and its
are included within this category. A number of
a portion of which is included within its .
Regional Parks and Open Spaces.
Three major regional parks exist within, or
partially within, the City's Planning Area and are
accessible to Saratoga residents. The three parks
are Montalvo Arboretum, Stevens Creek Park
and Sanborn County Park. These parks total of
1,830 acres.
Montalvo Arboretum includes 175 acres of
woodland in the hills straddling the south-
ern boundary of the City. The majority of
this open space is located within the
County unincorporated area, but is par-
tially located within the City of Saratoga
and is ' • - - entirely within the
City's Sphere of Influence. The land is op-
erated in trust by the Montalvo Association
and is leased to the County on a long term
basis. The site contains the Arboretum and
recreational open space. The Villa, which
provides cultural and music activities and
programs, is owned and operated by the
Montalvo Association. The park is main-
tained by the County with Federal assis-
tance.
Upper Stevens Creek Park is a multiple
purpose park in Cupertino's Sphere of In-
fluence. It is accessible to Saratoga resi-
dents by trail and scenic road. The park
contains 655 acres including a 92 -acre,
non -power boating reservoir popular with
fisherman and boaters, picnic areas, over 6
miles of single track and multi -use trails
which connect with the Mid -Peninsula
Open Space Fremont Older Preserve, and a
28 station roving archery course and range
which is open to the public.
Sanborn County Park is a part of a larger
regional Skyline Park. The Skyline Park
contains 1,000 acres and extends from
Sanborn Park to Skyline Boulevard. It is
one of a series of multiple -purpose recrea-
tion areas and trails which complement
Castle Rock State Park and create an un-
disturbed corridor along the scenic moun-
tain highway. These trails are part of an
even more extensive trail system that links
the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys
with Castle Rock State Park, Big Basin
Redwoods State Park, and the Pacific
Coast.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
lands
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
(MROSD) is a governmental agency dedicated
to the acquisition and protection of open space
lands. The MROSD holdings include over 320
acres within Saratoga's Planning Area. Among
them is Fremont Older Open Space, a 739 -acre
preserve located on the urban fringe and ex-
tending to Upper Stevens Creek Park to the
Saratoga General Plan 14 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
north and west. This open space resource offers
a variety of experiences to hikers, bicyclists,
and equestrians.
Trails
Over the years, the City has encouraged the
dedication of a comprehensive and intercon-
nected system of multi -use trails in the com-
munity that link to the regional, county -wide
trail system as well. The trails allow a range of
bicycle riding, hiking, walking, jogging and
equestrian uses as well as an alternative to
motorized transport. Development of the trail
system in Saratoga is guided by the 1974
Trails Master Plan that was updated and
adopted by the City in 1991 as part of the
Parks and Trails Master Plan. This plan was
coordinated to complement the existing
County Trails and Pathways Master Plan. The
City has approximately 29 linear miles of
existing and dedicated trails. In addition, there
are approximately 12 linear miles of proposed
trails.
Exhibit OSC-2 shows the location of existing
and proposed trails within Saratoga as shown
on the City's Existing and Proposed Trails
Map.
Open Space Linkages
The City's existing open spaces and parkland
are currently spread throughout the valley
areas and the hillsides. However, the continu-
ity of open spaces and connections through
trail systems are important in order to enhance
the scenic value, provide public access, main-
tain existing wildlife pathways and ensure the.
enjoyment of the open space system. Espe-
cially important is the connection of public
facilities and parkland through a multi -use trail
system.
An example of these linkages is the Parker
Ranch Loop, a segment of trail that connects -
Saratoga to the Fremont Older Open Space and
which has a common boundary with Upper
Stevens Creek Park's eastern boundary. The
City is planning a trail that would link Saratoga
trails to the County trail coming out of Stevens
Creek County Park into the Mount Eden
Valley. Similarly, the City is helping plan the
Saratoga -to -the -Sea Trail which envisions a
trailhead near Hakone Gardens that would
connect Saratoga to Sanborn County Park and
then to the Skyline -to -the -Sea Trail. a hike that
begins at the Saratoga Gap on the crest of the
Santa Cruz Mountains. The Skyline—to—the-Sea
trail winds through redwood forests into Castle
Rock State Park and down into Big Basin State
Park. The trail terminates 34 miles from the
mountain ridge on Waddell State Beach on the
Pacific Ocean. The trail would connect through
a 65 -acre former quarry owned by the Santa
Clara County Roads and Airports Department,
which is on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz
Mountains between Saratoga and Sanborn
County Park. The Santa Clara County Roads
and Airports Department and the City of
Saratoga will work together to enter into a joint
use agreement once the County determines
feasibility of developing a trail through the
abandoned quarry.
Military Facilities
Section 65560 (b) of the California Government
Code requires Open Space Elements to address
"open space in support of the mission of military
installations, that comprises areas adjacent to
military installations, military training routes
and underlying restricted airspace that can
provide additional buffer zones to military
activities and complement the resource values of
the military lands." No such military lands exist
within or adjacent to the City of Saratoga.
Saratoga General Plan 15 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
•
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
CITY OF SARATOGA
EXISTING AND
PROPOSED TRAILS
DRAFT FOR REVIEW
E'Y TR 4 ILS COM MITTEE
LEGEND
Existing City Trails
• Proposed Cif,/ Trails
swim Other Existing Public Trails
mi., Other Proposed Public Traft
warm City Limits
mil Sphere of Influence
.rm Arterials
Other Park Resources
Public Schoo6,
lk
Ct—'5 n.3
AugirA 1, 2006
Saratoga General Plan
16 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
RESOURCE AREAS
Undeveloped and Agricultural Lands
There are two basic land resources to conserve
in the Saratoga Planning Area - undeveloped and
agricultural lands. Approximately ninety percent
of the land in the City is developed. In addition
to the 900 acres of undeveloped land in the
incorporated City, there are approximately 700
acres in the Sphere of Influence that are essen-
tially vacant. Most of these lands are located in
hillside areas and are subject to significant
constraints such as steep slopes and unstable
soils
These hills, and further away, the mountains, are
valuable scenic open spaces which balance the
growing urbanized areas. The conservation of
these unspoiled open spaces with their scenic
views and undisturbed wildlife habitat and
native plants, as a permanent greenbelt around
the City, is essential for the preservation efforts
of the City's rural character and well-being;
Insensitive developments endanger this last
valuable natural resource. The preservation of
ecological balance is essential for a better
quality of life in the future.
Agricultural uses in the City include more than
150 acres of land. Of this total, 109 acres have
been designated agricultural preserves under the
Williamson Act. The intent of this act is to avert
the premature development of agricultural lands
to non-agricultural uses through lowered
property taxes on contracted land. The act
permits a lower County tax assessment based on
agricultural use rather than development
potential. In defining agricultural uses as they
relate to Williamson Act lands, Government
Code Section 51205 further states that where the
term `agricultural use' is used, it shall also be
deemed to include recreational and open space
use.
Mineral Extraction
Mineral resources in the Saratoga vicinity are
limited primarily to sandstone and shale. While
there are several closed quarries within the
Saratoga Planning area, currently there are no
mines or quarries known to be operating in
Saratoga or its Sphere of Influence. Quarries
and reclamation plans for former quarries
are regulated by the State Mines and Re-
source Agency (SMARA). Reuse of former
quarry sites within the city limits is regulated
through the use permit, design review and
environmental review process.
Geologic Hazards
The land's capability to support development
varies greatly throughout Saratoga and its
Sphere of Influence. While many areas offer
pro ee less constrained development
sites, many others contain hazards such as soil
erosion, landslides, soil subsidence, and severe
earth shaking. Much of the Sphere of Influence,
in particular, is characterized by unstable soil
conditions made even more hazardous to
development by the steepness of the terrain.
The San Andreas Fault, which crosses through
Saratoga's Sphere of Influence, presents another
serious hazard to any development within the
fault zone. A major earthquake along the San
Andreas Fault is expected to occur in the next
several decades. In 1906 Santa Cruz Mountain
residents suffered losses resulting from ground
displacement, ground shaking, and landslides.
During smaller earthquakes the same phenom-
ena may occur, however with far less intensity
and to a far lesser extent.
The Safety and Seismic Safety Elements of the
General Plan and the Hillside Specific Plan more
specifically define the geologic hazards existing
in Saratoga and its Sphere of Influence.
Saratoga General Plan 17 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Flood Plain and Flood Protection
Saratoga is located in the North Central Flood
Zone of the Santa Clara County Water District.
Creeks in the City under District jurisdiction are
Calabazas, Rodeo, Saratoga, Wildcat, and San
Tomas. In general, flooding from these creeks
has been confined to the relatively narrow flood
plain directly adjacent to the creeks. Exhibit
OSC-3 shows the location and extent of the 100 -
year flood plain as identified by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In the past. however. homes have been con-
structed in these flood plains which may be
subject to severe damage. In January of 1982 a
severe storm affecting the entire peninsula
caused a significant amount of damage. More
recent flooding has occurred in the lower lying
areas of the City. Since 1982 several of the
City's creeks have been widened and deepened
to improve their water -carrying capacity.
The Water District's main activities in Saratoga
have been the routine maintenance of channels,
including silt removal, clearing of underbrush
and other debris, and erosion control.
Saratoga - -- - - - - any plans to discourages channelization of the
natural watercourses, arguing that flood control
systems should be developed that utilize natural
systems, and enhancement and restoration of
natural features that can diminish flood flows
and rates of flow. In response to this, the Water
District has suggested that adequate flood plains
be established which would include less land on
either side of the creek bed but would in some
cases require some dike or levee construction
paralleling its banks.
In mid -1974 the City passed a Resolution
authorizing citizens to purchase flood insurance
under the provision of the Federal Flood
Insurance Program Act. In addition to the
insurance, the City conditions subdivisions to
improve streams or drainage ways to prevent
flooding. The Water District is notified of any
proposed development that might impact a
Water District stream.
Development in Saratoga and its Sphere of
Influence will have the potential to intensify
runoff by adding more impervious surfaces,
increasing stormwater flows to the local and
regional flood control network. Continued
cooperation between the City and the Water
District will ensure the maintenance and
protection of the flood control network.
Fire Hazard Area
Portions of the hillside areas and certain other
areas of the City are considered high-risk fire
areas by the Saratoga Fire District and the
Central Santa Clara County Fire Protection
District, which are the two fire protection special
districts that provide fire suppression, fire
prevention and emergency response to the City
of Saratoga. The Fire Districts consider the
hillside portions of the Saratoga planning area to
be hazardous fire areas. In some instances,
dwellings are, or could be, located near dense
tree and brush areas with limited access for
emergency equipment and in places where
provision of a reliable and adequate water
supply may not be available.
A map of the Fire Hazard areas is shown at
Exhibit OSC-4.
The Fire Districts and Saratoga Building
Division continue to carefully review plans for
development in hazardous fire areas to ensure
that an adequate emergency response can be
achieved, that building sprinklers and effective
alarm systems are provided and that an adequate
water supply with appropriate water pressure is
available.
Saratoga General Plan 18 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
SOURCE: FE:MA, Flood InstaanER Rate Map. (Thy Siiirakiga., 3 july 1997.
_ „...
Exhibit OSC-3
FLOODING POTENTIAL
Sphere of influence
100 -year Flood Rain
(approx.)
nth?
Saratoga General Plan
19 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
SOURCE: County of Santa Clara. 2006.
Exhibit OSC-4
HAZARDOUS FIRE AREA
Sphere of Influence
Designated Hazardous Fire Area,
Early Warning Alarm System
0 U4 1/2
1 mile
Saratoga General Plan
20 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Water Supply
Domestic water is supplied to Saratoga pri-
marily by the San Jose Water Company, a
private company serving central Santa Clara
County, including the City of Saratoga. Two
small private water companies currently
supply water to portions of the city on
Bohlman Road. Water is available from three
sources: local groundwater, which is extracted
via a series of wells, local surface water,
primarily streams and runoff from local hill-
sides and imported water from Santa Clara
Valley Water District. Well and stream water is
purified at the San Jose Water Company
treatment plant in Los Gatos. The San Jose
Water Company does not supply water to areas
more than one lift (300 feet) above the City's
service system. Before more construction is
allowed in portions of the Sphere of Influence
or the western hillsides, additional water
source(s) and an economical water distribution
system must be identified that will allow a
reliable delivery of an adequate supply and
pressure of water for domestic and firefighting
purposes.
The San Jose Water Company updated its Urban
Water Management Plan (UWMP) in 2005.
Based on population projections made by the
Association of Bay Area Governments (an
annual 1.5% growth rate), the UWMP found that
the San Jose Water Company will have suffi-
cient capacity of local water available to serve
their service area until 2030. The UWMP found
that water shortages would occur in the event of
an extended, multi-year drought during this time
period, but methods are included in the UWMP
to ensure that adequate water service would
continue. These methods include additional
groundwater pumping, acquisition of additional
imported water and implementation of water
conservation techniques.
Watershed Protection Areas
Portions of the higher elevations of the Santa
Cruz Mountains within the City's Sphere of
Influence provide water runoff into local streams
and recharge wells that provide a portion of the
City's water supply. These areas should be
protected from significant urbanization in order
to maximize continued production of the local
water supply. (See Exhibit OSC — 5)
Water Quality
The City of Saratoga is a participating agency in
the County of Santa Clara Non -Point Source
Pollution Control Program. The purpose of this
program is to protect lakes, river, creeks,
streams and other bodies of water in compliance
with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Permit requirements. Under
this program local development projects, both
public and privately funded, must incorporate
Best Management Practices into each develop-
ment in order to protect water quality during
both construction and post -construction phases
of a project. Adherence to water quality stan-
dards for development proposals is the responsi-
bility of the City of Saratoga.
Saratoga General Plan 21 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
SOURCE: City of Saratoga, July 2006.
Exhibit OSC-5
WATERSHED RESOURCES
City Limit
Sphere of Influence
Watershed & Hillside
0 1/ 4 112 1 mile
1111Mi1111111.
Saratoga General Plan 22 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Plant and Wildlife Species
Saratoga and its Sphere of Influence are charac-
terized by a diverse array of wildlife and plant
species. The landscape varies on the foothill and
mountain slopes from dry chaparral to larger
woodland where stands of various oaks and
native species predominate. Common to this
area are the Live, Black, Valley, Blue, Tan Bark
and Scrub Oaks. Madrona, Buckeye and
California Bay Laurels. Strands of Douglas Fir
forest and some groves of Coast Redwoods are
found along many stretches of the Santa Clara
Valley side of the ridge.
The Montalvo Arboretum covers 175 acres of
woodland that extends up into the City's Sphere
of Influence. Within the park confines there are
almost two dozen identified plant species. The
Arboretum offers citizens and visitors the finest
opportunity available to view a comprehensive
collection of native plants in their natural
setting.
Since the Saratoga Planning Area contains two
discrete habitat types—the urbanized area and
hillside area, plant and wildlife species are
described accordingly below.
Urbanized Areas
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
used for landscaping purposes. Undeveloped
areas are typified by native grasses and ruderal
species.
The one special status bird species that may
still exist in the urbanized area is the burrow-
ing 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 the California tiger
salamander and red -legged frog. Both species
are listed as Threatened under the Federal
Endangered Species Act.
Hillside Area
The Santa Cruz Mountains harbor many spe-
cies of reptiles. amphibians, birds and mam-
mals. In addition to the more common varie-
ties. 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
be found in the hillside potion of the Saratoga
Planning Area, including coho salmon, steel -
head 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, Met-
calf Canyon jewelflower, fountain thistle and
San Mateo thorn -mint.
This list is based on secondary source material
prepared by both the California Department of
Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Open Space and Conservation Ele-
ment goals and Policies require site specific
surveys for sensitive biological species prior
to actual development.
At the present time, the only wildlife preserve
in the Saratoga area is the 175 -acre Montalvo
Arboretum which extends up into the City's
Sphere of Influence. The Arboretum is an
official Audubon Society sanctuary for birds;
over seventy-five varieties of birds have been
identified on the property, together with nu-
merous varieties of rare plants and insects.
The grounds of the Montalvo Arboretum are
Saratoga General Plan 23 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
maintained by the Santa Clara County Parks
Department.
Arbor Resources
The City of Saratoga owes much of its beauty to
the wooded hillsides and native and ornamental
trees found throughout its neighborhoods. The
City of Saratoga has also historically recognized
the importance of planting and preserving tree
resources as an invaluable asset to the commu-
nity in terms of increasing the natural scenic
qualities of Saratoga. promoting natural ventila-
tion, providing erosion and acoustic control and
increasing property values. The preservation of
such trees supports the health. safety and welfare
of the City residents by preserving scenic
beauty, preventing soil erosion, protecting
against landslides. counteracting air pollutants,
maintaining climactic balance and decreasing
the effects of wind velocity.
The Tree Protection Regulations: The City has
adopted, by reference, the 2001 version of the
International Society of Arborists Standards.
These standards, together with Saratoga's Tree
Regulations (contained in Article 15-50 of the
Saratoga Municipal Code), establish the basic
standards and recommendations for the protec-
tion and preservation of trees in Saratoga. The
City's Tree Regulations are designed to provide
a stable and sustainable urban forest to preserve
and protect significant historic heritage values
and to enhance the unique aesthetic character
and environment of the City. In addition, in
recognition of the value the city places on the
protection and preservation of trees, the City
Council has adopted an ordinance that provides
a process for designation of certain trees as
heritage trees. Once designated, they will be
listed as a designated resource, similar to other
designated cultural resources discussed below.
Cultural Resources
Saratoga has a colorful history dating back to
1846 when Bill Campbell and his sons estab-
lished a sawmill on Quito Creek. The discovery
of mineral springs in the area soon prompted
development of several luxurious spas, remind-
ing local residents of similar Eastern spas. From
this memory came Saratoga's name. Orchards
were planted and covered the land, until the late
1940s when they began to be replaced by homes.
In recognition of the historic character of
Saratoga, the City has adopted an Historic
Preservation Ordinance to protect irreplaceable
heritage resources. The Ordinance creates a
Heritage Preservation Commission to inventory
historic resources. recommend to the City
Council specific resources which should have
historic designations, and act as an advisory
body to the City Council, Planning Commission,
and other agencies as to the impact of proposed
new development on historic resources. A list of
designated local historic landmarks is available
in the City's Community Development Depart-
ment.
The following historic landmarks, which are
included on National and State of California
Historic Registers, exist within the Saratoga
Planning Area:
• The Warner Hutton House, located at 13777
Fruitvale Avenue.
• Paul Masson Mountain Winery, located on
Pierce Road.
• Miller-Melone Ranch, located at 12795 Sara-
toga -Sunnyvale Road.
• The Saratoga Foothill Club, located at 20399
Park Place.
• The Saratoga Toll Road, generally located at
beginning of Third Street and Big Basin Way.
• Villa Montalvo, located at 14800 Montalvo
Road.
• The Welch -Hurst Building, located at 15800
Sanborn Road.
Saratoga General Plan 24 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
In addition to City landmarks dating back to the
19th century, several archeological sites have
been identified in the Saratoga area. Two
specific sites have been logged by the State
Archeological Inventory Survey "on or near
Saratoga Avenue, adjacent to the Saratoga High
School". Other, more general areas have been
indicated by archeologists to contain potential
sites requiring further investigation.
Saratoga General Plan 25 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
OPEN SPACE/RESOURCE PLAN
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
The City of Saratoga intends to implement the
following course of action to ensure that
additional parks, trails and resource conservation
areas are developed, protected and preserved.
Park Standards
The City shall seek to attain a park goal of five
(5) acres of developed municipal parkland per
1,000 residents. This is based on the National
Recreation and Park Association standard and is
a common metric used by other communities in
California to measure adequacy of parkland.
Parks maintained by regional entities are not
included in this goal.
City Parks
The City shall maintain, and where possible
improve city owned lands as appropriate to
increase the city's supply of public parks. In
addition, the city will continue to encourage
dedication of lands for park use with subdivi-
sions of 4 or more parcels. In the year 2020,
with a population estimated to be 33,300, the
City would require 165.5 acres of parks. Cur-
rently there are 87 acres within the City. High
land costs and the limited amount of undevel-
oped land will pose challenges to the City in
seeking to attain its goal.
The City will face particular challenges in the
northerly portion of Saratoga, which is currently
deficient in the amount of parks, primarily due
to planning policies in effect when this portion
of Saratoga was subdivided in the 1950s and
1960s.
40. Standards. The City shall maintain, and
of three (3) ,acres per 1000 population of local
publie park and recreation facilities. The City
should achieve (5) acres per 1000 population
standard by the year 2001. The City incorpo
rates by reference, the National Recreation and
Park Association Standards (see appendix).
identifying minimum goals to be achieved.
City Trails
Development of a comprehensive trail system
has been a priority of the community for many
years. The Existing and Proposed Trails Map
identifies proposed trails which when completed
will provide the community with a trail system
network that provides open space linkages for
greater access to recreation activities and natural
resources within and beyond City limits. The
City continues to require dedication of trail
easements as a condition of development
adjacent to planned trails. (Refer to Exhibit
OSC-2)
Preservation of Natural Resources
Preservation of natural resources, including
agricultural resources, sensitive hillsides, rare,
threatened and endangered plant and wildlife
species. water resources and others has been a
City priority for a number of years.
Saratoga General Plan
26 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
IMPLEMENTING THE OPEN
SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT
The Open Space/Conservation Element can be
implemented in a number of ways as identified
below. Other implementation opportunities may
be open to the City as well.
Dedication of parks and trails
The City can and should require dedication of
both land for parks and trail easements wher-
ever feasible when considering subdivision
maps (parcel maps and tracts) and develop-
ment proposals in the community. Dedication
requirements should be imposed as needed to
mitigate the impacts of proposed development.
Where appropriate the City should also im-
pose fees to assist in financing trail develop-
ment.
User fees and charges
Recreational fee revenues are placed into the
City's General Fund. The City may consider
increasing the amount of such fees, as needed,
to recover the full costs of providing both
direct recreation services and a portion of the
costs to maintain such facilities as well.
Tax revenues
The City could choose to pass one or more of
the various taxes that would raise additional
funds for the development and/or maintenance
of park and other open space resources. Such
fees include parcel taxes, utility taxes and
others.
Land use regulations
In association with the Land Use Element,
land use regulations can be developed to
encourage on-going agricultural operations,
limit development in and adjacent to flood
plain areas, limit development in areas that
contain sensitive plant or wildlife species and
protect watershed areas and scenic views.
Land use regulations should be coordinated
with amendments to the City's zoning ordi-
nance to ensure effectiveness.
State grants
The State of California has adopted several
bond programs in recent years that provide full
or partial funding for park acquisition and
development, trail development and similar
recreational facilities. The City of Saratoga
shall continue to explore opportunities for
funding through these and other funding
programs.
Master Plan of Parks and Trails
In 1991 the City adopted a Master Plan of
Parks and Trails. This document provides
important guidance for development of the
City's parks and trails and includes a number
of specific methods to expand park and rec-
reation facilities within Saratoga. It will be
updated as needed to meet current and future
needs, and to ensure that it complements and
provides linkages to the County Trails and
Pathways Master Plan and Midpeninsula Open
Space District trails system.
Intergovernmental projects
The City may elect to work with other local
and regional agencies within Santa Clara
County for the provision of parks, open spaces
and other recreational facilities. Such agencies
include but are not limited to Santa Clara
County, the Santa Clara County Water Dis-
trict, the Midpeninsula Open Space District
and other incorporated communities in the
County.
Saratoga General Plan 27 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
GOALS, POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION
PROGRAMS
OPEN SPACE POLICIES AND IMPLE
The City of Saratoga recognizes the value of
open space for 1) the preservation of natural
•
animal life; 2) vi-ew shed preservation; 3)
protection of public health and safety through
open space designations which restrict develop
ment in areas where environmental hazards
tion of valuable open space in perpetuity through
private initiative, 1-a-nd u -se regulations and
acquisitions.
GENERAL POLICIES
It is the policy of the City to:
1. Preserve, through a variety of methods,
as much as possible of the open space
areas described in the Open Space Ele
ment for visual greenbelts, conservation
and management of environmental re
sources, public health and safety protec
tion and for recreational use.
2. Prepare an Open Space Management
Plan in conjunction with its Capital Im
provements -Program. The 'Plan would
identify open space needs as well as the
appropriate use and ongoing mainte
nance needs of open space areas.
3. Encourage and facilitate the participa
tion of individual, citizens, groups,
civic organizations, and those having
disabled, in the open space planning
process.
d. Improve and upgrade existing municipal
open space, parks and trails to serve the
current and future recreational needs of
the community. These shall be consis
tent with preservation of open space.
5. Be vigilant in maintaining existing
and future parks and 'dedicated
remain part of the public domain
in perpetuity.
UNINCORPORATED HILLSIDE AREAS
The unincorporated hillside area lying south
and west of Saratoga is characterized by rela
tively steep sloping, wooded foothills. Vehicu
lar access in the area is limited to small coun
try roads. Most of the lands within the unincor
porated area are in a natural state with minimal
development. In the low foothills and within the
residences, typically on large lots, as well as
residences related to agricultural operations.
Existing uses are generally compatible with the
rural, verdant nature of the area and are mainly
agricultural and open space in nature. Such uses-
winery
ses
winery operations, equestrian stables, pastures
and grazing lands, ornamental nurseries and
commercial timber growers. The most intense
Mountain Winery), Saratoga Springs picnic
grounds, and Villa Montalvo.
The unincorporated foothills are of major
importance to the City of Saratoga. The hillside
area, although not a part of the City's corporate
limits, is historically tied to the City by virtue of
long standing bonds between owners and
residents of the hillside and the community. A
portion of the unincorporated hillside is included
in the City's and has the potential of being
annexed to the City. The hills provide both a
physical and visual backdrop to the community
and represent the most' significant open space
Saratoga General Plan 28 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
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Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
A portion of the hillside area has already been
mnien-tal agencies as
•
regional parkland.
Policies
6. Future Land Use. The City shall make a
: • •
. •
9:- • - - P
. . :
• . ' : "" • : •
or annexed into the City.
. • .
** Z
the open space value in the foothill area comes
to maintain agricultura
: • • . • .
ands as a component of
Act Contracts.
: '
. • • • •• • • Z
unincorporated hillside areas for. recreational
conservation of the natural environment. ,
hillside areas, and with the City's desire to
maintainthe area as predominantly open space
. • .
These uses may include:
• City, county, state, federal or special
district parks, nature preserves and re
source protection areas.
• Private camp grounds, picnic areas
and similar low intensity recreational
uses.
-
invite members of the public to enjoy
open space resources and amenities in
a small scale, low impact manner.
• Residential uses which are environ
mentally sensitive and visually non
obtrusive. Residential development
shall maximize open space protection.
A—Agricultural uses, including vineyards,
wineries, orchards, and pastures. Ex
pansion of agricultural uses is encour
aged in an environmentally sensitive
manner.
• Existing recreational facilities rec
reational facilities.
Implementation Programs
Saratoga should proceed to take the necessary
steps to promote the preservation and mainte
nance of open space in the foothill area in
•
I. Pursue an cooperative agreement
with the County of Santa Clara
that will ensure
to comment on development pro
jects in the unincorporated hillside
area, and;
• - .
comment on development projects
Saratoga General Plan
29 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
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Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
in the unincorporated area, pursue
areas with a strong relationship to
provision of infrastructure and
ery ic es, and;
3. If the expansion of the Sphere of
Influence' is pursued, the City will
. : • - • - - • . :- • -
(ROS) zoning district standards as
the prezone classification for all
lands outside of the existing. , and;
.1. Work with the Town of Los Gatos
and the City of Monte Sereno to
establish logical planning area
boundaries pursuant to Local
,Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO) regulations.
The City should offer incentives to agricul
tural owners and operators as a way of con
tinuing such uses. Incentives could
• Allowing the sale of agricultural
products grown or produced on the
site, as well as the resale of goods
related to on site operations (e.g.
equestrian equipment).
• Residential density bonuses for sig
nificant investment in afficultural
improvement (e.g. vineyards,
wood lots or orchards) or open
space dedications.
• • C e e •
family farm operations when such
additional dwellings will permit
continuance of inter generational
agricultural uses consistent with
Williamson Act provisions. Thi.s
will not constitute a residential
Williamson Act.
dards in hillside agricultural areas.
Curbs and gutters, which could
interfere with agricultural opera
tions, should not be required.
SCENIC OPEN SPACE
The City of Saratoga is characterized and
blessed with natural beauty and scenic views.
Natural and man made landscaped areas, wide
undisturbed views from the hillsides to the
valley floor, beautiful private and public parks
and. unspoiled open spaces arc irreplaceable
components of the City's character. Protection
of these valuable scenic open spaces is essential
to preservation of the City's uniqueness and
high quality.
Policies
open space for planning purposes, the City of
. ..• . •
scale, and macroscale elements of each site, with
the understanding that those sites which encom
pass all three scales may have the highest
potential for providing quality scenic open
space.
valley provide Saratoga with its prime mac
roscale views. Therefore, development must
include careful study of the effect on scenic
open space.
12. Existing Vegetation. The preservation of
native and other vegetative species indicative of
Saratoga's cultural heritage shall be given
priority over development and provide for the.
Saratoga General Plan
30 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
an" important consideration when evaluating the
preservation of native vegetation.
preservation of the natural environment includ
ing geological and ecological features shall bo
encouraged.
be designed to enhance Saratoga's residential
character and scale. Public health and safety
f; hall be an important consideration in evaluating
the design of major entryways and arterials.
15. Street Improvements. Open space objec
tives shall take precedence over the width and
landscaping of roadways and the inclusion of
curbs, sidewalks and gutters.
16. Parking Lots. The design of parking lots
" . . . it 2 et •
large continuous expanses of asphalt and to
promote the establishment of visually interesting
and aesthetically pleasing parking areas.
acquisition of scenic open space for park sites
shall include an evaluation of the microscale,
" .
each site.
- " •
trail plan shall access as many natural views as
possible, including hillside macroviews and
microscale views.
19. Creeks. The City's creeks shall be preserved
and restored where possible, as natural scenic
views.
Implementation Programs
• .1 • • •• • • . e e
applicable city development standards, potential
impacts to scenic views shall be evaluated prior
to development. Criteria shall include but not
be limited to the use of unobtrusive colors,
controlled grading, limited disruption of natural
vegetation, use of structural height limits, and
structural design and density guidelines. Special
consideration should be given to the eventual
development of a canopy effect of tree growth.
d. Existing Vegetation. The City should
provide information and assistance to the public
in the preservation and care of native trees
whose existence can be threatened. by environ
mental stress and development.
tree planting, landscaping and maintenance
program should be developed to encourage
drought resistant, native vegetation to be planted
and maintained throughout the City, especially
of way.
f. Parking Lots. Large continuous expanses of
increase in the tree canopy coverage required;
the encouragement of shared parking with
adjacent and compatible uses.
g. Non Scenic Unenhanced Views. Man
. • •
as railroad and utility facilities and quarries
should be enhanced insofar as possible by
erosion control
color, and other methods of scenic improvement.
— - . -
f. • • _ . •
. • e .
reference, the City should prepare and update an
inventory indicating all dedicated scenic open
space resources in Saratoga.
TRAIL SYSTEM
The City of Saratoga stands as the gateway to
the Santa Cruz Mountains. The City's rural
character is reflected not only in the quality of
Saratoga General Plan 31 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
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Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
the natural setting, but also in the spirit and
Open Space Survey indicated that walking and
hiking are popular leisure time activities for
the provision of a comprehensive network of
. .
walking, hiking, bicycling, and ' horseback
: • . t t
a trails system, such a network throughout the
City of Saratoga reduces dependence on the
automobile as it enables persons to walk or bike
to school, the library, work, shopping and other
activity. centers.
pre -seats an opportunity for linear open space.
The development of trails along this corridor, as
link many of the area's large regional parks, will
hillside areas, and throughout the Santa Clara
Valley.
ment of a well planned, comprehensive trails
In 1977 the City adopted, the Master Trails and
Paths Plan, which was added to and amended the
Circulation Element. The Master plan was
updated and amended in 1991. This plan was
coordinated to complement the existing County
Trails and Pathways Master Plan.
parks, and other publicly owned open space
lands, as well as trails providing access from
the City of Saratoga to these lands.
21. Trail Acquisition Criteria. The City shall
promote the acquisition of trails as a mode of
access and for recreational purposes, through
should emphasize:
Creating connections between
neighborhood, schools, parks and
public open .spaces, historical sites
and activity centers.
network.
rights of property owners as well as
their privacy and security. Trails
proposed for acquisition are identi
fied on the Trails.
22. Coordination. Trail planning, acquisition,
development, and management shall be coordi
- . • t.
local, regional, state, and federal agencies which
provide trails or funding for trails.
23. Traditional Trail Routes. Trails shall be
established along traditional routes whenever
feasible.
development, patrol and maintenance responsi
bilities shall be coordinated with all entities
involved in each trail segment. In most cases,
development responsibilities are borne by the
to work with volunteer groups to maintain City
trails.
Saratoga General Plan
32 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
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Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
located, designed, and developed with sensitivity
impacts on adjacent lands and private property,
including potential impacts to private property
owners' privacy and security. Trails shall be
' Z
grading; and include effective erosion control
measures.
26. Development Controls. The City shall
. • 0 • • " " . • • Z .
in order to provide sufficient trail right of way
and ensure that new development adjacent to the
corridors does not detract from the scenic and
aesthetic qualities of the corridor.
27. Creekside Trail Restriction. The City
shall not acquire, plan or develop trail ease
ments or public access easements along Wildcat
Creek or Saratoga. Creek, across single or
Saratoga General Plan abutting said creeks, or
adjacent to said creeks between the centerline
•
nated property. This policy statement shall
apply to Saratoga Creek from Prospect Avenue
south to Tollgate Road, and to Wildcat Creek
from Quito Road south to the Villa Montalvo
: • - - •
the section between Carnelian Glen Drive and
Douglass Lane, as shown on the Trails System
Map
• • !! : • • • -
ble, trails shall be designed and developed to
meet the accessibility needs of all segments of
29. Trail Access. Trails shall be designed with
adequate ingress and egress points to minimize
should be designed to be as unobtrusive as
possible.
portation improvements, such as road widening
. 0 •
•
paths, as indicated on the master bicycle
pathways plan in the Circulation Element.
Equestrian paths should be provided where
necessary to complete connection to existing
• • • C
lished where necessary.
Implementation Programs
i. Priority List. The City should develop and
maintain a list of priorities for trail acquisition
. :
" •
coordinated with the appropriate agencies
enhance existing trails and unimproved trail
sements.
k. Project Review. Each new development
project shall be reviewed in the field for pro
posed trail designations in accordance with the
Trails Map. Dedications in fee or easements
should be secured to insure a comprehensive
trail system throughout the City.
1. Rails to Trails. The City should work for the
future conversion of the Southern Pacific
Railroad spur line as provided for in the Federal
Rails to Trails law.
m. Bike Paths. Bike paths along City streets
should be made safer through the use of signage,
: • . •
other methods as appropriate. In designing these
paths, recreational bike paths should be designed
as distinct from high
speed paths.
n. Trail Information. All trails should be
marked. The City should provide readily
annual "Saratop. Trails Day" to inform all
Saratoga General Plan
33 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
residents of the trails network and encourage its
use and maintenance.
o. Motorized Vehicles. Use of motorized
vehicles (with the exception of motorized
riding trails should be prohibited. Barriers shall
be built to restrict motorized vehicles from trails.
of Saratoga Public Works Department is
responsible for supervising and maintaining.
all existing and future trails.
Creek Policies,
mittent watercourses.
stormwater.
both sides, and a strip of land extending later
ally outward from the top of both banks. The
Zone for flood control, maintenance and
emergency vehicle access, shall be in accor
allow for variations depending upon existing
land use and parcel size.
tion Zone:
• To protect Saratoga's creeks and drain
ageways from pollution and erosion.
• To enhance and protect water quality.
lanche corridors.
• To preserve the natural character of
creek corridors.
To restore existing unproved or altered
creek corridors to their natural state con
sistent with flood control requirements.
• To, preserve riparian habitat and wildlife
corridors.
To provide transition areas between_
inhabited structures and waterways to
protect properties from damage due to
stream bank undercutting and flooding.,
• For the preservation of scenic views.
Implementation Program.
ways. The City should work with the Santa
Clara Valley Water District, neighboring
jurisdictions, other non neighboring jurisdiction
including but not limited to the California
Regional Water Control Board for the San
Francisco Bay Region, the California Depart
ment of Fish and Game, and the United States
Army Corps of Engineers, and landowners, as
appropriate, 'to restore. and enhance the creeks
and drainageways to serve as wildlife habitats.
The City Code should be amended to include
specific regulations regarding the limits of creek
drainage and conservation zones.
LAND USE CONTROLS
Land use regulations such as the City's zonin_
ordinance and design guidelines, serve as
important mechanisms for open space preserva
tion. In Berman v. Parker. 318 U.S. 26 (1951)
Saratoga General Plan 34 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Justice William 0. Douglas, speaking for the
United States Supreme Court stated:
"The concept of the public welfare is
sents are spiritual as yell as physical,
aesthetic as well as monetary. It is
within the power of the legislature to
: - — • - •
lthy, spacious as
well as clean, well balanced as well as
carefully patrolled."
Zoning is the primary instrument for imple
• :It
uses, development densities, minimum lot size,
building height and setback limits, coverage,
design, fence heights, parking, and other
. . 2
which can be used to allow controlled develop
ments and land uses and to ensure preservation
resources.
Policies
. •
bility with and sensitivity to the character of
1:*
" 'CC"' 2:•
the hillside, open space. and viewsheds can be
preserved by techniques such as low density
development, clustering,and dedication of open
habitats shall be identified and protected.
architecture, and integration with the natural
environment.
38. Mass and Bulk. All buildings shall be
scaled, proportioned, and articulated so as to
minimize the appearance of mass arid bulk to
density zoning within the City of Saratoga shall
be maintained.
OPEN SPACE ACOUISITION
Open space acquisition by the City is a neces
sary alternative to private initiative and land_ use
regulations to preserve open space in Saratoga.
It is important to have a 'proactive stance for
buying available land. It is also important to
have a mechanism in place to react quickly
when choice parcels become available. Since the
City is best able to move quickly with large
sums of money needed for acquisition, private
monies should be sought for help with preserva
tion, development and maintenance after
acquisition has occurred.
.Criteria for Acquiring City Open Space
The City shall consider the following criteria
when making open space acquisition deci
sions:
Environmental health and safety is
sues (hydrology, geology, fire haz
ards, flooding).
• Scenic View (visual backdrop,
unique site features, ridgelines).
a Biological resource conservation
(wildlife habitat, endangered spe
Protection of water quality.
Saratoga General Plan 35 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan, 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
• Historic/Landmark significance.
• Importance to the community as a
whole or to adjoining neighbor
hoods. Neighborhood needs and in
serest.
• Maintenance and protection of pri
vacy and private property:
• An equitable. distribution and mix
ties and programs throughout the
eenimuniiy.
• Proximity to other open space areas.
• Recreation potential.
• Access to public open space.
• Development potential.
• Matching funds potential.
• Potential maintenance and manage
ment costs and liability exposure for
the City.
Policies
conservation, or scenic easements and dedi
cations shall be utilized to preserve open
and areas, of mature native vegetation in
42. Density Transfer. The City shall consider
the creation of a density transfer system
ervation districts are transferred by sale to
property owners in designated development
districts. The purpose of th-is system is to
direct development away from significant
environmental resources and toward appropri
ate locations.
The following goals, policies and implementa-
tion measures have been adopted to ensure
that the vision of Saratoga can be achieved.
The term "goal" designates a desired end
state which the Land Use Element attempts to
achieve. A policy is a specific statement that
guides decision making. It indicates a com-
mitment of the agency to a particular course
of action. "The term "Implementation
Measure" describes specific methods or
actions that the City can take to achieve each
goal and related policies.
General Open Space
Goal OSC 1: To provide and maintain open
space resources of local and regional signifi-
cance accessible to the public.
Policy OSC 1.1: Prepare an open space
management plan in conjunction with the
Capital Improvements Program. The Plan
would identify open space needs as well as
the appropriate use and ongoing mainte-
nance needs of open space areas.
Policy OSC 1.2: Encourage and facilitate
the participation of individuals, citizens,
groups, civic organizations, and those hav-
ing special needs, such as the physically dis-
abled, in the open space planning process.
Implementation:
OSC. 1.a. The City shall prepare an open
space management plan in conjunction with
the Capital Improvement Program.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Public Works/City Council
Funding Source: General Fund, De-
velopment Fees
Time Frame: TBD
Saratoga General Plan 36 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Related Policies: OSC 1,1, 1.2
Goal OSC 2: To preserve the natural and
rural/semi-rural character of Saratoga.
Policy OSC 2.1: Ensure
, that all development pro-
posals, public and private, are sensitive to
the natural environment and the commu-
nity's open space resources.
Implementation:
OSC.2.a. The City shall continue to use the
design review process to ensure that all
development proposals are sensitive to the
natural environment and consistent with the
rural/semi-rural character of the community.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Planning Commission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 2,1
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Goal OSC 3: To provide and maintain parks
and a variety of passive and active recrea-
tional sites which are located, designed, and
improved to serve the needs of the residents, the
community, and the neighborhoods of Saratoga.
Policy OSC 3.1: Ensure that existing and
future parks and dedicated open spaces re-
main part of the public domain in perpetuity.
Policy 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.
Policy OSC 3.3: Promote retention and
dedication of land providing which pro-
vides room for a variety of passive and
active recreational pursuits and offers
important opportunities for the fulfill-
ment of human and psychological needs,
including:
1. Areas of outstanding scenic value.
2. Areas of historic and cultural value.
3. Accessible areas particularly suited
for parks and recreation purposes
such as hiking, horseback riding,
biking, swimming, tennis, ball fields
and more.
4. Areas providing access to and links
between major recreation, cultural.
and open space reservations, in-
cluding trails, utility easements,
banks of rivers and streams and
scenic highway corridors.
5. Areas with inherent qualities that
humans find visually pleasing, beauti-
ful, relaxing, stimulating or enjoyable.
Implementation:
OSC. 3.a. The City shall continue to encour-
age permanent dedication of easements and
open space resources through the subdivision
entitlement process.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Public Works/City Council
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing Policies:
3.1, 3.2
Goal OSC 4: Strive to achieve a ratio of 5 acres
of park and open space area per 1,000 residents.
Policy 4.1: Promote dedication of land for
parks and recreational open space.
OSC. 4.a. The City shall continue to encour-
age permanent dedication of parks resources
through the subdivision entitlement process.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Public Works/City Council
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Saratoga General Plan 37 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Policies: 4.1
OSC. 4.a. The City shall continue to utilize
the Park In -lieu Fee Program to assist in the
acquisition and maintenance of parks.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Public Works/City Council
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Policies: 4.1
Trails and Open Space Linkages
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.
Policy 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 Sara-
toga.
Policy OSC 5.2: The City shall promote the
acquisition of trails through purchase, dedi-
cation, or gift.
Policy 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.
Policy OSC 5.4: Trails shall be established
along traditional routes whenever feasible,
consistent with the Parks and Trails Master
Plan, and in a manner that insures linkages
to existing and proposed trails.
Policy OSC 5.5: Trail development, patrol,
and maintenance responsibilities shall be
coordinated with all entities involved in each
trail segment. In most cases, development
responsibilities shall be borne by the prop-
erty owner with maintenance activities un-
dertaken by the City.
Policy OSC 5.6: Trails shall be located, de-
signed, and developed with sensitivity to the
resources and environmental hazards of the
areas they traverse. as well as their potential
impacts on adjacent lands and private prop-
erty, including potential impacts to private
property owners' privacy and security.
Trails shall be designed to City specifica-
tions, require minimal grading, and include
effective erosion control measures.
Policy OSC 5.7: The City shall regulate
developments along designated trails in or-
der to provide sufficient trail right-of-way
and ensure that development adjacent to the
corridors does not detract from the scenic
and aesthetic qualities of the corridor.
Policy OSC 5.8: The City shall not acquire,
plan, or develop trail easements or public
access easements along Wildcat Creek or
Saratoga Creek. across single or multi-
family land uses as designated in the Sara-
toga General Plan abutting said creeks, or
adjacent to said creeks between the center-
line thereof, and any single or multi -family
designated property. This policy statement
shall apply to Saratoga Creek from Prospect
Avenue south to Tollgate Road, and to
Wildcat Creek from Quito Road south to the
Villa Montalvo Arboretum property line,
with the exception of the section between: 1)
Carnelian Glen Drive and Douglass Lane, 2)
Gardiner Park and Springhill Court, 3)
Crestbrook Drive and Via Monte Drive, and
4) Via Real Drive, as shown on the Trail
System Map.
Policy OSC 5.9: Whenever feasible, trails
Saratoga General Plan 38 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
shall be designed and developed to meet the
accessibility needs of all segments of the
population.
Policy OSC 5.10: Trails shall be designed
with adequate ingress and egress points to
minimize the need for parking at trailheads.
Where parking is provided, it shall be de-
signed in a manner that is as unobtrusive as
possible.
Implementation:
OSC. 5.a. The City shall update the Parks
and Trails Master Plan on a periodic basis to
ensure that it includes current information
and continues to meet trail development
Goals and Policies.
Responsible Agency: Public
Works/Trails and Pathway Commit-
tee/City Council
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: TBD
Ongoing Policies: 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6,
5.8, 5.9, 5.10
OSC. 5.b. The Citv shall continue to require
dedication of trails through the development
and subdivision entitlement process.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Public Works/Citv Council
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Policies: 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.7
OSC. 5.c. Continue to work with Santa Clara
County and other agencies to support the
implementation of the Skyline -to -the Sea
trail.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Public Works/City Council
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Policies: 5,4
Scenic Open Space Resources
Goal OSC 6: Preserve the hillside lands in their
natural condition and inherent natural beauty.
Policy 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 re-
source production, which allows very low-
density residential uses while maintaining a
significant amount of open space.
Policy OSC 6.2: Public use and enjoyment
of the unincorporated hillside areas for rec-
reational purposes shall be encouraged
through direct or indirect public land acqui-
sition, encouraging both private and public
recreational uses. Appropriate regulation of
privately held lands to obtain maximum use
of open space resources, such as the estab-
lishment of trail and open space easements,
should be consistent with conservation of
the natural environment.
Policy OSC 6.3: Future land uses within the
western hillside or any Sphere of Influence
expansion area shall be reviewed by the City
through the development review process to
ensure consistency both with existing pat-
terns of land use in the unincorporated hill-
side areas, and with the City's desire to
maintain the area as predominantly open
space and rural.
Implementation:
OSC.6.a. The City shall continue to use the
design review and subdivision entitlement
process to ensure that all development
proposals are designed in a manner that
meets goals and policies for preservation of
hillsides.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Planning Commission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Saratoga General Plan 39 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3
Goal OSC 7: Preserve and protect existing view
sheds, view corridors, and scenic open spaces.
Policy OSC 7.1: Future land use proposals
within the western hillside area shall be re-
viewed by the City through the development
review and environmental review processes
to ensure that improvements blend in with
the natural environment. Criteria shall in-
clude but not be limited to the use of unob-
trusive colors, controlled grading, limited
disruption of natural vegetation, use of
structural height limits, and structural design
and density guidelines. Special considera-
tion should be given to the eventual devel-
opment of a canopy effect of tree growth.
Implementation:
OSC.7.a. The City shall continue to use the
design review and environmental review
process to ensure that development proposals
in the hillsides are compatible with the
natural environment.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment/Planning Commission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 7.1
Agricultural Resources
Goal OSC 8: Encourage preservation of land
uses for open space and agriculture.
Policy OSC 8.1: In evaluating future land
uses, efforts shall be made to maintain agri-
cultural lands as a component of open space
and to preserve the rural and agricultural
heritage of Saratoga. The City shall discour-
age the cancellation of Williamson Act con-
tracts.
Policy OSC 8.2: Encourage land owners to
enter into new Williamson Act Contracts.
Implementation:
OSC.8.a. The City shall continue to apply the
Agricultural Preserve Open Space Overlay
District on lands that are under Williamson
Act Contracts and generally discourage the
removal of this classification.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Dept/Planning Commission
Funding Source: N/A
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 8.1
OSC.8.b. The City inform its property
owners through its Website and information
handouts of the property tax reduction
benefits of placing lands under Williamson
Act contract for preservation of agriculture
and open space lands.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Dept/Planning Commission
Funding Source: N/A
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 8.2
Watershed Protection and Water Quality
Goal OSC 9: Protect existing watercourses in
the community and enhance water quality in
surface and subsurface water sources.
Policy OSC 9.1: Retain surface water-
courses in their natural condition to the
greatest extent possible.
Policy 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.
Saratoga General Plan
40 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
ll- '--- - ll-
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Policy OSC 9.3: Implement land use con-
trols to protect watershed lands on the upper
elevations of hillsides.
Implementation:
OSC.9.a. The City shall coordinate review of
development projects adjacent to water-
courses with the Santa Clara Valley Water
District and other applicable agencies.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Department/Plannin2 Com-
mission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 9.1,
OSC.9.b. The City shall ensure erosion
control measures are required with each
development project as part of the develop-
ment approval process.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Department/Plannin2 Com-
mission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
OSC.9.c. Amend the Zoning Ordinance and
standard conditions of approval to require
that all new developments are in compliance
with stormwater pollution prevention best
management practices.
Responsible Agency: Community
Development Department
Funding Source:
Time Frame:
Related Policies:
General Fund
FY 2008-2009
OSC 9.1- 9.3
Water Supply
Goal OSC 10: Maximize efficiencies in the use
of the City's water supply.
Policy OSC 10.1: Implement water conser-
vation provisions of the San Jose Water
Company's Urban Water Management Plan.
OSC.10.a. The City shall inform applicants of
water conservation provisions and require
that all new development proposals be in
compliance with the water conservation
provisions of the San Jose Urban Water
Management Plan.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Department/Planning Com-
mission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 10.1
OSC.10.b. The City shall require as part of
the conditions of development approval that
native drought -tolerant vegetation be used in
proposed landscaping, whenever feasible.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Department/Planning Com-
mission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 10.1
Biological Resources
Goal OSC 11: Protect and enhance sensitive
vegetative and wildlife habitat in the Saratoga
Planning area.
Policy 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.
Policy OSC 11.2: Through the development
and CEQA process, preserve, protect, and
maintain riparian habitats and creek corri-
Saratoga General Plan 41 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
dors. This includes requiring biological sur-
veys of parcels of land that could contain
sensitive species or their habitats prior to
allowing development on these parcels.
Policy OSC 11.3: The design of parking lots
shall be evaluated for opportunities to re-
duce large continuous expanses of asphalt
and to promote the establishment of visually
interesting and aesthetically pleasing park-
ing lots.
Policy OSC 11.4: The City should provide
information and assistance to the public in
the preservation and care of native trees
whose existence can be threatened by envi-
ronmental stress and development.
Policy OSC 11.5: Mature vegetation shall
be preserved wherever possible.
Implementation:
OSC.11.a. The City shall continue to utilize
the design review and environmental review
process for all development applications to
ensure that projects are designed in a manner
that minimizes disruption to important
wildlife, riparian and plant habitats.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Department/Planning Com-
mission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 11.1, 11.2, 11.5
OSC.11.b. The City shall continue to require
that all projects conform to the City's Tree
Ordinance.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Department/Planning Com-
mission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
Arbor Resources
Goal OSC 12: Support appropriate management
for sustaining the health and increasing the
extent of arbor 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.
Policy OSC 12.1: Development projects
should include the preservation of protected
trees and other significant trees. Any ad-
verse affect on the health and longevity of
native oak trees, protected or other signifi-
cant trees should be avoided through appro-
priate design measures and construction
practices. When tree preservation is not fea-
sible, individual development projects shall
include appropriate tree replacement as ap-
proved by the City.
Policy OSC 12.2: Trees used for new or
replacement plantings should be selected
primarily for low water use characteristics.
Policy OSC 12.3: To further protect and
enhance the City's arbor resources built on
the City's Tree Regulations, the City should
continue its support of tree protection pro-
grams.
Policy OSC 12.4: It is the City's policy
that forested lands in the City's Sphere of
Influence shall be managed to maximize
environmental protection and to discour-
age logging to the maximum extent possi-
ble.
Implementation:
OSC.12: The City shall continue to require
that all development projects conform to the
City's Tree Ordinance. The preservation of
existing trees shall be ensured through the
collection of security deposits.
Saratoga General Plan 42 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Department/Planning Com-
mission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 12.1, 2.2
Goal OSC 13: The preservation of native and
other plant species indicative of Saratoga's
cultural heritage shall be given priority over
development and provide for the perpetuation of
such species.
Policy OSC 13.1: To further preserve the
city's inventory of arbor resources, the City
should encourage owners to consider formal
designation of heritage trees.
Policy OSC 13.2: The city shall encourage
public knowledge, understanding and appre-
ciation 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, particularly as it
relates to the designation and preservation of
heritage trees. This can be done by publi-
cizing information about heritage trees and
the benefits of designation of heritage trees
on the City's Website.
Policy OSC 13.3: Fire safety shall be an
important consideration when evaluating the
preservation of native vegetation.
Implementation:
OSC.13.a. Continue to utilize the design
review process, Historic Preservation Ordi-
nance and Tree Ordinance to ensure preser-
vation of significant arbor resources.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Department/Heritage Preser-
vation Commission /Planning Commis-
sion
Funding Source:
Time Frame: Ongoing
Development Fees
Saratoga General Plan
Related Policies: OSC.13.1, 13.2, 13.3
Cultural Resources
Goal OSC 14: Through coordination with and
implementation of other related General Plan
Policies, encourage 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 Policies and Implementation
Program).
Policy OSC 14.1: Support activities/events
that highlight Saratoga's rich history as the
"Valley of the Heart's Delight", such as the
yearly Mustard Walk event at the Central
Park or Heritage Orchard.
Implementation:
OSC.14.a. Update Historic Resources Inven-
tory and Landmark List, and publish on the
City Website information regarding incen-
tives for preservation of heritage properties.
such as the Mills Act Program.
(See Land Use Element for additional related
Implementation Measures)
Responsible Agency: Community
Development Department/Heritage Pres-
ervation Commission
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 14.1
Air Quality
Goal OSC 15: Improve local and regional air
quality by ensuring that all development projects
incorporate all feasible measures to reduce air
pollutants.
Policy OSC 15.1: Require development
projects to comply with Bay Area Air Qual-
ity Management District (BAAQMD)
measures to reduce dust emissions due to
43 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
grading and construction activities.
Policy OSC 15.2: Encourage use of trip
demand measures as part of major commer-
cial and office development projects to re-
duce dependence on automobile use.
Implementation:
Draft Open Space/Conservation Element
OSC.15.a. Include a condition of approval for
all new development projects that requires
compliance with the BAAQMD dust emission
reduction measures.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Dept/Planning Commission
Funding Source:
Time Frame:
Related Policies:
Development Fees
FY 2007-2008
OSC 15.1,
OSC.15.b. Work with applicants of all new
major commercial, office and mixed use
proiects to include trip demand measures in
their projects.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Dept/Planning Commission
Funding Source:
Time Frame:
Related Policies:
General Plan Fund
Development Fees
OSC 15.1,
Mineral Resources
Goal OSC 16: Encourage conservation of
significant natural resources that exist in the
Saratoga Planning Area. (Existing Goal
Policy 16.1: Mineral extraction in the
Saratoga Planning Area shall be regu-
lated and supervised to minimize physical
and visual damage to the existing envi-
ronment (Existing Policy C0.21)
Implementation:
OSC.16.a. Ouarries within City limits shall
comply with the State Mining And Reclama-
tion Act (SMARA) requirements. Proposals
for new quarries within City limits shall also
be regulated through the City's use permit
process and other applicable provisions of the
City Municipal Code.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Dept/Planning Commission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 16.1
OSC. 16.b. Work with Santa Clara County
to assure that mining operations outside the
City limits are consistent with the City's
General Plan, that restoration plans are
adequate, and that mining activities are not
extended into undisturbed lands without
adequate documentation of economic purpose
and environmental impacts and mitigations.
Responsible Agency: Community De-
velopment Dept/Planning Commission
Funding Source: Development Fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: OSC 16.1
Saratoga General Plan
44 Revised Jan 24, 2007 Jan. 16, 2007
Nov. 1, 2006 August 25, 2006
City of Saratoga
City Council Study Session
Draft Land Use & Open Space/Conservation Element
March 6, 2007
Introduction
• Deborah Ungo-McCormick:Consulting Project Mgr
• Jerry Haag: Consulting Staff
• John Livingstone: Community Development Director
• Therese Schmidt: Staff Project Manager
• City Council:
• Kao, Waltonsmith, Page, King and Hunter
Workshop Format
• Meeting is intended as an informal workshop
• Consultants will make presentation on the project
• Questions and comments from the City Council
• Questions and comments from public
Purpose of General Plan
• A general plan is designed to serve as the jurisdiction's land use and
development "constitution." It is the guide to the future land use and
development over the next 20 years
• Seven "elements" are now required by the California Government Code
(Section 65000 et seq).
• All General Plan elements are interrelated and must be internally
consistent.
• The City may organize them in any manner.
• City may update elements individually or as a unit
History of Saratoqa's General Plan Elements (Chapters 2 & 3)
• Current Land Use Element adopted in 1983, several subsequent
amendments
• Current Open Space Element adopted in 1993
• Current Conservation Element adopted in 1983
• Current Housing Element adopted in 2002
• Current Circulation Element adopted in 2001
• Current Safety Element adopted in 1987
• Current Noise Element adopted in 1988
• Other Saratoga General Plan Components
• Chapter 4 - Area Plans (adopted 1983)
• Defines 13 sub -areas of the City
• Includes specific policies related to each area
• Not a required component of the General Plan per California
Government Code (Section 65000 et seq).
• No changes proposed to this Chapter
Purpose and Overview of the Proposed Draft Elements
• Update of existing Land Use, Conservation and Open Space Elements to
comply with State Law requirements.
• Objective is to maintain existing character of the community—no major land
use changes.
• Update technical components and information related to current land use
and open space/conservation issues.
• Reformat and organize documents to make them more user-friendly
• Update mapping to make General Plan designations and zoning districts
internally consistent
Saratoga Planning Area
• Includes properties within incorporated City limits
• Includes Sphere of Influence area
• Total Planning Area encompasses approximately 12.8 square miles.
Key Points—Land Use Element
• Purpose
• To establish the overall goals of the community for the physical
development and appearance of the community
• To establish distribution of land use types and densities, primarily through
the Land Use Diagram
• To provide strategies to achieve the land use goals.
• Changes to the existing Element
• Reformats the document
• Minor updates to goals, policies and implementing strategies,
• Minor changes to consolidate Community Facilities categories
• Incorporates information regarding existing land use measures and
Saratoga General Plan Update
2 March 6, 2007
City Council Study Session
initiatives and specific plans.
• Changes are proposed in the following land use categories:
• No changes in residential categories
• Eliminate PDM - (commercial category), revert to base commercial and
residential uses and designations
• Consolidate Public, Quasi -public and Community facilities into one
category - CFS
• Eliminate categories not used or that are obsolete (i.e. Industrial)
• Minor changes to Land Use Map, accordingly.
Land Use Goals, Policies and Strategies
• Land Use goals and strategies are reorganized and broadened from existing
and include implementation program timelines.
Open Space/Conservation Element
• Proposed changes to this Element
• Conservation Element and Open Space Element to be consolidated
• Technical information updated to current status
• Reorganized/ formatted consistent with draft Land Use Element
• Proposed Element updates the locations of existing and proposed trails in
Saratoga Planning Area, reflecting work by the Pedestrian, Bicycle, and
Equestrian Trails Advisory Committee
Community Process to date
• Draft Land Use Element reviewed by the Land Use Advisory Committee
• Draft Open Space/Conservation Element reviewed by Trails and
Pathways Committee
• Four Planning Commission Study Sessions and Two Planning
Commission Public Hearings
• Notification to property owners within 500 feet of properties affected by
changes in land use designations
• Public notice in newspaper
• Draft Elements on Website
CEQA Compliance
• City staff and consultants have prepared an Initial Study pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act.
— The Initial Study was circulated for 30 -day review period.
— Responses to comments prepared for comments received by agencies and
Saratoga General Plan Update
3 March 6, 2007
City Council Study Session
public, including the Planning Commission.
— Potential impacts associated with the updated Elements can be reduced to
less -than -significant level based on goals and strategies included in both
Draft Elements.
— The Initial Study recommends that a Negative Declaration can be certified
by the City.
Planning Commission Recommendation:
• Per State Law, Planning Commission conducted public hearing on the Draft
Elements and adopted Resolution recommending approval to the City Council
on January 24, 2007.
Next Steps:
City Council to schedule public hearing to
• Certify EIR
• Consider approval of Draft Elements.
Saratoga General Plan Update
4 March 6, 2007
City Council Study Session