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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2010 Planning Commission PacketTable of Contents Agenda 2 August 11, 2010 Action Minutes 4 APPLICATION GPA10-0001 (City-Wide) City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue PC Staff Report - Circulation Element 6 Att. 1 - Reso to recommend adoption of IS/ND 9 Att. 2 - Reso for Circ. Element 49 Att. 3 - Trails Map - Circ. Element 110 Att. 4 - Trails Map - Open Space Element 111 Att. 5 - Matrix of Responses 114 1 CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 - 7:00 p.m. PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting ROLL CALL Commissioners - Chair Mary-Lynne Bernald, Vice-Chair- Douglas Robertson, Joyce Hlava, David Reis, Linda Rodgers, Tina K. Walia and Yan Zhao PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES Action Minutes from the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of August 11, 2010 ORAL COMMUNICATION Any member of the Public will be allowed to address the Planning Commission for up to three minutes on matters not on this agenda. The law generally prohibits the Planning Commission from discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Planning Commission may instruct staff accordingly regarding Oral Communications under Planning Commission direction to Staff. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS- PLANNING COMMISSION DIRECTION TO STAFF REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on September 1, 2010 REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS If you wish to appeal any decision on this Agenda, you may file an “Appeal Application” with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of the decision, pursuant to Municipal Code 15-90.050 (b). All interested persons may appear and be heard at the above time and place. Applicants/Appellants and their representatives have a total of ten minutes maximum for opening statements. Members of the Public may comment on any item for up to three minutes. Applicant/Appellants and their representatives have a total of five minutes maximum for closing statements. PUBLIC HEARING 1. APPLICATION GPA10-0001 (City-Wide) City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue - The project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan. The amendments include updates to descriptive information, clarification of existing policies, changes to the bicycle facilities maps to reclassify or remove certain existing bike routes; identifying new bike routes, bike lanes, and bike trails; identifying future bike routes and conceptual alignments of proposed future bike trails, and identifying existing and proposed trails within maps. The project also includes conforming amendments to the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element. The project would not result in physical changes or construction. (Michael Fossati) 2 DIRECTORS ITEM COMMISSION ITEMS COMMUNICATIONS ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING - Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers/Civic Theater 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (408) 868-1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II). POSTING Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Abby Ayende, Office Specialist for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on September 1, 2010, at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us If you would like to receive the Agenda’s via e-mail, please send your e-mail address to planning@saratoga.ca.us NOTE: To view previous Planning Commission meetings anytime, go the City Video Archives at www.saratoga.ca.us 3 CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION MINUTES DATE: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 7:00 p.m. PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting ROLL CALL Commissioners - Chair Mary-Lynne Bernald, Vice-Chair- Douglas Robertson, David Reis, Linda Rodgers, Tina K. Walia and Yan Zhao ABSENT Commissioner Hlava PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES Action Minutes from the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of July 14, 2010 (Approved, 6:0) ORAL COMMUNICATION Any member of the Public will be allowed to address the Planning Commission for up to three minutes on matters not on this agenda. The law generally prohibits the Planning Commission from discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Planning Commission may instruct staff accordingly regarding Oral Communications under Planning Commission direction to Staff. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS- PLANNING COMMISSION DIRECTION TO STAFF REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on August 5, 2010 REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS If you wish to appeal any decision on this Agenda, you may file an “Appeal Application” with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of the decision, pursuant to Municipal Code 15-90.050 (b). All interested persons may appear and be heard at the above time and place. Applicants/Appellants and their representatives have a total of ten minutes maximum for opening statements. Members of the Public may comment on any item for up to three minutes. Applicant/Appellants and their representatives have a total of five minutes maximum for closing statements. PUBLIC HEARING 1. APPLICATION PDR10-0007 (386-53-019) T-Mobile (Sutro Consulting) 12383 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - The applicant is requesting Design Review approval to install seven panel antennas and one GPS antenna to an existing PG&E tower. Supporting equipment will be placed inside an existing cabinet. The proposal will not increase the height of the existing utility structure and the antennas will be painted to match the existing tower. (Cynthia McCormick) (Approved, 6:0) 2. APPLICATION MOD10-0002 (397-27-030) (Summer Hill Homes) 14234 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - The applicant is requesting modifications to an approved plan to construct twenty townhome units. The townhomes were never built and the property has changed ownership. The proposed changes include eliminating the approved basements, modifying the interior layout, and modifying the exterior façade. The maximum height of the proposed buildings is 30 feet, as previously approved. The lot size is approximately 4 2.08 net acres and the site is zoned RM-3000. (Cynthia McCormick) (Approved with changes to the conditions, 6:0) DIRECTORS ITEM COMMISSION ITEMS COMMUNICATIONS ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING – ADJOURNED 9:00 PM - Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers/Civic Theater 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (408) 868-1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II). POSTING Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Abby Ayende, Office Specialist for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on August 5, 2010, at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us If you would like to receive the Agenda’s via e-mail, please send your e-mail address to planning@saratoga.ca.us NOTE: To view previous Planning Commission meetings anytime, go the City Video Archives at www.saratoga.ca.us 5 REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION Application No.: GPA10-0001 – Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update & Negative Declaration Subject: Update to the General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highway Element and the Open Space and Conservation Element trails map Location: Citywide Applicant: City of Saratoga Staff Planner: Michael Fossati, Assistant Planner Meeting Date: September 8, 2010 Department Head: John F. Livingstone, AICP, Community Development Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Recommend approval to the City Council of a Negative Declaration and a General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highway Element (Circulation Element), including a conforming amendment to the Open Space and Conservation Element trails map. REPORT SUMMARY: City staff has prepared a draft update of the Circulation Element of the City’s General Plan. This is a policy document that acts as a long-range traffic management plan. It was previously updated in 2000. The update is intended to assess existing traffic conditions and develop goals and policies to address any changed conditions. The update also allows the City to address any new California legal requirements pertaining to circulation elements. An Initial Study and subsequent Negative Declaration have been prepared for this project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines. The initial study concluded that the Circulation Element update will not result in significant adverse impacts on the environment. The update to the Circulation Element includes the following: • Updates to descriptive information regarding transportation policy. • Clarification of existing policies. • Changes to the bicycle facilities maps to reclassify or remove certain existing bike routes. • Identify new bike routes, bike lanes, and bike trails. • Demonstrate future bike routes and conceptual alignments of proposed future bike trails. The update also includes a conforming map amendment to the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element (Open Space Element). This amendment will create consistent trail maps between the Circulation Element and Open Space Element. The update will not result in physical changes or 6 Sept. 8, 2010 Planning Commission Meeting – Circulation and Scenic Highway Element new construction of roadways, routes, lanes, or trails within the City. BACKGROUND: On October 15, 2008, the City Council considered amendments to the Circulation Element of the City of Saratoga’s General Plan. The amendments addressed bicycle safety concerns within the City. The Council accepted public testimony and directed staff to consult further with the Pedestrian, Equestrian, and Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee (PEBTAC) to explore alternatives to address those concerns. PEBTAC held several meetings to discuss the matter and recommended an updated Bicycle Map Facilities for council to review. At the April 15, 2009 City Council meeting, the council determined that an update to the Bicycle Facilities Map within the Circulation Element necessary. The update includes the following changes: • Removing Class III facility designations on Big Basin Way, Mount Eden Road, and portions of Pierce Road. • Adding Class III bicycle facilities onto Miller Avenue, 4th Street, Elva Avenue, Saraview Drive, Surrey Lane, Arroyo DeArguello, and Wardell Road. • Adding proposed Class I bicycle facilities along portions of Congress Springs Road (SR 9) and Pierce Road. • Adding proposed Class III bicycle facilities along portions of Big Basin Way (SR 9 ) and Pierce Road. The Bicycle Facilities Map is located in the Circulation Element as Figure C-5. Since the Bicycle Facilities Map within the Circulation Element needed to be updated, and the existing Circulation Element is 10 years old, the council directed staff to update the Circulation Element. OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT UPDATE: A major component of a General Plan Element update is to ensure that other elements within the General Plan are in conformance. Staff determined that the trails map located in the Open Space Element were different than the trails map within the Circulation Element. It was demonstrated that trail facilities in the Open Space trails map were either misrepresented or in different locations than the trail facilities in the Circulation Element trails map. Staff brought both trails maps to the PEBTAC to verify that the location of trail facilities on the maps were consistent with actual trail facilities. Once the trail locations were confirmed, Staff worked with PEBTAC to verify that both the Circulation Element trails map and the Open Space trails map were identical with one another. The updated trails maps for the Circulation and Open Space Elements are included as Attachment 3 and 4. ENVIRONMETAL REVIEW: Environmental review was completed in the form of an Initial Study and it was determined that the proposed adoption of the Circulation Element would not result in potential significant impacts on the environment and a Negative Declaration was prepared. A notice of intent to adopt a negative declaration and Circulation Element was published in the Saratoga News and the 30 day comment 2 7 Sept. 8, 2010 Planning Commission Meeting – Circulation and Scenic Highway Element 3 period took place between July 26, 2010 and August 26, 2010. Staff has not received any comments directly relating to the environmental review. ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC COMMENT: The public participation component of the Circulation Element is described on page 2-3 of the Circulation Element. A notice of the Circulation Element update and the Negative Declaration was sent to all adjoining jurisdictions, all regional traffic management agencies, all tribal agencies and school districts within the City’s jurisdiction, the Santa Clara County Recorder’s office and the State Clearinghouse. Staff received comments from outside agencies (City of Campbell, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency, and Caltrans) and one comment from PEBTAC. Those comments and responses have been included as Attachment 5. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution to adopt an Initial Study/Negative Declaration with the following attachment: a. Initial Study/Negative Declaration (without Attachment A, included below as Attachment 2a) 2. Resolution to adopt the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element with the following attachment: a. Draft Circulation and Scenic Highway Element 3. Trails Map – Circulation and Scenic Highway Element 4. Trails Map – Open Space and Conservation Element 5. Matrix of Summary Responses from Public Comments a. E-mail from City of Campbell b. E-mail from PEBTAC c. Letter from VTA d. Letter from Caltrans 8 CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO: 10-024 APPLICATION NUMBERS: GPA10-0001 RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CIRCULATION AND SCENIC HIGHWAY ELEMENT The City of Saratoga Planning Commission finds and determines as follows with respect to the proposed Negative Declaration regarding the above-described application for approval of the Project identified below: I. Project Summary The City of Saratoga Planning Commission has considered a proposed Negative Declaration for adoption of the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update. The foregoing work is described as the “Project” in this Resolution. II. Environmental Review 1. An Initial Study (IS) and Negative Declaration (ND) were prepared for the Project by the City of Saratoga, pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, Public Resources Code sections 21000-21177), CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations sections 15000-15387), and any other applicable requirements. 2. The IS and a notice of intent to adopt a ND were duly noticed and circulated for a 30-day public review period from July 26, 2010 through August 26, 2010. 3. All Interested Parties desiring to comment on the ND were given the opportunity to submit written and oral comments on the adequacy of the ND up to and including the close of the Public Hearing on the Project before the Planning Commission on September 8, 2010. 4. The IS and ND represents the City’s independent judgment and analysis. 5. On September 8, 2010 the Planning Commission conducted a Public Hearing on the Project, during which opportunity was given to address the adequacy of the ND. All comments on the IS and ND raised during the public and agency comment period and at the Public Hearing(s) on the Project were considered by the Planning Commission. 6. The Planning Commission was presented with and/or had the opportunity to review all of the information in the administrative record; and 7. After the conclusion of such Public Hearing, the Planning Commission considered all oral and written comments and a staff recommendation for approval of the ND and reviewed and considered the information in the IS and ND, public and agency comments on the IS and ND, the administrative record, and the staff report for completeness and compliance with CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines, and any and all other applicable requirements. 8. The Project has been the subject of a Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant Section 15070 and following of Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 (CEQA Guidelines). The ND has been completed in compliance with the intent and requirements of CEQA, CEQA Guidelines and any and all other 9 2 applicable requirements. The Planning Commission has considered the information contained in the ND and the record in considering the Project and related actions. 9. The documents constituting the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based are located in the City of Saratoga Community Development Department and are maintained by the Community Development Director. 10. Pursuant to CEQA and CEQA Guidelines, the Planning Commission finds on the basis of, and after review of, the whole record before it (including the Initial Study, the Negative Declaration, any and all comments received, and in light of expert and other evidence submitted), that there is no credible, substantial evidence that the Project may have a significant effect on the environment as to any issue raised. III. Recommended Adoption of Negative Declaration After careful consideration of the matter, the Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council of the City of Saratoga adopt the Negative Declaration for the Project, which was presented to the Planning Commission on September 8, 2010 and circulated for a 30-day public review period from July 26, 2010 through August 26, 2010 and is on file with the Community Development Department. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga, this 8th of September, 2010 by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ______________________________ Mary-Lynne Bernald Chair, Planning Commission ATTEST: ___________________________________ John F. Livingstone, AICP Secretary to the Planning Commission 10 11 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 2 A. SUMMARY INFORMATION 1. Project Title: City of Saratoga General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: John Cherbone, Public Works Director City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: John Cherbone, Public Works Director (408) 868-1241 4. Project Location: The proposed project would be located in the City of Saratoga, California. Attachment A, Figure C-5 Existing/Planned Bicycle Facilities shows the proposed changes to the Circula- tion Element Bike Map and the affected roadways. 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 6. General Plan Designation: Various. 7. Zoning: Various. 8. Description of Project: The project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan, including updates of descriptive information, clarification of existing policies, updates of bicycle facilities maps to reclassify or remove certain existing bike routes; identifying new bike routes, bike lanes, and bike trails; and showing future bike routes and conceptual alignments of proposed future bike trails. The project also includes conforming amendments to the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element. The project would not result in any physical changes or construction. The policy changes proposed would have negligible impact on traffic and may reduce traffic impacts and levels in some cases. Specific recommendations for updating the Circulation Element are shown in the proposed Circulation Element included as Attachment A. 12 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 3 9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: The project applies to the entire City of Saratoga, a city with a population of approximately 30,000 located in Santa Clara County. Saratoga, which comprises approximately 12 square miles, is located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is surrounded by Cupertino and San Jose on the north; Campbell, Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno on the east; and unincorporated lands of Santa Clara County on the south and west. The affected bike routes and bike lanes are generally located on existing roadways. The Class I Off-road Bike Trail designation paralleling Highway 9/Congress Springs Road and Pierce Road proposed for designation as a proposed future trail would be located adjacent to existing roadways, and the Class I Off- road Bike Trail designation on the PG&E right-of-way proposed for designation as a new and proposed future trail would be located adjacent to a Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. All the routes, lanes, and trails would connect to bike facilities on roadways throughout the City. See Attachment A, Figure C-5. Land uses surrounding the bike routes, lanes, and trails consist of low to medium density residential uses and several commercial centers along the major arterial roadways. 10. Other agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement): None. 11. List of Attachments: Attachment A City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update Attachment B City Council Packet dated April 15, 2009 Attachment C Open Space and Conservation Element Trails Map Update 13 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 4 B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The City of Saratoga General Plan Circulation Element (Circulation Element) identifies goals and policies for travel and transportation and the location of existing and proposed transportation routes and other local public facilities for transportation within the City. The proposed project updates the document. A copy of the proposed Circulation Element is provided in Attachment A of this Initial Study. The follow- ing discussion includes a description of the project site and surrounding land uses and a description of the proposed project. 1. Overview and Background In October 2008 the City Council considered proposed amendments to the City’s Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan concerning Saratoga bikeways. The Council accepted public testimony and directed staff to consult further with the Pedestrian, Equestrian, and Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee (“PEBTAC” or “Committee”) to explore alternatives to the proposed amendments. The PEBTAC recommended amendments to the Circulation Element, Bicycle Facilities Map. The Committee’s recommendation is included in Attachment B. The revised Bicycle Facilities Map was prepared in consultation with the City’s Traffic Engineers, Fehr & Peers. Their assessment of the map is also included in Attachment B. In the course of analyzing the proposed amendments, staff determined that other updates to the Circula- tion Element were appropriate, including updates to technical information, clarification of policies, and updates to the Bicycle Facilities Map and Trails Map to ensure consistency between the Circulation Element and the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element (Open Space Element). This Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) analyzes the potential impacts of updating the City’s General Plan policies and amending the Bicycle Facilities Map to show changes in bicycle route classifi- cation and implementing a no parking/no stopping zone on a portion of Saratoga Avenue. Implementa- tion of bicycle facilities that require future design and construction (i.e., construction of bike trails) will be subject to further environmental review of project-level impacts under CEQA when specific trail alignments and designs are proposed. 2. Existing Conditions The entirety of the Project would be located in Saratoga, a city with a population of approximately 30,000 located in Santa Clara County. Saratoga, which comprises approximately 12 square miles, is located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is surrounded by Cupertino and San Jose on the north; Campbell, Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno on the east; and unincorporated lands of Santa Clara County on the south and west. The Circulation Element Update primarily includes changes to the bicycle facilities maps to reclassify or remove certain existing bike routes; identify bike lanes, and bike trails; and to show future bike routes. The roadways affected by the proposed project include the following: - Mount Eden Road (General Plan classification - collector road) 14 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 5 - Highway 9/Big Basin Way (General Plan classification - minor arterial road) - Pierce Road (General Plan classification - collector road) - Highway 9/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road from Highway 9/Big Basin Way south to the City boundary (General Plan classification – principal arterial road) - Miller Avenue between Cox Avenue and Prospect Road (General Plan classification - collector road) - Roadways along the “Postal Route” including 4th Street, Elva Avenue, Reid Lane, Verde Vista Lane, Saraview Drive, Surrey Lane, Comer Drive, Arroyo De Arguello, Via Roncole (General Plan classifi- cation - collector road) Saratoga Hills Road, Pontiac Avenue, Trinity Avenue, Malcolm Avenue, Sea- ton Avenue, Tamworth Avenue, Sarahills Drive and Wardell Road (all General Plan classifications – local streets). The Project includes designation of a conceptual alignment for a proposed Class I bike trail along High- way 9/Congress Springs Road and Pierce Road. No specific trail alignment has been determined. The conceptual alignment along Highway 9/Congress Springs Road would be immediately to the south of Highway 9 and to the west of Pierce Road. See Attachment A, Figure C-5. The conceptual trail align- ment area consists of disturbed areas and vegetated areas, including both non-native plant species and native species. The conceptual trail alignment traverses areas of steep slopes immediately south of Highway 9 and west of Pierce Road. Saratoga Creek and tributaries to it cross the conceptual alignment several times. On portions of the conceptual alignment, the creek channel is surrounded by riparian vegetation. Saratoga Creek supports a dense, multi-layered woodland typical of riparian habitat. The conceptual trail alignment would cross U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional waters. The creek is also under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The Project includes designation of a conceptual alignment for a proposed Class I bike trail on either side of Joes’ Trail to extend the trail to the City boundaries. The conceptual trail alignment is situated in urban land adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad. No specific trail alignment has been determined. The conceptual alignment would cross the utility corridor along the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way from Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Prospect Road and from Saratoga Avenue to the City boundary. See At- tachment A, Figure C-5. The conceptual trail alignment is located in a valley and is not immediately adjacent to steep hillside slopes. The conceptual trail alignment consists of disturbed areas and vegetated areas, including both non-native plant species and native species. Calabazas Creek and San Tomas Aquino Creek cross the conceptual trail alignment. On portions of the conceptual trail alignment, the creek channel is surrounded by riparian vegetation. The conceptual trail alignment may cross U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional waters. The creeks are also under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD). Portions of the trail alignment are currently informally used by hikers, runners, and bicyclists. The conceptual trail alignment requires road crossings at Arroyo de Arguello and Quito Road. In the course of preparing this update, staff determined that certain roadway segments currently have traffic volumes that exceed the capacity for those segments. Specifically, two roadway segments, Saratoga Avenue between Cox Avenue and SR 85 and Quito Road between Allendale Avenue and Saratoga Avenue currently operate at level of service (LOS) E and F respectively. As such, the Circula- tion Element Update revises policies to reflect these existing conditions. 15 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 6 Surrounding Land Uses. Land uses surrounding the affected roadways consist of low to medium density residential uses and several commercial centers along the major arterial roadways. The proposed bike routes would be located along existing roadways. 3. Project Goals and Objectives The key goal of the project is to update policies and procedures to reflect conditions that have evolved since preparation of the 2000 Circulation element and to enhance bicycle safety to benefit residents in Saratoga. Specific objectives of the project include the following: • Improve the City’s transportation system by promoting ‘complete streets’ that balance the needs of bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users with consideration for safe automobile travel. • Improve bicycle safety and routing within the City. • Reduce automobile use to benefit regional air quality and reduce traffic congestion. • Improve public health. • Enhance bicycle connectivity within the City and to neighboring communities. 4. Proposed Project The project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan, including updates of descriptive information, clarification of existing policies, updates of bicycle facilities maps, redesignation of certain existing bike routes, designation of roadways as new bike routes and bike trails, and establishment of proposed bike route and bike trail designations. The project would also amend the trails map in the City’s Open Space/Conservation Element to correct inaccuracies and ensure consistency with the trails map in the Circulation Element. The project would not include physical changes or construction. Implementation of the proposed project would update the Bicycle Facilities Map in the City’s Circulation and Scenic Highway Element to include the following changes: • Add a new Class III bike route following the “Postal Route” by adding bicycle facilities onto 4th Street, Elva Avenue, Reid Lane, Saratoga Hills Road, Pontiac Avenue, Trinity Avenue, Malcolm Avenue, Seaton Avenue, Tamworth Avenue, Verde Vista Lane, Sarahills Drive, Saraview Drive, Sur- rey Lane, Comer Drive, Arroyo De Arguello, Via Roncole, and Wardell Road; • Add a new Class III bicycle route along the sections of Miller Avenue between Cox Avenue and Prospect Road that do not already include a bike lane; • Add a proposed future Class III bicycle route along: - Highway 9/Big Basin Way between 4th Street and Springer Avenue, and - Pierce Road between Surrey Lane and Mt. Eden Road; • Add a proposed future Class I off-road bike trail conceptual alignment along: - Highway 9/Congress Springs Road east of Springer Avenue, and - Pierce Road south of Mt. Eden Road 16 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 7 - adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad near Highway 85 west of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and east of Saratoga Avenue to the City boundaries • Reclassify roadway segments from a Class III bike route to a combination of Class II and Class III bike routes and lanes on Highway 9/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road from Highway 9/Big Basin Way south to the City boundary. (These roadway segments are already striped with bike lanes.) • Remove Class III bike route facility designations on: - Highway 9/Big Basin Way west of 4th Street, - Mount Eden Road, and - Pierce Road west of Surrey Lane; Bike Routes. Proposed removal of existing bike route designations would extend along portions of Highway 9 (a.k.a. Big Basin Way and Congress Springs Road), Pierce Road and Mt. Eden Road. The proposed project would designate new bike routes along portions of Miller Avenue and along the old “Postal Route”. Proposed future bike routes would be designated on Pierce Road between Surrey Lane and Mt. Eden Road and Highway 9/Big Basin Way between 4th Street and Springer Avenue. Class III bike routes are not striped. The new and proposed future bike routes are shown in Attachment A at Figure C-5. Bike Lanes. A change in designation of Saratoga Los-Gatos Road from bike routes to bike lanes is proposed to reflect the current bicycle facilities on these roadways. Class II Bike lanes consist of striped bike lanes on the roadway. The new bike lanes are shown in Attachment A, Figure C-5. Bike Trails. Depending on the specific location of the trail alignment, implementation of the proposed Class I bike trails would require the City to acquire easements or other means of access to Santa Clara County Parks land, San Jose Water Company land, and other private property. Specific trail alignments are not known or proposed at this time. Therefore, the project proposes only designations of conceptual trail alignments. Other Trails. The project would also amend the Trails Map in the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element to correct inaccuracies and ensure consistency with the Existing and Proposed Trails Map in the Circulation Element. In several cases, the trails map depicts ‘Existing City Trails’ that do not yet exist. The revised map would depict these trails as ‘Proposed City Trails’. In some cases, trails previously depicted as ‘Proposed City Trails’ have either been constructed or the City has since acquired use agreements to facilitate construction. The revised map would depict these trails as ‘Existing City Trails’. In other cases, the revised map would: show existing and newly relocated trails that were omitted from the previous map and remove depicted private trails that are not City trails. Project Approvals/Entitlements The City does not require permits and/or approval from other agencies to implement the proposed project. 17 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 8 C. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Environmental Factors Potentially Affected: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project. Aesthetics Biological Resources Hazards & Hazardous Materials Mineral Resources Public Services Utilities/Service Systems Agricultural Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology/Water Quality Noise Recreation Mandatory Findings of Significance Air Quality Geology/Soils Land Use/Planning Population/Housing Transportation/Traffic Determination. (To be completed by the Lead Agency.) On the basis of this initial evaluation: X I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. _ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be pre- pared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially signifi- cant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately ana- lyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that re- main to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. __________________________________________ ______________________ Signature Date John Cherbone, Public Works Director City of Saratoga 18 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 9 Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact I. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Discussion: Scenic vistas of the Monte Bello Ridge to the northwest and the forested slopes of taller mountains in the Santa Cruz Mountain range to the south can be seen from many roadways throughout the City. The proposed project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan, including an amendment to the Bicycle Facilities map, and would not result in physical changes or construction. Thus, the project would not result in adverse impacts to scenic resources or visual character of the area. The visual character or quality of the bicycle facilities and roadways and their surroundings are not affected by the proposed updates. Therefore the project would not have a significant impact related to scenic vistas. Highway 9 is officially designated as a State Scenic Highway Corridor from the Los Gatos city limit (east of Saratoga) to Highway 35/Skyline Boulevard1. The proposed update of the Bicycle Facilities map does not include any portions of a County scenic roadway. No other proposed policy updates would result in physical changes that would lead to adverse impacts to scenic resources or visual character. Implementa- tion of the proposed project would not result in the removal of trees, rock outcroppings or historic buildings, therefore the project would not have a significant impact related to damage of scenic resources. The proposed project does not include the installation or use of lights, or large areas of reflective material. Therefore, the proposed project would not adversely affect day or nighttime views in the surrounding, predominantly residential neighborhoods. 1 http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic_highways/route9.htm 19 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 10 Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the Cali- fornia Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conserva- tion as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant envi- ronmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the states’ inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment Project; and forest carbon mea- surement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farm- land of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to a non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code sec- tion 12220(g), timberland (as defined by Public Re- sources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Tim- berland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or con- version of forest land to non-forest? 20 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 11 Discussion: The proposed project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan, including an amendment to the Bicycle Facilities map in the City’s Circulation and Scenic Highway Element to facilitate bicycle travel. As such, implementation of the proposed project would not result in physical changes or construction. Implementation of the proposed project would not convert agricultural land to non-agricultural uses and would not conflict with existing agricultural uses or Wil- liamson Act contracts. Updating the Circulation Element would not result in the extension of infrastruc- ture into an undeveloped area, the development of urban uses on a greenfield site, or other physical changes that would result in the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorpo- rated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the appli- cable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substan- tially to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard (including releasing emis- sions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant con- centrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial num- ber of people? Discussion: The proposed project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan, including an amendment to the Bicycle Facilities map in the City’s Circulation and Scenic Highway Element. Implementation of the proposed project would not result in physical changes or construction and would not result in changes in land use or policies that would result in growth and associated increases in emissions from motor vehicles. Additionally, implementation of the project would result in safer bicycle routes within the City limits and is expected to encourage more bicycle use. This would in turn, reduce automobile use to benefit regional air quality. As discussed below, the project would not result in a significant adverse effect to air quality or conflict with the latest Clean Air Plan. 21 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 12 This introduction provides background air quality information that is referenced in the responses to the Initial Study checklist questions below. Existing Air Quality. The City of Saratoga is within the jurisdiction of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), which regulates air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area. Air quality conditions in the San Francisco Bay Area have improved significantly since the BAAQMD was created in 1955. Ambient concentrations of air pollutants and the number of days during which the region exceeds air quality standards have fallen substantially. In Saratoga and the rest of the air basin, exceedances of air quality standards occur primarily during meteorological conditions conducive to high pollution levels, such as cold, windless winter nights or hot, sunny summer afternoons. Ozone levels, as measured by peak concentrations and the number of days over the State one-hour standard, have declined substantially as a result of aggressive programs by the BAAQMD and other regional, State and federal agencies. The reduction of peak concentrations represents progress in improv- ing public health; however the Bay Area still exceeds the State standard for 1-hour ozone levels. Twenty- four hour levels of particulate matter (PM10) in the Bay Area have exceeded State standards at least several times per year from 2004 to 2006 (the latest year for which data is available). The area is consi- dered a nonattainment area for this pollutant relative to the State standards. The Bay Area is an unclassi- fied area for the federal PM10 standard. An “unclassified” designation signifies that data does not support either an attainment or nonattainment status. No exceedances of the State or federal carbon monoxide (CO) standards have been recorded at any of the region’s monitoring stations since 1991. The Bay Area is currently considered a maintenance area for State and Federal CO standards. New national and State standards for fine particulate matter (diameter 2.5 microns or less, PM2.5) have been adopted for 24-hour and annual averaging periods. Fine particulate matter, because of the small size of individual particles, can be especially harmful to human health. Fine particulate matter is emitted by common combustion sources such as cars, trucks, buses and power plants, in addition to ground disturb- ing activities. The Bay Area is considered an attainment area for PM2.5 at the national level and a nonat- tainment area for PM2.5 at the State level. Clean Air Plan. The most recent BAAQMD plan for attaining California Ambient Air Quality Standards, the Bay Area 2005 Ozone Strategy, was adopted by BAAQMD on January 4, 2006. The 2005 Ozone Strategy is the fourth triennial update of the BAAQMD’s original 1991 Clean Air Plan (CAP). The 2005 Ozone Strategy demonstrates how the San Francisco Bay Area will achieve compliance with the State 1-hour air quality standard for ozone and how the region will reduce transport of ozone and ozone precursors to neighboring air basins. The Ozone Strategy also includes stationary source control measures, mobile source control measures and transportation control measures. Although it is only required to address ozone pollution and associated control measures, the Ozone Strategy also discusses particulate matter pollution and reduction measures. a) As noted above, the Bay Area 2005 Ozone Strategy, which also addresses particulate matter, is the air quality plan that applies to Saratoga. The primary source of ozone is internal combustion engines and power plants. Because the proposed project would not result in any physical changes or construction, it would not contribute to regional ozone emissions in the form of emissions from construction vehicles. 22 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 13 The proposed update of the Circulation Element would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. b) As discussed in the introduction to this section, the San Francisco Bay air basin is considered a nonattainment area for particulate matter and for one-hour ozone levels, under State standards. The proposed project would not result in any physical changes or construction and it would not result in a substantial contribution of particulate matter due to construction or soil disturbance. Implementation of the updated Circulation Element would not result in changes in land use or policies that would result in growth and associated increases in emissions from motor vehicles. Therefore, the proposed project would not contribute substantially to violations of air quality standards. c) As discussed in Section III. a and b, the proposed project would not result in significant emissions of ozone precursors, including particulate matter. Therefore, the project does not make a cumulatively considerable contribution to the air basin’s non-attainment status for particulate matter or other ozone precursors. d) The project would not result in physical changes that would generate increased pollutant emissions. Implementation of the updated Circulation Element would not result in changes in land uses or policies that would place sensitive receptors in greater proximity to emission sources or expose sensitive receptors to emission sources for longer durations. e) Implementation of the Circulation Element Update would not result in physical changes or in policies that would result in physical changes that would create long-term objectionable odors. Therefore, updating the Circulation Element would not violate air quality standards, affect the City’s ability to comply with air quality plans, result in a considerable increase of a criteria pollutant, expose receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations, nor create objectionable odors to a substantial number of people. In addition, any future development activities related to the designated bike trails would be subject to further review under CEQA. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in lo- cal or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habi- tat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? 23 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 14 c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) Through direct removal, filling, hydrolog- ical interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with es- tablished native resident or migratory wildlife corri- dors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protect- ing biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan? Discussion: Because the proposed update of the Circulation Element would not result in physical changes or construc- tion, implementation of the project would not result in adverse impacts to biological resources. Future development of designated bike trails would be subject to further review under CEQA, which would include analysis of potential impacts to existing vegetation and other potential biological resources. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Discussion: 24 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 15 The proposed project would not result in physical changes. The project does not involve construction or excavation. As such, it will not result in a change to an historical, archaeological, or paleontological resource or result in the disturbance of human remains. Future development of the designated bike trails would be subject to further review under CEQA, which would include analysis of potential impacts to cultural resources. Therefore, the project would not result in adverse impacts to cultural resources. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial ad- verse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geol- ogy Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefac- tion? iv) Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1- B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating sub- stantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal sys- tems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? Discussion: The proposed project would not result in construction or excavation that could result in significant adverse impacts related to geology and soils. 25 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 16 Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Discussion: On December 30, 2009, the California Natural Resources Agency adopted CEQA Guidelines Amendments related to Climate Change. These amendments become effective on March 18, 2010, and state that the “lead agency shall have discretion to determine, in the context of a particular project, whether to: (1) Use a model or methodology to quantify greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a project…and/or (2) Rely on a qualitative analysis or performance based standards.” The qualitative analysis here considers whether the project will generate greenhouse gas emissions or conflict with State goals and plans to reduce such emissions. The proposed project would not result in physical changes or construction and would not result in changes in land use or policies that would result in growth and associated increases in emissions from motor vehicles. The goals of the project is to update policies and procedures to reflect conditions that have evolved since preparation of the 2000 Circulation element and to enhance bicycle safety to benefit residents in Saratoga. The policy changes proposed would have negligible impact on traffic and may reduce traffic levels and related emission in some cases. Therefore, updating the City’s Circulation Element would not generate greenhouse gas emissions. The update does not include policies that conflict with any applicable regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the project’s contribution to cumulative GHG emissions would be less than significant. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact VIII. HAZARDS. Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the envi- ronment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the envi- 26 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 17 ronment through reasonably foreseeable upset and ac- cident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste with- in one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of ha- zardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Govern- ment Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environ- ment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project located within the vicinity of a private air- strip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Discussion: The proposed project would update the Circulation Element of the City’s General Plan and amend the bicycle facilities maps. The project would not result in physical changes or construction. Implementation of the proposed project would not involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. The proposed project does not include facilities that would permanently result in emissions of hazardous materials or the regular handling of hazardous waste. Therefore, the project would not pose a hazard to any sensitive receptors. Implementation of the project would not take place within an airport land use plan area, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, or within the vicinity of a private airstrip. The project would not interfere with an adopted emergency response or emergency evacuation plan. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in significant adverse impacts related to hazards. 27 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 18 Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorpo- rated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the produc- tion rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding of as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? 28 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 19 Discussion: The proposed project would update the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan and amend the bicycle facilities maps. The project would not include excavation or con- struction and would thus not impact groundwater resources or infiltration capacity, or alter drainage patterns in a way that would increase erosion or flooding. There are no levees or dams in Saratoga and the City is not subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorpo- rated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact X. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordin- ance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? Discussion: The proposed project would update the Circulation Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan and amend the bicycle facilities maps. Implementation of bicycle facilities that require construction (i.e., construction of bike trails) would be subject to further review under CEQA when specific trail alignments are proposed. The physical division of an established community would typically involve the construction of large fea- tures (such as freeways) that then function as physical or psychological barriers between communities, or the removal of roadways (e.g., through the assembly of numerous parcels and the creation of “super- blocks”) such that access from one neighborhood to another is diminished. The designated bicycle routes would enhance bicycle access in the City, and would not impede vehicle traffic on the roadways with designated bicycle routes. Therefore, the project would not physically divide any residential communi- ties. The affected portions of Highway 9/Big Basin Way and Highway 9/Congress Springs Road are identified in the General Plan as Minor Arterial Roadways. Highway 9/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road is identified in the General Plan as a Major Arterial Roadway. Pierce Road and all other affected roadways are identified in 29 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 20 the General Plan as a Collector Roads. Zoning for uses along the proposed bicycle routes include residential, commercial, and community facilities. The project would not conflict with an applicable land use plan, policy or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project and would not conflict with any adopted habitat or natural community conservation plan. Therefore, the project would not result in any adverse impacts related to land use. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact XI. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral re- source that would be of value to the region and the res- idents of the State? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Discussion: Mineral resources in and around Saratoga are limited primarily to sandstone and shale. No active mines are located in Saratoga. Updating the City’s Circulation Element would not result in adverse impacts to mineral resources. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact XII. NOISE. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise le- vels in the project vicinity above levels existing with- out the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient 30 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 21 noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Discussion: Updating the City’s Circulation Element would not result in physical changes or construction that could result in adverse noise impacts. Implementation of the updated Circulation Element would not result in changes in land uses or policies that would place sensitive receptors in greater proximity to high levels of airport- or airstrip-related noise or expose sensitive receptors to noise sources for longer durations. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in significant impacts related to noise. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through exten- sion of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, ne- cessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Discussion: The proposed project would result in an updated Circulation Element and amended maps. Implementa- tion of the updated Circulation Element would not result in changes to land use or policies that would result in growth. Thus, the project would not directly or indirectly induce population growth, would not remove existing housing stock and would not displace people. 31 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 22 Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES. a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physi- cally altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construc- tion of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? Police protection? Schools? Parks? Other public facilities? Discussion: Implementation of the proposed project would result in an updated Circulation Element. Thus, the project would not increase the risk of fire hazard in the area or result in significant impacts related to increased provision of fire and police services. The proposed project does not involve the construction of housing or employment-generating facilities. Therefore, it would not increase demand for school services. The project increases bicycle routes and designated bicycle trails in Saratoga and thus would not result in adverse impacts on existing recreational facilities or other public facilities, such as libraries. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact XV. RECREATION. a) Would the project increase the use of existing neigh- borhood and regional parks or other recreational facili- ties such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or re- quire the construction or expansion of recreational fa- cilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? 32 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 23 Discussion: Implementation of the proposed project would result in a net increase in bicycle facilities in the City of Saratoga. The project does not require construction or expansion of recreational facilities. Therefore, the project would not adversely impact recreational facilities and would not have a substantial adverse physical effect on the environment. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the perfor- mance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non- motorized travel and relevant components of the circu- lation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards, and travel demand measures, or other stan- dards established by the county congestion manage- ment agency for designated roads or highways. c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including ei- ther an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or in- compatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs re- garding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. Discussion: The project would result in an updated Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City of Saratoga General Plan and amended maps. Implementation of the updated Circulation Element would not result in changes to land use or policies that would result in a substantial increase in traffic. Circulation Element policies would be updated to encourage alternative travel modes, such as walking, biking, and transit. The Circulation Element analysis of existing roadway conditions indicates that two roadway segments (i.e., Saratoga Avenue between Cox Avenue and SR 85 and Quito Road between Allendale Avenue and 33 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 24 Saratoga Avenue) are currently operating below the City’s standard of level-of-service D. See, Circula- tion Element included as Attachment A, at 13. The Circulation Element analysis also indicates that the same two roadway segments and four other roadway segments (also along Saratoga Avenue and Quito Road) are projected to exceed LOS D in 2030. See, Circulation Element included as Attachment A, at 25. Thus, the six roadway segments in question would experience increased traffic congestion compared to current conditions. The anticipated change in level of service is considered a less-than-significant impact to the City’s circulation system as a whole. The City’s circulation system includes all modes of transportation includ- ing public transit, bicycle facilities, and pedestrian facilities, as well as roadways and intersections. Therefore, the preservation of all components of the circulation system has been considered in this evaluation. The roadway segments that are projected to exceed LOS D have existing and planned sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Preservation of these pedestrian and bicycle facilities precludes changes in roadway configurations along these roadway segments. As such, taking into account all modes of transportation in the City, the projected increase in traffic congestion at the aforementioned roadway segments are not expected to result in significant adverse impacts. Updating the City’s Circulation Element would not result in conflicts with established plans, policies, or other measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system or substantial changes in the amount or flow of traffic. Updates to the City’s Circulation Element also include revisions to the bicycle facility designations. Bike lanes shown on the updated facilities map reflect existing conditions. No lanes were removed or are planned to be removed to implement these bike lanes. Implementation of the proposed project would ultimately allow for increased bike access to the existing bicycle facilities and to newly identified routes. The proposed project would offer a transportation alternative to driving and could reduce car trips. Therefore, the proposed project would not cause an increase in car traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system. The City of Saratoga has one intersection (i.e., Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road) that is monitored by the Santa Clara County Congestion Management Agency (CMA). According to the most recent CMA monitoring results, that intersection does not exceed the Congestion Management Program standard for levels of service. There is no indication that implementation of the proposed project would conflict with the CMA’s policies. In the event that the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road intersection exceeds CMA level of service standards in the future, the Circulation Element includes a policy that requires the City to prepare a deficiency plan in accordance with CMA policies. See, Attachment A, at 38. The project would not result in a change to air traffic patterns or air traffic levels, therefore the update of the Circulation Element would result in no impacts related to safety risks. The conceptual trail alignments may require crossing over Highway 9/Big Basin Way at the intersection with Pierce Road and crossings at Arroyo de Arguello and Quito Road. Any impacts related to increased hazards associated with construction of the Class III bicycle trails would be evaluated during environmen- tal review of project-level impacts when a specific trail alignments and designs are proposed. Emergency vehicle access around the City would be unaffected by the proposed project. Bike lanes shown on the updated bicycle facilities map reflect existing conditions. No center lanes were removed to implement these bike lanes and roadway configurations would not be altered. 34 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 25 Updating the Circulation Element, amending relevant maps, and identifying new and future bike routes, bike lanes, and bike trails would benefit bicycle users in Saratoga. The proposed project would ultimately provide a safe way to commute via bicycle through Saratoga. The project is consistent with both the County and City bicycle plans, and other programs supporting alternative transportation. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the ap- plicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause signifi- cant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm wa- ter drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant envi- ronmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commit- ments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capaci- ty to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, State, and local statutes and regu- lations related to solid waste? Discussion: The proposed project would update the City’s Circulation and Scenic Highway Element. Implementation of the proposed project would not result in physical changes or construction. As such, implementation of the proposed project would not affect wastewater treatment, water supplies, storm water facilities, wastewater treatment capacity, or solid waste disposal capacity and would not require the construction of new wastewater or water facilities, or the expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, the project is not expected to result in adverse impacts on utilities and service systems. 35 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 26 Any impacts resulting from alteration of drainage patterns or construction of stormwater facilities associated with construction of the Class III bicycle trails would be evaluated during environmental review of project-level impacts when specific trail alignments and designs are proposed. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incor- porated Less Than Signifi- cant Impact No Impact XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the ha- bitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wild- life population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, re- duce the number or restrict the range of a rare or en- dangered plant or animal, or eliminate important exam- ples of the major periods of California history or pre- history? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually li- mited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.) d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, ei- ther directly or indirectly? Implementation of the proposed project would not degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. The proposed project would update the City’s Circulation Element to reflect conditions that have evolved since preparation of the last update and would enhance bicycle access in Saratoga, which would benefit regional air quality in the long-term. Other planned and anticipated projects in Saratoga include small-scale residential developments and the revitalization of Saratoga Village. The foreseeable projects in Saratoga would be expected to result in minimal adverse environmental impacts. These impacts could include incremental increases in stormwa- ter runoff, minor disturbances to urban wildlife, and other effects typical of projects undertaken in already-developed areas. The proposed project’s environmental impacts are individually limited and do not make a cumulatively considerable contribution to anticipated impacts from associated with other pending or planned projects. Therefore, all environmental impacts that could occur as a result of the proposed project would be at less-than-significant levels. 36 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 27 Implementation of the proposed project would not result in environmental effects that would cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. 37 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update 28 D. REPORT PREPARERS Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, LLP City Attorney and Urban Planning Consultant: Project Management and Report Production; Project Description; Initial Study Preparation Fehr and Peers, City Traffic Engineers: Transportation, Circulation and Parking analysis. E. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bay Area Air Quality Management District, 2010. Draft CEQA Guidelines. Website: http://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/Files/Planning%20and%20Research/CEQA/Draft%20BAAQMD %20CEQA%20Guidelines_Dec%207%202009.ashx California Department of Transportation website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic_highways/route9.htm \\Smw01\vol1_data\SARATOGA\Circulation Element Update\Final Initial Study w-attach\FINAL Initial Study for Circ Element (7-19-10).doc 38 3 9 4 0 4 1 4 2 4 3 4 4 4 5 The project would amend Exhibit OSC-2 in the City’s Open Space/Conservation Element depicting Existing and Proposed Trails to correct inaccuracies and ensure consistency with the Circulation Element trails map. The first map attached is the existing Exhibit OSC-2; the second map is Exhibit OSC-2 as amended. 46 47 S a r a t o g a -S u n n y v a l e R o a d Prospect Road Cox Avenue Q u i t o R o a d Saratoga-Los Gatos Road P i e r c e R o a d B i g B a s i n W a y S a r a t o g a A v e n u e F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e Mountain Winery Saratoga High School Prospect High School Redwood Middle SchoolFoothill Elementary Argonaut Elementary Blue Hills Elementary Marshall Lane Elementary Saratoga Elementary Christa McAuliffe Elementary Villa MontalvoSanborn County Park Fremont Older OSP Central Park Kevin Moran Park El Quito Park Azule Park St. Marcos Open Space Wildwood Park Bellgrove Park Beauchamps Park Congress Springs Park Gardiner Park Foothill Park Historical Park Brookglen Park Ravenswood Park Hakone Gardens Saratoga Country Club City of Saratoga Open Space/Conservation ElementBackground Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures ¬ Page 10UNGO-McCORMICK CONSULTINGJerry Haag, Urban PlannerRevised by City of Saratoga EXISTING ANDPROPOSED TRAILS Exhibit OSC-2 Saratoga Parks Other Park Resources Public Schools 0 3,000 6,0001,500 Feet Legend Existing City Trails Proposed City Trails Other Existing Public Trails Other Proposed Public Trails City Limits Sphere of Influence 48 CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO: 10-025 APPLICATION NUMBERS: GPA10-0001 RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE CIRCULATION AND SCENIC HIGHWAY ELEMENT, INCLUDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT The City of Saratoga Planning Commission finds and determines as follows with respect to the above-described application: WHEREAS, a General Plan must contain certain elements, including a Circulation Element which sets forth goals, policies and programs for travel and transportation and the location of existing and proposed transportation routes and other local public facilities for transportation within the City; and WHEREAS, on September 8, 2010 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed Public Hearing on the draft Circulation and Scenic Highway Element and related planning actions described below at which time all interested parties were given a full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence and argument. The Planning Commission considered the draft Circulation and Scenic Highway Element and an amendment to the Open Space and Conservation Element, CEQA documentation, correspondence, presentations from the public, and all testimony and other evidence presented at the Public Hearing, and WHEREAS, an amendment to the trails map within the Open Space and Conservation Element is intended to ensure conformance with the trails map within the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element; and WHEREAS, environmental review was completed in the form of an Initial Study and it was determined that the proposed adoption of the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element, and the amendment to the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element, would not result in potential significant impacts on the environment and a Negative Declaration was prepared; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds that the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element and the proposed amendment to the Open Space and Conservation Element is consistent with the City of Saratoga General Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga does hereby recommend that the City Council of the City of Saratoga adopt the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element, and the proposed amendment to the Open Space and Conservation Element, which was presented to the Planning Commission on September 8, 2010 and circulated for a 30-day public review period from July 26, 2010 to August 26, 2010 and is on file with the Community Development Department. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga, this 8th of September, 2010 by the following vote: 49 2 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element 2010 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ______________________________ Mary-Lynne Bernald Chair, Planning Commission ATTEST: ___________________________________ John F. Livingstone, AICP Secretary to the Planning Commission 50 REVISED DRAFT REPORT CIRCULATION AND SCENIC HIGHWAY ELEMENT UPDATE CITY OF SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA BACKGROUND REPORT AND GOALS, POLICIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES PREPARED FOR: CITY OF SARATOGA July 19, 2010 51 REVISED DRAFT REPORT CIRCULATION AND SCENIC HIGHWAY ELEMENT UPDATE CITY OF SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA BACKGROUND REPORT AND GOALS, POLICIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES PREPARED FOR: CITY OF SARATOGA PREPARED BY: FEHR & PEERS. July 19, 2010 52 VISION STATEMENT It is the intent of the City that the emphasis on maintaining the character of Saratoga as expressed in the General Plan and Specific Plans be affirmed, preserved and furthered by the goals, policies and implementation measures presented in the Year 2010 Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update. Additionally, it is the intent of the City that the mandate expressed by the citizens of Saratoga to control density, traffic, and noise be affirmed, preserved and furthered by the goals, policies and implementation measures presented in this document. The City also pledges to : 1) improve the transportation system by balancing the needs of bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users with considerations for safe automobile travel, and 2) be a responsible partner in developing regional transportation solutions. Where any inconsistency or conflict appears in interpreting this document, the strong value that Saratogans place on the character of the City shall weigh heavily in the resolution of such conflict. 53 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page I. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................1 II. EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM ..................................................4 III. OTHER CIRCULATION ISSUES ................................................................ 20 IV. SCENIC HIGHWAYS AND CORRIDORS .................................................23 V. FUTURE CONDITIONS ...............................................................................24 VI. GOALS, POLICIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES .................35 TECHNICAL APPENDICES Appendix A: Level of Service Tables for Roadway Segments 54 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1. Mode Share of Saratoga Residents ..........................................................................4 2. Existing Roadway Segment Levels of Service ......................................................12 3. Transit Load Factors – Routes Serving Saratoga ...................................................15 4. Year 2030 Roadway Segment Levels of Service ...................................................26 5. Existing and Future Vehicle Miles of Travel (VMT) ............................................28 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1. City Map ..................................................................................................................6 2. Current Roadway Classifications .............................................................................9 3. Existing Daily Traffic Volumes .............................................................................11 4. Existing Transit Service .........................................................................................16 5. Existing Bicycle Facilities .....................................................................................19 C-1 Existing Roadways................................................................................................48 C-2 Roadway Classifications .......................................................................................49 C-3 Truck Routes .........................................................................................................50 C-4 Existing Transit Service ........................................................................................51 C-5 Existing and Proposed Bicycle Facilities ..............................................................52 C-6 Existing and Proposed Trails/Pedestrian Paths .....................................................53 55 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 1 I. INTRODUCTION What is a Circulation and Scenic Highway Element? A Circulation and Scenic Highway Element is one of seven required elements of a City or County’s General Plan. California Government Code Section 65302 (b) specifies that the Circulation Element of a General Plan shall identify the proposed location and extent of major thoroughfares, terminals, and services designed to transport people and goods. The City of Saratoga’s transportation system is comprised of roadways, bikeways, sidewalks and trails, transit facilities and services, and rail lines. The Circulation and Scenic Highway Element addresses all travel modes and includes the goals, policies, and implementation programs that guide the development and maintenance of the transportation system. Scenic highway designations and corridor preservation issues are also addressed as part of this element. Why Update the Circulation Element? The Circulation Element was last updated in 2000. Over the last ten years, the City of Saratoga has not seen significant changes in its transportation system, and traffic volumes have decreased by approximately ten (10) percent. Because the vast majority of land use within Saratoga is essentially built-out, future travel demand will be generated by redevelopment, in-fill projects, and additional through traffic. Thus, the primary goal of the Circulation Element is to manage and improve the efficiency of the existing transportation system. Background The transportation system in Saratoga was originally developed before the City was incorporated and was based on planning principles for rural communities. These principles included construction of numerous local streets without finished curbs, gutters or sidewalks, extensive use of natural landscaping, and development of an arterial street system that radiated from the Village area along Big Basin Way. Due to the hilly terrain and natural setting, some City streets include narrow travel lanes that are less than the 12-foot standard used in many urban areas. The City maintains an on-going effort to eliminate sight distance limitations caused by trees and shrubs or by structures built before recent setback standards were implemented As the City has developed and overall travel demand has increased, the focus of Citywide circulation traffic volumes has shifted from congestion in the Village area to neighborhood traffic management and school circulation. Traffic volumes on City streets have decreased approximately ten (10) percent since 2000. This decrease is not unexpected due to the economic boom that occurred in the late 1990s and the current recession. Although traffic volumes have decreased, opportunities to expand alternative travel modes have been limited because of: 1) the original planning principles to minimize the number of sidewalks, 2) insufficient roadway width or right-of-way to accommodate both on-street parking and separate bicycle facilities, and 3) the low-density development pattern that makes transit service less efficient. The City has consistently made a conscious effort to retain the rural character of the 56 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 2 community while providing adequate capacity and safety for vehicles and other modes of travel. Local residential streets are the framework around which the neighborhoods in Saratoga are built. To a great extent, the pattern and design of streets help shape neighborhood image and identity, and can influence whether or not residents of an area feel safe, the degree of communication neighbors have with each other, the degree to which residents use alternative modes for personal travel, and the general feeling of well-being and comfort related to their immediate environment. Regulatory Agencies The City of Saratoga has jurisdiction over all City streets and City-operated traffic signals. The SR 85 freeway, its ramps, and SR 9 (Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and Big Basin Way) are under the jurisdiction of the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). A short section of Lawrence Expressway is under the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district responsible for congestion management, specific highway improvement projects, countywide transportation planning, and bus and light rail operations in Santa Clara County. The VTA is the Congestion Management Agency (CMA) for jurisdictions within the County and sets the State and Federal funding priorities for improvements affecting Congestion Management Program (CMP) facilities, as well as non-automobile facilities. CMP facilities in Saratoga include SR 85, SR 9 (Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and Big Basin Way), Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, and Saratoga Avenue (east of SR 85). In Saratoga, the VTA provides fixed-route bus and paratransit service. The regional transportation planning agency for the San Francisco Bay Area is the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), which is the clearinghouse for both State and Federal funds for transportation improvements. Each county’s CMA, including the VTA, forwards their Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list to MTC for review. MTC prepares the regional priority list based on input from all nine Bay Area counties and submits it to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) and/or the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for funding. Community Input Participation from Saratoga residents and public officials was an integral part of the Circulation Element update process. Community input ensures the Circulation Element reflects the issues and opportunities identified by the community. The main concerns for this Circulation Element update were focused on updating bicycle paths, lanes, and routes on the Bicycle Facilities Map, verifying consistency between the trails map within the Circulation Element and the trails map within the Open Space/Conservation Element, and accurately describing the existing transportation system, goals, policies, and implementation measures that form the vision of the City’s circulation plan. Numerous groups met to discuss circulation issues with regards to the Circulation Element update. The Pedestrian, Equestrian, and Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee (PEBTAC) met numerous times in 2007, 2008, and 2009 to discuss changes to the Bicycle Facilities Map. The City Council 57 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 3 and Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) also met in 2009 to discuss the Bicycle Facilities Map and changes to the element. PEBTAC also discussed changes to the trails maps in May and June 2010. After thorough review of the maps, recorded documentation, and site visits, corrections to both trails maps were made and brought into conformity. These meetings were open to the public, noticed on standard meeting agendas, and included on the City’s website. A joint public meeting was also held by the TSC and PEBTAC in May 2010. The meeting was held to solicit additional public input on the background report and draft goals, policies, and implementation measures for the Circulation Element, as well as discuss any issues regarding the Bicycle Facilities Map and Trail Map. These meetings were advertised through the Saratoga News, noticed on the City’s website, and posted as a TSC agenda item. The Circulation Element is tentatively scheduled to be reviewed by the Planning Commission on September 10, 2010 before recommending approval of the Circulation Element to the City Council. City Council will review it in October 2010. 58 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 4 II. OVERVIEW OF EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM The current use of each travel mode is presented followed by descriptions of each component of the existing transportation system: roadways, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transit services and facilities, and rail lines. Figure 1 shows a map of the major roadways within Saratoga. Travel Mode Data Saratoga residents use a variety of modes to travel. Table 1 shows the proportional share by travel mode for Saratoga residents commuting to work based on the most recent Census data. TABLE 1 Travel to Work Mode Share - Saratoga Residents Transportation Mode Share (%) Drive Alone Carpool/Vanpool Bus Bicycle Walk Other1 85.4 5.0 0.9 0.2 0.9 7.6 Notes: 1 Includes motorcycle riders, worked at home and other modes. Source: U.S. Census 2000, Summary File 3. The vast majority of work trips (more than 85 percent) are made by single-occupant vehicles. Carpools/vanpools or ridesharing comprises the second highest share at five (5.0) percent. Transit, bicycle and pedestrian trips comprise approximately two (2.0) percent of the commute trip total. Interestingly, the drive alone rate decreased by approximately 3.5 percentage points from Year 1990 to 2000. Based on two previous mode share studies and anecdotal evidence approximately 90 percent of local elementary students arrive and depart by automobile. This trend is due to an open enrollment system (where a student may attend any school in the district) and the lack of dedicated school bus service. Existing Roadway System Regional roadway access to Saratoga is provided by three major freeways: State Route (SR) 85, Interstate 280 (I-280), and SR 17. Only SR 85 provides direct access to Saratoga via interchanges at Saratoga Avenue and South De Anza Boulevard (in Cupertino). Access to SR 17 is provided by Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, which is designated as SR 9, and via SR 85. Lawrence Expressway also serves regional traffic and links Saratoga to Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. As shown on Figure 1, the major roadways carry traffic between various areas of Saratoga as well as to other nearby cities. Local roadway access within Saratoga is provided by a network of streets that was specifically designed to discourage cut- through traffic in neighborhood areas. Unfortunately, increased congestion on some of the major roadways, especially near the SR 85/Saratoga Avenue interchange, has led to increased diversion through neighborhoods. Brief descriptions of the key roadways within the City are presented below. State Route 85 (SR 85) is six-lane freeway linking U.S. Highway 101 (US 101) in Mountain View to US 101 in south San Jose. The median lane in both directions is 59 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 5 designated for use by High Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs) and motorcycles during peak periods. HOVs include carpools, vanpools and buses. Full-access via ramps is provided at Saratoga Avenue between Fruitvale and Cox Avenues. Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (SR 9) is a two- to four-lane roadway extending between Big Basin Way in Saratoga and SR 17 in Los Gatos. A center two-way left-turn lane is provided on selected segments of this road within Saratoga. Saratoga-Los Gatos Road is designated as SR 9 and is under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Saratoga Avenue is a two- to six-lane street linking Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (SR 9) with Scott Boulevard in the City of Santa Clara. In Saratoga, this street includes two lanes between SR 9 and Fruitvale Avenue, and four lanes north of this point to the City limits. Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road is a four-lane, north-south road extending between Saratoga Avenue and Prospect Road. North of Prospect Road in the Cities of Cupertino and San Jose, this roadway is designated as South De Anza Boulevard and includes six travel lanes. Prospect Road is a two- to four-lane east- west roadway extending between Stevens Creek County Park and Saratoga Avenue. Several north-south collector streets connect to Prospect Road through Cupertino including Blaney Avenue, Miller Avenue, and Johnson Avenue. The majority of Prospect Road forms the boundary between Saratoga and the Cities of San Jose and Cupertino. A short segment of this road includes five through lanes between Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway. Fruitvale Avenue is a two- to four-lane street linking Saratoga Avenue to Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (SR 9). It is two lanes wide south of Burgundy Way. Fruitvale Avenue is the primary access to West Valley College and also serves Redwood Middle School, a Post Office, and Saratoga City Hall at Allendale Avenue. Cox Avenue is an east-west street extending between Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Quito Road. The majority of this street includes two travel lanes, with a four lane segment between Saratoga Avenue and Paseo Presado. As part of the City’s neighborhood traffic management efforts, the two-lane segment east of Paseo Presado includes a speed table to discourage speeding. Between Prospect Road and Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Cox Avenue is the only east-west street providing a direct connection across Saratoga between Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Quito Road. Allendale Avenue is a two-lane, east-west roadway linking Fruitvale Avenue and Quito Road. As noted above, this street provides access to the Saratoga Civic Center, Post Office, and Redwood Middle School west of Fruitvale Avenue. Secondary access to West Valley College is provided on Allendale Avenue. Quito Road is a two-to four-lane north-south roadway and essentially forms the City’s eastern boundary. Quito Road links Lawrence Expressway (south of Saratoga Avenue) to Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. Big Basin Way is a two-lane roadway between Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and Pierce Road. West of Pierce Road, this roadway is called Congress Springs Road and connects to Skyline Boulevard (SR 35). Big Basin Way is designated as SR 9. 60 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 6 Revised May 2010 Saratoga City Boundary Roads Waterways Figure 1 City Map City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a to g a- L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 61 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 7 Pierce Road is a two-lane roadway linking Congress Springs Road (SR 9) with Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road. This roadway traverses hilly terrain and provides access to numerous local and collector streets in the western hills. As part of the City’s neighborhood traffic management efforts, this street includes two speeds humps just east of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road. Roadway Classifications To better identify the character of a roadway, all streets and highways are classified depending upon the service they provide. For example, some facilities are designed to serve high traffic volumes across the City, while others are designed to serve low volumes and to distribute traffic within a limited area. Prior to the 2000 General Plan, roadways were classified based on the functional classification system typically used by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and illustrated on California Road Systems (CRS) Maps. The functional classification system emphasizes vehicle travel and focuses on the street environment between the curbs. In the 2000 General Plan, City roadways were identified based on the following classifications: interstate freeway, other freeway or expressway, major arterial, minor arterial, and collector. All other streets are assumed to be local streets. In determining the appropriate classification system for a given roadway, the City has and will continue to recognize that transportation corridors have multiple users (i.e., drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users) and that adjacent land uses also influence the functionality and character of the street environment. A map of the City’s adopted roadway classification system is shown on Figure 2. The City does not have an officially adopted classification system. Although the current General Plan map identifies some arterial roadways and collector streets, no distinction is made between types of arterial roadways (principal/major vs. minor). For discussion purposes, roadways have been classified into seven categories: freeways, expressways, major and minor arterials, collectors, local streets, and hillside streets. Portions of Prospect Road and Quito Road that are located in adjacent jurisdictions may be designated differently by those agencies. General definitions of these classifications and example segments are presented below. • Freeways. Freeways are limited- access, high-speed travelways included in the State and Federal Highway systems. Freeways are facilities designed solely for traffic movement, providing no access to abutting properties, and designed to separate all conflicting traffic movements through the use of grade- separated interchanges. The only freeway in the City is State Route (SR) 85. • Expressways. Expressways are high- speed, limited-access streets designed to facilitate the movement of high traffic volumes. Expressways are designed to serve both regional through and local traffic and ideally connect other regional roadways and freeways. Expressways are maintained and operated by the Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department. While the city coordinates with the County regarding expressway operations and improvements, the County controls access to and operation of traffic 62 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 8 signals on each of these facilities. The only expressway facility within the city limits is a very short segment of Lawrence Expressway north of Saratoga Avenue. • Major and Minor Arterials. Arterial roadways are major streets that primarily serve through traffic and provide access to abutting properties as a secondary function. Arterials are generally designed with two to six travel lanes and major intersections are signalized. This roadway type is divided into two categories: major and minor arterials. Major arterials are typically four- or more lane roadways and serve both local and through traffic. Minor arterials are typically two- to four-lane streets and serve local and commute traffic. Examples of major arterials are Saratoga Avenue east of SR 85, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga- Los Gatos Road, and Quito Road north of SR 85. Minor arterials include Saratoga Avenue west of SR 85, Fruitvale Avenue, Cox Avenue (Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Saratoga Avenue), and Quito Road south of SR 85. • Collectors. Collectors are streets that provide land access and traffic circulation within residential, commercial and industrial areas. They connect local streets to arterials and are typically designed with two travel lanes that may accommodate on-street parking. Collector streets include Herriman Avenue, Pierce Road, and Miller Avenue. • Local Streets. Local or residential streets provide direct access to abutting residential properties as their primary function. Local streets have no more than two travel lanes and may or may not accommodate on-street parking. In many areas of Saratoga, local streets do not include sidewalks. 63 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 9 Revised May 2010 Interstate Freeway (Not Applicable) Other Freeway or Expressway Minor Arterial Collector Major Arterial Figure 2 Current Roadway Classifications City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a to g a- L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 64 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 10 • Hillside Streets. These roads are local streets located in the foothills that have narrow travel lane widths and slower travel speeds. No on-street parking is typically permitted and no right of way is available for separate pedestrian or bicycle facilities. Examples include Bohlman Road and portions of Canyon View Drive. • Heritage Lanes. Two roadways in Saratoga are designated as “heritage lanes.” While not an official roadway classification for circulation purposes, this designation indicates corridors that are maintained to preserve the City’s character. The two roadways with this classification are Saratoga Avenue between Fruitvale Avenue and Park Place, and Austin Way south of Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (SR 9). Existing Traffic Volumes Existing traffic volumes were established with traffic counts conducted in 2006 and 2010. Current daily traffic volumes for the City’s major streets in the City are presented on Figure 3. Daily traffic volumes are used to identify the required number of travel lanes on roadway segments. While intersections represent the constraint points of a roadway system, forecasting specific turning movement volumes 20 or more years in the future can be speculative. In addition, use of daily volumes better illustrates maximum use of a roadway as opposed to focusing only on a one- or two-hour peak period. Roadway Segment Operations The operations of roadways are described with the term level of service. Level of service (LOS) is a qualitative description of traffic operations ranging from LOS A (indicating free flow operations with little or no delay experienced by motorists), to LOS F (indicating congested and oversaturated conditions where traffic flows exceed design capacity and result in long queues and delays). LOS E represents conditions at capacity. Roadway segments in the City of Saratoga were analyzed using comparison of the daily volume to threshold volumes based on roadway type as presented in the technical appendix. It is important to note that daily volume thresholds are used for planning purposes and traffic during peak periods may result in worse operations than illustrated by the daily LOS. The City of Saratoga currently maintains LOS D as the minimal acceptable operation level for intersections that are under the City’s jurisdiction. This same standard was applied to the roadway segment operations analysis. Table 2 shows the existing operations of the key roadway segments identified on Figure 3. 65 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 11 Revised May 2010 Existing Daily Volumes Note: Traffic counts obtained in 2006 and 2010 Figure 3 Existing Daily Volumes 150 18,300 16,300 26,100 3,000 10,500 31,900 17,800 36,900 32,800 19,900 16,600 7,600 17,500 6,300 13,000 8,500 13,800 16,100 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a to g a- L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 66 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 12 TABLE 2 Existing Roadway Segment Levels of Service1 Roadway Segment Existing Volume1 Roadway Type Number of Lanes LOS Prospect Road (Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Miller Avenue) 16,300 Major Arterial 4 C Prospect Road (Miller Avenue to Lawrence Expressway) 18,300 Major Arterial 4 C Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (Prospect Road to Cox Avenue) 26,100 Major Arterial 4 D Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (Cox Avenue to Saratoga Avenue) 17,500 Major Arterial 4 C Pierce Road (Surrey Lane to Comer Dr.) 3,000 Collector 2 B Cox Avenue (Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Saratoga Avenue) 10,500 Minor Arterial 2 D Saratoga Avenue (Lawrence Expressway To Cox Avenue) 31,900 Major Arterial 4 D Saratoga Avenue (Cox Avenue to SR 85) 36,900 Major Arterial 4 E Saratoga Avenue (SR 85 to Fruitvale Avenue) 32,800 Major Arterial 4 D Saratoga Avenue (Fruitvale Avenue to Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road) 16,600 Minor Arterial 2 D Big Basin Way (Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Pierce Road) 6,300 Minor Arterial 2 C Fruitvale Avenue (Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue) 19,900 Minor Arterial 4 D Fruitvale Avenue (Allendale Avenue to Saratoga-Los Gatos Road) 8,500 Minor Arterial 4 C Allendale Avenue (Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road) 7,600 Minor Arterial 2 C Quito Road (Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue) 17,800 Major Arterial 2 F Quito Road (Allendale Avenue to Saratoga-Los Gatos Road) 13,800 Minor Arterial 2 D Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (Saratoga Avenue to Fruitvale Avenue) 13,000 Major Arterial 4 D Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road) 16,100 Major Arterial 4 C Note: 1 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volume based on traffic counts collected November 2006 and February 2010. 2 Level of Service (LOS) based on roadway capacities defined in the technical appendix. Source: Fehr & Peers, March 2010. 67 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 13 Overall, the City’s daily roadway volumes have decreased by approximately 10 percent as compared to the volumes presented in the 2000 General Plan. The decrease in roadway volumes is not unexpected given the economic boom that occurred in the late 1990s and the current recession. Furthermore, the most recent VTA Monitoring and Conformance Report (2008) demonstrates that the CMP facilities currently operate at acceptable levels. Those facilities are located at (Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and Big Basin Way), Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road, and Saratoga Avenue (east of SR 85). The results in Table 2 show that two of the eighteen study roadway segments are operating near capacity on a daily basis. The two areas of substantial congestion include: • Saratoga Avenue between Cox Avenue and SR 85 • Quito Road between Allendale Avenue and Saratoga Avenue As noted previously, congested daily operations can indicate that overall traffic demand meets or exceeds the capacity of a given segment. However, peak-hour intersection operations and potential intersection improvements should be evaluated prior to recommending widening of roadway segments. This will allow the City to maximize the use of existing infrastructure while balancing the needs of all roadway users. Truck Traffic Truck traffic is not a significant existing problem in the City of Saratoga. The major state highways leading into and traversing the City are not high volume truck routes. SR 9 west of the City is a two-lane road with numerous curves and steep grades and is not conducive to truck travel. Trucks over four and one-half (4.5) tons are not permitted on SR 85. In general, most large trucks travel on Saratoga streets only to make local deliveries, pick-ups, and support new construction. While some complaints occur during construction or remodel of a home or business, issues are localized and addressed through code or law enforcement. Other Traffic Issues Several issues regarding traffic circulation throughout the City have been identified at public meetings and through communications with City Community Development Department staff. These issues are listed below followed by a brief discussion of each. Neighborhood Traffic Problems – Changes in traffic patterns within the City have caused some through traffic to divert to residential collector and local streets at selected locations. Citizens in several neighborhoods have indicated that the traffic volume or travel speeds on some local streets have increased to an unacceptable level, although in many cases, speeding is caused by residents from immediate or adjacent neighborhoods. 68 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 14 The arterial and collector roadways shown in Table 2 are designed to carry substantial traffic volumes. Even a two-lane collector road with numerous access driveways is physically capable of serving traffic volumes in excess of 7,500 vpd without congestion depending on intersection operations, available gaps in traffic, and lane widths. For collector and local streets in residential areas, the volume of traffic generally accepted or tolerated by residents is significantly lower. This threshold is referred to as the “environmental capacity” of a roadway. The environmental capacity relates to the perceived speed of traffic, how difficult it is for residents to back out of driveways, and the overall perception of safety. The environmental capacity of a collector street is often cited as 3,000 to 3,500 vpd, while a volume of between 1,500 to 2,000 vpd would represent the maximum volume that could be tolerated by residents of a local street. Residents of some neighborhoods are interested in traffic calming or management techniques to mitigate these problems. Traffic calming measures include changes in street alignment, installation of barriers or other physical devices, and enforcement to reduce traffic speeds and/or cut-through volumes, in the interest of street safety, livability, and other public purposes. Increased enforcement has been identified as a key issue at public meetings regarding Citywide traffic issues. Citizen complaints and issues regarding the volume and speed of traffic on these facilities are typically heard by the Traffic Safety Commission (TSC), which is comprised of seven appointed commissioners that are residents of the City. The TSC works together with City staff, including the City’s Traffic Engineer, and investigates, reviews and analyzes traffic safety issues raised by community members and Public Safety agencies. The Traffic Safety Commission makes recommendations to the City Council regarding traffic safety and the potential implementation of traffic calming devices. As an advisory body, the Commission develops recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council on transportation improvements and circulation issues. Congestion at Schools – Over the years, vehicle congestion around several City schools has continued to be a controversial issue. The increased traffic is due in part to increased student population, but is more related to a trend in students that are driven to school instead of walking or bicycling. Most elementary schools in Saratoga generate a higher than typical number of vehicle trips due to a lack of sidewalks on many local streets and the ability for students to attend any school within the City. Student pedestrian and bicycle safety is a key concern for residents. Special Event/Concerts – The traffic and parking demand for events at both the Mountain Winery and Villa Montalvo often 69 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 15 cause delays for local traffic. Major events at the winery primarily occur on weekends and affect travel through the Village and on Pierce Road. Off-site parking at West Valley College and shuttle service have been used to reduce traffic for Villa Montalvo events. The City works with operators of both facilities and law enforcement to minimize impacts to City residents and businesses. Transit The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates bus, light rail transit, and paratransit service throughout Santa Clara County. Bus transit service within the City of Saratoga includes six fixed routes (Routes 26, 37, 53, 57, and 58), one limited stop route (Route 328 on Lawrence Expressway), one commuter route (Route 101 on Lawrence Expressway), and paratransit service (dial-a-ride service for qualified individuals). Figure 5 illustrates the bus route paths operating within the City. All of the fixed bus routes, except Route 26, operating through the City terminate at West Valley College and only provide service on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga Avenue, Quito Road, and Allendale Avenue. No service is provided on Cox Avenue, most of Fruitvale Avenue, and the southern half of Quito Road. VTA ridership statistics or load factors from March 2010 are summarized in Table 3. As shown, at least 68 percent of the available seat capacity is used on the routes serving Saratoga; and two routes (Route 26 and Route 53) have more passengers during peak service times than the available seating capacity. At public meetings, residents have indicated that the time and number of transfers required to access major destinations (e.g., regional malls, downtown San Jose) are deterrents to transit use. Recent reductions in service due to budget constraints have further reduced the attractiveness of transit as a viable alternative to private vehicle use and have negatively affected transit-dependent individuals. Paratransit service is operated under contract with OUTREACH, a private, non-profit paratransit broker. This door-to-door service is provided to riders whom meet the eligibility requirements established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). TABLE 3 Transit Load Factors – Routes Serving Saratoga Route Capacity Max Peak Load Load Factor 26 37 53 57 58 43 43 57 43 43 48 35 85 33 26 1.26 0.81 2.24 0.87 0.68 Notes: Source: Valley Transportation Authority, March 2010. 70 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 16 Revised May 2010 Figure 4 Existing Transit Service (Effective January 11, 2010) Route 26 Route 53 Route 328 Route 101 Express Route 102 (No Stops in Saratoga) Route NumbersXXRoute 58 Route 57 53 57 53 26 26 328 102 102 58 101 Route 53 57 37 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a t o g a - L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 71 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 17 Bicycle Facilities Bicycle facilities include bike paths, bike lanes, and bike routes. Definitions of these facility classifications are presented below. • Bike Paths and Trails (Class I). Bike paths are separated facilities designated for exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians, and are physically separate from roadways by space or barriers. • Bike Lanes (Class II). Bike lanes are lanes adjacent to the outer travel lanes reserved for the exclusive use of bicycles, and designated with special signing and pavement markings. • Bike Routes (Class III). Bike routes are roadways recommended for bicycle use and often connect to bike lanes and bike paths. Routes are designated with signs only and do not have separate bike right-of-way or lane striping. Saratoga has a limited number of dedicated bicycle facilities. Figure 5 depicts the locations of the existing bike lanes, paths, and routes. The paths shown on Figure 5 are multi-use trails and serve both bicycles and pedestrians. Although the segment of Fruitvale Avenue between Allendale Avenue and Burgundy Way has painted shoulder stripes, the narrow shoulder includes a concrete valley gutter, which does not meet Caltrans standards or Valley Transportation Authority guidelines for bicycle lanes. Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (SR 9) has continuous shoulder stripes along its length through the City of Saratoga. In most sections, the width of the shoulder meets Caltrans standard for bicycle lanes and the lanes are painted and signed as such. However, intermittent segments exist where the current striping does not meet Caltrans standards for bike lanes and the sections are officially designated bike routes, even though the shoulder width provides sufficient room for bicyclists to travel. Pedestrian and Equestrian Facilities Pedestrian facilities improve safety for pedestrians and can also encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation. These facilities include sidewalks, paths, pedestrian bridges, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals with crosswalks at signalized intersections to accommodate pedestrian circulation. Many of the streets in Saratoga do not have sidewalks because of the City’s rural planning principles. Of particular importance are the streets leading up to and around some schools that do not have sidewalks or are served by discontinuous sidewalk segments. Lack of sidewalks forces school children to share the roadway with vehicles. In many instances, parents elect to drive their students to school to avoid potential conflicts with vehicle traffic. Also noted as an issue is existing gaps in pedestrian paths or sidewalks on the major and minor arterial roadways throughout the City. 72 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 18 The City of Saratoga prepared an Open Space and Conservation Element in 2007. This document identified existing and proposed trails throughout the City. The existing trails are shown on Figure 6. Both pedestrians and bicyclists can use existing paved trails, like those on Fruitvale Avenue. Equestrians currently use the existing trail system for recreation purposes. The majority of horseback riding occurs in the western hills of the City near Pierce Road with some activity in other areas including Sobey Road and south of SR 9. Rail Service The City is currently served by a single rail line that extends generally parallel to SR 85 between Prospect Road and Quito Road. The rail line crosses six streets in Saratoga with one grade-separation (Saratoga Road), four at-grade crossings with gates (Prospect Road, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Glen Brae Drive and Quito Road), and one at-grade crossing with lights but no gates (Cox Avenue). The railroad is currently operated by Union Pacific Company and is only used by the Lehigh Permanente Quarry and Cement Plant (formerly Kaiser-Permanente). Trains run between Milpitas and the Quarry on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 am, and the trains return at around 2:00 pm. Trains do not stop within the City and do not substantially impact vehicular traffic. 73 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 19 Revised May 2010 Arr o y o d e A r g u e l l o Elv a A v e . Figure 5 Existing Bicycle Facilities Bicycle Lanes (Class II Facilities) Bicycle Routes (Class III Facilities) Expressway Segments (Bicycles Permitted) Bicycle Paths (Class I Facilities) - See Existing Trail Easements Bicycle Lanes/Routes (Class II/III Facilities) Note: On most sections of Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd. includes bike lanes. On intermittent segments, current striping does not meet Caltrans standards for bike lanes and these sections are technically considered bike routes, even though the shoulder width provides sufficient room for bicyclists to travel. Note: Based on city designation, some facilities do not include signage or adequate bike lane width. City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a to g a- L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 74 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 20 III. OTHER CIRCULATION ISSUES In addition to the transportation facilities and services described in Chapter II, the circulation-related issues in this chapter will be used to formulate policies in the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element update. Traffic Calming As noted in Chapter II, some local streets have experienced increases in traffic resulting from changes in travel patterns and overall changes in regional through traffic throughout Santa Clara County. Other problems such as speeding on residential streets and those near schools are also potential candidate streets for calming measures. Traffic calming measures are the focal point of overall neighborhood traffic management. Suggested Routes to School As noted in Chapter II, the rural planning principles employed in Saratoga include not constructing sidewalks on many local residential streets to reduce the amount of impervious surface and to maintain a high level of visual quality. Given the relatively low traffic volumes on most streets, the combination of pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the roadway does not typically result in problems. However, many parents of elementary school-age children do not permit their children to walk to school because of potential vehicle-pedestrian conflicts. Painted crosswalks at some intersections help to delineate the desired path for students walking between various neighborhoods and their school. Thus, many students are driven to and from school, and the result is increased congestion and delay. These factors contribute to an increase in the vehicle-pedestrian conflict potential, especially in the immediate vicinity of the school. Although the school districts have been actively participating in efforts to increase ridesharing to reduce overall traffic volumes at elementary schools, additional measures will be necessary to decrease the number of students driven to school. 75 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 21 Part of the problem may be that many parents are unaware of route options their children could use to get to and from school. Some routes include streets with traffic control devices that make drivers more aware of other vehicular and pedestrian traffic. For example, students crossing at a stop sign- controlled intersection is preferable over crossing at an uncontrolled location. The four elementary school districts in Saratoga (Saratoga Union, Cupertino Union, Campbell Union, and Moreland) and the various private schools have not formally adopted a Suggested Routes to School Program. This program would help parents identify appropriate travel paths for student pedestrians and bicyclists. Implementation of such a program could also help to reduce vehicle trip generation at most school locations and through neighborhoods. Although the district would likely establish and maintain such a program, the City would be an effective partner in preparing the inventory of traffic control devices and streets. Parking Parking is typically considered a separate issue from overall circulation. However, the presence of on-street parking has a direct effect on roadway capacity. In addition, off- street parking deficiencies can cause vehicles to re-circulate on public streets, increasing traffic volumes and congestion by reducing capacity for through traffic. Saratoga’s zoning ordinance includes parking requirements to ensure that adequate numbers of spaces are provided on-site for most uses, as well as minimum stall dimensions that are consistent with current standards for other jurisdictions. These regulations apply to all new developments and may be applied to existing uses that are modified or expanded. Valet parking is provided at two restaurants on Big Basin Way (SR 9) in the Village area. At peak times, parking demand exceeds the available number of on-street and off-street spaces in the immediate vicinity of these establishments. The valet service is provided for La Fondue and the Plumed Horse on Big Basin Way past 4th Street. This is one method of maximizing the use of available parking and reducing conflicts with street traffic. Transportation Demand Management Programs Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs are designed to reduce the number of vehicle trips and the amount of peak period traffic by encouraging employees to use modes other than the single-occupant automobile for transportation to and from the workplace and to travel during non-peak times. Typical TDM components include: 76 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 22 • On-site TDM coordinator • Carpool/vanpool match program and preferential parking for carpools/vanpools • Secure bicycle storage facilities • On-site shower facilities • Flex-time (i.e., staggered hours that begin and/or end outside the peak commute hours) • Alternative work schedules (e.g., 9/80 schedule) • Provisions for telecommuting • Shuttle bus service • Guaranteed ride home program • Cash incentives/Transit subsidies/On site transit pass sales • Education programs The City does not have adopted policies or implementation programs regarding specific TDM measures. Recent court decisions have restricted the methods by which jurisdictions can require TDM measures for developments. Typically, TDM measures are included as part of a project through the development agreement process for new projects or through approval of use permit modifications for existing developments. The City strongly supports methods that decrease the overall vehicle travel demand and encourages residents and employees to maximize the use of TDM measures. Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) Reports The City requires some new development and redevelopment projects to prepare a transportation impact analysis (TIA) to evaluate the effect of these projects on the current transportation system. City staff has the discretion to require focused studies regarding access, sight distance, and other operational and safety issues, in addition to or in lieu of roadway/intersection capacity analysis. To the extent possible, the analysis of transportation impacts should be consistent with the criteria maintained by the VTA, the regional planning agency for Santa Clara County. Impact criteria for freeways, intersections, and alternative modes are published in the VTA’s guidelines for impact analyses. For developments that cause significant and unavoidable impacts, the City should use its discretionary approval process to determine whether the project would provide a clear and overall benefit to Saratoga. The TIA process allows the City to request specific improvements from private developers based on the relative impact of the project. 77 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 23 IV. SCENIC HIGHWAYS AND CORRIDORS Background The undulating terrain and extensive natural and cultivated foliage in and around Saratoga provide scenic drives throughout the City. As development in the hillside areas has increased, the City has employed strict policies to preserve the natural beauty of the mountains. In addition, many of the City’s collector and local streets are very attractive. A scenic highway provides the motorist with a continuous, varied visual experience. Scenic highways are selected by how pleasing the field of vision is for touring vehicles. Roadways can be officially designated as “scenic” through either the State Scenic Highways program or through the Santa Clara County Scenic Highways program. The State Scenic Highway Element’s legislative authority was passed into State law on April 16, 1971. Saratoga originally adopted its Scenic Highways Element in 1974. The most recent Guidelines for the Official Designation of Scenic Highways was updated by Caltrans in March 1996. The purpose of the element is to inventory scenic corridors and to develop plans to protect them. The Master Plan for Scenic Highways identifies those highways that are eligible for official designation as State Scenic Highways. Eligible highways can only become officially designated by the State after the local jurisdiction has adopted and implemented a plan to protect and enhance the scenic corridor. A detailed list of current officially designated State highways and eligible routes is maintained by Caltrans and is available on its web site (www.dot.ca.gov). County roadways may be designated County Scenic Highways and are protected by the Santa Clara County zoning ordinance which requires 100-foot setbacks for buildings and structures along the scenic route. The County Board of Supervisors, on advice from the State Department of Transportation, designates those roads that qualify as officially designated County Scenic Highways. Existing Scenic Corridors Currently, SR 9 is officially designated as a State Scenic Highway Corridor from the Los Gatos city limit (east of Saratoga), through the Village, to SR 35/Skyline Boulevard at the Santa Cruz County Line (i.e., at Saratoga Gap). Based on the section 3.30.050 of the Santa Clara County Municipal Code, five roadway segments are currently designated as County Scenic Roadways: • Skyline Boulevard (Saratoga Gap to Loma Prieta) • Congress Springs Road (Saratoga Gap to the Saratoga City limit) • Bohlman Road/Montevian Road • Mt Eden Road • Sanborn Road 78 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 24 V. FUTURE CONDITIONS The City of Saratoga is essentially built out with the majority of vacant parcels located in the western and southern hillside areas. These areas are typically zoned for single- family residential development at low densities. Some redevelopment in the City is projected, however, the commercial areas are generally well-established and substantial traffic growth from land uses in the City is expected to be limited. The majority of increases in traffic volumes is expected to result from increased through traffic; that is, vehicles that do not have an origin or destination in Saratoga. Future Traffic Volumes Future traffic volumes for the major streets in Saratoga were developed based on forecasts from the Countywide transportation demand model maintained by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). The countywide model includes a roadway network of the major streets and highways in the County plus land use aggregated for specific geographic areas. Models representing 2005 and 2030 roadways and land uses were utilized for this analysis. The land use assumptions are based on forecasts prepared by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and approved by each City. A review of the land use inputs show that the total population increase between 2005 and 2030 is approximately 2,400 persons, while the total number of jobs in the City is expected to increase by approximately 950 during this period. 2005 and 2030 traffic volumes on selected roadway segments in the City of Saratoga were compared to calculate an annual compounded growth factor. Based on this analysis an annual growth factor of 1.2 percent was applied to the existing volumes in Table 2 to estimate future year 2030 traffic volumes for the study roadway segments. Future Traffic Operations The final future year traffic volumes were then compared to theoretical capacities to estimate roadway operations in 2030, assuming no new roadway improvements in the City. A summary of the projected 2030 levels of service is presented in Table 4. The results in Table 4 show that six of the eighteen study roadway segments will operate near or at capacity on a daily basis. The six areas of congestion include: • Saratoga Avenue between Lawrence Expressway and Cox Avenue • Saratoga Avenue between Cox Avenue and SR 85 • Saratoga Avenue between SR 85 and Fruitvale Avenue • Saratoga Avenue between Fruitvale Avenue and Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road • Quito Road between Saratoga Avenue and Allendale Avenue • Quito Road between Allendale Avenue and Saratoga-Los Gatos Road 79 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 25 TABLE 4 Year 2030 Roadway Segment Levels of Service1 (Assumes No New Roadway Capacity Improvements) Roadway Segment Projected Year 2030 Volume1 Roadway Type Number of Lanes LOS Prospect Road (Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Miller Avenue) 20,700 Major Arterial 4 D Prospect Road (Miller Avenue to Lawrence Expressway) 23,300 Major Arterial 4 D Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (Prospect Road to Cox Avenue) 33,200 Major Arterial 4 D Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (Cox Avenue to Saratoga Avenue) 22,300 Major Arterial 4 D Pierce Road (Surrey Lane to Comer Dr.) 3,800 Collector 2 B Cox Avenue (Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Saratoga Avenue) 13,300 Minor Arterial 2 D Saratoga Avenue (Lawrence Expressway To Cox Avenue) 40,500 Major Arterial 4 F Saratoga Avenue (Cox Avenue to SR 85) 46,900 Major Arterial 4 F Saratoga Avenue (SR 85 to Fruitvale Avenue) 41,700 Minor Arterial 4 F Saratoga Avenue (Fruitvale Avenue to Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road) 21,000 Minor Arterial 2 F Big Basin Way (Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Pierce Road) 8,000 Minor Arterial 2 C Fruitvale Avenue (Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue) 25,300 Minor Arterial 4 D Fruitvale Avenue (Allendale Avenue to Saratoga-Los Gatos Road) 10,800 Minor Arterial 4 C Allendale Avenue (Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road) 9,700 Collector 2 D Quito Road (Saratoga Avenue to Allendale Avenue) 22,600 Major Arterial 2 F Quito Road (Allendale Avenue to Saratoga-Los Gatos Road) 17,500 Minor Arterial 2 E Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (Saratoga Avenue to Fruitvale Avenue) 16,500 Major Arterial 4 D Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (Fruitvale Avenue to Quito Road) 20,400 Major Arterial 4 D Note: 1 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volume based on traffic counts collected November 2006 and February 2010. 2 Level of Service (LOS) based on roadway capacities defined in the technical appendix. Source: Fehr & Peers, March 2010. 80 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 26 The City’s policy is to generally maintain a minimum of Level of Service (LOS) D operations at all signalized street intersections and roadway segments that are under City jurisdiction. However, in some cases it may not be practical or feasible to implement improvements to maintain LOS D operations. In those cases, the City may consider accepting a lower level of service. In the case of the six segments noted above, for example, the City has determined that no practical and feasible improvements can be implemented to lessen or avoid the lower levels of service because of right-of-way and funding constraints. In addition, vehicle capacity enhancements, such as roadway widening or adding turn lanes at intersections, would conflict with existing or planned bicycle, pedestrian, or transit facilities and service on roadways including Saratoga Avenue and Quito Road. For these reasons these segments will be allowed to operate at LOS F. Intersections and roadways located in the Santa Clara County Congestion Management Program are held to a LOS E standard. Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled A performance measure used to quantify the amount of city- or region-wide travel is vehicle miles traveled (VMT). VMT is a useful performance measure, since the amount of travel and conditions under which the travel occurs directly relate to how much fuel vehicles burn.1 One combusted gallon of gas from a vehicle is equal to approximately 24 pounds of carbon dioxide. Given today’s average fuel mileage of vehicles (i.e., approximately 22 miles per 1 Conditions influencing the amount of fuel consumed per VMT include the speed of travel, congestion stops and starts, length of trip, layover between trips, and the vehicle type and fuel economy. gallon), one mile of travel equates to about one pound of carbon dioxide. As a result, increases in VMT directly cause increases in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. VMT measurement has one primary limitation: it is not directly observed. Methods do not exist that can measure the trip distances of all vehicles on a given day. VMT is typically an output of a calculation – one based on the number of vehicle trips multiplied by the distance traveled by each car. The volume and distance of traffic depends on land use types, density/intensity, and patterns as well as the supporting transportation system. Two key data sources for information on land use and travel patterns in Saratoga and Santa Clara County were used to estimate VMT under existing and 2030 conditions for the City: the land use projections from ABAG and the Countywide transportation demand model maintained by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). The 2007 land use projections from ABAG2 were used to determine the number of vehicle trips generated by each land use type. ABAG projections were also compared to those in the VTA model, which showed that the number of residential units compared within 0.5% and the number of employees compared within 4%, or 350 jobs. Average trip lengths were developed for each trip purpose (work, school, recreation, etc.) based on the Metropolitan Transportation Commissions Bay Area Travel Survey (2000) and local information. The VTA model was used to determine the number of trips that are internal to the City of Saratoga (i.e., those that both start and end within the City boundaries). The resulting VMT estimates were calculated for 2 2007 ABAG land use projections are the most recent approved. 81 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 27 existing and 2030 conditions, as summarized in Table 5. As shown in Table 5, VMT increases between 2007 and 2030, by approximately 60,000 vehicle-miles, or 6.9% over 2007 conditions. This increase seems reasonable, when compared to the 8% increase in residential units and 13% increase in employment based on ABAG projections between 2007 and 2030. Additionally, VMT per service population (resident population plus employment) was calculated to show the change in VMT relative to the projected land use growth. VMT per service population is similar to VMT per capita, but service population also accounts for employment within the City, which contributes to VMT generated. VMT per service population is projected to decrease by 0.5 vehicle-miles, which means that the VMT generated by the City is growing at a lesser rate than the land use growth and that the greenhouse gas emissions per service population from VMT are decreasing slightly with the future increases in land use. TABLE 5 Existing and Future Vehicle Miles of Travel (VMT) Performance Indicator 2007 2030 Change (2030 – 2007) VMT 877,819 938,000 +60,181 VMT per Service Population1 22.8 22.3 -0.5 Notes: 1 Service population is defined as resident population plus employment. Source: Fehr & Peers, March 2010. VMT calculations based on ABAG 2007 and 2030 land use projections for the City of Saratoga’s Sphere of Influence. Potential Roadway Improvements In general, the increase in traffic on Saratoga streets will primarily consist of through traffic since the City is essentially built out. However, additional capacity will be required to maintain acceptable traffic operations or to minimize delays to the extent possible at locations with excessive congestion. When considering roadway widening the City will balance the needs of all roadway users (vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit) while maximizing the use of the existing infrastructure and systems. Intersections typically represent the constraints points in roadway operations, since they determine the flow of traffic on a roadway. As noted previously, congested daily operations can indicate that overall traffic demand meets or exceeds the capacity of a given segment. Therefore, peak-hour intersection operations and potential intersection improvements should be evaluated prior to recommending widening of roadway segments. This will allow the City to maximize the use of existing infrastructure while balancing the needs of all roadway users. To provide the opportunity for future roadway capacity and freeway access, the City should establish a policy to limit any development that could encroach on future interchange footprints at both the Prospect Road and Quito Road overcrossings. However, the City and the VTA do not anticipate land use changes to necessitate the construction of additional interchanges on SR 85. More detailed analysis and Citywide approval will be required to determine the specific environmental and traffic impacts of 82 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 28 any new freeway access. Extensive public and environmental review would be required. Based on the process used for approval of the Saratoga Avenue interchange, the addition of any new interchange should require a Citywide vote for approval. While provision of additional ramps would reduce traffic at and near the Saratoga Avenue interchange, traffic congestion is expected to increase at intersections near any new interchange. Roadway Functional Classification Roadway functional classification is used to determine appropriate traffic levels for streets and highways, as well as the appropriate fronting land uses. In addition, roadway classifications are used to determine the applicability of traffic calming devices. The City will maintain the current roadway classification system as shown in Figure 2. However, in the future the City will evaluate its roadway classification system as roadway volumes, multi-modal access, and fronting land uses change. Truck Traffic As noted previously, truck traffic is not considered to be an existing problem in the City of Saratoga. Even with increased through traffic on City streets, the number of trucks without a destination or origin in the City traffic is not expected to increase substantially. Additional development within Saratoga is expected to be limited given the fact that the City is mostly built out. Low volumes of truck traffic will be generated by the construction of new single- family homes or the limited redevelopment of other areas. This traffic is expected to have a negligible effect on overall Citywide circulation. SR 9 west of Saratoga is not conducive to truck travel because of its design, and large trucks are not permitted on SR 85. Article 9- 40 of the City’s Ordinance currently identifies designated routes for trucks that do not make local deliveries or pick-ups (see Figure C-3). Truck routes should include City streets that do not have front-on housing, are not designated as a heritage lane, or have design features that do not favor the movement of large trucks (e.g., sharp curves, narrow travel lanes). Although Saratoga Avenue between Fruitvale Avenue and SR 9 would not typically be included based on some of the aforementioned criteria, no alternative routes exist that are considered feasible because of the adjacent neighborhoods, narrower lane widths, overhead landscaping, and circuitous paths. Because it provides direct connectivity through the City, it is therefore included as a truck route. Given their connectivity between communities, the State Highway segments are considered to be designated truck routes. 83 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 29 Improvements to Other Travel Modes Similar to the rest of the Bay Area, increasing traffic volumes and the limited opportunities for expanding roadway capacity in Saratoga will increase the demand on alternative travel modes. Potential improvements to each mode are discussed below. Transit The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) controls fixed route bus service in the City of Saratoga. In addition to making service changes to accommodate near-term demand, the VTA does long-range planning to determine future service needs. Recent reductions in service due to budget constraints have reduced the attractiveness of transit as a viable alternative to private vehicle use and have negatively affected transit-dependent individuals. The City of Saratoga can help improve transit service by requiring development projects to install bus turnouts, sidewalks, and other transit amenities in areas that may be served by transit. In addition, encouraging higher density development in the vicinity of key transit stops such as West Valley College will further expand travel opportunities for residents and employers in the City. Input from community members, as well as parents of school students, indicates that residents are also interested in improved local transit service within Saratoga. A local shuttle system would allow residents to travel to key destinations (i.e., shopping centers, schools, commercial areas) without increasing traffic. School traffic is a major generator, especially during the AM peak period. The City should actively pursue a study to assess the feasibility of such a system in concert with the business community and school districts. Access to the VTA’s light rail system is provided at the Vasona station just west of Winchester Boulevard and north of SR 85 in the Town of Los Gatos. This light rail extension has a negligible impact on transit service in Saratoga given the distance between the station and the city, and the fact that many patrons need to drive to the station. A greater impact would occur with provision of light rail service in the SR 85 corridor through the City. The freeway was constructed to accommodate light rail tracks in the center median as part of a future extension. However, the VTA does not have any plans to extend light rail in the SR 85 corridor through the City in the foreseeable future. In general, the City of Saratoga will continue to implement policies and actions that support local and regional transit access. Bicycle Facilities The City’s Proposed Bicycle Network (June 1995) identified a series of new bicycle facilities to complete the Citywide bicycle system. The new facilities in this document 84 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 30 included both bicycle lanes and bicycle route designations. Three roadway cross- sections were included for specific street segments that meet current Caltrans standards and Valley Transportation Authority guidelines. However, no detailed design standards for all Class I (paths), Class II (lanes), or Class III (routes) facilities were described or adopted. Field reviews conducted in 1999 showed that, in some cases, bicycle lanes proposed in 1995 could not be accommodated without substantial right-of-way acquisition, or elimination of on-street parking in areas with continuous front-on housing. A revised set of proposed facilities was prepared based on previously published information and recent field data. The key new facilities include: • UPRR Multi-Use Path – A multi-use path in the Union Pacific Railroad corridor that will ultimately link the City of Cupertino to the Town of Los Gatos. The portion of the multi-use path between Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Saratoga Avenue is currently under construction and should be completed by the end of 2010. • Pierce Road Multi-Use Path (Mount Eden Road to Highway 9/Congress Springs Road) – A future multi-use path west of and parallel to Pierce Road would link the proposed bike path to the multi-use path on Highway 9/Congress Springs Road. • Highway 9/Congress Springs Road (west of Toll Gate Road) – The future multi-use path would extend south of and parallel to Highway 9/Congress Springs Road and would provide an east-west connection along Highway 9 to the west of the Village. • Fruitvale Avenue Bike Lanes (Saratoga Avenue to Burgundy Way) – This segment is recommended for bike lanes. The width of this roadway segment could accommodate bicycle lanes by reducing the width of existing travel lanes. • Allendale Avenue Lanes (Fruitvale Avenue to Vasona Creek) – The width of this roadway segment could accommodate bicycle lanes by reducing the width of existing travel lanes. • Highway 9/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road – The City will work with Caltrans to modify the existing striping to provide continuous bike lanes through the City of Saratoga. • Scotland Drive and Cumberland Drive Route (Saratoga Avenue to Cox Avenue) – This route is recommended to provide an additional north-south bicycle facility until the UPRR multi-use path is constructed. This route also provides an alternate travel path for inexperienced bicyclists who want to avoid the SR 85/Saratoga Avenue interchange. • Pierce Road (Surrey Lane to Mt. Eden Road) – This future route is recommended to provide an east- west bicycle facility in the Saratoga Hill’s area of the City and would connect to the future Class I bike trail parallel to Pierce Road between Mt. Eden Road and Highway 9. • Highway 9/Big Basin Way (4th Street to Toll Gate Road) – This future route is recommended to provide an additional east-west bicycle facility on Highway 9 that provides access to 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 31 the village area and connect to points west. The bike route would connect to the future Class I bike trail parallel to Highway 9/Congress Spring Road west of Toll Gate Road. To ensure consistent implementation of the proposed facilities, the City should formally adopt a set of design guidelines for bicycle facilities. The VTA has prepared a set of technical guidelines for bicycle facilities and services to be used by local agencies in Santa Clara County. All existing facilities should be upgraded to include appropriate signage and pavement markings and modified to meet minimum design standards based on these guidelines. For example, the travel lanes on Fruitvale Avenue between Saratoga Avenue and Burgundy Way should be re-striped to provide adequate bicycle lane width so that riders do not have to travel in the drain path parallel to the rolled curb. The City should prepare a Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) that includes all of the proposed facilities and design standards. A formal BMP document substantially improves the City’s opportunities for obtaining State funds for bicycle improvements. Pedestrian Facilities/Trails As noted previously, most collector and local streets in Saratoga do not have sidewalks, which is in keeping with the rural planning principles maintained by the City for many years. On most minor streets, pedestrians are required to share the roadway with vehicles, which is not typically a problem since traffic volumes are relatively low and travel speeds are usually less than 30 miles per hour. However, a lack of sidewalks in the immediate vicinity of schools can be a problem during peak traffic demand in the morning and afternoon. A review of all existing major and minor arterial roadways showed that several segments have gaps in sidewalks or separate pedestrian paths. These segments include portions of Prospect Road, Cox Avenue, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga Avenue, Allendale Avenue, Fruitvale Avenue, Quito Road, and Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (SR 9). While pedestrians sharing the roadway with vehicles can be accommodated on local streets, pedestrians should not enter the traveled way of roads where traffic volumes and travel speeds are substantially higher. These gaps should be closed to improve pedestrian travel and safety. Enhanced pedestrian access will provide an alternative to automobile travel and will improve access to available transit facilities and services. The City completed a comprehensive study of multi-use and pedestrian trails as part of a 2007 Open Space and Conservation Element. The plan included existing trail easements (both developed and undeveloped) as well as the location of proposed trails. The current plan links the population centers in Saratoga to the great 86 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 32 scenic and open space resources available in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Although a primary function of the trail system is to provide recreational opportunities, trail links to sidewalks and low volume streets will provide a travel alternative for other purposes including shopping, school, and employment trips. The City should ensure implementation of the proposed trail system. Suggested Routes to Schools Directly related to pedestrian and bicycle travel is the issue of students traveling between their home and school. Although students in Saratoga are permitted to attend any school within their district, the majority of students attend their neighborhood school. In many instances students live less than a mile from school, which is a reasonable distance to walk or bike to school. However, most local and collector streets do not include sidewalks except in the immediate vicinity of each school. Based on this information and recent studies at several area schools, many Saratoga students are driven to school for two reasons: 1) their residence is located beyond a reasonable walking distance, especially for students in the western and southern hills, and 2) parents perceive that the pedestrian and bicycle routes to school are dangerous because students must share the road with vehicular traffic. Although school districts have the most direct contact with parents and students, the City of Saratoga should work with each district to ensure that students are provided with as much information as possible regarding safe travel to and from school. Thus, the City should work with each district to expand the current education efforts and prepare Suggested Route to School maps for each campus, and a Guidelines for Safe Walking and Bicycling handbook. Each of these items is described briefly below. Suggested Route to School maps include all bicycle and pedestrian-related facilities and traffic control devices including: crosswalks, traffic signals, stop signs, paved sidewalks, and school sign installations. This type of map should be used by parents and students to choose the most appropriate route to school that maximizes the use of devices that control traffic and warn drivers of pedestrians. A Guidelines for Safe Walking and Bicycling handbook is an informational pamphlet for parents and teachers to provide guidelines for safe pedestrian and bicycle travel. It provides text and illustrations to show the correct procedures for minimizing potential conflicts with vehicles and includes suggested activities that parents can do with their children. A section for parents with tips on selecting a suggested route to school is also included. This sample booklet should be reviewed by both the school district and City staff and included as part of future student education efforts. Similar to the sample route map, the sample handbook does not imply a guarantee of safety. Parental education and supervision is a key element of a child’s approach to traveling on or near roadways. 87 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 33 Each District should continue its education programs and should encourage students to walk and bicycle to school as appropriate. The City should continue to pursue opportunities to enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities, especially in the vicinity of schools. Potential Scenic Highways and Corridors Several roadways in or near the Saratoga Sphere of Influence have the potential for protection under the State and County scenic highways programs. These facilities are described below. Local policies and programs to maintain scenic corridors within the City of Saratoga are also presented. Eligible State Highways Besides SR 9, the only other highway that is currently considered eligible for Scenic Highway designation is SR 35/Skyline Boulevard from SR 9 (at Saratoga Gap) to the Santa Clara County-San Mateo County line. Since the majority of views from this segment are to the west and south, Santa Cruz County is ultimately responsible for developing a scenic highway program for this segment. In San Mateo County, SR 35 is an officially designated route. Eligible County Roadways Numerous corridors in the Saratoga Sphere of Influence could be considered under the County’s Scenic Highways protective ordinance. However, currently no new segments have been designated for the County’s Scenic Highways protective ordinance. Through the community outreach process, the City should support designation of such facilities to increase the aesthetics of the surrounding area. Local Measures to Maintain Scenic Roadways Arterial roadways and collector and local streets are not eligible for the existing scenic highway protection programs. However, efforts to beautify these facilities contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the City. Several locations within the City have been identified as having poor visual quality areas because of extensive commercial development and/or limited landscaping. Key corridors that could be improved include portions of Saratoga Avenue, Quito Road, and Prospect Road. The gateway from Cupertino into Saratoga at the Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road/Prospect Road intersection was recently improved to provide landscaping and beautification. The City of Saratoga has numerous ordinances and procedures to require new development projects, redevelopment projects, and property/building modifications to contribute to the establishment and maintenance of scenic corridors. These measures include: • Parcel re-zoning • Minimum site frontage requirements • Subdivision requirements for development projects to maintain topography • Landscaping requirements between fences/walls and major roadways, and on dead-end streets • Design review of most residential and commercial developments by the Planning Commission • Requirements for underground utilities/wiring • Special ordinances for hillside subdivisions to provide erosion control 88 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 34 • Building structure height restrictions • Permit requirements for tree removal • Establishment of scenic easements in hillside subdivisions • Aesthetic/scenic policies in the Hillside Specific Plan 89 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 35 VII. GOALS, POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES Based on the existing features of the transportation system in the City and the projected future travel demand, a set of updated goals, policies, and implementation measures was developed for the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element. This information has been modified by the Traffic Safety and Planning Commissions, and the City Council may make further revisions as appropriate. Background The existing low-density residential land use pattern combined with a limited amount of commercial support services, entertainment centers, and employment centers do not strongly support the need for a complex transit system. However, expanded transit service is needed to provide transportation opportunities for all residents and is an important alternative to automobile use. The use and expansion of other alternative modes, including bicycling and walking, is another key issue for providing a comprehensive Citywide transportation system. This approach is consistent with other County, regional, and statewide efforts to increase the use of non-automobile modes to create more sustainable communities and reduce the amount of pollutants and greenhouse gases emitted. The “backbone” of the City’s roadway network is a set of major and minor arterial roadways that provide the link between neighborhoods and the City’s commercial services, and also the regional freeway system. Local and residential collector streets represent the rural nature of Saratoga. The pattern and design of local streets help to shape the image and identity of neighborhoods, influence perceived safety, change communication between neighbors, and increase the attractiveness of alternative modes. The Circulation Element was updated to further protect local neighborhoods and to set forth policies that will enhance travel throughout the City. The goals, policies and implementation measures begin on the following page. 90 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 36 CIRCULATION AND SCENIC HIGHWAY ELEMENT (CI) A circulation element consisting of the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares transportation routes, terminals, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan. A scenic highway element for the development, establishment, and protection of scenic highways pursuant to the provisions of Article 2.5 commencing with Section 260 of Chapter 2 of Division 1 of the Streets and Highways Code. OVERALL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Goal CI.1 Provide a balanced, multi-modal transportation system in Saratoga to maintain mobility for all segments of the community and to maintain the City’s small town character. Policies CI-Policy-1.1 The City shall encourage and participate in the implementation of a variety of modes of transport to serve Saratoga. CI-Policy-1.2 Encourage development of inter-regionally based cooperation to support local and regional transportation solution and improvements. STREET SYSTEM AND STANDARDS OF SERVICE Goals CI.2a Facilitate the safe movement of vehicular traffic within and through the City, taking into consideration the environmental, historical, and residential integrity of the City to maximize benefits and minimize adverse impacts and costs. CI.2b For traffic management and street design, balance the efficiency of vehicular traffic with the safety and livability of residential areas. CI.2c Strive to establish a transportation system of streets that accommodates all travel modes and users within the street right-of-way to the maximum extent possible. Policies 91 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 37 CI-Policy-2.1 Make efficient use of existing transportation facilities and strive to reduce the total number of vehicle miles traveled through the arrangement of land uses, improved facilities for non-automobile modes, and enhanced integration of various transportation systems. CI-Policy-2.2 Maintain and develop a City-wide street system that manages vehicular access, but also provides for emergency access. CI-Policy-2.3 Maintain a minimum of Level of Service (LOS) D operations standard at all signalized street intersections and roadway segments that are under City jurisdiction except for intersections and roadways included in the Santa Clara County Congestion Management Program (which are held to a LOS E standard), and as otherwise specified pursuant to Policy 2.4. CI-Policy-2.4 Accept Level of Service E or F operations on City-maintained roadways after finding that: 1) no practical and feasible improvements can be implemented to mitigate the lower levels of service, or 2) vehicle capacity enhancements would conflict with existing or planned bicycle, pedestrian, or transit facilities and services. A proposed development that exacerbates LOS E or F operations and causes a significant intersection impact should also be considered for approval if it will provide a clear, overall benefit to the City (e.g., library expansion or relocation, new community center). CI-Policy-2.5 Ensure that new development or redevelopment projects provide adequate property dedication to accommodate future roadway and multi-modal access improvements at key intersections and other potential conflict areas. CI-Policy-2.6 Efficiently manage traffic flow on major and minor arterial roadways to discourage through traffic in residential neighborhoods. CI-Policy-2.7 Align and design collector streets to minimize adverse impacts on the character of residential neighborhoods through which they pass, while functioning efficiently to collect and distribute traffic. CI-Policy-2.8 Design new local streets to reduce travel distance, promote alternative modes, and provide a more even distribution of traffic. CI-Policy-2.9 Establish the primary access for major traffic generators on arterial roadways and design overall access to minimize traffic intrusion to residential neighborhoods. CI-Policy-2.10 Strive to maintain traffic volumes and speeds on collector and local streets that are compatible with the character of the adjacent land uses, the function of the street, and bicycle and pedestrian access. 92 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 38 CI-Policy-2.11 Protect the integrity of and improve existing hillside streets by planning future development according to existing street function. CI-Policy-2.12 Focus future improvements on the most congested intersections to maintain an acceptable level of mobility for all modes of transportation. CI-Policy-2.13 Require development projects to mitigate and reduce their respective traffic and parking impacts by implementing practical and feasible street improvements to improve multi-modal access. CI-Policy-2.14 Coordinate with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to comply with the Congestion Management Program (CMP) Guidelines for CMP-designated facilities. Should the CMP-designated facilities degrade below the CMP standard of Level of Service E, the City will prepare a Deficiency Plan for the deficient facilities per the VTA’s requirements. Implementation Actions CI-Action-2.1 Continue to use the Capital Improvement Program to project and implement needed improvements to the street system. CI-Action-2.2 Implement roadway and signal timing modifications to improve operations and enhance safety (e.g., lengthen turn pockets, adjust left-turn phases, widen lanes). CI-Action-2.3 Establish street and driveway accessibility requirements for all streets designated as a major or minor arterial roadway as shown on Figure C-2. Ensure that driveway or street access does not substantially impede arterial traffic flow as part of the City review process for individual development projects. CI-Action-2.4 Install coordinated signal systems on all major arterial roadways in the City to improve traffic flow as appropriate. Funding should be obtained from all available City, County, State and Federal funding sources, and developer contributions. CI-Action-2.5 Evaluate the need for upgrading or enhancing intersection control (e.g., signalization, stop signs) at existing intersections on arterial roadways and collector streets to improve overall access and circulation. CI-Action-2.6 Install traffic signals to serve existing and projected traffic demand, provide acceptable traffic operations issues, and enhance pedestrian safety. 93 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 39 CI-Action-2.7 Require a transportation analysis for all development projects resulting in 25 or more net new peak-hour trips. As appropriate, the analysis shall identify potential impacts to intersection and roadway operations, project access, and alternative travel modes, and shall identify feasible improvements or project modifications to reduce or eliminate impacts. City staff shall have the discretion to only require focused studies regarding access, sight distance, and other operational and safety issues, or to require detailed studies that generate fewer peak hour trips. CI-Action-2.8 Evaluate development proposals and design roadway improvements based on established Level of Service standards without negatively affecting travel by other modes.. CI-Action-2.9 Require that roadway improvements identified as mitigation measures for development projects be in place prior to issuance of occupancy permits. CI-Action-2.10 Require new development or redevelopment projects to dedicate property to accommodate needed roadway improvements. CI-Action-2.11 Identify potential capacity improvements and access modifications to maintain adequate circulation in the vicinity of the Civic Center, West Valley College, Redwood Middle School, the Public Library, St. Andrews School and Sacred Heart. CI-Action-2.12 Consider paying for improvement costs to serve a development project, as appropriate, where the City’s economic development interests may be served. CI-Action-2.13 Continue to address neighborhood traffic management issues through public review and input provided by the Traffic Safety Commission. CI-Action-2.14 Design local streets to carry low traffic volumes at low speeds and to function safely while minimizing the need for traffic control devices or enforcement. Physical features should include gentle curves, changes of grade, narrow widths, short lengths, and T-intersections where feasible. CI-Action-2.15 Design streets to minimize impacts to topography, riparian habitats and wildlife corridors. CI-Action-2.16 Implement the action programs identified in the Hillside Specific Plan to provide adequate vehicular access consistent with CI-Policy-2.11. Where feasible, improvements will include widening of travel lanes, increasing vertical clearance, installing additional signs, and providing new pavement overlays to improve safety. 94 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 40 TRUCK TRANSPORTATION Goal CI.3 Limit the intrusion of commercial truck traffic on streets within the City. Policies CI-Policy-3.1 Require trucks to only use the designated routes shown on Figure C-3 unless making a local delivery. CI-Policy-3.2 Encourage or require deliveries to be made during off-peak periods (i.e., outside the morning and evening commute periods), especially in areas where intersections or roadways operate at LOS E or F during the peak periods. Implementation Actions CI-Action-3.1 Continue to strictly enforce the truck route ordinance by citing violators. CI-Action-3.2 Require as part of project approval for new projects with regular truck deliveries that such deliveries be made outside the typical peak commute travel periods (e.g., 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm) as appropriate. CI-Action-3.3 Establish and maintain reserved commercial truck loading zones on public streets in appropriate areas such as the Village. Time limits for designated loading areas may be established to allow public on-street parking in loading zones at other times. CI-Action-3.4 Require new or redevelopment projects to provide on-site truck loading areas except for areas such as the Village with small commercial lots. Enforcement will be provided by the Sheriff’s Department similar to other on-street parking areas in the City. TRANSIT Goals CI.4a Promote local and regional transit as a viable alternative to automobile travel for destinations within and outside the City. 95 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 41 CI.4b Promote the use of non-automobile modes of transportation by improving the capacity, safety, accessibility, and convenience of existing and planned transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems. Policies CI-Policy-4.1 Coordinate with the Valley Transportation Authority to increase service range and frequency within the City as appropriate. Existing service is illustrated on Figure C-4. CI-Policy-4.2 Install transit improvements to improve service, increase safety, and maintain traffic flow on streets serving as transit routes. CI-Policy-4.3 Encourage the public school districts, private schools, recreation groups or other operators to develop a local bus system and to expand ride-sharing activities that will help to reduce school-generated vehicle traffic in neighborhoods and on City streets. Bussing should be the first measure considered to reduce school-generated traffic before substantial roadway capacity enhancements are implemented. CI-Policy-4.4 Investigate the feasibility of a local shuttle service within Saratoga to reduce local traffic volumes on City streets and overall parking demand. The feasibility study shall identify potential routes and funding sources. Implementation Actions CI-Action-4.1 Require development projects to dedicate right-of-way for purposes of constructing bus turnouts and/or bus shelter pads on major and minor arterial roadways as appropriate. CI-Action-4.2 In coordination with the VTA, provide seating and shaded waiting areas at transit stops, with stop locations near entrances of buildings to encourage ridership. CI-Action-4.3 Coordinate with the Valley Transportation Authority to provide new fixed route or shuttle service in underserved areas (e.g., Cox Avenue). CI-Action-4.4 Improve the links of local transportation systems and alternatives such as bicycling and walking with private and public regional transit such as bus transit, light rail, and CalTrain. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements should be funded as Capital Improvement Program projects or through private development projects to further encourage the use of transit. CI-Action-4.5 Provide information to the public on available alternative transportation choices and routes. 96 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 42 CI-Action-4.6 Encourage local businesses to provide employees with transit passes or other financial incentives to use transit to commute to and from the workplace. CI-Action-4.7 Recommend potential stop locations for local school bus service and provide minor street and landscaping improvements as appropriate. CI-Action-4.8 Commission a feasibility study of local shuttle service within Saratoga. Funding for the study should be obtained from federal and state grants/sources and private development projects. BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES Goals CI. 5a Integrate facilities for safe bicycling, walking, and horseback riding into the overall transportation system. CI.5b Encourage equestrian and pedestrian trails and pathways pursuant to the Open Space and Conservation Element along roadways in areas where safety and aesthetics permit. Policies CI-Policy-5.1 Develop and maintain a comprehensive and integrated system of bikeways that promote bicycle riding for commuting and recreation CI-Policy-5.2 Integrate the City of Saratoga bikeways system with the bikeways system of adjacent communities, where economically feasible. CI-Policy-5.3 Pursue the expansion and continuation of the multi-use path along the Union Pacific Railroad alignment (Joe’s trail) east of Saratoga Avenue and west of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road that will link the Stevens Creek Recreational Trail in Cupertino with the Los Gatos Creek Trail in Los Gatos. CI-Policy-5.4 Pursue other potential rights-of-way such as Santa Clara Valley Water District and utility easements for bicycle, pedestrian, and/or equestrian trail development. CI-Policy-5.5 Provide safe and direct pedestrian routes and bikeways between and through residential areas linking transit centers and important community centers such as the Village. 97 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 43 CI-Policy-5.6 Improve pedestrian and bicycle access to all public and private schools to enhance safety. CI-Policy-5.7 Provide trails, sidewalks or separated pathways along all arterial streets and along some collector streets in areas where needed to provide safe pedestrian access to schools. CI-Policy-5.8 Require adherence to the trails policies noted in the Open Space and Conservation Element. CI-Policy-5.9 Develop a set of practical and realistic transportation demand management (TDM) measures that can be used by employers in the City to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicle trips. These measures would encourage ride-sharing and transit alternatives. Implementation Actions CI-Action-5.1 Update and adopt the Bikeways Master Plan to include goals and objectives, a detailed list and map of improvements, a signage program, detailed standards and guidelines, and an implementation program. The Bikeways Master Plan should include the proposed facilities shown on Figure C-5 CI-Action-5.2 Upgrade existing bikeways and designate new facilities where they can be accommodated according to current Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) technical guidelines (prior to adoption of City standards in the Bikeways Master Plan). For example, travel lanes on Fruitvale Avenue north of Burgundy Way should be restriped to provide bicycle lanes with 5-foot minimum widths or pathways. CI-Action-5.3 Coordinate with the school districts and other entities to develop “Suggested Route to School Plans” for all public and private schools in the City. Plans shall identify all pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and traffic control devices for residents to determine the most appropriate travel route. The plans shall also identify existing easements for sidewalks. CI-Action-5.4 Prohibit parking in designated bicycle lanes on all streets unless adequate width is provided according to VTA guidelines or City standards. CI-Action-5.5 Require the provision of secure bicycle parking as part of all future development projects that include multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, office, and institutional uses. CI-Action-5.6 Develop a plan to review and identify additional bicycle parking locations in the Village area. 98 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 44 CI-Action-5.7 Require new development projects and redevelopment projects to dedicate right-of-way and/or provide improvements to accommodate bicycle lanes on streets identified on Figure C-5. CI-Action-5.8 Require new cul-de-sac streets to accommodate bicycle and pedestrian access between residential areas, public uses, and community areas. CI-Action-5.9 Encourage non-residential development projects to include amenities such as showers and lockers for employees to further encourage bicycling as an alternative to automobile travel. CI-Action-5.10 Increase priority of pedestrian safety projects (i.e., pedestrian street crossings, sidewalks or pathways) as part of the Capital Improvement Program. CI-Action-5.11 Make bikeway improvements a funding priority by: 1) continuing to consider financing bikeway design and construction as part of the City’s annual construction and improvement fund; 2) incorporating bikeway improvements as part of the Capital Improvement Program and pavement management efforts; and 3) aggressively pursuing regional funding and other Federal and State sources for new bikeways. CI-Action-5.12 Update the Open Space and Conservation Element to maintain and expand the Citywide pedestrian path system. The plan should include the proposed trails shown on Figure C-6. CI-Action-5.13 Assure implementation of the City's trails system by requiring trail dedication, construction, and a method of trail maintenance pursuant to the Open Space and Conservation Element as part of the subdivision or site approval process. CI-Action-5.14 Prohibit motorized vehicular traffic on trails, pathways, parks and dedicated open space areas except for maintenance and emergency purposes. CI-Action-5.15 Include new sidewalk or path construction in the Capital Improvement Program, or as part of any new development, to close gaps in pedestrian facilities on the following arterial roadways: Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga Avenue, Prospect Road, and Cox Avenue (see Figure C-6). CI-Action-5.16 Include new sidewalk or path construction in the Capital Improvement Program, or as part of any new development or redevelopment, to close gaps on local and collector streets near schools. 99 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 45 CI-Action-5.17 Review the need to install sidewalks and crosswalks on all City streets within one-half mile of all public schools. CI-Action-5.18 Review the present equestrian zones and assess their consistency with the trails and pathways plan of the circulation element. AESTHESTIC QUALITIES AND HERITAGE LANES Goals CI.6a Protect the aesthetic, historic and remaining rural qualities of Saratoga through street design and landscaping. CI.6b Strive for aesthetically pleasing views from all roads in Saratoga and the Sphere of Influence. CI.6c Encourage the preservation of the width and appearance of those roads designated as heritage resources by the City. Policies CI-Policy-6.1 Identify areas of critical need for beautification and coordinate plans with revitalization or anticipated development of areas such as City gateways. CI-Policy-6.2 Adhere to minimum City street standards based on location, terrain, character of areas and the anticipated function of the roadway. CI-Policy-6.3 Permit variation of the conventional City street development standards, as described in the City's Subdivision Ordinance, in order to preserve environmentally sensitive roadside features where traffic safety will permit such variations. CI-Policy-6.4 Identify the function of a street in advance of construction, and apply design criteria to minimize disruption to the area caused by through or heavy vehicle traffic. CI-Policy-6.5 Encourage the planting of trees and plan the development of landscaped medians along major arterial roadways. CI-Policy-6.6 Enforce ordinances to prevent the use of non-conforming roadside signs on all roads and highways within the City, whether erected by private individuals or business enterprises. CI-Policy-6.7 Require increased setbacks of up to 100 feet for structures, walls or fences to be located on lots adjacent to officially designated scenic highways 100 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 46 where it is determined by the City that such increased setbacks are necessary to preserve the scenic qualities of the highway. CI-Policy-6.8 Require increased setbacks and landscaping for commercial and multi- family residential structures on corner lots adjacent to arterial streets, as required, to reduce the visual impact of such structures and to enhance the appearance of important intersections where it is determined by the City that such increased setbacks are necessary to preserve the scenic qualities of the highway. CI-Policy-6.9 Approve designs for new hillside streets that maximize the use of natural terrain for roadbed construction and minimize “cuts and fills.” Implementation Actions CI-Action-6.1 Review Subdivision Ordinance street standards for adequacy and prepare illustrations of corresponding roadway cross-sections CI-Action-6.1 Require a sight distance analysis to ensure adequate site access for variances from street design standards proposed by the City or by private developers. CI-Action-6.2 Encourage residents of streets and roads believed to have historic merit to nominate those rights-of-way for designation as heritage lanes through the Heritage Preservation Commission. CI-Action-6.3 Design commercial areas with pedestrian amenities, shade trees, and on- street parking to create inviting environments. CI-Action-6.4 The designation of Heritage Lane shall not preclude City action necessary to guarantee safe access for emergency vehicles while maintaining the integrity of the existing heritage lane. PARKING SUPPLY AND MANAGEMENT Goals CI.7a Provide adequate parking for non-residential uses to minimize intrusion into adjacent neighborhoods. CI.7b Provide on-street parking spaces in commercial areas that provide direct access to abutting properties while requiring off-street public and private parking lots to serve the majority of the demand. 101 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Background Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures Fehr & Peers Page 47 Policies CI-Policy-7.1 Review on-street parking policies and utilization in the Village area CI-Policy-7.2 Designate curb parking in the Village area for short-term use by those visiting businesses and public facilities. CI-Policy-7.3 Encourage the location of parking lots behind buildings to emphasize the buildings’ physical and visual connections to the street and to maximize pedestrian access and safety. CI-Policy-7.4 Encourage the use of carpools and vanpools by providing preferential spaces as appropriate. CI-Policy-7.5 Allow reduced parking supplies for parcels, where appropriate, in order to utilize the area-wide parking supply. Implementation Actions CI-Action-7.1 Enforce parking time limits and zones. CI-Action-7.2 Establish time limits for on-street parking in commercial areas. CI-Action-7.3 Adopt design standards for parking stalls, aisles and driveways for on- street and off-street facilities. CI-Action-7.4 Review parking demand and proposed supplies for each development project to ensure maximum use of proposed off-street lots. 102 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 48 Revised May 2010 Saratoga City Boundary Roads Waterways Figure C-1 Existing Roadways City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a t o g a - L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 103 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 49 Revised May 2010 Interstate Freeway (Not Applicable) Other Freeway or Expressway Minor Arterial Collector Major Arterial Figure C-2 Roadway Classifications City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a t o g a - L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 104 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 50 Revised May 2010 Truck Route Figure C-3 Truck Routes City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a to g a- L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 105 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 51 Revised May 2010 Figure C-4 Existing Transit Service (Effective January 11, 2010) Route 26 Route 53 Route 328 Route 101 Express Route 102 (No Stops in Saratoga) Route NumbersXXRoute 58 Route 57 53 57 53 26 26 328 102 102 58 101 Route 53 57 37 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a t o g a - L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 106 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 52 Revised May 2010 Arr o y o d e A r g u e l l o Elv a A v e . Figure C-5 Existing/Planned Bicycle Facilities Bicycle Lanes (Class II Facilities) Bicycle Routes (Class III Facilities) Expressway Segments (Bicycles Permitted) Bicycle Paths (Class I Facilities) - See Existing Trail Easements Bicycle Lanes/Routes (Class II/III Facilities) Note: On most sections of Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd. includes bike lanes. On intermittent segments, current striping does not meet Caltrans standards for bike lanes and these sections are technically considered bike routes, even though the shoulder width provides sufficient room for bicyclists to travel. Note: Based on city designation, some facilities do not include signage or adequate bike lane width. Proposed Bicycle Lanes (Class II Facilities)Proposed Bicycle Routes (Class III Facilities) Proposed Bicycle Paths (Class I Facilities) City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway ElementCity of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a Sara t o g a AveAve . Fr u i t v a l e Fr u i t v a l e Av e . Av e . Allllendndale Ave.Ave. .d R o t i u Q S ar a ar a to g to g a-L o -L o s G a toto s R d . B igig BasBas inin Wy. Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e Rd Rd . CoxCox AveAve. Prospecect Rd. Pier c e Pier c e RdRd . Pro s p e c t Pro s p e c t RdRd . Mi l l e r A v e . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c L a w r e n c e E x E x p w p w y. HerrimanHerriman AveAve. So b e y R d . So b e y R d . 9 9 85 85 City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Sara t o g a A v e . Fr u i t v a l e A v e . Allendale Ave. .d R o t i u Q S a r a to g a- L o s G ato s R d . Big Bas i n W y . Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R d . Cox Ave. Prospect Rd. Pier c e R d . Pro s p e c t R d . Mi l l e r A v e . L a w r e n c e E x p w y. Herriman Ave. So b e y R d . 107 Legend: Fehr & Peers Page 53 Revised July 2010 Figure C-6 Existing and Proposed Trails Sa ra t og a - S un ny va le Ro a d Prospect Road Cox Avenue Q u i t o R o a d Sarato g a-L o s G ato s R oad P i e r c e R o a d B i g B a s i n W a y S a r a t o g a A v e n u e F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e Mountain Winery Saratoga High School Prospect High School Redwood Middle SchoolFoothill Elementary Argonaut Elementary Blue Hills Elementary Marshall Lane Elementary Saratoga Elementary Christa McAuliffe Elementary Villa MontalvoSanborn County Park Fremont Older OSP Central Park Kevin Moran Park El Quito Park Azule Park St. Marcos Open Space Wildwood Park Bellgrove Park Beauchamps Park Congress Springs Park Gardiner Park Foothill Park Historical Park Brookglen Park Ravenswood Park Hakone Gardens Saratoga Country Club Saratoga Parks Other Park Resources Public Schools 0 3,000 6,0001,500 Feet Existing City Trails Proposed City Trails Other Existing Public Trails Other Proposed Public Trails City Limits Sphere of Influence City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element 108 A P P E N D I X A A B C D E Co u n t L O S C o u n t L O S 1 P r o s p e c t R o a d Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R o a d t o M i l l e r A v e n u e 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 16 , 3 0 0 C 20,700 D 2 P r o s p e c t R o a d Mi l l e r A v e n u e t o L a w r e n c e E x p r e s s w a y 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 18 , 3 0 0 C 23,300 D 3 S a r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R o a d U n i o n P a c i f i c R a i l r o a d 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 26 , 1 0 0 D 33,200 D 4 S a r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R o a d V e r d e V i s t a L a n e t o B l a u e r D r i v e 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 17 , 5 0 0 C 22,300 D 5 P i e r c e R o a d Su r r e y L a n e t o S a r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R o a d 2, 6 0 0 5 , 2 0 0 7 , 8 0 0 1 1 , 0 0 0 1 2 , 9 0 0 2 C o l l e c t o r 3, 0 0 0 B 3,800 B 6 C o x A v e n u e RR T r a c k s t o S a r a t o g a A v e n u e 0 0 9 , 1 0 0 1 6 , 7 0 0 1 7 , 7 0 0 2 A r t e r i a l 10 , 5 0 0 D 13,300 D 7 S a r a t o g a A v e n u e C o x A v e n u e t o N o r t h e r l y C i t y L i m i t 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 31 , 9 0 0 D 40,500 F 8 S a r a t o g a A v e n u e V i n e y a r d L a n e t o C o x A v e n u e 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 36 , 9 0 0 E 46,900 F 9 S a r a t o g a A v e n u e F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e t o D a g m a r D r i v e 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 32 , 8 0 0 D 41,700 F 10 S a r a t o g a A v e n u e W e s t e r l y S h a d o w O a k s W a y t o F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e 0 0 9 , 1 0 0 1 6 , 7 0 0 1 7 , 7 0 0 2 A r t e r i a l 16 , 6 0 0 D 21,000 F 11 B i g B a s i n W a y Sa r a t o g a - S u n n y v a l e R o a d t o P i e r c e R o a d 0 0 9 , 1 0 0 1 6 , 7 0 0 1 7 , 7 0 0 2 A r t e r i a l 6, 3 0 0 C 8,000 C 12 F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e A l l e n d a l e A v e n u e t o S a r a t o g a A v e n u e 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 19 , 9 0 0 D 25,300 D 13 F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e B u r g u n d y W a y t o A l l e n d a l e A v e n u e 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 8, 5 0 0 C 10,800 C 14 A l l e n d a l e A v e n u e P o r t o s C o u r t t o C h e s t e r A v e n u e 0 0 9 , 1 0 0 1 6 , 7 0 0 1 7 , 7 0 0 2 A r t e r i a l 7, 6 0 0 C 9,700 D 15 Q u i t o R o a d Yo r k t o n W a y t o B a y l o r A v e n u e 0 0 9 , 1 0 0 1 6 , 7 0 0 1 7 , 7 0 0 2 A r t e r i a l 17 , 8 0 0 F 22,600 F 16 Q u i t o R o a d Po l l a r d R o a d t o A l l e n d a l e A v e n u e 0 0 9 , 1 0 0 1 6 , 7 0 0 1 7 , 7 0 0 2 A r t e r i a l 13 , 8 0 0 D 17,500 E 17 Sa r a t o g a - L o s G a t o s R o a d S a r a t o g a A v e n u e t o F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e 0 0 9 , 1 0 0 1 6 , 7 0 0 1 7 , 7 0 0 2 A r t e r i a l 13 , 0 0 0 D 16,500 D 18 S a r a t o g a - L o s G a t o s R o a d F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e t o Q u i t o R o a d 0 0 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 5 , 4 0 0 3 7 , 4 0 0 4 A r t e r i a l 16 , 1 0 0 C 20,400 D Le v e l o f S e r v i c e T h r e s h o l d s Se g m e n t Ro a d w a y Ge n e r a l Pl a n I D Ta b l e A - 1 : R o a d w a y S e g m e n t L e v e l o f S e r v i c e T h r e s h o l d s a n d S u m m a r y Future (2030) Volume Ex i s t i n g ( 2 0 1 0 ) V o l u m e Fu n c t i o n a l Cl a s s N u m b e r o f L a n e s C i t y o f S a r a t o g a C i r c u l a t i o n a n d S c e n i c H i g h w a y E l e m e n t 10 9 Legend: Fehr & Peers Revised July 2010 Figure C-6 Existing and Proposed Trails Sa r a t og a - S un n y va l e Ro a d Prospect Road Cox Avenue Q u i t o R o a d Sarato g a-L o s G ato s R oad P i e r c e R o a d B i g B a s i n W a y S a r a t o g a A v e n u e F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e Mountain Winery Saratoga High School Prospect High School Redwood Middle SchoolFoothill Elementary Argonaut Elementary Blue Hills Elementary Marshall Lane Elementary Saratoga Elementary Christa McAuliffe Elementary Villa MontalvoSanborn County Park Fremont Older OSP Central Park Kevin Moran Park El Quito Park Azule Park St. Marcos Open Space Wildwood Park Bellgrove Park Beauchamps Park Congress Springs Park Gardiner Park Foothill Park Historical Park Brookglen Park Ravenswood Park Hakone Gardens Saratoga Country Club Saratoga Parks Other Park Resources Public Schools 0 3,000 6,0001,500 Feet Existing City Trails Proposed City Trails Other Existing Public Trails Other Proposed Public Trails City Limits Sphere of Influence City of Saratoga Circulation and Scenic Highway Element 110 The project would amend Exhibit OSC-2 in the City’s Open Space/Conservation Element depicting Existing and Proposed Trails to correct inaccuracies and ensure consistency with the Circulation Element trails map. The first map attached is the existing Exhibit OSC-2; the second map is Exhibit OSC-2 as amended. 111 112 S a r a t o g a -S u n n y v a l e R o a d Prospect Road Cox Avenue Q u i t o R o a d Saratoga-Los Gatos Road P i e r c e R o a d B i g B a s i n W a y S a r a t o g a A v e n u e F r u i t v a l e A v e n u e Mountain Winery Saratoga High School Prospect High School Redwood Middle SchoolFoothill Elementary Argonaut Elementary Blue Hills Elementary Marshall Lane Elementary Saratoga Elementary Christa McAuliffe Elementary Villa MontalvoSanborn County Park Fremont Older OSP Central Park Kevin Moran Park El Quito Park Azule Park St. Marcos Open Space Wildwood Park Bellgrove Park Beauchamps Park Congress Springs Park Gardiner Park Foothill Park Historical Park Brookglen Park Ravenswood Park Hakone Gardens Saratoga Country Club City of Saratoga Open Space/Conservation ElementBackground Report/Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures ¬ Page 10UNGO-McCORMICK CONSULTINGJerry Haag, Urban PlannerRevised by City of Saratoga EXISTING ANDPROPOSED TRAILS Exhibit OSC-2 Saratoga Parks Other Park Resources Public Schools 0 3,000 6,0001,500 Feet Legend Existing City Trails Proposed City Trails Other Existing Public Trails Other Proposed Public Trails City Limits Sphere of Influence 113 Su m m a r y  of  Pu b l i c  Co m m e n t s  an d  Re s p o n s e s Ci t y  of  Sa r a t o g a  ‐   Dr a f t  Ci r c u l a t i o n  El e m e n t  Up d a t e Re f   Nu m b e r Da t e C o m m e n t e r Co m m e n t   Nu m b e r Co m m e n t R e s p o n s e Re v i e w e d ,  approved   by  Ci t y ?  (Y / N ) 1. 1 7 / 5 / 2 0 1 0 Ma t t h e w  Ju e ,  Ci t y   of  Ca m p b e l l 1 Se l e c t e d  ro a d w a y  se g m e n t s  ap p e a r  to  be  an a l y z e d  fo r   le v e l  of  se r v i c e  ba s e d  on  av e r a g e  da i l y  tr a f f i c  vo l u m e s   an d  le v e l  of  se r v i c e  th r e s h o l d s  sh o w n  in  Ap p e n d i x  A.   Ho w e v e r ,  th e  le v e l  of  se r v i c e  me t h o d o l o g y  is  no t   id e n t i f i e d  or  ex p l a i n e d  ve r y  cl e a r l y .  Is  it  ad a p t e d  fr o m   pu b l i s h e d  me t h o d o l o g y ? Fo r  pl a n n i n g  pu r p o s e s ,  ro a d w a y  se g m e n t s  ar e  ty p i c a l l y  ev a l u a t e d  us i n g   a  vo l u m e ‐to ‐ca p a c i t y  co m p a r i s o n .  Th e  th e o r e t i c a l  ca p a c i t y  of  th e   ro a d w a y  th a t  co r r e s p o n d s  to  ea c h  le v e l  of  se r v i c e  de s i g n a t i o n  (A   th r o u g h  F)  wa s  ca l c u l a t e d  us i n g  th e  me t h o d s  de v e l o p e d  in  th e  Hi g h w a y   Ca p a c i t y  Ma n u a l  (H C M ,  Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  Re s e a r c h  Bo a r d ,  20 0 0 ) .  Th e   ex i s t i n g  an d  pr o j e c t e d  ro a d w a y  se g m e n t  vo l u m e s  we r e  th e n  co m p a r e d   to  th e  th e o r e t i c a l  ca p a c i t y  to  de t e r m i n e  th e  le v e l  of  se r v i c e  le t t e r ‐ gr a d e  de s i g n a t i o n .  Se e  Ap p e n d i x  A  fo r  a  su m m a r y  of  th e  th e o r e t i c a l   ca p a c i t y  th r e s h o l d s  fo r  ea c h  ro a d w a y  se g m e n t .   1. 2 7 / 5 / 2 0 1 0 Ma t t h e w  Ju e ,  Ci t y   of  Ca m p b e l l 2 Pa g e  30  of  th e  re v i s e d  dr a f t  re p o r t  (P a g e  35  of  th e   PD F  fi l e )  id e n t i f i e s  a  UP R R  Mu l t i ‐Us e  Pa t h  th a t  is   un d e r  co n s t r u c t i o n .  Th a t  pr o j e c t  wa s  sh e l v e d  by  th e   Ci t y  of  Cu p e r t i n o  ab o u t  fi v e  ye a r s  ag o .  Th e  UP   al i g n m e n t  tr a v e l s  th r o u g h  Ca m p b e l l  ov e r  Po l l a r d   Ro a d  be f o r e  th e  tr a i l  re a c h e s  Lo s  Ga t o s .  We  we r e   un a w a r e  of  th i s  co n s t r u c t i o n  pr o j e c t .  Is  th a t  pr o j e c t   re a l l y  un d e r  co n s t r u c t i o n  an d  to  be  co m p l e t e d  by  th e   en d  of  20 1 0 ? Th e  pr o j e c t  (J o e ' s  Tr a i l )  is  cu r r e n t l y  un d e r  co n s t r u c t i o n .  It  is  an c t i p a t e d   th a t  co n s t r u c t i o n  wi l l  be  co m p l e t e d  in  sp r i n g  20 1 1 .  Se e  th e  pr o j e c t   st a t u s  on  th e  Ci t y ' s  we b s i t e :   ht t p : / / w w w . s a r a t o g a . c a . u s / c i t y h a l l / p w / p r o j e c t s / j o e / d e f a u l t . a s p 1. 3 7 / 5 / 2 0 1 0 Ma t t h e w  Ju e ,  Ci t y   of  Ca m p b e l l ‐ By  ha v i n g  th e  Sa r a t o g a  Ci t y  Co u n c i l  re v i e w  th e   ci r c u l a t i o n  el e m e n t  in  Oc t o b e r  20 1 0 ,  th e  ci t y  is   be a t i n g  th e  1/ 1 / 2 0 1 1  de a d l i n e  fo r  in c o r p o r a t i n g  th e   re q u i r e m e n t s  of  th e  Ca l i f o r n i a  Co m p l e t e  St r e e t s  Ac t   of  20 0 8 .   It  wa s  no t  th e  in t e n t i o n  of  th e  Ci t y  to  ad o p t  th e  Ci r c u l a t i o n  El e m e n t   Up d a t e  in  ad v a n c e  of  th e  Co m p l e t e  St r e e t s  Ac t  de a d l i n e .  Th e  Ci t y  ha s   in c l u d e d  ef f o r t s  in  th i s  up d a t e ,  an d  th r o u g h  se v e r a l  re c e n t  pr o j e c t s ,  to   cr e a t e  a  mo r e  ba l a n c e d ,  mu l t i ‐mo d a l  tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  sy s t e m  wh i l e   pr e s e r v i n g  th e  ch a r a c t e r  of  th e  Ci t y .  As  a  re c e n t  ex a m p l e ,  th e  Ci t y   re m o v e d  on ‐st r e e t  pa r k i n g  on  He r r i m a n  Av e n u e  to  in s t a l l  a  bi c y c l e  an d   pe d e s t r i a n  tr a i l  to  se r v e  ch i l d r e n  tr a v e l i n g  to  sc h o o l .   1. 1 8 / 2 4 / 2 0 1 0 Iv e t a  Ha r v a n c i k ,   Ci t y  of  Sa r a t o g a 1 Ex t e n d  pr o p o s e d  Vi l l a g e  Cr e e k  Tr a i l  al o n g  Sa r a t o g a   Cr e e k  to w a r d s  no r t h ‐ea s t  fr o m  Sa r a t o g a ‐Su n n y v a l e   Ro a d  to  "O t h e r  Pr o p o s e d  Pu b l i c  Tr a i l "  as  sh o w n  on   th e  Ma p  (t o t a l  ex t e n s i o n  le n g t h  is  ap p r o x i m a t e l y  1/ 4   of  a  mi l e ) . Th i s  po t e n t i a l  tr a i l  ex t e n s i o n  wa s  di s c u s s e d  at  th e  Ci t y  Co u n c i l  me e t i n g   an d  on  Oc t o b e r  7t h ,  20 0 9  as  we l l  as  se v e r a l  PE B T A C  me e t i n g s .    Th e   ex t e n s i o n  ha s  be e n  up d a t e d  to  th e  Fi g u r e  C ‐5  ma p . 1. 1 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 Po l i c y  CI ‐Po l i c y ‐4. 1  an d  Im p l e m e n t a t i o n  Ac t i o n  CI ‐ Ac t i o n ‐4. 3  di s c u s s  co o r d i n a t i o n  wi t h  VT A  on  po t e n t i a l   in c r e a s e s  to  tr a n s i t  se r v i c e  ra n g e  an d  fr e q u e n c y ,  or   th e  pr o v i s i o n  of n e w  fi x e d  ro u t e  or  sh u t t l e  se r v i c e s .   Wh i l e  we  re c o g n i z e  th e  de s i r a b i l i t y  of  se r v i n g   ad d i t i o n a l  ar e a s  or  us e r s  wi t h  tr a n s i t  in  th e  Ci t y ,   pl e a s e  no t e  th a t  VT A  is  no t  in  th e  po s i t i o n  to  in c r e a s e   se r v i c e  le v e l s  du e  to  bu d g e t a r y  co n s t r a i n t s ,  as  no t e d   on  pa g e s  15  an d  29  of  th e  Ba c k g r o u n d  Re p o r t  in   Ap p e n d i x  A.   We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  la n g u e  in  Ac t i o n  CI ‐Ac t i o n ‐4. 3  to  in d i c a t e  th a t  th e   Ci t y  wi l l  co o r d i n a t e  wi t h  VT A  wh e n  fe a s i b l e  to  pr o v i d e  ne w  fi x e d  ro u t e   or  sh u t t l e  se r v i c e  in  un d e r s e r v e d  ar e a s . 11 4 Su m m a r y  of  Pu b l i c  Co m m e n t s  an d  Re s p o n s e s Ci t y  of  Sa r a t o g a  ‐   Dr a f t  Ci r c u l a t i o n  El e m e n t  Up d a t e 1. 2 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 2 In  ad d i t i o n ,  we  wo u l d  li k e  to  no t e  th a t  in  Fe b r u a r y   20 0 7 ,  th e  VT A  Bo a r d  of  Di r e c t o r s  ad o p t e d  th e  VT A   Tr a n s i t  Su s t a i n a b i l i t y  Po l i c y  & Se r v i c e  De s i g n   Gu i d e l i n e s  (T S P / S D G ) .  Th e  TS P / S D G  is  a  ri d e r s h i p ‐ ba s e d  po l i c y  th a t  pr o v i d e s  a  fr a m e w o r k  fo r  th e   ef f i c i e n t  an d  ef f e c t i v e  ex p e n d i t u r e  of  tr a n s i t  fu n d s ,   an d  fo r  re a l i z i n g  th e  hi g h e s t  re t u r n  on  in v e s t m e n t  in   te r m s  of p u b l i c  go o d  an d  ri d e r s h i p  pr o d u c t i v i t y .  On e   of  th e  Co r e  Pr i n c i p l e s  of  th e  TS P / S D G  is  to  "T a r g e t   Ma r k e t s  Wh e r e  Tr a n s i t  Co m p e t e " .  We  re c o m m e n d   mo d i f y i n g  Po l i c y ‐4. 1  to   Co o r d i n a t e  wi t h  th e  Va l l e y  Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  Au t h o r i t y   to  in c r e a s e  se r v i c e  ra n g e  an d  fr e q u e n c y  wi t h i n  th e   Ci t y  pe r  VT A  sT r a n s i t  Su s t a i n a b i l i t y  Po l i c y . We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  la n g u a g e  in  Po l i c y ‐4. 1  to  re f l e c t  th e  re q u e s t e d   ad d i t o n . 1. 3 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 3 Fu r t h e r m o r e ,  VT A  su p p o r t s  ef f o r t s  to  id e n t i f y  ot h e r   re s o u r c e s  su c h  as  pr i v a t e  se c t o r  co n t r i b u t i o n s  to   en h a n c e  tr a n s i t  se r v i c e s  an d  fa c i l i t i e s  in  th e  Ci t y ,  su c h   as  CI ‐Po l i c y ‐4. 4  to  in v e s t i g a t e  th e  fe a s i b i l i t y  of a  lo c a l   sh u t t l e  se r v i c e  in c l u d i n g  po t e n t i a l  fu n d i n g  so u r c e s ,   an d  CI ‐Ac t i o n ‐4. 1  re g a r d i n g  de v e l o p m e n t  pr o j e c t   de d i c a t i o n s  fo r  bu s  tu r n o u t s  an d  sh e l t e r  pa d s .   Co m m e n t  no t e d . 2. 1 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 4 Th e  st a t e m e n t  on  pa g e  29 ,  "T h e  fr e e w a y  wa s   co n s t r u c t e d  to  ac c o m m o d a t e  li g h t  ra i l  tr a c k s  in  th e   ce n t e r  me d i a n  as  pa r t  of  a  fu t u r e  ex t e n s i o n "  is   in c o r r e c t .  Th e  cu r r e n t  pr o p o s a l  fo r  th e  Va s o n a  Li g h t   Ra i l  ex t e n s i o n  is  to  lo c a t e  th e  st a t i o n  ju s t  no r t h  of   Hi g h w a y  85 .   We  wi l l  de l e t e  th e  te x t  re f e r e n c e  to  SR  85  be i n g  co n s t r u c t e d  to   ac c o m o d a t e  li g h t  ra i l  se r v i c e . 2. 2 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 5 Th e  ri d e r s h i p  nu m b e r s  on  pa g e  15  of  th e  Ba c k g r o u n d   Re p o r t  sh o u l d  be  up d a t e d  as  fo l l o w s : We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  ri d e r s h i p  nu m b e r s  to  re f l e c t  th e  mo r e  up ‐to ‐da t e   in f o r m a t i o n . 3. 1 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 6 On  pa g e  17  of  th e  Ba c k g r o u n d  Re p o r t ,  we  su g g e s t   th a t  th e  li s t  of B i c y c l e  Fa c i l i t i e s  al s o  sp e c i f i c a l l y  ca l l  ou t   tw o  ot h e r  im p o r t a n t  ca t e g o r i e s  of  no n ‐mo t o r i z e d   in f r a s t r u c t u r e :   1)  Bi c y c l e  an d  Pe d e s t r i a n  Br i d g e s ,  Tu n n e l s  an d  At ‐ gr a d e  Ra i l r o a d  Cr o s s i n g s ;  th e s e  ar e  re f e r r e d  to  Ac r o s s   Ba r r i e r  Co n n e c t i o n s  or  AB C ' s  in  th e  20 0 8  Co u n t y w i d e   Bi c y c l e  Pl a n   We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  te x t  in  th e  ba c k g r o u n d  re p o r t  to  in c l u d e  th e  Ac r o s s   Ba r r i e r  Co n n e c t i o n s  as  bi c y c l e  in f r a s t r u c t u r e .  We  wi l l  up d a t e  Fi g u r e  5    an d  C ‐5  wi t h  th e s e  fa c i l i t i e s 11 5 Su m m a r y  of  Pu b l i c  Co m m e n t s  an d  Re s p o n s e s Ci t y  of  Sa r a t o g a  ‐   Dr a f t  Ci r c u l a t i o n  El e m e n t  Up d a t e 3. 2 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 7 2)  Sh o r t ‐cu t s  an d  sc h o o l  pa t h w a y s  th a t  us e   ea s e m e n t s ,  pa r k s  or  ot h e r  me a n s  to  re d u c e  th e  tr i p   le n g t h  of  th e  bi k e  or  wa l k  tr i p s ;  an  ex i s t i n g  su c h   ea s e m e n t  in  Sa r a t o g a  is  de s c r i b e d  be l o w  un d e r  th e   co m m e n t  on  pa g e  20 .  An o t h e r  is  lo c a t e d  at  Al l e n d a l e   at  Fr u i t v a l e  th a t  pr o v i d e s  a  co n n e c t i o n  we s t  to   Sa r a t o g a  Av e n u e .  Im p r o v i n g  th i s  co n n e c t i o n  is  ca l l e d   ou t  as  a  pr o j e c t  in  th e  20 0 8  Co u n t y w i d e  Bi c y c l e  Pl a n   an d  sh o u l d  be  ac k n o w l e d g e d  in  th e  Ba c k g r o u n d   Re p o r t  as  we l l .   We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  te x t  in  th e  ba c k g r o u n d  re p o r t  to  in c l u d e  a   di s c u s s i o n  on  th e  sh o r t ‐cu t s  an d  sc h o o l  pa t h w a y s  in  th e  bi c y c l e   in f r a s t r u c t u r e . 3. 3 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 8 Al s o  on  pa g e  17 ,  th e  Ba c k g r o u n d  Re p o r t  sh o u l d  re f e r   to  th e  Sa n t a  Cl a r a  Co u n t y w i d e  Bi c y c l e  Pl a n  (C B P )  an d   in  pa r t i c u l a r :   1)  Cr o s s  Co u n t y  Bi c y c l e  Co r r i d o r s  th a t  tr a v e r s e  th e   Ci t y  of  Sa r a t o g a   2)  Th e  po t e n t i a l  pr o j e c t  to  cl o s e  a  ga p  in  cr o s s i n g  th e   Sa n  To m a s  Aq u i n o  Cr e e k  be t w e e n   Hi g h w a y  9  an d  Fr u i t v a l e   We  wi l l  up d a t e  pa g e  17  to  re f e r  to  th e  Sa n t a  Cl a r a  Co u n t y w i d e  Bi c y c l e   Pl a n . 3. 4 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 9 Th e  fo r m e r  sc h o o l  ro u t e  th a t  co n s i s t e d  of  an  at gr a d e   pe d e s t r i a n  cr o s s i n g  of  th e  UP R R  tr a c k s  sh o u l d  be   sh o w n  an d  ex p l i c i t l y  di s c u s s e d .  Th e  Bl u e  Hi l l s  Sc h o o l   Ra i l r o a d  Cr o s s i n g  Sa f e t y  Pr o j e c t  wa s  su b m i t t e d  by  th e   Ci t y  of  Sa r a t o g a  fo r  in c l u s i o n  VT P  20 3 5  Bi c y c l e   El e m e n t  to  re p l a c e  th e  at ‐gr a d e  pe d e s t r i a n  ra i l r o a d   cr o s s i n g  co n n e c t i n g  Fr e d e r i c k s b u r g  Dr .  an d  Gu a v a  Ct .   th a t  ex i s t e d  at  th i s  lo c a t i o n  fo r  ov e r  th i r t y  ye a r s  un t i l   th e  Ci t y  wa s  re q u e s t e d  by  th e  CP U C  to  cl o s e  it  in   20 0 7 .  Th i s  pr o j e c t  wa s  ev a l u a t e d  an d  ac c e p t e d  in t o   VT P  20 3 5  as  Pr o j e c t  #B 7 5  wi t h  a  Bi c y c l e  Ex p e n d i t u r e   Pr o g r a m  al l o c a t i o n  of $ 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 .  Th e  Ba c k g r o u n d   We  wi l l  di s c u s s  th e  Bl u e  Hi l l s  sc h o o l  ro u t e  an d  at ‐gr a d e  pe d e s t r i a n   cr o s s i n g  of  th e  UP R R  tr a c k s  an d  th e  pr o j e c t ' s  in c l u s i o n  in  th e  VT P  20 3 5   as  Pr o j e c t  #B 7 5 Re p o r t  sh o u l d  co n t a i n  an  up d a t e  on  th i s  pr o j e c t  in   te r m s  of  ea s e m e n t s ,  pe r m i t s  an d  fu n d i n g .   3. 5 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 0 Pa g e  31 ,  Pe d e s t r i a n  Fa c i l i t i e s  an d  Tr a i l s ,   an d  Pa g e  32 ,   Su g g e s t e d  Ro u t e s  to  Sc h o o l ,   sh o u l d  bo t h  me n t i o n  th e   "B l u e  Hi l l s  Sc h o o l  Ra i l r o a d  Cr o s s i n g  Sa f e t y  Pr o j e c t . "   We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  te x t  on  pa g e  32  to  in c l u d e  re f e r e n c e  to  th e  Bl u e   Hi l l s  Sc h o o l  Ra i l r o a d  Cr o s s i n g  Sa f e t y  Pr o j e c t . 3. 6 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 1 VT A  su p p o r t s  th e  re c o m m e n d a t i o n s  th a t  th e  Ci t y   fo r m a l l y  ad o p t  a  se t  of  de s i g n  gu i d e l i n e s  fo r  bi c y c l e   fa c i l i t i e s  an d  pr e p a r e  a  Bi c y c l e  Ma s t e r  Pl a n .  VT A   re c o m m e n d s  th a t  th e  Ci t y  of  Sa r a t o g a  fo r m a l l y  ad o p t   th e  VT A  Bi c y c l e  De s i g n  Gu i d e l i n e s  as  it s  Bi k e   Gu i d e l i n e s ,  as  ha s  th e  Ci t y  of  Cu p e r t i n o .   Th e  Ci t y  wi l l  co n s i d e r  ad o p t i n g  th e  VT A  Bi c y c l e  De s i g n  Gu i d e l i n e s  wh e n   th e  Ci t y  up d a t e s  it s  Bi k e w a y s  Ma s t e r  Pl a n . 3. 7 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 2 On  pa g e  36 ,  we  su g g e s t  ad d i n g  th e  wo r d  "s t r a t e g i e s "   or  si m i l a r  to  CI ‐Po l i c y ‐1 ‐2:   CI ‐Po l i c y ‐l. 2  En c o u r a g e  de v e l o p m e n t  of  De l e t e  [i n t e r ‐ re g i o n a l l y  ba s e d ]  in t e r ¬ r e g i o n a l l y ‐ba s e d  co o p e r a t i o n   st r a t e g i e s  to  su p p o r t  lo c a l  an d  re g i o n a l  tr a n s p o r t a t i o n   so l u t i o n s  an d  im p r o v e m e n t s   We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  te x t  to  CI ‐Po l i c y ‐1. 2  to  re f l e c t  th e  su g g e s t e d   mo d i f i c a t i o n . 11 6 Su m m a r y  of  Pu b l i c  Co m m e n t s  an d  Re s p o n s e s Ci t y  of  Sa r a t o g a  ‐   Dr a f t  Ci r c u l a t i o n  El e m e n t  Up d a t e 3. 8 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 3 On  pa g e  39 ,  fo r  CI  Ac t i o n  2. 8 ,  ad d :  "a n d  in   co n f o r m a n c e  wi t h  VT A ' s  BT G  ch a p t e r s  3 ‐6"  to  th e  en d   of t h i s  Ac t i o n .   CI ‐Ac t i o n ‐2. 8  Ev a l u a t e  de v e l o p m e n t  pr o p o s a l s  an d   de s i g n  ro a d w a y  im p r o v e m e n t s  ba s e d  on  es t a b l i s h e d   Le v e l  of  Se r v i c e  st a n d a r d s  wi t h o u t  ne g a t i v e l y   af f e c t i n g  tr a v e l  by  ot h e r  mo d e s ,   an d  to  be  in   co n f o r m a n c e  wi t h  VT A ' s  BT G  Ch a p t e r s  3 ‐6.   We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  te x t  to  CI ‐Ac t i o n ‐2. 8  to  re f l e c t  th e  su g g e s t e d   mo d i f i c a t i o n . 3. 9 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 4 Re g a r d i n g  Po l i c y  4. 3 ,  we  wo u l d  li k e  to  su g g e s t  a   mo d i f i c a t i o n :   Bu s s i n g  sh o u l d  be   on e  of  th e  fi r s t  me a s u r e s   co n s i d e r e d ,  al o n g  wi t h  wa l k i n g  an d  bi k i n g .  to  re d u c e   sc h o o l ‐ge n e r a t e d  tr a f f i c  be f o r e  su b s t a n t i a l  ro a d w a y   ca p a c i t y  en h a n c e m e n t s  ar e  im p l e m e n t e d .   We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  te x t  to  CI ‐Po l i c y ‐4. 3  to  re f l e c t  th e  su g g e s t e d   mo d i f i c a t i o n . 3. 1 0 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 5 We  re c o m m e n d  th a t  th e  Ci t y  co n s i d e r  ad d i t i o n a l   po l i c i e s  to  ad d r e s s  th e s e  is s u e s :   • Bi k e  an d  pe d e s t r i a n  ac c e s s  to  tr a n s i t  st o p s .  It  wo u l d   co m p l e m e n t  th e  ex i s t i n g  Ac t i o n  4. 4 .   • In c o r p o r a t e  th e  co n c e p t  of  sl o w e r  sp e e d s  as  a   sa f e t y  me a s u r e .   • De s i g n  ro a d w a y s  an d  in t e r s e c t i o n s  wi t h o u t  bi k e   la n e s  to  be  as  bi k e ‐fr i e n d l y  as  po s s i b l e .   • Ex i s t i n g  sc h o o l  pa t h s  an d  ea s e m e n t s  sh o u l d  be   id e n t i f i e d  an d  ma p p e d ,  pr e s e r v e d  an d  en h a n c e d .   Th e  Ci t y  wi l l  co n s i d e r  th e  su g g e s t e d  po l i c i e s  as  pa r t  of  th e  up d a t e  an d   ad o p t i o n  of  it s  Bi k e w a y s  Ma s t e r  Pl a n . 3. 1 1 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 6 On  pa g e  42 ,  we  st r o n g l y  re c o m m e n d  th a t  "B i c y c l e "   Go a l s ,  Po l i c i e s  an d  Ac t i o n s  be  se p a r a t e  fr o m   "Pe d e s t r i a n an d Eq u e s t r i a n " Go a l s Po l i c i e s an d Co m m e n t  no t e d . Pe d e s t r i a n  an d  Eq u e s t r i a n  Go a l s , Po l i c i e s  an d   Ac t i o n s .   3. 1 2 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 7 Po l i c y  5. 5  do e s  no t  me n t i o n  sc h o o l s  bu t  if  a  ne w   po l i c y  is  ad d e d  ab o v e  it  wo u l d n ' t  ha v e  to .  On  pa g e  43 ,   Po l i c y  5. 7  se e m s  li k e  an  ac t i o n  it e m  to  Po l i c y  5. 6  an d   bo t h  se e m  to  re f e r e n c e  th e  ro a d w a y  RO W  wh e r e  as   th e  ne w  po l i c y  wo u l d  re f e r  to  th e  no n ‐mo t o r i z e d   ea s e m e n t s  an d  sc h o o l  pa t h s .   We  wi l l  up d a t e  Po l i c y ‐5. 5  to  in c l u d e  re f e r e n c e  to  sc h o o l s  an d  mo v e   Po l i c y ‐5. 7  to  an  Ac t i o n  it e m  an d  li s t  it  ab o v e  Ac t i o n ‐5. 1 7 . 3. 1 3 8 / 2 6 / 2 0 1 0 Y i n g  Sm i t h ,  VT A 1 8 Re g a r d i n g  Ac t i o n  5. 5 ,  pl e a s e  re f e r  to  Ch a p t e r  10  of   th e  BT G  fo r  bi k e  pa r k i n g  ra t i o s  an d  ot h e r   re c o m m e n d e d  bi k e  pa r k i n g  de s i g n  st a n d a r d s .   We  wi l l  up d a t e  th e  te x t  in  Ac t i o n ‐5. 5  to  st a t e  th a t  th e  Ci t y  wi l l  us e   Ca p t e r  10  of  th e  BT G  as  a  gu i d e l i n e s  fo r  es t a b l i s h i n g  bi c y c l e  pa r k i n g   re q u i r e m e n t s . 1. 1 8 / 2 5 / 2 0 1 0 Li s a  Ca r b o n i ,   Di s t r i c t  Br a n c h   Ch i e f ,  Ca l t r a n s 1 Ca l t r a n s  re q u e s t s  th a t  th e  co o r d i n a t i o n  of  an y   im p r o v e m e n t s  wi t h i n  th e  St a t e ' s  ri g h t ‐of ‐wa y  be  do n e   as  ea r l y  as  po s s i b l e  in  th e  pl a n n i n g  ph a s e . Co m m e n t  no t e d . 11 7 118 119 120 121 122 123 124