HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 15 Presentation - Ground MovementCity Council Agenda Item # 15
Ground Movement Regulations and Negative
Declaration (Application ZOA15-0007/ENV15-0004)
July 1, 2015
Ground Movement Regulations Ordinance
Amendment ZOA15-0007 / ENV15-0004
BACKGROUND
•Ground Movement Regulations –Article 16-65 of City Code
•Adopted 1991 with revisions in 1992, 1998, 2003, 2006, 2014
•Ground Movement Potential Map included with 2013 General Plan Safety Element
•Current City Code amendment application submitted by private homeowner
-Geotechnicial report prepared
-Proposed remodel w/ addition project
-Project is financially infeasible due to required mitigations
-Requested amendments only allow for the opportunity for projects to be considered for review
•Proposed revisions reflect recommendations from Staff & City Geotechnical Consultant (City Geologist)
•Amendments in Article 16 (Building) and Article 15 (Zoning)
•Streamlines Geotechnical Process for over 1,000 residents
GROUND MOVEMENT POTENTIAL MAP
•11 Geologic Hazard Zone Classifications:
Sbr, Sls, Sun, Paf, Ps, Pd , Pdf, Ms, Md, Pf, Pmw
•Generally can be split into 4 risk categories:
Sbr (stable)
Sun, Sls, Ps, and Paf (lower)
Pmw, Pd , and Pdf (low)
Ms and Md (moderate)
Ground Movement Regulations Ordinance
Amendment ZOA15-0007 / ENV15-0004
Ground Movement Regulations Ordinance
Amendment ZOA15-0007 / ENV15-0004
Proposed Revisions:
Groups Geo Hazard Zone Classifications into 3 categories
1) Sun, Sls, Ps, and Paf -Includes revisions to reflect lower risks and
corresponding City reviews
2) Pmw, Pd, Pdf, and Ms –Includes revisions which would allow a “Categorically
Permitted Project” only for Pmw, Pd, and Pdf areas.
Maintains existing requirements for Ms areas
3) Md-Continues prohibition on development except for reconstruction w/o
foundation work
Ground Movement Regulations Ordinance
Amendment ZOA15-0007 / ENV15-0004
Proposed Revisions (Continued):
Requirements for Categorically Permitted Projects:
1) Geotechnical Report and Peer Reviewed by City Geologist
2) “Engineer Design” approved by City Geologist & City staff if “global” mitigation
for geologic hazard is determined by City to not be feasible.
3) Must meet current Building Code and Safety Regulations
4) Grading & drainage plans must be reviewed by Building Division
5) Must improve safety of remodeled home when compared to existing structures
6) Planning Commission Design Review and approval required
7) 500 foot neighborhood notification
8) Possible appeal to City Council
Ground Movement Regulations Ordinance
Amendment ZOA15-0007 / ENV15-0004
Proposed Revisions (Continued):
Benefits to Homeowners:
1) Provides flexibility for homeowners to satisfy changing needs over time
2) Provides incentive for homeowners to improve to current Building Codes
Ground Movement Regulations Ordinance
Amendment ZOA15-0007 / ENV15-0004
Proposed Revisions (Continued):
Allowable scope of Categorically Permitted Project :
Projects limited to: Remodel of 50% of existing home square footage
+
Addition of 500 sf OR 25% of existing foot print
(whichever is larger)
Maximum House Size:6,000 square feet.
Recommended Action
•Introduce and waive the first reading of the ordinance to amend the
Saratoga City Code regarding Ground Movement Regulations.
•Direct staff to place the resolution adopting the negative declaration
and second reading of the ordinance on the Consent Calendar for
adoption at the next regular meeting of the City Council.