Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 96-11.3 RESOLUTION NO. 96-11.3 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND DESIGN REVIEW INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS; 14500 FRUITVALE AVE. WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga City Council has received an application for Use Permit approval to allow the expansion of an "institutional" type of land use within a residential zoning district. A Design Review application has also been received for the structures themselves pursuant to Exhibit "A", incorporated by reference; and WHEREAS, an Environmental Impact Report has been prepared for this project and has been certified by the City Council and the mitigation measures identified in the EIR have been incorporated into this approval Resolution; and WHEREAS, this Resolution constitutes, and shall be used as, a Mitigation Monitoring Program in compliance with Public Resources Code Section 21081.6, and identifies herein, the mitigation measures, the monitoring and reporting procedures for each measure; and has been designed to fit into the City's existing entitlement and project review process; and WHEREAS, on February 21, 1996, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the Use Permit and Design Review requests at which time all interested parties were given a full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held duly noticed public hearings on the Use Permit and Design Review requests on December 13th, 1995 and January 24th and February 14th, 1996 at which time all interested parties were given a full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission is recommending that the City of Saratoga enter into a Development Agreement with Odd Fellows to assure that upon approval of the project they may proceed with the project in accordance with existing rules and regulations. In exchange, the City of Saratoga will receive assurance that the duplex cottages component of Phase II on the 10.6 acres subject to the General Plan Text amendment will be built. The Development Agreement also provides for unrestricted access to the senior home for Saratoga seniors and additional off-site drainage improvements; and WHEREAS, the applicants have met the burden of proof required to support the Use Permit application, and the following Use Permit findings have been determined pursuant to Article 15- 55 of the City Code: - That the proposed senior care and living facility expansion is in accord with the objectives of the Zoning 1 Ordinance and the purposes of the district in which the site is located in that senior care facilities are a conditionally permitted use in all of Saratoga's residential zoning districts. - That the proposed senior care and living facility expansion and the conditions under which it would be operated or maintained will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity in that appropriate conditions have been placed on the project to minimize potential impacts. - That the proposed senior care and living facility expansion will comply with each of the applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support the Design Review application, and the following Design Review findings have been made pursuant to Article 15-46 of the City Code: - The multiple structures proposed will be harmonious in terms of architectural features and landscaping in that: · The current facility is a collection of architecturally independent structures built over a span of roughly 80 years. The applicants' proposal provides a unifying architectural theme which will help to visually tie the structures together. · The five duplex cottages proposed along the top of the hill of the 10.6 acre parcel have been relocated off this wooded hilltop. This modification reduced the amount of tree removal and grading necessary and protected an important viewshed. · The secondary emergency access road leading up to Crisp Ave. has been eliminated This road would have required a large amount of earth fill to access Crisp Ave. · The roadway/cottages plan along the northeast access road have been reversed so that the cottages back up to the existing homes to the west versus having the roadway abut these residences. · The natural vegetation is being preserved, and the structures are integrated with the natural topography. - The proposed "Mediterranean" style of buildings are compatible in terms of height, bulk and design with the surrounding single family homes in the immediate area. In addition, the location and design of the structures should minimize any interference with neighbors' views or privacy and minimize any interference with neighbors' light, air or solar accessibility. - Landscaping is clustered in natural appearing groups, as opposed to being placed in rows or regularly spaced. 2 - Colors of wall and roofing materials as proposed, pursuant to the approved material board incorporated by reference, will blend with the natural landscape and be nonreflective. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Saratoga as follows: Section 1. After careful consideration of the site plan, architectural drawings and other exhibits submitted in connection with this matter, the application of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for conditional Use Permit and Design Review approval is hereby approved subject to the following conditions: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 1. The development shall be located and constructed as shown on Exhibit "A", incorporated by reference. 2. Prior to submittal for Grading or Building Permits, the following shall be submitted to Community Development Department staff in order to issue a Zoning Clearance: a. Four (4) sets of complete construction plans incorporating this Resolution as a separate plan page and one (1) set of engineered grading and drainage plans, also incorporating this Resolution as a separate plan page. c. All applicable requirements/conditions of the Resolution and requirements/conditions of the City Arborist (e.g. tree protective fencing) shall be noted on the plans. d. Any outstanding fees associated with the City Geotechnical Consultant's and/or the City Arborist's review of the project shall be paid. e. A revised Site Plan/Schematic Landscape plan shall be submitted extending the Open Space Easement across the entire length, and along both sides/banks, of the upper drainage area and lower riparian habitat area. This easement shall be recorded prior to issuance of any building or grading permits. f. The applicants shall submit to the Public Works Director verification that they have performed a good- faith effort to acquire and record reciprocal vehicular ingress/egress easements in order to join the two private parallel roadways (the Odd Fellows' access road and San Marcos Rd.). If the easement can be obtained, an improvement plan shall be prepared and reviewed by Saratoga's Public Works director merging the two roadways into a single shared road to a point approximately 100 ft. from their intersection with Fruitvale Ave. If and when the City requests it, the 3 applicants shall make an irrevocable offer of dedication to the City of a portion of the Odd Fellows access road, for public right of way purposes. The Director of Public Works shall determine the specific location and dimensions of the property to be dedicated, provided it shall generally encompass that portion of the road from its intersection with Fruitvale Avenue to a point approximately 100 feet easterly of that intersection. Additionally prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, applicants shall execute a recordable document to be recorded with the Santa Clara County Recorder, waiving all rights the applicants may have to object to future inclusion of the subject property in the formation of or annexation to any assessment, benefit assessment or improvement district or authority, formed for the purpose of making such roadway improvements. 3. No retaining wall shall exceed 5 ft in height. In addition, no fence or wall shall exceed six (6) feet in height and no future fences or walls located within any required front yard shall exceed three (3) feet in height. 4. No structure shall be permitted in any easement. 5. No ordinance size tree shall be removed without first obtaining a Tree Removal Permit, with the exception of those trees approved to be removed by the City Arborist based on the detailed tree protection plan required for each phase of construction. 6. Exterior colors shall be per the submitted material board reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. 7. Landscaping and irrigation per the approved plan (Exhibit "A") shall be installed for each phase of development prior to Final Inspection of each phase of development. 8. Prior to the issuance of a Zoning Clearance, applicant shall submit the following for Planning Director review and approval: a. Documentation that the proposed landscape and irrigation plan is consistent with the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO). 9. Any additional future landscaping shall be of native and drought tolerant species in conformance with the City's WELO guidelines. 10. All requirements of the City Arborist's preliminary reports dated March 22 and November 16, 1994 shall be met. This includes, but is not limited to: a. Prior to issuance of a Zoning Clearance: 4 · Detailed tree protection plans shall be prepared by the City Arborist for each phase of development. · Six (6) ft. chain link tree protective fencing shall be shown on plan per these detailed plans, with note "to remain in place throughout construction." b. Prior to issuance of Grading or Building Permits: · Tree protective fencing shall be installed for each phase of development and inspected by staff. · The applicants shall submit to the City, in a form acceptable to the Community Development Director, security in the amount determined by the City Arborist to guarantee the mainte- nance and preservation of trees on the subject site for each phase of development . c. Prior to issuance of Final Inspection approval: . The City Arborist shall perform a final site inspection to assess compliance with the aforementioned tree preservation measures for each phase of development. The security deposit shall then be returned in full, or part, based on the Arborist'$ recommendation. 11. All landscaping and landscape irrigation installed beneath the canopy of the ordinance protected oak trees shall comply with the "Planting Under Old Oaks" guidelines prepared by the City Arborist. No trenching is permitted within the oak tree canopy, unless otherwise approved by the City Arborist. 12. All building and construction related activities shall adhere to New Development and Construction - Best Management Practices as adopted by the City for the purpose of preventing storm water pollution. 12.a. Reference Exhibit B to Development Agreement between applicant and City, for discussion of fire ladders. EIR MITIGATION MONITORIN~ PLAN REQUIREMENTS 13. The following Mitigation Measures identified in the Odd Fellows Master Plan EIR certified by Resolution No. 96-11 of the Saratoga City Council on February 21, 1996 shall apply throughout construction. The applicants' shall identify a Project Manager responsible for ensuring that the Mitigation Measures are complied with. The Project Manager shall coordinate mitigation monitoring with Community Development Department staff prior to issuance of a Zoning Clearance, Building or Grading Permit or Final Inspection, as applicable. Visual Resources/aesthetics 5 14. All rooftop equipment (i.e., air conditioners, antennas, etc.) shall be located below the maximum roofline height permitted such that their appearance is screened from viewsheds extending to the site from adjacent residences. 15. To minimize visual impacts associated with the loss of mature onsite vegetation (native oak trees) the project applicant shall be required to prepare revegetation plans to compensate for the oak trees removed. 16. Native landscaping shall be used adjacent to developed portions of the site to buffer the site from adjacent single-family residential land uses, provide shading relief in areas that are unprotected, highlight architectural features, and enhance and promote the visual and aesthetic quality of the site. At planting, native trees used for landscaping buffer shall be not less than 10 feet in height. Berth Resources 17. The project geotechnical engineer and engineering geologist shall review the geotechnical constraints affecting each structure and provide more specific geotechnical design criteria and demolition/construction recommendations, as needed 18. The results of the supplemental geotechnical design criteria shall be summarized by the project geotechnical engineer and engineering geologist in an addendum letter-report with appropriate illustrations, and submitted to the City for review and approval by the City Engineer for review and approval. 19. The project geotechnical engineer shall review and approve all geotechnical aspects of the final development plans (i.e., site preparation and grading, site drainage improvements, demolition and removal of structures and earth works, remedial grading, creek modifications, and design parameters for foundations and retaining walls) to ensure that the geotechnical consultant recommendations have been properly incorporated. The results of the plan review shall be summarized by the geotechnical consultant in a letter and submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval prior to issuance of grading permits. 20. The geotechnical consultant shall inspect, test (as needed), and approve all geotechnical aspects of the project demolition and construction. The inspection shall include, but not necessarily be limited to: site preparation and grading, site surface and subsurface drainage improvements, and excavations for foundations and retaining walls prior to the placement of steel and concrete. The results of these inspections and the as-built conditions of the project shall be described by the geotechnical consultant in a letter to the City Engineer. 21. Cut and fill slopes shall be constructed with a maximum inclination of 2:1. If cut slopes are in hard, competent rock, the maximum slope inclination shall be 1.5:1. any deviation from the maximum cut and fill slope inclinations identified shall be subject to the approval by the City Engineer. 22. The applicant shall implement standard practices from the City Grading ordinances to prevent erosion of cut and fill slopes as identified on Exhibit 3.4-5 of the EIR. 23. The applicant shall submit plans to the City's Plan Check Engineer showing that the proposed structure has been analyzed for earthquake loading and designed according to the most recent seismic standards in the Uniform Building Code adopted by the City of Saratoga. 24. The applicant shall coordinate earthquake training with the Saratoga Fire District for Odd Fellows employees. The applicant shall submit an earthquake emergency response plan to the Fire District for review and comment. That plan shall require posted notices in all units on earthquake safety procedures. 8urfaae Hydrolog~/DEainage 25. The project applicant shall submit final drainage plans that demonstrate and depict mechanisms such as trench drains extending a minimum of 3 feet below existing grade to inter- cept water in areas of anticipated shallow groundwater to ensure that during the construction and excavation of proposed below-grade structures, the integrity of existing and proposed slopes is maintained by directing areas of anticipated shallow groundwater flow to suitable discharge facilities. 26. The project applicant shall submit final drainage plans which demonstrate that downstream drainage facilities can accommodate the maximum peak surface water discharge generated by Phase I and Phase II of project development. If existing downstream drainage facilities do not have sufficient capacity to handle the maximum peak discharge, the project applicant will be required to improve the existing facilities to accommodate the project's estimated maximum discharge flow, or provide onsite retention facilities that will retain surface water runoff during peak flow periods. If existing downstream drainage facilities have sufficient capacity to demonstrate maximum peak surface water discharge (runoff), no further mitigation is necessary. The final drainage plans shall also indicate how the site grading, in conjunction with the drainage conveyance systems including applicable swales, channels, street flow, catch basins, storm drains, and flood water retarding, will allow building pads to be safe from inundation from stormwater runoff which may be expected from all storms up to and including the 100-year storm event. 7 27. The project applicant shall submit an erosion control program which indicates proper control of siltation, sedimentation and other pollutants will be implemented per NPDES permit requirements. The erosion control plan shall include the use of berms, storm grates, detention basins, overflow collection areas, filtration systems and sedimentation traps. 28. In accordance with NPDES permit requirements, the project applicant shall prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be used to maintain downstream water quality. These measures may include the measures identified in Mitigation Measure 3.6.3. A~r Quality 29. Provide temporary traffic control during heavy peak construction activities to improve traffic flow (e.g., flag person). 30. Suspend all construction equipment operations during second stage smog alerts. 31. Apply approved chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturer's specification to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for four days or more). 32. Water active sites at least twice daily. 33. Suspend all excavating and grading operations when wind speeds (as instantaneous gusts) exceed 25 mph. 34. All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered and should maintain at least two feet of freeboard (i.e., minimum vertical distance between top of the load and the top of the trailer). 35. Sweep streets at the end of the day if visible soil material is carried over to adjacent roads (recommend water sweepers with reclaimed water). 36. Apply water twice daily or chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications to all unpaved parking or staging areas or unpaved road surfaces. 37. Traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to be reduced to 15 mph or less. 38. Use of the following is required as applicable; solar or low-emission water heaters, central water heating system, energy efficient and automated controls for air conditionere, energy efficient low-sodium parking lot lights and lighting controls and energy efficient lighting. Noise 8 39. Construction activities shall be limited to between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. No work is permitted on holidays. 40. Construction equipment shall be fitted with modern sound reduction equipment. 41. Temporary construction barriers shall be used when construc- tion activities are within 200 feet of any noise-sensitive uses, such as residences. 42. Construction related heavy truck trips (three or more axles or over 26,000 pounds shall be limited to between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Biological Resources 43. Loss or Disturbance of Burrowing Owl Nests a. The applicant shall notify and consult with CDFG regarding potential disturbance to burrowing nests. b. If grading is proposed during the burrowing owl nesting season (March-August), a focused survey for burrowing owls shall be conducted by a qualified raptor biologist in order to identify active nests in areas potentially impacted by project implementation. Mitigation to avoid disturbances or removal shall be prepared by the project applicant and approved by CDFG. 44. Loss of Riparian Woodland a. Wherever possible, a 100 ft. "buffer" (non-development set back) area shall be established from the outer edge of the riparian habitat. Within this buffer area native species will be allowed to regenerate and addi- tional riparian vegetation will be planted. This will ensure that there is net gain of riparian woodland. b. Pursuant to the recommendations of the ecological consulting firm H.T. Harvey & Associates a 50 ft. buffer should be established from the outer edge of the riparian habitat along the northwestern boundary of the riparian habitat, within the area of the existing accessory buildings and roadways and which is proposed for the new Health Center. c. The proposed Health Center encroaches approximately .44 acres into this 50 ft. buffer and the roadway crossing to access the 10.6 acre southern parcel would remove .4 acres of small trees and shrubs - this impact area has been identified as low quality riparian habitat. As mitigation for the direct and indirect impact the project will have on the site's northwestern habitat corridor, H.T. Harvey & Associates has recommended that the applicant expand the riparian habitat by .9 acres 9 along the eastern boundary of the habitat corridor. A detailed plan indicating .9 acres of replacement riparian habitat shall be prepared by a qualified professional and shall be submitted for Community Development Director review and approval prior to issuance of a Zoning Clearance for any of the buildings. The plan shall be implemented prior to Final Inspection of the Health Center building. d. All riparian habitat not proposed for development adjacent to riparian habitat shall be protected from construction activities and left in existing vegetation. Where riparian vegetation occurs within 100 feet of areas planned for grading, four-foot tall plastic fencing will be placed at the edge of the protected habitat. This fencing shall remain in place until construction is completed. During construction, debris, waste dirt, or rubble shall not be deposited in riparian habitat. e. To the maximum extent possible, revegetation shall use native riparian stock (cuttings) collected from the site. During the revegetation process, tree survival shall be maximized using gopher cages, deer screens, regular maintenance and replanting as needed. Revegetation of riparian vegetation shall be supervised by a certified arborist. f. Night lighting associated with the proposed project shall be directed away from the riparian corridor, to minimize disruption to nocturnal wildlife activity. 45. Loss of Jurisdictional Wetlands a. Prior to issuance of a grading permit, a detailed wetland delineation shall be completed by a qualified biologist to verify if the total amount of jurisdictional wetlands, if any, that would be affected by the proposed project. The agency responsible for implementation of this mitigation measure may be either the ACOE, or CDFG, or both, as explained below. All proposed discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States must first be authorized by the ACOE, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. if wetlands would be affected, either an individual permit or a nationwide permit may be required, depending on the amount or fill. if less than an acre of jurisdic- tional wetlands if to be affected, as is estimated, a nationwide permit would likely be the type of permit provided by the ACOE, and mitigation by this agency may not be required. If a nationwide permit is appropriate, the activity may already be authorized by ACOE. In addition, the project proponent may be required to obtain a Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement, negotiated 10 with CDFG. Either the Section 404 permit or the Section 1600 agreement, or both, may contain conditions that address avoidance or replacement of affected wetlands. the project applicant shall coordinate with ACOE/CDFG in developing and abiding by the conditions of the Section 404 and Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement. These permits/agreements shall be secured prior to issuance of grading permits. b. In order to lessen impacts to riparian vegetation and jurisdictional wetlands, the proposed east access road (in the vicinity of the expanded Villas), shall not encroach beyond the existing roadway footprint. 46. Loss of Native Oak Trees a. Replacement ratios and other revegetation plans to compensate for the oak trees removed shall be incorporated into a oak tree restoration plan. A replacement ratio of 5:1 for all native trees is recommended. Compensation for the removal of oak trees shall be incorporated into the oak tree restoration plan. This plan shall be prepared by a qualified restoration ecologist and approved by the City of Saratoga Community Development Director. Replacement trees shall be planted within the riparian buffer area or in other designated open space. b. Trees not approved for removal that are within 200 feet of grading activities shall be protectively fenced five feet beyond the dripline and root zone of each (as determined by a certified arborist). This fence which will prevent soil from being pushed down beneath the canopies or over the root collars, shall be maintained until all construction activities are completed. No grading or trenching shall be allowed within this area and construction equipment and debris shall be excluded. Protection for oak trees on slopes and hillsides will also include installation of a silt fence. This silt fence shall be installed at the base of the protective fence to prevent any soil from drifting down over the root zone. Construction equipment and debris shall be excluded from the dripline of each tree. c. Within landscaped area, preservation of coast live oaks considered in good condition shall be ensured by adopting proper maintenance procedures. These procedures shall be determined by a certified arborist but may include mulching, end-weight removal, and application of a sub-surface fertilizer. All pruning and maintenance procedures shall be done under the direct supervision of a certified arborist. 47. Indirect Impacts on Sensitive Habitats 11 a. All grading plans shall include measures to minimize erosion and runoff into wetlands. Appropriate runoff controls such as berms, storm grates, detention basins, overflow collection areas, filtration systems, and sedimentation traps will be implemented on the project area to control siltation and the potential discharge of pollutants into wetlands. b. In accordance with the NPDES Permit requirements, the project applicant shall prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). c. Permanent measures, such as protective fencing and warning signs shall be taken to reduce human usage and degradation of sensitive habitats due to increased urbanization. Public Services, Facilities and Utilities 48. Fire hydrants shall be installed and charged by the applicant, as required and approved by the Fire District. 49. The applicant shall submit an emergency fire access plan to the Fire District for review and approval to ensure that service to the site is in accordance with Fire District service requirements. Fire access roads shall be provided for each facility to ensure that fire fighting or rescue operations will not be impaired. The access plan shall be based on the requirements of the 1991/1994 Uniform Fire codes (Division II, Sec. 10.201, Sec. 10.204) and Part III, Article 9 of the 1994 Uniform Fire Code. 50. Plans shall indicate that all buildings, shall have sprinklers installed in accordance with the Saratoga Municipal Code and the Uniform Fire Code. Said sprinklers shall be installed prior to each final building and zoning inspection. 51. The applicant shall submit a Construction Fire Protection Plan which shall include detailed design plans for accessibility of emergency fire equipment, fire hydrant location, and any other construction features. 52. Prior to the issuance of building permits for Phase II, the applicant shall agree to provide 24-hour, on-site emergency medical service at the Health Care Center. This service should be capable of providing emergency advanced life support (ALS) to the residents. The addition of 24-hour ALS will ensure adequate emergency medical response service after completion of the project. 53. The applicant shall submit to the Community Development Department plans for review and approval which shall ensure that water conservation measures are incorporated. Among the water conservation measures to be shown on the plans and implemented by the applicant, to the extent applicable 12 within the Master Plan area include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Use of low-flow sprinkler heads in irrigation systems. · Low-flow fittings, fixtures, and equipment, including low flush toilets and urinals. · Use of reclaimed water for irrigation when it becomes available. · Use of efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and automatic systems which use moisture sensors. · Use of low-flow shower heads in apartments. · Water efficient ice-machines, dishwashers, clothes washers and other water-using appliances. · Use of water-conserving landscape plant materials wherever feasible. Cultural Resources 54. Prior to approval of grading plans, the applicant shall submit a letter to the City's Project Planner identifying the certified archaeologist that has been hired to ensure that the following actions are implemented: a. The archaeologist must be present at the pregrading conference in order to establish procedures for tempo- rarily halting or redirecting work to permit the sam- pling, identification and evaluation of artifacts if potentially significant artifacts are uncovered. If artifacts are uncovered and determined to be significant, the archaeological observer shall determine appropriate actions in cooperation with the applicant for exploration and/or salvage. b. Specimens that are collected prior to or during the grading process will be donated to an appropriate educational o.r research institution. c. Any archaeological work at the site shall be conducted under the direction of the certified archaeologist. If any artifacts are discovered during grading operations when the archaeological monitor is not present, grading shall be diverted around the area until the monitor can survey the area. d. A final report detailing the findings and disposition of the specimens shall be submitted to the City Project Planner. Upon completion of the grading, the archaeologist shall notify the City Project Planner as 13 to when the final report will be submitted. 55. The applicant shall submit a letter to Community Development Department staff identifying the certified paleontologist that has been hired to ensure that the following actions are implemented: a. The paleontologist must be present at the pregrading conference in order to establish procedures to temporarily halt or redirect work to permit the sampling identification and evaluation of fossils if potentially significant, paleontological resources are uncovered. If artifacts are uncovered and found to be significant, the paleontological observer shall determine appropriate actions in cooperation with the applicant for exploration and/or salvage. b. Specimens that are collected prior to or during the grading process will be donated to an appropriate educational or research institution. c. Any paleontological work at the site shall be conducted under the direction of the certified paleontologist. If any fossils are discovered during grading operations when the paleontological monitor is not present, grading shall be diverted around the area until the monitor can survey the area. d. A final report detailing the findings and disposition of the specimen shall be submitted to the City Project Planner. Upon completion of the grading, the paleontologist shall notify the City Project Planner as to when the final report will be submitted. Bner~J~ 56. The applicant shall submit plans showing that each structure will comply with the State Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) and will consult with the City of Saratoga Building Official in order to review above Title 24 measures prior to each final building and zoning inspection to incorporate into the project design including energy efficient designs. 57. In order to conserve energy, the applicant shall implement energy-saving practices in compliance with Title 10, which may include the following: a. Use of high-efficiency air conditioning systems con- trolled by a computerized management system including features such as a variable air volume system, a 100- percent outdoor air economizer cycle, sequential opera- tion of air conditioning equipment in accordance with building demands, isolation of air conditioning to any selected floor or floors. 14 b. Use of electric motors designed to conserve energy. c. Use of special lighting fixtures such as motion sensing light switch devices and compact fluorescent fixtures in place of incandescent lights. d. Use of T8 lamps and electronic ballasts. metal halide or high-pressure sodium for outdoor lighting and parking lots. 58. The applicant shall submit plans for review and approval which shall ensure that buildings are in conformance with the State Energy Conservation Standards for Nonresidential Buildings (Title 24, part 6, Article 2, California Administrative Code). Section 2. Conditional Use Permit and Design Review approval is granted for a period of ten years pursuant to that certain Development Agreement adopted by Ordinance No. y1-60 of the City Council on the 6th day of .......... March , 1996. Section 3. All applicable requirements of the State, County, City and other Governmental entities must be met. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Saratoga held on the 6th day of March, 1996 by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Burger, Moran, Wolfe and Mayor Jacobs NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmember Tuc Mayor AT~'EST: .(!. City Cler~ · The City Courtall has determined that the proposed General Plan Text Amendment is consistent with the goals, policies and objectives of the City's General Plan and Area G Plan Guidelines; and · The City Council had determined that the proposed General Plan Text Amendment is consistent with the existing land use designations and development patterns in the area; and · The General Plan Text Amendment to the Area G Plan Guidelines is approved to permit senior housing duplex cottages at a maximum density of 2.1 units per acre on the 10.6 acres of undeveloped land to the south of the existing Odd Fellows Home identified as APN 397-40- 006. The increased number of permitted units applies only to this parcd and only for senior housing. · The City Coundl had deemed it to be in the public interest to allow for the expansion of the Odd Fellows' senior housing duplex cottages onto the I 0.6 acres in that it provides additional senior housing stock in Saratoga, thereby promoting Saratoga's Housing Element goals and politics encouraging diversified housing opportunities and allows the Odd Fellows' to complete their long term redevelopment plans in order to assure the continuing feasibility of their existing fadlity. of Saratoga held on the 1996 by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Burger, Moran, Wolfe and Mayor Jacobs NOES None ABSENT: Councilmember Tucker Mayor City Clerk ~/, February 28, 1996 l :\WPDXMNKSWN2 7 3~,E S 9 6NGENPLAN. 0 3 6 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA MAXlNG FINDINGS PURBUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21081 AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS ODD FELLOWS MASTER PLAM Independent Order of Odd Fellows; 1450 Fruitvale Avenue WHEREAS, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ("the applicant") is proposing a two phased Master Plan for the expansion and revitalization of the 37 acre Odd Fellows property located at 14500 Fruitvale Avenue; and WHEREAS, the applicant proposes this Master Plan in order to upgrade, renovate and ultimately expand the existing senior care and housing facilities to accommodate the emerging "continuum of care" desired in the current retirement marketplace; and WHEREAS, the primary discretionary actions and/or approvals required for the Project include a General Plan land text amendment to allow quasi-public facilities (senior residential units) on a 10.6 acre parcel; design review for the proposed structures; and use permit approval to allow the expansion of an "institutional facility" within a residential district; and WHEREAS, on February 21, 1996, via Resolution No. 96-11, the City Council certified (a) that a Final Environmental Impact Report ("EIR") has been completed in compliance with CEQA and reflects the independent judgment of the City Council, (b) that the EIR was presented to the City Council, and (c) that the City Council reviewed and considered the information contained therein. WHEREAS, the Final EIR identifies and discusses all potentially significant adverse environmental effects of the Project, as well as (a) mitigation measures proposed to minimize each such potential adverse environmental effect to a level of insignificance, and (b) a range of reasonable alternatives to the Project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: I. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution. II. STATEMENT OF FINDING8 A. I~DUCT!ON The proposed project is located in the City of Saratoga, approximately 15 miles west of downtown San Jose, in southwest Santa Clara County. The project site is located generally southwest of the newly constructed State Highway 85 (West Valley Highway), north of State Highway 9 (Saratoga-Los Gatos Boulevard) and east of Saratoga Avenue. Regional access to the site is provided by the Junipero Serra Freeway (I-280) via the Lawrence Expressway from the northwest, from the Santa Cruz Highway (17) and the Bayshore (101) Freeway. From these freeways, access to the site is possible via connection to a variety of arterials, principally Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (Route 85), Big Basin Way (Route 9) and Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (Route 9). The site is located east of Fruitvale Avenue (an arterial serving north- south bound traffic), south of San Marcos Road and Chester Avenue, west of Sobey Road and generally north of Crisp Avenue. Local access to the site is provided by Fruitvale Avenue via the I.O.O.F. access road. Fruitvale Avenue provides the only local access to the site. The objectives of the proposed Master Plan are as follows: · To upgrade or replace the existing health-care and resident facilities, and remove remnants of structures previously demolished, and; · To provide for a blueprint expansion of the Odd Fellows facility which would include a "continuum of care" and range of housing types, sizes and cost desired in today's retirement marketplace. P:o~ect Overview The project is the proposed implementation of the Odd Fellows Master Plan. The two-phased Master Plan area covers approximately 37 acres of land owned by the Odd Fellows Home of California. The Odd Fellows Home has operated in Saratoga for over 80 years as a non-profit entity providing care and housing for its senior members. The Master Plan has been proposed in order to upgrade and renovate facilities, some of which have been in existence since first constructed in 1912. Ultimately, the intent of the Master Plan is to expand the facilities to address emerging senior care living accommodations preferred in the current retirement marketplace. Proposed Facilities Health Center: A new one-story health center with ninety-nine beds would be built adjacent to the existing tree buffer on the east side of the Odd Fellows property. Villas Expansion: At the location of the existing California Villas, two new wings will be added which would contain sixty-eight units for a total of one hundred forty-three units. Congregate Apartments: At the location of the existing Health Center, the applicant proposes a two-story building for forty-six units. Surface parking will be provided on the northeast side of the building. Congregate Apartments: At the location of the demolished former Villas, a new two-story structure with fifty-two units would be located. The parking will be located below the structure and tucked into the hillside. Cottage Units: Nineteen Duplex clusters bordering the interior access road would serve the most independent elderly. Each unit would include an enclosed parking space. Phase I of the project would result in the renovation and upgrade of the "Home" building, replacement of the Health Center and expansion of the Villa wings. Several service buildings in the area of the new Health Center will be demolished as will the pedestrian bridge and the foundation walls of the old Villa structure. Upon completion of the villa wings, residents can be moved from the existing Home, allowing for the Homes' complete renovation. Construction would begin following project approval, the securing of project financing, and the obtaining of appropriate State and, if necessary, federal permits. The duration of Phase I construction is estimated to be 24 months. Phase II of the project would include the two proposed Congregate Apartments and the Cottages. The existing Grand Lodge would be demolished to finish construction of the internal circulation road. Duration of construction for Phase II is approximately 18 months. For the purposes of environmental analysis, buildout of the project is anticipated to concur no later than Year 2005. Development of Phase II would be ultimately driven by market demand, and although buildout is assumed to be no later than year 2005, it may not be developed at all. However, as required by CEQA, this document analyzes the potential impacts associated with all contemplated phases of future development. The primary actions for which the EIR was prepared include an amendment to the City of Saratoga General Plan Land Use Element, Planning Area G text to allow 2.1 senior citizen dwelling units per acre on a 10.6 acre parcel. The parcel is currently designated in the City's General Plan for Residential-Very Low Density. The proposed amendment would maintain the existing land use designation. The parcel's zoning designation is R-1-40,000. Other discretionary actions include Design Review for the proposed structures, a Use Permit approval to allow the expansion of an "institutional facility" within a residential district, and approval of a development agreement. The City of Saratoga has prepared an EIR for the proposed project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA)(Public Resources Code 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Administrative Code 15000 et seq., as amended. CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines promulgated pursuant thereto provide that: No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an Environmental Impact Report has been completed and which identifies one or more significant environmental effects of the project unless the public agency makes one or more written findings for each of those significant effects, accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding (CEQA Guidelines Section 15091). Because the EIR identified potentially significant and significant effects which may occur as a result of the project, and in accordance with the provisions of the guidelines, the City Council hereby adopts these findings as part of the approval of the Odd Fellows Master Plan Project. 3 B. ALTERNATIVES In accordance with Section 15126(d) of the State CEQA Guidelines, a range of reasonable alternatives to the project that could feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the potentially significant effects of the project were addressed in the final EIR. In addition, these alternatives included a comprehensive evaluation of the "No-Project" and "No-Project/Existing Zone Designation" alternatives in accordance with Section 15126(d)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines. The alternatives considered in the EIR are summarized below: 1. No-Project Alternative. The No-Project/No-Development Alternative assumes that the Odd Fellows Master Plan would not be implemented and that existing land within the project area would remain unchanged. Thus, this alternative would be equivalent to the project site conditions discussed under Environmental Conditions for each impact category. In this instance, although no new environmental impacts would occur, the potential for some significant impacts, such as damage from groundshaking would be greater than the proposed project, as project structures (primarily the Home) would not have been seismically retrofit to current seismic codes. As this alternative does not attain most of the project objectives of the project, this alternative has been rejected from further consideration. 2. Alternative Site. This alternative would place the proposed project on a 24-acre site located on the northeastern corner of Saratoga Avenue and Route 85 in the northeastern portion of the City. The alternative site was formerly known as the Paul Masson Winery property. The Greenbriar Home Company has recently received Tentative Map and Final Plan approval to build 94 single-family detached homes on this site. Although the alternative site would not satisfy the applicant's objectives, the site was identified as the most appropriate for evaluation given the site's existing attributes (such as level topography and convenient access to transit services) after a review of various alternative locations in the region. Development of the Alternative Site would focus on construction of the eleven independent cottages proposed for the 10.6 acre parcel within the Odd Fellow Master Plan area. The existing Odd Fellow site would be expected to operate at the resident capacity anticipated with development of the congregate care apartments and expansion of the Villa wings, for an estimated 243 residents. It is important to note, that the proposed project involves the expansion of an existing use of the Odd Fellow's property. The functional relationship and interrelationship of the existing use to the proposed expanding use, as well as the proximity of the uses to one another is critical to operation of the proposed project as a congregate care facility. As such, it is not reasonable for the project applicant to consider an alternative site, particularly for implementation of Phase I. Where analysis of an alternative site may be reasonable is in the consideration 4 of implementation of Phase II which includes ultimate development of 10.6 acres of currently undeveloped, vacant land adjacent to the existing QPF designated parcel on the Odd Fellows site. Additionally, it has been acknowledged that implementation of Phase II may not occur, thus the City considered an alternative to this phase of development a realistic scenario of possible consequences. This alternative would not feasibly attain most of the project's objectives. 3. Project Limited to Renovation of Existing Facilities. Implementation of this alternative would be limited to renovating the existing facilities at the Odd Fellows Home as they currently exist; no physical or building square footage expansion would occur, though internal room configurations and densities could be modified. This alternative analyzes the development potential of the project site under the existing land use controls and designations. The analysis assumes that limited development under existing regulations would be allowed by right or as allowed by discretionary approval by the City of Saratoga. Although this alternative would result in the fewest and least extensive environmental impacts, the fewer number of senior housing units that would be permitted with adoption of this alternative would fail to provide the public benefit associated with the basic intent of the project objectives, such as "providing a range of housing types, sizes and costs desired in today's retirement marketplace". This alternative would not feasibly attain most of the project's objectives. 4. Buildout of the Site Under Current Zoning. Implementation of this alternative would result in development of Phase I of the Project and portions of Phase II, excluding the development of the 11 cottages (22 units) on 10.6 acres of undeveloped land. The 10.6 acres of land currently designated for Residential Very-Low Density would be developed with nine (9) single-family detached homes. This would reduce the amount of unassisted independent living units (cottages) from 36 to 16 and result in an overall decrease in project size by approximately 28 percent. Environmental impacts such as aesthetic/visual compatibility (increase in mass/scale); noise, public services, facilities and utilities; and energy would be potentially greater than the proposed project. This alternative would not substantially reduce or avoid any of the identified significant or potentially significant impacts associated with project implementation. 5. Modified Design Alternative. The Modified Project Design Alternative features a total project size of 37 acres, the same as the proposed project. Proposed land uses would be reconfigured, reducing the frontage of five of the eleven independent cottages along the southern periphery of the site from existing adjacent residences. This alternative would replicate (to the extent feasible) the site plan of the formerly proposed Phase II of the San Marcos Height Residential Subdivision project including provision of a private open space easement along the riparian woodland corridor which would 5 restrict development within its boundaries. This alternative would reduce the total number of cottages on the 10.6 acre parcel from eleven to nine duplexes, or a total of 18 units. The internal roadway would be reconfigured to end in a cul-de- sac, as opposed to the loop configuration presently shown on the proposed project site plan. Additionally, the roadway alignment would be configured so as to minimize potentially significant impacts to wetland and riparian woodland habitat and vegetation. This alternative was selected as the environmentally superior alternative for the following reasons: · Implementation of this alternative would reduce and/or eliminate land use compatibility impacts associated with the visual obstruction of visual resources; · Implementation of this alternative would eliminate significant adverse visual and aesthetic impacts associated with development of the southern portion of the project site; · This alternative would provide additional landscaped and natural (undisturbed) open-space to buffer adjacent residential uses and provides a transition from senior residential housing use to single-family residential use; · This alternative reduces grading and associated cut and fill impacts, thereby preserving the site's southern ridgelines. Portions of this alternative, including the relocation of five cottages along the southern ridgeline, the incorporation of an open space easement and the reconfiguration of the internal roadway have been incorporated into the proposed project to minimize potentially significant and unavoidable land use compatibility and visual impacts to adjacent residences to a level considered less-than-significant. C. FINDING8 OF FACT The City Council has independently reviewed and analyzed the Final EIR for the proposed Odd Fellows Master Plan Project and has considered the public record on the project. The public record for the proposed project is composed of the entire documentary record of the project including, without limitation, agendas, minutes and tapes of hearings and study sessions, before the Planing Commission and City Council, correspondence. to the City from persons interested in the project and responses thereto, and the following documents: (1) Draft Environmental ImDact Report, Volumes 1 and II, April 1995. (2) ResDonse to Comments on the Draft EIR, Volume III, September 1995. (3) Discussion of Public Hearing Testimony and Letters Received on the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Odd Fellows Master Plan EIR, November 1995. 6 '~For each significant effect identified in the EIR, the City of Saratoga City Council must make one of or more of the following findings: (1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment; (2) Those changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and have been or can be, adopted by that other agency; (3) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations including considerations for the provisions of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or alternatives identified in the environmental impact report. After reviewing the public record, and holding its own hearings, the City of Saratoga City Council hereby makes the following findings regarding the significant effects of the proposed project, pursuant to CEQA §21081 and the State CEQA Guidelines §15091. 1. ~ UBB significant Effects Although Phase II would be compatible in height, mass and scale with adjacent residential single-family residential land uses, the proximity of five of the eleven cottages on the 10.6 acre parcel would visually intrude upon existing uses and therefore, would result in potentially significant and unavoidable land use compatibility impacts. Finding Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant.environmental effect on the environment. Facts in Support of Finding As noted under the description of the Modified Design Alternative, the five cottages located along the southern ridgeline have been relocated to the southeastern portion of the 10.6-acre, thereby minimizing land use compatibility impacts associated with the visual obstruction that these five cottages would otherwise cause. The proposed senior care and living facility expansion is in accord with the objectives of the Zoning Ordinance and the purposes of the district in which the site is located in that senior care facilities are a conditionally permitted use in all of Saratoga's residential zoning districts. The height, elevations and placement on the site of the main and accessory structures, when considered with reference to (i) the nature and location of residential structures on adjacent lots and within the neighborhoods, and (ii) community viewsheds will 7 avoid unreasonable interference with views and privacy, in that the location and design of the structures would minimize any interference with future adjacent homes views or privacy. Finally, the proposed main or accessory structures will be compatible in terms of bulk and height with existing residential structures on adjacent lots and those within the immediate neighborhood and within the same zoning district. The following measures will mitigate the identified land use compatibility impact to a level considered less than significant: · The applicant shall ensure conformance with all applicable development standards pursuant to Saratoga's Subdivision, Zoning and Building Ordinances. · The specific and detailed design of the proposed project shall be subject to review and evaluation during the Design Review and Use Permit Process. This mitigation shall ensure land use compatibility of the proposed project with surrounding residential land uses through the Design Review and Use Permit process. · The applicant shall submit plans to the City detailing the landscaping and setbacks for the parking facilities (carports), internal loop road and structures adjacent to offsite residential land uses which minimize compatibility impacts on surrounding residential areas. 8igni~icant Effects Construction activity will result in intermittent, but relatively short-term nuisance impacts (due to fugitive dust, noise and aesthetics) to existing residents and adjacent single-family residences located along the periphery of the project site. F~ndin~ Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. FaCtS ~n SuDSoft of Findin~ The following measures will mitigate the identified land use compatibility impacts due to construction activity to a level considered less-than-significant: · Provide temporary traffic control during heavy peak construction activities to improve traffic flow (e.g., flag person). · Suspend all construction equipment operations during second stage smog alerts. · Apply approved chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specification to all inactive construction 8 areas (previously graded areas inactive for four days or more). · Water active sites at least twice daily. · Suspend all excavating and grading operations when wind speeds (as instantaneous gusts) exceed 25 mph. · AllI trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered and should maintain at least two feet of freeboard (i.e., minimum vertical distance between top of the load and the top of the trailer). · Sweep streets at the end of the day if visible soil material is carried over to adjacent roads (recommend water sweepers with reclaimed water). · Apply water twice daily or chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications to all unpaved parking or staging areas or unpaved road surfaces. · Traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to be reduced to 15 mph or less. · Construction activities shall be limited to between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. No work to be accomplished on Sunday or holidays. · Construction equipment shall be fitted with modern sound reduction equipment. · Temporary construction barriers shall be used when construction activities are within 200 feet of any noise- sensitive uses, such as residences. · Construction related heavy truck trips (three or more axles or over 26,000 pounds) shall be limited to between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 2. VISUAL RESOURCES/AESTHETICS Sianific&nt Effects Although sensitive architectural facade and landscape treatments would be incorporated to minimize the potential aesthetic impacts to surrounding residences, and despite the sites potential to ultimately be developed with single-family residential use in accordance with the existing General Plan zone designation, based on scale and massing, the conversion of the southern 10.6 acre parcel to a higher- density residential uses than currently permitted, would result in a significant visual impact to surrounding residential land uses. Further, as identified in the Draft EIR, development of five of these cottages along the southern periphery of the site would result in at least partial blockage of views to the north from offsite homes. This was identified as a significant and unavoidable impact. 9 Findin~ Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. Facts in Support Of Fi~d~q As part of the Final EIR public hearing and response to public testimony process, the applicant has prepared a revised schematic plan illustrating partial incorporation of the Modified Design Alternative, partial incorporation of Mitigation Measure 3.1-3 and staff recommendations. As such, the five cottages previously proposed along the southern ridgeline have been relocated to the southeastern portion of the site, thereby reducing visual impacts to adjacent residences on the south and southwestern periphery, minimizing impacts to native oaks and reducing the amount of cut and fill requirements. Relocation of the five cottages from the ridgeline to the southeastern periphery of the project site would avoid land use compatibility impacts (due to visual intrusion) to adjacent single-family residences. Their location and setback behind the internal roadway loop serves to visually obscure their presence from the sightline of adjacent residences. Additionally, the following'measures will further mitigate the identified impact to a level considered less-than-significant: · Structures shall be scaled, proportioned and articulated to minimize the appearance of mass and bulk and to maximize the perception of open space. (General Plan Open Space Policy #39). · The proposed project shall be subject to Design Review by the City of Saratoga Planning Commission to ensure the City's design goals and objectives are met. · All rooftop equipment (i.e., air conditioners, antennas, etc) shall be located below the maximum roofline height permitted such that their appearance is screened from viewsheds extending to the site from adjacent residences. Significant Effects Phase II construction of eleven of the nineteen cottage duplexes would result in the conversion of the southern 10.6 acre parcel of undeveloped land with residential structures at a higher density than currently permitted under the City's General Plan Land Use Element. Thus, the amount of area currently providing spatial (visual) relief would be decreased. The partial obstruction of near and foreground views generated by Phase II development is considered a significant visual impact. Finding Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, 10 the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. Facts in SUDuO~t of ~indina As noted under the discussion of the Modified Design Alternative, five of the eleven cottages that were proposed along the southeastern ridgeline of the 10.6-acre parcel have been relocated to the southeastern portion of the project site, thereby substantially lessening the significant visual impacts otherwise generated by Phase II development. Additionally, the following measures will further mitigate the identified visual impact to a level considered less-than-significant: · Structures shall be scaled, proportioned and articulated to minimize the appearance of mass and bulk and to maximize the perception of open space. (General Plan Open Space Policy #39). · The proposed project shall be subject to Design Review by the City of Saratoga Planning Commission to ensure the City's design goals and objectives are met. · All rooftop equipment (i.e., air conditioners, antennas, etc) shall'be located below the maximum roofline height permitted such that their appearance is screened from viewsheds extending to the site from adjacent residences. · Prior to issuance of Design Review and/or Use Permit Approval, the applicant shall submit plans to the City detailing the landscaping and setbacks for the parking facilities, internal loop road and structures adjacent to offsite residential land uses which minimize compatibility impacts on surrounding land uses. · To minimize visual impacts associated with the loss of mature onsite vegetation (native oak trees,) the project applicant shall be required to prepare revegetation plans to compensate for the oak trees removed. · Native landscaping shall be used adjacent to developed portions of the site to buffer the site from adjacent single-fAmily residential land uses, provide shading relief in areas that are unprotected, highlight architectural features, and enhance and promote the visual and aesthetic quality of the site. At planting, native trees used for landscaping buffer shall be no less than 10 feet in height. Significant Effeot~ Intrusion of headlight glare into adjacent residential land uses is considered a potentially significant impact. The extent to which this is significant would depend on the design of the internal roadway and the provision of substantial landscape barriers to prevent headlight glare form intruding into adjacent uses. 11 Facts in 2uDDOrt of Findin~ The following measures will mitigate the identified impact to a level considered less-than-significant: · The project applicant shall submit an erosion control program which indicates proper control of siltation, sedimentation and other pollutants will be implemented per NPDES permit requirements. The erosion control plan shall include the use of berms, storm grates, detention basins, overflow collection areas, filtration systems and sedimentation traps. · In accordance with NPDES permit requirements, the project applicant shall prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be used to maintain downstream water quality. These measures may include the measures identified in Mitigation Measure 3.6.3, such as the provision of an erosion control plan prior to issuance of a grading permit, which includes the use of berms, storm gates, detention basins, overflow collection areas, filtration systems and sedimentation traps; submission of drainage plans prior to issuance of grading permits that demonstrate mechanisms to intercept water in areas of anticipated shallow ground water and demonstrate that future post development stormwater quality discharged from the project will not deteriorate from existing stormwater quality. 5. AIR QUALITY Sianificant B.~fects Based on the BAAQMD threshold level of 150 pounds per day, the estimated 240 pounds per day of I~410 that would be produced by the proposed project would be considered significant. Finding Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. Facts in SuDSoft Of Findina The following measures will mitigate the identified impact to a level considered less than significant: · Provide temporary traffic control during heavy peak construction activities to improve traffic flow (e.g., flag person). Suspend all construction equipment operations during second · Apply approved chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specification to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for four days or more). · Water active sites at least twice daily. · Suspend all excavating and grading operations when wind speeds (as instantaneous gusts) exceed 25 mph. · All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered and should maintain at least two feet of freeboard (i.e., minimum vertical distance between top of the load and the top of the trailer). · Sweep streets at the end of the day if visible soil material is carried over to adjacent roads (recommend water sweepers with reclaimed water). · Apply water twice daily or chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications to all unpaved parking or staging areas or unpaved road surfaces. · Traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to be reduced to 15 mph or less. Significant Effects The project site is within an air basin that was not in attainment with the federal or state standards for ozone. The EIR acknowledged that the combined effect of construction of the proposed project and other cumulative projects in the study area would contribute to an already existing violation of the ozone standard and would lead to a short-term significant impact to regional air quality. Although long-term project-generated air quality impacts are expected to be minimal due to the relatively small size of the proposed project, any increase in emissions of ozone precursors was considered cumulatively significant since the site was previously in a non-attainment area for ozone. Since circulation of the Draft EIR for public review, EPA has designated the Bay Area as having achieved attainment with the federal ozone standard. Mowever, there were many ozone violations last summer, therefore, it is appropriate to maintain this finding given that it will now be up to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to correct any violations. The proposed project would contribute to cumulatively significant air pollutant emissions that cannot be eliminated altogether by project-related measures, and thus would contribute to unavoidable adverse cumulative air quality impacts. Findin~ The impact identified in the Final EIR cannot be mitigated to a less- than-significant level. Mowever, changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which substantially lessen the significant cumulative environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR. There are no alternatives that would avoid this 17 existing regional and cumulative air quality impact. This impact is acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth above and in the Statement of Overriding Considerations. Fa~ts in sumSoft o~ Fin4i.~q The City of Saratoga has adopted the following measure which will partially mitigate the identified significant cumulative impact: · The following mitigation measures address on-road construction mobile sources: -- Configure construction parking to minimize traffic interference. -- Provide temporary traffic control during all phases of construction activities to improve traffic flow (e.g., flag person). -- Schedule construction activities that substantially affect traffic flow to off-peak hours (e.g., between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.). · The following mitigation measures address off-road construction mobile sources: -- Methanol fueled pile drivers. -- Suspend all construction equipment operations during second stage smog alerts. -- Prevent trucks from idling longer than two minutes. · The following mitigation measures address construction related PM10 emissions: Grading: -- Apply approved chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specification to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for four days or more). -- Replace ground cover in disturbed areas as quickly as possible. -- Enclose, cover, water twice daily or apply approved soil binders according to manufacturers' specifications, to exposed piles (i.e., gravel, sand, dirt)~ --Water active sites at least twice daily. -- Suspend all excavating and grading operations when wind speeds (as instantaneous gusts) exceed 25 mph. -- All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered and should maintain at least two feet of freeboard (i.e., minimum vertical distance between top of the load and the top of the trailer). Paved Roads: -- Sweep streets at the end of the day if visible soil 18 material is carried over to adjacent roads (recommend water sweepers with reclaimed water). -- Install wheel washers where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto paved roads, or wash off trucks and any equipment leaving the site each trip. Unpaved Roads: -- Apply water twice daily or chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications to all unpaved parking or staging areas or unpaved road surfaces. -- Traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to be reduced to 15 mph or less. -- Pave construction roads that have a traffic volume of more than 50 daily trips by construction equipment, 150 total daily trips for all vehicles. -- Pave all construction access roads at 100 feet onto the site from the main road. 6. NOIB~ Siqntftcan~ ~fects During Phase I, the maximum construction noise levels would range from 78-83 dBA at the closest residence. In Phase II, the levels would range from 78-86 dBAdepending on the location of the residence impacted. These impacts are considered potentially significant, although temporary. Findin~ Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. Fa~tS in SuDDO~t o~.....Yin4.tnq The following measures will mitigate the identified construction noise impacts to a level considered less-than-significant: · Construction activities shall be limited to between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. No work to be accomplished on Sunday or holidays. · Construction equipment shall be fitted with modern sound reduction equipment. · Temporary Construction barriers shall be used when construction activities are within 200 feet of any noise- sensitive uses, such as residences. · Construction related heavy truck trips (three or more axles or over 26,000 pounds) shall be limited to between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 19 7, BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES S~qn~ficant B~fects Implementation of the proposed project may disturb or destroy active burrowing owl nests. Although this species is not currently inhabiting the site, potential burrows are present. Therefore, it is possible that burrowing owls could occupy the site prior to beginning construction. This impact would occur with development of the cottage units on the 10.6 acre parcel. Loss of an active burrowing owl nest would be considered a significant impact. Findin~ Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment and those changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and have been, or can and should be, adopted by that other agency. Facts in SueDoft of Finding The following measures will mitigate the identified active burrowing owl nest impacts to a level considered less-than-significant: · The applicant shall notify and consult with CDFG regarding potential disturbance to burrowing nests. · If grading is proposed during the burrowing owl nesting season (March-August), a focused survey for burrowing owls shall be conducted by a qualified raptor biologist in order to identify active nests in areas potentially impacted by project implementation. Mitigation to avoid disturbance or removal shall be prepared by the project applicant and approved by CDFG. There are commonly adopted mitigation measures concerning burrowing owls, including relocation. Significant Effects Implementation of the proposed project would disturb less than one acre of riparian woodland. Riparian woodland is considered a sensitive habitat by CDFG. This area is relatively undisturbed and provides suitable habitat for many wildlife species. Loss or disturbance of riparian woodland would be considered a significant impact. Findin~ Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment and those, changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and have been, or can and should be, adopted by that other agency. Facts in SuppOrt of Findinq 2O As a result of the Final EIR public hearing process, the applicant prepared a schematic plan illustrating design-related mitigation measures recommended in the Draft EIR. One of these measures (3.9- 7b), recommends the shift of the internal roadway located along the eastern periphery of the project site and out of the riparian area. This measure reduces potential impacts to riparian habitat and potential jurisdictional wetlands. The following measures will mitigate the identified impact to a level considered less-than-significant: · Wherever possible, a 100-foot "buffer (non-development set back) area or buffer of such other dimension as is approved by the California Department of Fish and Game shall be established form the outer edge of the riparian habitat. Within this buffer area native species will be allowed to regenerate and additional riparian vegetation will be planted. This will ensure that there is net gain of riparian woodland. · All riparian habitat not proposed for development adjacent to riparian habitat shall be protected form construction activities and left in existing vegetation. Where riparian vegetation occurs within 100 feet of areas planned for grading, four-foot tall plastic fencing will be placed at the edge of the protected habitat. This fencing shall remain in place until construction is completed. During construction, debris, waste dirt, or rubble shall not be deposited in riparian habitat. · To the maximum extent possible, revegetation shall use native riparian stock (cuttings) collected form the site. During the vegetation process, tree survival shall be maximized using gopher cages, deer screens, regular maintenance and replanting as needed. Revegetation of riparian vegetation shall be supervised by a certified arborist. · Night lighting associated with the proposed project shall be directed away from the riparian corridor, to minimize disruption to nocturnal wildlife activity. Significant Zffects Implementation of the proposed project may remove or degrade ACOE jurisdictional wetlands, including the seasonal riparian drainage and a small, intermittent drainage. In addition to removal of wetland habitat, extensive grading anticipated'with the project could adversely affect wetlands by increasing sedimentation loads. The total amount of wetlands expected to be lost cannot be determined until a detailed wetland delineation is performed, however, it is estimated the total wetland loss would be less than one acre. This impact would occur with Phase I and II of the proposed development. The potential loss of jurisdictional wetlands is considered a significant impact. 21 Finding Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment and those, changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and have been, or can and should be, adopted by that other agency. Facts in Support of Findin~ Implementation of the identified mitigation measures would reduce the potential loss of wetlands to a level considered less-than- significant. · Prior to issuance of a grading permit, a detailed wetland delineation shall be completed by a qualified biologist to verify the total amount of jurisdictional wetlands, if any, that would be affected by the proposed project. The agency responsible for implementation of this mitigation measure may be either the ACOE, or CDFG, or both, as explained below. · All proposed discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States must first be authorized by the ACOE, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. If wetlands would be affected, either an individual permit or a nationwide permit may be required, depending on the amount or fill. If less than acre of jurisdictional wetlands is to be affected, as is estimated, a nationwide permit would likely be the type of permit provided by the ACOE, and mitigation by this agency may not be required. If a nationwide permit is appropriate, the activity may already be authorized by ACOE. In addition, the project proponent may be required to obtain a Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement, negotiated with CDFG. Either the Section 404 permit or the Section 1600, or both, may contain conditions that address avoidance or replacement of affected wetlands. The project applicant shall coordinate with ACOE/CDFG in developing and abiding by the conditions of the Section 404 and Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement. These permits/agreements shall be secured prior to issuance of grading permits. · In order to lessen impacts to riparian vegetation and jurisdictional wetlands, the proposed east access road (in the vicinity of the expanded Villas), shall not encroach beyond the existing roadway footprint. 8i~nificant 3ffects Implementation of the proposed project would require removal of approximately 12 native oak trees with a circumference of 32 inches or greater (at a height of 24 inches above natural grade). This is considered a significant impact of project development. Finding 22 Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. Facts in sum~ort of Findinq Following implementation of these measures, the proposed project would result in the loss of 4 native oak trees (all candidates for relocation) or 2.5 percent of the total trees. The following measures will mitigate the identified impact due to the loss of native oak trees to a level considered less-than-significant: · All oak trees that would be affected by the proposed project shall be identified prior to issuance of a building permit. All coast live oak and valley oak trees shall be avoided to the extent feasible. · The project applicant shall receive a tree removal permit form the City of Saratoga Community Development Director prior to removing any oak tree having a main stem or trunk which measures 32 inches or greater in circumference (at a height of 24 inches above natural grade). The application shall contain the number and location of each tree to be removed, the type and approximate size of the tree, the reason for removal, and such additional information as the Community Development Director may require. · Replacement ratios and other revegetation plans to compensate for the oak trees removed shall be incorporated into a oak tree restoration plan. A replacement ratio of 5:1 for all native trees is recommended. Compensation for the removal of oak trees shall be incorporated into the oak tree restoration plan. This plan shall be prepared by a qualified restoration ecologist and approved by the City of Saratoga Community Development Director. Replacement trees shall be planted within the riparian buffer area or in other designated open space. · Trees not approved for removal that are within 200 feet of grading activities shall be protectively fenced five feet beyond the dripline and root zone of each (as determined by a certified arborist). This fence which will prevent soil from being pushed down beneath the canopies or over the root collars, shall be maintained until all construction activities are completed. No grading or trenching shall be allowed within this area and construction equipment and debris shall be excluded. Protection for oak trees on slopes and hillsides will also include installation of a silt fence. This silt fence shall be installed at the base of the protective fence to prevent any soil from drifting down over the root zone. Construction equipment and debris shall be excluded from the dripline of each tree. · Within landscaped area, preservation of coast live oaks considered in good condition shall be ensured by adopting 23 proper maintenance procedures. These procedures shall be determined by a certified arborist but may include mulching, end-weight removal, and application of a sub- surface fertilizer. All pruning and maintenance procedures shall be done under the direct supervision of a certified arborist. Si~nificant Effects After build-out, additional impacts are anticipated because of the site's increased human population and urbanization. These indirect impacts would include degradation and removal of sensitive habitats, such as discharge of polluted water into wetlands and increased human disturbance of native vegetation. These impacts would occur following completion of all phases of development. The cumulative effect of these impacts is considered significant. Finding Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. Facts in Su~Dor~ o~....Fi~di~g The following measures will mitigate the identified impact to a level considered less than significant: · All grading plans shall include measures to minimize erosion and runoff into wetlands. Appropriate runoff controls such as berms, storm grates, detention basins, overflow collection areas, filtration systems, and sedimentation traps will be implemented on the project area to control siltation and the potential discharge of pollutants into wetlands. · In accordance with the NPDES permit requirements, the project applicant shall prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan [SWPPP). Best Management Practices will be used to maintain downstream water quality. · Permanent measures, such as protective fencing and warning signs shall be taken to reduce human usage and degration of sensitive habitats due to increased urbanization. 8. PUBLIC SERVICES, UTILITIES ANDFACILITIE8 Signill;ant Bff®;t2 Because of the higher degree of risk due to the age of the residents, the impact of the proposed project on fire protection services is considered significant by the Saratoga Fire District. Finding Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, 24 the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. Facts in SuNport of Findin~ The following measures will mitigate the identified impact to fire protection services to a level considered less-than-significant: · Fire hydrants shall be installed and charged by the applicant, as required and approved by the Fire District. · The applicant shall submit an emergency fire access plan to the Fire District for review and approval to ensure that service to the site is in accordance with Fire District service requirements. Fire access roads shall be provided for each facility to ensure that firefighting or rescue operations will not be impaired. The access plan shall be based on the requirements of the 1991/1994 Uniform Fire Codes (Division II, sec. 10.201, sec. 10.204) and Part III, Article 9 of the 1994 Uniform Fire Code. · Plans shall indicate that all buildings, shall have sprinklers installed in accordance with the Saratoga Municipal Code and the Uniform Fire Code. Said sprinklers shall be installed prior to each final building and zoning inspection. · The applicant shall submit a Construction Fire Protection Plan which shall include detailed design plans for accessibility of emergency fire equipment, fire hydrant location, and any other construction features. · Although the Saratoga Fire District has requested the applicant provide a 1500 GPM aerial fire truck in lieu of providing additional manpower, there is no substantial evidence in the EIR or the rest of the public record to support the District's request. The District also indicated that the project would require a 24-hour, on-site emergency advanced life support (ALS) capability. Based upon the analysis contained in the EIR and the information provided by the Fire District in the Draft and Final EIR, the following mitigation measure is supported by the Draft EIR facts, and will mitigate the identified impacts to medical response services: · Prior to the issuance of building permits for Phase II, the applicant shall agree to provide 24-hour, on- site emergency medical service at the Health Care Center. This service should be capable of providing emergency advanced life support (ALS) to the residents. The addition of 24-hour ALS will ensure adequate emergency medical response service after completion of the project. Significant Effects 25 The proposed project will result in net increase in demand of 51,507 gpd for the Odd Fellows Master Plan Project. This is considered a potentially significant impact of project implementation since it results in an increased demand for domestic water. Finding Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment. Facts in SuODort of Finding The following measures will mitigate the identified water demand impact to a level considered less-than-significant: · The applicant shall submit to the Community Development Department plans for review and approval which shall ensure that water conservation measures are incorporated. Among the water conservation measures to be shown on the plans and implemented by the applicant, to the extent applicable within the Master Plan area include, but are not limited to, the following: -- Use of low-flow sprinkler heads in irrigation systems. -- Low-flow fittings, fixtures, and equipment, including low flush toilets and urinals. -- Use of reclaimed water for irrigation when it becomes available. -- Use of efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and automatic systems which use moisture sensors. -- Use of low-flow shower heads in apartments. -- Water efficient ice-machines, dishwashers, clothes washers and other water-using appliances. -- Use of water-conserving landscape plant materials wherever feasible. 9. CULTUR~LI~SOURCE8 Significant Effects Based on the prcject's location on a midslope terrace between two natural water courses, there is the possibility of encountering Native American and historic cultural resources in the project area during both Phase I and Phase II. This is considered a potentially significant impact of project implementation. Finding Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects on the environment Facts in SuODort of Findin~ 26 The following measures will mitigate the identified cultural resource impacts to a level considered less-than-significant: Prior to approval of grading plans, the applicant shall submit a letter to the City's Project Planner identifying the certified archaeologist that has been hired to ensure that the following actions are implemented: · The archaeologist must be present at the pregrading conference in order to establish procedures for temporarily halting or redirecting work to permit the sampling, identification and evaluation of artifacts if potentially significant artifacts are uncovered. If artifacts are uncovered and determined to be significant, the archaeological observer shall determine appropriate actions in cooperation with the applicant for exploration and/or salvage. · Specimens that are collection prior to or during the grading process will be donated to an appropriate educational or research institution. · Any archaeological work at the site shall be conducted under the direction of the certified archaeologist. If any artifacts are discovered during grading operations when the archaeological monitor is not present, grading shall be diverted around the area until the monitor can survey the area. · A final report detailing the findings and disposition of the specimens shall be submitted to the City Project Planner. Upon completion of the grading, the archaeologist shall notify the City Project Planner as to when the final report will be submitted. · The applicant shall submit a letter to the City Project Planner identifying the certified paleontologist that has been hired to ensure that the following actions as implemented: -- The paleontologist must be present at the pregrading conference in order to establish procedures to temporarily halt or redirect work to permit the sampling identification and evaluation of fossils if potentially significant, paleontological resources are uncovered. If artifacts are uncovered and found to be significant, the paleontological observer shall determine appropriate actions in cooperation with the applicant for exploration and/or salvage. -- Specimens that are collected prior to or during the grading process will be donated to an appropriate educational or research institution. -- Any paleontological work at the site shall be conducted under the direction of the certified 27 paleolontologist. If any fossils are discovered during grading operations when the paleontological monitor is not present, grading shall be diverted around the area until the monitor can survey the area. -- A final report detailing the findings and disposition of the specimen shall be submitted to the City Project Planner. Upon completion of the grading, the paleontologist shall notify the City Project Planner as to when the final report will be submitted. III. 8TATBMBNY OF OV~RRIDIN8 CONSIDSRA~IONS After extensive review of the entire administrative record, including the Final EIR, the staff report, and the oral and written testimony and evidence produced, the City Council finds that specific economic, legal, social, technological and other considerations, including a consideration for the provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, justify the approval of this project in spite of the existence of one unavoidable environmental effect that is deemed significant and that cannot be completely mitigated to a level of insignificance. The sole unavoidable significant environmental effect of this project that cannot be fully mitigated is a cumulative impact on air quality. This is summarized in the Draft EIR, Volume I, as follows: The combined effect of construction of the proposed project and other cumulative projects in the study area would contribute to an already existing violation of the ozone standard and would lead to a short-term significant impact on regional air quality. Although lona-termDro~ect-uene~t~d ~; quality impacts are exp~ected to be minimal due to the relatively small size of the DroDosed Droject. any increase in emissions of ozone Drecursors is considered cumulativel~ siqnificant since the site is in a non-attainment area for ozone. The City Council further finds that anyone of the overriding considerations identified herein after is sufficient basis to approve the Project as mitigated. These specific considerations include the following: The present Odd Fellows facility provides a valuable service in supplying the housing and medical needs of senior citizens. The existing main building, however, is over 80 years old and is in some respects functionally obsolete. In order to continue to provide housing for senior citizens, substantial upgrades must be undertaken to the main facility; this project incorporates such upgrades along with an expansion of housing opportunities for senior citizens. · The proposed project will provide for housing opportunities for senior citizens of differing income levels, differing mobility levels, and differing needs for skilled health care and other 28 assistance with living. Needs of Saratoga residents will be directly met, since they will have a first preference for housing as existing residents of the current facilities and by means of a marketing program for new units and vacancies in the future. · The provision of expanded housing for seniors is consistent with the City of Saratoga's General Plan, which identifies the special housing needs of seniors as being a significant housing issue in the City. · The Odd Fellows project will help to implement and carry out the following polices and goals of the City's General Plan Housing Element: H.1.1 The City shall recognize the changing housing needs of Saratoga residents. H.1.2. The City should encourage private development of a residential stock which will promote opportunities for housing for Saratoga senior citizens. H.1.3. The City shall encourage accessibility for the handicapped in housing and other buildings. H.1.5. The City shall rely upon the private sector's participation to satisfy housing needs. H.1.6. The City should be responsive to new ideas in physical design and types of construction for meeting housing needs. H.2.1. The City shall actively encourage conservation and, where necessary, rehabilitation of existing housing. H.5.0. Saratoga shall continue to support the State's goal of providing decent housing and a suitable living environment. the City of Saratoga held on the . day of ~- _ 6 by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Burger, Moran, Wolfe and Mayor Jacobs NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmember Tucker ATTEST: ~ C~..~.~ .... Mayor Clerk 29