2014/03/25 City Council Resolution 2014-030RESOLUTION NO. 2014 -030
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN INITIAL STUDY AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION
FOR AMENDMENTS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO UPDATE SIGN
REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, the applicant, the City of Rohnert Park, filed Planning Application No.
PL2013 -029MC proposing to amend specified sections of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code
( "RPMC ") by amending Chapter 17.04 Definitions and Chapter 17.27 Signs of the City of
Rohnert Park Zoning Ordinance;
WHEREAS, the purpose of Ordinance No. 876 is to approve amendments to Chapter
17.04 Definitions and Chapter 17.27 sign to update the sign regulations that will better address
new sign types and technologies that have emerged over the past several years, provide more
enforceable sign code provisions, and create a more user - friendly code that is more readable and
easier to understand and interpret;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, an Initial Study was
prepared for the project and on the basis of substantial evidence in the whole record, there is no
substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment therefore a
Negative Declaration has been prepared which reflects the lead agency's independent judgment
and analysis.
WHEREAS, pursuant to California State Law and the Rohnert Park Municipal Code, a
public notice was published in the Community Voice for a minimum of 20 days prior to the first
public hearing; and
WHEREAS, on November 14, 2013, the Planning Commission held the first public
hearing at which time interested persons had an opportunity to testify either in support or
opposition to the proposal;
WHEREAS, on January 23, 2014 the Planning Commission held a second public hearing
at which time interested persons had an opportunity to testify either in support or opposition to
the proposal;
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered the information contained in
the staff report and the Zoning Ordinance Amendment materials and held a public hearing on
March 25, 2014.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Rohnert
Park hereby approves the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for amendments of the Zoning
Ordinance to streamline the permitting requirements for certain businesses based on the
following findings:
An Initial Study (Exhibit A) was prepared for the project and indicates the project
will not have a significant effect on the environment therefore a Negative
Declaration (Exhibit A) has been prepared which reflects the lead agency's
independent judgment and analysis. The City provided the public review period for
the Negative Declaration for the duration required under CEQA. The City Council
finds that on the basis of substantial evidence in the whole record, there is no
substantial evidence from which it could be fairly argued that that the project will
have a significant effect on the environment. The record of the proceedings on which
this decision is based shall be maintained by the City of Rohnert Park Planning
Division, which documents and other materials are located at City Hall, 130 Avram
Avenue, Rohnert Park, California.
2. The project would not result in an impact to endangered, threatened or rare species or
their habitats, including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals and birds.
There are no native species or plants, no unique, rare, threatened, or endangered
species of plants, no sensitive native vegetation that will be affected by these Zoning
Ordinance amendments.
3. The Development Services Director is hereby directed to file a Notice of
Determination with respect to the IS/ND with the County Clerk of the County of
Sonoma.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED on this 25"' day of March 2014, by the City of
Rohnert Park City Council.
49
ATTEST: '
Anne BuergIer, City Clerk
Attachment — Exhibit A
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
W $ an
Joseph T. llinan, Mayor
BELFORTE;.AYE MACKENZ.IF;; AYE STAFvOR.D: ABSENT AHA.NOTUY AYE CAL T.NAN: AYE
AYES: (4) NOES: (0) Ai BEN, : (1) ABSIVAIN.- w(s;)
2014 -030
EXHIBIT A
Initial Study and Negative Declaration
Amendments to Sign Code
2014 -030
19
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-
' -(- 'AL[FORNI...�
62
INITIAL STUDY & NEGATIVE DECLARATION
BACKGROUND
1.
Project Title:
Amendments to the Sign Code
(Chapter 17.27 of the Municipal Code)
2.
Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of Rohnert Park
Development Services
130 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
3.
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Jeffrey S. Beiswenger
Planner III
City of Rohnert Park
707.588.2253
4.
Project Location:
Applies to all signs City wide
5.
Project Sponsor's Name and Address:
City of Rohnert Park
Development Services
130 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
6.
General Plan Designation:
N/A
7.
Zoning.
N/A
8. Project Description Summary: This proposal is to revise Chapter 11�.% Signs of the
Zoning Ordinance (Title 17 of the Municipal Code). These are signs permitted
throughout Rohnert Park. The primary purpose is to update sign regulations to
simplify them and make them easier to administer, help streamline the procedures for
businesses and better address City policy.
N
SOURCES
The following documents are referenced information sources utilized by this analysis: N/A
2 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project,
involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact." A more detailed
assessment may be found on the following pages.
❑ Aesthetics
❑ Biological Resources
❑ Greenhouse Gases
❑ Land Use & Planning
❑ Population & Housing
❑ Transportation & Circulation
1 DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial study:
❑ Agriculture ❑ Air Quality
❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Geology /Soils
❑ Hazards & Hazardous Materials ❑ Hydrology /Water Quality
❑ Energy & Mineral Resources
❑ Public Services
❑ Utilities /Service Systems
❑ Noise
❑ Recreation
❑ Mandatory Findings of
Significance
X I find that the Proposed Project COULD NOT has a significant effect on the environment,
and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
❑ I find that although the Proposed Project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the
project have been made by or agreed to by the applicant. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
❑ I find that the Proposed Project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
�] I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or
"potentially significant unless mitigated" on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has
been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,
and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as
described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,
but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately
in an earlier General Plan EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided
3
or mitigated pursuant to that earlier General Plan EIR, including revisions or mitigation
measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(c)(2) and CEQA Guidelines Section
151 68(c)(1), the City of Rohnert Park, as lead agency for the proposed project, has prepared an
initial study to make the following findings:
1. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, the proposed activity is adequately described
and is within the scope of the General Plan EIR.
2. There is no substantial evidence before the lead agency that the subsequent project may
have a significant effect on the environment.
3. The analyses of cumulative impacts, growth inducing impacts, and irreversible significant
effects on the environment contained in the General Plan EIR are adequate for this
subsequent project.
4. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21157.6(a), having reviewed the General Plan
EIR, the City of Rohnert Park finds and determines that:
Signatu
a. no substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under
which the General Plan EIR was certified, and
h. that there is no new available information which was not and could not have
been known at the time the General Plan EIR was certified.
Date
Jeffrey „S. Beiswen er AICP Planner III _ City of Rohnert Park
Printed Name For
4
2 BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
Regulations relating to signs within the City of Rohnert Park are included within Chapter 17.27
Signs of the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17 of the Municipal Code). These provisions apply to all
signs within the City unless listed as exempt by this chapter. The purpose of the revisions are
to better address new sign types and technologies that have emerged over the past several
years, provide more enforceable sign code provisions, create a more user - friendly code that is
more readable and easier to understand and interpret.
3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposal is to revise portions of Chapter 17.27 Signs of the Zoning Ordinance. The
following changes are proposed within each section of the chapter.
17.27.010 (Purpose). Purpose statements have been added to clarify that the
regulations are intended protect residential districts, allow for reasonable advertising
opportunities and that regulations are variable based on the applicable zoning district.
17.27.020 (Applicability). The current code "exempts" sign copy from regulation.
The proposed code language eliminates this reference to "sign copy," since the sign
regulation do, in fact, apply directly or indirectly to sign copy in several instances.
• 17.27.030 (Sign permit and sign program requirements). A number of changes are
proposed to this chapter to increase the effectiveness of sign regulations:
• The cases where a sign program (versus a sign permit) will be required are
increased in the proposed ordinance. The proposed language will require a
sign program to all non - residential projects with three or more tenants (instead
of four) and any commercial building over 20,000 square feet or occupying two
or more acres.
• Additional findings have been added which will need to be made by the
approval authority related to the following topics: the appropriate amount of
information that can be included on a sign; the graphic composition and the
appropriate use of color; and compatibility of signs with building architecture,
• The requirement for photographs of the existing condition has been removed.
• Code language has been clarified about when an "approval period" begins and
when an extension may be requested. This will start a one -year clock upon the
issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
• 17.27.040 (Exempt signs). A number of clarifications have been made to this section
and some additional exempt signs have been added, including:
o Limitations have been added on directional signs: one permitted per entrance,
four square feet in area; and five feet in height. If a directional sign is setback
more than 100 feet from a public way, then the area can be increased to ten
square feet in area.
o Flag poles provisions have not changed except for a restriction on wooden flag
poles. Many types of flag poles are readily available and wood flag poles are
subject to breakage and maintenance problems.
o Signs provisions related to live -work units have been changes to allow slightly
larger identification signs (two square feet versus one square foot).
o Limits on construction and subdivision signs have been clarified and a
provision has been added to allow the city to require more than one subdivision
project to be listed on a single sign.
17.27.050 (Prohibited signs). A number of items have been added to the list of
prohibited signs and some additional provisions have been incorporated, including:
• Animated or moving signs are prohibited including signs held by a mechanical
mannequin.
• In general, roof signs are prohibited, except if approved as part of a
discretionary design review process.
• Additional language has been added to the restriction on vehicle signage to
clarify that portable signs are not permitted anywhere, including public streets.
Graphics painted or otherwise affixed to a vehicle for branding purposes are
not included in this prohibition.
• The list of signs that could be overly distracting or confusing to drivers has
been expanded (e.g. signs that resemble traffic control devices and sound that
could produce emissions).
• Painted signs and statuary (if used as a sign) are prohibited.
• Signs that are not maintained or are structurally or mechanically defective are
prohibited.
• 17.27.060 (General sign requirements).
o Provisions related to sign illumination have been added to limit the hours that a
sign can be lighted in the vicinity of a residential district (unless the business is
open during those hours). No movement of the illumination is permitted.
o Additional sign maintenance provisions have been added to reinforce the
obligation of a property owner to ensure that a sign does not fall into disrepair.
17.27.070 (Zoning district sign standards). The section contains development
standards organized in a series of tables. These tables are complex and difficult to
interpret. The proposed changes are minor and are intended to reduce the complexity
without radically changing the code requirements. All the tables included within this
section have been reformatted and reorganized to improve readability. The tables that
apply to commercial, mixed -use, office and industrial districts have been amended to
ON
separate out free- standing signs from building mounted signs. As a result the amount
of signage permitted per parcel has increased slightly and the number of signs
permitted per parcel has increased by one (since free - standing signs are now separate
from building mounted signs). A clarification has been added to building mounted
signs on the second floor or above. The existing code only assumes two story
buildings and does not address multi -story structures. The change will allow a larger,
building mounted directory sign for each floor.
• 17.27.080 (Special sign type requirements). This section includes provisions that
apply to specific sign types. Only a few changes are proposed. Additional limits have
been placed on the size of awning signs (e.g. logos, graphics and lettering). This sign
is limited to the business name, logo and business type.
DISCRETIONARY ACTION
Implementation of the proposed project would require the following discretionary actions by
the City of Rohnert Park Planning Commission and City Council:
• Adoption of a resolution by the Planning Commission to recommend that the City
Council adopt this negative declaration along with the sign code text amendments; and
• Adoption of this negative declaration by the City Council; and
• Adoption of the sign code text amendments.
S ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
The following section adapts and completes the environmental checklist form presented in
Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The checklist is used to describe the impacts of the
proposed project.
For this checklist, the following designations are used:
Potentially Significant Impact: An impact that could be significant, and for which no
mitigation has been identified. If any potentially significant impacts are identified, an EIR must
be prepared.
Potentially Significant With Mitigation Incorporated: An impact that requires mitigation to
reduce the impact to a less - than - significant level.
Less - Than - Significant Impact: Any impact that would not be considered significant under
CEQA relative to existing standards.
No Impact: The project would not have any impact.
I. AESTHETICS
Would the project:
7
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less -Than-
Significant
Impact No Impact
a. Have a substantial adverse effect
❑
❑
on a scenic vista?
x
b. Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not
limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic
-
x
buildings within a State scenic
highway?
c. Substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of the
site and its surroundings?
x ❑
d. Create a new source of substantial
light or glare which would
_
adversely affect day or nighttime
x 3
views in the area?
a -d All of the proposed changes would not significantly increase the visual impact of
signs within the community. New signs constructed under the proposed regulations
would generally have a lesser visual impact than those constructed under the existing
sign regulations. Any potential direct environmental impact from the construction of a
new sign may require an environmental evaluation prior to construction if an off -
premises sign is proposed. The change of sign copy for an existing on- premise or off -
premise sign is exempt from CEQA under Categorical Exemption Class 1 Section 15301
Existing Facilities. New on- premise sign are generally exempt from CEQA under
Categorical Exemption Class II (Accessory Structures).
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects,
lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment
Model prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in
assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland.
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less -Than-
Signiftcant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance (Farmland), as shown on
the maps prepared pursuant to the (❑ ❑ X
Farmland Mapping Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
b. Conflict with existing zoning for
agricultural use, or a Williamson Act �t x
contract?
c. Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their
location or nature, could individually El x
or cumulatively result in loss of
Farmland to non - agricultural use?
a -c There is very little land in Rohnert Park under agricultural use. Any that does exist
would be developed under a Specific Plan with CEQA documentation for the Specific plan.
I1I. AIR QUALITY
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management
or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Issues Impact
Potentially
Significant Less-Than-
With Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact
a. Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the applicable
x
air quality plan?
b. Violate any air quality standard
or contribute substantially to an
❑
existing or projected air quality
X
violation?
c. Result in a cumulatively
considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non - attainment
X
under an applicable federal or
State ambient air quality
standard (including releasing
9
Potentially
Potentially Significant Less -Than-
Significant With Mitigation Significant
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
emissions which exceed
quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)?
d. Expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant C ❑ ❑ x
concentrations?
e. Create objectionable odors
affecting a substantial number of ='J w x
people?
a -e This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. No impact
to air quality is expected from sign code regulations. Any impact from sign construction
would be evaluated at the time of construction. The construction of an on- premise sign will
generally be exempt from CEQA under Categorical Exemption Class 11 Section 15311
Accessory Structures. A new off - premise sign is typically not exempt. New copy on an off -
premise or on- premise sign is typically exempt from CEQA under Categorical Exemption
Class 1 Section 15301 Existing Facilities.
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional 1_.i ❑ El x
plans, policies, or regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
US Fish and Wildlife Service?
10
Potentially
Significant
Potentially
With
Less -Than-
Significant
Mitigation
Significant No
Issues Impact
Incorporated
Impact Impact
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, on
any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local or
regional plans, policies, or regulations, or
❑
❑ x
by the California Department of Fish and
Game (CDFG) or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS)?
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional 1_.i ❑ El x
plans, policies, or regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
US Fish and Wildlife Service?
10
a -f This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs and
no impact to Biological Resources is expected. The construction of an on- premise sign
will generally be exempt from CEQA under Categorical Exemption Class 11 Section
15311 Accessory Structures. A new off - premise sign is typically not exempt, but any
potential impact would be addressed at the time of sign construction. New copy on an
off - premise or on- premise sign is typically exempt from CEQA under Categorical
Exemption Class 1 Section 15301 Existing Facilities.
V. CULTURAL. RESOURCES
Would the prgject:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
. -- __........ .............._......�........ � __�._.. � ... —
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource as x
defined in Section 15064.5?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a unique archaeological i x
resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
11
Potentially
Significant
Potentially
With Less -Than-
Significant
Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact
Incorporated Impact Impact
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on
federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal
x
pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal,
filling, hydrological interruption, or other
means?
d. Interfere substantially with the movement of
any resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established resident or
1 x
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the
use of wildlife nursery sites?
e. Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological resources,
=,
such as a tree preservation policy or
x
ordinance?
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Conservation Community Plan, or other
x
approved local, regional, or State habitat
conservation plan'?
a -f This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs and
no impact to Biological Resources is expected. The construction of an on- premise sign
will generally be exempt from CEQA under Categorical Exemption Class 11 Section
15311 Accessory Structures. A new off - premise sign is typically not exempt, but any
potential impact would be addressed at the time of sign construction. New copy on an
off - premise or on- premise sign is typically exempt from CEQA under Categorical
Exemption Class 1 Section 15301 Existing Facilities.
V. CULTURAL. RESOURCES
Would the prgject:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
. -- __........ .............._......�........ � __�._.. � ... —
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource as x
defined in Section 15064.5?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a unique archaeological i x
resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
11
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource on site or unique 1, X
geologic features`?
d. Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal X
cemeteries?
a -d This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs.
The construction of an on- premise sign will generally be exempt from CEQA under
Categorical Exemption Class 11 Section 15311 Accessory Structures. A new off -
premise sign is typically not exempt but any impact on Cultural Resources would be
evaluated at the prior to construction. New copy on an off - premise or on- premise sign
is typically exempt from CEQA under Categorical Exemption Class 1 Section 15301
Existing Facilities.
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the project:
Issues
a. Expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the
risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault,
as delineated on the most recent
Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault?
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii. Seismic - related ground failure,
including liquefaction?
iv. Landslides`?
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss
of topsoil?
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as
a result of the project, and potentially
result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral
12
X
- X
Potentially
Significant
Potentially
With Less -Than-
Significant
Mitigation Significant No
Impact
Incorporated Impact Impact
12
X
- X
Issues
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or
collapse?
e. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18 -1B of the Uniform Building
Code?
f. Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant Ato
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
�I x
x
a -f This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. The
construction of an on- premise sign will generally be exempt from CEQA under
Categorical Exemption Class 11 Section 15311 Accessory Structures. A new off -
premise sign is typically not exempt, but any potential impacts on Geology and Soil
would be evaluated prior to construction. New copy on an off - premise or on- premise
sign is typically exempt from CEQA under Categorical Exemption Class 1 Section
15301 Existing Facilities.
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS'
Would the project:
13
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions,
either directly or indirectly, that may
have a significant impact on the
X
atmosphere?
b. Conflict with any applicable plan,
policy, or regulation of an agency
adopted for the purpose of reducing the
-} X
emissions of greenhouse gases?
13
Legislative Context
California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32)
In September 2006, the Governor signed AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act
(Health and Safety Code Section 38500 et. seq.). The Act codifies the executive order for
reduction of statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. This change, which is
estimated to be a 25 to 35 percent reduction from current emission levels, will be accomplished
through an enforceable statewide cap on GHG emissions that was phased in starting in 2012.
SB 375
On September 30, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill (SB) 375 into law. This
legislation links transportation and land use planning with the CEQA process to help achieve
the GHG emission reduction targets set by AB 32.
Even before the passage of AB32 and S13375, the City of Rohnert Park initiated actions to
reduce GHG emissions and become more sustainable overall. These actions include:
• California 2010 Building Code
• Energy Efficiency Ordinance 2007 -779. This ordinance also established Title 14-
Sustainabilty, in the Municipal Code (March 2007)
• City Council adopted resolution 2004 -111, which set a goal for GHG reductions of 20
percent by the year 2010 for internal City operations (baseline year 2000) (May 2004)
• City Council adopted resolution 2005 -233, which sets a goal of green house gas
reductions of 25 percent by the year 2015 for community -wide use, private and public
(baseline year 1990) (July 2005)
This project is not a building that would be covered under the Cal Green.
VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Would the project:
Issues
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials?
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
14
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
mm
b.
Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions
x
involving the likely release of hazardous
materials into the environment`?
c.
Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one- quarter mile
X
of an existing or proposed school?
d.
Be located on a site which is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section
65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a
X
significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
e.
For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
-
or public use airport, would the project result
? X
in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
f.
For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
X
project area?
g.
Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
' ' X
h. Expose people or structures to the risk of
loss, injury or death involving wildland fires,
including where wildlands are adjacent to
urbanized areas or where residences are
X
intermixed with wildlands?
a -h This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but otily signs.
The construction of an on- premise sign will generally be exempt from CEQA under
Categorical Exemption Class 11 Section 15311 Accessory Structures. A new off -
premise sign is typically not exempt and any new Hazards or Hazardous Materials
would be addressed prior to sign construction. New copy on an off - premise or on-
premise sign is typically exempt from CEQA under Categorical Exemption Class 1
Section 15301 Existing Facilities.
15
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
Issues
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements?
b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies
or interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net
deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the
local groundwater table level (i.e., the
production rate of pre- existing nearby wells
would drop to a level which would not
support existing land uses or planned uses for
which permits have been granted)?
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river, in a manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site?
d. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river, or substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner which
would result in flooding on- or off - site?
e. Create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?
f Otherwise substantially degrade water
quality?
g. Place housing within a 100 -year floodplain,
as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or
other flood hazard delineation map?
h. Place within a 100 -year floodplain structures
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
_ X
16
t: x
X
X
X
X
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
i. Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving
flooding, including flooding as a result of the X
failure of a levee or dam.
j. Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury, or death involving ._ x
inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
a j This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. The
construction of an on- premise sign will generally be exempt from CEQA under
Categorical Exemption Class 11 Section 15311 Accessory Structures. A new off -
premise sign is typically not exempt and any changes to site hydrology or impact on
water quality that may result from construction activities would be addressed prior to
those activities. New copy on an off - premise or on- premise sign is typically exempt
from CEQA under Categorical Exemption Class 1 Section 15301 Existing Facilities.
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
Issues
a. Physically divide an established
community?
b. Conflict with any applicable land use plans,
policies, or regulations of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including, but
not limited to the general plan, specific
plan, local coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose of
avoiding or mitigating on environmental
effect?
c. Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community's
conservation plan?
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Signifr.cant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
_. x
17
x
1? !? x
a -c This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. The proposed
changes are consistent with the Rohnert Park General Plan and no impact to Land Use and
Planning objective will result from the proposed code amendments.
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
Issues
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to
the region and the residents of the State?
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan, or other land use plan?
Potentially
Potentially Significant Less -Than-
Significant With Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
L1 x
_.w. x
a -b This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs and no impact to
Mineral Resources will Occur.
XII. NOISE
Would the project result in:
Potentially
Significant
Issues Impact
Potentially
Significant
With Less -Than-
Mitigation Significant No
Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in
i X
the local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
b. Exposure of persons to or generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or zJ
LJ x
groundborne noise levels?
c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise Ievels in the project vicinity above
x
levels existing without the project'?
d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase
in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
x
above levels existing without the project?
e. For a project located within an airport land
? = -' x
18
Issues
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
X
a -f This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. Noise
from signs is prohibited by the sign ordinance. Noise from construction activities would
be addressed at the time of sign construction and most sign construction activities are
exempt from CEQA (except for off -site signage).
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the project:
a -c This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. The
proposed amendment do not have any impact on Population and Housing.
19
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With
Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation
Significant No
Issues
Impact Incorporated
Impact Impact
a. Induce substantial population growth in an
area, either directly (for example, by
proposing new homes and businesses) or
x
indirectly (e.g., through projects in an
undeveloped area or extension of major
infrastructure)?
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of
x
replacement housing elsewhere?
c. Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of
_
x
replacement housing elsewhere?
a -c This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. The
proposed amendment do not have any impact on Population and Housing.
19
XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision
of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance
objectives for any of the public services:
a -d This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. The
proposed sign code does improve the ability to place directional signs in the public right-of-
way. This will have the benefit of improving "wayfinding" within the community, which will
increase public safety since it will be easier for motorists to navigate the community.
XV. RECREATION
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially
Significant Less -Than-
Significant
Potentially
Significant With
Less -Than-
a. Would the project increase the use of existing
Significant
Mitigation
Significant No
Issues
Impact
Incorporated
Impact Impact
a. Fire protection?
.1
b. Does the project include recreational
x
b. Police protection?
s
_
x
c. Schools?
a
environment?
x
d. Parks?
x
a -d This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. The
proposed sign code does improve the ability to place directional signs in the public right-of-
way. This will have the benefit of improving "wayfinding" within the community, which will
increase public safety since it will be easier for motorists to navigate the community.
XV. RECREATION
Would the project:
a -b This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs and would
have no impact on Recreation facilities.
20
Potentially
Potentially
Significant Less -Than-
Significant
With Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact
Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial
x
physical deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated?
b. Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities which
might have an adverse physical effect on the
(.; x
environment?
a -b This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs and would
have no impact on Recreation facilities.
20
XVI. TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Cause an increase in traffic which is
substantial in relation to the existing traffic
load and capacity of the street system (i.e.,
result in a substantial increase in either the
�.A x
number of vehicle trips, the volume to
capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at
intersections)?
b. Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a
level of service standard established by the
x
county congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways?
c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels or
x
a change in location that results in substantial
safety risks?
d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design
features (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
x
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
e. Result in inadequate emergency access?
x
f. Result in inadequate parking capacity?
_? x
a. Conflicts with adopted policies
supporting alternative transportation
x
(e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)
a -f This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs and would
have no negative impact on transportation and circulation. Provisions have been added to the
sign code to clarify what can be placed within the public right -of -way, such will reduce visual
clutter and create a safer driving environment.
XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Signifcant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of x
the applicable Regional Water Quality
21
Issues
Control Board?
b. Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
c. Require or result in the construction of new
storm water drainage facilities or expansion
of existing facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
effects?
d. Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project from existing entitlements
and resources, or are new or expanded
entitlements needed?
e. Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve
the project that it has adequate capacity to
serve the project's projected demand in
addition to the provider's existing
commitments?
f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the
project's solid waste disposal needs?
g. Comply with federal, State, and local statutes
and regulations related to solid waste?
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
_. X
�..., X
X
i X
X
X
a -g This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs and have
no impact on utility and service systems.
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Does the project have the potential to degrade
the quality of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a Fish or wildlife species,
cause a fish or wildlife population to drop
below self - sustaining levels, threaten to
eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce
22
Issues
the number or restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
b. Does the project have the potential to achieve
short-term, to the disadvantage of long -term,
environmental goals?
c. Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ( "Cumulatively considerable"
means that the incremental effects of a project
are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the effects of
other current projects, and the effects of
probable future projects)'?
Potentially
Significant
Potentially With Less -Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
_. E. X
X
d. Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects on x
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
a -d This amendment would apply to all signs within Rohnert Park, but only signs. All of
the Mandatory Findings of Significant do not apply, since the proposed sign code text will
have no impact on the environment.
23