2016/02/25 Planning Commission Resolution (2)PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2016-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
FOR THE CENTRAL ROHNERT PARK, PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA
PLAN LOCATED SOUTH OF GOLF COURSE DRIVE, WEST OF THE SMART
RAILROAD TRACKS, EAST OF HIGHWAY 101 AND NORTH OF AVRAM
DRIVE /SANTA ALICIA DRIVE
WHEREAS, the City, has prepared planning applications proposing the Central Rohnert
Park, Priority Development Area Plan (PROJ2014-0002), General Plan Amendments
(PLGP2016-0001), and Zoning Ordinance Amendments (PLRZ2016-0001), and approval of a
Final Environmental Impact Report ("EIR") (PLEN2016-0001) in connection with the proposed
Central Rohnert Park Plan located south of Golf Course Drive, west of the SMART railroad
tracks, east of Highway 101 and north of Avram Avenue / Santa Alicia Drive (the "Plan"), in
accordance with the City of Rohnert Park Municipal Code ("RPMC"); and
WHEREAS, the applicant is proposing adoption of the Central Rohnert Park, Priority
Development Area (PDA) Plan that was initiated in 2013. The current Plan, as proposed, would
result in a PDA document that establishes a vision for a vibrant area with a mix of land uses, that
includes strategies to support a walkable downtown destination and multimodal transportation
hub with access to a variety of jobs, housing, shopping, services, and transportation options.
WHEREAS, for the environmental review, the City of Rohnert Park, acting as the Lead
Agency under CEQA, published a Notice of Preparation ("NOP") of a Draft EIR for the
proposed Plan. The NOP was distributed for a 30 -day comment period beginning on October 18,
2015 and held a scoping meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. The City then initiated
work on a Draft EIR for the Plan (Plan); and
WHEREAS, the City completed the Draft EIR on December 18, 2015 and circulated it to
affected public agencies and interested members of the public for the required 45 day public
comment period from December 18, 2015 to February 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park duly noticed and
conducted a public hearing on February 25, 2016 in order to receive comments on the Draft EIR;
and
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2016, the City published the Final EIR for the Plan by
incorporating: 1) the Draft EIR; 2) comments received about the Draft EIR and responses to
those comments; 3) changes, clarifications and corrections to the Draft EIR; and 4) appendices;
and
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2016, the Planning Commission held a public hearing at
which time interested persons had an opportunity to testify either in support or opposition to the
Final EIR;
WHEREAS, Section 21000, et. seq., of the Public Resources Code and Section 15000,
et. seq., of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (the "CEQA Guidelines"), which
govern the preparation, content, and processing of environmental impact reports, have been fully
implemented in the preparation of the EIR; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California State Law and the RPMC, public hearing notices
were mailed to all property owners within an area exceeding a three hundred foot radius of the
subject property and a public hearing was published for a minimum of 10 days prior to the first
public hearing in the Community Voice; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City
of Rohnert Park ("Commission") makes the following findings, determinations and
recommendations with respect to the Final EIR for the proposed Plan:
1. The Commission has independently reviewed, analyzed and considered the Final
EIR and all written documentation and public comments prior to making
recommendations on the proposed Plan; and
2. The Final EIR was prepared and reviewed in compliance with the provisions of
CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines; and
3. That the Final EIR constitutes an adequate, accurate, objective, and complete EIR
in compliance with all legal standards; and
4. The information and analysis contained in the Final EIR reflects the City's
independent judgment as to the environmental consequences of the proposed
Plan; and
5. The documents and other materials, including without limitation staff reports,
memoranda, maps, letters and minutes of all relevant meetings, which constitute
the administrative record of proceedings upon which the Commission's resolution
is based are located at the City of Rohnert Park, City Clerk, 130 Avram Ave.,
Rohnert Park, CA 94928. The custodian of records is the Planning Manager.
6. All mitigation measures from the EIR apply to the Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission hereby recommends that
the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park ("City Council") approve the Final EIR; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Exhibit A (Final Environmental Impact Report)
provides the analysis conducted light of the provisions of CEQA Guidelines; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all of the mitigation measures from the EIR apply
to the proposed plan and included as Exhibit B (Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program);
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any interested person may appeal this Resolution
of the Planning Commission to the City Council within 10 calendar days of its passage pursuant
to RPMC Section 17.25.123. Any such appeal shall be in the form provided by RPMC Section
17.25.124 and with the payment of the fee established by the City.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED on this 25th day of February, 2016 by the City
of Rohnert Park Planning Commission by the following vote:
AYES: � NOES: ), ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN:
ADAMS � BLANQUIE� BORB,A Y GIUDICE /Y 6 HAYDON NO
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Attest: "-P
John Bqoam�Chairperson, City of Rohnert Park Planning Commission
w i
AzNedo, Recording Secretary
EXHIBIT A
FINAL EIR
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City of Rohnert Park
CENTRAL ROHNERT PARK
PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN
Final Environmental Impact Report
Response to Comments
SC H # 2015102081
Prepared for:
City of Rohnert Park
Development Services Department
Planning Division
Prepared by:
AECOM
February 2016
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Pricirit,,,
Area Plan
City of Rohnert Park
CENTRAL ROHNERT PARK
PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN
Final Environmental Impact Report
Response to Comments
SC H # 2015102081
Prepared for:
City of Rohnert Park
Development Services Department
Planning Division
Prepared by:
, L=Com
February 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Use of the Final EIR..................................................................................................... 1-2
2 COMMENTS AND REPONSES TO COMMENTS............................................................................. 2-1
2.1 List of Commenters on the Draft EIR.............................................................................. 2-1
2.2 Comments and Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR.................................................. 2-1
2.2.1 Comments and Responses to Comments.............................................................. 2-1
3 REVISIONS TO THEDRAFT IIR...............................................................................................3-1
Appendices
A Draft Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Figures
No table of contents entries found.
Tables
Table 2-1: Written Comments Received on the Draft EIR.............................................................. 2-1
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final FIR, Response to Comments i
ACRONYMS AND OTHER ABBREVIATIONS
AFY
Acre-feet per year
Caltrans
California Department of Transportation
CEQA
California Environmental Quality Act
City
City of Rohnert Park
HAWK
high-intensity activated crosswalk beacon
MTC
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
MUP
multi -use path
NOP
Notice of Preparation
PDA
Priority Development Area
PDA Plan
Priority Development Area Plan
Proposed Plan
Central Rohnert Park PDA Plan
RRFB
rectangular rapid flashing beacon
SCTM/ 10
Sonoma County Travel Model
SMART
Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit
TDM
transportation demand management
U.S. 101
U.S. Highway 101
UWMP
Urban Water Management Plan
VMT
vehicular miles traveled
WSA
Water Supply Assessment
Central Rohnert Park Priority DevelopmentArea Plan
ii Final EIR, Responseto Comments
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The City of Rohnert Park (City) has directed the preparation of an environmental impact report (EIR) to evaluate
the potential environmental effects of the proposed Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area (PDA) Plan
(proposed plan) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code
Section 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.).
In accordance with Section 15088 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the City
of Rohnert Park, as the lead agency, has reviewed the comments received on the Draft Environmental Impact
Report (Draft EIR) for the Central Rohnert Park PDA Plan and has prepared written responses to the comments
rec eived.
The City asked for input from federal, State, and local agencies; organizations; and members of the public
regarding the issues that should be evaluated in the EIR. Specifically, the City issued a Notice of Preparation
(NOP) of the EIR on October 28, 2015 and conducted a scoping meeting on November 18, 2015.
The Draft EIR (State Clearinghouse Number 201510208 1) was received on December 18th, 2015 by the State
Clearinghouse, and circulated to the public for review and comment. The City conducted a 45 -day public review
period for the Draft EIR that concluded on February 1, 2016.
The City has now prepared this Final EIR document, which includes;
0 The Draft EIR, with minor revisions detailed in Chapter 3 of this Final EIR
• Public comments received on the Draft EIR
• Responses to written comments
• The list of organizations that provided comments on the Draft EIR
Chapter 2 of this Final EIR includes the written comments received on the Draft EIR and responses to
environmental topics raised in these comments (as required by the State CEQA Guidelines Section 15132) and to
non -environmental topics included in these comments. The responses to comments respond to the comments
received on the Draft EIR. To assist the reader, each response to a comment is also preluded by a brief summary
of the comment.
In some instances, responses to comments may warrant modification of the text of the Draft EIR. In those cases,
the changes compiled in Chapter 3, "Revisions to the Draft EIR," amend the text of the Draft EIR. The text
deletions are shown in strikeout (str-ieeettt) and additions are shown in underline (underline . The minor revisions
summarized in Chapter 3 of this EIR do not change the findings presented in the Draft EIR.
The aforementioned responses to comments document and the Draft EIR together constitute the Final EIR that is
being considered by the City of Rohnert Park.
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR Response to Comments 1-1
1.1 USE OF THE FINAL EIR
The Final EIR includes revisions to the Draft EIR and the Responses to Comments. The Final EIR serves as the
environmental document to inform the Planning Commission and City Council's consideration of the proposed
plan, either in whole or in part, or one of the alternatives to the project discussed in the Draft EIR.
As required by Section 15090(a)(1)-(3) of the CEQAGuidehnes, a Lead Agency, in certifying a Final EIR, must
make the following three determinations:
1. The Final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA.
2. The Final EIR was presented to the decision-making body of the Lead Agency, and the decision-making
body reviewed and considered the information in the Final EIR prior to approving the project.
3. The Final EIR reflects the Lead Agency's independent judgment and analysis.
As required by Section 15091 of the CEQA Guidelines, no public agency shall approve or carry out a project for
which an EIR has been certified that identifies one or more significant environmental effects of the project unless
the public agency makes one or more written findings (Findings of Fact) for each of those significant effects,
accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding supported by substantial evidence in the
record. The possible findings are:
1. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project which avoid or substantially
lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
2. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not
the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should
be adopted by such other agency.
3. Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of
employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project
alternatives identified in the Final EIR.
Central Rohnert ParkPriority DevelopmentArea Plan
1-2 Final EIR Response to Comments
2.0 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO COMMENTS
This section of the Final EIR contains comment letters received during the public review period for the Draft EIR,
which concluded on February 1, 2016.
The EIR is an informational document intended to disclose to the City and the public the environmental
consequences of approving and implementing the Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
(proposed plan) or one of the alternatives to the plan described in the Draft EIR. In conformance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15088(a), the City has prepared written responses to all comments received during the public
comment period that address environmental issues related to the proposed plan. The focus of the responses to
comments is on the disposition of significant environmental issues that are raised in the comments, as specified by
Section 15088(c) of the CEQA Guidelines.
2.1 LIST OF COMMENTERS ON THE DRAFT EIR
Comments on the Draft EIR were received as written comments submitted to the City of Rohnert Park
Development Services Department during and shortly following the public review comment period. Table 2-1,
below, indicates the numeric designation for each comment letter received, the author of the comment letter, and
the date received.
Table 2-1: Written Comments Received on the Draft EIR
Letter I Commenter I Date
1 I County of Sonoma Permit and Resource Man agement Department 01/26/2016
2 ! California Department ofTransportation(Caltrans) 02/01/2016
2.2 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT EIR
The written comments received on the Draft EIR and the responses to those comments are provided in this
section. Each comment letter is reproduced in its entirety and is followed by the response(s) to the letter. Where a
commenter has provided multiple comments, each comment is indicated by a line bracket and an identifying
number in the margin of the comment letter.
2.2.1 Comments and Responses to Comments
COMMENT LETTER 1 —COUNTY OF SONOMA PERM ITAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR, Response to Comments 2-1
COUNTY OF SONOMA I
letter I
PERMIT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
2550 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2829
(707) 565-1900 FAX (707) 565-1103
rurxiieR
January 26, 2016
Jeffrey S. Beiswenger, Planning Manager
City of Rohnert Park
Development Services Department
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park CA 94928
ibeiswenper _ rpcity.org
Re: Draft EIR for Central Rohnert Park PDA Area Plan
The County of Sonoma appreciates the opportunity to review and comment on the draft EIR
for the Central Rohnert Park PDA Area Plan. The County strongly supports city -centered
growth, enhanced pedestrian and bicycle path connectivity, and the transit opportunities
featured by the Area Plan. In fact, many of the goals and objectives of the County's General 1-1
Plan are in line with those of the draft Area Plan.
With respect to the Draft EIR, the County submits the following comments for the City's
consideration:
Transportation and Traffic
The proposed plan provides for the construction of approximately 835 new residential units
and 823,000 square feet of additional commercial, office and light industrial uses, yet the
Draft EIR finds no significant cumulative impacts to the greater regional transportation
system, other than to Highway 101. The traffic impacts resulting from the residential and
commercial development envisioned by the plan would not be confined to the City limits.
There would be increased demands on the County circulation system as well.
The interconnectivity of traffic between the City and the adjoining County areas requires
interagency coordination and cooperation in order to adequately address the effects of 1-2
growth on both the local and regional circulation system. Cumulative traffic impacts cannot
be mitigated without meaningful consideration of the roadways beyond the City limits.
The costs of improvements to the County circulation network should be equitably distributed
among those who cumulatively contribute to the need for such improvements. Accordingly,
the County encourages the adoption of policies which would provide for the equitable
distribution of costs through fair share funding by future development within the project area.
A more thorough explanation of the cumulative impact analysis with respect to the regional
transportation system is also warranted. The Draft EIR should also describe the threshold of 1-3
significance used in the analysis and indicate whether the density of the project area is
comparable to the density assumed by the Sonoma County Travel Model (SCTM/10).
Central Roh nert Park Priority Develop mentArea Plan
2-2 Final EK Response to Comments
Central Rohnert Park PDA Area Plan Draft EIR - Comments
January 26, 2016
Page 2 of 2
Hydrology
The Draft EIR indicates that groundwater levels around the City's well field appear to be
stable, however, the Draft EIR does not specifically analyze the project's impact on
groundwater supply or the potential reduction in groundwater discharge to streams as a
result of increased pumping. The Simulation of Groundwater and Surface -water Resources
of the Santa Rosa Plain Watershed, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2014, 1-4
indicates that there was a cumulative groundwater -storage reduction between 1976 and
2010 as well as a reduction in groundwater discharge to streams in the Santa Rosa Plain
Watershed. A thorough analysis of these water resources are necessary to determine the
potential for impacts and the appropriate mitigation if warranted.
Thank you for the opportunity to express our concerns. We appreciate the hard work and
dedication required to create the Area Plan and commend your service to the community of
Rohnert Park.
I may be reached by phone at (707) 565-7387 or by email at yolanda.solanoCcDsonoma-
county org should you have any questions.
ands G. Solano
nner III
s:\comp\pprs\responses - by year\2016\16-15-01 draft eir central rp priority development
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EK Response to Comments 2-3
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 1-1
The commenter thanks the City for the opportunity to comment on the Draft EIR and expresses the County's
support for many of the goals and policies of the proposed plan, highlighting the plan area's focus on city -
centered growth, enhanced pedestrian and bicycle path connectivity, and transit opportunities. The goals and
objectives of the County's General Plan are in line with those of the proposed plan.
The City acknowledges the comment.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 1-2
The commenter summarizes the project and comments that the resulting development would not be confined to the
City's limits, but would also create increased demands on the County circulation system. The commenter
questions why there are no other significant cumulative impacts to the regional transportation system, other than
Highway 101.
The Draft EIR transportation chapter (Chapter 3.9) addresses impacts to regional roadways, given that it
represents a programmatic EIR analysis for a master plan (the Central Rohnert Park PDA Plan or proposed plan).
As such, the evaluation of potential impacts focuses on those areas most likely to be impacted, which are largely
comprised of existing developed areas in the City of Rohnert Park within and near the plan area. Areas outside of
the City limits are generally less developed and, therefore, less likely to attract traffic generated by development
within the plan area. While development within the plan area can be expected to contribute some share of
additional traffic to roadways serving these areas, the majority of traffic generated by development within the
PDA would be expected to use U.S. 101 for regional access and a combination of major arterials (e.g., Rohnert
Park Expressway and Golf Course Drive) and connecting streets for local access.
In particular, the existing development pattern within Sonoma and Marin Counties is characterized by a mix of
developed (urban and suburban) and undeveloped (rural) areas, with developed areas largely concentrated along
the north—south U.S. 101 corridor. U. S. 101 also serves as the primary regional link between Sonoma County and
the rest of the Bay Area, providing access to State Route 37, Interstate 580, and other major highways and
thoroughfares. Thus, given the proposed plan's location adjacent to U.S. 101, it is reasonable to expect that the
majority of the regional traffic generated by development within the plan area would utilize U. S. 101, either to
access developed areas of Sonoma County along U.S. 101 (e.g., Santa Rosa or Petaluma) or to reach otherparts of
the Bay Area. By analyzing potential impacts to U.S. 101 (Draft EIR Section 3.9.3, pp. 3.9-19 and 3.9-20), the
Draft EIR analyzed the regional roadway facilities expected to be most impacted by development within the plan
area.
Recognizing that development within the plan area would add some traffic to these other roadway facilities, the
City is committed to working in cooperation with the County to address the proposed plan's contribution to traffic
growth and impacts to both local and regional roadways, including those outside of the City of Rohnert Park. This
would also be consistent with Policy TR -21 of the City of Rohnert Park General Plan that calls for establishment
of a regional mitigation plan for transportation improvements, thereby creating a mechanism for development
projects within the City of Rohnert Park to contribute impact fees toward roadway improvements in Sonoma
County. The City has recently agreed to take the lead in preparing this study to establish a regional mitigation
plan, with preparation of this study anticipated to commence in the spring of 2016. Once the regional impact fee is
Central Rohnert Park Priority DevelopmentArea Plan
2-4 Final EIR, Responseto Comments
adopted, future development within the plan area will be subject to payment, thereby contributing a fair share
towards the funding of regional roadway improvements. Specific County roadways where future development
under the proposed plan may add traffic, and where the Sonoma County General Plan 2020 (SCGP) has identified
future improvements that payment of the regional impact fee could contribute funding toward implementation,
include the following.
Petaluma Hill Road — consider improvements, such as intersection improvements, turn lanes, and signals to
reduce congestion (SCGP Policy CT-6aaa, Figure CT- 1g)
• Community of Penngrove —identify and implement a combination of local and regional roadway
improvements to reduce congestion in Penngrove (SCGP Policies CT -6v, CT -6w, CT -6x, and CT -6y)
• Stony Point Road — consider additional turn lanes at RPX intersection to reduce congestion (SCGP Policy
CT-6bbb); widen corridor to four lanes (SCGP Figure CT- Ig)
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 1-3
The commenter suggests a more thorough explanation of cumulative impact analysis to the regional
transportation system and that the Draft EIR describes the threshold of significance used in the analysis and
indicate whether the density of the project area is comparable to the density assumed by the Sonoma County
Travel Model (SCTM/10).
As discussed in Response to Comment 1-2, potential impacts to the regional transportation system are discussed
in Draft EIR Section 3.9.3, pp. 3.9-19 and 3.9-20, in the context of impacts to U.S. 101.
The Sonoma County Travel Demand Model (SCTM\10) was utilized in the assessment of cumulative traffic
impacts. The model's future year scenario of 2040 reflects buildout of current general plans throughout Sonoma
County, including build -out within the County and incorporated municipalities in the County (the cities of
Rohnert Park, Cotati, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Cloverdale, Sebastopol, and Sonoma and the Town of
Windsor). For the model's traffic analysis zones (TAZ) encompassing the plan area, the added development
potential for buildout under the current Rohnert Park General Plan (i.e., without adoption of the proposed plan)
includes 269 residential units and 628,897 square feet of non-residential uses. In comparison, as shown in Draft
EIR Table 2-3 (pp. 2-15 and 2-16), the proposed plan estimates an added development potential of 835 residential
units and 822,324 square feet of non-residential uses. The proposed plan, therefore, would allow for a higher
density of development than the City's General Plan and the assumptions used in the County's traffic model. The
traffic volumes and traffic operations calculations presented in the "Future plus Project" scenario of the proposed
plan's traffic impact study (contained in Draft EIR Appendix E) reflect the effects of this additional increment of
cumulative growth beyond what is assumed in the SCTM\10 model.
While the proposed plan would allow for more units and more non-residential square footage than assumed in the
current SCTM\10 model, it is critical to discern the differences in automobile traffic generation and travel patterns
that would result from implementation of the proposed plan versus the more suburban type of development
pattern currently evident in the vicinity. On a per-unit or per -square foot basis, the PDA is anticipated to generate
fewer automobile trips than conventional development. A greater share of trips is projected to be made by
walking, bicycling, and transit. Development in the plan area (both existing and future) would be increasingly
transit -focused, both in its proximity to existing local and regional bus routes as well as its proximity to the
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR, Response to Comments 2-5
SMART commuter rail line. Implementation of the proposed plan would also result in a more balanced jobs -
housing ratio within Central Rohnert Park, meaning that the potential for existing and future residents to live
closer to their workplace also increases (thereby, resulting in a potential shift away from auto trips as well as
towards shorter driving distances). Finally, the types of non-residential uses envisioned by the proposed plan are
oriented to local users. The proposed plan places a focus on local -serving and downtown retail versus big -box or
auto -oriented retail. This type of land use not only tends to draw fewer auto trips than big -box shopping center
type uses, but associated auto trips also tend to be shorter in length and oriented to/from more proximate areas.
The combined effects of this type of development pattern lead to fewer trips extending beyond the City and onto
the County/regional roadway network, substantially limiting the potential traffic impacts that implementation of
the proposed plan may create on these roadways.
As indicated in the Draft EIR transportation chapter and traffic impact study and considered in the Draft EIR
alternatives chapter (Chapter 6), the proposed plan would increase automobile traffic levels, but the amount to
which the proposed plan would affect regional facilities under future cumulative conditions is expected to be
similar or only slightly greater than would otherwise occur assuming build -out of the plan area under existing
zoning utilizing more suburban and automobile -oriented development patterns. As discussed in Section 6.3 of the
DEIR, although the proposed plan would add traffic to several local intersections, it also includes traffic signal
and lane geometry improvements that would improve these intersection operations to acceptable conditions and
mitigate the effects of the additional traffic. Without the proposed plan, these improvements would not be in place
and development in the plan area under existing zoning would be expected to cause four intersections to degrade
to unacceptable conditions, as addressed in Section 6.3.4 of the DEIR. Existing zoning and development patterns
also would not feature the land use and transportation improvements under the proposed plan that would support
reductions in automobile parking and promote alternative modes, such as transit, biking, and walking, both of
which are critical to reducing vehicle -miles travelled (VMT) and its associated effects on both the local and
regional roadway network.
Furthermore, as noted in Response to Comment 1-2 above, the City will be preparing a study to establish a
regional mitigation plan for transportation improvements that, once adopted, will require future development in
the plan area to contribute fair -share funding of regional roadway improvements.
Regarding thresholds of significance, the Draft EIR describes the thresholds of significance applied for
intersection and freeway operations in the beginning of Section 3.9.3 (pp. 3.9-16).
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 1-4
The commenter suggests the Draft EIR does not specifically analyze the project's impact on groundwater supply
or the potential groundwater discharge to streams as a result of increased pumping and that a thorough analysis
of these water resources are necessary to determine the potential for impacts and the appropriate mitigation, if
warranted.
Implementing the Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan does not require, nor is the City
proposing, an increase in groundwater pumping. Therefore, there is no anticipated impact to groundwater supply,
groundwater levels, or a reduction in groundwater discharge to streams in the Santa Rosa Plain Watershed as a
result of the proposed plan. As described in Draft EIR Section 5.8.2, pp. 5-15, the City manages its groundwater
supply in accordance with its 2004 Water Policy Resolution, which limits groundwater pumping to 2,577 AFY.
Central Ro hnert Park Priority Develop mentArea Plan
2-6 Final EIR, Response to Comments
The City will maintain this maximum pumping limit and groundwater pumping will not increase as a result of the
PDA Plan. The 2004 City-wide Water Supply Assessment, which is a reference for the EIR, provides the
technical support for this maximum pumping rate. The City continues to monitor and document its groundwater
use through its required Urban Water Management Plans and through cooperative participation in the regional
groundwater management work occurring in the Santa Rosa Plain basin.
Draft EIR Section 5.8.2, "Water Supply," pp. 5-15 provides a discussion of potential impacts of the proposed plan
on water supply. This includes a discussion of potential impacts to groundwater levels from operation of the plan.
Draft EIR Section 5.8.2, "Water Supply," pp. 5-15 also provides a summary of the water supply assessment
(WSA) that was prepared by the City for the proposed plan as required by State law. The WSA is included as
Draft EIR Appendix F. The WSA describes the water demand associated with build -out of the plan area as well as
the three water sources used by the City, which includes groundwater pumping from the Santa Rosa Plain
Subbasin of the Santa Rosa Valley Groundwater Basin.
The City is aware of the results of the Simulation of Groundwater and Surface -water Resources of the Santa Rosa
Plain Watershed, having participated as a cooperative funder of this study. The study documents the rising
groundwater levels in the southeast portion of the Santa Rosa Plain groundwater basin as a result of the
groundwater management policy included in the City's 2004 Water Policy Resolution. In addition to providing
data and funding for the Simulation of Groundwater and Surface -water Resources of the Santa Rosa Plain
Watershed, the City provided data and funding for Groundwater Management Plan for the Santa Rosa Plain basin
and is contributing to the implementation of this plan as well as the development of the Groundwater
Sustainability Plan, required by the Groundwater Sustainability Act of 2014. This extensive body of technical and
policy work documents that sustainable groundwater use is achieved through cooperative efforts throughout the
basin and are not isolated studies associated with individual project(s) or plans. In addition to implementing its
Water Policy Resolution, the City will continue to participate in the implementation of regional groundwater
management activities to support sustainable use of groundwater in the basin.
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR, Response to Comments 2-7
COMMENT LETTER 2 — CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
klifl,flo—filifalAiact)za.lif,IE@filml;rl.";4zihlwlrilkI 1 +' to ii l
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DISTRICT 4
P.O. BOX 23660
OAKLAND, CA 94623-0660
PHONE (510) 286-5528
FAX (510) 286-5559
'1TY 711
www.dot mgov
February 1, 2016
Mr. Jeffrey Beiswenger
City of Rohnert Park
Planning Department
130 Avram Avenue
Rahncrt Park, CA 94928
_ ter:
Letter 2
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SCH # 2015102081
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan — Draft Environmental Impact
Report
Dear Mr. Beiswenger
Thank you for including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in the
environmental review process for the Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Arca (PDA)
Plan, Caltrans' new mission, vision, and goals signal a modernization of our approach to
California's transportation system, in which we seek to reduce statewide vehicle -miles -traveled 2-1
(VMT) and increase non -auto modes of active transportation. Our comments seek to promote the
State's smart mobility goals and are based on the Draft Environmental Impact Report. Additional
comments may he forthcoming pending final review,
Project Understanding
The proposed project is a programmatic land use master plan that is intended to support transit -
oriented and infill development nearby the Rohnert Park City Center and planned Sonoma Marin
Area Rail Transit (SMART) commuter rail station, The proposed developments would cover a
330 -acre area centered on the Rohnert Park Expressway/State Farm Drive intersection, which
would allow the construction of 835 multi -family residential units and 823,000 square feet (sf) of 2-2
retail/commercial, office, light industrial, and public/institutional use. Additionally, the project
would construct new roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements in order to provide
non -vehicular community access to the planned SMART station. The proposed project would add
27,777 new daily trips of which 1,352 trips would occur during the AM peak hour and 1,973 trips
during the PM peak hour. The western edge of the PDA is bound by U.S. 101, which would provide
regional access to the PDA.
Lead Agency
As the lead agency, the City of Rohnert Park is responsible for all project mitigation, including T 2-3
"Provide a safe, mstainahle, m -graced and efcient transportation
.tymem to enhance Callarnla's eerm any aml llvuhil ity"
Central Rohnert Park Priority DevelopmentArea Plan
2-8 Final E1R, Response to Comments
Mr. Jeffrey Beiswenger, City of Rohnert Park
February 1, 2016
Page 2
any needed improvements to State highways. The project's fair share contribution, financing,
scheduling, implementation responsibilities and lead agency monitoring should be fully discussed cont
for all proposed mitigation measures. Additionally, please provide Caltrans with all future project- 2-3
specific documents and analysis that may derive from the proposed land use master plan.
Regional Impact Fees
U.S. 101 is critical to regional and interregional traffic in the San Francisco Bay region. It is vital
to commuting, freight, and recreational traffic and is one of the most congested regional freeway
facilities. Given the scale of the proposed project, the traffic generated will have significant
regional impact to the already congested U.S. 101. The Department encourages the City to
develop a regional transportation fee program to mitigate and plan for the impact of future
growth on the regional transportation system. The fees would be used to help fund regional
transportation programs that add capacity increasing improvements to the transportation system 2-4
to lessen future traffic congestion.
Reducing delays on State facilities will not only benefit the region, but also reduce any queuing
on local roadways caused by highway congestion. The purpose of regional impact fee program
would improve mobility by reducing time delays and maintaining reliability on major roadways
throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements
• We recommend that the City consider the use of on -street parking to create a parking -
protected Class IV separated bikeway. Guidance on these facilities may be gained via
Caltrans Class IV Bikeway Guidance (Separated Bikeways/Cycle Tracks), which can be 2-5
found at the following link: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/oppd/dib/dib89.pdf: Where
protected bike lanes are referenced, please also include the Class IV designation;
• Please clarify the meaning of `enhanced bike lanes' when referenced in the Bike and T
Pedestrian Improvements section (p. 2-22) of the environmental document (e.g. Class lI 1 2-6
buffered bike lanes with green pavement markings at conflict zones);
• Where midblocic pedestrian crossings are proposed, also consider rectangular rapid
flashing beacons (RRFB) in addition to standard signals or High -Intensity Activated 2-7
Crosswalk beacons (HAWK), which Caltrans refers to as pedestrian hybrid beacons
(PHB); and
• On page 2-22, please correct all references to Professional Drive to Professional Center
Drive and Lynne Conde Drive I to Lynne Conde Way. 2-8
Vehicle Trip Reduction
The project should adopt a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program in order to
encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use while reducing traffic impacts on State highways.
The region should be supported by a framework of transportation alternatives by increasing transit, 2-9
pedestrian, and bicycle systems in order to maximize access and, mobility throughout the region
while reducing dependence upon the automobile. In an effort to accomplish such, the project
"Provide a safe, sustainable, Integrated and efficient transportation
system to enhance California's economy and livability"
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR, Response to Conitnents 2-9
Mr. Jeffrey Beiswenger, City of Rohnert Park
February 1, 2016
Page 3
should consider the various TDM measures listed below. The TDM program should document
vehicle trip reduction, including annual monitoring reports to demonstrate the ongoing reduction
of vehicle trips while continuing to survey the travel patterns of residents and employees within
the project area.
■ Project design to encourage walking, bicycling, and convenient transit access;
cont
• Parking cash out/parking pricing; 2-9
■ Formation of a Transportation Management Association (TMA) in partnership with other
developments in the area;
■ Adoption of an aggressive trip reduction target with Lead Agency monitoring and
enforcement; and
• Transit fare incentives such as such as subsidized transit passes on a continuing basis.
Implementing various TDM measures will help the project become more consistent with the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable
Community Strategy goals. Please also refer to "Reforming Parking Policies to Support Smart 2-10
Growth," a MTC study funded by Caltrans, for sample parking ratios and strategies that support
compact growth. Reducing parking supply can encourage alternate forms of transportation, reduce
regional vehicle miles traveled, and lessen future impacts.
Encroachment Permit
Please be advised that any work or traffic control that encroaches onto the State ROW requires an
encroachment permit that is issued by Caltrans. To apply, a completed encroachment permit
application, environmental documentation, and five (5) sets of plans clearly indicating State ROW
must be submitted to the following address: David Salladay, District Office Chief, Office of 2-11
Permits, California Department of Transportation, District 4, P.O. Box 23660, Oakland, CA
94623-0660. Traffic -related mitigation measures should be incorporated into the construction
plans prior to the encroachment permit process. See the website linked below for more
information:
http://www.dot.ca.g6v/hq/traffops/`developsery/permits.
"Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation
system to enhance Cal%rnia's economy and livability"
Central Rohnert Park Priority DevelopmentArea Plan
2-10 Final EIK, Responseto Comments
Mr. Jeffrey Beiswenger, City of Rohnert Park
February 1, 2016
Page 4
Should you have any questions regarding this letter or require additional information, please
contact Cole Iwamasa at (510) 256-5534 or cole.iwamasa@dot.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
PATRICIA MAURICE
District Branch Chief
Local Development - Intergovernmental Review
Cc: State Clearinghouse
"Provide a sgfe, sustainable, Integrated and efficient transportation
system to enhance California's economy and livability"
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR, Response to Comments 2-11
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-1
The commenter thanks the City for being included in the environmental reviewprocess for the PDA Plan and
expresses that the comments in the letter seek to promote the State's new mission, vision, and smart mobility
goals.
The City acknowledges Caltrans' mission to reduce statewide vehicle miles traveled and increase non -vehicular
modes of active transportation and has similar goals and policies in its planning documents.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-2
The commenter summarizes the proposed plan including associated trip generation characteristics.
The Draft EIR provides a comprehensive description of the proposed plan in Chapter 2 of the DEIR.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-3
The commenter states that the project's fair share contribution, financing, scheduling, implementation
responsibilities should be discussed in all proposed mitigation measures and that all future project specific
documents and analysis, derived from the proposed plan, should be provided to Caltrans for review.
As shown in Draft EIR Section 3.9.3, pp. 3.9-16 through 3.9-22, the Draft EIR concludes that the proposed plan
would result in less -than -significant transportation and traffic impacts, with the exception of significant impacts to
three segments of U.S. 101. However, the Draft EIR does not identify any feasible mitigation measures for these
three segments, as widening the freeway to accommodate additional lanes would result in substantial
environmental, social, and financial impacts.
As discussed in Response to Comment 1-2, the City of Rohnert Park recognizes that development within the plan
area may contribute to these impacts to the regional transportation system, and the City has agreed to take the lead
on preparing a study to establish a regional mitigation plan and impact fee structure that will require all future
development in Sonoma County, including future development within the plan area, to make a fair -share
contribution toward funding regional roadway improvements.
The City will provide notification of future actions related to the proposed plan to Caltrans and will circulate these
responses to comments to each organization and individual that commented on the Draft EIR.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-4
The commenter encourages the City to develop a transportation feeprogram to mitigate andplan for the impact
of future growth on the regional transportation system.
As described in Response to Comment 1-2, the City has agreed to take the lead, in 2016, on preparing a study to
establish a regional mitigation plan for transportation improvements that, once adopted, will require future
development in the plan area to contribute towards funding regional roadway improvements.
Central Rohnert Park Priority DevelopmentArea Plan
2-12 Final EIR, Response to Comments
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-5
The commenter recommends the City consider use of on -street parking to create a parking protected Class IV
separated parkway.
Parking -protected bike lanes are encouraged within the proposed plan and are suggested specifically along
portions of various local roadways such as State Farm Drive, as reflected in the street section concepts provided in
Chapter 5 of the proposed plan. Additional street segments, with on -street bike lanes, could also be considered as
a "parking -protected" solution at a later time, once proposed roadway improvements enter the detailed design
phase.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-6
The commenter asksfor clarification on the meaning of "enhanced bike lanes" referenced in the project
description.
References to enhanced bike lanes on Draft EIR pp. 2-22 of the project description are intended to support a
variety of bike lane treatments, including green -striping or high-contrast bike lanes, separated bike lanes (through
various methods), or other bike lane improvements that enhance driver awareness and increase the safety of
bicycling. Since this is a programmatic -level EIR, more specific details regarding the type of enhancement or
improvements will be determined as future projects within the plan area are designed and implemented. A
definition for enhanced bike lanes, as described above, has been added as a footnote to Chapter 3, Revisions to
Draft EIR, to update Section 2.3.4, "Bike and Pedestrian Improvements."
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-7
The commenter suggests that where midblock pedestrian crossings are proposed, rectangular rapid flashing
beacons (RRFB) be considered, in addition to standard signal or High -Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK)
beacons.
The City acknowledges this comment. Where references are made to HAWK signals in the Project Description of
the Draft EIR, rectangular rapid flashing beacons will also be provided as a potential alternative solution to ensure
the safety of midblock pedestrian crossings.
The description of mid -block pedestrian crossings along Rohnert Park Expressway in the Draft EIR, pp. 2-22,
bullet point b7 in Section 2.3, `Bike and Pedestrian Improvements," has been updated by Chapter 3 of the Final
EIR to not only include pedestrian refuges and the option for high-intensity activated crosswalk beacons, but also
rectangular rapid flashing beacons or other potential signalized crossing solutions.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-8
The commenter identifies that references to Professional Drive be updated to Professional Center Drive and
Lynne Conde Drive to Lynne Conde Way.
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR, Response to Comrnents 2-13
References to Professional Center Drive and Lynne Conde Way have been updated throughout the EIR and
proposed plan.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-9
The commenter encourages the Plan to adopt a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that
supports transportation alternatives that increase transit, pedestrian, and bicycle systems to maximize mobility
and access in the region while reducing the dependence upon the automobile.
City General Plan Goals TR -I, TR -K, TR -L, and TR -R and Policies TR -24 -TR -34, TR -41, and TR-42support
reducing traffic congestion by encouraging transportation demand management (TDM) programs for businesses
and workplaces and parking standards that help reduce automobile trips, and promote alternative transportation
modes. These goals and policies are also identified as one of the objectives of the proposed plan.
As a priority development area located adjacent to the future SMART commuter rail line and multi -use path, the
proposed plan incorporates measures to reduce VMT and support transportation alternatives, including transit,
bicycle, and pedestrian systems that maximize mobility within the plan area and connections to local and planned
regional bike and transit systems. City General Plan goals and policies as well as proposed plan circulation goals
and policies (provided in Chapter 5.2 of the proposed plan) support the goals and strategies of, and function
fundamentally similar to, the TDM program suggested by the comment. Rohnert Park General Plan Policy TR -22
encourages the adoption of a non -mandatory employer -based TDM program for Rohnert Park businesses. The
City also has a trip reduction ordinance requirement, Code Section 10.80.040, that applies to employers with more
than 100 employees. Development within the plan area would be subject to these various goals, policies, and
requirements, as well as the goals and policies explicitly identified in the proposed plan.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-10
The commenter provides additional examples of TDM measures to help the project be consistent with MTC's
Regional Transportation Plan /Sustainable Community Strategy goals and makes reference to the "Reforming
Parking Policies to Support Smart Growth, " study, prepared by MTC, forparking ratios and strategies that
support compact growth.
The proposed plan incorporates input from a shared parking analysis study, prepared for the plan area in the
Parking Policy and Management Strategy Memo (available upon request), focused on the Station Center and City
Center subareas, where the potential for shared parking lots and future parking structures are envisioned, in close
proximity to the SMART rail station. The results of the shared parking analysis are described in the Central
Rohnert Park PDAPlan Section 5.7.2, "Parking Analysis." In addition to other parking reductions permitted by
Chapter 17.16.040 of the City's Zoning Code, input from findings in this analysis have been accounted for in the
parking ratios for the proposed plan, which propose parking reductions for multifamily residential development
and retail, office, and public uses in the Station Center and City Center subareas. The proposed plan allows these
parking reductions, encourages projects in the plan area to adopt a "park once" strategy (PDA Plan Policy C-5.5),
where applicable, and builds in flexibility for development to meet City parking demands through various parking
strategies, including shared parking, development of parking districts (in the Downtown); off-site parking; and
Central Rohnert Park Priority DevelopmentArea Plan
2-14 Final EIR, Responseto Comments
unbundled and paid parking, as future long-term strategies when parking demand warrants. Car share and bike
share programs in the plan area are also encouraged.
To provide additional clarification within the Project Description, Draft EIR Section 2.3.5, "Parking" has been
revised as part of the Final EIR (see Final EIR Chapter 3) to provide additional information and reference to the
assumptions behind the parking standards, including parking reductions considered and currently permitted by the
City's Zoning Code that are also applicable to the plan area. This clarification does not change impact analyses or
conclusions.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2-11
The commenter advises any work or traffic control that encroaches into the State right-of-way requires an
encroachment permit, issued by Caltrans, andprovides instructions for submitting an encroachmentpermit
application.
The City acknowledges this comment and will coordinate with Caltrans on any requests for encroachment permits
into any State right-of-way.
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR, Response to Comments 2-15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
---For document production use only ---
Section
Page
2.0 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO COMMENTS...................................................................... 2-1
2.1 List of Commenters on the Draft EIR.................................................................................. 2-1
2.2 Comments and Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR...................................................... 2-1
2.2.1 Comments and Responses to Comments.................................................................... 2-1
Exhibits/Figure s
No table of contents entries found.
Tables
Table 2-1: Written Comments Received on the Draft EIR....................................................,................. 2-1
Central Rohnert Park Priority DevelopmentArea Plan
2-16 Final EIR, Responseto Comments
3.0 REVISIONS TO THE DRAFT EIR
This chapter presents minor text additions and revisions to the Draft EIR that do not constitute significant new
information or changes to significance findings. Thus, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5,
there is no need to recirculate portions or all of the Draft EIR. The changes are presented in the order in which
they appear in the Draft EIR and are identified by page number. Text deletions are shown in strikeout (str-ikeetit)
and additions are shown in underline (underline .
Global Changes
References to "Professional Drive" have been changed to "Professional Center Drive" and references to
"Lynne Conde Drive" have been changed to "Lynne Conde Way" throughout the EIR and proposed plan.
Chapter 2.0, "Project Description"
Page 2-22, Section 2.3.4, Bike and Pedestrian Improvement
Bullet Point b7). The description of midblock pedestrian crossings along Rohnert Park Expressway has
been updated, as provided below, so that it not only includes pedestrian refuges and the option for high-
intensity activated crosswalk beacons, but also rectangular rapid flashing beacons.
• b7) Upgrading RPX to incorporate high-contrast bike lanes; widening the existing meandering
sidewalks on both sides of the street,, to support development of a Class I MUP; and supporting I
intersection and mid -block pedestrian crossings, with pedestrian refuges and high-intensity activated
crosswalk signals, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or other potential signalized crossing solutions I
at Lynne Conde e -Way and along the SMART MUP.
Footnote 1. Footnote 1 has been added, as provided below to clarify the definition of an enhanced bike
lane, as used in the Central Rohnert Park PDA Plan and DEIR.
Enhanced bike lanes, as referenced in the proposed plan and this Final H R. encompass a variety of bike
lane treatments, including green striping or high-contrast bike lanes, separated or protected bike lanes
(e.g., parking -protected bike lanes), or other bike lane improvements that enhance driver awareness and
increase the safety and comfort of bicycling.
Page 2-23, Section 2.3.5, Parking. Additional clarification provided on assumptions to and proposed
parking standards.
The proposed plan identifies the appropriate number of off-street parking spaces for new residential,
mixed-use, light industrial, retail/service, and office uses, as shown by the parking ratios in Table 2-4.
These standards reflect parking analysis findings conducted for the proposed plan, including a shared
parking analysis and parking reductions in the City Center and Station Center subareas, as described in
Section 5.7.2 of the PDA Plan. For nonresidential uses, on -street parking spaces would be permitted to
meet the requirement for off-street parking spaces. Chapter l7. 16.040 of the City Zoning Code also
allows parking reductions, including: f) up to 25 percent for shared parking, where a combination of uses
can demonstrate and make the firiding that the uses share a common parking area and demand for parking
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Final EIR, Response to Comments 3-1
occurs over different time periods, maknzg the full parking requirement unnecessary; 2) up to 10 percent
for providing a rideshare, transit incentive,_or other transportation system mann Einem program: and 3)
permits meeting parking demand off-site for off-site uses within 300 feet of the use(s) they are intended to
serve.
CentralRohnert ParkPriority DevelopmentArea Plan
3-2 Final EIR, Responseto Comments
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Priority
Development
Area Plan
City of Rohnert Park
CENTRAL ROHNERT PARK
PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
SCH # 2015102081
Prepared for:
City of Rohnert Park
Development Services Department
Planning Division
Prepared by:
AECOM
February 2016
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CENTRAL ROHNERT PARK
PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
SCH # 2015102081
Prepared for:
City of Rohnert Park
Development Services Department
Planning Division
Prepared by:
A=CoM
February 2016
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION
Where a CEQA document has identified significant environmental effects, Public Resources Code Section
21081.6 requires adoption of a "reporting or monitoring program for the changes to the project which it has
adopted or made a condition of a project approval to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment."
This Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) has been prepared to provide for the monitoring of
mitigation measures required for the Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area (PDA) Plan, as set forth in
the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR).
The City of Rohnert Park (City) is the Lead Agency that must adopt the MMRP for development and operation of
the plan. This report will be kept on file with the City of Rohnert Park Development Services Department, 130
Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
The CEQA Statutes and Guidelines provide direction for clarifying and managing the complex relationships
between a Lead Agency and other agencies with implementing and monitoring mitigation measures. In
accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15097(d), "each agency has the discretion to choose its own approach
to monitoring or reporting; and each agency has its own special expertise." This discretion will be exercised by
implementing agencies at the time they undertake any of portion of the project, as identified in the EIR.
PURPOSE OF MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
The intent of the MMRP is to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of adopted mitigation
measures. Additionally, for the purposes of public disclosure and to assist in monitoring compliance, the MMRP
identifies actions necessary to comply with relevant regulatory requirements discussed in the EIR. The MMRP is
intended to be used by City staff and others responsible for project implementation.
A lead agency may rely on compliance with applicable laws and regulations in determining that a proposed
project will result in a less than significant impact. (See San Francisco Tomorrow v. City and County of San
Francisco (2014) 229 Cal.AppAth 49, 525 [holding the city properly relied on compliance with building codes
and related regulations in determining the proposed project would not result in potential safety hazards].) As a
standard condition of approval, the City requires applicants comply with federal and state laws and regulations as
well as standard City requirements that are applicable to a proposed project. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section
15091, subdivision (d), the mitigation monitoring and reporting program should identify both mitigation measures
as well as "condition[s] of approval to avoid or substantially lessen significant environmental effects." For this
reason, in addition to identifying mitigation measures contained in the FEIR, this MMRP also contains relevant
regulatory requirements that, as discussed in the FEIR, make up part of the basis for concluding one or more
impacts identified in the FEIR are less than significant. As set forth below, the City will monitor compliance with
these applicable laws and regulations in the same manner as for the mitigation measures set forth in the FEIR. The
timing of implementation, the party/ies responsible for monitoring and enforcement, and a column to confirm
implementation of the mitigation measures/standards/regulatory requirements is also included in Table 1, below.
Mitigation measures are numbered in the same way they are numbered in the EIR. Existing regulations/standards
are numbered according to the order in which they are referenced in each EIR section (often times existing
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program MMRP-1
regulations apply to various impacts).
The timing is the point(s) at which the mitigation measure/standard/regulatory requirement must be monitored for
compliance. In many cases, the first step in compliance will be to initiate compliance with the subject mitigation
measure/standard/regulatory requirement.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The project applicant is responsible for fully understanding and effectively implementing the mitigation
measures/standards/regulatory requirements contained within the MMRP, as directed by the City. The City is
responsible for overall administration/enforcement of the MMRP.
CHANGES TO MMRP
Any substantive change in the MMRP shall be reported in writing. Modifications to the requirements of the
MMRP may be made by the City subject to one of the following findings, documented by evidence included in
the public record:
■ The requirement included in the FEIR and the MMRP is no longer required because the significant environmental
impact identified in the FEIR has been found not to exist, or to occur at a level which makes the impact less than
OR,
significant as a result of changes in the project, changes in environmental conditions, or other factors.
The modified or substitute mitigation measure provides a level of environmental protection equal to, or greater
than that afforded by the mitigation measure included in the FEIR and the MMRP; and
• The modified or substitute mitigation measure or measures do not have significant adverse effects on the
environment in addition to, or greater than those which were considered by the responsible hearing bodies in their
decisions on the FEIR and the proposed project; and,
• The modified or substitute mitigation measures are feasible, and the City or, where applicable, other public
agencies, through measures included in the MMRP or applicable regulations, can ensure implementation.
Findings and related documentation supporting the findings involving modifications to mitigation measures,
including a determination whether further environmental review is required, shall be maintained in the project file
with this MMRP and shall be made available to the public upon request.
Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
MMRP-2 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
3.1 Air Quality
Mitigation Measure 3.1-1: Implement BAAQMD Basic
Inclusion of applicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Construction Control Measures
Basic Construction
Grading/Building
Development
BAAQMD recommends that all projects, regardless of
Control Measures
Permits and During
Services,
significance, implement the Basic Construction Control
during construction, as
Construction
Planning
Measures during construction. Implementing the following
a condition of all
Department
measures would effectively minimize and control fugitive
building or grading
permits for projects
dust emissions from the proposed construction -related
within the plan area.
activities. All building or grading permits issued for projects
within the plan area shall include the following Basic
Construction Control Measures (BAAQMD, 2011) as a
condition of the permit. All contractors selected to construct
any component of the project shall implement the following
measures:
• All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas,
soil piles, graded areas, and unpaved access roads) shall
be watered two times per day.
• All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose
material off-site shall be covered.
• All visible mud or dirt track -out onto adjacent public
roads shall be removed using wet power -vacuum street
sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power
sweeping is prohibited.
• All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to
15 miles per hour.
• Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting
equipment off when not in use or by reducing the
maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by the
California airborne toxics control measure, Title 13,
Section 2485 of the California Code of Regulations).
Clear signage shall be provided for construction
workers at all access points.
• All construction equipment shall be maintained and
properly tuned in accordance with manufacturer's
0 0
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Timing
Monitoring and
Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
specifications. All equipment shall be checked by a
certified visible emissions evaluator.
A publicly visible sign shall be posted at the soil
transfer site within BAAQMD, with the telephone
number and person at the City of Rohnert Park to
contact regarding dust complaints. This person shall
respond and take corrective action within 48 hours.
BAAQMD's phone number also shall be visible, to
ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-2: Assess Criteria Pollutant
Submittal of
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Emissions Associated with Site -Specific Construction
documentation
Grading/Building
Development
and Alter Project Details and/or Construction
demonstrating
Permits and During
Services,
Equipment as Needed
construction air
Construction
Planning
As part of subsequent project -level CEQA analysis, the
pollution emissions are
Department
project applicant shall complete an evaluation of
below BAAQMD's
construction air pollutant emissions from individual projects
thresholds of
in the plan area. The air pollutant emissions shall be
significance for
compared to BAAQMD's thresholds of significance for
project -level
project -level construction impacts to determine potential
construction impacts or
impacts. If potentially significant project -level construction-
l
inclusion of additional
related impacts are found (i.e., construction -related
mitigation measures to
reduce potential
emissions would exceed applicable thresholds of
impacts aless-an -
significance), additional mitigation measures (beyond those
n asa
significant level, as
required for all projects by Mitigation Measure 3.1-1) shall
condition of all
be developed and implemented to reduce potential impacts
building or grading
to a less -than -significant level. Mitigation measures could
permits for projects
include, but are not limited to the measures listed in
within the plan area.
Mitigation Measures 3.1-3, 3.1-4, and 3.1-5.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-3: Implement Applicable Site-
Inclusion of applicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Specific BAAQMD Additional Construction Control
construction control
Grading/Building
Development
Measures for Exhaust -Related Emissions
measures for exhaust-
Permits and During
Services,
BAAQMD has developed Additional Construction
related emissions
Construction
Planning
Mitigation Measures for those projects that will be located
during construction, as
Department
near sensitive receptors. Because the plan's construction-
a condition of all
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
related pollutant of most concern is NOx, the following
building or grading
measures from BAAQMD's Additional Construction
permits for projects
Measures with an emphasis on exhaust -related measures
within the plan area.
shall be implemented during construction if project -level
impacts are found to be significant to reduce emissions to a
less-tharl-significant level. Example additional measures that
would help reduce exhaust -related NOx emissions are listed
below; however, projects are not limited or confined to the
following measures to reduce exhaust -related construction
emissions.
• The idling time of diesel -powered construction
equipment shall be minimized to 2 minutes.
• Low—volatile organic compound (i.e., ROG) coatings
shall be used, beyond local requirements (i.e.,
Regulation 8, Rule 3: Architectural Coatings).
• All contractors shall be required to use equipment that
meets ARB's most recent certification standard for off-
road heavy duty diesel engines.
• All contractors shall be required to use a selected
percentage of higher tier equipment (e.g., Tier 4) or
equipment that through retrofits or repowering meet the
exhaust emission standards of higher tier emission
standards in order to reduce construction impacts to a
less -than -significant level.
• All contractors shall evaluate the feasibility of using
alternatively fueled vehicles and equipment during
construction activities. Alternatively fueled vehicles
and equipment shall be used to the highest extent
feasible and to reduce construction emissions to a less -
than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-4: Implement Applicable Site
Inclusion of applicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Specific BAAQMD Additional Construction Control
construction control
Grading/Building
Development
Measures for Fugitive Dust Emissions
measures for fugitive
Permits and During
Services,
BAAQMD has developed additional construction mitigation
dust emissions from
Construction
Planning
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measures for those projects that will include extensive earth-
earth moving activities
Department
moving activities or will be located near sensitive receptors.
during construction, as
Because the plan would consist of infill development with
a condition of all
potential sensitive receptors nearby, the following example
building or grading
fugitive dust—related measures shall be considered to
permits for projects
minimize exposure to nearby receptors, as applicable, if
within the plan area.
project -level impacts are found to be significant. However,
projects are not limited or confined to the following
measures to reduce fugitive dust—related emissions.
• All exposed surfaces shall be watered at a frequency
adequate to maintain minimum soil moisture of
12 percent. Moisture content can be verified by lab
samples or moisture probe.
• All excavation, grading, and/or demolition activities
shall be suspended when average wind speeds exceed
20 miles per hour.
• Wind breaks (e.g., trees, fences) shall be installed on
the windward side(s) of actively disturbed areas of
construction. Wind breaks shall have at maximum
50 percent air porosity.
• Vegetative ground cover (e.g., fast -germinating native
grass seed) shall be planted in disturbed areas as soon
as possible and shall be watered appropriately until
vegetation is established.
• The simultaneous occurrence of excavation, grading,
and ground -disturbing construction activities on the
same area at any one time shall be limited. Activities
shall be phased to reduce the amount of disturbed
surfaces at any one time.
• All trucks and equipment, including their tires, shall be
washed off before leaving the site.
• Site accesses to a distance of 100 feet from the paved
road shall be treated with a 6- to 12 -inch compacted
layer of wood chips, mulch, or gravel.
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Timing
Monitoring and
Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
Sandbags or other erosion control measures shall be installed
to prevent silt runoff to public roadways from sites with a
slope greater than l percent.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-5: Use BAAQMD Carl Moyer
Providc offset for
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Program (CMP) to Offset Project -Specific Regional
project level air
Grading/Building
Development
Emissions
pollulanL emSSions
Permits
Services,
Irany project -level air pollutant emissions (i.e., construction
from construction or
Planning
or operational) exceed the BAAQMD 2010 thresholds alter
operation, using the
BAAQMD Carl Moyer
Department
implementation of applicable mitigation measures, the
Program to offset
project applicant Shall Use BAAQMD's CMP to offset the
project -related regional
remaining project -level air pollutant omissions [Etat exceed
emissions that exceed
the BAAQMD 2010 thresholds. The project applicant shall
the BAAQMD 2010
provide funding for emission reduction projects in an
thresholds, after.
amount up to $16,640 per ton of criteria air pollutants (NOx
implementation of
+ ROG + [20*PM]) , which is the current cost-effectiveness
applicable mitigation
limit for emission reduction projects set by the Air
measures and a
Resources Board for the CMP. The range of costs could be
I
condition of all
anywhere from approximately $5,000 per weighted ton to
building or grading
the upper limit of $16,640 per weighted ton. An
Permits for projects
administrative fee of 5 percent shall be paid by the project
within the plan area.
applicant to BAAQMD to implement the program. The
range of costs could be anywhere from approximately
$5,000 per weighted ton to the upper limit of $16,640 per
weighted ton. An administrative fee of 5 percent shall be
paid by the project applicant to BAAQMD to implement the
program. The funding will be used for a combination of the
following types of projects:
• projects eligible for funding under the CMP guidelines
that are real, surplus, quantifiable, and enforceable; and
• projects to replace older, high -emitting construction
equipment operating in the Bay Area with newer,
cleaner, retrofitted, or more efficient equipment.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-6: Assess Criteria Pollutant
Inclusion of applicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Emissions Associated with Site -Specific Operations and JBAAQMD
mitigation
Grading/Construction
Development
n
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Monitoring and
Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
Implement BAAQMD Operational Emissions Mitigation
measures for
Prior to Issuance of
Services,
Measures
operational emissions,
Grading/Building
Planning
As part of project -level CEQA analysis the operational
as a condition of
Permits
Department
impact from projects in the plan area shall be assessed by the
grading and building
project applicant in accordance with the State CEQA
permits for projects
within the plan area.
Guidelines Appendix G Checklist and compared to
BAAQMD's thresholds of significance for project -level
impacts. Project -specific mitigation measures for the
proposed plan shall be implemented, based on the
BAAQMD Mitigation Measures for Operational Emissions
found in Appendix A, if necessary to reduce impacts to
below a level of significance.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-7: Assess Toxic Air Contaminant
Inclusion of applicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Emissions and Health Risks Associated with Site -Specific
BAAQMD exhaust-
Grading/Building
Development
Construction,
related mitigation
Permits and During
Services,
As part of any pmject-level CEQA analysis, the licalth risk
measures, associated
Construction
Planning
impacts or construction PMzy and 'rAC concentrations from
with health risk
Department and
individual projects within the: plan arca shall be assessed by
impacts of construction
Rohnert Park
the project applicant in accordance with BAAQMD's CEQA
PM15 and TAC
Public Safety
Guidelines and Recommended Methods for Screening and
emissions, in
accordance with the
Department
Modeling Local Risks and Hazards, as necessary. If health
BAAQMD's CEQA
risk impacts are determined to exceed BAAQMD thresholds
Guidelines and
of significance, BAAQMD's exhaust -related additional
Recommended
construction Mitigation Measure 3.1-3 shall be implemented
Methods for Screening
to reduce impacts to a less -than -significant level.
and Modeling Local
Risks and Hazards, as a
condition of grading
and building permits
for projects within the
plan area.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-8: Assess Toxic Air Contaminant
Inclusion of applicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Emissions and Health Risks Associated with State-
BAAQMD health risk
Grading/Building
Development
Specific Operations and Implement Applicable
mitigation measures,
Permits and During
Services,
associated with PM2.5
Construction
Planning
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
BAAQMD Health Risk Mitigation Measures
and TAC emissions
Department and
As part of any project -level CEQA analysis, PM2,5 and TAC
from operational
Rohnert Park
emission impacts of operational activities from individual
activities, as part of
Public Safety
projects in the plan area shall be assessed by the project
project -level CEQA
Department
applicant in accordance with BAAQMD's CEQA Guidelines
analysis, in accordance
with BAAQMD's
and Recommended Methods for Screening and Modeling
CEQA Guidelines and
Local Risks and Hazards as necessary. If health risks are
Recommended
deterinined to exceed BAAQMD thresholds of significance,
Methods for Screening
project -specific mitigation measures shall be implemented to
and Modeling Local
reduce health risks to a less -than -significant level. Possible
Risks and Hazards, as a
mitigation measures could include but are not limited to
condition of grading
change in project land use orientation to locate them farther
and building permits
away from existing sensitive receptors, purchase of retrofits
for projects within the
of ventilation systems for existing sensitive receptors, and
plan area.
change in land use type to develop a more compatible land
use (i.e., non -TAC source). Mitigation measures shall be
developed and implemented for significant operational
impacts of PM and TAC emissions. Additional BAAQMD
mitigation measures can be found in Appendix A.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-9: Assess Local and Community
Inclusion of applicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Hazard Risks Associated with Project -Specific Operation
BAAQMD community
Grading/Building
Development
and Implement Applicable BAAQMD Community [tisk
risk and hazard
Permits and During
Services,
and Hazard Mitigation
mitigation measures,
Construction
Planning
As part orany project -level CEQA analysis, health impacts
associated with project
specific operation, as
Department and
Rohnert Park
orsiting new receptors from individual projects within the
part of project -level
Public Safety
plan ant shall be assessed by the project applicant in
analysis, in
Department
accordance with BAAQMD's CEQA Guidelines andCEQA
with
Recommended Methods I'or Screening and Modeling Local accordance
BAAQMD's CEQA
Risks and Hazards, as necessary. Once exact distances are
Guidelines and
known between new receptors and existing sources, the
Recommended
BAAQMD Health Risk Screening Tools and Distance
Methods for Screening
Multipliers can be more accurately used to determine: cancer
and Modeling Local
risks and PM2,$ concentrations, If health risks are determined
Risks and Hazards, as a
to exceed BAAQMD thresholds of significance, project-
condition of grading
specific mitigation measures shall be implemented to reduce
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health risks to a less -than -significant level. Possible
and building permits
mitigation measures could include but are not limited to
for projects within the
change in sensitive land use orientation to locate them
plan area.
farther away from TAC sources; increased ventilation
system requirements for sensitive -receptor heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning systems; and change in land
use type to develop a more compatible land use (i.e.,
nonsensitive receptor). Appendix A provides a list of
BAAQMD PM2,5/TAC mitigation measures.
Mitigation Measure 3.1-10: Assess Odors Associated
Inclusion of applicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
%vitb Project-Speeilie Operation and Implement
BAAQMD odor
Grading/Building
Development
Applicable BAAQMD Odor Mitigation Measures
mitigation measures,
Permits and During
Services,
As part ofany projcet-level CEQA analysis, odor impacts
associated with project
Construction
Planning
from individual projects within (lye plan area shall be
specific operation, as
Department
assessed by the project applicant in accordance with
pan of project -level
BAAQMD's CEQA Guidelines as necessary. Significant
CEQA analysis, in
odor impacts shall be mitigated using best management
accordance with
BAAQMD's CEQA
practices and odor control technology to less than significant
Guidelines, as a
when feasible. The most likely odor sources to be sited
condition of grading
within the plan area are restaurants and food services.
and building permits
BAAQMD odor mitigation for food service includes:
for projects within the
• integral grease filtration system or grease removal
plan area.
system,
• baffle filters,
• electrostatic precipitator,
• water cooling/cleaning unit,
• disposable pleated or bag filters,
• activated carbon filters,
• oxidizing pellet beds,
• incineration,
• catalytic conversion,
• proper packaging and frequency of food waste disposal,
r
m m
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Timing
Monitoring and
Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
and
• exhaust stack and vent location with respect to
receptors
3.2 Biological Resources
Mitigation Measure 3.2-1: Conduct Site -Specific
Submittal of pre-
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Botanical Surveys and Implement Protective Actions if
construction rare plant
Grading/Building
Development
Rare Plants are Identified
surveys, where special
Permits and During
Services,
During the appropriate phenological periods, preconstruction
status plants have the
Construction
Planning
fare plant surveys shall be conducted in areas where special-
potential to occur in
Department
status plants have the potential to occur in construction
s
areas and
areas. Developed areas will not be required to be surveyed,
identconstruction
menand
employment
employment
because of the lack of suitable habitat for rare plant species.
Before the start of construction, the location of special -status
protective actions
should special status
plants shall be identified, then shall be marked or flagged for
plants bed found in the
avoidance; or as appropriate, the limits of construction shall
be marked between the plants and the construction area. If
construction area, as a
condition of grading
impacts on rare plants cannot be avoided, a qualified
and building permits
botanist shall oversee the collection ofthc upper inches of
for projects within the
topsoil in the areas where any identified spocial-status plant
Plan area.
species would be affected. Once construction has been
completed. the topsoil shall be stockpiled separately and
restored to tate general area ordisturbance;.
Mitigation Measure 3.2-2: Conduct Site -Specific
Submittal of pre-
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Preconstruction Nesting Bird Surveys and Implement
construction nesting
Grading/Building
Development
Protective Actions if Active Nests Are Detected
bird survey results or
Permits and During
Services,
A preconstruction survey shall be conducted by a qualified
confirmation from a
Construction
Planning
biologist for nesting raptors and other special -status bird
qualified project
biologist during the
Department
species a maximum of 2 weeks before the start of any new
breeding season
construction activities (i.e., ground clearing and grading,
{February ls`-August
(Fe`)
staging of equipment, ground disturbance) during the
that no migratory
ra
breeding season (February 1—August 31) so that no nesting
birds are within or
migratory birds are within or adjacent to the construction
adjacent to the
adjacent to t
area. If active nests are found during the preconstruction
area or if
survey, a no -disturbance buffer zone shall be created around
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
active nests during the breeding season or until a qualified
active nests are found,
biologist has determined that the young have fledged. The
implement protective
no -disturbance buffer zone shall be a minimum of 250 feet
actions, including
from active raptor nests, 100 feet from special -status species,
confirmation from the
and 50 feet from non -special -status nesting bird species until
project biologist that
the chicks have fledged. Reductions in the size of the buffer
the nesting cycle has
zones and or allowances of limited types of construction
been completed, as a
activities within the buffer zone shall be determined by a
condition of grading
qualified biologist and shall be based on existing noise and
and building permits
human disturbance levels in the plan area and observed
for projects within the
evidence of disturbance to birds.
plan area.
Mitigation Measure 3.2-3: Implement Site -Specific
Identification of
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Natural Erosion Control Materials to Reduce the
materials to be used for
Grading/Building
Development
Potential for Entrapment of Special -Status Species
erosion control on
Permits and During
Services,
Plastic monofilament netting (e.g., erosion control matting
construction drawings,
Construction
Planning
or wattles) shall not be used in special -status species habitat,
as a condition of
Department
because wildlife can become trapped in the netting and it
grading and building
permits for projects
leaves plastic particles in the soil and water as it degrades.
within the plan area.
Appropriate fiber netting or similar natural materials (e.g.,
coconut coir matting) shall be used for erosion control or
other purposes in sensitive areas, to reduce the potential for
entrapping wildlife.
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
Mitigation Measure 3.2-4: Conduct Site -Specific
Submittal of pre-
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Preconstructlon Surveys and Implement Protective
construction survey for
Grading/Building
Development
Actions if Special -Status Species Are Identified
special status species
Permits and During
Services,
within or adjacent to
Construction
Planning
I'mTonstruction surveys for special -status species shall be
the construction area
Department
conducted at active construction areas by a qualified
and if special status
biologist. However, construction areas that have a developed
species are
land cover type—including urban, residential, paved, or
encountered,
gravel areas—shall be surveyed at the discretion of a
implement protective
qualified biologist based on the potential for biological
actions, including
rmu ces to be affected. In the event that a special -status
ceasing construction
species is encountered, all construction activities will stop
activities until the
within 50 feet of the individual. Construction activities will
species has left the
not resume until the individual has left the project area of its
project area, as a
own volition. If a special -status species becomes trapped in a
condition of grading
construction area, or does not leave the project area of its
and building permits
own volition, the appropriate resource agencies will be
for projects within the
contacted to determine a course of action for species
plan area.
relocation.
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Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
Mitigation Measure 3.2-5: Prepare and Implement Site-
Issuance of a site
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Specific Tree Mitigation and Replacement Plans
development permit
Grading/Building
Development
Project applicants seeking to remove pmtectec, trees shall
upon approval of a tree
Permits and During
Services,
prepare a tree mitigation and replacement plan, in
mitigation and
Construction
Planning
accordance with Division 175, ``Rcsiiurce rVlanagement;" of,
replacement plan,
Department
the City of Rohnert Park Zon ing Ordinance. Tile plan shall
required for projects
include all or the Following dements:
seeking tremove
protectiveo trees, as
(1) Are inventory of trees planned for removal and any work
addressed in the City's
planned within the dripline oi'protected trees;
Zoning Ordinance, as a
(2) Replacement or trees at a ratio agreed on with tlee City of
condition of grading
Rohncrt Park and in accordance with the tree protection
and building permits
ordinance;
for projects within the
plan area.
(3) The specific locations of the tree planting, including a
map and planting plan;
(4) Schedules and methodologies for maintaining and
monitoring the success of the plan; and
(5) Performance standards.
This plan shall be reviewed and approved by the City before
issuance of a site development permit, and the plan shall be
implemented throughout project construction.
3.3 Cultural Resources
Mitigation Measure 3.3-1: Implement Site -Specific
Compliance with
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Procedures for Inadvertent Discovery of Cultural
federal, State, and local
Grading/Building
Development
Resources
regulations regarding
Permits and During
Services,
All appropriate federal, state, and local regulations regarding
cultural resources and
Construction
Planning
cultural resources shall be closely adhered to; these
approved mitigation
Department
regulations contain measures that safeguard against
plan for inadvertent
significant impacts on cultural resources. Because of surface
discovery of cultural
conditions, archaeological pedestrian surveys would be
resources, as a
condition of grading
ineffective in most areas. If cultural resources are
and building permits
encountered during project implementation, the applicant
for projects within the
shall notify the City of Rohnert Park and all activity within
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
100 feet of the find shall halt until it can be evaluated by a
plan area.
qualified archaeologist. Prehistoric archaeological materials
might include obsidian and chert flaked -stone tools (e.g.,
projectile points, knives, scrapers) or toolmaking debris;
culturally darkened soil (midden) containing heat -affected
rocks, artifacts, or shellfish remains; and stone milling
equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles, handstones, or milling
slabs); and battered stone tools, such as hammerstones and
pitted stones. Historic -period materials might include stone,
concrete, or adobe footings and walls; filled wens or privies;
and deposits of metal, glass, and/or ceramic refuse. if the
resource is Native American in origin and the archaeologist
and a Native American representative determine that the
resources may be significant and cannot be avoided, they
shall notify the City of Rohnert Park and an appropriate
treatment plan for the resources shall be developed by the
applicant, in consultation with the City of Rohnert Park and
the archaeologist. Measures in the treatment plan could
include preservation in place (capping) and/or data recovery.
The archaeologist shall consult with Native American
representatives in determining appropriate treatment for
prehistoric or Native American cultural resources. Ground
disturbance shall not resume within 100 feet of the find until
an agreement has been reached as to the appropriate
treatment of the find.
Mitigation Measure 3.3-2: Implement Site -Specific
Verification of
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Procedures for Inadvertent Discovery of Human
inclusion of
Grading/Building
Development
Remains
requirement in general
Permits and During
Services,
If human remains, including disarticulated or cremated
motes on grading plan
Construction
Planning
remains, are encountered during construction, all ground-
and approved
Department
disturbing activities within 100 feet of the discovery must
mitigation plan for
immediately cease. PRC Section 5097.98, and
inadvertent discovery
Section 7050.5 of California Health and Safety Code require
of human remains, as a
that the County Coroner be immediately notified when
condition of grading
and building permits
human remains are identified. The project proponent and
for projects within the
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
City of Rohnert Park also must be immediately notified. If
plan area.
the County Coroner determines that the remains are Native
American, the NAHC must be contacted within 24 hours,
pursuant to Subdivision (c) of §7050.5 of the Health and
Safety Code. The City of Rohnert Park shall consult with the
Most Likely Descendent, if any, identified by the NAHC
regarding excavation and removal of the human remains.
The project proponent and appropriate agency should be
responsible for approval of any recommended investigation
and action, taking into account state law as presented in
State CEQA Guidelines 15064.5(e) and PRC 5097.98.
Before resumption of ground -disturbing activities within
100 feet of the human remains, all mitigation regarding the
human remains shall be implemented. If removal of human
remains is determined to be the appropriate mitigation, it
shall be conducted by a qualified archaeologist with Native
American burial experience.
3.4 Geology, Soils, and Paleontology
g
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
Mitigation Measure 3.4-1: Prepare, Submit, and
Approved final geo-
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Implement Site -Specific Geotechnical Reports
technical report, with
Grading/Building
Development
As part of any project -level CEQA analysis within the plan
site and building plans
Permits and During
Services,
area, the project applicant(s) of each site-specific project
prepared in accordance
Construction
Planning
shall retain a licensed geotechnical engineer to prepare a
with report
Department and
final geotechnical report per California Building Standards
recninmendations, as a
Rohnert Park
Code and City requirements for the proposed facilities that
condition of grading
Public Safety
shall be submitted for review and approval to the City of
and building permits
Department
Rohnert Park. The final geotechnical engineering report
for projects within the
shall address and make recommendations on the following:
plan area.
• seismic design parameters;
• seismic ground shaking;
• liquefaction;
• expansive/unstable soils;
• site preparation;
• soil bearing capacity;
• structural foundations, including retaining -wall design;
• grading practices; and
• soil corrosion of concrete and steel.
In addition to the recommendations for the conditions listed
above, the geotechnical investigation shall include
subsurface testing of soil and groundwater conditions (as
appropriate), and shall determine appropriate foundation
designs that are consistent with the version of the CBC that
is applicable at the time building and grading permits are
applied for. All recommendations contained in the final
geotechnical engineering report shall be implemented by the
project applicant(s) of each site-specific project. Design and
construction of all new project development shall be in
accordance with the CBC. The project applicant(s) shall
provide for engineering inspection and certification by a
qualified geotechnical or civil engineer that earthwork has
been performed in conformity with recommendations
5
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Timing
Monitoring and
Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
contained in the geotechnical report.
3.5 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Mitigation Measure 3.5-1: Assess GHG Emissions
Inclusion ofapplicable
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Associated with Project -Specific Construction and Alter
BAAQMD mitigation
Grading/Building
Development
Project Details and/or Construction Equipment as
measures, associated
Permits and During
Services,
Needed
with reduction of GFIG
Construction
Planning
As part of any project -level CEQA analysis, project
emissions from
Department
applicants are responsible for and shall assess and compare
construction activities,
GHG emission impacts related.to the construction of
part of project level
individual projects in the plan area with BAAQMD's
C s
CEQA analysis, in
thresholds of significance for project -level impacts.
accordance with
Potentially significant GHG impacts shall be mitigated to a
BAAQMD's CEQA
less -than -significant level via implementation of all exhaust-
Guidelines,
condition of grading rading
related BAAQMD Basic or Additional Construction
building permits
Mitigation Measures and alteration of project details and/or and
for projects within the
construction equipment.
plan area.
Mitigation Measure 3.5-2: Purchase Carbon Offsets to
Purchase carbon credits
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Reduce Emissions
to offset project level
Grading/Building
Development
Following implementation of Mitigation Measure 3.5-1 (i.e.,
air pollutant emissions
Permits
Services,
project -level analysis and comparison with BAAQMD's
from construction or
Planning
thresholds of significance), if construction or operational
operation that exceed
Department
emissions are determined to continue to exceed BAAQMD's
the BAAQMD's GHG
GHG threshold, the project applicant shall purchase carbon
thresholds, after
implementation of
offsets to reduce the remaining emissions above the
applicable mitigation
threshold. If at the time of the analysis BAAQMD has not
measures, as condition
yet developed a construction -related GHG threshold of
of grading and building
significance, the project applicant shall coordinate with
permits for projects
BAAQMD to determine a surrogate threshold. Any offset of
within the plan area.
project emissions shall be demonstrated to be real,
permanent, verifiable, enforceable, and additional.
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
To the maximum extent feasible, as determined through
coordination with BAAQMD, offsets shall be implemented
locally. Offsets may include, but are not limited to, the
following (in order of preference):
(1) On-site offset of project emissions; for example,
development of on-site renewable energy generation or a
carbon sequestration project. Any on-site offset projects
must be registered with the Climate Action Reserve or
otherwise approved by BAAQMD to be used to offset
project emissions. The number of offset credits
produced would then be included in the annual
inventory, and the net emissions calculations (i.e., with
inclusion of offsets).
(2) Funding of local projects, subject to review and approval
by BAAQMD that will result in real, permanent,
verifiable, enforceable, and additional reduction in GHG
emissions. If BAAQMD or the City of Rohnert Park
develops a GHG mitigation fund, the project applicant
may instead pay into this fund to offset GHG emissions
in excess of the significance threshold.
(3) Purchase of carbon credits to offset emissions below the
significance threshold. Only carbon offset credits that
are verified and registered with the Climate Action
Reserve, or available through a City -approved local
GHG mitigation bank or fund, may be used to offset
project emissions.
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Timing
Monitoring and
Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
Mitigation Measure 3.5-3: Assess GHG Emissions
Submittal of
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Associated with Project -Specific Operations and Alter
documentation
Grading/Building
Development
Project Details as Needed
demonstrating GHG
Permits
Services,
As part of any project -level CEQA analysis, project
emission impacts of
Planning
applicants are responsible for and shall assess and compare
projects are below
Department
GHG emission impacts related to the operation of individual
BAAQMD's thresholds
of significance for
projects in the plan area to BAAQMD's thresholds of
project -level impacts or
significance for project -level impacts (i.e., 1,100 MT COZe
inclusion of additional
per year). Potentially significant GHG impacts shall be
mitigated to a less -than -significant level via alteration of
mitigation measures to
project details.
reduce potential
impacts to a less -than -
significant level, as
condition of grading
and building permits
for projects within the
plan area.
3.6 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Mitigation Measure 3,6-1: Consult with the North Coast
Submittal of tests,
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
RWQC8 and Sonoma County Environmental Health
recommended by the
Grading/Building
Development
and -Sarety Prior to Development at Known
North Coast RWQCB
Permits
Services,
Contamination Sites and Implement Consultation
and Sonoma County
Planning
Recommendations
Environmental Health
Department and
During the CEQA analysis for each project, the project
and Safety on known
Rohnert Park
applicant far any project to redevelop the known hazardous
contamination sites in
Public Safety
material contamination sites associated with 5600 State
the planning area that
Department
Farm Drive, 5750 Commerce Boulevard, and 600 Enterprise
demonstrate the safety
of soil and groundwater
Drive shall consult with the North Coast RWQCB and
remediation for
Sonoma County Environmental Health and Safety to
construction and future
detennine whether soil and groundwater remediation have
operational activities,
been achieved to levels that would be protective of human
as a condition of
health during construction and future operAtional activities at
grading and building
each site. Any applieahle tests that may be required by the
permits for projects
North Coast RWQCB prior to development, stash as vapor
within the plan area.
intrusion studies related to indoor air quality or soil or
9
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
groundwater testing, shall be conducted either by the project
applicant or by the party responsible for site cleanup
activities, as appropriate.
Mitigation Measure 3.6-2: Remove Project-Speeifle
Provide an as asbestos
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Asbestos -Containing Materia[ and Lead -Based Paint in
survey, conducted by a
Grading/Building
Development
Accordance with Federal, State, and Local Regulations
certified asbestos
Permits and During
Services,
The project applicant shall retain a Cal -OSHA certified
consultant of any
Construction
Planning
buildings constructed
Department and
asbestos consu[tan( before reuse, remodeling, or demolition
prior to 1978 to
Rohnert Park
of any existing on-site buildings that were constructed prior
investigate the presence
Public Safety
to 1978 to investigate whether any ACMs or lead-based
of asbestos or lead-
y
paints are present, and could become friable or mobile
based paints and if
during demolition activities. If any materials containing
necessary, an approved
remediation plan for
asbestos or lead-based paints are found, they shall be
asbestos abatement,
removed by an accredited contractor in accordance with
with subsequent
EPA, Cal -OSHA, and BAAQMD standards. In addition, all
submittal or report
activities (construction or demolition) in the vicinity of these
documenting
materials shall comply with Cal -OSHA asbestos and lead
remediation, as
condition of grading
worker construction standards. The materials containing
and building permits
asbestos and lead shall be disposed of properly at an
for projects within the
appropriate off-site disposal facility.
plan area.
C)
a
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Timing
Monitoring and
Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
Mitigation Measure 3.6-3: Prepare and Implement
An approved traffic
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Project -Specific Construction Traffic Control Pians
control plan for
Grading/Building
Development
The project applicant shall prepare and implement a traffic
construction activities,
Permits and During
Services,
control plan for Construction activities that may afi'cct road
as condition of grading
Construction
Planning
rights-of-way, to facilitate travel ofemergency, vehicles on
and building permits
Department
affected roadways. The traffic control plan must follow
for projects within the
applicable City of Rohnert Park standards and must be
plan area.
approved and signed by a professional engineer. Measures
typically used in traffic control plans include advertising of
planned lane closures, warning signage, a flag person to
direct traffic flows when needed, and methods to ensure
continued access by emergency vehicles. During project
construction, access to the existing land uses shall be
maintained at all times, with detours used, as necessary,
during road closures. The traffic control plan shall be
submitted to the City for review and approval before the
approval of all site-specific development plans or permits.
3.7 Hydrology and Water Quality
Mitigation Measure 3.7-1: Prepare and Implement Site-
Approved stonnwater
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Specific SWPPPs
pollution prevention
Grading/Building
Development
During construction for any project within the plan area tltat
plan, in conformance
Permits and During
Services,
disturbs I acre or more, the applicant or its consultant shall
with the North Coast
Construction
Planning
apply to the North Coast RWQCB for coverage under the
RWQCB Construction
Department
Construction General Permit and prepare a site-specific
General Permit, as
SWPPP before any demolition, grading, or construction
condition of grading
and building permits
activities begin. The SWPPP shall cover pre- and post-
for projects within the
construction activities and describe site-specific and
plan area.
construction phase -specific activities detailing the following:
• activities that may cause pollutant discharge (including
sediment);
• BMPs, consistent with the requirements of the NPDES
permit, to reduce the potential for contaminated runoff,
such as limiting ground -disturbing activities during the
winter rainfall period, minimizing exposure of
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and Date
Enforcement Completed
disturbed areas and soil stockpiles to rainfall, and
minimizing construction activities near or within
drainage facilities;
• erosion and sedimentation control measures to be
implemented, such as soil stabilization, mulching, silt
fencing, or temporary desalting basins; good
housekeeping practices, such as road sweeping and dust
control; and diversion measures, such as the use of
berms to prevent clear runoff from contacting disturbed
areas; and
hazardous materials spill prevention and response
measure requirements, including lists of materials
proposed for use, handling and storage practices,
identification of spill response equipment, spill
containment and cleanup procedures, and identification
of regulatory notification protocols and contact phone
numbers to be used in the event of a spill.
The applicant shall implement the SWPPP, monitoring all
BMPs and the parties responsible for them, in conformance
with the guidelines set forth in the Construction General
Permit.
Mitigation Measure 3.7-2: Prepare, Submit, and
Approved site-specific
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Implement Site -Specific Erosion Control Plans
erosion control plan for
Grading/Building
Development
During any project consttxtction in the plan area that requires
sites that will involve
Permits and During
Services,
a grading permit, the project applicant shall submit a site-
grading activities, as
Construction
Planning
:specific erosion control plan (CCP) to the City of Rohncrt
condition of grading
Department
Park City Enginmr. Alt sites that will have grading activities
and building permits
are required to submit an CCP. The ECP shall include the
for projects within the
placoment of structural and nonstructural stormwatrr
plan area.
pollution prevention controls that prevent erosion during and
aper Construction. Propersoil stabilization shall be required
for all gmdLd areas. A grading permit shut] not be issued
until ail of the required data, including the CCP, have hcen
submitted and approved. City of Rolarert Park
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Timing
Monitoring and
Date
Compliance
Enforcement
Completed
Ordinance 798, Section 15.50.090, provides additional detail
regarding excavation, grading, and filling regulations.
]Mitigation Measure 3.7-3: Prepare. and Implement Site-
Approved construction
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Specific Provisions for Dewatering
dewatering plan in
Grading/Building
Development
The applicant for any project associated with the proposed
compliance with local
Permits and During
Services,
plan, or the project applicant's consultant, shall prepare and
and North Coast
Construction
Planning
implement provisions for dewatering during construction, in
RWQCB requirements,
Department
accordance with local and North Coast RWQCB
as condition of grading
requirements, to minimize adverse water quality impacts on
and building permits
for projects within the
surface water and groundwater. Provisions may include
pian area.
preparation of a dewatering plan that details procedures for
removing groundwater, methods of temporary water
treatment/retention facility, and water disposal procedures.
3.8 Noise
Mitigation Measure 3.8-1: Prepare Site -Specific Interior
Approved interior
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Acoustical Analysis Reports and Implement Report
acoustical analysis
Grading/Building
Development
Recommendations
report for new
Permits and During
Services,
As part of any project -level CEQA analysis, the project
residential
Construction
Planning
applicant shall have an acoustical analysis prepared by a
developments, and if
Department
qualified acoustical consultant for all new residential
required, recommended
developments that are within 60 dBA Ldn or higher, to
noise mitigation
document that an acceptable interior noise level of 45 dBA
measures, as condition
of grading and building
Ldn or below will be achieved with the windows and doors
Permits for projects
closed. The report shall be submitted at plan check to the
within the plan area.
City for approval.
Mitigation Measures
Standard for
Compliance
Timing
Monitoring and
Enforcement
Date
Completed
Mitigation Measure 3.8-2: Prepare Site -Specific Exterior
Approved exterior
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Acoustical Analysis Reports and Implement Report
acoustical analysis
Grading/Building
Development
Recommendalions
report for residential
Permits and During
Services,
Before the issuance of grading permits, an acoustical
outdoor uses and if
Construction
Planning
analysis report shall be prepared by a qualified acoustical
required, recommended
Department
consultant and submitted to the City Engineer for review.
noise mitigation
The report shall indicate that the exterior noise levels at the
measures, as condition
residential outdoor uses, including outdoor courtyards and
grading and building
outdoor pool decks (except for private balconies), would be
permits for projects
pe
within the plan area.
60 dBA CNEL or lower. Methods to reduce the exterior
noise inay include a sound barrier or earth berms; setback
from the roadways (i.e., buffer); or placing the outdoor
spaces behind buildings, to reduce the traffic noise from
adjacent roadway.
Mitigation Measure 3.8-3s Restrict Construction Activity
Documented in general
Prior to Issuance of
Rohnert Park
Timing and Construction Equipment Specifications and
notes on grading and
Grading/Building
Development
Location
construction plans, as
Permits and During
Services,
Construction activities within 500 feet of residential use
condition of grading
Construction
Planning
shall be limited to the hours of 8:00 a. in. to 6:00 p.m.. in
and building permits
Department
accordance with the City's Municipal Code.
for projects within the
plan area.
Power construction equipment shall be equipped with state-
of-the-art noise shielding and muffling devices. All
equipment shall be properly maintained to assure that no
additional noise attributable to worn or improperly
maintained parts would be generated.
Stationary -source construction equipment that may have a
flexible specific location on-site (e.g., generators and
compressors) shall be located to maintain the greatest
distance from sensitive land uses, and unnecessary idling of
equipment shall be prohibited.
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Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan
MMRP-26 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program