2013/10/24 Planning Commission Resolution (2)PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2013-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE
REDWOOD EQUITIES GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONING AMENDMENT,
AND STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, the applicant, Redwood Equities Investments, LLC, proposes to amend the
General Plan Diagram and Stadium Area Master Plan Final Development Plan (SAMP) (the
"Project"); and
WHEREAS, an Initial Study was prepared for the Project and concluded that the
proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment with implementation of
mitigation measures; therefore a Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California State Law, the Mitigated Negative Declaration were
circulated for a period of 20 days and a Notice of Intent was published in the Community Voice
on October 4, 2013; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California State Law and the City of Rohnert Park Municipal
Code (RPMC), a public hearing notice was published for a minimum of 10 days prior to the first
public hearing in the Community Voice; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2013, the Planning Commission held a public meeting at
which time interested persons had an opportunity to testify regarding the Initial Study and
Mitigated Negative Declaration; and
WHEREAS, at the October 24, 2013 public meeting the Planning Commission of the
City of Rohnert Park reviewed and considered the information contained in the Initial Study and
Negative Declaration for the proposal, which is attached to this resolution as Exhibit 1; and
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 Negative Declarations, have been fully
implemented in the preparation of the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City
of Rohnert Park makes the following findings, determinations and recommendations with respect
to the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the proposed Project:
1. The Planning Commission has independently reviewed, analyzed and considered
the Mitigated Negative Declaration and all written documentation and public
comments prior to making recommendations to the City Council on the proposed
Project; and
2. An Initial Study was prepared for the project, and on the basis of substantial
evidence in the whole record, there is no substantial evidence that the project will
have a significant effect on the environment, therefore a Mitigated Negative
Declaration has been prepared which reflects the lead agency's independent
judgment and analysis.
3. The Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared, publicized, circulated, and
reviewed in compliance with the provisions of CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines;
and
4. The Mitigated Negative Declaration constitutes an adequate, accurate, objective,
and complete Mitigated Negative Declaration in compliance with all legal
standards; 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 City Clerk.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert
Park that approval of the Project would not result in any significant effects on the environment
with implementation of mitigation measures identified in the Mitigated Negative Declaration and
the Planning Commission does hereby recommend that City Council approve and adopt the
Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study set forth in Exhibit 1 and direct the filing of a
Notice of Determination with the County Clerk; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert
Park that Exhibit 2 (CEQA Findings) and Exhibit 3 (Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program) of this Resolution provide findings required under Section 15091 of the CEQA
Guidelines for significant effects of the Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert
Park that it does hereby recommend City Council adopt the CEQA Findings of Fact and
mitigation measures set forth in Exhibits 2 and 3; 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 24th day of October, 2013 by the City
of Rohnert Park Planning Commission by the following vote:
AYES: � NOES: ABSENT: Z ABSTAIN:
ADAMS � BLA NOUIE Y BORBA6 yj-.iGIUD�s"tHAYDON I
'Susan Adams, Chairperson, City of Rohnert Park Planning Commission
Attest:
usan Azevedo, Recor ' ig Secretary
EXHIBIT 1
NINDAS
INITIAL STUDY
REDWOOD EQUITIES GPA/ REZONE
ig
C Qk'iNERT PAS
'N%`A L I F 0 R 14 !1�
62
City of Rohnert Park
PL2013-041
OCTOBER 2013
PROJECT TITLE:
LEAD AGENCY:
CONTACT PERSON:
REDWOOD EQUITIES GPA / REZONE
INITIAL STUDY
Redwood Equities GPA/Rezone
City of Rohnert Park
Development Services
130 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-2486
Marilyn Ponton
(707) 588-2231
PROJECT LOCATION: Labath Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA
APN:143-040-127
PROTECT APPLICANT: Redwood Equities Investments, LLC
100 B Street, Suite 210
GENERAL PLAN:
ZONTNG:
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Existing: Public/ Institutional
Proposed: High Density Residential
Existing: Public Institutional (P -I)
Proposed: Planned Development
EXISTING LAND USE: Vacant land
PROJECT SUMMARY
The project applicant, Redwood Equities Investments, LLC, is proposing to amend the
boundaries of the City of Rohnert Park Stadium Area Master Plan ("SAMP") Planned
Development ("PD") Zoning District to include the vacant, 3.0 -acre project site. This would
provide for future development of a portion of the high density residential housing units
allocated in the SAMP. The SAMP Final Development Plan, adopted by the City of Rohnert
Park in February 2008, provides standards for development within the 29.8 acre SAMP area,
which is located in the northwest corner of the City. The proposed project site is currently
zoned "P -I" Public Institutional and the General Plan land use designation for the site is
Public/ Institutional. The proposed project would amend the zoning designation of the site
from P -I to "PD" Planned Development and amend the General Plan land use designation from
Public / Institutional to High Density Residential. The proposed project would also involve
amendments to the text and figures included in the SAMP Final Development Plan.
PROJECT LOCATION
The project site is located in the City of Rohnert Park, Sonoma County, California. The
proposed project site is comprised of 3.0 acres (APN: 143-040-127) in the northwest area of the
City.
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 1
PROJECT SITE CHARACTERISTICS
The project site, located on Labath Avenue in the City of Rohnert Park, comprises
approximately 3.0 acres of vacant land. The site previously supported a City wastewater
treatment facility holding pond. The site is predominately flat and significantly disturbed.
Onsite vegetation is sparse.
SURROUNDING LAND USES AND SETTING
The project site is located in the northwest portion of the City in an area predominately
characterized by existing commercial and industrial/ business uses. The site is located adjacent
to the eastern border of the SAMP area and bounded by the proposed Dowdell Avenue
Extension (west); industrial/ business uses (north); the City Animal Shelter and Wastewater
Treatment Plant (east); and Costco (south).
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS AND PLANS
SAMP Final Development Plan
In accordance with the City of Rohnert Park Zoning Code 17.06. Article VII, the purpose of a
"PD" Planned Development Zoning District is to set forth the standards for the development of
a Final Development Plan. The SAMP Final Development Plan (hereafter referred to as the
SAMP) provides the specific development standards for the 29.8 acres within the SAMP area.
Land uses within the boundaries of the SAMP include: High Density Residential (12-24
units/acre), Commercial -Regional, and Parks/ Recreation.
SAMP Environmental Impact Report
The SAMP Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH # 2005042111) was certified by the City of
Rohnert Park City Council on in June 2008.
The SAMP Final Development Plan and EIR are available for review upon request from the City
of Rohnert Park Planning Department. Additional sources consulted in preparing the Initial
Study are listed in the References section of this document.
PROPOSED PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
As previously stated, the proposed project involves a General Plan Amendment, Zoning
Amendment, and amendment to the SAMP. Each proposed project action is described below.
General Plan Amendment
The project proposes to amend the City of Rohnert Park General Plan Diagram (General Plan
Figure 2.2-1) to change the land use designation of the project site from Public / Institutional to
High Density Residential. Figure 1 shows the proposed changes to the General Plan Diagram.
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 2
Zoning Amendment
The project proposes to amend the boundaries of the SAMP Planned Development ("PD")
Zoning District, which would require an amendment to the City of Rohnert Park Zoning Map to
change the zoning designation for the project site from "P -I" to "PD". Figure 2 shows the
proposed amendment to the Zoning Map.
Stadium Area Master Plan (SAMP) Final Development Plan Amendment
The project proposes to amend the boundaries of the SAMP PD Zoning District to include the
3.0 -acre project site. Expanding the SAMP boundaries to include the project site would increase
the high density designated residential acreage from approximately 13.6 acres to 16.6 acres total
and the total acreage within the SAMP would increase from 29.8 acres to 32.8 acres. The SAMP
allows for development of a maximum of 338 housing units within the designated high density
residential areas. The project applicant is proposing to utilize the project site in combination
with the 2 acre parcel adjacent to the southern boundary of the project site to develop 94 of the
high density residential units allocated in the SAMP. The adjacent parcel is located within the
SAMP boundaries.
The project would also require minor amendments to the text and figures in the SAMP Final
Development Plan to reflect the changes in acreage and boundary line adjustments.
ENTITLEMENTS AND REQUIRED APPROVALS
The project would require the following approvals from the City of Rohnert Park:
• General Plan Amendment
• Zoning Amendment
• Amendment to Stadium Area Master Plan Final Development Plan
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 3
�;_..r'I�i'.
�;y"'' •••••••• Sphere of Influence
;�,�, U,F Rural Estate Residential � Mised Use � P
Low Density Residential Office
- Medium Density Residential M Public/Institutional
- High Density Residential Parks/Recreation
Industrial Open Space - Environmental Conservation
- Commercial - N Open Space - Agriculture and Resource Management
- Commercial - RCommunity Separator
Commercial - R/
High Density Residential
All maps are inlended to be con5is1enl with the General Plon Diagram.
Addi lional ac lmenls to olher maps may be made ler consislency
Base dola li om Courtly of Sonoma GIS depohmenl and the Cily o1 Rohnerl Park
20 Year Urban Growth Boundary
City Limits
Existing/Proposed
"' • Major Arterial (4-6 lanes)
........ Minor Arterial (2 lanes)
- Major Collector (4 lanes)
------- - -----' Minor Collector (2 lanes)
Figure 2.2-1
General Plan Diagram
Adopted: 11 /7/2000
Diagram Revisions: 11/7/2000
1/23/0 1
Reso 2001-24
7/24/01 Reso 2001-161
B/28/O1 Reso 2001-192
10/22/02 Reso 2002-247
10/14/03 Reso, 2003236
and 2003-238
9/25/05 Reso 2005-296
5/23/06 Reso 2006-142
6/13/06 Reso 2006-161
6/10/00 Reso 2008-87
8/24/10 Reso 2010-102
12/7/10 Reso 2010-133
Reso 2010-135
,4 HOLLY AVE
Coleman Creek
-II
�M
GOLF COARSE DR
I,,.-- 1� 1,4 prAik�}.i
JJ�
�. GOLF COUFSBR :OH ff�r .ELEANOR MIj-
II / ;•' Fiw Creek
a o
o
J
Ori' Will
AN, W 01 WRI MM PARR: a"
Qdiffi
I/M
{ltu�r<rc� o
sxaaL ��540V`ro �m scxoo. zcu. I t'
Districts
R -E: Estate Residential
R -R: Rural Residential
R -L: Low Density Residential
R -M: Medium Density Residential
R -H: High Density Residential
R-M/M-H. Medium Density Residential/Mobile Home Overlay
/C -N: Neighborhood Commercial
C-R:Regional Commercial -
C -O: Office Commercial
I -L: Industrial
-L/O: Industrial/Office Overlay
M -U: Mixed Use
P -I: Public Institutional
OS -EC: Open Space - Environmental Conservation \
OS -ARM: Open Space -Agricultural and Resource Management
SP: Specific Plan
• • PD: Planned Development
j ;City Limits
—20 Year Urban Growth Boundary
•••• Sphere of Influence
City of Rohnert Park Zoning Map
0 2,000 4,000 8,000
Feet
1 in = 2,000 ft
S elember2013
P ,em Uis � d rm�amr �orc
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project,
involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the
checklist on the following pages.
Q
Aesthetics
❑
Agriculture and
❑
Air Quality
Forestry Resources
❑
Biological Resources
❑
Cultural Resources
❑
Geology/Soils
❑
Greenhouse Gas
❑
Hazards& Hazardous
❑
Hydrology/ Water
Emissions
Materials
Quality
❑
Land Use/Planning
❑
Mineral Resources
❑
Noise
❑
Population / Housing
❑
Public Services
❑
Recreation
❑
Transportation/ Traffic
❑
Utilities / Service
❑
Mandatory Findings
Systems
of Significance
Z.
None with Mitigation
DETERMINATION: (To be completed
by the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
❑ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,
and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
® I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,
there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made
by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be
prepared.
❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially
significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been
adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has
been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached
sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the
effects that remain to be addressed.
❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,
because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or
NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or
mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or
mitigation measures that are impo�pd upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Signature:(/~- Date: 6 f
Printed Marilyn Ponton ICP Development Services For: City of Rohnert Park
Name: Manager
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 6
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
a., b. The project area is not designated, or adjacent to, a scenic vista or a state scenic
highway in the City of Rohnert Park General Plan (City of Rohnert Park, 2000). There
are no scenic resources or unique natural features at the site. The project site is graded
and once supported a City wastewater holding pond.
The project site is adjacent to the existing SAMP area. As noted in the SAMP EIR, the
Sonoma County General Plan identifies U.S. 101 and Petaluma Hill Road as designated
scenic corridors (Sonoma County, 2008), and the SAMP area is not visible from either of
those corridors.
The project would have no impacts to scenic vistas, nor would it result in damage to
scenic resources.
C. As stated above, the site is located in an urban area that contains a mixture of regional
commercial, public/ institutional, and industrial park uses. The project site is vacant
and once supported a wastewater treatment plant holding pond. The project proposes
to amend the land use and zoning designation of the site from public/ institutional to
high density residential, and include the site within the SAMP area. The SAMP allows
for the development of high density residential, commercial -regional, and
park/recreation land uses. The project, if approved, would add 3.0 acres of high
density residential to the SAMP. However, the project applicant is not proposing to
increase the number of high density residential units approved for development in the
SAMP. The project site, in combination with the parcel located adjacent to the southern
boundary of the project site, would be utilized for development of the remaining 94
high density residential units allocated in the SAMP.
The project site is presently undeveloped with sparse vegetation. Surrounding parcels
support industrial, commercial, and public facility land uses. By including the
proposed project site in the SAMP, development of the project site and adjacent parcel
would be required to implement Mitigation Measures AES -1 and AES -2 (included as
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 7
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
I. AESTHETICS
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a)
Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
❑
❑
❑
b)
Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
❑
❑
❑
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
c)
Substantially degrade the existing visual character
❑
F1
❑
❑
or quality of the site and its surroundings?
d)
Create a new source of substantial light or glare]
❑
which would adversely affect day or nighttime views
in the area?
a., b. The project area is not designated, or adjacent to, a scenic vista or a state scenic
highway in the City of Rohnert Park General Plan (City of Rohnert Park, 2000). There
are no scenic resources or unique natural features at the site. The project site is graded
and once supported a City wastewater holding pond.
The project site is adjacent to the existing SAMP area. As noted in the SAMP EIR, the
Sonoma County General Plan identifies U.S. 101 and Petaluma Hill Road as designated
scenic corridors (Sonoma County, 2008), and the SAMP area is not visible from either of
those corridors.
The project would have no impacts to scenic vistas, nor would it result in damage to
scenic resources.
C. As stated above, the site is located in an urban area that contains a mixture of regional
commercial, public/ institutional, and industrial park uses. The project site is vacant
and once supported a wastewater treatment plant holding pond. The project proposes
to amend the land use and zoning designation of the site from public/ institutional to
high density residential, and include the site within the SAMP area. The SAMP allows
for the development of high density residential, commercial -regional, and
park/recreation land uses. The project, if approved, would add 3.0 acres of high
density residential to the SAMP. However, the project applicant is not proposing to
increase the number of high density residential units approved for development in the
SAMP. The project site, in combination with the parcel located adjacent to the southern
boundary of the project site, would be utilized for development of the remaining 94
high density residential units allocated in the SAMP.
The project site is presently undeveloped with sparse vegetation. Surrounding parcels
support industrial, commercial, and public facility land uses. By including the
proposed project site in the SAMP, development of the project site and adjacent parcel
would be required to implement Mitigation Measures AES -1 and AES -2 (included as
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 7
Mitigation Measures 4-1a and 4-1b in the SAMP EIR). These measures would ensure
that impacts to the visual character of the area remain less than significant by applying
the City's design standards to future development projects. Development of the site
with high density residential land uses would change the visual character of the site,
but because the site does not provide substantial scenic value and the future
development would be consistent with the urban nature of the project area, the project
would have a less than significant effect on visual character in the project area.
d. Future development at the project site would be required to comply with the City of
Rohnert Park's lighting and glare standards (Municipal Code Section 17.12.050).
Impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure AES -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 4-1a): The planning and design of
projects constructed within the Stadium Area Master Plan shall conform to the
Community Design Element of the Rohnert Park General Plan. Conformance review
would occur prior to construction within the Project area utilizing the General Plan
Urban Design Element, the Community Design Program, and the City's Subdivision
Design Guidelines.
Mitigation Measure AES -2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 4-1b): During the design review of
proposed projects pursuant to Mitigation Measure AES -1 (SAMP Mitigation Measure 4-
1a), attention will be given to the interface between the industrial, institutional,
commercial, and residential uses. The building and spaces shall be arranged to provide
transition between uses that are complimentary to adjacent uses. The building
materials, colors, linkage to sidewalks, parking placement, landscape design, and plant
materials will be selected to provide a transition between uses to compliment the new
and existing uses.
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
II. AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or ❑ ❑ ❑
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural
use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a ❑ ❑ ❑ E
Williamson Act contract?
c) Involve other changes in the existing environment ❑ ❑ ❑ Z
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non -forest use?
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 8
d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of ❑ ❑ ❑
forest land to non -forest use?
e. Involve other changes in the existing environment ❑ ❑ ❑ 21
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non -forest use?
a.- e. The proposed project site is located in an urban area, adjacent to existing commercial,
business, public/ institutional, and industrial uses. The vacant project site is highly
disturbed and once supported a wastewater treatment plant holding pond. The site is
not identified as prime farmland, unique farmland or farmland of statewide
importance; the project site is not under a Williamson Act contract; and the project site
does not support any forestry resources. It is designated Public/ Institutional in the
City's General Plan and zoned Public/ Institutional (P -I). The site is not planned for or
used for any agricultural or forestry purposes and the proposed project would not
result in the conversion of any agricultural or forest land, conflict with any
agricultural use, or conflict with a Williamson Act contract.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are necessary.
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 9
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
III. AIR QUALITY
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Where available, the significance criteria established by
the applicable air quality management or air pollution
control district may be relied upon to make the following
determinations.
Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
❑
❑
❑
E
applicable air quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute
❑
0
❑
❑
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase
❑
❑
E
❑
of any criteria pollutant for which the project region
is non -attainment under an applicable federal or
state ambient air quality standard (including
releasing emissions which exceed quantitative
thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
❑
❑
®
❑
concentrations?
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial
[]
❑
Z
El
number of people?
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 9
a. The project site is located within the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin, which is
designated non -attainment for the federal 8 -hour ozone standard. The area is in
attainment or unclassified for all other federal standards. The area is designated non -
attainment for state standards for 1 -hour and 8 -hour ozone, 24-hour small particulate
matter (PM10), annual PM10, and annual respirable particulate matter (PM2.5).
To address the region's non -attainment status, the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District (BAAQMD) adopted the Bay Area 2005 Ozone Strategy (BAAQMD, 2006) and
the Bay Area 2010 Clean Air Plan (BAAQMD, 2010), which is an update to the 2005
Ozone Strategy and the prior Clean Air Plan (BAAQMD, 2000). The 2010 Clean Air Plan
provides "an integrated, multi -pollutant strategy to improve air quality, protect public
health, and protect the climate." This strategy includes a number of control measures to
be adopted or implemented to reduce emissions of ozone, PM, air toxics, and
greenhouse gases.
The proposed project site, located adjacent to the current boundaries of the SAMP,
would provide an additional location for future development of the high density
residential units allocated in the SAMP and assumed in the analysis in the SAMP EIR.
In accordance with the conclusions in the SAMP EIR, the project would not be expected
to conflict with the BAAQMD's attainment plan and would have no impact related to
implementation of applicable air quality plans.
b. - d. Future construction activities associated with development at the project site would
generate air pollutant emissions. The most substantial air pollutant would be dust, of
which PM10 is a component. Wind erosion and disturbance to exposed areas would
also be sources of dust emissions.
The proposed project would change the General Plan and zoning designations for the
site from Public Institutional to High Density Residential and PD; no specific
construction is proposed at this time. In the future the project site would support
development of a portion of the 94 remaining High Density Residential units currently
allocated to the SAMP area. The other portion of the 94 units would be built on the
adjacent 2 -acre parcel to the south. While specific development plans for the project site
are not known at this time, it is expected that the project site would support
approximately 50 units (slightly more than half of the 94 units already allocated to the
area).
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines (2010)
include "screening criteria to provide lead agencies and project applicants with a
conservative indication of whether the proposed project could result in potentially
significant air quality impacts. If all of the screening criteria are met by a proposed
project, then the lead agency or applicant would not need to perform a detailed air
quality assessment of their project's air pollutant emissions."
The future development that would be allowed by the proposed General Plan
Amendment and Rezoning would consist of approximately 50 high density residences.
This is less than the construction emissions screening size of 240 dwelling units and less
than the operational emissions screening size of 451 units for the low rise apartments or
general condo/townhouse project types listed in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines. The
project size is the first of the screening criteria. Additional criteria are:
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 10
1. The following Basic Construction Emission Control Measures must be included
in the project design and implemented during construction
a. All active construction areas shall be watered at least two times per day.
b. All exposed non -paved surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil
piles, graded areas, and access roads) shall be watered at least three times
per day and/or non-toxic soil stabilizers shall be applied to exposed non -
paved surfaces.
c. All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material offsite
shall be covered and/or shall maintain at least two feet of freeboard.
d. 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.
e. All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 miles per
hour.
f. All roadways, driveways, and sidewalks to be paved shall be completed
as soon as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after
grading unless seeding or soil binders are used.
g. Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when
not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to five minutes (as
required by the California airborne toxics control measure Title 13,
Section 2485 of California Code of Regulations). Clear signage regarding
idling restrictions shall be provided for construction workers at all access
points.
h. All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in
accordance with manufacturer's specifications. All equipment shall be
checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper
condition prior to operation.
L The prime construction contractor shall post a publicly visible sign with
the telephone number and person to contact at the City of San Jose
and/or Rocketship Education and/or Launchpad Development Twelve
LLC regarding dust complaints. Launchpad Development Twelve LLC
and the construction contractor shall take corrective action within 48
hours. The Air District's phone number shall also be visible to ensure
compliance with applicable regulations;
2. Construction -related activities would not include any of the following:
a. Demolition;
b. Simultaneous occurrence of more than two construction phases;
c. Simultaneous construction of more than one land use type;
d. Extensive site preparation; or
e. Extensive material transport (greater than 10,000 cubic yards).
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 11
By including the proposed project site in the SAMP, development of the project site and
adjacent parcel would be required to implement Mitigation Measure AIR -1 (SAMP EIR
Mitigation Measure 5-2a). This would ensure that future development allowed as a
result of the proposed project would meet the criteria above requiring implementation
of Basic Construction Emission Control Measures. Further the project site is generally
flat, supports sparse vegetation, and supports no existing structures. Based on the site
characteristics, it is expected that the screening criteria related to construction -related
activities would be met with future development of the project site. Therefore, with
implementation of Mitigation Measure AIR -1, all of the BAAQMD screening criteria
would be met and future development on the project site allowed by the proposed
General Plan Amendment and Rezone would have a less than significant impact related
to criteria air pollutant emissions and exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations.
Further, as described in Section I.2 of the BAAQMD 2010 CEQA Guidelines, Thresholds
of Significance, "by its very nature, air pollution is largely a cumulative impact. No
single project is sufficient in size to, by itself, result in nonattainment of ambient air
quality standards." Therefore, the thresholds of significance developed by the
BAAQMD reflect the "emission levels for which a project's individual emissions would
be cumulatively considerable." A project with emissions that are below the thresholds
of significance would not make a considerable contribution to any cumulative impacts.
Because the future development allowed by the proposed project would remain
substantially below the screening criteria and therefore would have emissions that are
substantially below the thresholds of significance, the project would make a less than
significant contribution to cumulative air quality impacts.
e. The City wastewater pump station is located on the parcel east of the project site. As
discussed in the SAMP EIR, pump stations such as this one are not generally large
sources of odors (City of Rohnert Park, 2007). Since preparation of the SAMP EIR, there
has been no increase in odors, nor any anticipated increases, from current or future
wastewater treatment or light industrial uses. Recent discussions with City pump
station staff indicate that a slight odor can occasionally be detected, depending on wind
conditions, within the pump station property and immediate vicinity. The staff also
indicated that the odor can occasionally be detected outside the pump station fenced
area and to the east, rarely to the west (City of Rohnert Park, 2013).
In the event odor complaints are received by the BAAQMD from sources including the
existing pump station or possible future permitted industrial uses, the agency will
investigate and require odor abatement, if necessary under the provisions of BAAQMD
Regulation 7, Odorus Substances.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure AIR -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 5-2a): Each project sponsor is
responsible for ensuring that the contractor reduces particulate, reactive organic gas
(ROG), NOx, and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by complying with the air pollution
control strategies developed by the BAAQMD. Each project sponsor and contractor
shall develop emission control strategies that implement the following control measures
based on BAAQMD guidelines:
Redwood Equities GPA/Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 12
Dust Control Measures:
For all construction sites:
• Cover all trucks hauling construction and demolition debris from the site.
• Water on a continuous as -needed basis all earth surfaces during clearing, grading,
earthmoving, and other site preparation activities.
• Use watering to control dust generation during demolition of structures or break-up
of pavement.
• Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all
unpaved parking areas and staging areas.
• Sweep daily (with water sweepers) all paved areas and staging areas.
• Provide daily clean-up of mud and dirt carried onto paved streets from the site.
• Renovation, demolition activities, removal or disturbance of any materials that
contain asbestos, lead paint or other hazardous pollutants will be conducted in
accordance with BAAQMD rules and regulations.
• Properly maintain all construction equipment.
For construction sites near sensitive receptors (or if residential development occurs prior
to commencement of commercial development):
• Install wheel washers for all existing trucks, or wash off the tires or tracks of trucks
and equipment leaving the site.
• Suspend dust -producing activities during periods when instantaneous gusts exceed
25 mph when dust control measures are unable to avoid visible dust plumes.
• Limit the area subject to excavation, grading and other construction or demolition
activity at any one time.
For sites greater than four acres:
• Apply soil stabilizers to previously graded portions of the site inactive for more than
ten days or cover or seed these areas.
• Water or cover stockpiles of debris, soil, sand, or other materials that can be blown
by the wind.
• Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph.
• Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as soon as possible.
Construction Exhaust Mitigation Measures
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 13
The potential air quality impacts from toxic air contaminant emissions from construction
equipment and operations will be reduced with compliance with BAAQMD air
pollution control strategies. Construction firms shall be required to post signs of
possible health risk during construction. The developer is responsible for compliance
with the BAAQMD rule regarding cutback and emulsified asphalt paving materials. In
addition, the construction contractors will implement a plan to use newer construction
equipment, manufactured during or after 1996, that meets the NOx emissions standard
of 6.9 grams per brake -horsepower hour for work constructed within 200 feet of
residences.
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally ❑ ❑ ❑ Z
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other
means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any [❑ Z ❑ ❑
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species
or with established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife
nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances ❑ ❑ ❑
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat ❑ ❑ ❑
Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
a. As discussed in the SAMP EIR, biological studies completed in the project area did not
locate special status plant species, but the area was classified as having suitable habitat
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 14
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Significant No
Impact Impact
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or
❑
❑
® ❑
through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status
species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
❑
[
❑
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally ❑ ❑ ❑ Z
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other
means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any [❑ Z ❑ ❑
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species
or with established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife
nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances ❑ ❑ ❑
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat ❑ ❑ ❑
Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
a. As discussed in the SAMP EIR, biological studies completed in the project area did not
locate special status plant species, but the area was classified as having suitable habitat
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 14
for several special status animal species. The EIR determined that grasslands in the
project vicinity are considered suitable as foraging habitat by birds, including special
status species. The EIR concluded that development of the SAMP area would result in
minimal loss of this foraging habitat and would not have a significant impact on habitat
modification.
The project area is also located within the potential range of the Sonoma County
California tiger salamander (CTS) and the northwestern pond turtle (City of Rohnert
Park, 2007). According to the SAMP EIR, the northwestern pond turtle, a California
species of special concern, would be unlikely to occur in the project area due to existing
roadways (including gutters and curbs) and surrounding development. The CTS is a
federally endangered and California species of special concern. No CTS or special status
plant species were found in any of the wetlands surveyed in 2001-2002 and 2005. In
addition, the U.S. Department Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a letter,
included as Appendix B to the SAMP EIR, determining that development in the SAMP
area, including the project site, would be unlikely to affect CTS. The SAMP EIR further
concluded that neither surveys nor mitigation would be required for the CTS in the
SAMP area, including the project site (City of Rohnert Park, 2007). Therefore, future
development at the project site would be expected to have a less than significant impact
on species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species.
b. There are no riparian areas located within the project site. Therefore, implementation of
the project would involve no impacts to riparian habitat.
The Wetland Delineation conducted by North Fork Associates for the SAMP area,
including the proposed project site, found no occurrence of vernal pools or other natural
wetlands (SAMP EIR). Low -quality, seasonal wetland areas do occur within the SAMP
along the south and east side of the former stadium. These wetland areas are not located
on the project site. Further, those wetlands were not found to support any federally
listed threatened or endangered plants. In addition, the SAMP EIR also refers to the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers' confirmation that the wastewater treatment ponds, one of
which was previously located on the proposed project site, are exempt from Section 404
permitting. The proposed project would, thus, have no impacts to wetlands.
d. Although no special status species were observed to be nesting within the SAMP area,
future development within the project site would be required to implement
preconstruction Mitigation Measure BIO -1 (included in the SAMP EIR as Mitigation
Measure 6-4a) to ensure potential impacts to nesting birds remain less than significant.
e., f. The project site is vacant and highly disturbed. The site is not included in any local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan, and there are no protected trees (i.e., oaks
and other native trees of significant size) located on the project site. No impacts to local
policies, ordinances or plans would occur from implementation of the project.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure BI0-1 (SAMP Mitigation Measure 6-4a): Pre -construction surveys will be
conducted for nesting raptors and bat roosts within 500 feet of construction
activities a minimum of 48 and 24 hours before project construction activities.
Nest searches will be conducted in December/ January (if not earlier) before
site construction begins and the vegetation within the construction area will
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 15
be removed and/or mowed between August 31 and February 1 to minimize
the potential for birds to nest within the construction areas. If nests are
found with no eggs or young, the nest will be moved by a qualified biologist.
If nesting birds with eggs or young are found during the surveys, one or
more of the following measures may be implemented:
• An exclusion zone will be established around nests with eggs or young;
the need for and size of the exclusion zone is based on factors such as
species sensitivity, topography, and proximity to roads and buildings.
• Construction activities in the area will be postponed until young are
fledged
• The Biological Monitor will monitor the birds on the nest and stop
construction if it appears that the birds will abandon the nest or young
• In consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW), the nests could be relocated to a nearby area or to an approved
wildlife rehabilitation center
To minimize the potential for birds to nest in the construction area, nest searches
can be conducted and tree removal and other vegetation removal can be done
between October 1 and February 1. This shall be noted on improvement plans,
grading plans and building plans.
a. - d. A cultural resources survey for the SAMP area, including the project site, was
conducted between October 2004 and February 2005 (City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
No archeological materials were encountered as a result of the surface
reconnaissance within the SAMP area. Buildings encountered during the survey
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 16
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
V.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Significant
Impact
No
impact
Would the project:
a)
Cause a substantial adverse change in the
❑
®
❑
❑
significance of a historical resource as defined in
§15064.5?
b)
Cause a substantial adverse change in the
❑
®
❑
❑
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to §15064.5?
c)
Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
❑
❑
❑
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
d)
Disturb any human remains, including those interred
❑
❑
❑
outside of formal cemeteries?
a. - d. A cultural resources survey for the SAMP area, including the project site, was
conducted between October 2004 and February 2005 (City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
No archeological materials were encountered as a result of the surface
reconnaissance within the SAMP area. Buildings encountered during the survey
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 16
consisted primarily of temporary structures associated with the stadium and had no
architectural or historical significance. The survey indicated that prior disturbance
in the project area has greatly altered the terrain, and any archeological resources
that may have once existed in the area of the prior activities have most likely been
destroyed (City of Rohnert Park, 2007). No further research was recommended for
buildings encountered during the survey.
There are no known historic, archaeological, or paleontological resources or human
remains onsite. It is unlikely that previously unknown cultural resources would be
encountered during future site grading for construction of residential units.
However, to ensure that impacts to cultural resources remain less than significant
should any such resources be encountered during project grading and construction,
Redwood Equities, LLC will implement Mitigation Measures CUL -1, CUL -2, and
CUL -3. These mitigation measures were identified as SAMP EIR Mitigation
Measures 7.1a, 7.1b, and 7.3a, and were also included in the City of Rohnert Park
General Plan EIR.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure CUL -1: (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 7.1a) If at any time during earth
disturbing activities a concentration of artifacts or a cultural deposit is
encountered, work shall cease in the immediate area and a qualified
archeologist shall be contacted by the construction manager to evaluate the
find and make further recommendations. Construction crews should be alert
for cultural resources which could consist of, but not be limited to, artifacts of
stone, bone, wood, shell, or other materials; features, including hearths,
structural remains, or dumps; areas of discolored soil indicating the location
of fire pits, post molds, or living area surfaces.
Mitigation Measure CUL -2: (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 7.1b) If human remains are
encountered anywhere on the project site, all work shall stop in the
immediate vicinity of the discovered remains. Both the County Coroner and
a qualified archeologist shall be notified by the construction manager
immediately so that an evaluation can be performed. If the remains are
deemed to be Native American and prehistoric, the Native American
Heritage Commission shall be contacted by the Coroner so that a "Most
Likely Descendant" can be designated and recommendations for treatment
solicited pursuant to CEQA Section 15064.5(e).
Mitigation Measure CUL -3: (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 7.3a) Per state law, in the event
that paleontological resources or unique geologic features are encountered
during construction, all earthwork within a 50 meter radius of the find will be
stopped, the City of Rohnert Park notified, and a paleontologist retained to
examine the find and make appropriate recommendations.
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
Would the project:
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 17
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable,
or that would become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction
or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table18-
1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the
use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available for
the disposal of wastewater?
a. Surface Fault Rupture
❑ ❑
No
Impact
❑
Z
Z ❑
Z ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
The closest known active fault traces are those of the Rodgers Creek fault, about 3
miles northeast of the SAMP area and the San Andreas Fault, about 15 miles
southwest (City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
As stated in the SAMP EIR, because the project area is about 3 miles from known
traces of any potentially active fault and from known traces the nearest zoned active
fault (the Rodgers Creek fault), fault -line surface rupture would not be a hazard
within the project area. Impacts related to fault rupture potential would be less than
significant.
... ..._.....--
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 18
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
❑
❑
❑ ❑
No
Impact
❑
Z
Z ❑
Z ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
The closest known active fault traces are those of the Rodgers Creek fault, about 3
miles northeast of the SAMP area and the San Andreas Fault, about 15 miles
southwest (City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
As stated in the SAMP EIR, because the project area is about 3 miles from known
traces of any potentially active fault and from known traces the nearest zoned active
fault (the Rodgers Creek fault), fault -line surface rupture would not be a hazard
within the project area. Impacts related to fault rupture potential would be less than
significant.
... ..._.....--
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 18
❑
❑
❑ ❑
No
Impact
❑
Z
Z ❑
Z ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
The closest known active fault traces are those of the Rodgers Creek fault, about 3
miles northeast of the SAMP area and the San Andreas Fault, about 15 miles
southwest (City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
As stated in the SAMP EIR, because the project area is about 3 miles from known
traces of any potentially active fault and from known traces the nearest zoned active
fault (the Rodgers Creek fault), fault -line surface rupture would not be a hazard
within the project area. Impacts related to fault rupture potential would be less than
significant.
... ..._.....--
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 18
Groundshaking
As discussed in the SAMP EIR, it is apparent that the City of Rohnert Park will be
subjected to at least one major earthquake during the useful economic life of the
structures located in the SAMP area. Resulting vibration from a 7.1 magnitude
earthquake on the Rodgers fault, which is located approximately 3 miles from the
project area, could cause damage to buildings, roads and infrastructure, and could
cause ground failures such as liquefaction or settlement in alluvium and poorly
compacted soils. This would be considered a significant impact. By including the
proposed project site in the SAMP, development of the project site and adjacent
parcel would be required to implement Mitigation Measure GEO-1 (SAMP EIR
Mitigation Measure 8-2a), which requires compliance with state building code
seismic requirements. This would ensure impacts related to groundshaking are less
than significant.
Liquefaction
According to the SAMP EIR, liquefaction risk in the project area is considered to be
low (City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
Landslides
No landslide deposits have been mapped within the SAMP area or in the immediate
vicinity. The California Geological Survey slope stability map of southern Sonoma
County categorizes the project area as an area of the greatest relative stability because
there are no slopes steeper than 1 percent. (City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
b., c., d. As previously discussed, the project site once supported a wastewater treatment
plant holding pond. Future construction activities at the project site would involve
filling to bring the site up to grade for building foundations.
As discussed in the SAMP EIR, the existence of expansive soils within the SAMP area
makes it necessary to ensure the soils used for foundation support are sound. An
acceptable degree of soil stability can be achieved by the required incorporation of
soil treatment programs (e.g. grouting, compaction, drainage control, lime treatment)
in the excavation and construction plans to address site-specific soil conditions. The
site-specific analysis is necessary for foundation support design in areas where
unsuitable conditions are suspected. To ensure that the future development at the
project site is not adversely affected by unstable soil conditions, the project would be
required to implement Mitigation Measure GEO-2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 8-
3a). Implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-2 would ensure that impacts related
to expansive soils would remain less than significant.
e. No septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems are proposed and the
project would have no impact related to these types of wastewater disposal.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure GEO-1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 8-2a): To reduce the primary and
secondary risks associated with seismically induced groundshaking at the
site, it is necessary to take the location and type of subsurface materials into
consideration when designing foundations and structures in the Master Plan
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 19
area. In the City of Rohnert Park, residential, commercial and institutional
buildings, bridges, pedestrian overcrossings, and all associated infrastructure
are required to reduce the exposure to potentially damaging seismic
vibrations through seismic-resistent design, in conformance with Chapter 16,
Structural Design Requirements, Division IV, Earthquake Design, of the
California Building Code. Because the Master Plan area is in the "near -
source" area (within 3.1 miles of a known active fault) of the Rodgers Creek
fault, Section 1629, Criteria Selection, of the Building Code requires special
seismic design factors to be applied to the project including:
• The use of California Building Code Seismic Zone 4 Standards as the
minimum seismic -resistant design for all proposed facilities;
• Additional seismic -resistant earthwork and construction design criteria,
based on future site-specific development projects;
• Recommendations of a California Certified Engineering Geologist in
cooperation with the project's California -registered geotechnical and
structural engineers;
• An engineering analysis that demonstrates satisfactory performance of
alluvium or fill where either forms part or all of the support, especially
where the possible occurrence of liquefiable soils exist; and
• An analysis of soil expansion potential and appropriate remediation
(compaction, removal/ replacement, etc.) prior to using any expansive
soils for foundation support.
Mitigation Measure GEO-2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 8-3a): As part of the construction
permitting process, the City requires completed reports of soil conditions at
the specific construction sites to identify potentially unstable soil conditions.
The evaluation must be conducted by registered soil professionals, and
measures to eliminate inappropriate soils conditions must be applied,
depending on the soil conditions. The design of foundation support must
conform to the analysis and implementation criteria described in the City's
Building Code, Chapters 16, 18, and A33. Adherence to the City's codes and
policies ensures the maximum practicable protection available for users of
buildings and infrastructure and their associated trenches, slopes, and
foundations.
Site-specific soil suitability analysis and stabilization procedures, and design
criteria for foundations, as recommended by a California registered soil
engineer during the design phase for each site where existence of unsuitable
soil conditions is known or suspected, shall include, but not be limited to, the
following specifications:
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 20
a) During the design phase for each site where the existence of unsuitable
soil conditions is known or suspected, the developer's registered soil
engineering consultant shall provide documentation to the City that:
1. Site-specific soil suitability analyses has been conducted in the area of
the proposed foundation to establish the design criteria for
appropriate foundation type and support, and
2. The recommended criteria have been incorporated in the design of the
foundation.
b) During grading for the site, the registered soils professional shall be on
the site:
1. To observe areas of potential soil unsuitability,
2. To supervise the implementation of soil remediation programs, and
3. To verify final soil conditions prior to setting the foundations.
c) The registered soils engineering consultant shall prepare an "as built"
map, to be filed with the City, showing details of the site soils, the
location of foundations, sub -drains and clean -outs, the results of
suitability analyses and compaction tests.
a. & b. Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change effects were not evaluated in the
SAMP EIR. Climate change, which involves significant changes in global climate
patterns, has been associated with an increase in the average temperature of the
atmosphere near the Earth's surface, or global warming. This warming has been
attributed to an accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. These
GHGs trap heat in the atmosphere, which in turn heats the surface of the Earth.
State and federal legislation has resulted in policies that define targets for reductions
in GHG emissions. Climate change research and policy efforts are primarily
concerned with GHG emissions related to human activity. In particular, California
adopted the 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act (commonly referred to as AB 32),
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 21
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly
❑
®
❑
or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on
the environment?
b) Conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases?
a. & b. Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change effects were not evaluated in the
SAMP EIR. Climate change, which involves significant changes in global climate
patterns, has been associated with an increase in the average temperature of the
atmosphere near the Earth's surface, or global warming. This warming has been
attributed to an accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. These
GHGs trap heat in the atmosphere, which in turn heats the surface of the Earth.
State and federal legislation has resulted in policies that define targets for reductions
in GHG emissions. Climate change research and policy efforts are primarily
concerned with GHG emissions related to human activity. In particular, California
adopted the 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act (commonly referred to as AB 32),
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 21
which established a statewide emission reduction target to ensure that GHG
emissions in the year 2020 are equal to the statewide GHG emissions in 1990. The
California Air Resources Board (ARB) 2008 Scoping Plan estimated that GHG
emissions in the state would have to be reduced by approximately 29 percent from
business -as -usual (BAU) levels in order to meet the GHG emissions reduction
requirement.
Even before the passage of AB32, the City of Rohnert Park initiated actions to reduce
GHG emissions and become more sustainable overall. These actions include:
• Adoption of the California 2010 Building Code, referred to as CalGreen,
which includes requirements for energy efficiency, water use efficiency,
and other sustainability measures.
• Energy Efficiency Ordinance 2007-779. This ordinance also established
Title 14-Sustainabilty, in the Municipal Code (March 2007)
• City Council adopted resolution 2004-111, which set a goal for GHG
reductions of 20 percent by the year 2010 for internal City operations
(baseline year 2000) (May 2004)
• City Council adopted resolution 2005-233, which sets a goal of green
house gas reductions of 25 percent by the year 2015 for community -wide
use, private and public (baseline year 1990) (July 2005)
BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines (2010) screening criteria discussed in Section II Air
Quality above include criteria for GHG emissions. Projects that meet all of the
screening criteria can be determined to have a less than significant impact related to
GHG emissions. The GHG screening criteria project size for high density residential
development is 78 dwelling units (under either the low rise apartments or general
condo/townhouse development types). The future development on the project site
that would be allowed under the proposed General Plan Amendment and Rezoning
is assumed to consist of approximately 50 dwelling units. This future development
project would be smaller than the BAAQMD GHG emissions criteria. Therefore the
future development that would be permitted under the proposed project would not
be expected to generate GHG emissions that would result in a significant climate
change impact.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are necessary.
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant No
VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Impact
Incorporated
Impact Impact
Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
[]
Z
0 ❑
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone
October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study
Page 22
The project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment
through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Future
construction of residential units at the proposed project site could expose
construction workers, the public, or the environment to hazardous materials through
reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 23
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than
VIII.
Significant Mitigation Significant No
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
Would the project:
and accident conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials into the environment?
c)
Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or ❑ ❑ ❑
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?
d)
Be located on a site which is included on a list of ❑ ❑ ❑
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment?
e)
For a project located within an airport land use plan ❑ ❑ ❑
or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use airport,
would the project result in a safety hazard for
people residing or working in the project area?
f)
For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, ❑ ❑ ❑
would the project result in a safety hazard for
people residing or working in the project area?
g)
Impair implementation of or physically interfere with ❑ ❑ ®
❑
an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
h)
Expose people or structures to a significant risk of ❑ ® ❑
❑
loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires,
including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized
areas or where residences are intermixed with
wildlands?
a.,
b. The proposed project would allow for future development of residential units at the
project site. Although the project site was once used for a wastewater treatment plan
holding pond, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, Human and Ecological
Risk Division (HERD) issued a memorandum (in response to a letter issued by the
California Regional Water Quality Control Board), dated July 2, 2009, that states, "The
HERD concludes that the currently available data suggest that chemicals of potential
concern are not present at levels that would be considered significant in a human
health risk evaluation" (California Regional Water Quality Control Board, 2009).
The project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment
through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Future
construction of residential units at the proposed project site could expose
construction workers, the public, or the environment to hazardous materials through
reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 23
hazardous materials into the environment. Small quantities of potentially toxic
substances (e.g., petroleum and other chemicals used to operate and maintain
construction equipment) would be used at the project site and transported to and
from the site during construction. Accidental releases of small quantities of these
substances could contaminate soils and degrade the quality of surface water and
groundwater, resulting in a significant public safety hazard.
By including the proposed project site in the SAMP, development of the project site
and adjacent parcel would be required to implement Mitigation Measure HAZ-1
(SAMP EIR Mitigation Measures 9-1a, 9-1b, and 9-1c). This would ensure that
exposure to construction workers or the public to hazardous contaminants during
construction would be reduced through standard control measures and preparation
of the appropriate safety plans. Implementation and compliance with the City's
plans, requirements, and Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 would reduce any potential
impacts to less than significant.
C. The project would not create hazardous emissions or hazardous waste and would not
handle hazardous materials or substances. There are no schools within 0.25 miles of
the site. The project would have no impact related to exposure of the project site to
hazards and hazardous materials.
d. A search of federal, state, and local databases regarding hazardous material releases
and site cleanup lists was conducted for preparation of the SAMP EIR (City of
Rohnert Park, 2007). The SAMP area was not identified in any of the records, is not
included on the Department of Toxic Substance Control's site cleanup list, and is not
expected to be affected by any offsite spill incidents. The project would have no
impact related to the site being included on or affected by other sites that are
included on a hazardous material release site.
e. - f. The project would have no impact related to airport safety.
g. The project would not interfere with any adopted emergency or evacuation plans.
Because the project site is located at the edge of current development, it would not
hinder emergency services. The City is currently considering the development of a
public safety facility within the SAMP, south of the project site. Construction of the
public safety facility would reduce response times to the site. Therefore, the project
would have a less than significant impact related to implementation of emergency
plans.
h. The City of Rohnert Park General Plan states that the potential for wildland fires
varies within the City (City of Rohnert Park, 2000). The project site and surrounding
area is developed with small areas of vacant land. The project site is surrounded by
commercial and industrial development and future development of the site is not
expected to expose workers or the public to wildland fire. By including the proposed
project site in the SAMP, development of the project site and adjacent parcel would
be required to implement Mitigation Measures HAZ-2a and HAZ-2b (SAMP EIR
Mitigation Measure 9-6a and 9-6b) would ensure that risks associated with wildland
fires remain less than significant).
-----............
--- ---
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 24
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measures 9-1a through 9-1c):
a. The city shall require that contractors transport, store, and handle hazardous materials
required for construction in a manner consistent with relevant regulations and
guidelines, including those recommended and enforced by the City of Rohnert Park
Department of Public Safety (DPS).
b. In the event of a spill of hazardous materials in an amount reportable to the DPS (as
established by DPS guidelines), the contractor shall immediately control the source of
the leak and contain the spill. If required by the DPS or other regulatory agencies,
contaminated soils will be excavated and disposed of offsite at a facility approved to
accept such soils.
c. The City shall require development under the Master Plan to include plans to prevent
the pollution of surface water and groundwater and to promote the health and safety of
workers and other people in the project vicinity. These programs shall include an
operations and maintenance plan, a site-specific safety plan, and a fire prevention plan,
in addition to the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) required to prevent
impacts associated with contaminated storm water. The programs are required by law
and shall require approval by several responsible agencies. Required approvals are: the
SWPPP shall be approved by the RWQCB; the site-specific safety plan and the
operations and maintenance plan shall be approved by the Rohnert Park DPS.
The City shall require the applicant to develop and implement a hazardous materials
management plan that addresses public health and safety issues by providing safety
measures, including release prevention measures; employee training, notification, and
evacuation procedures; and adequate emergency response protocols and cleanup
procedures.
The City shall require project applicants and their designated contractors to comply with
Cal -OSHA, as well as federal standards, for the storage and handling of fuels, flammable
materials, and common construction -related hazardous materials and for fire
prevention.
Mitigation Measure HAZ-2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measures 9-6a and 96-b):
a. Prior to construction, if dry vegetation or other fire fuels exist on or near staging areas,
or any other area on which equipment will be operated, contractors shall clear the
immediate area of fire fuel. To maintain a firebreak and minimize the availability of fire
fuels, the City shall require contractors to maintain areas subject to construction
activities clear of combustible natural materials to the extent feasible. To avoid conflicts
with policies to preserve riparian habitat, areas to be cleared shall be identified with the
assistance of a qualified biologist.
b. The City shall require contractors to equip construction equipment that normally
includes a spark arrester with an arrester in good working order.
--- —_ _- .
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 25
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer
volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table
level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby
wells would drop to a level which would not support
existing land uses or planned uses for which
permits have been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of
the site or area, including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river, in a manner which
would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or
off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of
the site or area, including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river, or substantially
increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in flooding on- or off-
site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area
as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or
Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard
delineation map?
h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of
loss, injury or death involving flooding, including
flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone
Administrative Draft Initial Study
701
Fol
El
/1
15
u
■❑
//
No
Impact
El
El
❑
ISO
0
❑
Less Than
®
❑
Significant
❑
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
❑
❑
❑
❑
701
Fol
El
/1
15
u
■❑
//
No
Impact
El
El
❑
ISO
0
❑
❑
®
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑�
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
...........___....
October 2013
Page 26
a. The project site is located adjacent to the boundaries of the SAMP, an area of gently
sloping plain (average gradient of about 1 percent). Elevations in this area range
between 89 and 92 feet above mean sea level. The largest concentration of
impervious surface in the northwest area of Rohnert Park occurs in the existing
commercial/industrial areas to the west, south, and east of the SAMP. The northern
portion of the SAMP area, including the project site, contains large areas of vacant or
undeveloped land.
As previously discussed, the project would allow for future development of high
density residential units. The only expected discharge from the project site, once
developed with residential uses, would be stormwater runoff generated by
additional impervious surfaces. Effects of runoff are discussed below in subsection'c'
and V. With the incorporation of stormwater detention features, stormwater runoff
would not be expected to violate water quality standards. There are no waste
discharge requirements established for the project site. Wastewater generated by the
project site, once developed, would be treated by the Subregional System and the
additional flows would not be expected to result in a violation of the systems waste
discharge requirements.
Because development at the project site would be required to comply with regional
or local regulations and policies prior to implementation, the effects on water quality
would be less than significant.
b. The future construction of impervious surfaces on the project site would reduce
infiltration to the water table. However, as discussed in the SAMP EIR, the project
area is not considered a major or important recharge zone in the City (City of Rohnert
Park, 2007).
Most of the city's potable water supply wells draw from the Intermediate aquifer,
with a few drawing from the Deep and Lower aquifers. These aquifers receive almost
no recharge from the Shallow aquifer in the SAMP area because the intervening clay
and sandy clay deposits that underlay the SAMP area prevent substantial downward
percolation. The delay of recharge to the Shallow aquifer in the SAMP area would
have a less -than -significant effect on the amount of groundwater available to the City
in the other aquifers throughout the groundwater basin. There would be a less than
significant impact regarding groundwater supply or recharge.
c., d. Future development at the project site would replace the existing pattern of drainage
with landscaped areas and storm drains, but would not change the course of nearby
off-site drainage ways. Development at the site could have adverse effects on
downstream water quality through erosion, the transport of sediments and dissolved
constituents entering the receiving waters, and increasing turbidity and contaminant
load. Although the amount of surface alteration necessary to accommodate future
development at the project site is not considered a significant change in itself, the
alteration of topography to create building pads, parking lots, driveways, and utility
corridors raises issues of erosion potential and downstream deposition of soil
particles, even in the relatively flat alluvial plain. Even shallow cuts of less than a
foot, or the process of placing fill for leveling or foundation support, have the
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 27
potential to create erodible surfaces and slopes if the cuts and fills are not specifically
designed to protect their surfaces from wind and water.
Erosion potential is low for almost all soils in the Rohnert Park area because of its flat
terrain with a grade of less than 2 percent (City of Rohnert Park, 2000). The formation
of embankments or uneven topography, the effects of machinery, and the removal of
vegetation can increase erosion rates. Instances of erosion are likely during future
development activities on the project site that would be allowed by the proposed
General Plan Amendment and rezone.
Water leaving the construction areas during the grading and construction period
could carry soil particles from the grading or construction sites, or could erode soil
downgradient, if the flow were not controlled. In addition to the loss of material by
erosion, the re -deposition of eroded material in water bodies in or adjacent to the
project site could create turbidity (endangering aquatic life), reduce wildlife habitat,
and reduce the water carrying capacity of streams and drainage ways, thereby
potentially aggravating flood conditions. Erosive conditions created during the
grading period can persist into the operations period.
During the construction period, soils would be exposed to the erosive forces of wind
and stormwater runoff. When de -vegetated and excavated, soils would be subject to
gullying under the influence of moderate to heavy rains if required preventive action
is not taken.
Grading is expected to be minimal because of the low topographic relief across the
project area. Most soils in the project have low erosion potential in their natural
condition because they are a mixture of fine and coarse grain sizes. However,
disrupted soils become more erosion -prone unless specific measures are taken to
control erosion.
As discussed in the SAMP EIR, the risk of construction impacts regarding the
potential to increase erosion of soil from the development of sites within the SAMP
and subsequent deposition of particles in drainage ways, creeks, or wetlands would
be reduced to within acceptable limits by requiring an erosion and sediment
transport control plan (City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
By including the proposed project site in the SAMP, development of the project site
and adjacent parcel would be required to implement Mitigation Measure HYDRO -1
(SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 10-3a), which requires compliance with state and
local regulatory permit requirements regarding the non -point pollution source
control of stormwater runoff through the application of Best Management Practices.
This would ensure that sedimentation impacts are reduced to a less than significant
level.
e. The project site is vacant land that once supported a wastewater treatment plant
holding pond. Future development of the site would involve covering the site with
impervious surfaces such as driveways, parking lots, and buildings. The surfaces
would be graded to direct drainage away from structures. The impervious surfaces
would reduce surface water infiltration and increase the rate and volume of surface
runoff leaving the site.
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 28
Site storm drainage patterns would be modified following development. Runoff
from the project site would likely be diverted into new storm drains in the extension
of Dowdell Avenue constructed by the developer of that portion of the SAMP. This
would drain to Hinebaugh Creek. General Plan Policy HS -5 requires the SAMP to
design and construct a storm drain system for the area that would conform to the
SCWA Flood Control Design Criteria, and encourages the use of environmentally
sensitive drainage improvements, including flow reduction and flood bypass
systems, to ensure the protection of surface water quality and stream integrity.
With the installation of landscaping buffers and detention facilities at the proposed
neighborhood park (i.e., swales or similar designs), the SAMP would be able to
detain the increased runoff to maintain the existing site runoff rate. Construction of
new storm drain systems would be required to comply with the Stormwater Phase I1
regulations administered by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
through permits to the city. With the stormwater detention measures (i.e.,
landscaping buffers and facilities incorporated into the design of the neighborhood
park) in place and operative there would be no increase in the runoff rate that leaves
the site over the existing site level. The increased runoff volume would be able to be
controlled through evaporation and infiltration from the on-site detention facilities.
There would be a less than significant impact regarding surface runoff or flooding.
f. Increased runoff from the construction of impermeable surfaces on the project site
could lower the quality of stormwater runoff and infiltrating groundwater. The major
contributor of contaminants to runoff and infiltrating groundwater is the land surface
over which the water passes.
In developed areas, driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, streets and gutters are
connected directly to storm drains that collect and guide stormwater runoff. Between
rainstorms, materials accumulate on these surfaces from debris dropped or scattered
by individuals, street sweepings, debris and other particulate matter washed into
roadways from adjacent areas, wastes and dirt from construction and renovation or
demolition, fecal droppings from animals, remnants of household refuse dropped
during collection or scattered by animals or wind, oil and various residues
contributed by automobiles, and fallout of air -borne particles.
During rainfall, stormwater may take several paths when it reaches the ground
surface. As water fills surface depressions, it seeps into the ground where the ground
is permeable. Where the rate of rain reaching the ground exceeds the rate of
infiltration, a film of water builds up on the ground surface. Once this film is of
sufficient depth (about 0.1 inch), the water collecting on the ground surface begins to
flow. The initial flow of each storm often contains the highest concentrations of
pollutants, but this is not always the case because the phenomenon is dependent on
the duration of the preceding dry weather period, rainfall patterns, rainfall intensity,
the chemistry of individual pollutants, and other site-specific conditions.
If uncontrolled, the accumulation of urban pollutants could have a detrimental
cumulative effect because overland flow from paved surfaces and landscaped areas
carries many of the above -listed contaminants, thereby contributing to the
deterioration of the quality of stormwater runoff and infiltrating groundwater. The
eventual result would be the deterioration of water quality in downstream receiving
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 29
waters. Reaches of drainage -ways downstream from the project site would carry
stormwater runoff to Hinebaugh Creek and Laguna de Santa Rosa and, eventually, to
the Russian River, which would be subject to water quality deterioration.
The previous discussions of erosion and sedimentation control and storm -drainage
system design provide documentation of the requirements to reduce turbidity and
capacity effects. The City's General Plan Policy HS -5 encourages the use of
environmentally sensitive drainage improvements to ensure the protection of surface
water quality and stream integrity. There would be no significant impact regarding
pollution from surface water runoff.
g. - j. Section 7.2, Drainage, Erosion, Stormwater, and Flooding of the city's General Plan
and Community Panel Number 060375 0860 B of FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps
for Sonoma County both place the SAMP and the project site outside the 500 -year
zone and the 100 -year flood hazard area. There are no dams or levees in the vicinity
of the project site. The project would not expose people or structures to significant
loss related to flooding. The project site is physically removed from any large body
of water and is not subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. The project
would have no impact related to flooding or other water -related hazards.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure HYDRO -1: (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 10-3a) Because the SAMP
Project would involve grading of an area that is greater than one acre, it would be
subject to the conditions of the General Construction Activity NPDES permit from the
Regional Water Quality Control Board. This permit requires the preparation of a Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP is required to identify the
sources of sediment and other pollutants on site, and to ensure the reduction of
sediment and other pollutants in stormwater discharged from the Site. A monitoring
program is required to aid the implementation of, and assure compliance with, the
SWPPP.
The permit requirements of the RWQCB must be satisfied prior to project construction.
As part of the SWPPP, an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan must be prepared for
the Stadium Area Master Plan Site prior to grading. An erosion control professional, or
landscape architect or civil engineer specializing in erosion control must design the
Erosion and Sediment Transport Control Plan. The erosion and sediment transport
control plan shall be submitted, reviewed, implemented and inspected as part of the
approval process for the grading plans for each Project.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) recommends the control plan be
designed using concepts similar to those formulated by ABAG, as appropriate, based on
the specific erosion and sediment transport control needs of each area in which grading,
excavation, and construction is to occur. A few of the most critical techniques to be
considered include, but are not limited to, the following types of erosion control
methods:
• Confine grading and activities related to grading (demolition, construction, preparation
and use of equipment and material storage areas, staging areas, and preparation of
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 30
access roads) to the dry season, whenever possible. The dry season is generally deemed
to be from April to September of each year.
• if grading or activities related to grading need to be scheduled for the wet season,
ensure that structural erosion and sediment transport control measures are ready for
implementation prior to the onset of the first major storm of the season.
• Locate staging areas outside major streams and drainage ways.
• Keep the lengths and gradients of constructed slopes (cut or fill) as low as possible.
• Discharge grading and construction runoff into small drainages at frequent intervals to
avoid buildup of large potentially erosive flows.
• Prevent runoff from flowing over unprotected slopes.
• Keep disturbed areas (areas of grading and related activities) to the minimum necessary
for demolition or construction.
• Keep runoff away from disturbed areas during grading and related activities.
• Stabilize disturbed areas as quickly as possible, either by vegetative or mechanical
methods.
• Direct runoff over vegetated areas prior to discharge into public storm drainage systems,
whenever possible.
• Trap sediment before it leaves the Site with techniques such as check dams, sediment
ponds, or siltation fences.
• Make the contractor responsible for the removal and disposal in offsite retention ponds
of all sedimentation that is generated by grading and related activities of the Project.
• Use landscaping and grading methods that lower the potential for down -stream
sedimentation. Modified drainage patterns, longer flow paths, encouraging infiltration
into the ground, and slower stormwater conveyance velocities are examples of effective
methods.
• Control landscaping activities carefully with regard to the application of fertilizers,
herbicides, pesticides or other hazardous substances.
• Provide proper instruction to all landscaping personnel on the construction team.
During the installation of the erosion and sediment transport control structures, an
erosion control professional shall be on the Site to supervise the implementation of the
designs, and the maintenance of the facilities throughout the grading and construction
period.
The erosion control professional shall prepare an "as built" erosion and sediment control
facility map, to be filed with the City, showing details of the structural elements of the
plan and providing an operating and maintenance schedule throughout the operational
period of the Project.
These erosion and sediment transport control structures need to be in place prior to the
onset of seasonal rains. If portions of these phases extend into the wet season, sediment
can be prevented from leaving the construction sites through the use of silt fences, straw
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 31
bales, perimeter ditches, water bars, temporary culverts and swales, sediment traps,
minimal grading concepts, and/or similar techniques appropriate for the Site. If grading
or construction is to occur during the wet season, the Project will require an erosion and
sediment transport control plan, designed by an erosion control professional, landscape
architect, or civil engineer specializing in erosion control, that shall meet the objectives
for the grading and construction period of construction projects proposed for the
Stadium Master Plan.
A Best Management Practices (BMP) program, as required by the RWQCB, describes
stormwater management practices (structural and operational measures) to control the
quantity and quality of stormwater runoff, and aid in erosion control. Following
construction, the permit requires the implementation of long-term measures to manage
runoff throughout the operational period of the Project. BMPs to prevent onsite or off-
site erosion would be required in the stormwater management
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or ❑ [] ® ❑
regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to the general
plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation ❑ ❑ ❑
plan or natural community conservation plan?
a. The project would not physically divide the existing community. The project would
amend the City's General Plan from Public/ Institutional to High Density Residential
and amend the Zoning Map to include the project site in the SAMP. The site
previously supported a wastewater treatment plant holding pond and it is surrounded
by business and commercial development and other vacant land. The adjacent parcel is
within the SAMP and zoned for residential uses. The project would have no impact
related to dividing existing neighborhoods.
b. The project site General Plan Land Use Designation is Public/ Institutional. The project
would amend the General Plan Land Use Designation to High Density Residential.
The project site is zoned P -I (Public/ Institutional District). The project would amend
the zoning to P -D "Planned Development" and amend the boundaries of the SAMP to
include the project site. With approval of the proposed amendments, the project would
be consistent with the City's General Plan and Zoning Map, the SAMP, and other City
plans and policies, and impacts would remain less than significant.
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 32
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
❑
[]
❑
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or ❑ [] ® ❑
regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to the general
plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation ❑ ❑ ❑
plan or natural community conservation plan?
a. The project would not physically divide the existing community. The project would
amend the City's General Plan from Public/ Institutional to High Density Residential
and amend the Zoning Map to include the project site in the SAMP. The site
previously supported a wastewater treatment plant holding pond and it is surrounded
by business and commercial development and other vacant land. The adjacent parcel is
within the SAMP and zoned for residential uses. The project would have no impact
related to dividing existing neighborhoods.
b. The project site General Plan Land Use Designation is Public/ Institutional. The project
would amend the General Plan Land Use Designation to High Density Residential.
The project site is zoned P -I (Public/ Institutional District). The project would amend
the zoning to P -D "Planned Development" and amend the boundaries of the SAMP to
include the project site. With approval of the proposed amendments, the project would
be consistent with the City's General Plan and Zoning Map, the SAMP, and other City
plans and policies, and impacts would remain less than significant.
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 32
Planning principles encourage consideration of separating industrial and residential
uses to reduce the potential for use conflicts from noise, odors, traffic, and visual
character. As discussed in other section of this Initial Study, noise, air quality and
traffic impacts are mitigated by existing goals, policies, regulation, and SAMP EIR
mitigation measures, which would also be applicable to future development at the
project site, as identified throughout this Initial Study.
C. The project site is located within the area covered by the Santa Rosa Plain Conservation
Strategy (USFWS, 2005). The purpose of the Conservation Strategy is to create a long-
term conservation program to assist in the recovery of CTS and four listed plant
species. The project site is identified in the Conservation Strategy as "Area Within 1.3
Miles of Known CTS Breeding Area." As identified in the Conservation Strategy,
impact to CTS is not likely on some lands within 1.3 miles from breeding sites that are
surrounded by significant barriers or are otherwise unsuitable CTS habitat. As
discussed above, in Section IV Biological Resources, no CTS have been identified on the
project site and the USFWS has issued a letter to the project proponents stating that
development in the SAMP area, including the project site, would be unlikely to affect
CTS (SAMP EIR). Therefore, future development at the proposed project site would
not result in impacts to CTS nor result in conflicts with the Conservation Strategy.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are necessary.
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral ❑ ❑ ❑ FA
resource that would be of value to the region and
the residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally -important ❑ ❑ ❑ Z
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?
a., b. There are no known mineral resources on the subject property and the site is not
delineated on the General Plan as a mineral resource recovery site.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are necessary.
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With
Less Than
XII. NOISE
Significant Mitigation
Significant
Impact Incorporated
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a) Expose persons to or generate noise levels in
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
excess of standards established in the local general
plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone
October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study
Page 33
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
XII. NOISE Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
Would the project:
other agencies?
b) Expose persons to or generate excessive 11 F-1ZJ ❑
groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c) Create a substantial permanent increase in ambient ❑ ® ❑ ❑
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project?
d) Create a substantial temporary or periodic increase ❑ ® ❑ ❑
in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan [] ❑ ❑
or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use airport,
would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, ❑ ❑ ❑ FA
would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
a. The project site is located adjacent to the eastern border of the SAMP and bounded
by the proposed Dowdell Avenue Extension (west); industrial/ business uses
(north); the County Animal Shelter and City Wastewater Treatment Plant (east); and
Costco (south). Existing noise sources affecting the noise environment in the SAMP
area include distant traffic from U.S. 101 and Redwood Drive, local traffic on Labath
Avenue, other local streets serving existing development in the area, and noise
generated by existing land uses in the area. A noise survey was conducted for the
SAMP EIR to quantify existing ambient noise levels in the area. The noise
monitoring survey focused on the area designated for high-density residential, since
residential land uses are considered to be noise-sensitive. The project site is located
adjacent to and in the immediate area of the locations identified for residential uses
in the SAMP EIR.
Potential noise sources within the vicinity of areas designated residential uses in the
SAMP and the project site include the Costco loading bays, the Sonoma County
Animal Impoundment Facility, and the City Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Costco loading bays face south and are separated from the future location for
residential units within the SAMP, including the project site. The SAMP EIR
concluded that noise from the loading bays could substantially exceed the City's
Noise Ordinance limit at the boundary of the proposed residential development.
The Sonoma County Animal Impoundment Facility is located adjacent to the eastern
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 34
boundary of the project site. Adjacent to the impoundment center, the potential
issue regarding dog barking noise is the levels that occur during those brief periods
when dogs are in the center's outdoor play area. The SAMP EIR concluded that the
sound of the dogs barking outdoors would be expected to be annoying at the closest
residence, generating nuisance complaints. Because the residential development
would be multi -story, sound walls would not be an effective technique for reducing
noise from the impoundment center. Closed windows would result in meeting state
and local standards for noise levels in residential areas. By including the proposed
project site in the SAMP, development of the project site and adjacent parcel would
be required to implement Mitigation Measure NOISE -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation
Measure 12-1a) to reduce noise impacts on residential uses and ensure that this
impact remains less than significant.
The City Wastewater Treatment Facility was not identified the SAMP EIR as a
potential noise source in the project vicinity. Based on recent discussion with City
staff, noises associated with pumps cycling on and off cannot be heard outside of the
concrete block buildings at the facility (City of Rohnert Park, 2013). Impacts
resulting from the exposure of residence to noises from the Wastewater Treatment
Facility would be less than significant.
b. Limited groundborne vibration may occur during project construction but would
not occur during project operation. Groundborne vibration during construction
would not create excessive disturbance to neighboring land uses and impacts from
groundborne vibration would remain less than significant.
C. The proposed project site is located in an area primarily developed with industrial,
commercial, and institutional buildings. There are no existing residential areas that
would be directly affected by on-site noise or project -generated traffic. The potential
for increases in vehicular traffic noise along the street network were analyzed in the
SAMP EIR by comparing existing noise levels to future noise levels on potentially
most -affected street segments. The EIR concluded that traffic generated with
buildout of the SAMP would not cause a substantial increase in noise (City of
Rohnert Park, 2007). Because the project site is located adjacent to the SAMP
boundaries and would be utilized to develop a portion of the residential units
allocated in the SAMP, the future development at the project allowed by the
proposed General Plan Amendment and rezone would also not cause a substantial
increase in traffic noise and therefore would result in a less than significant noise
impact.
d. As discussed in the SAMP EIR, future project construction activities within the
SAMP would take place in phases and would include site grading, paving of
roadways and parking areas, construction of buildings and common facilities.
Construction within the SAMP would generate noise and would temporarily
increase noise levels in the area.
Noise impacts resulting from construction depend upon the noise generated by
various pieces of construction equipment, timing, duration of each noise -generating
activity, and the distance between construction noise sources and noise -sensitive
Redwood Equities GPA/Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 35
receptors. The highest noise levels would be generated during grading and paving
activities, with lower noise levels occurring during building construction.
The SAMP EIR concluded that noise levels produced by heavy equipment may
interfere with normal residential activities at the new residences during busy
construction periods. Noise generated by construction would create a temporary
noise level increase at these future noise sensitive receptors, but this would be
considered a less than significant impact provided that the standard noise control
measures included in Mitigation Measure NOISE -2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure
12-3a) are implemented.
e., f. The project site is not located within an airport land use plan or in the vicinity of a
private airstrip. The project will have no impact related to airport or airstrip traffic
and associated noise.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure NOISE -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 12-1a): The following mitigation
measures shall be implemented as part of the Project:
Noise sensitive outdoor areas associated with the residential
development, located within approximately 150 feet of Labath Avenue
and with a direct line -of -sight to the roadway, or within 150 feet of the
Animal Impoundment Shelter, shall be shielded utilizing solid noise
barriers. Noise sensitive uses are defined to be private outdoor activity
areas such as a rear yard or community space including the park or other
noise sensitive outdoor areas. The noise barriers shall be 5- to 6- feet high,
constructed of wood, concrete or masonry block, or concrete panels. To be
effective, the barrier shall be constructed airtight over the surface and at
the base and have a minimum surface weight of at least 3 lbs./ft.
• Residences proposed within approximately 150 feet of Labath Avenue, or
within 150 feet of the Animal Impoundment Shelter, shall include forced
air mechanical ventilation or air conditioning, satisfactory to the local
building official, so that the occupants of the buildings may keep their
windows closed at their discretion to control traffic noise intrusion. No
other special building sound insulation treatments are necessary for
residences proposed near Labath Avenue.
Residential building facades located within approximately 700 feet of the
Costco loading bays, which also have a direct line -of sight to the loading
bays, shall be designed to provide 30 dBA of noise reduction when going
from outside to inside. Residential building facades within approximately
1,500 feet of the Costco loading bays, which also have direct line -of -sight
shall be designed to provide approximately 25 dBA of exterior to interior
noise reduction (Note: standard California construction, with the
windows closed, normally provides 20 to 25 dBA of noise reduction).
Noise control treatments necessary to achieve this may include such
elements as sound rated windows and doors with sound transmission
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 36
class ratings estimated to be STC 28 to 33. All buildings within 1,500 feet
of the Costco loading bays shall be provided with forced air mechanical
ventilation or air conditioning as necessary to provide a habitable interior
environment with the windows closed, satisfactory to the local building
official.
Pursuant to the requirements of the State Building Code, a qualified
acoustical consultant shall review the final design plans for the Project to
confirm that the necessary noise control treatments have been included
into the design to satisfy the 45 dB Ldn interior requirements set forth in
the code. A report shall be prepared and submitted along with the plans
at the time a building permit is requested.
Residential development shall be located no closer than 250 feet from the
animal impoundment center property line.
Mitigation Measure NOISE -2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 12-3a): Noise -generating
activities at the construction site or in areas adjacent to the construction site
associated with the Project in any way would be restricted to the hours of
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Ord. 152 § 3.1,1971).
• Use available noise suppression devices and properly maintain and
muffle loud construction equipment.
• Avoid the unnecessary idling of equipment and stage construction
equipment as far as reasonable from residences north of the site
(preferably more than 200 feet from residences).
• Notify adjacent uses of the construction schedule.
• Designate a "noise disturbance coordinator' who would be responsible
for responding to any local complaints about construction noise. The
disturbance coordinator would determine the cause of the noise
complaints (e.g., starting too early, bad muffler, etc.) and would require
that reasonable measures warranted to correct the problem be
implemented. Conspicuously post a telephone number for the
disturbance coordinator at the construction site and include it in the
notice sent to neighbors regarding the construction schedule.
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area,
either directly (for example, by proposing new
homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example,
No Impact
n
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 37
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
E
Z
No Impact
n
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 37
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
Would the project:
through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, ❑ ❑ ❑ (J
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, ❑ ❑
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
a. The project would involve a General Plan Amendment and Rezone to allow for future
development of high density residential units as part of the SAMP. Impacts associated
with buildout of the SAMP were analyzed in the SAMP EIR. The SAMP EIR found
that impacts related to population growth associated with buildout of the SAMP would
be less than significant with implementation of applicable General Plan policies and
Growth Management Program.
b. - c. The site does not currently support any housing or residential use. No housing or
residents would be displaced by the proposed project and the project would have no
impact on housing or require construction of new housing.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are necessary.
Potentially
Significant
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES Impact
Would the project:
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered governmental facilities,
need for new or physically altered governmental
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times
or other performance objectives for any of the
following public services:
Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools
IN
Less Than
Significant
With Less Than
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact
❑
❑
❑
❑
®
❑
❑
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 38
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES
Parks
Other public facilities?
Less Than
Less Than
Significant
Significant
Potentially
With
Significant
Mitigation
Impact
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a. Fire and police protection: The City of Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety
provides police and fire protection services within the City. The proposed project
would allow for future development of a portion of the high density residential
units allocated in the SAMP. According the SAMP EIR, buildout of the SAMP
would result in the addition of approximately 1,000 people. The increase in
population resulting from development of the SAMP would result in an increase in
the demand for City fire and police protection services.
As discussed in the SAMP EIR, the City's acceptable response time for emergency
calls is four minutes (City of Rohnert Park, 2007). The SAMP EIR found that the
response time to calls in the west side of U.S. 101 is often over four minutes and
concluded that additional development associated with the SAMP would be
expected to increase the potential number of calls, and therefore increase response
times. Mitigation included in the SAMP EIR (Mitigation Measure 14-1a) required
construction of a new Department of Public Safety Station in the northwest area of
the City. At the time the SAMP EIR was prepared, the City was considering locating
the station on the project site. However, the City has recently identified an
alternative site, approximately 3.0 acres, located in the southwestern corner of the
SAMP area, noting that the alternative site would be better suited for the new Public
Safety Station because it provides greater accessibility and is more centrally located
than the project site. Construction of the station in the SAMP area would maintain a
four -minute response time to all areas of the City and would comply with the SAMP
EIR Mitigation Measure 14-1a.
The SAMP EIR also found that the addition of one Public Safety officer would
maintain the past operating average 1.4 Public Safety officers to 1,000 residents. The
combination of the construction of the station and addition of an officer would result
in less than significant impacts on police and fire services (City of Rohnert Park,
2007).
Schools: Future development of residences at the site will generate students that
would attend area schools. The project site is located within the Cotati-Rohnert Park
Unified School District (CRPUSD). Estimates included in the SAMP EIR indicate an
average student yield of 0.4 elementary school students, 0.1 middle school students,
and 0.2 high school students per household, including single and multiple family
dwellings. The SAMP's proposed 338 dwelling units, a portion of which would be
developed at the project site, would be expected to result in 135 new elementary
school students, 34 new middle school students, and 68 new high school students
(City of Rohnert Park, 2007).
Under current state legislation, the City cannot deny administrative or quasi-judicial
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 39
approvals for a development based on the development's adverse impact on school
facilities. Pursuant to this legislation, the sole mitigation for such impacts arising
from administrative or quasi-judicial development approvals is fees imposed by the
affected school district(s). Mitigation Measure PUB -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation
Measure 14-2a), which requires school impact fees to be paid by developers
consistent with fee schedules in place at the time development occurs. Fulfillment of
the mitigation fee requirement is considered full mitigation and would ensure that
impacts of student enrollments affecting schools would remain less than significant.
Parks and other public facilities: Because the proposed project site would eventually be
utilized to construct a portion of residential units allocated in the SAMP, the project
would result in no additional impacts to parks and other public facilities, outside of
those addressed in the SAMP EIR. The SAMP EIR found that development within
the SAMP area would not result in a demand for parks and other public facilities to
exceed the accepted service standards of the City. This impact is less than significant
and no mitigation required.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure PUB -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 14-2a, slightly modified): Prior to
the issuance of building permits, the City shall require proof of payment of the statutory
development fee or the mitigation fee imposed by the school district that serves the
SAMP area, as authorized by state law (California Government Code 65995). In
accordance with Section 65996 of the State Government Code, the project sponsor shall
be required to pay the current school mitigation fees at the time that building permits
are issued.
a. - b. The proposed project would change the General Plan and zoning designations for
the site from Public Institutional to High Density Residential and PD; no specific
construction is proposed at this time. In the future the project site would support
development of a portion of the 94 remaining High Density Residential units
currently allocated to the SAMP area. While specific development plans for the
project site are not known at this time, it is expected that the project site would
— -- -- -
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 40
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
XV. RECREATION
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Significant
Impact
No Impact
Would the project:
a) Would the project increase the use of existing
❑
❑
®
❑
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would occur or be
accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or
❑
❑
❑
❑
require the construction or expansion of recreational
facilities which might, have an adverse physical
effect on the environment?
a. - b. The proposed project would change the General Plan and zoning designations for
the site from Public Institutional to High Density Residential and PD; no specific
construction is proposed at this time. In the future the project site would support
development of a portion of the 94 remaining High Density Residential units
currently allocated to the SAMP area. While specific development plans for the
project site are not known at this time, it is expected that the project site would
— -- -- -
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 40
support approximately 50 units (slightly more than half of the 94 units already
allocated to the area). With an average rate of 2.59 persons per household in the
City, the future construction of 50 units at this project site would support a
population of approximately 130 people. This additional population would require
approximately 0.65 acres of community and neighborhood parks, in accordance
with the City's parkland standards. Further, this population increase is consistent
with the projected population for the SAMP.
The SAMP EIR concluded that buildout of the SAMP area would not cause the
demand for parks and recreation facilities to exceed the accepted service standards
of the City. The total SAMP project population would generate a need for 4.4 acres
of park. To satisfy this, the SAMP area includes development of one half -acre park
and the remaining 3.9 acres of park will be accommodated by dedication of
parkland and/or fees contributed by new projects. The proposed project would not
result in a significant increase in population; therefore, demand on existing and
planned recreational facilities would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are necessary.
XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Would the project:
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy
establishing measures of effectiveness for the
performance of the circulation system, taking into
account all modes of transportation including mass
transit and non -motorized travel and relevant
components of the circulation system, including but
not limited to intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass
transit?
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management
program, including, but not limited to level of service
standards and travel demand measures, or other
standards established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in
location that results in substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone
Administrative Draft Initial Study
El
No
Impact
X
❑
October 2013
Page 41
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
❑
®
❑
El
No
Impact
X
❑
October 2013
Page 41
a., b. The proposed project would change the General Plan and zoning designations for the
site from Public Institutional to High Density Residential and PD; no specific
construction is proposed at this time. In the future the project site would support
development of a portion of the 94 remaining High Density Residential units currently
allocated to the SAMP area. While specific development plans for the project site are
not known at this time, it is expected that the project site would support approximately
50 units (slightly more than half of the 94 units already allocated to the area).
Based on Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) trip generation rates of 6.72 trips per
dwelling unit for apartments (as evaluated in the SAMP EIR), the 50 residential units
that could be constructed on the project site would generate 336 daily vehicle trips, with
approximately 33 trips occurring in each peak hour (AM and PM peaks). The effect of
these trips was evaluated in the SAMP EIR as part of the overall SAMP development
and the proposed project would not increase traffic beyond the amount anticipated in
the SAMP EIR. The SAMP EIR found that with implementation of mitigation measures
requiring future development within the SAMP to contribute a fair share toward
construction of necessary improvements, impacts related to applicable transportation -
related plans, policies or ordinances would be reduced to less than significant levels. By
including the proposed project site in the SAMP, development of the project site and
adjacent parcel would be required to implement Mitigation Measure TRA -1 (which
reflects Mitigation Measures 15-1a through 15-1e and 15-2a through 15-2c of the SAMP
EIR), requiring any applicant for future construction on the project site to contribute a
fair share amount to the improvements identified in the SAMP EIR.
C. The project would allow for future development of a portion of high density residential
units allocated in the SAMP, in an area that is not within an airport land use plan. Due
to the type of project it is, the project would not have the ability to change or affect air
traffic patterns resulting in any potential safety risks. Therefore, there would be no
impact on air traffic patterns.
d. The project does not include the development of any public roads nor does the project
include any design features that could increase hazards. Future development at the
project site would include internal driveways and parking lots that would be designed
in compliance with the City's fire department standards as well as the City's traffic
requirements. Therefore, the project does not include any dangerous design features or
incompatible uses that could result in hazardous conditions and there would be no
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 42
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
❑
❑El
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs
❑
❑Z
El
regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian
facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or
safety of such facilities?
a., b. The proposed project would change the General Plan and zoning designations for the
site from Public Institutional to High Density Residential and PD; no specific
construction is proposed at this time. In the future the project site would support
development of a portion of the 94 remaining High Density Residential units currently
allocated to the SAMP area. While specific development plans for the project site are
not known at this time, it is expected that the project site would support approximately
50 units (slightly more than half of the 94 units already allocated to the area).
Based on Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) trip generation rates of 6.72 trips per
dwelling unit for apartments (as evaluated in the SAMP EIR), the 50 residential units
that could be constructed on the project site would generate 336 daily vehicle trips, with
approximately 33 trips occurring in each peak hour (AM and PM peaks). The effect of
these trips was evaluated in the SAMP EIR as part of the overall SAMP development
and the proposed project would not increase traffic beyond the amount anticipated in
the SAMP EIR. The SAMP EIR found that with implementation of mitigation measures
requiring future development within the SAMP to contribute a fair share toward
construction of necessary improvements, impacts related to applicable transportation -
related plans, policies or ordinances would be reduced to less than significant levels. By
including the proposed project site in the SAMP, development of the project site and
adjacent parcel would be required to implement Mitigation Measure TRA -1 (which
reflects Mitigation Measures 15-1a through 15-1e and 15-2a through 15-2c of the SAMP
EIR), requiring any applicant for future construction on the project site to contribute a
fair share amount to the improvements identified in the SAMP EIR.
C. The project would allow for future development of a portion of high density residential
units allocated in the SAMP, in an area that is not within an airport land use plan. Due
to the type of project it is, the project would not have the ability to change or affect air
traffic patterns resulting in any potential safety risks. Therefore, there would be no
impact on air traffic patterns.
d. The project does not include the development of any public roads nor does the project
include any design features that could increase hazards. Future development at the
project site would include internal driveways and parking lots that would be designed
in compliance with the City's fire department standards as well as the City's traffic
requirements. Therefore, the project does not include any dangerous design features or
incompatible uses that could result in hazardous conditions and there would be no
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 42
impact.
e. As discussed in the SAMP EIR, emergency access to the SAMP could take place via
several interconnected routes including Business Park Drive, Martin Avenue, and
Labath Avenue. All internal streets would be developed to the City's public street
standards and would accommodate emergency vehicle circulation. The City has
proposed constructing a Public Safety Station on a portion of the SAMP. As discussed
above, in Section XIII Public Services, impacts resulting from response times to the
project will be reduced to less than significant with construction and operation of this
station.
As discussed in the SAMP EIR, the SAMP is conceptual in nature and provides little
information on what pedestrian and bicycle facilities would be included as part of any
development. Formal development plans for the SAMP will be required by the City and
must include adequate facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, including sidewalk
facilities that connect visitors, residents, and employees to nearby transit facilities.
Additionally, due to the lack of public schools within a walkable distance from the
SAMP area, children residing in the proposed residential component will need to be
bussed to area schools. By including the proposed project site in the SAMP,
development of the project site and adjacent parcel would be required to implement
Mitigation Measure TRA -2 (included as Mitigation Measures 15-5a and 15-5b in the
SAMP EIR), which require construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities and the
provision of bussing for school -aged children within in the SAMP area. Implementation
of these masures would ensure this impact is less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure TRA -1: Prior to the issuance of building permits, the project shall be
assessed impact fees or a proportional share contribution for the construction of the
improvements identified in SAMP EIR Mitigation Measures 15-1a through 15-1e and 15-
2a through 15-2c:
Mitigation Measure TRA -2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measures 5-5a and 5-5b): All streets within
the project site shall include sidewalks on both sides; all activity areas shall be connected
by onsite sidewalks and/or paths; and the project applicant shall pay appropriate School
District fees to offset costs associated with the establishment of bussing for school -aged
residents of the project site through the City of Rohnert Park and the Cotati-Rohnert
Park Unified School District.
XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the
applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or
wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which could
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone
Administrative Draft Initial Study
October 2013
Page 43
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
No Impact
❑
❑
October 2013
Page 43
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater ❑ ❑ ❑ []
treatment provider which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted ❑ ❑ ❑
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and ❑ ❑ ❑
regulations related to solid waste?
a. As discussed in Section IX Hydrology and Water Quality, wastewater generated by the
project site, once developed, would be treated by the Subregional System and the
additional flows would not be expected to result in a violation of the systems waste
discharge requirements. Therefore, the project would have no impact on complying
with wastewater treatment requirements.
b., d., Based on information contained in the SAMP EIR, the SAMP area could demand up to
e. approximately 84,695 gallons of water per day or 94.87 acre-feet per year (AFY).
As discussed in the SAMP EIR, the City has sufficient water supplies during a normal
year, a single -dry year and multiple -dry years to accommodate anticipated
development. Even if the recycled water storage facilities proposed in the Board of
Public Utilities' Interim Recycled Water Program are not built as planned, so that the
supply of recycled water does not increase beyond that available currently, the water
supplies would still be sufficient for the project and other planned growth (City of
Rohnert Park, 2005).
The City of Rohnert Park has sufficient water supply and water delivery infrastructure
to serve the Project. By utilizing SCWA supply, recycled water supply and
groundwater supply and by implementing water conservation measures consistent
with the California Urban Water Council's Memorandum of Understanding, the City
has adequate supply to serve the Project.
Accordingly, there would be no significant adverse environmental impact resulting
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 44
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Significant
Impact
No impact
Would the project:
cause significant environmental effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of new
❑
❑
❑
❑
stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the
❑
❑
0
project from existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater ❑ ❑ ❑ []
treatment provider which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted ❑ ❑ ❑
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and ❑ ❑ ❑
regulations related to solid waste?
a. As discussed in Section IX Hydrology and Water Quality, wastewater generated by the
project site, once developed, would be treated by the Subregional System and the
additional flows would not be expected to result in a violation of the systems waste
discharge requirements. Therefore, the project would have no impact on complying
with wastewater treatment requirements.
b., d., Based on information contained in the SAMP EIR, the SAMP area could demand up to
e. approximately 84,695 gallons of water per day or 94.87 acre-feet per year (AFY).
As discussed in the SAMP EIR, the City has sufficient water supplies during a normal
year, a single -dry year and multiple -dry years to accommodate anticipated
development. Even if the recycled water storage facilities proposed in the Board of
Public Utilities' Interim Recycled Water Program are not built as planned, so that the
supply of recycled water does not increase beyond that available currently, the water
supplies would still be sufficient for the project and other planned growth (City of
Rohnert Park, 2005).
The City of Rohnert Park has sufficient water supply and water delivery infrastructure
to serve the Project. By utilizing SCWA supply, recycled water supply and
groundwater supply and by implementing water conservation measures consistent
with the California Urban Water Council's Memorandum of Understanding, the City
has adequate supply to serve the Project.
Accordingly, there would be no significant adverse environmental impact resulting
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 44
from the project regarding the need for new or expanded entitlements or resources for
water supplies.
The SAMP EIR concluded that there would be no requirement for additional treatment
facilities resulting from buildout of the SAMP, including the project site (City of
Rohnert Park, 2007). The Subregional System, of which Rohnert Park is a member,
operates wastewater treatment facilities which have a rated dry weather capacity of
21.4 million gallons per day. The City is allotted 3.43 million gallons per day of the total
capacity (City of Rohnert Park, 2005). The SAMP EIR concluded that the resultant total
wastewater generation associated with build -out of the SAMP would constitute about 2
percent of the total City of Rohnert Park allocation of average dry weather flow (City of
Rohnert Park, 2007). In addition, the Rohnert Park General Plan indicates that the City
will be expanding its sewer infrastructure (City of Rohnert Park, 2000). Any needed
infrastructure improvements can be funded through a mix of capital improvement
funds and developer fees. Based on the above information, the project would have a
less than significant impact on the provision of wastewater treatment services and
would not require additional treatment facilities.
C. As discussed in the SAMP EIR, runoff from the east side of the SAMP area, including
the project site, would be diverted into new storm drains in the extension of Dowdell
Avenue. This existing system in Labath Avenue was designed with adequate capacity
to convey storm drainage from the west half of the developed SAMP area to
Hinebaugh Creek. As indicated in the SAMP EIR, the storm drain to serve the eastern
half of the SAMP area would be constructed by the developer of that portion of the site
and would drain to Hinebaugh Creek (City of Rohnert Park, 2007). The City's General
Plan Policy HS -5 requires project developers to design and construct storm drains that
conform to the Sonoma County Water Agency Flood Control Design Criteria, and
encourages the use of environmentally sensitive drainage improvements, including
flow reduction and flood bypass systems, to ensure the protection of surface water
quality and stream integrity. Construction of new storm drain systems would be
required to comply with the Stormwater Phase II regulations administered by the
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board through permits to the City.
Therefore, the project would have a less than significant impact related to construction
of new stormwater drainage facilities.
The project would generate solid waste; however, because the project would not result
in an increase in the number of residential units assumed in the SAMP EIR analysis, it
would not result in impacts outside of those analyzed in the SAMP EIR. The SAMP
EIR concluded that the County of Sonoma would be capable of providing the solid
waste disposal services necessary to serve the entire SAMP area, including during
construction. In addition, the EIR indicates that the Central Disposal Site Landfill in
Sonoma County, planned operate through the year 2050, has adequate capacity to
accommodate the project's needs (City of Rohnert Park, 2007). In addition, the city
must comply with Assembly Bill 939, passed in 1989, to reduce the volume of material
sent to landfills by implementation of a recycling plan for both construction and
operation phases of projects.
Therefore, the project would result in no impact outside of those analyzed in SAMP
EIR.
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 45
g. The project would comply with federal, state and local statutes and regulations related
to solid waste and would have no impact related to solid waste regulations.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are necessary.
Redwood Equities GPA /Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 46
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, reduce the number or restrict the range
of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
limited, but cumulatively considerable?
("Cumulatively considerable" means that the
incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current projects, and
the effects of probable future projects)?
c) Does the project have environmental effects which ❑ ® ❑ ❑
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
a. The project site does not provide substantial habitat for wildlife, nesting birds, or fish,
and does not support any sensitive natural vegetation communities. Future
development at the project site would not reduce habitat for fish or wildlife species,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, adversely affect rare or endangered
species, or eliminate important cultural resources.
b. The analysis provided throughout this Initial Study demonstrates that the project's
contribution to cumulative impacts would be reduced to less than significant levels
through mitigation.
C. The analysis provided throughout this Initial Study identifies project impacts that may
be potentially significant and identifies mitigation measures that would reduce each
impact to a less than significant level.
........—::::.__..._:.-- .
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 47
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
Impact
Incorporated
Impact No Impact
❑
❑
❑
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
limited, but cumulatively considerable?
("Cumulatively considerable" means that the
incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current projects, and
the effects of probable future projects)?
c) Does the project have environmental effects which ❑ ® ❑ ❑
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
a. The project site does not provide substantial habitat for wildlife, nesting birds, or fish,
and does not support any sensitive natural vegetation communities. Future
development at the project site would not reduce habitat for fish or wildlife species,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, adversely affect rare or endangered
species, or eliminate important cultural resources.
b. The analysis provided throughout this Initial Study demonstrates that the project's
contribution to cumulative impacts would be reduced to less than significant levels
through mitigation.
C. The analysis provided throughout this Initial Study identifies project impacts that may
be potentially significant and identifies mitigation measures that would reduce each
impact to a less than significant level.
........—::::.__..._:.-- .
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 47
REFERENCES
Bay Area Air Quality Management District. 2000. Clean Air Plan. December 20.
- 2006. Bay Area 2005 Ozone Strategy. January 4.
- 2010. Bay Area 2010 Clean Air Plan. September 10.
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, 2009. In the Matter of Water Quality
Certification for Rohnert Park Stadium Area Master Plan. August 6.
City of Rohnert Park. 2000. General Plan (Fifth Edition). Adopted July 2000.
--- -. 2003. City of Rohnert Park Wastewater Ponds Decommissioning Report. December 5.
- - -. 2005. City of Rohnert Park Final Water Supply Assessment. January.
. 2007. Stadium Area Master Plan EIR. October.
---. 2008. Stadium Area Master Plan Final Development Plan. February.
- - -- -- - . 2013. Written communication from John McArthur, Community Services Director
September 5.
North Fork Associates. 2003. Wetland Delineation for the 32 -acre Stadium Area Master Plan.
September.
Sonoma County. 2008. Sonoma County General Plan. Adopted September 23.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2005. Santa Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy. December 1.
Redwood Equities GPA / Rezone October 2013
Administrative Draft Initial Study Page 48
EXHIBIT 2
FINDINGS FOR THE
REDWOOD EQUITIES GPA/REZONE PROJECT
REQUIRED FINDINGS
CEQA requires that, prior to approval of a project, the Lead Agency make specified findings related
to each of the significant or potentially significant environmental effects considered in the Mitigated
Negative Declaration/Initial Study (MND). The MND identified several significant or potentially
significant effects on the environment. The City of Rohnert Park City Council's findings with
respect to each of these significant or potentially significant environmental effects are presented
below.
It is anticipated that the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park will adopt the MND and
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and approve the Project in conjunction
with its adoption of this document. With these actions in place, all the Project environmental effects
will be reduced to less than significant.
The findings for the proposed Project are based upon substantial evidence, comprised
primarily of the information, analysis and mitigation measures described in the MND and other
information incorporated into these documents by reference.
SECTION 1.0 FINDINGS OF THE LEAD AGENCY WITH REGARD TO THE
SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT
1.1 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT THAT DO NOT REQUIRE
FINDINGS
Environmental effects that the MND found to be less than significant without mitigation do not
require findings under CEQA. These effects include the following:
Project Impacts on Agriculture and Forest Resources
Project Impacts on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Project Impacts on Land Use and Planning
Project Impacts of Mineral Resources
Project Impacts on Population and Housing
Project Impacts on Recreation
Project Impacts on Utilities and Service Systems
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT THAT REQUIRE FINDINGS
The environmental effects that were found by the Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study
(MND) to be significant and/or potentially significant prior to the application of mitigation
measures include the effects listed below. As required by CEQA, the City of Rohnert Park City
Council must make findings with respect to each of these significant effects. The City Council's
findings, and the evidence in support of those findings, are detailed below.
The Project could substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and
its surroundings.
EFFECT: Development of the site with high density residential land uses would change the visual
character of the site.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure AES -1 and AES -2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measures 4-1 a and
4-1b) identified in the MND require future development at the site to conform to the General Plan
and apply the City's design standards.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure AES -1 and AES -2 identified in the MND would
ensure impacts to the visual character of the area remain less than significant.
Future development at the project site could violate air quality standards.
EFFECT: Future construction activities associated with development at the project site would
generate air pollutant emissions that could exceed the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD) standards.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure AIR -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 5-2a) identified in the
MND would ensure that future development allowed as a result of the proposed project would meet
the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines by requiring implementation of Basic Construction Emission
Control Measures.
FINDING: Based on the site characteristics, it is expected that the screening criteria related to
construction -related activities would be met with future development of the project site. Therefore,
with implementation of Mitigation Measure AIR -1, all of the BAAQMD screening criteria would be
met and future development on the project site allowed by the proposed General Plan Amendment
and Rezone would have a less than significant impact related to criteria air pollutant emissions and
exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations.
The Project could have a substantial adverse effect on raptors, which are a special -status
species.
EFFECT: If raptors are actively nesting onsite, construction activities could disturb these birds.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure BIO -1 (SAMP Mitigation Measure 6-4a) identified in the
MND will avoid impacts to nesting raptors by requiring a raptor nesting survey should construction
activities begin during the nesting season.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO -1 identified in the MND will reduce
construction -related impacts to biological resources to a less than significant level.
There is the potential that unknown cultural resources present at the project site could be
adversely affected due to construction activities.
EFFECT: While it is unlikely that previously unknown cultural resources would be encountered at
the site, in the event that cultural resources are discovered during grading and excavation activities,
this could result in damage to archaeological resources.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measures CUL -1, CUL -2, and CUL -3 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measures
7.1a, 7.1b, and 7.3a) identified in the MND will ensure that unknown cultural resources discovered
at the project site during grading and excavation activities will be protected..
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL -1, CUL -2, and CUL -3 identified in the
MND will reduce impacts to discovered cultural resources to a less than significant level.
Strong ground shaking may be expected at the project site during the design lifetime of the
proposed Project.
EFFECT: The project site is located within the seismically active Bay Area and as such, future
building at the project site may be exposed to a significant seismic event that could result in
structural damage to residential structures.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure GEO-1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 8-2a) identified in
the MND specifies Project compliance with state building code seismic requirements. Future
buildings at the project site would be required to be designed to meet current code requirements to
avoid substantial damage to buildings during a seismic event
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 would reduce the potential for structural
damage and would ensure impacts related to groundshaking are less than significant.
There is the potential for the project site to be located on unstable soils.
EFFECT: Future development at the project site could potentially be adversely affected by unstable
soil conditions.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure GEO-2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 8-3a) identified in
the MND would require preparation of a site-specific soil suitability analysis to be conducted by a
registered soil professional to identify potentially unstable soil conditions.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-2 would ensure that impacts related to
expansive soils would remain less than significant.
Future construction of residential units at the proposed project site could expose construction
workers, the public, or the environment to hazardous materials through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the
environment.
EFFECT: Small quantities of potentially toxic substances (e.g., petroleum and other chemicals used
to operate and maintain construction equipment) would be used at the project site and transported to
and from the site during construction. Accidental releases of small quantities of these substances
could contaminate soils and degrade the quality of surface water and groundwater, resulting in a
significant public safety hazard.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measures 9 -la, 9-1b, and 9 -lc)
identified in the MND would require standard control measures for hazardous contaminants and
preparation of the appropriate public safety plans.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure HAZ-1, in addition to compliance with the
City's plans and requirements, would ensure that exposure to construction workers or the public to
hazardous contaminants during construction would be reduced to less than significant.
Future development at the project site could expose people or structures to a significant risk
of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires.
EFFECT: The project site and surrounding area is developed with small areas of vacant land and
future development of the site, while not expected to, could result in the exposure of workers or
the public to wildland fire.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measures HAZ-2a and HAZ-2b (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 9-
6a and 9-6b) identified in the MND specifies fire reduction requirements for contractors during
construction of the site.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure HAZ-2a and HAZ-2b would ensure impacts
associated with wildland fires remain less than significant.
Future development at the project site could introduce pollutants and sediment into water
runoff from the site and would increase the rate and/or volume of water runoff.
EFFECT: Construction activities and operation of the project could introduce sediment and
chemicals into runoff leaving the site. Development at the project site would increase impervious
surfaces at the site, which would increase the rate and volume of water runoff from the site.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measures HYDRO -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 10-3a) identified
in the MND would minimize water quality impacts on- and off-site by ensuring that appropriate
Best Management Practices are implemented to protect water quality.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measures HYDRO -1 would reduce potential water
quality and drainage impacts to a less than significant level.
The Project could result in exposure of residential uses to noise levels in excess of applicable
standards.
EFFECT: Future development of residential uses at the project site could result in exposing
residences noise from adjacent land uses that would be likely to the City's applicable standards for
noise.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure NOISE -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 12-1 a) identified
in the MND would require the implementation of specific noise reduction measures to reduce
noise impacts on residential uses.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOISE -1 would reduce noise impacts to future
residential uses to less than significant levels.
Future development at the project site could cause a substantial temporary increase in
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity.
EFFECT: Noise produced by heavy equipment during future construction at the project site could
generate noise levels that may interfere with normal residential activities at the new residences
during busy construction periods.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure NOISE -2 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 12-3a) identified in
the MND would require implementation of standard noise control measures for future construction
at the project site.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOISE -2 would ensure construction -generated
noise impacts associated with future development at the project site remain less than significant.
Future development of residences at the project site would generate students that would
attend area schools, potentially resulting in physical impacts associated with new or physically
altered schools constructed to accommodate an increased student population.
EFFECT: The proposed project would allow for future development of a portion of the high density
residential units allocated in the SAMP. The development of residential units at the project site
would be expected to generate students that would attend area schools.
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure PUB -1 (SAMP EIR Mitigation Measure 14-2a, slightly
modified) identified in the MND, which requires school impact fees to be paid by developers
consistent with fee schedules in place at the time development occurs.
FINDING: Fulfillment of the mitigation fee requirement of Mitigation Measure PUB -1 would be
considered full mitigation and would ensure that impacts of student enrollments affecting schools
would remain less than significant.
Future development at the project site could result in, or contribute to, transportation -related
impacts in conflict with applicable transportation -related plans, policies or ordinances.
EFFECT: Although the Project proposed no specific construction at this time, the project site
would eventually support development of a portion of the 94 remaining High Density Residential
units currently allocated to the SAMP area. The effect of traffic trips associated with
development of High Density Residential units was evaluated in the SAMP EIR. The SAMP
EIR found that with implementation of mitigation measures requiring future development within
the SAMP to contribute a fair share toward construction of necessary improvements, impacts
related to applicable transportation -related plans, policies or ordinances would be reduced to less
than significant levels
MITIGATION: Mitigation Measure TRA -1 (which reflects Mitigation Measures 15-1 a through 15-
1 e and 15-2a through 15-2c of the SAMP EIR) identified in the MND would require any applicant
for future construction on the project site to contribute a fair share amount to the improvements
identified in the SAMP EIR.
FINDING: Implementation of Mitigation Measure TRA -1 would ensure that impacts related to
applicable transportation -related plans, policies or ordinances would be reduced to less than
significant levels.
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
- MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Mitigation and
Monitoring
Reporting Program
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF RONNERT PARK PAGE 1
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
CEQA Guidelines Section 15097 requires the adoption of a program by a public agency for
monitoring or reporting on the project revisions or measures it has imposed to mitigate or avoid
significant impacts of project.
Each mitigation measure is described in the following format:
Description
The description of the mitigation. measure.
Lead Agency
The public agency or individual which has the
responsibility for insuring that the measure is
implemented.
The entity or individual with the responsibility for
Implementing Entity
implementing or performing the measure.
Monitoring Agency
The public agency that has the responsibility for
monitoring the measure to insure the measure is effective
in mitigating the identified impact.
Timing
The point in time at which the mitigation measure is to be
started and completed.
Status
The status of the implementation of the measure through
the most recent reporting year.
E.1 COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING PICOGRAMS (REGULATORY
COMPLIANCE)
Applicable Federal, State, Regional, and County codes and regulations shall be complied with,
including but not limited to:
o Federal Government
• National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106 compliance)
• Clean Water Act, Section 404
o State of California
• California Environmental Protection Agency
• Department of Water Resources
n City of Rohnert Park
• Rohnert Park General Plan
■ Rohnert Park Zoning Ordinance
• Uniform Building Code
E.2 COMPLIANCE WITH PROJECT COMMITMENTS
The following commitments were made in the Project Description and are considered mitigation
that is incorporated in the Project. These commitments are provided as a reference for future
actions that will be implemented in compliance with the Stadium Area Master Plan.
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PAGE 2
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
• Development of at least 0.5 acres for recreational use.
• Dedication of Public Facilities site.
• Extension of Dowdell Avenue connecting; Business Park Drive to Martin Avenue.
• Extension of Carlson Avenue from Dowdell Avenue to Labath Avenue.
• Develop Carlson Avenue as a two-lane road.
• Extension of Martin Avenue approximately 100 feet west from Dowdell Avenue.
• Development of a Class I bike path on the north side of Hinebaugh Creek from Labath
Avenue to the eastern property boundry of Parcel D.
• Development of a Class II bike path as part of the reconstruction of Labath Avenue from
Hinebaugh Creek to Carlson Avenue and as part of the Dowdell Avenue extension and
improvements.
E.3 EIR MITIGATION MEASURES
Measure 4-Ia
Description
Design Review in compliance with the City of Rohnert Park General
Plan, Zoning, and Design Guidelines
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed prior to issuance of the building permit.
No activity f
Status
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERr PARK PAGE 3
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 4 -Ib
Description
Interface Design Review
Lead Agency
City of Rolinert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnelt Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed prior to issuance of the building permit.
- Status _
No activity - --
Measure 5-2a
Description
Implement measures to reduce dust generation and diesel exhaust during
construction periods.
City of Rohnert Park —
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
pMonitoring
City of Rohnert Park '
Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
No activity
Status
Measure 5-5a
Description Implement Additional Measures to Reduce Air Pollutant Emissions
from the Master Plan Projects.
Lead Agency 1 Cityof Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency I City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency f City of Rohnert Park
Timing Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
continues with the operation of the facilities.
Status
No activity
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PAGE 4
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
- MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 7-1 a
Description
Implement construction monitoring protocols for cultural resources.
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park and Contractor
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Statins
17�
[Noctivity ^
Measure 7-1 b
Description
Implement construction monitoring protocols for human remains.
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
��-- -Pa.�__._..
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park and Contractor
City of Rohnert rk
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Status
No activity
Measure 7-3a
Description
Lead Agency
Implement protection actions for palentological resources.
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
'
City of Rohnert Park and Contractor
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Timing
Status
No activity r.
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROMNl:RT PARK PAGE 5
i
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 8-2a
Description
Comply with state building code seismic requirements.
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy,
No activity
- Status
Measure 8-3a
Description
Require new construction to utilize site preparation, grading, and
foundation designs in accordance with site-specific soil conditions.
City of Rohnert Park
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Status
No activity
Measure 9 -la
Description
T
Implement City of Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Guidelines
for Storage and Handling of Hazardous Materials
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park, owners and operators
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Ongoing requirement
Ongoing
Timing
Status
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PAGE 6
STADIUM .A MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORINV DEPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 9-1b
Descrip(iou Immediately Contain Spills, Excavate Spill -Contaminated Soil, and
Dispose of Soils Properly
Lead Agency City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency City of Rohnert Park, owners, and operators
Monitoring Agency City of Rohnert Park
Timing Ongoing requirement
Status Ongoing
Measure 9-1c
Description Develop and Implement Plans to Reduce Exposure of People and the
Environment to Hazardous Conditions during Construction Activities.
Lead Agency City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency City of Rohnert Park and contractors
Monitoring Agency City of Rohnert Park
Timing Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
Status
Measure 9-1d
Description
Lea. d Agenc
Im lementi.
Monitoring
Timing
Status
OCTOBER 2007
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
No activity __
'fest Soils at the Commercial Site to Reduce Exposure of
People and the Environment to Hazardous Conditions.
Cid of Rohnert Park
City of Rohnert Park
City of Rohnert Park
Prior to Building Permit Issuance
No activity
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
PAGE 7
k
STADIUM A A MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 9-2a
Description
Identify and manage hazardous materials in structures to be impacted.
Lead Agency _
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Parke
Ongoing requirement
Timing
Status
No activity
Measure 9-6a
Description
Clear materials that could serve as fire fuel from areas slated for
construction activities.
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Status
No activity
Measure 9-6b
Description
Require spark -generating construction equipment be equipped with
manufacturer's recommended spark arresters.
City of Rohnert Park
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park T
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
No activity
Status
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
PAGE 8
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
- MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 10-3a
Description
Implement Regulatory Permit Requirements, including a Storinwater
Lead Agency
Pollution Prevention Plan and Erosion and Sediment Transport Control
Implementing Agency
Plan.
City of Rohnert Park
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a grading permit or building permit application is
submitted and completed with the issuance of the certificate of
occupancy.
Status
No activity
Measure 11-1a
Description
Amend the General Pian and Rezone Property.
Lead Agency
City of Roh.nert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park r
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park T
Timing
Considered by the City for action after certification of the EIR
Status
In process
Measure 11-4a
Description
Incorporate General Plan Policies and design guidelines to ensure
compatibility with, and transitions between, surrounding land uses.
City of Rohnert Park
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
No activity
Status
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PAGE 9
! ;•
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
- MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 12-1a
Description
Construct noise barriers along; with proper site design and/ori incorporate
noise barriers to reduce noise levels at outdoor use areas.
City of Rohnert Park
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park 'T
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
No activity
Status
Measure 12-3a
Description
Implement standard construction noise control measures.
City of Rohnert Park -----
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park and contractor V
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park -
Applicd at the fine a grading permit or building; permit application is
submitted and completed with the issuance of _the certificate of
occupancy.
No activity
Timing
�
Status
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF RONNERT PARK PAGE 10
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 12-4a
Description
Construct noise barriers in future development projects, including proper
site design and/or noise barriers to reduce noise levels at outdoor use
areas.
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohncrt Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted and
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Status
No activity
Measure 14-1 a
Public Safety Facility. The project proponent is responsible for dedicating to the
V
_-
City of Rohnert Park a 3 acre site for future development of a Northwest Public
Description
Safety Facility. Projects within SAMP shall pay impact fees or contribute a
Monitoring Agency
proportional share for improvements in order to meet the goal of a 4 minute
Timing
response time.
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohner( Park
z
Timing
After approval of the Stadium Area Master Plan and approval by the City
to construct CA Q ro ee-t,
Status
No activity
I.
Measure 14-2a
Description
Pay School Mitigation Fees
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park and building permit applicants
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted.
Status
No activity
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF RONNERT PARK PAGE 91
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 15-1 a
Description
`Lead
Intersection Reconfiguration at Redwood Drive/Wilfred Avenue
Agency
City of Rohnert Park -
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park and Stadium Area Master Plan applicant
Monitoring Agency
-
City of Rohnert Park -�
Timing
Start upon the adoption of the Master Plan and compie(ion in compliance
with the development agreement.
Status
No activity
Measure 15 -Ib
Description
Install Traffic Signal at Commerce Boulevard/State Farm Drive
City of Rohnert Park
City of Rohnert Park and Stadium Area Master Plan applicant
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Start upon the adoption of the Master Plan and completion in compliance
with the development agreement.
No activity
Timing
Status
Measure 15-1c
Description
Install Signal or Roundabout at Business Park Drive/ Dowdell Avenue
City of Rohnert Park
City of Rohnert Park and Stadium Area Master Plan applicant
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Start upon the adoption of the Master Plan and completion in compliance
with the development agreement.
Status
No activity f
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PAGE 12
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 15-1d
Description
Install Traffic Signal at Redwood Drive/Business Park Drive
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park and Stadium Area Master Plan applicant
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Start upon the adoption of the Master Plan and completion in compliance
with the development agreement.
No activity
Status
Measure 15-1e
Description Modify Northbound Lane Configuration and add Overlap Phasing at
Rohnert Park Expressway/Redwood Drive
Lead Agency City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency City of Rohnert Park and Stadium Area Master Plan applicant
Monitoring Agency City of Rohnert Park
Timing _ Start upon the adoption of the Master Phan and completion in c, ance�
with the development agreement. I
Status No activity
Measure 15-2a
Description
Modify Lane — Configuration and Phasing at Rohnert Park
Expressway/Labath Avenue
City of Rohnert Park
Lead Agency
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park and Stadium Area Master Plan applicant
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Start upon the adoption of the Master Plan and completion in compliance
with the development agreement.
No activity —
Status
s
I
t�
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF RONNERT PARK PAGE 13
L x-
1
1.:
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
- MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 15-2b
Desc><iption
Lead Agency _
Modify Eastbound Lane Configuration at Rohnert Park Expressway/U.S.
101 South Ramps
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Start upon the adoption of the Master Plan and completion in compliance
with the development agreement.
Status
No activity
Measure 15-2c
Description
Modify Off -ramp Lane Configuration at Rohnert Park Expressway/U.S.
101 North Ramps
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park and Stadium Area Master Plan applicant
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Start upon the adoption of the Master Plan and completion in compliance
with the development agreement.
Status
No activity
Measure 15-5a
Description
Provide On-site Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
City of Rohnert Park and Stadium Area Master Plan applicant
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Start upon the adoption of the Master Plan and completion in compliance
with the development agreement.
Status
No activity
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PAGE 14
STADIUM AREA MASTER PLAN EIR
- MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM
Measure 15-5b
Description
Provide Bussing i.'or School -Aged Children
Lead Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency
School District
Monitoring Agency
City of Rohnert Park
Timing
Ongoing upon occupancy of residential units.
Status
No activity
R
Measure 15-6a
I
Description Conformance with City of Rohnert Park Zoning Code
5
Lead Agency City of Rohnert Park
Implementing Agency City of Rohnert Park
Monitoring Agency City of Rohnert Park
Tinning Applied at the time a building permit application is submitted andt
completed with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Status No activity
1.
OCTOBER 2007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PAGE 15