HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions 88-388 N.C.S. 12/12/1988F~eSOIUtIOrl No. 88-388 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
CERTIFYING, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE
WESTRIDGE UNITS 4 AND 5 RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
AND ASSOCIATED IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the California Environmental. Quality Act of 1970, as
amended, provides that all local agencies shall prepare, or cause to be
prepared by contract, and certify the adoption of an Environmental Impact
Report prepared in the manner therein provided on any project intended to
be carried out or approved, which may have a significant effect on the
environment; and,
WHEREAS, the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Westridge
Units 4 and 5 residential project was published in April 1988; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission after noticed public hearings held
on May 10th and 24th and July 12th, 1988, recommended that the
Environmental Impact Report be forwarded to the City Council for final
certification together with comments made at the public hearing and
responses thereto:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of
Petaluma that the documents comprising the Final Environmental Impact
Report, and written comments received thereon and the responses thereto,
together with a list of persons, organizations and public agencies
commenting and comments received thereon and the responses thereto, are
hereby determined to constitute the Final Environmental Impact Report for
the Westridge Units 4 and 5 residential project; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the City Council of the City of
Petaluma does hereby certify and approve said Final Environmental Impact
Report and in connection with this approval makes the following findings
pursuant to State and Local Guidelines:
1. The Final Environmental Impact Report for the Westridge Units 4
and 5 residential project adequately evaluates the project's impact upon the
environment and has been completed in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act and in accordance with the Guidelines for
Implementation of said Act prescribed by the State of California Secretary
of Resources and with the Local Guidelines implementing the California
Environmental Quality Act adopted by the Council of the City of Petaluma;
2. The City Council has reviewed and considered the information in
said Final Environmental Impact Report; and that qualified consultants have
prepared the Final Environmental Impact Report; and the City Council has
reviewed the environmental documents applicable to the recommended project
prior to approving the Westridge Units 4 and 5 residential project;
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Res. No.....88-..3.8.8....... N.C.S.
3. The Final Environmental Impact Report adequately describes
possible alternatives to the proposed project, as well as all significant
irreversible environmental changes which would be involved in the proposed
action should it be implemented;
4. The Final Environmental Impact Report adequately describes the
cumulative and long-term effects of the proposed project which might
adversely affect the state of the environment;
5. The Final Environmental Impact Report adequately addresses the
growth inducing impacts of the proposed project.
6. The Final Environmental Impact Report for the project includes a
thorough review of potentially significant adverse environmental effects and
proposes mitigation measures to lessen or eliminate said effects . Said
effects, the requisite findings and explanation of the rationale for each
finding, pursuant to Section 15091 of the California Environmental Quality
Act Guidelines as amended, and the mitigation measures required of the
project to substantially lessen or eliminate said effects are detailed in
Resolutions No. 88-~0 and 89-11 and along with identified impacts are
presented below:.
A. Potential impacts to land use characteristics were identified as follows:
1. Loss of open space and rural character.
Impact will be substantially lessened by the following measures to be
incorporated into the project:
1. Requirement to provide an irrevocable offer of dedication of all
non-development area. This will insure availability to permit
access should connection to public access pathways prove
workable in the future, in conformance with General Plan policies.
2. Requirement to reconfigure Lots 163 and 164 to provide 100' depth
of urban separator thereby providing a continuous
non-development area on the south and west perimeters of the
project .
3. Requirement to redesign on-site drainage improvements to retain a
more natural appearing stream and habitat along portions of
Thompson Creek in conformance with Department of Fish and
Game recommendations. This modification will also insure
conformance to General Plan policies and programs relating to
waterway restoration and enhancement.
4. Provision of fencing along project's outer property lines when
either private property and/or urban separator/non-development
area abuts adjacent properties to permit continued use of adjacent
properties for agricultural/grazing purposes.
B . Potential impacts to Traffic /Transportation /Circulation were identified
as follows
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Reso. 88-388 NC.S.
1. Increased traffic volumes both in the general vicinity and on
adjacent roadway systems (refer to specific street identification in
Section IV of FEIR) .
2. Level of service at intersections (refer to Table 7 - page 75 of
FEIR).
3. Cumulative impacts associated with #1 and #2 above.
4. Emergency access to various portions of the project site.
5. Internal circulation system.
6. Pedestrian/bike access.
7. Transit needs.
8. Nearby residential living environments.
The above impacts will be substantially lessened by the following
measures which will be incorporated into the project:
1. Project participation in or responsibility for the following specific
off-site public roadway improvements
a. Construction of roadway improvements to "I" Street.
b. Payment of a proportionate fair share to the cost of the
repaving of D Street between Petaluma Boulevard to Sunny Slope
Avenue .
c. Payment of a proportionate fair share to Sunny Slope
Assessment District planned roadway improvements. If the Sunny
Slope Assessment District does not complete improvements prior to
construction of Westridge Units 4 and 5 public improvements:
project developer shall complete reconstruction of Sunny Slope
Road from Smith Drive to Sunny Slope Avenue in accordance with
previous Council requirements and approval to provide
improvements designed by County. Payback agreement may be
created for improvements beyond those associated with
construction of two travel lanes.
2 and 3. Project participation in or responsibility for the following
intersection improvements:
a. Payment of a proportionate fair share to the cost of
signalization modifications to D Street at Petaluma Boulevard
South.
b. Payment of the cost of signalization of Petaluma Boulevard
South/I Street.
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Reso. 88-388 NC. S.
c. Payment of a proportionate fair share of improvements to
upgrade D Street/Sunny Slope Avenue-El Rose intersection
signalization .
d. Payment of a proportionate fair share of the cost of
signalization of Petaluma Boulevard South/Mountain View.
e. Payment of a proportionate fair share of the cost of
signalization and intersection improvements of D/6th Streets.
4, Provision of a permanent access easement from Lavio Drive to
Rockrose Drive and from Lavio to Photinia Place to insure
emergency access. Easement shall be of adequate width to
accommodate city and county emergency vehicles.
5 . Completion of on-site circulation system improvements
a. Realignment of proposed intersection of Grevillia/Rockrose
Drives to form a standard four-leg intersection to reduce traffic
delays and increase safety.
b. Provision of stop signs for Grevillia Drive at I Street, Lavio
Drive at Westridge Drive and other minor on-site intersections
deemed necessary by the City Engineer.
6. Completion of on and off-site pedestrian/bike system
improvements
a. Provision of bike lane along west side of "I" Street and
internally to connect to existing Thompson Creek frontage bike
lane, in conformance with the adopted Bike Plan.
b. Provision of a sidewalk along the east side of I Street south
of Grant Avenue to the I Street/Sunnyslope Road intersection.
7. Off-site roadway improvements outlined in #s 1, 2 3 and 6 above.
C. Potential impacts to Slope Stabilization/Erosion/Soils were identified as
follows
1. Site grading would alter site topography and expose soils to risk
of erosion ,
2. Degree of cut and grading.
3. Volume changes in expansive soils could result in uplifting of
structures.
4. Grading could alter slope stability, thereby increase landslide
potential.
5. Building damage could result from groundshaking characteristics
of the soil during an earthquake.
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Reso. 88-388 N.C.S.
The above impacts will be substantially lessened by incorporation of
the following measures into the project:
1 and 2. Reduction of project density, revision of lot pattern to
reduce cut and fill requirement, particularly in the area of
Photinia Place .
3, Completion of a geotechnical investigation to define scope of
engineering methods for site improvements such as soil treatment,
over-excavation and. replacement of expansive soils with
non-expansive materials, use of supported floors and use of
foundations on drilled piers, etc.
4, As stated for #s 1 and 2 above, reduction of project density, and
revision of lot pattern can reduce grading and relocate residential
building envelopes within the development away from landslide
potential areas . Incorporation of additional methods of
construction such as reconstruction of slopes and creek banks to
create stable inclines (while enhancing natural habitat) ;
collection/control of surface runoff in lined drainage ditches; and
interception of subsurface seepage through use of subdrains .
5. Incorporation of seismic design parameters into the design and
construction of project foundations and structures, grading slopes
and retaining walls.
D. Potential impacts to Drainage and Water Quality were identified as
follows
1. Existing off-site storm drainage system flow characteristics.
2. Increase of downsystem storm flow volumes, of particular impact
during high intensity storms.
3. Placement of additional sedimentation in the improved surface
channel.
4. Temporary increase of sedimentation rates and drainage patterns
during construction periods.
5. Upstream dam failure implications.
6. Bank stability due to loss of vegetation.
7. Conflict between the need to reduce local flooding and natural
waterway preservation/enhancement objectives.
The above impacts will be substantially lessened by incorporation of
the following measures into the project:
1. Improvements to existing inadequacies of the Sunnyslope
Road/Thompson Creek culvert (per FEIR, page 128).
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Reso. 88-388 N.C.S.
2. On-site storm drainage improvements shall be designed so as to
retain development stormwater flows to levels at or below
predevelopment levels . Storm drainage improvements shall retain
the habitat viability and natural waterway characteristics, along a
portion of Thompson Creek within the project site, in conformance
with adopted General Plan policies and California Department of
Fish and Game regulations.
3. Long-term maintenance provisions to ensure that the design shape
and flow characteristics of the project's open drainage system are
well maintained in perpetuity through regular removal of
stormwater sediment and debris. In particular, silt and gravel
will not be allowed to accumulate behind the proposed flow
restrictors.
4. Preparation of an erosion control plan, by the applicant, to
include such measures as construction scheduling plus mechanical
and vegetative measures to reduce erosion and sedimentation and
appropriate seasonal maintenance .
5. Completion of expanded engineering investigation to include
adequate evaluation of upstream dam breach potentials and
provide adequate measures to protect against property damage
due to a dam breach. The measures shall include the use of
additional berms constructed to protect the development area from
dam-breached flood waters. The height of the berms shall be
sufficient to impound the total capacity of the three earthen dams
(about 30 acre-feet) during a high intensity storm. Berms shall
include flow restrictors to reduce flows through the project storm
drain system to below design flow rates.
6. Completion of a planting plan to provide revegetation to coincide
with slope grading (see #4 above) and to provide tree cluster
planting to compliment the natural contours of the site.
7. Along with on anal off-site drainage improvements, revision of
design to place more emphasis on retaining. and restoring natural
creek elements. Provision of a landscaping plan to retain the
existing oak tree between lots 35 and 174 and reintroduction of
native riparian species along the channel.
E. The following impacts relative to Visual Factors were identified:
1. Loss of views from adjacent residences and extension of suburban
development into foreground of other homes located on hillsides to
the northeast, north and northwest.
2. Reduction of views from travel routes (I Street and Westridge
Drive) .
The visual impacts will be lessened by incorporation of the following
measures into the project:
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Reso. 88-388 N.C.S.
1 and 2, a. Design of landscaping plan to introduce large canopy
trees and tree clusters to soften the impact of the project on
surrounding elevated viewpoints.
b. Prohibition of driveways, structures and heavy
landscaping above the 225 foot contour line. As stated in earlier
impact and mitigation identification section, this will require some
reconfiguration of the lot layout. Reconfiguration may also allow
the provision of slightly deeper lots backing onto existing
Westridge Drive residences.
c. A non-development easement shall be created between
the 225 foot contour and the proposed non-development easement
(urban separator) line to allow the lands to remain in private
ownership but prohibit development of structures or significant
landscaping that would modify the more visually prominent and
sensitive hillside areas .
F. The following potential adverse impacts relative to Municipal Services
were identified.:
1. Water pressure availability.
2 . Downsystem sewer capacities .
3. Cumulative impact on school facilities (Grant Elementary, Petaluma
Junior High and Petaluma High Schools) over time as schools
reach design capacities.
4. Cumulative impact to police services, responding to traffic,
domestic and criminal violations and complaints.
5. Cumulative impact to fire protection services, responding for fire
(structure and brush) suppression, medical emergencies, traffic
accidents, and natural disasters. The proposed project site is
just beyond current parameters of a four minute response time.
6. Cumulative impacts to parks and recreational facilities including
neighborhood and community park needs, General Plan policies
relating to Urban Separator development, parkland dedication or
fee payment, wildlife and habitat preservation and enhancement,
and promotion of trails and bike paths.
The above listed impacts will be substantially lessened by incorporation
of the following measures into the project:
1. Extension of water mains as required to provide domestic and fire
flow services. Consideration of individual booster pump systems,
as required. Restriction of house placement to elevations
serviceable by existing systems and/or booster systems.
Provision of residential structure sprinkler systems. Payment of
standard water connection. fee.
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:RESO. 88-388 N.C.S.
2. Extension of sewer mains as required from existing lines.
Evaluation of downsystem carrying capabilities, incorporation of
upgrading, if required. Payment of standard sewer connection
fee.
3. Payment of school facilities impact. fees.
4. Incorporation of residential security measures set forth by police
standards .
5. Incorporation or consideration of the following Fire Department
recommended mitigation measures
a. All structures shall be protected by approved residential fire
sprinkler systems .
b. All roofs shall have approved fire retardant roof covering
materials (no wood shakes) .
c. Emergency vehicle access into the project site shall be
provided through Lavio Drive.
G. The following impacts relative to Noise Generation were identified:
1. Compatibility of the proposed residential use of the site with the
anticipated onsite noise environment. Potential for
project-generated traffic noise. impacts on existing residential
areas.
2. Potential impact of activity noise from the new residential
neighborhood on adjacent residences.
3. Potential for noise impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods
during construction phases.
The above identified impacts will be substantially lessened by
incorporation of the following measures into the project:
1. Provision of noise barrier along project's I Street frontage.
2. Reconfiguration of lot layout to provide increased rear yard
depths to proposed Iots (#'s 9, 10, and 11) backing onto existing
Westridge Drive homes .
3. Implementation of General Plan noise reduction programs,
including limiting construction activity to 8 AM to 5 PM, weekdays
(non-holiday), construction equipment powered by internal
combustion engines to be properly muffled and maintained;
stationary noise-generating construction equipment should be
located as far as practical from existing residences and
acoustically shielded, use of quiet construction equipment
whenever possible and designation and identification of a
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Re so. 88-388 N.C.S.
"disturbance coordinator" or project manager by the developer to
respond to complaints about construction noise.
H. The following potential Air Quality impacts were identified:
1. Intermittent pollutants from construction activity.
The above mentioned impact can be addressed by incorporation of the
following measure into construction practices
1. Sprinkle. all exposed portions of the site completely twice daily;
schedule major dust-generating activities for the early morning
when wind velocities are low; and cover storage piles (fill,
refuse, etc.).
I. The following potential adverse impacts to Vegetation and Wildlife were
identified
1. Reduction of open space land.
2. Elimination or substantial alteration to existing biological habitats.
3. Elimination of approximately three-fourths of the onsite disturbed
riparian woodland habitat through reconstruction of Thompson
Creek.
4. Reduction of the acreage of onsite biological wildlife communities.
The above listed impacts will be substantially lessened by the
incorporation of the following measures into the project:
1. Dedication of proposed non-development area as urban separator.
Creation of non-development area between urban separator and
225 foot. contour line. City shall consider restriction of use of
urban separator to hiking and pedestrian/equestrian trail activity;
or as an alternative
Alternative: Allow the retention of the urban separator in
private ownership but provide specific restrictions on non-
development and limitation. on use.
2, 3 and 4. Redesign of proposed channel improvements to enhance
the aesthetic and natural qualities and potential of the creek,
retaining a portion of the natural configuration of the existing
creekbed.
Consideration of feasibility for retention of existing stand of
eucalyptus trees along Thompson Creek. Preservation of trees by
fencing during the construction phase of channel improvements.
Planting of landscaping along the Thompson Creek channel for
sediment filtration, bank stability and wildlife habitat protection
purposes. Incorporate use of fencing where necessary to protect
potential wildlife habitats and to control access to potentially
sensitive or easily damaged areas along the stream courses.
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Reso. 88-388 N.C.S.
Submission of stream channel alterations and mitigation measures
to California Department of Fish and. Game for review, resulting
in an amiable agreement between the applicant, the City and
CDFG for the preservation and enhancement of Thompson Creek.
J. The following potential impact relative to Archaeological Resources was
identified:
1. Damage, disruption or destruction of existing identified site.
The above impact wi•11 be substantially insured against occurrence by
incorporation of the. following measures into the project:
1. Protection during all phases of construction by means acceptable
to a qualified archaeologist. Work in. the immediate vicinity shall
be halted 'if 'any archaeological deposits are encountered during
any phase of construction. Preservation of the site through
installation of capping and turfing in cooperation with appropriate
agencies; or, a,s an alternative, the developer may contract with a
qualified archaeologist to conduct a partial excavation and, if
warranted, a full excavation. Subsequent to conclusion of
excavation activities the site shall be immediately improved for
urban park. development. Excavation and subsequent fill to be
completed ',•"" iris"cooperation and coordination with all appropriate
agencies .
K. Review and discussion •on project alternatives has lead to the following
finding : ,_
1. That development -of the site with fewer units is appropriate in
response to the .,.site's topographic, physical/geological and
biological constraints, and to increase and reinforce a sense of
openness at. the urban fringe.
reso;. westridge . eir n
resol0
power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
.. .
I hereby certify the;;foregoing Resol"ution was introduced and adopted by the k ~'rppr~
y ~ gul ) (~i ~dgX~l) meeting
Council'of the Cit of Petaluma at a Re ar ~i *" ~
on. the ..12th------------- day of ..............December ? ......__.._.., 19.88.., by the `:
following vote: .............
AYES: Cavanagh, Sobel, Wgol'sey, Balshaw, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Hi•lligoss
NOES: 0
ABSENT: T c
_---~
ATTEST: ~> ..:... ........ ....... ... .......
City Clerk
Form CA 2 9/82
Council File......_..l.Q .....................
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