HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.0_ProjectDescription_FroomRanch_DEIR 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 INTRODUCTION
JM Development Group, Inc.
(Applicant) proposes adoption of the
Draft Froom Ranch Specific Plan
(FRSP; see Appendix C) by the City of
San Luis Obispo (City). The proposed
FRSP includes a request for a General
Plan Amendment to allow
development above the 150-foot
elevation, which is currently prohibited by Land Use Element (LUE) Policy 6.4.7(H),
Hillside Planning Areas. The City Council authorized initiation of the proposed FRSP on
April 5, 2016. However, as part of that approval, the City Council required that this EIR
also evaluate an actionable alternative that locates all proposed development below the
150-foot elevation. The proposed FRSP is described in this section and evaluated in Section
3.0, Environmental Impact Analysis. The actionable alternative (Alternative 1) is described
in Chapter 5, Alternatives, of the EIR.
2.1.1 Overview of Proposed FRSP
The proposed FRSP (Project) provides a land use and development program with
associated goals, policies, and development standards to guide future development within
the 109.7-acre Specific Plan area located off Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) and Calle
Joaquin.
The Project would result in development of two main components: Villaggio Life Plan
Community (Villaggio) and Madonna Froom Ranch.
• Villaggio would provide up to 404 units of senior housing that would include
independent and assisted living units, as well as health care facilities with 51 beds
for memory care and skilled nursing.
• Madonna Froom Ranch would provide up to 174 multi-family housing units and up
to 100,000 square feet (sf) of mixed commercial uses, including a potential 70,000-
sf hotel and 30,000 sf of retail commercial uses.
The Project would include roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation improvements,
including a new signalized intersection at LOVR and Auto Park Way, and would extend
urban infrastructure improvements (e.g., water lines, sewer service) to serve the site. The
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-1
3rd Round Administrative Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project would also include 2.9 acres for a new public park within Madonna Froom Ranch
and dedication of 59.0 acres within the Specific Plan area to open space. The Project would
realign Froom Creek within the Specific Plan area and develop stormwater management
facilities both within and adjacent to the Specific Plan area, including overflow to the
existing Calle Joaquin wetlands and a proposed 7.1-acre stormwater detention basin, both
within the Project site.
Project entitlements to support
adoption of the FRSP would include
General Plan amendments, prezoning,
annexation of the Specific Plan area
into the City, and a Vesting Tentative
Tract Map (VTTM). Amendments to
the General Plan would include a
change in the land uses to include a
senior residential community and to
allow development above 150 feet in
elevation, since hillside development
is regulated by several General Plan
policies and programs, including
Policy 6.4.7(H), which specifies that
no building sites should be allowed above the 150-foot elevation line in the Irish Hills area
(see also, Section 2.5, Required Approvals and Section 3.10, Land Use and Planning).
The City’s LUE identifies the Specific Plan area as the Madonna on LOVR Specific Plan
Area (SP-3). The LUE requires adoption of a Specific Plan for SP-3 prior to development
to comprehensively address appropriate development of the site while protecting sensitive
environmental resources. LUE Section 8.1.5 identifies the following land use and design
goals related to SP-3:
• development of a design that is sensitive to environmental constraints, including
wetland protection, slope protection, historic structures, and open space protection;
• maintenance of viewsheds of surrounding mountains, and securing steeper hillsides
as protected open space areas;
• varying height limits to protect views of adjacent hills;
• providing access to trails;
The FRSP would guide development of residential,
commercial, and recreation uses on the former Froom
Ranch Dairy Farm property, along with proposed
General Plan amendments and annexation to the City.
2-2 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
3rd Round Administrative Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
• providing a plan for adequate and safe infrastructure, including appropriate points
of access to LOVR;
• addressing neighborhood commercial needs of new neighborhoods; and
• providing connectivity to adjacent development.
2.1.2 Project Applicant Team
Applicant:
JM Development Group, Inc.
John Madonna
PO Box 5310
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Project Design:
RRM Design Group
Victor Montgomery, AIA
Tim Walters
Pam Ricci, AICP
3765 South Higuera St., Ste. 102
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
2.2 EXISTING SETTING
2.2.1 Project Site Boundaries
The Specific Plan area includes 109.7
acres located immediately southwest of
the City limits (Figure 2-1). The
Specific Plan area is generally bounded
by LOVR to the east, Calle Joaquin and
Mountainbrook Church to the south,
Irish Hills Plaza to the north, and the
City-owned Irish Hills Natural Reserve
to the west. The Specific Plan area
consists of two parcels, located at
12165 and 12193 LOVR (APNs 067-241-030 and 067-241-031), that are owned by the
Applicant. The Specific Plan area is currently unincorporated in the County but lies within
the City’s adopted Sphere of Influence (Figure 2-2).
The 116.8-acre Project site is located southwest of the
City at the base of the Irish Hills Natural Reserve.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-3
3rd Round Administrative Draft EIR
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Project Site
Froom Ranch Specific
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City of San Luis Obispo
County of San Luis Obispo 0 0.5
SCALE IN MILES
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Regional Location 2-1
FIGURE
2-4
NEIL HAVLIK W AYOCEAN V I E WFROOM CREEK CONNECTOR
FROOM C R E E K
OCEAN VIEWWEDN ES D AYPH Y LISS’LO O KOUT
OCEAN VIEW
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Drainage 2Drainage 2
Drainage 4Drainage 4
Drainage 1Drainage 1
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NATURALNATURAL
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CITY OFCITY OF
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CITY OFCITY OF
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UNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTYCOUNTY
UNINCORPORATED
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CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OF
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NEIL HAVLIK W AYOCEAN V I E WFROOM CREEK CONNECTOR
FROOM C R E E K
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Aerial Source: Google 2018.
LEGEND
Project Site
Froom Ranch
Specific Plan Area
Irish Hills Natural
Reserve
Public Trail
Federal and State
Wetlands and Riparian
Habitat
150-Foot Elevation
Contour from Site
Survey
City of San Luis Obispo
3.2-Acre Existing Detention
Basin for Irish Hills Plaza
7.1-Acre Existing Open Space
and Agricultural Conservation
Easement
Quarry and Construction
Materials Storage
Historic Froom Ranch Dairy
Complex
Paved Site Access Road
3
1 4
5
2
Project Site Existing Setting 2-2
FIGURE
0 500
SCALE IN FEET
N
2-5
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Project site encompasses both the Specific Plan area and 7.1 acres outside the Specific
Plan area that would provide a new stormwater detention basin to serve the Project. The
proposed stormwater detention basin area is located immediately south of the Specific Plan
area on land owned by Mountainbrook Church. The proposed stormwater detention basin
would overlie both incorporated and unincorporated land within APNs 067-241-021
(County) and 053-161-010 (City). Together with the Froom Ranch Specific Plan area, the
Project site includes 116.8 acres (refer to Figure 2-2). The Project would also require offsite
improvements to support the Project, including a new signalized intersection at
LOVR/Auto Park Way at the proposed site entrance, sidewalk improvements along the
western side of LOVR fronting the site, and a new emergency access road connection at
the site’s southern boundary with Mountainbrook Church property. The EIR has evaluated
the potential environmental impacts of Project-related disturbances and operations both
within the Project site and at all offsite improvement areas.
2.2.2 Project Vicinity
The Project site is located on the southwestern side of the Los Osos Valley at the base of the
Irish Hills. The Irish Hills are a low mountain range that are part of the outer California Coast
Ranges in the Central Coast region. Froom Creek and four local drainages flow from the
Irish Hills through the Project site to San Luis Obispo Creek. The Irish Hills provide
expansive open space and are highly visible from surrounding areas reaching a maximum
elevation of 1,300 feet in the area west of the Project site. The western boundary of the
Specific Plan area is adjacent to the Irish Hills Natural Reserve, which contains 14.9 miles
of public trails. Access to the Froom Creek Trail and the Neil Havlik Trail is currently
provided immediately west of the Project site (Figure 2-2).
2-6 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Existing development in the Project vicinity includes primarily commercial land uses. To
the north, the approximately 45-acre Irish Hills Plaza is a retail shopping center developed
with approximately 500,000 sf of primarily one-story commercial and big-box retail uses,
including Home Depot, T.J. Maxx, and Whole Foods Market immediately adjacent to the
Project site. To the east across LOVR, commercial development primarily includes
automobile dealerships and service centers, such as BMW, Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen,
Toyota, and Honda, which are generally developed with one-story offices, showrooms, and
service facilities. Visitor-serving uses are present to the south of the Project site adjacent to
U.S. Highway 101 (U.S. 101) and Calle Joaquin. Commercial uses include a gas station,
restaurant, and several hotels, including the Hampton Inn, Marriott, and Motel 6. The Project
site is bordered to the south by the Mountainbrook Church property and one-story building,
which is situated on the top of the hill south of the Specific Plan area. The Mountainbrook
Church property extends from the church’s hilltop location down to Calle Joaquin. Farther
south, the KSBY television broadcasting studio, including a one-story building, surface
parking lot, and several telecommunications structures are located on a hill adjacent to U.S.
101. There are no existing residential developments adjacent to the Project site; the closest
residential neighborhoods are located 0.3 mile north, beyond Irish Hills Plaza, and 0.3 mile
southeast across U.S. 101.
Roads immediately adjacent to the Project site include LOVR and Calle Joaquin. LOVR is a
four-lane roadway with a center median turning lane and provides Class II bicycle lanes in
both directions. The northbound side of LOVR is striped for parallel parking and provides a
10-foot-wide sidewalk. The southbound side of LOVR along the Project site frontage does
not provide parking or a sidewalk and is curbed adjacent to an open vegetated drainage ditch
running the length of the Project site. Calle Joaquin is a two-lane roadway that extends south
The Project site is bordered to the west by the Irish Hills Natural Reserve (left), which contains a public
trail system with hiking and biking opportunities. Irish Hills Plaza (right) located north of the Specific
Plan area contains retail and commercial businesses.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-7
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
of the Specific Plan area from LOVR to KSBY within the City limits. From LOVR and along
the segment adjacent to the hotels, Calle Joaquin is bordered with sidewalks and planter strips
on both sides. From the hotels to KSBY, Calle Joaquin is a two-lane road with unimproved
shoulders along either side of the road. Calle Joaquin does not provide access to the Project
site, but is the main road to Mountainbrook Church, KSBY, and Filipponi Ranch. U.S. 101
is located approximately 0.15 mile east of the Specific Plan area and provides regional
access to the Project vicinity via LOVR.
2.2.3 Existing Project Site Characteristics
The Project site encompasses highly
varied topography. The southwest
portion of the site is approximately
100 to 120 feet higher in elevation
than the eastern portion of the site
along lower Froom Creek adjacent to
LOVR. Upper elevations of the site
have steeper slopes and drainages
that transition to the Irish Hills
Natural Reserve in the hills above.
Relatively flat grassland, disturbed
areas, the Froom Creek channel, and
wetlands occur in lower elevations
of the Project site.
The Project site has highly varied topography ranging from
low-lying wetlands along LOVR to the steep hillsides at the
base of the Irish Hills. Froom Creek and four local
drainages flow through the site.
2-8 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Froom Creek watershed flows from
the Irish Hills and the creek channel
traverses the Specific Plan area from
north to south. Three small tributaries
also flow through the southwestern
portion of the Specific Plan area to
connect to Froom Creek and feed several
wetlands onsite; a fourth drainage flows
through the proposed stormwater
detention basin area adjacent to Calle
Joaquin to connect to Froom Creek and
San Luis Obispo Creek (referred to as
Drainages 1, 2, 3, and 4; Figure 2-2).
These drainages are generally seasonally
dry, but carry substantial flows during storm events and are the source of perennial fresh
water seeps/springs at the base of the hillside and near the confluence with Froom Creek
(see also, Section 3.4, Biological Resources and Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water
Quality).
The Project site includes a wide variety of habitats, including annual and native grasslands,
coast live oak/California bay woodland, and coastal scrub/chaparral habitats, primarily
within the higher elevations of the Specific Plan area. About 5.8 acres of wetland habitat
occurs in low-lying areas adjacent to LOVR and Calle Joaquin, referred to as the Calle
The Project site was historically used for agriculture and contains seven historic dairy farm structures
within the northwestern portion of the site (left) and is currently used for periodic grazing. A 7.1-acre
agricultural easement is located at the southeast corner of the Specific Plan area, adjacent to Calle Joaquin
(right).
The Specific Plan area is largely undeveloped and
used for grazing. However, the northwestern portion
of the site is developed with historic dairy ranch
buildings and a permitted quarry used for storage of
construction materials.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-9
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Joaquin wetlands. The Calle Joaquin wetlands lie within an area protected by an existing
7.1-acre open space and agricultural conservation easement recorded in 2010 on the Project
site as a mitigation measure and development condition for the Prefumo Creek Commons
project, which was located adjacent to the northeast corner of the Project site across LOVR
to the north.
The Project site is largely undeveloped and is currently used as grazing land for horses.
However, the northern side of the Project site is developed with buildings from the historic
former Froom Ranch Dairy Farm. The Specific Plan area was used as a dairy farm from
the 1850s to 1977 and an assemblage of remaining historical ranch and dairy structures
occupy about 3 acres along the northern edge of the Specific Plan area adjacent to Irish
Hills Plaza. These buildings include a round-nose dairy barn (dairy barn), creamery,
granary, four-bedroom house (main residence), bunkhouse, shed, and an “old” barn,
referred to as the Froom Ranch Dairy Farm complex. The Applicant currently uses the
main residence building as an office and some of the historic structures for storage in
support of a construction business. A portion of the northwestern corner of the Project site
also contains an approximately 4-acre active permitted red rock quarry currently used for
aggregate storage and operating under a Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA)
permit.
The Specific Plan area is accessed
primarily from LOVR via an existing
paved driveway located
approximately 200 feet south of Irish
Hills Plaza. The Specific Plan area
includes this paved driveway and
several internal unpaved/dirt access
roads. A manmade earthen berm
extends along the south side of Froom
Creek, confining the existing creek
channel to a perched elevation along the western edge of the Specific Plan area at the base
of the Irish Hills. The site also includes stormwater detention facilities that capture runoff
from a portion of Irish Hills Plaza. An approximately 3.2-acre detention basin located in
the southeastern portion of the site receives surface runoff from the eastern side of Irish
Hills Plaza via subsurface pipes traversing the Specific Plan area. Additionally, an existing
drainage ditch extends from Irish Hills Plaza parallel to LOVR that collects and conveys
surface runoff from the roadway and Irish Hills Plaza to culverts near Calle Joaquin. The
An existing paved driveway off LOVR provides primary
access to the Specific Plan area approximately 200 feet
south of Irish Hills Plaza.
2-10 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
drainage ditch has established riparian vegetation and includes state and federal
jurisdictional riparian areas.
2.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Section 15124(b) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines requires
a statement of a project’s objectives that includes the underlying purpose of the Project.
Major objectives of the Project include:
1. Development of a mix of uses while protecting sensitive environmental resources
and maintaining public views of the Irish Hills.
2. Provision of a range of housing options, including workforce housing, senior
housing, and inclusionary housing.
3. Development of an economically feasible, healthy, safe, and secure Life Plan
Community that will serve residents 60 years of age and over.
4. Development of multi-family housing, including housing consistent with the
adopted City Inclusionary Housing Requirements in effect at the time of the
Specific Plan adoption.
5. Provision of commercial retail uses that complement residential uses and facilitate
pedestrian and bicycle access.
6. Provide site hydrology design to improve stormwater conveyance and
management, provide a restored riparian creek corridor, and enhance fishery habitat
and biological resource value.
7. Development of a public park that includes access and connection to existing trails
in the Irish Hills Natural Reserve and proposed trails within the Specific Plan area.
8. Reconstruction, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of architecturally significant
historic structures within a public park, in a setting and configuration that retains
historic integrity, while avoiding seismic impacts.
9. Establishment of a cohesive transportation and circulation network of collector and
residential roads, bicycle lanes, transit opportunities, and pedestrian sidewalks that
is integrated with and enhances the regional transportation system.
10. Incorporation of sustainability measures that exceed the requirements of the
California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and California Energy Code (Part 6)
in effect at the time of construction, as well as provide onsite renewable energy
facilities and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in all land use types.
11. Avoidance of impacts to sensitive plant and wildlife species, such as the state and
federally-endangered Chorro Creek bog thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense).
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-11
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4 PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Project would guide future land use and development within the Specific Plan area in
conformance with the requirements of California Planning and Zoning Law (Government
Code sections 65450 through 65457). The Project proposes a mix of residential, retail
commercial, public facilities, and open space land uses along with onsite roadway, bicycle,
and pedestrian circulation improvements (see Appendix C, Chapter 2, Land Use, Zoning,
and Development Standards). Project development includes two major components within
the Specific Plan area (Figure 2-3):
• Villaggio Life Plan Community (Villaggio) – a 70.4-acre gated senior residential
community (residents must be 60+ years of age) in the central and southern portions
of the Specific Plan area, providing up to 404 units of senior housing that would
include independent and assisted living units, as well as health care facilities with
51 beds for memory care and skilled nursing. Villaggio includes two subareas. The
Upper Terrace includes Villaggio areas above 150 feet in elevation. The Lower
Area include Villaggio areas below 150 feet in elevation (refer to Figure 2-3).
• Madonna Froom Ranch – multi-family residential, retail commercial uses, and a
public park within 39.3 acres of the northern and eastern portions of the Specific
Plan area, providing up to 174 multi-family units and up to 100,000 sf of mixed
commercial uses, including a potential 70,000-sf hotel and 30,000 sf of retail
commercial. Madonna Froom Ranch includes areas outside Villaggio, including the
proposed 2.9-acre public park and the Calle Joaquin wetlands, but does not include
the proposed stormwater detention basin area.
The Project would develop 2.9 acres as a new public park within the Madonna Froom
Ranch portion of the Project and would dedicate a total of 59.0 acres of open space within
the Specific Plan area, as further described below.
2-12 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Figure 2-3. Villaggio Life Plan Community and Madonna Froom Ranch
The Project would also include development of supporting infrastructure and adjustments
to existing site features, including:
•Realignment and reconstruction of Froom Creek, including channel and bank
improvements within the Project site and immediately downstream of the Project
site;
•Development of a new stormwater detention basin with capacity to hold 22 acre-
feet of stormwater within an existing 7.1-acre easement on the Mountainbrook
Church property;
•Reconfiguration of an existing 7.1-acre agricultural conservation easement adjacent
to Calle Joaquin;
•Installation of a new signalized intersection and transit stop at LOVR and Auto
Park Way;
•Installation of sidewalks along a portion of LOVR to connect to Irish Hills Plaza;
•Development of an onsite circulation system with new collector and residential
roads, bicycle facilities, transit improvements, and emergency access extending to
Mountainbrook Church; and
•Extension of utility lines and infrastructure.
The following sections provide detailed descriptions of the Project components.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-13
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.1 Proposed Land Use Plan
The Project involves a land use plan with a development program and guidelines for
residential and commercial land uses along with public park and conservation/open space
(C/OS) uses in the Specific Plan area (Figure 2-4). The Project would adopt specific zoning
standards to govern development within the Specific Plan area. The Project’s proposed
land use plan is based on the City’s zoning standards for medium-high residential (R-3),
high density residential (R-4), retail-commercial (C-R), public facilities (PF), and C/OS
uses, but proposed modifications are included to uniquely apply within the Specific Plan
area for residential and commercial uses. Modified development standards for residential
uses that deviate from the City’s Municipal Code are proposed within the Specific Plan
area for R-3 (R-3-SP) and R-4 (R-4-SP) zone districts, as described in Table 2-1.
Modifications would accommodate envisioned conceptual development depicted in
Figure 2-5.
Table 2-1. Proposed Development Standards for Residential Zones
Standard Existing
R-3 Standards
Proposed
R-3-SP
Standards
Existing
R-4 Standards
Proposed
R-4-SP
Standards
Maximum Density
(units/acre)
18 du/ac6 20 du/ac 24 du/ac 24 du/ac
Maximum Building
Coverage
60% 60% 60% 60%
Maximum Building
Height1,2,3
35 feet 35 feet for
Madonna Froom
Ranch; 45 feet
for Villaggio
35 feet 35 feet
Minimum Street
Yard Setback4
15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet
Minimum Other
Yard Setback4
10 feet 0-5 feet 10 feet 0-5 feet
Minimum Lot Size5 5,000 sf 1,000 sf 5,000 sf 1,000 sf
Minimum Lot
Width5
50 feet 20 feet 50 feet 20 feet
Minimum Lot Depth5 80 feet 50 feet 80 feet 50 feet
Note: du/ac = dwelling units per acre
1 Building heights are measured from finished grades established at the time of completion of subdivision grading.
2 Structures above the 150-foot elevation line would be limited to a maximum roof height of 238 feet above mean sea
level.
3 Components of solar energy systems, towers, and mechanical equipment screening may extend up to 10 feet above
the maximum building height.
4 Yard setbacks do not apply to development in Villaggio as all development is located along private streets.
5 Lot area and dimensions standards do not apply to Villaggio as individual lots for housing units are not proposed.
6 Density of 18 du/ac for properties within an Airport Safety Zone; 20 du/ac for all other properties.
2-14 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
Drainage 4Drainage 4
150-FOOT E L EVATION CONTO
UR LIN
EProposed Froom Creek RealignmentF ro o m C r e e k *Prefumo CreekSan Luis Obispo Creek101
CALLE JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADCALLE JOAQUINAUTO PARK WAYAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
NATURALNATURAL
RESERVERESERVE
VISITOR SERVING COMMERCIALVISITOR SERVING COMMERCIAL
(HOTELS)(HOTELS)
COSTCOCOSTCO
MOUNTAINBROOKMOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCHCHURCH CALLE JOAQUINCALLE JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLS
NATURAL
RESERVE
VISITOR SERVING COMMERCIAL
(HOTELS)
COSTCO
MOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCH
F ro o m C r e e k *Prefumo CreekSan Luis Obispo CreekUNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTYCOUNTY
UNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY Proposed Froom Creek RealignmentVILLAGGIOVILLAGGIO
LIFE PLANLIFE PLAN
COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY
MADONNA FROOMMADONNA FROOM
RANCHRANCH
VILLAGGIO
LIFE PLAN
COMMUNITY
MADONNA FROOM
RANCH
AUTOAUTO
DEALERSHIPSDEALERSHIPS
IRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
PLAZAPLAZA
SHOPPINGSHOPPING
CENTERCENTER
IRISH HILLS
PLAZA
SHOPPING
CENTER
AUTO
DEALERSHIPS
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUISSAN LUIS
OBISPOOBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS
OBISPO
Drainage 3
Drainage 2
Drainage 1
Drainage 4
150-FOOT E L EVATION CONTO
UR LIN
EUPPER
TERRACE
LOWER
AREA
LEGEND
Proposed Specific Plan
Land Use
Project Site
Villaggio (Private)
Madonna Froom
Ranch
Public Site Access
Roadways: 5.6 acres
Private Site Access Roadways
Easement for Relocated
Stormwater Basin: 7.1 acres
Reconfigured Open Space
and Agricultural Conservation
Easement
C-R-SP – Retail
Commercial/ General
Commercial: 3.1 acres
C/OS-SP – Conservation/
Open Space: 59 acres
PF-SP – Public Facilities:
2.9 acres
R-3-SP – Medium-High Density
Residential: 37.3 acres
R-4-SP – High Density Residential:
1.8 acres
*Notes: Roadways within Villaggio are private and are included as part
of the medium high density residential land use. Froom Creek
would be realigned.
Proposed Land Use Plan 2-4
FIGURE
Aerial Source: Google 2018.
0 500
SCALE IN FEET
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2-15
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Development within the proposed C-R zone district would be consistent with the City’s
Municipal Code for the C-R zone, except that several commercial uses would be prohibited
due to potential land use conflicts or incompatible scale and intensity of development, such
as service stations, warehouses, and automobile-related businesses. Otherwise,
development standards would be consistent with the City’s Zoning Regulations for the C-
R zone, including a maximum building height limit of 45 feet, maximum site coverage of
100 percent, and a maximum floor-to-area ratio of 3.0. Further, the maximum individual
building size would not exceed 60,000 sf. No modifications to development standards are
proposed for PF zones and C/OS zones compared to the City’s Municipal Code standards.
Table 2-2. Summary of Proposed Zoning and Land Uses
Proposed Zones Acreage Housing Units/ sf
VILLAGGIO
R-3-SP Medium-High Density Residential 31.6 404 units/ 51 beds
Independent Living Units 366 units
Assisted Living Units 38 units
Health Care Units (Skilled Nursing & Memory Care) 51 beds
Health Care Administration Building 85,670 sf
Ancillary Uses (wellness center, restaurants, theater,
etc.)
84,078 sf
MADONNA FROOM RANCH
R-3-SP Medium-High Density Residential 5.7 130 multi-family units
R-4-SP High Density Residential 1.8 44 multi-family units
C-R-SP Retail-Commercial 3.1 100,000 sf
Hotel with Restaurant 70,000 sf
Other Commercial 30,000 sf
PF-SP Public Facilities 2.9 N/A
ADDITIONAL USES
C/OS-SP Conservation/ Open Space 59.0 N/A
Designated Open Space 51.9 N/A
Reconfigured Agricultural Easement 7.1 N/A
Roadways 5.6 N/A
TOTAL 109.7 578 units/51 beds
100,000 sf commercial
Under the proposed land use plan, the Project would allow for the development 404
independent and assisted senior living units and 51 health care facility beds in Villaggio,
and 174 multi-family units in Madonna Froom Ranch. Proposed senior living and
residential uses would only be within medium-high and high density residential zones. The
Project also proposes up to 100,000 sf of retail commercial uses (including a potential
70,000-sf hotel and 30,000 sf of commercial retail) within a retail-commercial zone, 59.0
2-16 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
acres of dedicated open space within a conservation/open space zone, and 2.9 acres of
public park within a public facilities zone (Table 2-2 and Figure 2-4).
The design, layout, and function of Villaggio and Madonna Froom Ranch would be
substantially different from one another. While Madonna Froom Ranch is proposed as a
multi-family residential neighborhood with adjacent retail commercial uses and a public
park, Villaggio is proposed as a private, gated senior residential community that provides
different levels of accommodations and care depending on the needs of the residents, along
with supporting private recreational uses and facilities. Residential units within Villaggio
would not be independently owned; therefore, there would not be subdivisions within the
Villaggio development area to create individual lots for residents to purchase. As such, the
types of housing and other facilities differ greatly between Villaggio and Madonna Froom
Ranch, as further described below.
2.4.1.1 Villaggio Life Plan Community
Villaggio is proposed as a private,
gated, and age-restricted senior
housing community for residents
aged 60 years old or older. Villaggio
would provide a variety of senior
housing choices for independent or
assisted living and would include
private amenities for residents, such
as indoor and outdoor recreational
facilities, health care services,
restaurants, a movie theater, and a
network of private onsite trails.
Development of Villaggio is
proposed within two separate areas of the Specific Plan area, referred to as the “Lower
Area” and “Upper Terrace,” which would be connected by a private road. The development
proposed in the Upper Terrace would be above the 150-foot elevation line (Figures 2-3 and
2-5).
Villaggio Residential Development
The Project would designate 31.6 acres of R-3-SP zoning within Villaggio for planned
senior residential use with independent living units and specialized residential facilities for
Villaggio would include a 3-story community area with
common area providing resident-serving amenities, such
as retail uses, restaurants and a theater, designed as a
Mediterranean promenade.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-17
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care (Table 2-3). The independent living units
would include:
• Piazza Apartments and Village Suites – 197 total units within the upper floors of
three-story multi-use buildings up to 45 feet in height;
• Garden Terrace Apartments – two- to three-story apartment buildings, containing a
total of 108 two-bedroom units; and
• Villas – 61 detached one-story single-family homes with two bedrooms, up to 20
feet in height.
In addition, Villaggio would include a proposed Health Care Administration Building that
would contain 38 assisted living units, 17 memory care beds, and 34 skilled nursing beds,
along with supporting health care facilities available to Villaggio residents. The proposed
density of units within the R-3-SP zone would allow up to 20 dwelling units per acre
(du/acre) within the developed portions of the Lower Area and Upper Terrace, but as
proposed, the effective density of the development would be approximately 13 to 15
du/acre within the R-3-SP zone in Villaggio. Building heights are proposed up to a
maximum of 45 feet with allowance for certain appurtenances, towers, and utilities
consistent with the City’s Zoning Regulations, which allow an additional 10 feet for multi-
story buildings (i.e., 55 feet in total height).
Table 2-3. Types of Senior Housing within Villaggio
Type of Senior Housing Units Size (sf)
Independent Living Units1 366 units 700-2,000 sf
Piazza Apartments 150 units 700-1,900 sf
Village Suites 47 units 700-1,900 sf
Garden Terrace Apartments 108 units 1,300-1,800 sf
Villas 61 units 1,700-2,000 sf
Assisted Living Units2 38 units 310-620 sf
Memory Care 17 beds N/A
Skilled Nursing 34 beds N/A
1 Independent Living Units would be limited to dual occupancy.
2 Assisted Living Units would be designed to be single occupancy, though a total of two units would be designed for
dual occupancy.
2-18 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
C-CC-C
E-EE-E
A-AA-A
B-BB-B
D-DD-D
C-C
E-E
A-A
B-B
D-D
EMERGENCYEMERGENCY
ACCESS ROADACCESS ROAD
150-Foot Elevation C
ontourLOS OSOS VALLEY
ROADLOS OSOS VALLEY
ROADAUTO PARK WAY
AUTO PARK WAY
CALLE JOAQUINCALLE JOAQUINCALLE JOAQUINCALLE JOAQUINMOUNTAINBROOKMOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCHCHURCH LOS OSOS VALLEY
ROADAUTO PARK WAY
CALLE JOAQUINCALLE JOAQUINMOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCH
6
1
3
4
5
14
11
1121
21
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22
22
22
13
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8
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17
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Realig n e d Froom CreekRELOCATEDRELOCATED
BASINBASIN
RELOCATED
BASIN
150-Foot Elevation C
ontourIRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
PLAZAPLAZA
SHOPPINGSHOPPING
CENTERCENTER
IRISH HILLS
PLAZA
SHOPPING
CENTER
101
EMERGENCY
ACCESS ROAD
LEGEND KEY
Proposed Building Heights
Project Site
1- to 2-Foot Berm
Cross Section Location
(refer to Figures 2-6
and 2-15)
1 Story – 18’-20’ High
2 Story – 24’-30’ High
3 Story – 36’-45’ High
Tower – 45’-55’ High
Trailhead Park Boundary
Relocated Historic Structures
Retail/Office – 30,000 sf
Commercial/Hotel – 70,000 sf
High-Density Multi-Family Housing –
44 units including 27 affordable units
Medium-High Density Attached
Multi-Family Housing – 130 units
LOVR/Auto Park Way Signalized
Intersection
Trail Access
Madonna Froom Ranch Villaggio
Commons
Upper Commons
Garden Terraces –
108 total units
Piazza Apartments and
VillageSuites – 197 total units
Villas – 61 total units
Health Center Support
Buildings
Reconfigured Open Space
and Agricultural Conservation
Easement
Wellness Center
Security Gatehouse
Health Care Administration
Building – 51 beds
Assisted Living – 38 units
Trail Access
Recreational Facility
Recreational Area
E-EE-EE-E
1 9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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22
2
3
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5
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Conceptual Site Plan 2-5
LOWER AREALOWER AREA
UPPERUPPER
TERRACETERRACE
LOWER AREA
UPPER
TERRACE
FIGURE
0 550
SCALE IN FEET
N
Aerial Source: Google 2018.
2-19
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Non-Residential Development
The Project proposes non-residential development to serve future Villaggio residents,
including health care facilities, ancillary restaurant and recreational uses, and other private
amenities. These uses are proposed to serve onsite residents, guests, and staff only, and
would not be open to the public or residents of Madonna Froom Ranch. Non-residential
development within Villaggio would include:
• Health Care Administration Building – a three-story 85,670-sf building within
the Lower Area near the Villaggio entrance gate. This building includes the assisted
living units, as well as memory care and skilled nursing beds where residents
require 24-hour care and supervision.
• Wellness Center – a 17,720-sf wellness center located within the Lower Area. This
building would provide fitness facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool,
restrooms, lockers, yoga area, exercise equipment, and physical therapy services.
• Recreation Facilities – approximately eight locations within the Villaggio area
would provide private recreational areas, facilities, and/or community gathering
areas, including an outdoor swimming pool, spa pool, gym, pickle ball and bocce
ball courts, community gardens, resident gardening plots, and craft rooms. Private
trails and connections to public trails within and adjacent to the Project site would
also be provided.
• Commons –a three-story mixed-use building, known as “Commons”, would serve
as the community center and include ground-floor resident-serving uses, such as
restaurants, craft areas, workshops, recreation rooms, and a movie theater.
Commons would contain a central paseo with plaza areas and a pedestrian
orientation.
• Assembly Room – a 5,688-sf room would accommodate a variety of functions and
gatherings for residents.
• Tower – a 55-foot-tall tower is proposed within the Lower Area that would include
a library on the first floor, a total of four guestrooms on the second and third floors,
and an observation deck on the fourth floor.
• Security Gatehouse – an approximately 250-sf security gatehouse structure would
be located at the main entrance to Villaggio to control access and entry of residents,
and provide directions, parking passes, etc. for visitors, employees, and deliveries.
2-20 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
200180160150140ELEVATION120100ElevatorElevator
Subterranean Parking28’18’18’LocalRoad “C”Mixed-Use Commericaland ResidentialResidentialCommercial Uses (i.e.,restaurants, recreationrooms, movie theater)Mixed-Use Commericaland ResidentialResidentialResidentialElevator
ResidentialResidential2nd Level SkybridgeResidentialResidentialResidentialCommercial Uses (i.e.,restaurants, recreationrooms, movie theater)PathPath45’ HighThe Commons45’ HighPiazza Apartments55’ HighTower150-FootElevationProjectGradeExistingGradeElevatorElevator
Subterranean ParkingResidentialResidentialResidentialResidentialResidentialResidentialElevator
Residential28’Local Road “C”3.5’ HighRetaining Wall5’ HighFence18’Path45’ HighPiazza Apartments20’ HighVillaIrish HillsNaturalReserve200180160150140ELEVATION120100150-FootElevationProjectGradeExistingGrade2-6FIGUREVillaggio Life Plan Community Conceptual Cross SectionsCross Section B-B – Villaggio CenterCross Section A-A – Irish Hills Natural Reserve to Villaggio Center2-21
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.1.2 Madonna Froom Ranch
The Madonna Froom Ranch portion of the Specific Plan area would support a mix of uses,
including multi-family housing, retail commercial development, a public park, designated
open space, and non-restricted public access to roadways, recreational facilities, and
commercial establishments. Adoption of the Specific Plan would result in adoption of the
proposed land use plan; however, final design of the Madonna Froom Ranch development
may change site layout while maintaining consistency with the proposed standards
described below.
Medium-High Density Residential (R-3-SP)
Madonna Froom Ranch would contain 5.7 acres of medium-high density residential zoned
land to allow up to 130 multi-family housing units. R-3-SP development within Madonna
Froom Ranch would be developed at up to 20 du/acre in density, would have a minimum
lot size of 1,000 sf, and a maximum building height of 35 feet (refer to Table 2-3).
Minimum street setbacks would be 15 feet, while other yard setbacks would range from 0
feet to 5 feet.
High Density Residential (R-4-SP)
Madonna Froom Ranch would contain 1.8 acres of high density residential zoned land to
allow up to 44 multi-family housing units. R-4-SP development would be up to 24 du/acre
in density, would have a minimum lot size of 1,000 sf, and a maximum building height of
35 feet (refer to Table 2-3). Minimum street setbacks would be 15 feet, while other yard
setbacks would range from 0 to 5 feet.
Approximately 27 deed-restricted affordable housing units would be provided within the
R-4-SP zone. These units would be subject to resale and rental restrictions to meet the
housing needs of low- and moderate-income households. Consistency of the Project with
City Housing Element (HE) policies are discussed in detail in Section 3.11, Population and
Housing.
Retail Commercial (C-R-SP)
Madonna Froom Ranch would include 3.1 acres zoned for retail and commercial uses
located in the northeast portion of the Specific Plan area, adjacent to the Irish Hills Plaza
and near the proposed entrance to the Specific Plan area from LOVR. The Project currently
anticipates development of a three-story, 70,000-sf hotel up to 45 feet in height with ground
2-22 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
floor retail and restaurant uses. In addition, 30,000 sf of retail and office uses are proposed
within a one-story building up to 24 feet in height (Figure 2-4 and 2-5).
Public Facilities (PF-SP)
Madonna Froom Ranch would include 2.9 acres zoned for public facilities to provide a
public park; the park would serve as a trailhead, with recreational amenities, parking, and
connections to existing public trails within Irish Hills Natural Reserve. While the Project
would include development of the park, it would be owned and maintained by the City.
The proposed park facilities would include four relocated and/or reconstructed/rehabilitated
historically significant structures from the former Froom Ranch Dairy Farm, along with visitor
signage and information, a playground area, picnic areas, 30 off-street parking spaces, and a
trailhead plaza with bicycle parking. The proposed public park would link to the surrounding
residential and retail uses and the regional pedestrian and bikeway system with connecting
Class II and Class III bicycle lanes and sidewalks.
2.4.1.3 Proposed Open Space
The Project includes a total of 59.0 acres of discontinuous C/OS zones, including 38.9 acres
within Villaggio and 20.1 acres within Madonna Froom Ranch (Table 2-4). The total of
59.0 acres includes 51.9 acres of dedicated open space and an existing 7.1-acre agricultural
and open space easement. The Project would reconfigure the existing onsite 7.1-acre
agricultural and open space easement to include lands on both sides of Calle Joaquin (Figure
2-4). While the boundary would change, the easement would have the same total area of 7.1
acres. Since the easement already protects 7.1 acres of land as open space, this easement area
is not included in the Project’s open space calculations for purposes of meeting General Plan
requirements. Accordingly, the 51.9 acres of dedicated open space would meet the City’s
General Plan requirements for at least 50 percent of the Specific Plan area to be designated as
Open Space.
All C/OS areas within the Project site would be owned and maintained by Villaggio and/or
the future Madonna Froom Ranch management association, respectively, unless otherwise
agreed to by the City. Proposed open space uses are based on guidance from the Land Use
and Circulation Element (LUCE) Update, and would include open lands supporting existing
wetlands, the realigned Froom Creek and associated setbacks and drainages, and the hillsides
surrounding Villaggio, including those bordering the Irish Hills Natural Reserve (refer to
Figure 2-4).
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-23
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Table 2-4. Summary of Proposed Open Space
C/OS Zones Acres
VILLAGGIO
Conservation/Open Space 38.9
MADONNA FROOM RANCH
Conservation/Open Space 20.1
Open Space 13.0
Proposed Reconfigured Open Space Easement 7.1
Total 59.0
2.4.2 Project Design
The Project proposes standards and guidelines that address building orientation, setbacks,
visual quality of the streetscape, pedestrian activity areas, design of public parks and
recreational facilities, access and parking, and architecture styles. The siting and design of
proposed development is intended to consider site characteristics and constraints within the
Specific Plan area, including natural features and access requirements. The proposed
standards include actions or requirements that must be fulfilled by new development, while
guidelines refer to methods and approaches used to achieve the desired outcome (Appendix
C, Chapter 2, Land Use, Zoning, and Development Standards).
The Project provides a programmatic description of required actions within the Specific
Plan area to direct physical design, land use design, circulation design, and infrastructure.
Future development proposals to implement the approved FRSP would be subject to
existing City review and permitting requirements, including design review (see also,
Section 2.5, Required Approvals).
2.4.2.1 Architectural Design
Project architecture would comprise common styles found within the San Luis Obispo
region, such as Ranch, Craftsman, California Mission, and Mediterranean. However,
architectural design would differ between Villaggio and Madonna Froom Ranch. For
example, the architectural style of Commons within Villaggio would be primarily
Mediterranean while the retail commercial structures proposed within the Madonna Froom
Ranch would include Ranch and Craftsman features with a form, massing, and architectural
style that complements the existing historic buildings onsite.
Architectural style would differ also by proposed land uses. Design features of residential
areas within Madonna Froom Ranch would include the following:
2-24 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
• Site design would include elements that facilitate neighborhood interaction, such
as courtyards and entryways facing public walkways.
• Residential developments would provide small private outdoor use areas, such as
patios, decks, and balconies.
• Varied roof designs would be encouraged, with earth-toned colors and details to
minimize reflective glare and blend visually with the natural setting.
• Perimeter fencing would be an open picket or wire style in a dark or recessive color
that does not wall-off the community from adjacent open space areas.
• Glare and light pollution would be controlled with outdoor lighting standards
included in the FRSP’s proposed design guidelines, consistent with the City’s Night
Sky Preservation Ordinance and Community Design Guidelines.
Commercial retail area design features within Madonna Froom Ranch would include the
following:
• Site design would be oriented toward streets and enhance the pedestrian network
with amenities, such as benches and shade trees.
• Architectural details would be used to add color, shadows, patterns, and interesting
forms, such as wall surfaces constructed with varying patterns and changes in
materials, and building pop-outs, columns, and recessed areas to create shadow
patterns and depth on the wall surfaces.
• Roof design would be varied to minimize bulk and scale, including the screening
of roof-mounted equipment from view from the base of adjacent properties.
• Wall signs would utilize raised, backlit metal letters, halo lighting, or external
lighting.
2.4.2.2 Sustainability Initiatives
The Project would incorporate sustainability measures that exceed the requirements of the
California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and California Energy Code (Part 6) in effect
at the time of construction. A series of goals, policies, and regulations developed based on
the City’s Conservation and Open Space Element (COSE) and Climate Action Plan are
required for development of the Specific Plan area, including:
• Building design shall maximize solar exposure to improve daylighting and energy
efficiency, including compliance with the General Plan Solar Access Standards and
conformance with the California Building Code (CBC) to be at Net Zero in 2020.
• Building placement shall provide opportunities for passive heating, cooling, and
lighting systems, such as using sunlight for direct heating and illumination.
• Development of the Project site shall comply with the Cal Green mandatory
requirements checklist for non-residential development (Major Commercial
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-25
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Measures Green Building Code) administered by the City’s Building and Safety
Division.
• Photovoltaic solar collectors, wind, and/or geothermal systems shall be utilized
where feasible to offset new energy demand.
• Garages shall be pre-wired to accept EV charging stations, if installed by future
occupant, and commercial and hotel uses would provide EV charging stations for
customers and guests.
• New development shall incorporate high-efficiency Energy Star compliant
appliances and efficient types of lighting, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
• The use of recycled building materials in new construction, including the harvesting
of wood and other buildings from demolished or refurbished buildings for potential
use elsewhere on the site would be encouraged.
• Landscaping plans shall use native and non-invasive drought tolerant plant
materials to conserve water and would be designed to prevent runoff with low
impact development (LID), such as using permeable pavers and other materials that
maximize water infiltration.
• Recycled water shall be used to irrigate planting areas, the public park, landscaped
parkways, and common outdoor areas in residential and retail commercial zones.
• The use of bioswales, rain gardens, and retention and detention basins shall be used
in landscape design to manage stormwater onsite to the maximum extent possible
(see also, Section 2.4.5, Stormwater Management System and Froom Creek
Realignment).
2.4.2.3 Retaining Walls
The Project site would require at least five retaining walls. Up to three retaining walls
would be located within the Upper Terrace. These retaining walls would be located on
slopes above the 150-foot elevation line and would range from 300 to 500 feet in length.
An additional retaining wall would be located along the border of the Irish Hills Natural
Reserve and the Specific Plan area on the west side of the Lower Area, and would be
approximately 300 feet long (refer to Cross Section A-A on Figure 2-6). Another 75-foot-
long retaining wall would be located near the relocated historic dairy barn structure to
support the eastern corner of the building in its new location. The footing depths for
proposed retaining walls with sloping grade behind would be approximately one-third of
the exposed height of the retaining wall. For instance, a 6-foot-tall retaining wall would
require at least 2 feet of subsurface structural support. In areas where the grade behind the
wall is level, the footing depth may be slightly lower. This general rule for estimating
footing depth may vary based upon the actual soil conditions at the location of the retaining
wall (i.e., more clay, less clay, presence of rock, etc.).
2-26 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.2.4 Relocation and Reconstruction of Historic Structures
The Specific Plan area currently includes seven historic structures constructed in the late
1800s to early 1900s as part of the former Froom Ranch Dairy Farm. These structures
collectively contain features that contribute to an eligible historic district under the
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the California Register of Historic
Resources (CRHR), as further described in Section 3.5, Cultural and Tribal Cultural
Resources. The Project would relocate and adaptively reuse four of these structures within
the proposed public park, including the main residence, creamery, dairy barn, and granary.
The shed, bunkhouse, and old barn would be documented consistent with Secretary of
Interior (SOI) standards, then demolished and removed.
In addition, there are three other existing structures that were determined to be non-
contributing (non-historic) structures within the potential historic district, including a
modern telecommunications tower that is camouflaged to look like a water tower. The
telecommunications tower would remain in place while the other two structures would be
removed (Table 2-5).
Table 2-5. Proposal for Existing Structures Onsite
# Name Year Built Proposal
1 Main Residence 1915 Rehabilitate as building for public park:1
Structurally reinforce
Provide new foundation and relocate
Install utilities to building
2 Old Barn Unknown, est.
125 years old
Remove and document per SOI standards
3 Bunkhouse 1915 Remove and document per SOI standards
4 Round-nose Dairy
Barn
1913 Reconstruct and relocate building out of fault setback
consistent with SOI standards for adaptive reuse in public
park
5 Creamery House Unknown, est.
prior to 1900
Relocate and reconstruct western portion of the building as
public park restrooms. Repurpose eastern portion for use as
covered area for picnics and events
6 Granary 1913 Relocate and reconstruct in public park
7 Shed Building 1913 Remove and document per SOI standards
8 Cell Tower 2013 Retain in place
9 Storage Building 2010 Remove
10 Outhouse 2000 Remove
1 It is unknown at this time whether the City, Applicant, or future owner/association for Madonna Froom Ranch would
maintain rehabilitated historic structures. See also, Section 3.5, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources.
Source: Appendix H
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-27
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Project would relocate and/or reconstruct four key contributing historic structures
roughly 100 feet east of their current locations. A portion of the dairy barn is currently
located on top of the Los Osos earthquake fault and, therefore, cannot be utilized for
habitable purposes. The Project would relocate this structure to a new location outside of
the required 50-foot setback of the fault line so that it could be reconstructed and used for
public park purposes. In addition, the main residence, creamery, and granary structures
would be relocated eastward and reconstructed on graded terrain to maintain the historic
configuration and proportional relationship of the buildings to one another (Figure 2-7).
2.4.2.5 Security Features
The Project would include 5-foot-tall security fencing to enclose the Upper Terrace and the
Lower Area of Villaggio and would surround R-3-SP zoned residential areas within
Madonna Froom Ranch (Figure 2-8). Since Villaggio would be a private gated community,
there would be six pedestrian access points controlled by coded gates in the perimeter
fencing to allow resident access from Villaggio to the proposed Froom Creek Trail,
Mountainbrook Church, and the public trail system within the Irish Hills Natural Preserve.
Fencing around Madonna Froom Ranch would not be locked or gated. In addition, the
Project would include new 5-foot-tall agricultural fencing along the Specific Plan area
boundary to separate Madonna Froom Ranch from the Irish Hills in the northern portion
of the Project site to expand existing agricultural fencing that currently surrounds the
southwestern site boundary.
2.4.3 Circulation
The Project’s proposed internal circulation system would connect to LOVR and existing
sidewalks and bicycle facilities adjacent to the Project site. The proposed circulation
system would include new roads, sidewalks, and bicycle facilities within Madonna Froom
Ranch.1 In addition, private roadways and pedestrian paths are proposed in Villaggio
(Figure 2-9). Major components of the proposed circulation system are summarized below:
1. Proposed internal roadway network consisting of public and private roads;
2. Proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities within the Specific Plan area;
3. Parking facilities to accommodate residents, employees, and visitors within the
Specific Plan area;
4. Widening of LOVR along a portion of the Project site’s frontage;
1 At this time, it is unknown whether the developer or City would own/maintain the proposed public roads
within Madonna Froom Ranch.
2-28 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
97'-0"97'-0"132'-6"132'-6"EXISTING FAULT LINEEXISTING FAULT LINEAND SETBACKAND SETBACKHOME DEPOTHOME DEPOTEXISTING FAULT LINEAND SETBACKHOME DEPOT1258347090SCALE IN FEETNKEYExisting StructuresRelocated Structures1234Main ResidenceCreameryDairy BarnGranary56678Main ResidenceCreameryDairy BarnGranaryLEGENDTrailhead Park (2.9 acresdedicated to the City ofSan Luis Obispo)Removable BollardsBenches2-7FIGUREProposed Plan for Historic Froom Ranch Structures2-29
Proposed Froom Creek Realignment101
CALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADCALLE JOAQUINAUTO PARK WAYAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
NATURALNATURAL
RESERVERESERVE
CALLE JOAQUINCALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLS
NATURAL
RESERVE
UNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTYCOUNTY
UNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY Proposed Froom Creek RealignmentMOUNTAINBROOKMOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCHCHURCH
MOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCH
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUISSAN LUIS
OBISPOOBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS
OBISPO
IRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
PLAZAPLAZA
SHOPPINGSHOPPING
CENTERCENTER
IRISH HILLS
PLAZA
SHOPPING
CENTER
LEGEND
Project Site
Existing Agricultural
Fence
Proposed Agricultural Fence
Proposed Security Fencing/
Yard Fencing
Fencing Plan 2-8
FIGURE
Aerial Source: Google 2018.
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Primary Villaggio GatePrimary Villaggio Gate
EmergencyEmergency
Access GateAccess Gate
PrimaryPrimary
AccessAccess
RoadwayRoadway
Connection toConnection to
Existing TrailsExisting Trails
Proposed Froom Creek Realignment101
CALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADCALLE JOAQUINAUTO PARK WAYAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
NATURALNATURAL
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CALLE JOAQUINCALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLS
NATURAL
RESERVE
UNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATED
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COUNTYCOUNTY
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COUNTY Proposed Froom Creek RealignmentNEIL HAVLIK W AYOCEAN V I E WFROOM CREEK CONNECTOR
FROOM C R E E K
OCEAN VIEWWEDN ES D AYPH Y LISS’LO O KOUT
OCEAN VIEW
NEIL HAVLIK W AYOCEAN V I E WFROOM CREEK CONNECTOR
FROOM C R E E K
OCEAN VIEWWEDN ES D AYPH Y LISS’LO O KOUT
OCEAN VIEW
Primary Villaggio Gate
Emergency
Access Gate
Primary
Access
Roadway
Connection to
Existing Trails
b
R
R
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R
MOUNTAINBROOKMOUNTAINBROOK
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CHURCH
★
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★
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUISSAN LUIS
OBISPOOBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS
OBISPO
IRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
PLAZAPLAZA
SHOPPINGSHOPPING
CENTERCENTER
IRISH HILLS
PLAZA
SHOPPING
CENTER
Aerial Source: Google 2018.
LEGEND
Project Site
Trail
Existing Class II
Bike Lanes
Bus Routes 4b
and 5a
Project Circulation Elements
LOVR Improvements
Commercial Collector “A”
(Public)
Commercial Collector “B”
(Public)
Local Road “A” (Public)
Local Road “B” (Private)
Local Road “C” (Private)
Signalized Intersection
Refer to Figures 2-9, 2-10, and 2-11
for representative cross sections.
Gated Pedestrian Access
Points
Proposed Transit Stop
Emergency Access
Roadway
Removable Bollards
Public Pedestrian
Trail
Private Pedestrian
Trail
Rest Area
★
R
b
Proposed Circulation Plan 2-9
FIGURE
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2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
5.A new bus stop that would be integrated into the regional public transportation
system;
6.Installation of sidewalks along an approximate 550-foot-long portion of LOVR
from the new transit stop location north to Irish Hills Plaza; and
7.A proposed signalized intersection at LOVR and Auto Park Way to serve as the
primary entrance to the Specific Plan area.
2.4.3.1 Los Osos Valley Road Improvements
The Project would include improvements to an approximately 813-foot-long segment of
LOVR along the northeastern boundary of the Specific Plan area at the proposed
intersection of Commercial Collector “A” and LOVR. LOVR would be widened along this
segment by about 35 feet into the Specific Plan area to accommodate new left and right
turn lanes into the Project site (Figure 2-10). The Project would restripe existing travel
lanes, Class II bicycle lanes, and a center turn lane along this segment. A new sidewalk and
parkway would also be installed along approximately 550 feet on the west side of LOVR
to extend the existing sidewalk along Irish Hills Plaza to the Project site entrance.
Figure 2-10. LOVR Improvements
2.4.3.2 Primary Access
Primary access to the Specific Plan area would be via a new two-lane road Commercial
Collector “A”, which would intersect with LOVR at Auto Park Way. The new intersection
would be located approximately 1,000 feet south of the intersection of LOVR and Froom
Ranch Way. The proposed LOVR/Auto Park Way intersection would be signalized and
would provide pedestrian crossings at each leg.
2-32 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.3.3 Project Roadway Network
The Project would include a roadway network comprising larger Commercial Collectors
“A” and “B”, smaller Local Roads “A”, “B”, and “C”, and three emergency vehicle access
points.
Public Roadways within Madonna Froom Ranch
All roadways within Madonna Froom Ranch would be open to the public and accessible
by motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians from LOVR. The Project would include two public
Commercial Collector roadways, “A” and “B” and one public Local Road “A” (Figure 2-
11).
Commercial Collector “A” would connect LOVR to residential and commercial areas
within Madonna Froom Ranch. Commercial Collector “A” would be a 73-foot-wide
roadway with one 12-foot-wide travel lane in each direction, a planted median divider, 6-
foot-wide Class II bicycle lanes, 8-foot-wide parkways, and 6-foot-wide sidewalks.
Commercial Collector “B” would connect the main entrance to Villaggio and terminate at
the Project site’s boundary with Irish Hills Plaza to the north. Commercial Collector “B”
would be 44 feet wide with one 12-foot-wide travel lane in each direction, 5-foot-wide
parkways, and 5-foot-wide sidewalks. Only pedestrian and bicycle access would be
allowed to the adjacent Irish Hills Plaza using bollards or similar devices to restrict
vehicular travel. This connection would allow for access by emergency vehicles.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-33
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Local Road “A” would be a public roadway that extends from the proposed roundabout to
residential areas within Madonna Froom
Ranch and to the proposed public park.
Local Road “A” would be a 44-foot-wide
roadway with 5-foot-wide parkways and
5-foot-wide sidewalks.
A roundabout intersection of Commercial
Collectors “A” and “B” and Local Road
“A” is proposed with one travel lane and a
central island within landscaping, signage,
and decorative features. The roundabout
intersection would include designated
pedestrian crossings.
The proposed roundabout would consist of a single
lane roundabout with a 66-foot radius and
landscaped center median with sidewalk and
crosswalk facilities.
2-34 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
44’ Minimum Roadway Right-of-Way5’Sidewalk5’SidewalkHigh DensityResidential orPublic FacilitiesMedium-HighDensityResidential5’Parkway5’Parkway12’Travel Lane withClass III Bike Route12’Travel Lane withClass III Bike RouteCommercial Collector “B”/Public Local Road “A”Commercial Collector “A”73’ Minimum Roadway Right-of-Way6’SidewalkRetail/GeneralCommercial6’SidewalkHigh DensityResidential8’Parkway8’Parkway6’Class IIBike Lane6’Class IIBike Lane2’Buffer2’Buffer5’ Median(width varies)12’ Travel Lane(additional at LOVR)12’ Travel Lane(additional at LOVR)2-11FIGUREPublic Roads Cross Sections2-35
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Private Roadways within Villaggio Life Plan Community
Local Roads “B” and “C” would be private roads within Villaggio (Figure 2-12). Local
Road “B” would serve as the primary ingress/egress to Villaggio from Commercial
Collector “B” past the Villaggio entrance gate to a central location in the Lower Area of
Villaggio near the Commons. Local Road “B” would include one 12-foot-wide travel lane
in each direction, a 10-foot-wide landscaped median, 5-foot-wide landscaped parkways,
and 5-foot-wide sidewalks. Local Road “C” would provide private access throughout
Villaggio and would connect the Upper Terrace and Lower Area. Local Road “C” would
include two 12-foot-wide vehicle travel lanes with 2-foot-wide shoulders and no sidewalks.
Figure 2-12. Private Road Cross Sections
2-36 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Emergency Vehicle Access
Emergency access roads would be 20 feet wide with 2-foot-wide shoulders, constructed of
an all-weather surface, and built to approval of the City of San Luis Obispo Fire
Department (SLOFD). Three emergency access points are proposed within the Specific
Plan area (Figure 2-9), as follows:
• Upper Terrace Emergency Access. Emergency vehicle access to the Specific Plan
area would be provided via a gated emergency access road extending from the
Specific Plan area boundary to the Mountainbrook Church on the Upper Terrace.
Emergency access is proposed as a paved at-grade surface road with a private gated
entry that would connect to an existing decomposed granite road and parking area
on the Mountainbrook Church property. The gate would be equipped with fire
access security for emergency vehicle access, and a pedestrian gate with a key pad
for Villaggio residents. This emergency access road would also provide pedestrian
and bicycle access for Villaggio residents to Mountainbrook Church. Limited golf
cart parking would be allowed within the Upper Terrace near the gated entry,
though golf carts would not be permitted to pass through to Mountainbrook Church.
• Trailhead Park Emergency Access. A paved emergency access road would
connect Commercial Collector “B” to the cul-de-sac of the proposed public park’s
parking lot and driveway, providing an alternate accessway to the park and the
upper portions of Madonna Froom Ranch. Removable bollards at the park’s cul-
de-sac and the connection to Commercial Collector “B” would be installed to
restrict vehicular access into the park via the emergency access road. The
emergency access road would also provide a pedestrian connection, paved with
colored and scored concrete, or drivable pavers (see also, Figure 2-7).
• Irish Hills Plaza Emergency Access. The northern terminus of Commercial
Collector “B” at the Project site boundary would provide a paved connection
meeting SLOFD requirements for passage of emergency vehicles and personnel via
the parking lot of Irish Hills Plaza with removal of proposed bollards.
2.4.3.4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Bicycle Network
The Project includes a proposed bicycle network within the Specific Plan area that would
connect with existing bicycle lanes along LOVR. Proposed 6-foot-wide Class II striped
bicycle lanes would be included along Commercial Collector “A”. Class III bicycle routes
are also proposed along Commercial Collector “B” and Local Road “A” to connect the
proposed public park and residential areas within Madonna Froom Ranch (Figure 2-11).
These roadways would be designed with shared lane markings (“sharrows”) with on-street
painted bicycle symbols to demarcate a preferred route for shared vehicular and bicycle
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-37
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
travel. Bicycle parking would be provided at commercial, recreational, and residential uses
within Madonna Froom Ranch, consistent with City zoning requirements.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks are proposed along an approximate 550-foot-long portion of LOVR from the
new transit stop location north to Irish Hills Plaza, along Commercial Collectors “A” and
“B” and Local Roads “A” and “B”. Sidewalks would range between 5 and 10 feet in width.
Proposed sidewalks would facilitate pedestrian circulation between proposed residential
neighborhoods, commercial, and recreational areas. The sidewalks would include lighting,
paving, bulb-outs at intersections, and landscaping. Local Road “C” within Villaggio
would not include sidewalks; however, a network of private walking trails separated from
vehicle roadways would be provided for Villaggio residents (see Figures 2-9 and 2-12).
Pedestrian Trail System
The Project includes a public pedestrian trail that would generally follow the proposed
realigned Froom Creek corridor through the Specific Plan area. The Froom Creek Trail
would extend approximately 2,500 linear feet from the existing Froom Creek Connector
Trail within the adjacent Irish Hills Natural Reserve and would terminate at a public
viewing/rest area adjacent to onsite wetlands and the reconfigured agriculture and open
space easement. The terminus of the trail would connect to a private Villaggio gated
pedestrian access point (Figure 2-9). The proposed Froom Creek Trail would be accessible
from Madonna Froom Ranch, Villaggio, and the existing Irish Hills Natural Reserve trails
system. Froom Creek Trail would also be accessible via 6-foot-wide pedestrian trails that
would extend through the Madonna Froom Ranch residential areas and the proposed public
park. The proposed public Froom Creek Trail would be a 6-foot-wide, decomposed granite
(or other stabilized natural surface) pedestrian trail and would not provide lighting.
Potential trail amenities would include benches, signage, trash cans, landscaping, and dog
waste stations. Portions of the trail would be located within the 35-foot-wide riparian
setback of realigned Froom Creek.
2.4.3.5 Parking
Parking would be provided in accordance with City development standards consistent with
the requirements of Chapter 17.16 of the City Municipal Code. No on-street parking is
proposed along Commercial Collectors or Local Roads. Villaggio would provide an
estimated 834 parking spaces. Subsurface parking garages would provide approximately
457 parking spaces located within the Lower Area and Upper Terrace of Villaggio.
2-38 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Subterranean parking garages would descend up to 10 feet below finished ground surface
within the Upper Terrace and would vary between 2 to 10 feet below finished ground
surface within the Lower Area. Parking for detached villas would be provided in two car
garages. Within Madonna Froom Ranch, residential and commercial areas would contain
parking spaces based on the number of bedrooms proposed for development and the size
of development. A public surface parking lot containing 30 spaces would be located within
the public park.
2.4.3.6 Transit Improvements
A single new bus stop is proposed in the southbound direction of LOVR, just south of the
proposed intersection of Commercial Collector “A” and LOVR at the Project’s primary
access. The Applicant would coordinate with the City Transit Division (SLO Transit) to
integrate with existing SLO Transit routes 2A and 2B. Refer to Section 3.13,
Transportation, for a more complete description of proposed transit operations.
2.4.4 Utilities and Services
Project development would require major extensions of several utilities to serve future
development within the Specific Plan area, which is located at the edge of the existing
urban area and supporting utility infrastructure within the City. Proposed utilities and
services include potable and recycled water, wastewater, electrical, natural gas,
telecommunications, solid waste, and recycling. All utility lines within the Specific Plan
area would be installed underground. Water and sewer services would be provided by the
City. Natural gas service would be provided by Southern California Gas Company (SoCal
Gas). Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) would provide electrical service. Charter
Communications would provide cable and television services. American Telephone and
Telegraph Company (AT&T) would provide telephone services. The San Luis Garbage
Company would provide solid waste and recycling hauling service within the Specific Plan
area.
2.4.4.1 Water Supply Infrastructure
Potable Water
Potable water for the Project would be supplied from existing City infrastructure, which
would be extended throughout the Specific Plan area to serve proposed development
(Figure 2-13). Within Villaggio, private 8-inch water main lines would be installed beneath
Local Roads “B” and “C” and the pedestrian trail linking the Upper Terrace and Lower
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-39
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Area that would distribute potable water throughout the development. A 6-inch private
water meter is proposed for Villaggio at the point of connection to the public main under
Local Road “B” (Figure 2-13). Service connections to the various facilities and senior
residential units would connect to the private 8-inch domestic main lines. The fire
suppression water system would share the 8-inch water main line routed throughout
Villaggio and connect to the proposed public mains within Madonna Froom Ranch and the
public main along LOVR. Villaggio’s private water main system would be protected at
each connection to the public system with a double detector check assembly (DCDA).2
Similar to Madonna Froom Ranch, fire hydrants would be located adjacent to private
roadways and spacing would be no greater than 500 feet. Within Madonna Froom Ranch,
an 8-inch public domestic water main line would extend under Commercial Collectors “A”
and “B”, and Local Road “A”. From the main line, water lines would be routed to
residences and commercial uses which would utilize standard City water services and
meters. These 8-inch public water main lines would also provide fire suppression to
Madonna Froom Ranch, including the installation of hydrants spaced no greater than 500
feet apart.
Recycled Water
Non-potable recycled water for landscaping would be provided through the City’s Water
Reuse Project. The point of connection to the City’s recycled system would be at the
Project’s primary access with LOVR at Commercial Collector “A”. Within Madonna
Froom Ranch, a 6-inch recycled water main would run along proposed Commercial
Collectors “A” and “B”, and Local Road “A” to convey irrigation water to landscaped
areas. Within Villaggio, a 6-inch private water meter would be located at the entrance to
service the entire Villaggio development (Figure 2-13).
2 A DCDA is primarily utilized in fire line installations. Its purpose is to protect the potable water supply line
from possible contamination or pollution from the fire system, backpressure from fire line pumps, stagnant
water that sits in fire lines over extended periods of time, the addition of non-potable water, and the detection
of unauthorized use of water or leaks in the fire line system.
2-40 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
Proposed Froom Creek Realignment101
CALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADCALLE JOAQUINAUTO PARK WAYAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
NATURALNATURAL
RESERVERESERVE
CALLE JOAQUINCALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLS
NATURAL
RESERVE
UNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTYCOUNTY
UNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY Proposed Froom Creek RealignmentMOUNTAINBROOKMOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCHCHURCH
MOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCH
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUISSAN LUIS
OBISPOOBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS
OBISPO
RD
C
C
IRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
PLAZAPLAZA
SHOPPINGSHOPPING
CENTERCENTER
IRISH HILLS
PLAZA
SHOPPING
CENTER
LEGEND Proposed Water Supply Elements
Project
Site
8” Public Potable Water
Main Line
8” Private Potable Water
Main Line
8” Public Recycled
Water Main
8” Private Recycled
Water Main
6” Private Domestic
Water Meter
6” Private Recycled
Water Meter
Connection to Existing
Infrastructure
R
D C
Water Supply System 2-13
FIGURE
Aerial Source: Google 2018.
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2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.4.2 Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure
Wastewater generated within the Specific Plan area would be conveyed to an existing City
sewer main along LOVR. Site topography would allow for gravity flow of wastewater to
the northeast, downhill from the Irish Hills towards LOVR. Within Madonna Froom
Ranch, 8-inch public sewer mains would run along the proposed Commercial Collectors
“A” and “B” to LOVR. Within Villaggio, 8-inch public sewer mains would run along
proposed Local Road “C”, the pedestrian trail linking the Upper Terrace and Lower Area,
and within developed areas to connect to LOVR. These two sewer systems would be
separate and would connect to the existing City sewer line along LOVR independently
(Figure 2-14).
2.4.4.3 Electricity, Gas, Telephone, Cable, and Solid Waste Facilities
All new cable and telephone lines within the Specific Plan area would be placed
underground along proposed roadways. Other broadcast or telecommunications services,
including satellite, would be provided to the Project to the extent they are available.
Within Madonna Froom Ranch, enclosures for trash, recycling, and food waste materials
would be installed to serve residential, commercial, and recreational uses. Villaggio would
have a centralized trash compactor and would manage trash and recycling generated by the
independent living housing units, assisted units, and other ancillary facilities within the
development. Solid waste would be collected from the centralized facility at Villaggio and
the shared enclosed facilities at Madonna Froom Ranch at minimum once per week.
2-42 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
Proposed Froom Creek Realignment101
CALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADCALLE JOAQUINAUTO PARK WAYAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
NATURALNATURAL
RESERVERESERVE
CALLE JOAQUINCALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLS
NATURAL
RESERVE
UNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTYCOUNTY
UNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY Proposed Froom Creek RealignmentMOUNTAINBROOKMOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCHCHURCH
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CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUISSAN LUIS
OBISPOOBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS
OBISPO
C
C
IRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
PLAZAPLAZA
SHOPPINGSHOPPING
CENTERCENTER
IRISH HILLS
PLAZA
SHOPPING
CENTER
Proposed Wastewater Collection System ElementsLEGEND
Project
Site
8” Private Sanitary Sewer
Main Gravity Line showing
Flow Direction
8” Public Sanitary Sewer
Main Gravity Line showing
Flow Direction
Connection to Existing
InfrastructureC
Wastewater Collection System 2-14
FIGURE
Aerial Source: Google 2018.
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2-43
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.4.4 Stormwater Management System and Froom Creek Realignment
The Project proposes a comprehensive onsite stormwater management system to control
surface runoff within the Project site. Project development would realign Froom Creek
through the Specific Plan area, reconstruct the drainage ditch onsite along LOVR, install a
new drainage ditch along the northern site boundary adjacent to Irish Hills Plaza, replace
the existing onsite detention basin with the proposed stormwater detention basin on
Mountainbrook Church property, and fill the lower elevations of the site to raise site
elevation to achieve a finished floor elevation of 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation.
Surface runoff flowing through the site would continue to originate from the Froom Creek
watershed upstream within the Irish Hills Natural Reserve, from the impermeable
developed areas of the Irish Hills Plaza, and from sheet flows from LOVR. Impervious
surfaces proposed within the Specific Plan area would generate new runoff sources flowing
to Froom Creek and San Luis Obispo Creek.
A key feature of the Project involves the relocation of Froom Creek from its existing
perched location following the western edge of the Project site to a lower elevation to allow
for development of Villaggio in areas outside of lower-elevation flood hazard areas. The
proposed realigned Froom Creek would convey stormwater through the Project site to the
southeast corner where it would reconnect to the segment of Froom Creek that conveys
flows under U.S. 101. During storm events larger than two-year events, the proposed
Froom Creek low-flow channel would convey a portion of the stormwater to San Luis
Obispo Creek while excess stormwater would overflow the creek banks to the existing
Calle Joaquin wetland area and a proposed stormwater detention basin on the adjacent
Mountainbrook Church property. Detained stormwater would percolate, evaporate, and
flow offsite at a controlled rate, as further described herein.
The Project would be subject to the LID standards of the Central Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board’s (RWQCB’s) Post Construction Requirements (PCRs) and the
design and stage-storage requirements of the City’s Drainage Design Manual (DDM) and
the Waterways Management Plan (WMP), which sets forth criteria for drainage design for
tributaries to San Luis Obispo Creek, including Froom Creek (see Section 3.8, Hydrology
and Water Quality).
The Project’s stormwater management system would have four primary components:
1. Realignment and modification of the Froom Creek channel to convey all
stormwater sources through the Project site;
2-44 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2. Point and non-point source water quality treatment (e.g., retention/treatment
features);
3. Installation of headwalls and culverts for drainage crossings, unless free-span
bridges are required; and
4. Development of a new stormwater detention basin downstream of the Specific Plan
area on adjacent property owned by Mountainbrook Church.
2.4.4.5 Froom Creek Realignment and Reconstruction
The Project includes the removal of 2,145 linear feet of Froom Creek and relocation and
reconstruction of a 3,745-foot-long realigned channel within lower elevations of the Project
site, increasing the creek’s length by approximately 1,600 feet. The realigned Froom Creek
would flow east from the northwestern boundary of the Project site for approximately 775
feet in a channel of 44 to 80 feet in width, then turn in a southerly direction where the
channel width would range from 80 to 330 feet for a length of approximately 2,970 feet
generally parallel to Calle Joaquin and the adjacent Calle Joaquin wetlands. On average,
the Froom Creek channel would be 65 feet in width and the bottom of the channel would
be approximately 8 feet deep. The realigned creek would have 35-foot minimum setbacks
between the top of bank and proposed development; however, portions of the proposed
Froom Creek Trail would fall within the minimum riparian setback. The Project would also
improve the offsite portions of the Froom Creek channel to provide a low-flow channel to
the box culvert at U.S. 101 while maintaining existing flow capacity of this portion of the
creek.
The realigned and improved Froom Creek would convey runoff and stormwater to an
existing box culvert that conveys flows under U.S. 101 to San Luis Obispo Creek. The box
culvert below U.S. 101 has limited capacity for 10-year storm events to flow through to
San Luis Obispo Creek; therefore, stormwater flows exceeding a 10-year storm event
would backup within the widened Froom Creek channel. In addition to increased channel
capacity, two proposed onsite detention features would provide storage of excess
stormwater, including the existing Calle Joaquin wetlands and a proposed stormwater
detention basin located adjacent to the Specific Plan area on Mountainbrook Church
property. During storm events larger than two-year events, the proposed Froom Creek
channel would convey a portion of the stormwater to San Luis Obispo Creek while excess
stormwater would flow to the proposed detention features (see also, Section 2.4.5.2,
Stormwater Detention Features).
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-45
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The realigned Froom Creek would be designed with a “low-flow” channel to convey runoff
generated during any flow conditions below a two-year storm event through the Project
site to the existing box culvert below U.S. 101. Stormwater would begin to flow through
the channel’s wider overbank area and to the Calle Joaquin wetlands and the proposed
stormwater detention basin when flows exceed two-year storm events (see Cross Section
C-C on Figure 2-15). The low-flow channel would be constructed to meander and to aid
and control fish migration passage through a series of constructed stepped pools and
terraces throughout the realigned segment.
The realigned Froom Creek would be designed to manage flow velocities throughout the
Project site by:
• Varying creek corridor meanders and is between approximately 45 to 65 feet wide
on average, with a maximum width of 330 feet through the Calle Joaquin wetlands
(include the width of the creek corridor and Calle Joaquin wetlands);
• Installing gradient controls with more level narrower segments and steeper wider
segments;
• Varying the steepness of creek bank slopes from primarily 3:1 or less to a maximum
slope of 2:1 to promote vegetative rooting along the creek banks;
• Installing boulders and vegetation that promote a riparian environment to reduce
potential erosion; and
• Installing constructed ponds and terraces to create pooling areas where water would
be slowed down to pond, provide habitat, and prevent erosion, scouring, and
sediment transport.
With proposed site hydrologic modifications, the Project aims to remove the proposed
development areas from the Zone A floodplain designated onsite by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). The Project would relocate Froom Creek and reconstruct
the creek channel to convey and store stormwater flows, which would potentially remove
existing FEMA flood hazards areas within the Project site. Further, the Project proposes to
increase site elevation of proposed development with import and grading of soils to remove
proposed developed areas from potential FEMA flood hazard areas. As a result, the Project
would formalize the amendment of the FEMA floodplain through FEMA’s formal map
revision process.
2-46 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
Realigned Froom Creek40’±Flow to ProposedStormwater Basin35’±Flow to U.S. 101Box Culverts106.5’±Project GradeExisting Grade103.5’±FenceExisting HotelParking 109.3’±Top of BankElevation 111.4’±High WaterLine 110.4’±7’Realigned Froom CreekCreek Setback6’Trail5’ High FenceElevation 121.5’±Creek Setback65’35’35’200180160150140ELEVATION120ElevatorElevator5’ HighFenceHigh Water Line – 109.8’±110.9’±Sidewalk andParkwayProjectGradeExisting Wetland and Overbank AreaSubterranean Parking6’65’35’86’ResidentialElevator
ResidentialResidentialResidentialResidentialResidentialTrailRealigned Froom CreekCreek SetbackCalle Joaquin – Existing Roadway45’ HighPiazza Apartments150-FootElevationExistingGrade2-15FIGUREConceptual Creek Cross SectionsCross Section D-D – Upper Creek Bridge CrossingCross Section E-E – Lower CreekCross Section C-C – Mid-Creek2-47
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.4.6 Stormwater Detention Features
The Project would remove an existing 3.2-acre onsite detention basin that currently
receives runoff from a portion of Irish Hills Plaza; a 1.08-acre retention basin was removed
in 2017 and no longer controls runoff from Irish Hills Plaza. Via realigned Froom Creek,
the Project would redirect stormwater flows either to the Calle Joaquin wetlands or to a
new approximately 4.5-acre basin within a dedicated easement located outside the Specific
Plan area on the adjacent Mountainbrook Church property. The Calle Joaquin wetland area
and detention basin would store excess stormwater generated from the Froom Creek
watershed, Irish Hills Plaza, LOVR, and the Project site; the detention basin would also
capture a limited amount of runoff from Mountainbrook Church property. The new
stormwater detention basin would assist in metering flows to the box culverts beneath U.S.
101, while expanding controlled storage volume within the Project site. The Calle Joaquin
wetlands would be capable of storing approximately 11 acre-feet of stormwater and
stormwater would percolate or evaporate.
The proposed stormwater detention basin would include construction of an approximate
4.5-acre infiltration basin located approximately 515 feet downstream from the Specific
Plan area just north of Calle Joaquin with connections to the existing Froom Creek corridor.
Construction of the basin would include excavation and removal of material to create
storage capacity for up to 22 acre-feet of stormwater along with discharge controls to
regulate the rate of outflow to the U.S. 101 box culvert.
The existing Froom Creek corridor downstream from the Specific Plan area would remain
in place. Froom Creek adjacent to the proposed stormwater detention basin would be
approximately 2 feet in depth beneath an overflow berm that would empty into the
proposed basin. The basin would be
approximately 7 feet deep from the top of
the creek overflow berm and would be 8
feet beneath the anticipated 100-year
water surface elevation (WSE). The
proposed basin would include infiltration
wells to enable groundwater recharge and
subsurface drainage.
All stormwater detention basin
components would be constructed and
maintained by the Applicant. Access to
The proposed stormwater detention basin would be
constructed downstream from the Specific Plan
area within Mountainbrook Church property,
2-48 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
the basin would be provided via an unpaved, existing access road from Calle Joaquin. An
access easement would be established to allow the City and Applicant access to the basin
and road as needed. A basin access ramp would be provided into the bottom of the basin
and a walkable graded bench at the top of the basin embankment would be provided to
allow access around the perimeter of the basin.
2.4.4.7 Point- and Non-Point Source Water Quality Treatment
Development areas within the Project site would provide point-source water quality
treatment of stormwater prior to discharge into the realigned Froom Creek corridor. Surface
runoff from streets, parking lots, and sidewalks within the Specific Plan area would be
conveyed via street gutters that connect to proposed water quality treatment areas. Water
quality treatment areas would flow into Froom Creek via outlets of various pipe sizes.
Runoff entering the Project site from Irish Hills Plaza would be conveyed through
vegetated channels, including the “LOVR ditch” located along LOVR and the “Home
Depot ditch” located along the northern Project site boundary, to treat runoff through
biofiltration prior to discharge into Froom Creek (Figure 2-16). The existing LOVR ditch
would be removed and replaced with a relocated LOVR ditch within the Specific Plan area
along the widened LOVR corridor. The LOVR ditch would consist of an average depth of
approximately 4 feet beneath the 100-year WSE with swales and banks at least 1 foot
higher than the 100-year WSE. Edges of the drainage would consist of a maximum 3:1
slope. Similarly, a new Home Depot ditch would be designed with an average 4 feet
beneath the 100-year WSE with swales and banks at least 1 foot higher than the 100-year
WSE and have a maximum slope of 3:1 around the edges.
Within proposed developed areas of Villaggio, five additional water quality treatment areas
would capture and treat surface runoff using biofiltration with outlets to Froom Creek (see
Figure 2-16). In total, water quality treatment areas within the Specific Plan area would
comprise approximately 2.1 acres. The water quality treatment areas would be bordered
with cobble or splash block and have a maximum slope of 3:1 around the edges. The bottom
would be flat with varying depths. The bottom would contain a 24-inch-thick soil mixture
covered by approximately 3 inches of mulch. This bioretention soil mixture would overlie
a gravel storage component that would vary in thickness. Any overflow from these water
quality treatment areas would be conveyed to Froom Creek through an overflow/outlet
structure with a minimum 4-inch riser.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-49
Draft EIR
Proposed Froom Creek Realignment101HOME DEPOT DITCHHOME DEPOT DITCHLOVR DITCHLOVR DITCHCALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADCALLE JOAQUINAUTO PARK WAYAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
NATURALNATURAL
RESERVERESERVE
CALLE JOAQUINCALL
E JOAQUINLOS OSOS VALLEY ROADAUTO PARK WAYIRISH HILLS
NATURAL
RESERVE HOME DEPOT DITCHLOVR DITCHUNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTYCOUNTY
UNINCORPORATED
SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY Proposed Froom Creek RealignmentMOUNTAINBROOKMOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCHCHURCH
MOUNTAINBROOK
CHURCH
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OFCITY OF
SAN LUISSAN LUIS
OBISPOOBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY OF
SAN LUIS
OBISPO
IRISH HILLSIRISH HILLS
PLAZAPLAZA
SHOPPINGSHOPPING
CENTERCENTER
IRISH HILLS
PLAZA
SHOPPING
CENTER
LEGEND Proposed Stormwater Control Elements
Project Site Stormwater
Treatment Area
Proposed Stormwater
Detention Basin
Proposed Treated
Stormwater Outlet
Linear Water Quality
Treatment Area
Headwall and Arch-
Culvert Crossing
Headwall and Four
24-Inch Storm Drains
Headwall and
Pipe Culverts
Stormwater Control Plan 2-16
FIGURE
Aerial Source: Google 2018.
0 500
SCALE IN FEET
N
2-50
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.4.8 Headwalls and Culverts for Drainage Crossings
The Project would include a total of seven roadway crossings over realigned Froom Creek
and associated tributary drainages (see Table 2-6). This would include four natural bottom
culverts beneath Local Road “C” to convey flows from existing tributary drainages that
traverse the Upper Terrace of the Project site, and three crossings of realigned portions of
Froom Creek. All crossings would comply with the City’s DDM. Culverted crossings
would be designed to accommodate 100-year storm events and may be reinforced at both
the inlets and outlets to prevent erosion (Table 2-6).
Below are descriptions of the key proposed drainage crossings within the Specific Plan
area:
• LOVR and Home Depot Ditch Crossings. The primary entrance road to the
Specific Plan area would cross the approximately 30-foot-wide LOVR ditch. Two
45-foot-long headwalls would be constructed on both the upstream and downstream
sides of proposed Commercial Collector “A”. Four 24-inch storm drains would be
constructed beneath the roadway to convey stormwater southeast towards the Calle
Joaquin wetland area and realigned Froom Creek corridor. The Home Depot ditch
crossing to the Irish Hills Plaza via Commercial Collector “B” would be similarly
constructed, with three 24-inch storm drains routed beneath the roadway with
similar headwalls.
• Froom Creek Channel Crossing. A proposed pre-fabricated natural bottom
culvert with a bridge crossing is proposed for Commercial Collector “B” to cross
Froom Creek. This crossing would involve a proposed arch culvert and headwalls
between the roundabout and Villaggio along Commercial Collector “B”. Rock
energy dissipaters at the inlet and outlet are proposed. Portions of the headwall
would extend beneath the 100-year WSE; however, the arch culvert bridge surface
would be constructed at least 3 feet above the 100-year WSE (see Cross Section D-
D on Figure 2-15).
• Upper Terrace Drainage Crossings. Four crossings of drainages to support Local
Road “C” within the Upper Terrace of Villaggio are proposed, including headwalls
and natural bottom culverts.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-51
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Table 2-6. Pipe Sizes at Drainage Crossings
Crossing Location Design Storm Pipe Size (inches) Pipe Quantity Apron Size
(cubic feet)
Auto Park Way Intersection
(LOVR ditch)
100-year 24 4 200
Irish Hills Plaza (Home Depot
ditch)
100-year 24 3 200
Realigned Froom Creek 100-year natural bottom
(arched)
1 400
Upper Villaggio (4) 100-year natural bottom
(arched)
2 (each) 400
Note: Apron dimensions based on methods in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Hydraulic Engineering
Circular (HEC). No 14.
2.5 REQUIRED APPROVALS
The following entitlements and approvals would be required to implement the Project:
• General Plan Amendment and Pre-Zoning. Approval of the Project would
require a General Plan amendment to amend LUCE SP-3 performance standards to
ensure consistency with the Specific Plan. Because the site is currently
unincorporated, it would be pre-zoned based on the approved Project before
annexation to the City could be approved. Specific amendments to the General Plan
include:
• Amend Section 6.4.7 Hillside Planning Areas of the City of San Luis Obispo
General Plan to allow limited development above the 150-foot elevation within
the Specific Plan area.
• Amend LUE Section 8.1.5 – Performance Standards to allow a Life Plan
Community senior housing land use and up to 404 senior housing residential
units with 51 beds in health care facilities within the Specific Plan area.
• Specific Plan. The City’s LUCE identifies Froom Ranch as a Specific Plan area
(SP-3, Madonna on LOVR) that requires the adoption of a Specific Plan prior to
any development. The proposed FRSP would require adoption by the City prior to
implementation, including Planning Commission and City Council discretionary
review proceedings.
• Vesting Tentative Tract Map. The Project would require a VTTM to implement
the provisions of the adopted Specific Plan. The VTTM establishes the proposed
lot lines to allow individual ownership of properties and to layout the required
infrastructure and utilities.
• Architectural Review. Final architectural review of housing, commercial
buildings, and some site facilities by the City’s Architectural Review Commission
(ARC) would be required. The ARC has conducted conceptual review of the
Villaggio component of the Project and preliminary review of the design guidelines
in the Draft FRSP and provided comments.
2-52 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
• Annexation. If the Project is approved, the City would initiate the annexation
process with the San Luis Obispo County Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO). Annexation would depend on the City’s ability to address key issues to
LAFCO, including the ability to provide public services to the site (including water)
and the nature of a tax-sharing arrangement with the County.
Other advisory bodies that would review the Project include the City’s Parks & Recreation
Commission reviewing park proposals, Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC) regarding the
proposed use/treatment of historic structures, and the Active Transportation Committee
advising on the proposed circulation improvements. In addition, the Project would need to
be reviewed by the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) for consistency with the
Airport Land Use Plan (ALUP).
Other permits and required approvals or participation agreements from public agencies
required to implement the Project include, but may not be limited to:
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Nationwide or Individual Permit
(depending on acreage of total disturbance within jurisdictional areas);
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Streambed Alteration
Agreement;
• RWQCB Section 401 Water Quality Certification, National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Permit;
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) consultation, Biological Opinion,
possible incidental take permit(s), and protocol surveys;
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries)
consultation and possible incidental take permit(s);
• FEMA – Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR)/Letter of Map Revision
(LOMR);
• San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) – construction
and/or operational permits, grading permits, and fugitive dust regulation
compliance; and
• Encroachment permits, and approval of improvement plans by the County for
portions of the Project’s infrastructure to be developed outside of the City limits,
namely the proposed stormwater detention basin and associated adjacent streambed
alterations.
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for any needed improvements
within the Caltrans right of way;
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-53
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.6 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
2.6.1 Construction Phasing and Implementation
The Project would be constructed in four phases. For the purposes of this analysis, the EIR
assumes Project construction between 2020 and 2024 and full occupancy in 2025. Phases
would be timed and ordered to provide services within the Project site to support
development and eventual occupation. These phases would overlap periodically. For
example, Phase 1 would include grading of areas for Phase 2 and Phase 3 to borrow soil
needed for fill in Phases 2 and 3 (Table 2-7).
At the time of construction, each phase would be subject to permit review to ensure
conformity with the approved FRSP and consistency with applicable regulations. Each
phase would include specifications to address the development activities to be performed
during the phase and define specific mitigation measures and best management practices
(BMPs) that would apply.
2-54 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Table 2-7. Project Construction Phases
Phase Project Components
1
Installation of Project Infrastructure and Stormwater Management System.
• Rough grading for Madonna Froom Ranch and distribution of export material to Phase 2
(31,800 cubic yards [cy] stockpiled onsite).
• Widen LOVR and install frontage improvements along LOVR, including bicycle lanes,
sidewalks, bus stop, and signalized intersection.
• Install onsite public roads (Commercial Collectors “A” and “B” and associated bicycle
lanes and sidewalks).
• Install public utility connections along Commercial Collectors “A” and “B”.
• Construct bridge across Froom Creek from Commercial Collector “B”.
• Realign Froom Creek and reconstruct creek corridor.
• Modify Irish Hills Plaza drainage, including construction of the vegetated channels of the
Home Depot ditch and the LOVR ditch prior to connection with the realigned Froom
Creek.
• Install stormwater management system, including removal of existing culverts and onsite
stormwater basin, berm construction along Calle Joaquin, and development of the new
stormwater detention basin with creek channel improvements.
• Installation of Froom Creek Trail.
• Begin site clearing of Lower Area in preparation for Phase 3.
2
Development of Villaggio Lower Area.
• Grading of the Lower Area of Villaggio and import fill materials (158,000 cy import).
• Install onsite private roads (Local Roads “B” and part of “C”) within the Lower Area.
• Install emergency access road and gate between Villaggio and Mountainbrook Church
(Upper Terrace).
• Extend utility lines throughout the Lower Area.
• Construct water quality treatment areas within Phase 2.
• Install fencing and pedestrian access gates around the Lower Area.
• Construct 150 piazza apartments, 84 garden terraces, 30 villas, and 47 village suites in
Lower Area of Villaggio.
• Construct the Villaggio Health Administration Building.
• Construct the “Commons” buildings within the community village of the Lower Area.
• Construct the Wellness Center.
• Begin site clearing of Upper Terrace in preparation for Phase 3.
3
Development of Villaggio Upper Terrace.
• Grading of the Upper Terrace of Villaggio and import fill materials (93,000 cy)
• Install onsite public road (Local Road “A”) and private roads (Local Roads “C”).
• Extend utility lines throughout the Upper Terrace and along Local Road “A” (in Madonna
Froom Ranch).
• Construct remaining water quality treatment areas in Specific Plan area.
• Install fencing and pedestrian access gates around the Upper Terrace.
• Construct 24 garden terraces and 31 villas in the Upper Terrace of Villaggio.
• Construct non-residential ancillary uses within the village center of the Upper Terrace.
• Relocate and reconstruct the historic Froom Ranch buildings at the public park.
• Install the public park.
• Construct emergency access road through the public park.
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-55
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Table 2-7. Project Construction Phases (Continued)
Phase Project Components
4
Development of Madonna Froom Ranch.
• Extend utility lines throughout Madonna Froom Ranch.
• Construct 174 multi-family units within Madonna Froom Ranch.
• Construct commercial retail buildings, including hotel, within Madonna Froom Ranch.
2.6.2 Construction Activities
Each phase of the Project would generally entail the following stages: pre-construction
design and permitting; site preparation, demolition and grading; construction; architectural
coatings/finishing; and final landscaping. Building construction, paving, and architectural
coating activities would occur within each phase sequentially. A list of equipment
anticipated to be used during these activities can be found in Table 2-8.
Table 2-8. List of Construction Equipment
Typical Construction Equipment
Backhoe Grader
Boom Lift Loader
Compactor (Roller) Miscellaneous Small Tools
Concrete Pump (Tow) Office Trailers
Concrete Truck Paving Machine
Crane Scaffolding
Dozer Scissor Lift
Dump Truck Scraper
Electric Man Lift Sheepsfoot
Excavator Skip Loader
Flatbed Truck Tractor
Forklift Water truck
2.6.2.1 Site Preparation, Demolition and Grading
Site preparation for each phase would be performed through grading along proposed
roadways, building pads, and installation of onsite utilities. Mobilization and staging of
earth moving equipment would be required to bring the site and building pads to engineered
elevations. During grading operations, standard dust control and construction runoff BMPs
would be implemented. During mass grading activities, erosion control, sediment barriers
and temporary sediment basins would be constructed to minimize the extent of construction
site impacts to the Froom Creek corridor. Additional requirements would be specified in
detail during the design of final engineered drawings prior to issuance of grading permits.
2-56 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Cut and fill estimates for each phase are provided in Table 2-9. Activities would include
but not be limited to:
•Removal of underground culverts and stormwater conveyance facilities;
•Full mobilization and set up of onsite construction temporary facilities;
•Movement, placement, and compaction of stockpiled soils;
•Over-excavation and recompaction of soils at building pads;
•Coordination of loading and trucking activities, truck routes, and import/export
sites;
•Delivery, staging, and storing of materials;
•Trenching and installation of utilities (water, sewer, storm drain, natural gas,
electric, telephone, cable television, and irrigation lines);
•Demolition of structures to be removed (i.e., outhouse, storage shed, etc.);
•Deconstruction and reconstruction of historic structures to be relocated within
proposed public park (dairy barn, creamery, and granary);
•Relocation and restoration of main residence;
•Environmental monitoring, including fugitive dust control and implementation and
monitoring of construction stormwater runoff; and
•Monitoring and recording of BMPs.
Approximately 220,000 cubic yards (cy) of imported fill would be needed for the Project
to increase the elevation of portions of the Project site sufficiently to remove FEMA flood
hazard areas (see Section 2.4.5, Stormwater Management System and Froom Creek
Realignment). Therefore, stockpiling of soils would occur onsite. Further, import of 2,300
cy of rock and aggregate materials for reconstruction of the realigned Froom Creek would
be required during the first phase of construction.
Table 2-9. Project Grading Estimates
Phase Cut (cy) Fill (cy) Export/Import (cy)
1 65,800 34,000 31,000 (export)
2 27,500 185,000 158,000 (import)
3 66,700 159,700 93,000 (import)
4 0 0 0
GRADING TOTAL 160,000 378,700 220,000 (net)
+ Rock/Aggregate Import for Froom Creek Reconstruction 2,300
Total Imported Material 222,300
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-57
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.6.2.2 Infrastructure Improvements
The construction of infrastructure would include installation of underground site utilities,
precise site grading, and the paving of roads. Infrastructure improvements would occur
along roadways fronting the Specific Plan area and within the proposed stormwater
detention basin easement area. Adjacent roadway segments may experience partial closures
during construction phases (e.g., LOVR and Calle Joaquin). All work would be subject to
traffic control, pedestrian protection, and notification plans. Project traffic control and
pedestrian re-routing plans would be revised to reflect the changing conditions during
construction.
Underground site utilities would be connected to the existing utility infrastructure and
precise grading, concrete, underground utility work, and paving would be performed
offsite. Work would take place primarily along LOVR, with limited construction along
Calle Joaquin. Activities would include, but not be limited to:
•Trenching for underground wet and dry utilities;
•Precise grading and compaction of soils for roadways;
•Precise grading for curb and gutter installation;
•Installation of concrete features (e.g., curbs, gutters);
•Installation of base and asphalt paving of interior streets, parking areas, and LOVR
frontage;
•Trenching, installation, and roadway repair for underground wet and dry utilities
along LOVR;
•Lighting and landscaping of roadways and medians;
•LOVR widening at the intersection of Auto Park Way;
•Traffic control and lane closures on an intermittent basis;
•Road striping and signage work;
•Intersection installation with signal; and
•Installation of the proposed stormwater detention basin southeast of the Specific
Plan area adjacent to Calle Joaquin with associated improvement to the Froom
Creek channel.
2.6.2.3 Building Construction
Project construction would occur in Phases 2, 3, and 4, including residential and non-
residential uses. Construction would occur concurrently at multiple locations within the
2-58 Froom Ranch Specific Plan
Draft EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Specific Plan area based on Project phasing (Table 2-7). Building construction would
involve foundation, framing, roofing, interior and exterior finishes, architectural coatings,
and landscaping. In addition, construction of the proposed public park, including relocation
of historic buildings, would occur during Phase 3 with the Upper Terrace of Villaggio (note
that for purposes of this EIR analysis, Phase 4 is also expected to occur concurrent with
Phase 3).
Froom Ranch Specific Plan 2-59
Draft EIR