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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-08-2015 PC Item #4 - 1300 Bishop StreetPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT SUBJECT: Review of the draft Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan and environmental review for the project. PROJECT ADDRESS: BY: Robert Hill, Natural Resources Mgr. APN: 003-686-003 Phone Number: 805-781-7211 1300 Bishop Street, San Luis Obispo E-mail: rhill@slocity.org FILE NUMBER: ER/GENP 1120-2015 FROM: Doug Davidson, Deputy Director RECOMMENDATION Review draft Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan and Initial Study, and recommend to the City Council that the Plan and a Negative Declaration be adopted. SITE DATA Applicant City of San Luis Obispo Representative Robert Hill, Natural Resources Manager Zoning R-1-PD General Plan C-OS Site Area Approx. 23 acres Application ER Status Complete Initial Study determined Negative Declaration SUMMARY The City’s Natural Resources Program seeks adoption of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan that will guide the management and stewardship of the site over the next ten years. The Terrace Hill Open Space (“Terrace Hill”) is a hidden gem located entirely within the City of San Luis Obispo, offering spectacular 360° panoramic views of the City below and the surrounding region beyond, remarkable plant and wildlife diversity, a rich cultural resource legacy, and pleasant hiking and passive recreational opportunities. For these reasons, Terrace Hill is now the subject of a contemporary Conservation Plan process in order for the Meeting Date: April 8, 2015 Item Number: 4 PC4 - 1 ER/GENP 1120-2015: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Page 2 property to be managed in accordance with the City’s Open Space Regulations and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. Overview of Terrace Hill Open Space Terrace Hill offers a full host of both natural and modified landscape features across a site of 23 acres. The site is fundamentally a conical volcano, one of the prized Morros that define our region. Over the years, however, much of the top of the hill was excavated and removed to provide fill for construction projects elsewhere in town. In addition, terraced roads were cut around the hill in anticipation of the planned development of hundreds of individual lots, while later a small gravel operation extracted the hard dacite, resulting in the fractured bowl feature on the east side of the hill. These actions resulted in the physical land morphology and elevation of 501 feet that we see today. The site was historically grazed, but has not been used as pasture in nearly 30 years, allowing for nascent oak woodland and maritime chaparral to establish in compliment to the annual grassland and rock outcrop features of the site. Terrace Hill Open Space is a single legal parcel, APN 003-686-003. The primary entry and access to the site is from Bishop Street, where a locked gate can be opened to a dirt road that leads to the top of the hill. Terrain ranges from nearly level along the top, to steep side slopes ranging between 15% and 50%. A second trailhead exists along a narrow, paved path beginning at the corner of Rachel Street and Jennifer Street facilitated by a public, pedestrian access easement. A third trailhead has been offered by the developers of 17 new residences along Rachel Court, but this facility has not yet been constructed and accepted by the City as of March, 2015. There are four memorial viewing benches that have been installed by the City along the perimeter of the loop trail at the top of the hill. A drainage basin and facility exists near the Bishop Street entrance, while five-strand barbed wire fence protects the frontage of Terrace Hill along Bishop Street to prevent unauthorized vehicle access and unsanctioned trails. The City’s Utilities Department maintains a large water storage tank at the southeast corner along Bishop Street, but this structure is on a separate parcel and is not considered a part of Terrace Hill Open Space. 1.0 CONSISTENCY WITH EXISTING POLICY The City’s General Plan has several areas where use and management of open space is addressed. The Conservation and Open Space Element (COSE) and the Parks and Recreation Element (P&R) are where the most pertinent policy direction is found. The list below is not exhaustive but demonstrates how the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan is consistent with the General Plan. COSE Policy 8.5.5: Passive Recreation – The City will consider allowing passive recreation where it will not degrade or significantly impact open space resources. The Conservation Plan addresses this policy by improving existing authorized trails, monitoring trails located in sensitive portions of the site, and other passive uses in a controlled manner. PC4 - 2 ER/GENP 1120-2015: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Page 3 COSE Program 8.7.1E: Protect Open Space Resources – The City will manage its open space holdings and enforce its open space easements consistent with General Plan goals and policies and the Open Space Ordinance. The Conservation Plan implements this program by calling for certain actions to restore or enhance the site, as well as providing for regular patrol and monitoring in accordance with the City’s Open Space Regulations, municipal code chapter 12.22. COSE Program 8.7.2J: Enhance and Restore Open Space - The City will… adopt conservation plans for open space areas under City easement or fee ownership. The plans shall include a resource inventory, needs analysis, acceptable levels of change, grazing, monitoring, wildlife, management and implementation strategies, including wildfire preparedness plans. The Conservation Plan implements this program by following the protocols and addressing the matters outlined in the COSE Policy described above. P&R Policy 2.6.9: Open Space shall be managed in such a manner as to allow for habitat conservation uses, for appropriate public uses and to maintain and enhance its environmental quality. By adopting and adhering to a Conservation Plan for Terrace Hill, this policy is directly implemented. 2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION Site Information/Setting Site Size 22.96 acres Present Use & Development Vacant open space held for conservation and passive recreation Topography Level to Very Steep (slopes often greater than 50%) Access Bishop Street, Rachel Street, Rachel Court Surrounding Uses/Zoning Residential 3.0 PROJECT ANALYSIS Management Considerations The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan provides a framework to address long-term site stewardship of the property: 1. Natural Resources Protection. The plan places priority on maintaining the natural ecosystem, while allowing passive public recreation as appropriate and compatible. Although Terrace Hill is ostensibly an “island” in the ecological sense (meaning it is not connected to larger terrestrial or aquatic wildlife migration corridors due to surrounding urbanization), nevertheless it provides habitat for several avian species of special concern that shall be protected and monitored over the long-term, as well as 85 different plant PC4 - 3 ER/GENP 1120-2015: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Page 4 species. Protective status is given to native plant communities and habitats that persist or are establishing within the open space area for the functions and values that they provide. 2. Scenic Resources. Terrace Hill is one of the most accessible of all City open space properties and the nearly level top of about 2 acres provides a pleasant walking loop with wonderful off-site views of the railroad district, downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the South Hills, Irish Hills, Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak, Cal Poly lands, “High School Hill,” Edna Valley, and the Cuesta Ridge area in the distance. Conversely, Terrace Hill itself is highly visible from the locations mentioned above, and shall be managed as a scenic resource. 3. Cultural Resources. The City’s Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC) reviewed a community member’s nomination for adding Terrace Hill to the City’s Contributing Property List of Historic Resources at its meeting on January 28, 2013. In consideration of the important historic events and people associated with Terrace Hill, the CHC made an affirmative recommendation to the City Council that will be introduced as counterpart to the Council’s consideration of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. Improved trailhead signs and a new kiosk and will provide the opportunity to present an educational panel to the public that details the historic nature of the property. 4. Erosion and Drainage. A Custom Soil Resource Report was prepared for Terrace Hill using the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website application. The report reveals that Terrace Hill is comprised entirely of heavy clay soils known as the Diablo-Lodo Complex and identified as soil map unit no. 133. This soil is excessively well drained and characterized as having severe erosion potential, especially given the 15-50% slopes. Both the City and contiguous private property owners have experienced drainage issues in the past. Accordingly, ongoing erosion control and water management strategies are necessarily a part of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. 5. Fire Protection. Terrace Hill is entirely surrounded by at-risk residential land uses. Although it is not large enough to represent a significant wildland fire hazard, Terrace Hill does have the right “ingredients” to pose a localized fire hazard that could result in unacceptable safety risk and property loss. This is due to prevailing westerly winds; presence of annual grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, and mixed ornamental trees and vegetation; and the potential for human caused fire ignition associated with illicit smoking, open fire pits, and fireworks. The City has historically mowed the top of the hill and weed whacked a 20 foot strip behind the adjacent residences; this plan introduces the need to also attend to annual grassland areas of the steeper side slopes, preferably through the use of controlled and seasonal grazing with goats, or with mowing if necessary using specialized rubber track equipment to minimize any associated damage. 6. Trails and Passive Recreation. A well-used system of trails provides access to Terrace Hill. Some of these trails have been considered formal through the City’s publication of open space trail maps, while others are informal use trails. Some of the informal trails are incorporated by this conservation plan due to their utility and location, while others will be decommissioned or restored. Terrace Hill does not lend itself well to extensive mountain bike use due to its size and steep slopes, but the flat top does provide a suitable area for youth riders to begin to gain skills and confidence in an off-road setting. This conservation plan considers bicycle use on the main access road from Bishop Street and PC4 - 4 ER/GENP 1120-2015: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Page 5 around the loop on the top to be compatible with the other overarching conservation goals, but will be monitored over time by the City’s Rangers. Goals The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan has as its overarching goal to achieve sustainable conservation of habitat, while also allowing for passive recreational elements. The plan will accomplish this goal, and address the management issues described, above, through the following goals. The City will manage Terrace Hill Open Space with the following goals: 1. Conserve, enhance, and restore natural plant and wildlife communities by protecting their habitats in order to maintain viable wildlife populations within balanced ecosystems. 2. Provide the public with an opportunity for greater understanding and appreciation for the cultural and historic resources values associated with the Open Space. 3. Provide the public with a safe, accessible, and pleasing natural environment in which to pursue passive recreational activities, including hiking and biking, while maintaining the integrity of natural resources and minimizing the impacts on the wildlife and habitats present in the Open Space. 4. Actively address sedimentation sources and erosion both within the Open Space, and from the Open Space. 5. Minimize the impacts of harmful activities, such as off-trail hiking and biking use or catastrophic wildfire, while maintaining natural drainage systems as a means of conveying storm water into and within urban areas. 6. Provide signage and interpretive features to enhance user safety, prevent unauthorized entrance at neighboring private property, and for educational purposes. 7. Maintain, protect, and improve aesthetic views as seen from various locations throughout the City of San Luis Obispo. 8. Protect and officially designate the important historic and cultural resources associated with the Open Space. 9. Regularly monitor and patrol the Open Space, establish Levels of Acceptable Change (LAC), and take action to correct areas or problems that exceed LAC. Needs 1. Resource Management and Protection Biological surveys are the basis for natural resource management in Terrace Hill Open Space. After the initial surveys conducted for the creation of this plan, the City will need to monitor and protect the habitat areas and sensitive species identified. 2. Resource Enhancement Enhancement of natural resources will focus on restoration of two denuded areas. PC4 - 5 ER/GENP 1120-2015: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Page 6 3. Signage Signage for Terrace Hill Open Space is currently outdated compared to the standards used for the City’s other open spaces, and should therefore be upgraded. Signs located at the trailheads would be used to provide directions, apprise users of open space regulations, and identify adjacent private property ownership. A three-panel kiosk at the main Bishop Street trailhead will highlight natural and historic resources with interpretive features, as well as provide a trail map graphic. 4. Trailhead Amenities and New Trails A new entry gate and turn-style at the main trailhead at Bishop Street, as well as a garbage receptacle and “mutt mitt” dispenser are needed. Brief sections of new trail will be constructed from the other two trailheads at the corner Rachel Street and Jennifer Street and at Rachel Court. These trails will be constructed by City staff to contemporary standards for slope and drainage, and shall be designed to minimize any potential impacts to nearby neighbors. 5. Site Stewardship and “Pride of Ownership” Additional needs at Terrace Hill include the following items: • Increase ranger and police patrols • Promptly attend to and abate graffiti • Remove trash, refuse, broken bottles • Maintain drainage facilities • Remove or cut in place derelict drip tubing • Remove and replace dead trees and shrubs 4.0 PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW While the Planning Commission may opine on any component of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan, staff would like to suggest that the Commission focus especially on matters pertaining to the establishment of the official open space status, passive recreational uses and amenities, General Plan consistency and implementation, and review of the Initial Study. The Conservation Plan does not propose to change any existing passive recreational uses that occur now, such as hiking, biking, dog walking, etc. although it does specify appropriate methods and areas for these uses. The Conservation Plan also contemplates new trail sections, trail restoration activities, updated signs, trailhead amenities, and expanded maintenance / fire protection. 5.0 PUBLIC COMMENT The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan seeks to accommodate community preferences while addressing the City’s goals in the Conservation and Open Space Element. A public meeting was held on March 11, 2015 in order to gather neighborhood input prior to staff’s preparation of the Conservation Plan. Both written comments and public testimony received during the advisory body review process will be considered in the Final Review Draft. PC4 - 6 ER/GENP 1120-2015: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Page 7 6.0 OTHER DEPARTMENT COMMENTS City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources Program staff, Parks and Recreation Department staff, and Fire Department staff have reviewed components of the plan pertinent to their departments. The item was also be heard by the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission on April 1, 2015 and will be considered for final adoption by the City Council on May 19, 2015. 7.0 ALTERNATIVES The Commission may wish to recommend additions or edits to the Conservation Plan, or request that staff come back to the Commission for further review and deliberation at a later time. The Commission may also recommend denial of the Conservation Plan. This is not suggested as the Plan appears to be consistent with the Conservation Guidelines adopted in 2002, and with the Conservation and Open Space Element update in 2006, and will provide direction as to proper habitat protection, compatible recreational use, and management activities for Terrace Hill. 8.0 ATTACHMENTS 1. Location Map 2. Draft Initial Study / Negative Declaration 3. Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan, Planning Commission Review Draft, April 2015. Available on the City’s website: http://www.slocity.org/home/showdocument?id=5917 PC4 - 7 ER/GENP 1120-2015: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Page 8 ATTACHMENT 1: Location Map ATTACHMENT 1 PC4 - 8 ER/GENP 1120-2015: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Page 9 ATTACHMENT 2: Draft Initial Study PC4 - 9 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM Application # GENP-1120-2015 1. Project Title: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Robert Hill, (805) 781 7211 Freddy Otte, (805) 781 7511 4. Project Location: Terrace Hill Open Space is located in the City of San Luis Obispo in the neighborhood bounded by Bishop Street to the southeast, Florence Avenue and Rachel Court to the southwest, Ella Street to the northwest, and Sierra Street to the northeast. 5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address: City of San Luis Obispo, City Administration Department, Natural Resources Program, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 6. General Plan Land Use Designation: Open Space 7. Zoning: R-1-PD 8. Description of the Project: The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan (the “Plan”) will guide the management and stewardship of Terrace Hill Open Space over the next ten years. The entire property is approximately 23 acres, The Conservation Plan process will allow for and ensure that the property is managed in accordance with the City’s Open Space Regulations and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan proposes a variety of project opportunities to protect, restore, and enhance the property. In addition to normal management, maintenance, and monitoring of the property, particular emphasis is placed on the following management considerations: Natural Resources Protection; Scenic Resources; Cultural Resources; Erosion and Drainage; Fire Protection; and, Trails and Passive Recreation Uses. ATTACHMENT 2 PC4 - 10 9. Surrounding Land Uses and Settings: Privately owned residential land uses surround Terrace Hill Open Space on all sides, with only a few individual lots that have remained undeveloped. 10. Project Entitlements Requested: City Council approval 11. Other public agencies whose approval is required: None INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 2 PC4 - 11 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Greenhouse Gas Emissions Population / Housing Agriculture Resources Hazards & Hazardous Materials Public Services Air Quality Hydrology / Water Quality Recreation Biological Resources Land Use / Planning Transportation / Traffic Cultural Resources Mineral Resources Utilities / Service Systems Geology / Soils Noise Mandatory Findings of Significance FISH AND GAME FEES The Department of Fish and Wildlife has reviewed the CEQA document and written no effect determination request and has determined that the project will not have a potential effect on fish, wildlife, or habitat (see attached determination). -X- The project has potential to impact fish and wildlife resources and shall be subject to the payment of Fish and Game fees pursuant to Section 711.4 of the California Fish and Wildlife Code. This initial study has been circulated to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for review and comment. STATE CLEARINGHOUSE -X- This environmental document must be submitted to the State Clearinghouse for review by one or more State agencies (e.g. Cal Trans, California Department of Fish and Game, Department of Housing and Community Development). The public review period shall not be less than 30 days (CEQA Guidelines 15073(a)). INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 3 PC4 - 12 DETERMINATION (To be completed by the Lead Agency): On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. X I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made, by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant” impact(s) or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact(s) on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (1) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (2) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR of NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. Signature Date Printed Name Community Development Director INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 4 PC4 - 13 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1. A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where it is based on project- specific factors as well as general standards (e.g. the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2. All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3. Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact' is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4. “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section 19, "Earlier Analysis," as described in (5) below, may be cross-referenced). 5. Earlier analysis may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration (Section 15063 (c) (3) (D)). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they addressed site-specific conditions for the project. 6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7. Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8. The explanation of each issue should identify: a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 5 PC4 - 14 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact 1. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 1 X b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, open space, and historic buildings within a local or state scenic highway? 1 X c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? 1, 9 X d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? 1 X Evaluation a) The Plan does not anticipate any new structures that would impede views or have an effect on a scenic vista. b) The project site is not within a local a state scenic highway area, and does not anticipate any improvements that would damage scenic resources or historic buildings. c) The Plan does anticipate brief sections of new trail, as well as using either goats or mowing to keep annual grassland down for fire hazard reduction. These actions could result in minor degradation of visual character; however, the new trail sections will be screened and kept to minimum width, and the grazing will be seasonal and will not have a substantial negative impact. d) Terrace Hill closes at dusk and no new lighting is anticipated or proposed by the Plan. The City has a night-sky ordinance that would apply in the event any new safety lighting is installed on the site. Conclusion Although the Plan does anticipate some ground level improvements that could change the visual character of a portion of the site, these actions are considered less than significant because they are very minor and will be screened or seasonal. 2. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? 2 X b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? 1 X c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? 1 X Evaluation a), b) and c) The project site does not include any Farmland that is considered prime, unique, or of statewide importance. There are no Williamson Act contracts that apply to the site, and no changes are proposed to the site that could result in conversion of Farmland to a non-agricultural use. Conclusion The project site is public land that is part of an existing open space system and no changes in use are proposed. 3. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? 3 X b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? 3 X INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 6 PC4 - 15 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? 3 X d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? 3 X e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? 3 X Evaluation a), b), c), d) and e). The Plan does not include any actions that would create air quality impacts or violate any air quality standard. Conclusion The project site is City open space bordered by open land and a residential development, and a park. No changes in land use or the operations of the facility are proposed that would impact air quality in any way. 4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? 1, 4, 9 X b) Have a substantial adverse effect, on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 X c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 X d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 X e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? 1, 6 X f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? 1, 6 X Evaluation a) New trail work and fire hazard reduction work (either goats or mowing) could have an adverse effect on sensitive species. A Plant Inventory and Wildlife Survey prepared by Terra Verde Environmental found only avian species to be present that would not be effected by ground activities. There is the possibility that sensitive plant species may exist that were not found in the survey, however, so the Plan calls for ongoing site surveys to occur in order to ensure that impacts are avoided to the INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 7 PC4 - 16 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact greatest extent possible. b) The project site does not contain any riparian areas. c) The project site does not contain any federal wetlands. d), e), f) The Plan does not anticipate any improvements that would be considered a barrier or otherwise interfere with migratory animals. The Plan requires compliance with all local policies and ordinances that protect biological resources in the area, and there are no other conservation plans that apply to the project site. Conclusion The project will have less than significant impacts to biological resources because the Plan requires all anticipated projects to be designed in a manner that minimizes these effects. The Plan requires compliance with all local ordinances and policies established for the purpose of protecting biological resources, such as the City’s Conservation Guidelines and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan. 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historic resource as defined in §15064.5. 1 X b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5) 1 X c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? 1 X d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? 1 X Evaluation a) The project site has been recommended by the City’s Cultural Heritage Committee to the City Council for inclusion on the City’s Contributing List of Historic Resources due to findings of important events and persons associated with Terrace Hill ; however, there are no actions in the Plan that would change the significance of these resources b), c) The Plan does not anticipate any action that would have an adverse change on archaeological or paleontological resources. d) The City of San Luis Obispo maintains a burial sensitivity map that identifies locations of known and likely burials. The project site falls outside of the area known to be used for this purpose. The City has construction guidelines that would apply if any human remains are discovered; however, the Plan does anticipate limited excavation activities and only very limited ground disturbance and no impact to human burials is likely. Conclusion The project site has been modified and disturbed in the past, and proposed activities under the Plan are unlikely to disturb any significant cultural, archeological or paleontological resources. The project site is recommended for inclusion on the City’s Contributing List of Historic Resources due to findings of important events and persons associated with Terrace Hill and the Plan calls for an educational kiosk to help the public understand and interpret this history. 6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving: 5 X I. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of 5 X INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 8 PC4 - 17 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. II. Strong seismic ground shaking? 5 X III. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? 5 X IV. Landslides? 5 X b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? 10 X c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or off site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? 10 X d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 1802.3.2 of the California Building Code (2007), creating substantial risks to life or property? 10 X e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? 10 X Evaluation a) The Plan does not anticipate any new structures or activities that would expose people or structures to substantial adverse effects. There is a fault zone mapped outside but proximate to the project site. b) Maintenance activities have the potential to cause erosion. Any project located in or near a drainage will have permit sediment and erosion control measures in place. The Plan includes policies that direct projects to be designed in a manner that minimizes the potential for soil erosion to the greatest extent possible, and some of the projects anticipated by the Plan are specifically intended to reduce sedimentation. c), d), e) The Plan does not anticipate the construction of new structures that would be subject to geologic impacts. The project site does include expansive soils, but paths and other flatwork will be designed in a manner that takes the soil type into consideration and in no case would involve substantial risks to life or property. The site is served by the City of San Luis Obispo sanitary sewer system and no use of septic tanks or alternative systems is proposed. Conclusion The Plan calls for drainage and erosion control strategies whenever there is any possibility of erosion, although such maintenance activities are consistent with existing activities and are less than significant.. Although the location is an active seismic region and located proximate to a mapped Alquist-Priola fault, the Plan does not introduce people or structures to an area where substantial risk of harm to life or property exists. 7. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? 1, 11 X b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? 1, 11 X Evaluation a), b) The City of San Luis Obispo has a Climate Action Plan that requires the City to evaluate actions that would lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The project is a Plan to conserve an open sapce area within the City limits and day to day operations of the open space will not generate, directly or indirectly, increased greenhouse gas emissions. The Plan calls for removal of dead trees and shrubs (which emit carbon) and replacing them with native materials (which sequester carbon) Conclusion On balance, the long term positive effects of the project for increasing carbon sequestration capacity within the project site INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 9 PC4 - 18 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact are expected to outweigh any temporary impacts that might occur from the use of equipment during maintenance activities. 8. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? X b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? X c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? X d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? X e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? X f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? X g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? 9 X h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? 9 X Evaluation a), b), c), d), e), f), g) The Plan and ongoing preservation of the open space area will not expose people or structures to harm from hazardous materials because there are no hazardous materials on site, routinely transported through or adjacent to the site, and no handling of hazardous materials is proposed. The project site is outside of the Airport Land Use Plan area, and there is no private landing strips in the vicinity. The Plan would not impair or interfere with the City’s emergency response plans. h) The project site area contains annual grassland, chaparral, and oak woodland, as well as non-native nuisance vegetation species. A component of the City’s overall conservation planning includes the development of a Wildfire Preparedness Plan chapter. This chapter identifies the areas needing management. The impacts are considered less than significant and are also pre-existing and not effected by the Plan. Conclusion The project site is a City open space. It is adjacent to residential neighborhoods. There are no uses, past or present, that involve hazardous materials. Wildland fire impacts associated with maintaining on-site vegetation are minimal, and potential impacts are addressed through the Plan’s Wildfire Preparedness Plan. 9. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? X INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 10 PC4 - 19 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g. the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? X c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off site? X d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on or off site? 9 X e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? 9 X f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? X g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? X h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? X i) X j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X Evaluation a), b), c) The project would not negatively impact water quality standards or discharge requirements, or use groundwater supplies or interfere with groundwater recharge. The Plan envisions activities to restore and improve natural systems that were impacted by past grading and development activities d), e) and f), Maintenance activities may have the potential to cause erosion. The Plan requires that any project located in or near a drainage system will address sediment and erosion control, and such activities are less than significant. g), h), i), j) There are no projects anticipated that would place new structures within a 100-year flood plain, or impede or redirect stormwater flows. In the event of a significant flood event, the area bordering the lake could be subject to inundation, but the project would not introduce people or structures to this risk. The project could be beneficial by providing additional capacity in Laguna Lake for flood control purposes. Conclusion The project would have a less than significant effect on water quality, with only minor maintenance activities anticipated. 10. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? 1 X b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of 1, 6 X INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 11 PC4 - 20 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? 1, 6 X Evaluation a), b), c) The project is consistent with the City’s General Plan and Conservation Guidelines and would not physically divide an established community. No land use changes are proposed and there is no habitat conservation plan currently covering the site. Conclusion There are no impacts to land use and planning associated with the project to create a natural reserve conservation plan. 11. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? 1 X b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? 1 X Evaluation a), b) The project does not involve any physical changes to the site that would impact the availability of mineral resources. Conclusion No impact to mineral resources is anticipated or likely because the project is an open space conservation plan involving minimal physical changes to the project site. 12. NOISE. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? 9 X b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? 9 X c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? 9 X d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? 9 X e) For a project located within an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? 9 X 9 X Evaluation a), b), c) and d) The Plan does not anticipate any new uses or facilities that would generate noise, or expose people to unsafe noise or ground vibration levels. INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 12 PC4 - 21 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact e), f) The project site experiences frequent overflight, but is outside of the airport land use plan area, and farther than two miles from of a public airport. Conclusion The Plan would involve no day to day increases in noise that would expose people to unacceptable noise levels. The City’s Noise Ordinance applies to all activities, and ensures that temporary noise impacts are less than significant. 13. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? X b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? X X Evaluation a), b), c) The project site is an open space area and there will be no population growth or displacement associated with adoption of the Plan. Conclusion No impacts to population and housing will occur with the adoption and implementation of the Plan because no housing will be constructed or displaced as part of the project. 14. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: a) Fire protection? 9 X b) Police protection? X c) Schools? X d) Parks? X e) Other public facilities? X Evaluation a), b), c), d), e) The Plan will not result in any increase in demand for public services because it is an open space conservation plan. Conclusion The implementation of the Plan will not result in any new or altered government facilities, or changes to acceptable service ratios, response times, school enrollment, or park use. 15. RECREATION. a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? X b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? X Evaluation INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 13 PC4 - 22 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a), b) Plan implementation will enhance the natural environment of the project site and potentially attract new users. The increased usage would be considered less than significant because the City maintains a high ratio of open space parkland per City resident and regular use would no substantially deteriorate the park or adjacent facilities. No new facilities would be constructed that would have an adverse physical effect. Conclusion The Plan is anticipated to support passive recreational uses such as hiking and scenic enjoyment. However, the project will not increase the use of the facility in a way that degrades existing or planned facilities, and no impacts are anticipated from the construction of minor new facilities, such as hiking trails or pathways. 16. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? X b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? X c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? X d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? X e) Result in inadequate emergency access? X f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? X Evaluation a), b), c), d), e), f) The project is adoption and implementation of a Plan to enhance the natural environment of the project site. There are no new uses proposed that would generate new traffic or trips, conflict with traffic management plans, change air traffic patterns, create hazards due to a design feature, result in inadequate emergency access or conflict with an adopted transportation plan. Conclusion The proposed plan will not increase trips to or from the project site beyond that for which the existing facilities have been designed to accommodate, and overall will have no adverse effect on traffic or transportation. 17. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? X b) Require or result in the construction or expansion of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant X INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 14 PC4 - 23 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # GENP-1120-2015 Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? X d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new and expanded entitlements needed? X e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? X f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? X g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? X a), b), c), d), e), f), g) The project would create no new demands on utilities and service systems that cannot be met with existing supplies. Conclusion The proposed Plan and its implementation will have no adverse effect on utilities or service systems. 18. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? X The project is expected to have an overall beneficial effect on the quality of the environment. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of the past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? X There are no cumulative impacts identified or associated with the project. All of the impacts identified are less than significant and temporary in nature. c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? X The project will not have adverse effects on human being because it is an open space conservation plan for a site that is currently used for passive recreational and open space management purposes. INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 15 PC4 - 24 City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 19. EARLIER ANALYSES. Earlier analysis may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or Negative Declaration. Section 15063 (c) (3) (D). In this case a discussion should identify the following items: a) Earlier analysis used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions of the project. 20. SOURCE REFERENCES. 1. Conservation and Open Space Element, City of San Luis Obispo General Plan (2006) 2. Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program: http://maps.conservation.ca.gov/ciff/ciff.html 3. SLO County APCD List of Current Rules and Clean Air Plan: http://www.arb.ca.gov/drdb/slo/cur.htm 4. Summary and Results of a Plant Inventory and Wildlife Survey at Terrace Hill Open Space, City of San Luis Obispo, California (Terra Verde Environmental, March 2015) 5. Alquist-Priola Special Studies Zones Map: http://gmw.consrv.ca.gov/shmp/download/quad/SAN_LUIS_OBISPO/maps/SLOBISPO.PDF 6. Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands, City of San Luis Obispo (2002) 7. Recovery Plan for the California Red-legged Frog, USFWS (2002) 8. South-Central California Coast Steelhead Recovery Plan, NOAA (2013) 9. Public Review Draft Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. City of San Luis Obispo (2015) 10. Soil Survey of San Luis Obispo County, Coastal Part, USDA Soils Conservation Service (1984) 11. City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action Plan, City of San Luis Obispo (2012) Attachments: 1. All of the source documents are included by reference and are on file in the offices of the City of San Luis Obispo 2. Site vicinity map with aerial photograph INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 16 PC4 - 25 City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Site vicinity map with aerial photograph INITIAL STUDY TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN 17 PC4 - 26