HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-2015 PC Item 4 - Cal Poly Master Plan Update (GENP-2088-2015)
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PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: Review and recommendations for land use concepts under consideration by Cal
Poly for the Campus Master Plan Update.
PROJECT ADDRESS: Cal Poly – State Lands BY: Brian Leveille, Senior Planner
Phone Number: 781-7166
E-mail: bleveille@slocity.org
FILE NUMBER: GENP-2088-2015 FROM: Tyler Corey, Interim
Deputy Director
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the City Council input to Cal Poly for consideration
in their Master Plan update process.
SITE DATA
Representative Julie Moloney, Cal Poly Campus
Planner
Zoning N/A (outside city limits)
General Plan Public Facilities
Site Area ~6,000 acres
Application
Complete n/a
Environmental
Status
Environmental Impact Report to
be completed once project
description is complete
1.0 BACKGROUND
State Universities must develop master plans to guide decisions to meet the future academic
and space needs of the university and its students. The last major update to the Cal Poly
Master Plan was completed in 2001 and focused on the nearly 6,000 acre campus lands in San
Luis Obispo County, with a subsequent effort to address the nearly 3,200 acres of Cal Poly
owned land within Santa Cruz County. The 2001 update was adopted after a four year process
that began with academic strategic planning, followed by community task force input, draft
plan development and review, and preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Ultimately, the Master Plan and EIR were approved by the State University Board of Trustees
which has responsibility for the State University system. The plan was intended to
Meeting Date: 10-28-15
Item Number: 4
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accommodate facilities, programs, and staff to support education of approximately 20,900
(Fall) students.
In the Fall of 2014, Cal Poly announced its intent to update the Master Plan to address
projected growth over the next 20 years to accommodate facilities, programs, and staff to
support a maximum future Fall enrollment of 25,000 students. Since that time, the University
requested City staff participation in several Master Plan Advisory Committees, and the project
manager, Dr. Linda Dalton, has provided updates to the Council on several occasions. Cal
Poly planning representatives have hosted several workshops both on- and off-campus to
garner input at various stages of the plan development.
Over the summer, the Cal Poly team synthesized the input on the preliminary land use concepts
to develop the description of the master plan to be evaluated through an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) to be prepared for the Master Plan update. The current land use scenario includes
generalized location and types of facilities as a basis to further develop the plan for more
detailed evaluation in an EIR.
Several land use changes have already been made in the refined concept plan in response to
committee and public input including:
1) Addition of two sites designated as residential neighborhoods (added after prime
agricultural fields were excluded from potential development);
2) Elimination of an on-campus hotel and conference center;
3) Retention of Leaning Pine Arboretum in current location and construction of new
greenhouses;
4) Removal of prime agricultural lands from development consideration;
5) Delay of consideration of year-round academic model.
2.0 COMMISSION’S PURVIEW
While the City has no regulatory purview or jurisdiction over state lands or the approval
process for the Master Plan, it is a stakeholder in the update process, and Council has requested
input from the Planning Commission. Commission feedback to the Council should be based on
the City’s Guiding Principles for the Cal Poly Master Plan update (Attachment 1).
3.0 PROJECT INFORMATION
On September 15, 2015, the City Council adopted a set of Guiding Principles to provide
direction to Council member Ashbaugh and Community Development Director Codron as they
participate on the Cal Poly Master Plan committee. The Guiding principles are based on policy
support from relevant City General Plan Policies. These principles (Attachment 1) are higher
level statements that encompass and summarize adopted policy guidance by topic and include:
Neighborhood Wellness, Economic Health, Housing, Multi-modal transportation, Protection of
Agriculture and Open Space resources, Diversity, and Public Services. The Commission should
utilize these statements to review the land use plans (Attachments 2 & 3) when considering
recommendations for Council input to Cal Poly. The Planning Commission’s input on key
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considerations will inform the Council action on this item which will include a letter from
Mayor Marx to President Armstrong regarding the land use concepts in the Master Plan update.
The Cal Poly Master Plan update will benefit from input provided during the public workshops
conducted in October, and the City’s input, in order to finalize the project description to be
considered through an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Staff anticipates the Notice of
Preparation for the EIR to be released sometime in January 2016 with release of a Draft EIR in
the Fall of 2016. The City will have the opportunity to participate in the EIR scoping process
by providing input on potential environmental impacts that should be evaluated, and the City
will provide comments on the Draft EIR for response and inclusion in the Final EIR. The CSU
Board of Trustees is responsible for final approval of the Master Plan update and adoption of
the Final EIR.
4.0 LAND USE CONCEPTS DISCUSSION
The Commission should review the land use concepts based on Council adopted Guiding
Principles (Attachment 1) and provide recommendations to the City Council for final City
comments. An updated Cal Poly Program and Guide to the Land Use Concept Map provides a
brief description of the main components of land use concepts along with brief highlights of
master plan goals (Attachment 2). Staff has provided an initial analysis of Land Use Concepts
based on Guiding Principles and included draft recommended City comments for discussion.
Residential Neighborhood Areas
The Concept Land Use Map designates areas for student housing predominantly north of
Brizzolara Creek and around the campus core (shown in dark blue and outlined in yellow
dashed lines for first year students). There are also areas intended for lower density
faculty/staff/family housing (in light blue). Specialty housing for fraternities, sororities, and
other student organizations could also be located north of Brizzolara Creek (Attachment 2, Cal
Poly Guide to Refined Land Use Concept Map). The provision of housing for more students
and housing that serves the needs of different students is a main goal of the Master Plan update.
City Neighborhood Wellness guiding principles call for buffers between areas of campus
activities and adjoining residential neighborhoods; more intensive uses should be pulled toward
the interior of campus, and suitable locations for Greek life housing and activities should be on
campus. The concept plan includes locations for specialty housing, sophomores, and upper
division students toward the interior of campus consistent with the Neighborhood Wellness
guiding principle. The areas designated for freshmen residential neighborhood areas are
designated to the east of existing student housing off Grand Avenue.
Residential Neighborhood land uses are designated in four areas (shown in light blue on
concept plan map). Two of the areas are located to the north of Slack Street at the south
boundary of campus. One of these areas is shown in the current location of the track and
football fields west of Grand Avenue and the other location is located east of Grand Avenue.
The land use map for both of these locations along Slack Street shows “Neighborhood
Sensitivity” zones which indicates that compatibility guidance or policies will be included
when more detailed plans are developed for these areas. Two other Residential Neighborhood
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areas are designated along Highway 1 to the north of Highland Drive. Both of these areas have
“Visual Sensitivity” zones since they could impact scenic views along Highway 1. The
neighborhood area to the west of Highway 1 also abuts existing City residential development to
the west and similar to the residential neighborhood areas north of Slack Street, should include
plans for neighborhood compatibility considerations.
Recommended City comments:
1) Include policies in the Master Plan to support the implementation of programs and
incentives to stabilize neighborhoods close to campus, for example by providing
housing assistance for faculty and staff, or through other innovative programs.
2) Master Plan policies/principles should address neighborhood compatibility in terms of
scale, density, and character of development. Residential neighborhoods should be
designated for staff, faculty and family housing. Neighborhood Sensitivity zones should
also be added to the residential neighborhood area west of Highway 1 that is adjacent
to existing City neighborhoods.
3) The Master Plan update should include recommendations of the Neighborhood
Wellness/Community Civility Report where applicable.
4) Proposed Residential Neighborhood Development should be sited and developed in
order to avoid or minimize impacts to scenic view sheds and environmental resource
impacts (riparian, creek, agriculture).
5) New development in the Poly Canyon area and on land adjacent to City Open Space
should consider regional trail connections and coordinated with City and US Forest
Service Staff.
New Facilities and Expansion of Existing Facilities
Cal Poly’s conceptual land use plan designates areas for new event centers and facilities north
of Brizzolara Creek including an arena (shown in fuscia) and an agricultural event center and
equestrian pavilion. The plan also envisions expansion of Spanos stadium, and potential
renovation of Mott Gym in conjunction to the new arena site north of Brizzolara Creek.
The expansion of existing facilities and new facilities with large events has the potential to
impact traffic on City thoroughfares connecting to campus (California, Highland, Grand Ave.).
As discussed below in the cumulative Housing and Facilities discussion, these areas also have
the potential to increase calls for fire, rescue, and medical service.
Recommended City comments:
6) Impacts to the City transportation system during large events resulting from new
facilities and the expansion of existing facilities (e.g. Mott Gym, Spanos Stadium, etc.)
should be fully evaluated and mitigated to the greatest extent feasible.
7) Impacts to City emergency services and Police mutual aid response should be evaluated
and mitigated since the expansion of these facilities have the potential to result in
increased calls for fire, rescue, and medical service during large events.
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Wastewater Reclamation
An area designated for wastewater reclamation is shown west of California Boulevard at the
southerly boundary of campus along City limits. Further evaluation of this facility should
evaluate potential impacts on existing uses in the vicinity which could result from operations of
the facility such as odors and/or noise and consider relocation of the facility if impacts are
identified.
Recommended City comments:
8) Further evaluation of the wastewater facility west of California Boulevard should
evaluate potential impacts on existing uses in the vicinity and consider relocation of the
facility to a location with greater separation from existing residential neighborhoods
and City boundaries.
Planned Facilities and Housing (cumulative impacts)
The cumulative impacts of increased student enrollment and associated new and expanded
facilities including on campus student housing has the potential to impact City services such as
police response, emergency response (Fire & medical), and infrastructure (wastewater
collection & water).
Police - The Cal Poly Police Department is the lead law enforcement agency on the Cal Poly
campus and is responsible for all police public safety efforts within its borders. Cal Poly Police
resources should properly address campus growth to ensure that City police resources are not
impacted with the need to respond more frequently to provide mutual aid assistance.
Fire –The City’s Fire Department provides fire, rescue, and medical services to the campus
core of Cal Poly. Cooperation between Cal Poly and the City will be important to ensure
campus growth does not impact rapid response times to emergencies, appropriate access, and
safe building design and construction. The current contract for the City Fire Department to
provide these services was negotiated on the current master plan. New planned facilities such
as additional housing and event centers located further north in the campus core could increase
response times, and service costs should be addressed to achieve a formula that continues to be
beneficial to both partners. It may also be beneficial to explore options for providing a suitable
facility on campus for short or long term use by City Fire personnel and apparatus.
Circulation - Campus circulation should support City goals for modal split and encourage
walking, cycling, and the use of transit by students and employees, and discourage single-
occupant vehicle trips. Even with Cal Poly’s plans to emphasize modal split and plans to
provide a higher ratio of on campus housing, it can be anticipated that increased enrollment and
new and expanded facilities would have an impact on City transportation infrastructure. Cal
Poly’s circulation system should be well coordinated with City transportation planning efforts
and impacts to the City’s circulation system should be quantified and mitigated.
Utilities - Potential impacts to City utilities infrastructure should also be considered in Campus
Master Plan concepts since the facilities expansion could place additional capacity demands on
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the City’s wastewater collection system and Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and
Cal Poly’s water allotment from Whale Rock Reservoir.
Fiscal Impacts Analysis - There are likely to be service impacts (public services and revenues)
related to the type, intensity and general location of Master Plan development. A Fiscal Impact
Analysis is a tool to quantify potential service impacts to the City as a result of the planned
growth in the Master Plan. A Fiscal Impacts Analysis is different than an Economic Impact
Analysis in that it quantifies the fiscal impacts to a municipality rather than summarizing the
direct, indirect and induced regional economic activity created by the development and
associated operations described in a Master Plan.
The Fiscal Impacts Analysis covers a broad range of the public services provided by the City
necessary to serve Cal Poly’s related population, including public safety, fire protection, and
public works among others. It also takes into account revenues that that will be realized by the
City as a result of Master Plan development.
Impacts associated with infrastructure and capital facilities are identified as project specific
mitigations, whereas the fiscal analysis quantifies the net impact to City services and provides a
basis for discussing opportunities for partnerships to ensure that City service levels can be
maintained or enhanced as needed. The City has previously encouraged the University to
prepare a Fiscal Impact Analysis so that there is accurate information to analyze service
impacts to the City. Though not a requirement of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), the City’s will continue to request that this type of study be prepared as a best
practice for ensuring continuity of services both on and off campus.
Recommended City Comments
9) Master Plan and EIR should explore the impact of growth on City services: recycled
water, wastewater, police, fire, and neighborhood wellness.
10) Coordinate future development plans for review and cooperation in planning with City
Departments (Transportation, Police, Fire, Utilities, Natural Resources, Planning).
11) Fiscal Impact Analysis. In order to accurately evaluate potential service impacts the
University should prepare a Fiscal Impact Analysis.
12) The final Refined Master Plan Update should consider the City’s Guiding Principles
for the Master Plan Update and relevant City General Plan policies for which they are
based.
6.0 ATTACHMENTS
1. Guiding Principles endorsed by City Council
2. Revised Land Use and Circulation Program, September 2, 2015
3. Land Use Concept Diagram
4. Resolution
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CITY’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR CAL POLY MASTER PLAN UPDATE
The following principles are not prioritized, and are each supported by a few, exemplary goals or
policy statements from the City’s General Plan (see Appendix that follows).
1. Neighborhood Wellness – The Master Plan should support efforts to provide a safe and
positive living environment for all residents in City neighborhoods. The
recommendations found in the Neighborhood Wellness/Community Civility report
should be implemented wherever possible. The Master Plan should include buffers
between areas of campus activities and adjoining residential neighborhoods; protect
neighborhoods from light, noise, and glare from campus development; pull more
intensive uses to the interior of campus; and provide suitable locations for parties and
Greek life housing and activities on campus.
2. Economic Health – The Master Plan should support the economic health of the City, and
negative fiscal impacts created by Plan implementation should be mitigated by the
University. The Master Plan should support consideration of a hotel/conference facility
within the City limits.
3. Housing – The Master Plan should continue to push to house all undergraduate students
on campus. In the interim, future increase in enrollment should be linked to prior
provision of on-campus housing. Programs should be included to encourage housing for
faculty and staff within existing neighborhoods (not on campus) to both stabilize
neighborhoods close to campus and encourage residents to rely on active transportation
and transit to get to and from campus.
4. Multi-Modal Transportation – The Master Plan should support City goals for modal-
split, encourage walking, cycling, and the use of transit by students and employees, and
discourage single-occupant vehicle trips from the University into the City. Programs
should support continued contribution to City transit; provision of an internal campus
shuttle system; improved hub for a transit center; and restriction of parking passes for
residents living within one (1) mile of campus.
5. Protection of Open Space and Agricultural Resources – Land planning for future
growth should take into account impacts on natural resources, preserve agricultural land
to the greatest extent feasible, and identify opportunities preserve important open space
resources while making important connections to other public open space lands adjacent
to the University. The Master Plan should include provisions for conservation easements
on open space lands.
6. Diversity – The Master Plan should support a diverse population and contribute
positively to a larger community that welcomes and respects all people.
7. Public Services – The Master Plan and EIR should fully explore the impact of growth on
City services: recycled water, wastewater, police, fire, and code enforcement and should
include a fiscal impact analysis for City services to ensure that future growth of the
Attachment 1
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City Guiding Principles – Cal Poly Master Plan Update
2
University contributes its fair share to support city services, so that existing levels of
service to the community are not eroded as the University enrollment continues to grow.
Attachment 1
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City Guiding Principles – Cal Poly Master Plan Update
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POLICY SUPPORT FOR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
NEIGHBORHOOD WELLNESS
Land Use Element (LUE) LUE 2.1. Neighborhood Focus. The City shall preserve, protect and
enhance the City’s neighborhoods and strive to preserve and enhance their identity and promote
a higher quality of life within each neighborhood.
LUE 2.3.11. Residential Project Objectives. Residential projects should provide:
A. Privacy, for occupants and neighbors of the project;
B. Adequate usable outdoor area, sheltered from noise and prevailing winds, and
oriented to receive light and sunshine
C. Use of natural ventilation, sunlight, and shade to make indoor and outdoor spaces
comfortable with minimum mechanical support.
D. Pleasant views from and toward the project;
E. Security and safety.
F. Bicycle facilities consistent with the City’s Bicycle Plan;
G. Adequate parking and storage space;
H. Noise and visual separation from adjacent roads and commercial uses. (Barrier walls,
isolating a project, are not desirable. Noise mitigation walls may be used only when there
is no practicable alternative. Where walls are used, they should help create an attractive
pedestrian, residential setting through features such as setbacks, changes in alignment,
detail and texture, places for people to walk through them at regular intervals, and
planting.)
I. Design elements that facilitate neighborhood interaction, such as front porches, front
yards along streets, and entryways facing public walkways.
J. Buffers from hazardous materials transport routes, as recommended by the City Fire
Department.
LU 2.2.6 Neighborhood Characteristics
The City shall promote livability, quiet enjoyment, and safety for all residents.
Characteristics of quality neighborhoods vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, but
often include one or more of the following characteristics:
A mix of housing type styles, density, and affordability.
Design and circulation features that create and maintain a pedestrian scale.
Nearby services and facilities including schools, parks, retail (e.g., grocery store, drug
store), restaurants and cafes, and community centers or other public facilities.
A tree canopy and well-maintained landscaping.
A sense of personal safety (e.g., low crime rate, short police and emergency response
times).
Convenient access to public transportation.
Well-maintained housing and public facilities.
LU 2.6.5 Fraternities & Sororities
Attachment 1
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City Guiding Principles – Cal Poly Master Plan Update
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The City shall work with Cal Poly to develop a proposal to locate fraternities and
sororities on campus for consideration by the CSU Board. If locations on campus cannot
be provided, fraternities and sororities should be limited to medium-high and high-
density residential areas near the campus.
Housing Element (HE) HE 8.18 Jointly develop and implement a student housing plan and
continue to support "good neighbor programs" with Cal Poly State University, Cuesta
College and City residents. The programs should continue to improve communication
and cooperation between the City and the schools, set on- campus student housing
objectives and establish clear, effective standards for student housing in residential
neighborhoods.
ECONOMIC HEALTH
LUE San Luis Obispo should:
14. Retain existing businesses and agencies, and accommodate expansion of existing businesses,
consistent with other goals.
15. Emphasize more productive use of existing commercial buildings and land areas already
committed to urban development.
16. Provide an adequate revenue base for local government and public schools.
17. Provide high quality public services, ensuring that demands do not exceed resources and that
adequate facilities and services can be provided in pace with development.
18. Cooperate with other agencies in the county to assure that increases in the numbers of
workers and college and university students in the San Luis Obispo area do not outpace housing
availability.
24. Provide a resilient economic base, able to tolerate changes in its parts without causing
overall harm to the community.
25. Have developments bear the costs of resources and services needed to serve them, except
where the community deliberately chooses to help pay in order to achieve other community
goals.
27. Serve as the county's hub for: county and state government; education; transportation;
visitor information; entertainment; cultural, professional, medical, and social services;
community organizations; retail trade.
HOUSING
LUE Goal 18. Cooperate with other agencies in the county to assure that increases in the
numbers of workers and college and university students in the San Luis Obispo area do not
outpace housing availability.
LUE 2.6.1 Cal Poly
The City shall encourage Cal Poly to build housing on campus for all of its students, to the
extent feasible. On-campus housing should be expanded at least as fast as enrollment increases.
Consideration shall be given for housing for faculty and staff as student enrollment increases.
Attachment 1
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City Guiding Principles – Cal Poly Master Plan Update
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LUE 2.6.4 Location
The City shall encourage the development of housing likely to attract faculty, staff, and students
to locate close to Cal Poly. The City shall work with Cal Poly to facilitate faculty and staff
owning or renting housing in adjacent neighborhoods.
HE 8.4 Encourage Cal Poly University to continue to develop on-campus student housing to
meet existing and future needs and to lessen pressure on City housing supply and transportation
systems.
HE 8.5 Strengthen the role of on-campus housing by encouraging Cal Poly University to
require freshmen and sophomore students to live on campus.
HE 8.6 Locate fraternities and sororities on the Cal Poly University campus. Until that is
possible, they should be located in Medium-High and High Density residential zones near the
campus.
HE 8.7 Encourage Cal Poly University to develop and maintain faculty and staff housing,
consistent with the General Plan.
MULTI MODAL
Circulation Element (CE) CE 1.6.1. Transportation Goals
1. Maintain accessibility and protect the environment throughout San Luis Obispo while
reducing dependence on single-occupant use of motor vehicles, with the goal of achieving
State and Federal health standards for air quality.
2. Reduce people's use of their cars by supporting and promoting alternatives such as
walking, riding buses and bicycles, and using car pools.
3. Provide a system of streets that are well-maintained and safe for all forms of
transportation.
4. Widen and extend streets only when there is a demonstrated need and when the projects
will cause no significant, long-term environmental problems.
5. (Omitted)
6. Promote the safe operation of all modes of transportation.
7. Coordinate the planning of transportation with other affected agencies such as San Luis
Obispo County, Cal Trans, and Cal Poly.
8. Reduce the need for travel by private vehicle through land use strategies, telecommuting,
creative transportation demand management, and compact work weeks.
9. Support the development and maintenance of a circulation system that balances the needs
of all circulation modes.
CE 1.7.1. Encourage Better Transportation Habits
Increase the use of alternative forms of transportation (as shown on Table 1) and depend less
on the single-occupant use of vehicles.
Attachment 1
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City Guiding Principles – Cal Poly Master Plan Update
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LUE 2.2.3 Neighborhood Traffic
Neighborhoods should be protected from intrusive traffic. All neighborhood street and
circulation improvements should favor pedestrians, bicyclists, and local traffic. Vehicle
traffic on residential streets should be slow. To foster suitable traffic speed, street design
should include measures such as narrow lanes, landscaped parkways, traffic circles, textured
crosswalks, and, if necessary, stop signs, speed humps, bollards, and on-street parking and
sidewalks.
LUE 2.2.4 Neighborhood Connections
The City shall provide all areas with a pattern of streets, pedestrian network, and bicycle
facilities that promote neighborhood and community cohesiveness. There should be
continuous sidewalks or paths of adequate width, connecting neighborhoods with each
other and with public and commercial services and public open space to provide
continuous pedestrian paths throughout the city. Connectivity to nearby community
facilities (such as parks and schools), open space, and supporting commercial areas shall
also be enhanced, but shall not be done in a method that would increase cut-through
traffic. (See also the Circulation Element.)
PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACE AND AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
LUE Goal 4. Protect, sustain, and where it has been degraded, enhance wildlife habitat on
land surrounding the city, at Laguna Lake, along creeks and other wetlands, and on open
hills and ridges within the city, so that diverse, native plants, fish, and animals can continue
to live within the area.
LUE Goal 6. Recognize the importance of farming to the economy of the planning area and
the county, protect agriculture from development and from incompatible uses, and protect
remaining undeveloped prime agricultural soils.
Conservation and Open Space Element (COSE) COSE 8.1 Greenbelt. Open space outside
the urban area
Secure and maintain a healthy and attractive Greenbelt around the urban area, comprised of
diverse and connected natural habitats, and productive agricultural land that reflects the
City’s watershed and topographic boundaries.
COSE 8.2.1 Open space preserved.
Attachment 1
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City Guiding Principles – Cal Poly Master Plan Update
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The City will preserve as open space or agriculture the undeveloped and agricultural land
outside the urban reserve line, including the designated Greenbelt as shown in Figure 5, and
will encourage individuals, organizations and other agencies to do likewise.
DIVERSITY
HE Goal 4. Preserve and accommodate existing and new mixed-income neighborhoods and seek
to prevent neighborhoods or housing types that are segregated by economic status.
LUE Goal Society and Economy. San Luis Obispo should be a well balanced community.
Environmental, social, and economic factors must be taken into account in important decisions
about San Luis Obispo’s future. A healthy economy depends on a healthy environment. The
social fabric of the community for both residents and visitors must also be part of that balance.
LUE Goal San Luis Obispo should:
23. Enrich community cultural and social life by accommodating people with various
backgrounds, talents, occupations, and interests.
PUBLIC SERVICES
LUE Goal 17. Provide high quality public services, ensuring that demands do not exceed
resources and that adequate facilities and services can be provided in pace with development.
LUE Goal 25. Have developments bear the costs of resources and services needed to serve them,
except where the community deliberately chooses to help pay in order to achieve other
community goals.
LUE Goal 42. San Luis Obispo should: Be a safe place to live.
Water and Wastewater Element (WWE) WWE B2.2.3 Wastewater Service for New
Development
New development shall pay its proportionate or “fair share” of expanded treatment and
collection system capacity and upgrades. New development will only be permitted if adequate
capacity is available within the wastewater collection system and/or Water Reclamation Facility.
Safety Element (SE) SE 3.0 Adequate Fire Service
Development shall be approved only when adequate fire suppression services and facilities are
available or will be made available concurrent with development, considering the setting, type,
intensity, and form of the proposed development.
Attachment 1
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CAL POLY Master Plan Update, September 2015
Revised Land Use and Circulation Program and Guide to the Refined Land Use Concept Map
September 2, 2015
The land use and circulation program identifies activities that need to be accommodated in the master
plan in order to meet its goals. The following lists the highlights. A major planning principle is that when
an activity must be relocated, new sites will be identified and replacement facilities developed prior to the
move. Please note that some Master Plan goals, such as increasing the diversity of students, faculty and
staff; cross-disciplinary learning; more vibrant evening and weekend activity; and environmental
sustainability, as well as phasing and financing are not easily represented visually on these maps. Italics
denote major changes in the Refined Land Use Concept Map compared with earlier maps posted in spring
2015.
• Learning Space – Formal & Informal.
o The top priority is sufficient land to add space for Learn-by-Doing instruction, academic support,
and related offices for all of the degrees and other academic programs, present and future.
o The Campus Core can be redeveloped so that most indoor instruction will fit within this area along
with other related activities.
o The plan for the Campus Core focuses new development along Via Carta between South Polyview
Drive and Brizzolara Creek. This area offers the potential for creating a strong “sense of place” for
Cal Poly and includes many of the University’s older one-two story buildings.
o Other academic development in the Campus Core includes renovation and remodeling projects
(Architecture, Business, Davidson/Music, Engineering West, and the Library expansion) and a
science and agriculture student and faculty teaching and research complex and an engineering
projects building.
o Forthcoming Campus Core concept maps will show more detailed site planning options for the
Campus Core.
• Student Support & Activity.
o The forthcoming Campus Core concept maps will show how Cal Poly can provide more space for
student activities and support services by adding a Creekside Village at Via Carta near Brizzolara
Creek.
o Although not illustrated at this scale, student and staff services can be built into the ground level
of new buildings, particularly along major pedestrian routes on campus.
• Agriculture, Outdoor Teaching & Learning.
o Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach to education requires outdoor fields, research and
demonstration areas, and exhibit space.
o New agricultural facilities are anticipated including equine pavilions, an agricultural event center,
an animal health center, a fermentation sciences building, and an expanded farm store.
o The Refined Land Use Concept Map shows that prime agricultural lands between Highway 1 and
Brizzolara Creek and west of Mt. Bishop Road (including the plot commonly referred to as the
“lemon grove”) are no longer being considered for development.
o The Refined Land Use Concept Map shows certain agricultural facilities being relocated and
redeveloped. These include a consolidated research and learning area for horticulture and crop
science, including an expanded turf research facility, and the irrigation technology research site.
o The Leaning Pine Arboretum will stay in its current location with a new entrance and enhanced
accessibility.
Attachment 2
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• Residential Neighborhoods.
o Providing housing for more students to live on campus is a central goal of the master plan.
o The University envisions residential neighborhoods that cater to the needs of different students.
o The neighborhood for first-year undergraduates is located in the southeastern section of campus,
accessible to dining facilities (outlined by yellow dashed lines on the Land Use Concept Map).
o The Refined Land Use Concept Map shows several different possible locations for suites and
apartments for sophomores and upper division students clustered in neighborhoods wrapping the
core, including sites north of Brizzolara Creek (colored bright blue).
o Specialty housing for fraternities, sororities and other student organizations could also be located
north of Brizzolara Creek.
o The map also shows some potential sites (in light blue) for lower density faculty/staff/family
housing, which is under consideration in order to provide more affordable housing to help recruit
and retain employees. Cal Poly emphasizes that any residential development on these sites
through a public-private partnership is subject to much more detailed analysis, and any such
development would occur in phases. The Refined Land Use Concept Map includes two new
potential sites for such housing, added after the University determined to exclude prime
agricultural fields from potential development. These new sites – only if further analysis finds
them to be viable – would entail relocation of other facilities. If a residential neighborhood were to
be developed west of Stenner Creek Road, the site for the University’s corporation yards and
related facilities would be moved to an area north of the Dairy. If a residential neighborhood were
to be developed at Slack Street and Longview Lane, the track and football practice field would be
relocated north of Brizzolara Creek, just east of the railroad tracks.
Recreation – Indoor & Outdoor.
o The campus needs to provide outdoor recreation space for all students, particularly those living on
campus.
o Future residential neighborhoods include informal recreation areas. Additional indoor recreation
and wellness facilities could be located north of Brizzolara Creek near the new residential
neighborhoods.
o The Refined Land Use Concept Map shows new uses on portions of existing recreation fields.
Thus, the map also indicate additional outdoor recreation areas on the northwest side of the RR
tracks to replace those fields and to serve the new student neighborhoods
Athletic Facilities.
o Spanos Stadium would be expanded to modernize this facility and seat more fans.
o The Refined Land Use Concept Map continues to show two options for the activities in Mott Gym
– ranging from renovation on site to replacement in conjunction with a new arena north of
Brizzolara Creek.
Circulation Hierarchy – Pedestrians, Bikes, Transit, Cars.
o The Refined Land Use Concept Map incorporates a Circulation system that moves more vehicular
circulation outside the Campus Core and emphasizes pedestrians and bicyclists, provides transit
access, and manage vehicular traffic in the Campus Core.
o New parking structures are shown near major access routes (near Highland/Mt. Bishop Road and
California) as well as near venues that attract large numbers of visitors, such as the baseball and
softball stadiums, the new equine/ag pavilions and an arena.
Attachment 2
PC 4-15
o Although not illustrated at this scale, a shuttle-type system may be necessary to provide access
from parking structures to the core.
Other Features That Support Student Success.
o Arena – An arena could partially replace activities currently in Mott Gym – e.g., as a venue for
basketball games and concerts – as well as house large events associated with Cal Poly’s academic
programs. The Refined Land Use Concept Map shows a possible arena location north of Brizzolara
Creek near the agricultural event center.
o Conference Center/Hotel – After carefully considering the concept of a hotel, events and conference
center that was presented in the earlier conceptual maps, the university has decided not to pursue
the development at this time. Cal Poly instead will focus on further evaluating the feasibility of a
new tourism and hospitality academic program and curriculum.
o Industry Partnerships – The area labeled “Biz Hub” on Mount Bishop Road already includes Cal
Poly’s Tech Park and has space for additional facilities to support start-up companies, non-profit
organizations, and other entrepreneurial activities that involve students and faculty.
Attachment 2
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Attachment 3
PC 4-17
RESOLUTION NO. XXXX-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING
COMMISSION RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL INPUT TO CAL
POLY FOR CONSIDERATION IN THEIR MASTER PLAN UPDATE
PROCESS (GENP-2088-2015)
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public
meeting in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on
October 28, 2015, for the purpose of reviewing draft land use concepts under consideration by
Cal Poly for the Campus Master Plan Update; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo has established Guiding
Principles based on General Plan Policies which the Planning Commission has used as a basis to
provide recommendations on the Cal Poly Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, said public hearing was for the purpose of formulating and forwarding
recommendations of the Planning Commission on input which should be provided to Cal Poly
for consideration in their master plan update process; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission is duly authorized by the City Municipal Code to
make recommendations to the City Council regarding issues affecting the City’s General Plan
and City development; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has duly considered all evidence, including the
testimony of the public and interested parties, refined land use concepts provided by Cal Poly,
and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented at said hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
San Luis Obispo as follows:
Section 1. Findings. Based upon all the evidence, the Commission makes the following
findings:
1. Recommendations of the Planning Commission for input to Cal Poly are based on City
Land Use Element Policy for Neighborhood Wellness goals to preserve and enhance the
quality of life within each neighborhood (LUE 2.1 Neighborhood Focus, LUE 2.3.11
Residential Project Objectives) and provide high quality public services ensuring that
demands do not exceed resources (LUE Goal #17).
2. Recommendations are consistent with Land Use and Housing Element policies to
facilitate faculty and staff housing in neighborhoods adjacent to Cal Poly and to locate
fraternities and sororities on the Cal Poly campus (LUE 2.6.4 & HE 8.4 through 8.7).
3. Recommendations are consistent with Circulation Element Policy to coordinate planning
of Transportation with other affected agencies such as Cal Poly and support the
PC 4-18
Planning Commission Resolution # XXXX-15
Cal Poly Master Plan Update
Page 2
development of a circulation system that balances the needs of all circulation modes (CE
1.6.1).
4. Recommendations are consistent with Land Use Element Goals and Conservation and
Open Space Element Policy to preserve protect scenic vistas, preserve agricultural land,
and enhance wildlife habitat on land surrounding the City. (LUE Goals 4 & 6 and COSE
8.1).
5. Recommendations are consistent with Safety Element policy to ensure adequate fire
services are available concurrent with development (SE 3.0) and Wastewater Element
policy and new development pay its proportionate “fair share” of expanded collection
system capacity and upgrades.
Section 2. Environmental. The review and recommendations by the City of San Luis
Obispo Planning Commission to City Council for input on land use concepts under consideration
by Cal Poly (agency with jurisdiction) for further development in the Master Plan update process
is not an action which is subject to CEQA.
Section 3. Recommendation. The Planning Commission does hereby recommend the
following City Council input to Cal Poly for consideration in their Master Plan update process:
1) Explore implementation of programs and incentives for faculty and staff to live within
existing neighborhoods (not on campus) to stabilize neighborhoods close to campus.
2) Master Plan policies/principles should address neighborhood compatibility in terms of
scale, density, character of development and residential neighborhoods should be limited
and only be designated for staff, faculty and family housing. Neighborhood Sensitivity
zones should also be added to the residential neighborhood area west of Highway 1 that
is adjacent to existing City neighborhoods.
3) The Master Plan update should include recommendations of the Neighborhood
Wellness/Community Civility Report where applicable.
4) Proposed Residential Neighborhood Development should be sited and developed in order
to avoid or minimize impacts to scenic view sheds and environmental resource impacts
(riparian, creek, agriculture).
5) New development in the Poly Canyon area and on land adjacent to City Open Space
should consider regional trail connections and coordinated with City and US Forest
Service Staff.
6) Impacts to the City transportation system during large events resulting from new
facilities and the expansion of existing facilities (e.g. Mott Gym, Spanos Stadium, etc.)
should be fully evaluated and mitigated.
7) Impacts to City emergency services and Police mutual aid response should be evaluated
and mitigated since the expansion of these facilities have the potential to result in
increased calls for fire, rescue, and medical service during large events.
PC 4-19
Planning Commission Resolution # XXXX-15
Cal Poly Master Plan Update
Page 3
8) Further evaluation of the wastewater facility west of California Boulevard should
evaluate potential impacts on existing uses in the vicinity and consider relocation of the
facility to a location with greater separation from existing residential neighborhoods and
City boundaries.
9) Master Plan and EIR should explore the impact of growth on City services: recycled
water, wastewater, police, fire, and neighborhood wellness.
10) Coordinate future development plans for review and cooperation in planning with City
Departments (Transportation, Police, Fire, Utilities, Natural Resources, Planning).
11) Fiscal Impact Analysis. In order to accurately evaluate potential service impacts the
University should prepare a Fiscal Impact Analysis.
12) The final Refined Master Plan Update should consider the City’s Guiding Principles for
the Master Plan Update and relevant City General Plan policies for which they are
based.
On motion by Commissioner _____, seconded by Commissioner _____, and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
REFRAIN:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 28th of October, 2015.
_____________________________
Tyler Corey, Secretary
Interim Deputy Director
PC 4-20