HomeMy WebLinkAboutPH 1 - GENP-0557-2017 (Luneta Drive Connection General Plan Amendment) PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: . Review of the Luneta Drive Connection General Plan Amendment
PROJECT ADDRESS: 71 Palomar Ave. BY: Jennifer Rice, Transportation Planner/Engineer
Phone: 781-7058
e-mail: jrice@slocity.org
FILE NUMBER: GENP 0557-2017 FROM: Doug Davidson, Deputy Director
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution recommending the City Council amend the Circulation
Element of the General Plan eliminating the Luneta Drive connection and accept the proposed addendum
to the LUCE Update EIR (see Attachment 1: Draft Resolution, Attachment 2: Proposed Changes to
Circulation Element, and Attachment 3: LUCE Update EIR Addendum).
SITE DATA
Applicant City of San Luis Obispo
Zoning High Density Residential (R-4)
General Plan Public Right of Way – Local Street
Site Area Approx. .075 acres
Environmental
Status
Addendum to 2014 LUCE Update
EIR
SUMMARY
The proposed project is located at 71 Palomar Avenue (APN 052 ‐162‐007), in the City of San Luis
Obispo, CA. The site is currently part of the 71 Palomar Avenue property, however is intended to be
dedicated to the City upon development of 71 Palomar as shown in the 2014 Circulation Element Update
to become public right of way.
This project proposes to amend the City Circulation Element of the General Plan to eliminate the Luneta
Drive connection. This would include:
1. Maintain Luneta Drive as a non-through street, including maintaining the existing street closure on
Luneta Drive between Verde Drive and Palomar Avenue; and
2. Amend Figure 1: Street Classification Diagram, Table 4. Street Classification Descriptions and
Meeting Date: September 13, 2017
Item Number: Public Hearing 1
PH 1 - 1
Standards and relevant text to replace note 3 with a new high volume Residential Collector (Major)
classification; and
3. Reclassify Ramona Drive from Tassajara to Broad Street to a Residential Collector (Major)
classification.
Physical improvements include an upgraded bollard system and installation of concrete curbs and gutter
and sidewalk along the north side of the property located at 71 Palomar.
1.0 COMMISSION’S PURVIEW
The Planning Commission’s role is to make recommendations to the City Council on the proposal,
including findings from the Transportation Impact Study (Attachment 4), and Addendum to the LUCE
Update EIR (Attachment 3).
2.0 BACKGROUND
Development proposed at 71 Palomar triggered frontage improvements along Luneta Drive, per existing
General Plan policy and subdivision regulations. During the project review and hearing process for 71
Palomar, neighborhood residents raised concerns about potential issues associated with completing the
planned connection and requested reconsideration. At its July 19, 2016 meeting the City Council
requested that staff return for discussion regarding a potential General Plan amendment eliminating the
Luneta Drive connection. In response to the neighborhood’s concerns and Council’s request, due to the
street being relatively isolated nature and as such requiring minimal environmental review staff proposed
to proceed with the traffic study to inform future consideration of a General Plan amendment to eliminate
the Luneta Drive connection.
On September 6, 2016, the City Council authorized staff to evaluate an amendment to the General Plan
eliminating the Luneta Drive connection. Subsequently, in 2017 a Transportation Impact Study for this
specific project area was completed to analyze in more detail the existing and future circulation patterns
within the neighborhood and identify impacts associated with maintaining the closure of Luneta Drive.
3.0 PROJECT INFORMATION
3.1 Site Information/Setting
The project is located within a neighborhood south of East Foothill Boulevard and to the west of
Broad Street. There is a mix of residential uses within the neighborhood including both high density
residential and neighborhood commercial, as well as single-family residential homes. Foothill
Boulevard, which acts as the northern boundary of the neighborhood, is classified as a residential
arterial. Ramona Drive, paralleling Foothill Boulevard to the south is classified as a residential
collector. La Entrada and Tassajara south of Foothill and north of Ramona as well as Broad Street
are also classified as residential collectors. All other streets within the neighborhood are classified
as local streets.
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Figure 1. Project Site (Luneta closure) and proximate 71 Palomar
3.2 Project Description
The project is an amendment to the Circulation Element of the General Plan to eliminate the Luneta
Drive connection. This would include:
1. Maintain Luneta Drive as a non-through street, including maintaining the existing street closure
on Luneta Drive between Verde Drive and Palomar Avenue; and
2. Amend Figure 1: Street Classification Diagram, Table 4. Street Classification Descriptions and
Standards and relevant text to replace note 3 with a new high volume Residential Collector (Major)
classification; and
3. Reclassify Ramona Drive from Tassajara to Broad Street to a Residential Collector (Major)
classification.
Physical improvements include an upgraded bollard system and installation of concrete curbs and
gutter and sidewalk along the north side of the property located at 71 Palomar.
A transportation impact study was prepared as part of this project to identify any impacts and their
associated mitigations.
4.0 PROJECT ANALYSIS
4.1 LUCE Update EIR Addendum and Traffic Studies
Elimination of the Luneta connection will influence future planned neighborhood traffic patterns.
This General Plan amendment process includes an addendum to the LUCE Update EIR
(Attachment 2) and Transportation Impact Study (Attachment 4) to identify the significance of
Luneta Closure
71 Palomar
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these impacts and if mitigation measures are required. The traffic study was primarily focused on
formally forecasting the change of future traffic flows in the neighborhood and evaluating
consistency with Circulation Element Policy 7.3, which establishes maximum traffic volume
thresholds and speeds on the various classification of streets.
Under the Circulation Element, the maximum daily volume for Ramona is 3,000, and the current
volume on Ramona is approximately 4,000. The maximum daily volume for Luneta is 1,500, and
the current volume on Luneta is approximately 300. Based on the traffic model used in the General
Plan update, if the Luneta connection is completed as currently planned, it is anticipated that
volumes within the neighborhood would rebalance to levels closer to General Plan policy
thresholds.
Table 1 shows the street classification descriptions and standards per the City’s General Plan
Circulation Element for the relevant classifications within the project neighborhood.
Table 1: Street Classification Descriptions and Standards
Descriptions1 of Street Types Maximum
ADT/LOS
Desired
Maximum
Speeds2
Local Residential Streets directly serve residential
development that front them and channel traffic to residential
collector streets.
1,500 25 mph
Residential Collector Streets collect traffic from residential
areas and channel it to arterials. 3,0003 25 mph
Residential Arterials are bordered by residential property
where preservation of neighborhood character is as important
as providing for traffic flow and where speeds should be
controlled.
LOS D
85th Percentile
Speed Per
California
Vehicle Code
Notes:
(1) To determine the classification of a particular street segment, refer to Figure 1: Streets Classification Map and
Appendix E. Appendix E includes the most recent traffic counts and estimates of level of service (LOS). Traffic
counts will be different for various segments of a particular street. In some cases, a range of LOS ratings are
shown on Appendix E for "Arterial" streets because of the variability of traffic flow con ditions along a particular
corridor; and some street segments approaching intersections may have poorer LOS than shown in this table.
Note that all ADT should reflect volumes typically experienced when all schools are in session. To account for
seasonal shifts ADT shall be calculated using an annual average daily traffic (AADT) for individual volumes and
the threshold shall be adjusted up to 15%.
(2) Desired maximum speed means that 85% of motorists using the street will drive at or slower than this speed. To
account for seasonal shifts speeds shall be calculated using an annual average or for individual speed surveys
the threshold shall be adjusted up by 2.7 mph.
(3) For Chorro and Broad Streets (north of Lincoln Street), and Margarita Avenue the maximum de sired ADT goal is
5,000 ADT.
While Table 1 indicates a maximum ADT for Residential Collector Streets as 3,000, Note (3)
specifically identifies three streets within the City that fall under this classification, however have
been approved by the City Council to operate with a maximum ADT of 5,000. Those streets are
Broad Street (north of Lincoln), Chorro Street (north of Lincoln) and Margarita Avenue.
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4.1.1 Existing Conditions
Under existing conditions with Luneta Drive closed to through traffic, Ramona Drive from
Tassajara to Broad Street operates above the adopted volume threshold. Ramona Drive is
identified in the General Plan as a Residential Collector classification. The segment between
Tassajara and Broad Street currently has an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volume of 4,170.
The City’s General Plan identifies the maximum standard ADT for a street of this
classification to be 3,000. All other streets within the neighborhood operate well under their
associated thresholds. This localized volume of vehicles along Ramona is likely attributed to
the land uses along this segment which includes high density residential and neighborhood
commercial.
Opening Luneta Drive per existing planning policy to accommodate two-way vehicular
traffic will complete the connectivity of the neighborhood street system and alleviate some
of the existing traffic on Ramona Drive. The closed section of Luneta requires that all
neighborhood traffic filter down to Ramona to head in the east-west direction and require
Ramona to carry higher traffic. Opening Luneta is anticipated to decrease volumes on
Ramona so that Ramona will operate close to or within acceptable thresholds. The decreased
traffic from Ramona would redistribute throughout the neighborhood, increasing traffic
volumes on Luneta, Serrano, Verde and Palomar. The increase in traffic volumes on these
local streets is significant, however no new traffic is generated by the opening of Luneta and
each street that would be affected is anticipated to still operate within acceptable standards.
4.1.2 Cumulative Conditions
Based on a Transportation Impact Study of the proposed change, Ramona will continue to
exceed the maximum threshold under cumulative (full buildout) conditions regardless of the
Luneta connection however the lack of Luneta connection makes the volumes heavier on
Ramona.
Future traffic impacts associated with keeping Luneta closed to through traffic localizes the
increase in traffic generated from new development to Ramona Drive with very minor
increases to traffic volumes on the surrounding streets. The ADT of Ramona Drive between
Tassajara to Broad Street is forecasted to increase to 4,300.
If Luneta were open in the future per existing planning policy, traffic is estimated to only
slightly increase on area streets as the distribution of traffic generated from new development
will be spread evenly throughout the neighborhood. However, while within an acceptable
range, Ramona Drive between Tassajara and Broad Street would continue to be slightly over
the 3,000-maximum threshold. Additionally, Serrano Drive would be over the 1,500-
maximum threshold.
4.1.3 Proposed Policy Changes
As discussed above, the Circulation Element of the City’s General Plan currently has a
footnote list of Residential Collector streets that have been approved to operate at levels of
higher vehicle volume (5,000 vehicles/day). This footnote list of streets has increased since
the prior general plan, rather than have these higher volume streets listed as a footnote staff
is proposing to establish a new formal street classification, Residential Collector (Major),
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with a daily volume threshold of 5,000 vehicles per day. As a result of new traffic patterns
expected as a result of keeping Luneta Close staff is also proposing that Ramona between
Tassajara & Broad and Tassajara between Foothill & Ramona be reclassified to the new
Residential Collector (Major) street class.
It is also recommended that “clean up” language modifications for the Parkway Arterial,
Regional Routes, & Freeway classifications be done as part of this General Plan Amendment
to better group and differentiate facility types that are under the City’s Jurisdiction and those
that are under County or State Jurisdiction. The Parkway Arterial classification is proposed
to be combined with the Regional Route classification and the Freeway classification is
proposed to be expanded to include Highways and Ramps. These changes represent an
organizational amendment of the document and will not have an effect on the design or
operation of the roadways as currently listed in the Circulation Element.
Figure 1, Table 4 and relevant text within the existing Circulation Element will be updated
to reflect these reclassification changes. See Attachment 2: Proposed Changes to Circulation
Element.
4.2 Proposed Design of Permanent Closure
In addition to the traffic study, staff has been working with the neighborhood to collect feedback
on the future design of a permanent closure of Luneta Drive. A neighborhood kick-off meeting was
held in October 2016 with another meeting following the conclusions of the traffic stud y held in
April 2017. Regardless of whether Luneta is permanently closed or open to thru traffic, frontage
improvements are necessary to meet current City standards. A permanent closure would require
improvements such as upgraded bollards and a concrete curb and gutter, and possible
improvements such as pedestrian facilities and additional lightin g. Attachment 3 depicts a
conceptual design of the proposed improvements.
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project has been analyzed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
based on the LUCE Update EIR and an Addendum to that EIR was prepared which found this project is
consistent with the conclusions and mitigations of that EIR. This project would not result in new or more
severe environmental impacts than were identified in the LUCE Update EIR, nor will it have an effect
on mitigation measures previously adopted upon certification of the LUCE Update EIR. Both the LUCE
Update EIR and subsequent Addendum shall constitute the complete environmental determination for
the project.
6.0 ALTERNATIVES
6.1 Recommend the City Council deny the proposed General Plan amendment. Findings of the
Planning Commission concerning such a recommendation would require development of
findings to support the recommendation.
6.2 Continue the item. An action to continue the item should include a detailed list of additional
information or analysis required.
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7.0 ATTACHMENTS
1. Planning Commission Draft Resolution for General Plan Amendment
2. Proposed Changes to Circulation Element
3. Transportation Impact Study
4. Addendum to the LUCE Update EIR (Note: attachments to the Addendum are available online
at http://opengov.slocity.org/weblink/1,1,1,1/doc/67733/Page1.aspx or by contacting Jennifer
Rice, Transportation Planner/Engineer at 805-781-7058).
5. Proposed Concept
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2017 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CIRCULATION ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN WITH AN
ADDENDUM TO THE 2014 LUCE UPDATE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
REPORT
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public
hearing in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on
September 13, 2017 for the purpose of considering General Plan Amendments proposed as part of
the Circulation Element Amendment project including General Plan Circulation Element map
changes; and,
WHEREAS, notices of said public hearing were made at the time and in the manner
required by law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has duly considered all evidence, including the
testimony of the applicant, interested parties, 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
a) The Planning Commission finds and recommends the General Plan Amendment to
eliminate the Luneta Drive connection between Verde and Palomar Streets based
on the following findings and subject to the following conditions:
i) The proposed General Plan Amendment is limited to minor policy revisions
related to street classifications which have negligible effect on actual street
conditions, therefore will not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare
of those living and working in the vicinity.
ii) On September 3, 2014, the City Council adopted an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) for the Land Use and Circulation Element Update which
adequately addresses the potential significant environmental impacts of the
proposed project. The EIR along with the prepared addendum adequately
evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the project.
iii) The proposed General Plan Amendment will establish a new street
classification, Residential Collector (Major), to more appropriately reflect
the character of residential streets serving high density residential and
neighborhood commercial. This new street classification formalizes a
footnote in the current Circulation Element.
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ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 2
iv) The proposed General Plan Amendment will reclassify Ramona Drive
between Tassajara and Broad Streets as a Residential Collector (Major) to
more appropriately reflect the character along this segment of Ramona
Drive serving high density residential and neighborhood commercial.
v) Text, Table 4 and Figure 1 of the Circulation Element will be amended to
reflect these changes. These changes represent a better organization of the
document and have no effect on the design or operation of the actual
roadways.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review
a) An addendum to the Land Use and Circulation Element Update Environmental
Impact Report was prepared regarding the Luneta Drive closure. The addendum
concluded the following:
i) None of the following circumstances included in Section 15162 of the CEQA
Guidelines have occurred which require a subsequent EIR:
a. The project changes do not result in new or more severe environmental
impacts.
b. The circumstances under which the project is undertaken will not
require major changes to the EIR.
c. The modified project does not require any substantive changes to
previously approved mitigation measures.
ii) The proposed project would not result in a significant increase in future traffic
on affected roadways such that the effect would result in an increase in the
severity of any impact previously identified in the LUCE Update EIR, and the
proposed street reclassification changes are minor and consistent with the scope
of the approved project.
iii) The changes are consistent with City objectives to improve neighborhood
wellness.
SECTION 3. Action. The Planning Commission does hereby recommend that the City
Council approve the General Plan Amendment (GENP-0557-2017) subject to the following
conditions:
a) The Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the City Council the
following amendment to the City of San Luis Obispo Circulation Element: (1)
Circulation Element text amendment as described and shown in Exhibit A, attached
hereto; and (3) Circulation Element Figure 1 amendment as described and shown
in Exhibit B, attached hereto. The Planning Commission declares that should any
provision, section, paragraph, sentence, or word of this Resolution be rendered or
declared invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by reason of any
preemptive legislation, the remaining provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences
and words of this Resolution shall remain in full force and effect. The recitals
contained in this resolution are incorporated by reference.
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ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 3
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 13th day of September, 2017.
____________________________________
Doug Davidson, Secretary
Planning Commission
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ATTACHMENT 1
Circulation Element
Page 2‐27
Types of Streets
7.3. Design Standards
The City’s roadway system is shown in Figure 1. The City shall require that improvements to the City’s
roadway system are made consistent with the following descriptions and standards:
7.3.1. Average Daily Traffic (ADT)
The total number of vehicles that use a particular street throughout the day (24 hours).
7.3.2. Vehicle Level of Service (LOS)
Level of service is a letter grade representation of the quality of traffic flow based on congestion.
A. Level of Service (LOS) "A" is free‐flowing traffic while LOS "F" is extreme congestion.
B. At LOS "D," the recommended standard, drivers can expect delays of 35 to 55 seconds and sometimes
have to wait through more than one cycle of a traffic signal. Vehicle may stack up at intersections but
dissipate rapidly.
C. At LOS "E," delays increase to 55 to 80 seconds and drivers frequently have to wait through more than
one cycle of a traffic signal. Stacked lines of cars at intersections become longer.
Table 4. Street Classification Descriptions and Standards
Descriptions1 of Street Types
Maximum
ADT/LOS
Desired maximum
Speeds2
Local Commercial Streets directly serve non‐residential development that
front them and channel traffic to commercial collector streets (reference
black line streets on Figure 1).
5,000 25 mph
Local Residential Streets directly serve residential development that front
them and channel traffic to minor and major residential collector streets
(reference black line streets on Figure 1).
1,500 25 mph
Commercial Collector Streets collect traffic from commercial areas and
channel it to arterials. 10,000 25 mph
Residential Collector Streets (Minor) collect traffic from residential areas
and channel it to arterials. 3,000 3 25 mph
Residential Collector Streets (Major) collect traffic from neighborhood
commercial, high density residential and residential areas and channel it
to arterials.
5,000 25 mph
Residential Arterials are bordered by residential property where
preservation of neighborhood character is as important as providing for
traffic flow and where speeds should be controlled.
LOS D CVC*
Arterial Streets provide circulation between major activity centers and
residential areas
LOS E
(Downtown)
LOS D
(other routes)
CVC*
CVC*
Parkway Arterials are arterial streets with landscaped medians and
roadside areas, where the number of cross streets is limited and direct
access from fronting properties is discouraged
LOS D CVC*
Parkway Arterials Highway/Regional Routes are arterial routes with
landscaped medians where the number of cross streets is limited and
direct access from fronting properties is discouraged. These routes
connect the city with other parts of the county and are used by people
LOS D CVC*
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ATTACHMENT 2
Chapter 2
Page 2‐28
Descriptions1 of Street Types
Maximum
ADT/LOS
Desired maximum
Speeds2
traveling throughout the county and state and are designated as primary
traffic carriers. Segments of these routes leading into San Luis Obispo
should include landscaped medians and roadside areas to better define
them as community entryways
Highway/Freeway/Ramps is a regional route of significance where access
is controlled. Segments of these routes leading into San Luis Obispo
should include landscaped medians and roadside areas to better define
them as community entryways.
LOS D CVC*
*Speed Limits are dictated by prevailing speeds per the California Vehicle Code (CVC).
Notes:
(1) To determine the classification of a particular street segment, refer to Figure 1: Streets Classification Map and Appendix E. Appendix E
includes the most recent traffic counts and estimates of level of service (LOS). Traffic counts will be different for various segments of a
particular street. In some cases, a range of LOS ratings are shown on Appendix E for "Arterial" streets because of the variability of traffic
flow conditions along a particular corridor; and some street segments approaching intersections may have poorer LOS than shown in this
table. Note that all ADT should reflect volumes typically experienced when all schools are in session. To account for seasonal shifts ADT
shall be calculated using an annual average daily traffic (AADT) for individual volumes and the threshold shall be adjusted up to 15%.
(2) Desired maximum speed means that 85% of motorists using the street will drive at or slower than this speed. To account for seasonal
shifts speeds shall be calculated using an annual average or for individual speed surveys the threshold shall be adjusted up by 2.7 mph.
(3) For Chorro and Broad Streets (north of Lincoln Street), and Margarita Avenue the maximum desired ADT goal is 5,000 ADT.
PH 1 - 12
ATTACHMENT 2
Circulation Element
Page 2‐29
8. NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
8.1. Policies
8.1.1. Through Traffic
The City shall design its circulation network to encourage through traffic to use Regional Routes, Highways,
Arterials, Parkway Arterials, and Residential Arterial streets and to discourage through traffic use of
Collectors and Local streets.
8.1.2. Residential Streets
The City should not approve commercial development that encourages customers, employees or deliveries to
use Residential Local or Residential Collector (Minor and Major) streets.
8.1.3. Neighborhood Traffic Speeds
To the extent permitted under the California Vehicle Code, the City shall endeavor to reduce and maintain
vehicular speeds in residential neighborhoods.
8.1.4. Neighborhood Traffic Management
The City shall ensure that neighborhood traffic management projects:
A. Provide for the mitigation of adverse impacts on all residential neighborhoods.
B. Provide for adequate response conditions for emergency vehicles.
C. Provide for convenient and safe through bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
8.1.5. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines
The City shall update its Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines to address voting, funding, and
implementation procedures and develop an outreach program on the availability of the program.
8.1.6. Non-Infill Development
In new, non‐infill developments, dwellings shall be set back from Regional Routes and Highways, Parkway
Arterials, Arterials, Residential Arterials, and Collector streets so that interior and exterior noise standards
can be met without the use of noise walls.
8.1.7. New Project Evaluation
The City shall not approve development that impacts the quality of life and livability of residential
neighborhoods by generating traffic conditions that significantly exceed the thresholds established in Table 4
except as provided under CEQA. The City shall also not approve development which significantly worsens
already deficient residential neighborhood traffic conditions as established in Table 4 except as provided
under CEQA. New development shall incorporate traffic calming features to minimize speeding and cut‐
through traffic.
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ATTACHMENT 2
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PH 1 - 14
ATTACHMENT 2
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PH 1 - 15
ATTACHMENT 2
Luneta Drive Closure___
Transportation Impact Study
Prepared by:
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works Department
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
August 2017
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ATTACHMENT 3
Introduction
This report presents a Transportation Impact Study analyzing Luneta Drive as a non-through
street, maintaining the existing street closure between Verde Drive and Palomar Avenue. The
project site is currently part of the 71 Palomar property and will be dedicated to the City as that
property develops. Per existing City codes and as analyzed in the General Plan Circulation
Element EIR, Luneta Drive was planned to be reconstructed to accommodate two-way vehicular
traffic.
A project has been proposed to amend the City Circulation Element of the General Plan to:
1. Maintain Luneta Drive as a non-through street, including maintaining the existing street
closure on Luneta Drive between Verde Drive and Palomar Avenue; and
2. Amend Figure 1: Street Classification Diagram, Table 4. Street Classification Descriptions
and Standards and relevant text to replace note 3 with a new high volume Residential
Collector (Major) classification; and
3. Reclassify Ramona Drive from Tassajara to Broad Street to a Residential Collector
(Major) classification.
Physical improvements include an upgraded bollard system and installation of concrete curbs
and gutter and sidewalk along the north side of the property located at 71 Palomar.
This Transportation Impact Study analyzes the project site as proposed with the above
described project to maintain the existing closure. This report has been prepared to present
existing and anticipated transportation impacts of maintaining the closure of Luneta Drive for
vehicular travel and associated mitigation measures required.
The following locations were studied as part of this analysis:
Roadway Segments:
• Ramona – La Entrada to Tassajara
• Ramona – Tassajara to Broad
• Luneta – La Entrada to Tassajara
• Luneta – Tassajara to Broad
• Serrano – Palomar to Broad
• La Entrada – Ramona to Luneta
• Rafael – Ramona to Luneta
• Tassajara – Foothill to Ramona
• Tassajara – Ramona to Luneta
• Verde – Ramona to Luneta
• Palomar – Ramona to Luneta
• Palomar – Luneta to Serrano
PH 1 - 17
ATTACHMENT 3
Traffic conditions for the following scenarios were analyzed as part of this study:
• Existing Conditions
o Option A: Luneta Closed
o Option B: Luneta Open
• Existing Plus Project Conditions (Luneta Closed)
• Cumulative Conditions (Luneta Open)
• Cumulative Plus Project Conditions (Luneta Closed)
Existing Conditions establish the baseline for 2016-17 traffic conditions at the study locations.
Two options were analyzed under existing conditions, one assuming Luneta is closed to through
traffic and one assuming Luneta is open to through traffic. Existing Plus Project conditions
analyzed project-related impacts in comparison to the Existing Conditions. Cumulative
Conditions is the analysis if Luneta Drive were to be developed in accordance to existing
General Plan policy which plans for Luneta to be opened to two-way vehicle travel. Cumulative
Plus Project Conditions analyzes future impacts anticipated with keeping Luneta closed.
Analysis Methodology
Cumulative volumes are forecasted using the City’s travel model. The travel model forecasts
travel behavior based on land use and circulation network scenarios under the General Plan
This is sometimes referred to as “full buildout”—assuming everything that can potentially be
developed is developed (including vacant lots or lots that could be subdivided and further
developed). This analysis includes buildout of the planned 71 Palomar development.
The General Plan Circulation Element sets standards for intersection and segment level of
service and neighborhood traffic management. Level of service thresholds as identified in the
Circulation Element set thresholds related to congestion for intersections and segments. The
streets analyzed as part of this study are not near capacity thresholds, therefore no effect to
level of service is anticipated with implementation of the proposed project. As such, this study
did not include a detailed analysis of level of service.
Instead, this study primarily focuses on formally forecasting the change of future traffic flows in
the neighborhood and evaluating consistency with Circulation Element Policy 7.3, which
establishes maximum traffic volume thresholds and speeds on the various classification of
streets. Neighborhood traffic management thresholds, as described in Table 1 protect the
quality of residential areas by maintaining low volumes and speeds on neighborhood streets.
PH 1 - 18
ATTACHMENT 3
Setting
Figure 1 presents the study area vicinity map.
Figure 1: Study Area Vicinity Map & Images
PH 1 - 19
ATTACHMENT 3
Neighborhood Description & Street Classifications
The project is located within a neighborhood south of Foothill Boulevard and to the west of
Broad Street. There is a mix of residential uses within the neighborhood including both high
density residential and neighborhood commercial as well as single-family residential homes.
Foothill Boulevard, which acts as the northern boundary of the neighborhood, is classified as a
residential arterial. Ramona Drive, paralleling Foothill Boulevard to the south is classified as a
residential collector. La Entrada and Tassajara south of Foothill and north of Ramona as well as
Broad Street are also classified as residential collectors. All other streets within the
neighborhood are classified as local streets.
Luneta Drive
Luneta Drive: View from west looking eastward Luneta Drive: View from east looking westward
Luneta Drive: Plan view of project area
PH 1 - 20
ATTACHMENT 3
Table 1 shows the street classification descriptions and standards per the City’s General Plan
Circulation Element for the relevant classifications within the project neighborhood.
Table 1: Street Classification Descriptions and Standards
Descriptions1 of Street Types Maximum
ADT/LOS
Desired Maximum
Speeds2
Local Residential Streets directly serve residential
development that front them and channel traffic to
residential collector streets.
1,500 25 mph
Residential Collector Streets collect traffic from residential
areas and channel it to arterials. 3,0003 25 mph
Residential Arterials are bordered by residential property
where preservation of neighborhood character is as
important as providing for traffic flow and where speeds
should be controlled.
LOS D
85th Percentile Speed
Per California Vehicle
Code
Notes:
(1) To determine the classification of a particular street segment, refer to Figure 1: Streets Classification Map and
Appendix E. Appendix E includes the most recent traffic counts and estimates of level of service (LOS). Traffic
counts will be different for various segments of a particular street. In some cases, a range of LOS ratings are
shown on Appendix E for "Arterial" streets because of the variability of traffic flow conditions along a
particular corridor; and some street segments approaching intersections may have poorer LOS than shown in
this table. Note that all ADT should reflect volumes typically experienced when all schools are in session. To
account for seasonal shifts ADT shall be calculated using an annual average daily traffic (AADT) for individual
volumes and the threshold shall be adjusted up to 15%.
(2) Desired maximum speed means that 85% of motorists using the street will drive at or slower than this speed.
To account for seasonal shifts speeds shall be calculated using an annual average or for individual speed
surveys the threshold shall be adjusted up by 2.7 mph.
(3) For Chorro and Broad Streets (north of Lincoln Street), and Margarita Avenue the maximum desired ADT goal
is 5,000 ADT.
While Table 1 indicates a maximum Average Daily Traffic (ADT) for Residential Collector Streets
as 3,000, Note (3) specifically identifies three streets within the City that fall under this
classification, however have been approved by the City Council to operate with a maximum
ADT of 5,000. Those streets are Broad Street (north of Lincoln), Chorro Street (north of Lincoln)
and Margarita Avenue. These streets are acknowledged and approved to operate at higher
volumes based on their land uses which include high density residential and neighborhood
commercial, similar to conditions on Ramona Drive. As part of this project, Ramona Drive
between Tassajara and Broad Street will be reclassified to allow a maximum ADT of 5,000 in
order to acknowledge that these land uses will continue to generate a higher level of volume.
This reclassification will require an amendment to the City’s General Plan.
PH 1 - 21
ATTACHMENT 3
General Policies Regarding Street Volumes
The City’s General Plan Circulation Element identifies desired maximum Average Daily Traffic
(ADT) for streets based on their classification as well as includes Level of Service policies for all
modes of transportation. This is shown in Table 1 above. Table 2 below shows the standard
acceptable LOS threshold by mode. Table 3 identifies the modal priority ranking based on area
within the City.
Table 2: Multimodal LOS Objectives and Service Standards
Travel Mode Objective
LOS Minimum LOS Standard
Bicycle B D
Pedestrian B C
Transit C Baseline LOS or LOS D, whichever is lower
Vehicle C E (Downtown), D (All Other Routes)
Table 3: Modal Priority Ranking
Complete Street Area Priority Mode Ranking
Downtown & Upper Monterey Street 1. Pedestrian
2. Bicycles
3. Transit
4. Vehicle
Residential Corridors & Neighborhoods 1. Pedestrian
2. Bicycles
3. Vehicle
4. Transit
Commercial Corridors & Areas 1. Vehicles
2. Bicycles
3. Transit
4. Pedestrian
Regional Arterial and Highway Corridors 1. Vehicles
2. Transit
3. Bicycles
4. Pedestrian
Based on Table 3, the proposed project would fall under Residential Corridors &
Neighborhoods, meaning that pedestrian impacts will carry the most significance. This ranking
prioritizes the modes of transportation within this project area in the following order:
pedestrians, bicycles, vehicle and transit.
General Plan Policy Regarding Street Connection
Existing Subdivision Regulations requires construction of 71 Palomar (the property on which the
site is located) to complete the remaining section of Luneta and provide enough width for the
road connection to be opened to two-way through traffic. This connection of Luneta Drive was
also included in the 1994 update to the General Plan’s Circulation Element by being shown on
Figure 1 of the Streets map. The EIR for the 2014 update to the Circulation Element analyzed
traffic conditions assuming the opening of Luneta to thru traffic, therefore this analysis of traffic
conditions assuming a permanent closure of Luneta Drive is necessary.
Consistencies with LUCE EIR
Implementation of the proposed project would not change the findings of the 2014 Land Use
and Circulation Element Update Environmental Impact Report. This project is consistent with
adopted policies to avoid or mitigate environmental impacts. All relevant intersections and
PH 1 - 22
ATTACHMENT 3
roadway segments operate well within their capacity; therefore, no level of service analysis was
conducted and there are no anticipated effects to LOS with project implementation. See
Attachment 1 for a list of items identified as a significant transportation impact per the LUCE
Update EIR.
Existing Conditions
Existing conditions establish baseline traffic conditions that currently exist in the study area.
Per the LUCE Update Background Report, the Neighborhood Traffic Management Major
Findings applicable to this project include:
• The Average Daily Traffic within the Ramona neighborhood currently exceeds the City’s
desired maximum volumes for Residential Collector and Local Streets.
• Ramona (La Entrada to Broad) has a baseline LOS of C. As previously stated, this project
is not anticipated to effect Level of Service on any roadway within the project area.
Two options are analyzed under existing conditions. Option A is an analysis of existing traffic
conditions assuming Luneta Street maintains the existing closure. Because the project being
proposed is a policy change to the General Plan, it is necessary to analyze the traffic conditions
as they currently exist. Option B is an analysis of existing traffic conditions assuming Luneta is
opened to two-way traffic, per current policies.
Option A: Luneta Closed
Existing Volumes & Cut-Thru Traffic: Option A
Figure 2 displays existing segment volume counts within the neighborhood followed by Table 4
which lists further data on each segment including any existing deficiencies.
PH 1 - 23
ATTACHMENT 3
Figure 2: Existing Segment Average Daily Traffic: Option A
Table 4: Existing Conditions Volume Data: Option A
Street Segment General Plan
Classification
General
Plan
Threshold
Volume Cut
Thru Deficiency
Ramona La Entrada to Tassajara Residential Collector 3,000 996 72 NO
Ramona Tassajara to Broad Residential Collector 3,000 4,170 333 YES
Luneta La Entrada to Tassajara Local Residential 1,500 100 0 NO
Luneta Tassajara to Broad Local Residential 1,500 133 0 NO
Serrano Palomar to Broad Local Residential 1,500 612 0 NO
Rafael Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 816 0 NO
La Entrada Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 198 0 NO
Tassajara Foothill to Ramona Residential Collector 3,000 1,842 261 NO
Tassajara Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 388 0 NO
Verde Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 439 0 NO
Palomar Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 178 0 NO
Palomar Luneta to Serrano Local Residential 1,500 630 0 NO
A cut through study indicated that some vehicles use Ramona from La Entrada to Broad as a
“cut through” to get from Foothill to Broad Street, and visa-versa. The cut through study
analyzed every travel route option through the neighborhood as part of the study. The study
showed that during an 8-hour period, 72 vehicles used Ramona to access Broad via La Entrada
and 261 used Ramona to access Broad via Tassajara, totaling 333 cut through vehicles on the
PH 1 - 24
ATTACHMENT 3
segment of Ramona between Tassajara and Broad Street. No other routes through the
neighborhood were recorded to have cut through traffic. Figure 3 shows the cut through
patterns within the neighborhood.
Figure 3: Cut Through Travel Paths
Operation of Existing Conditions: Option A
In existing conditions with Luneta Drive closed to through traffic, Ramona Drive from Tassajara
to Broad Street operates in deficient conditions. Ramona Drive is identified in the General Plan
as a Residential Collector classification. The segment between Tassajara and Broad Street
currently has an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volume of 4,170. Currently, the City’s General Plan
identifies the maximum standard ADT for a street of this classification to be 3,000. This
localized volume of vehicles along this segment is likely attributed to the land uses along this
segment which include high density residential and neighborhood commercial.
Additionally, unnecessary volume traveling on Ramona was identified via the cut through study
which did indicate that some drivers use the neighborhood as quicker access from Foothill
Boulevard to Broad Street. Cut through traffic can typically be mitigated by installing traffic
calming devices. However, even 100% success of diverting cut through traffic off of Ramona
would still result in this segment being over the current threshold of 3,000 daily vehicles.
PH 1 - 25
ATTACHMENT 3
Option B: Luneta Open
Existing Volumes & Cut-Thru Traffic: Option B
Option B analyzes existing conditions coupled with the opening of Luneta Drive to two-way
traffic as currently planned for in the City’s General Plan. Figure 4 displays existing segment
volume counts assuming Luneta is open to through traffic. Table 5 presents additional data on
each segment.
Figure 4: Existing Segment Average Daily Traffic: Option B
PH 1 - 26
ATTACHMENT 3
Table 5: Existing Volume Data: Option B
Street Segment General Plan
Classification
General
Plan
Threshold
Volume Cut
Thru Deficiency
Ramona La Entrada to Tassajara Residential Collector 3,000 660 72 NO
Ramona Tassajara to Broad Residential Collector 3,000 2,900 333 NO
Luneta La Entrada to Tassajara Local Residential 1,500 100 0 NO
Luneta Tassajara to Broad Local Residential 1,500 1,100 0 NO
Serrano Palomar to Broad Local Residential 1,500 1,500 0 NO
Rafael Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 620 0 NO
La Entrada Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 200 0 NO
Tassajara Foothill to Ramona Residential Collector 3,000 1,400 261 NO
Tassajara Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 100 0 NO
Verde Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 50 0 NO
Palomar Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 1200 0 NO
Palomar Luneta to Serrano Local Residential 1,500 700 0 NO
Operation of Existing Conditions: Option B
Opening Luneta Drive to accommodate two-way vehicular traffic will alleviate some of the
existing traffic on Ramona Drive. Opening Luneta will decrease volumes on Ramona so that
Ramona will operate at an acceptable volume under existing General Plan thresholds. The
traffic coming from Ramona would redistribute throughout the neighborhood, increasing traffic
volumes on Luneta, Serrano, Verde and Palomar. While there is a noticeable increase in traffic
volumes on several of these streets, as shown in Table 5, the average daily traffic volumes will
remain within acceptable standards.
Opening Luneta Drive is not anticipated to have an impact on existing cut through traffic, as it is
not anticipated to significantly reduce travel times compared to existing routes. A travel time
study conducted in 2016 indicated additional time would be added to trips using
Serrano/Palomar/Luneta to cut through the neighborhood. Therefore, cut through volume with
the Luneta connection is expected to reflect travel patterns as presented under Option A Figure
3.
Existing Plus Project Conditions
Existing Plus Project Volumes and Cut-Thru Traffic
The proposed project is a policy change to keep Luneta closed maintaining the existing
configuration of Luneta closed to through traffic. Additionally, the proposed project will
reclassify Ramona Street to allow a maximum volume of 5,000 Average Daily Vehicles. While
the project does include improvements such as completing the curb and gutter and installing a
sidewalk, the impact on travel patterns due to the project will not change the existing
conditions. Therefore, the traffic data used for Existing Plus Project would be the same as
Option A. Figure 4 displays existing segment volume counts within the neighborhood followed
by Table 5 which lists further data on each segment including any existing deficiencies.
Figure 4: Existing Plus Project Average Daily Traffic
PH 1 - 27
ATTACHMENT 3
Table 4: Existing Plus Project Conditions Volume Data
Street Segment General Plan
Classification*
General
Plan
Threshold
Volume Cut
Thru Deficiency
Ramona La Entrada to Tassajara Residential Collector
(Minor)
3,000 996 71 NO
Ramona Tassajara to Broad Residential Collector
(Major)
5,000 4,170 333 NO
Luneta La Entrada to Tassajara Local Residential 1,500 100 0 NO
Luneta Tassajara to Broad Local Residential 1,500 133 0 NO
Serrano Palomar to Broad Local Residential 1,500 612 0 NO
Rafael Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 816 0 NO
La Entrada Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 198 0 NO
Tassajara Foothill to Ramona Residential Collector
(Minor)
3,000 1842 261 NO
Tassajara Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 388 0 NO
Verde Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 439 0 NO
Palomar Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 178 0 NO
Palomar Luneta to Serrano Local Residential 1,500 630 0 NO
*General Plan Classifications and Thresholds in this table represent the proposed thresholds that would
be implemented with project approval.
Existing Plus Project Impacts & Mitigation
As the project includes reclassifying Ramona Drive to allow a maximum ADT of 5,000, the
volume on Ramona between Tassajara and Broad Street operate sufficiently within the daily
PH 1 - 28
ATTACHMENT 3
threshold. Cut through patterns would still reflect existing patterns, however even with the
identified cut through volume, neighborhood streets would operate in sufficient conditions.
Consideration was given to other feasible routes to ease the intensity of volumes along this
segment of Ramona. The layout of streets within this neighborhood is not a grid pattern,
therefore does not easily lend itself to various acceptable route options. Luneta Drive is the
only parallel street to Ramona. Without opening Luneta there is not another feasible route.
No significant impacts are anticipated under Existing Plus Project therefore no mitigations are
being recommended.
Cumulative Conditions (Luneta Open)
Cumulative Conditions estimates future traffic conditions considering existing planning and
policy, in this case opening Luneta Drive to two-way traffic as currently planned for in the City’s
General Plan. The future traffic conditions are estimated assuming full buildout of the
neighborhood including the planned 71 Palomar development as well as all other land use
approved in the City’s General Plan.
Cumulative Conditions Volumes & Cut-Thru Traffic
Future traffic impacts associated with opening Luneta to through traffic are estimated to only
slightly increase traffic on individual streets as the distribution of traffic generated from new
development will be spread evenly throughout the neighborhood.
PH 1 - 29
ATTACHMENT 3
Figure 6: Cumulative Conditions Segment Average Daily Traffic
Table 7: Cumulative Conditions Volume Data
*General Plan Classifications and Thresholds in this table represent the current conditions established in
the Circulation Element.
Street Segment General Plan
Classification*
General
Plan
Threshold
Volume Cut
Thru Deficiency
Ramona La Entrada to Tassajara Residential Collector 3,000 670 -- NO
Ramona Tassajara to Broad Residential Collector 3,000 3,100 -- NO
Luneta La Entrada to Tassajara Local Residential 1,500 120 -- NO
Luneta Tassajara to Broad Local Residential 1,500 1,200 -- NO
Serrano Palomar to Broad Local Residential 1,500 1662 -- NO
Rafael Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 640 -- NO
La Entrada Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 210 -- NO
Tassajara Foothill to Ramona Residential Collector 3,000 1,500 -- NO
Tassajara Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 150 -- NO
Verde Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 50 -- NO
Palomar Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 780 -- NO
Palomar Luneta to Serrano Local Residential 1,500 1230 -- NO
PH 1 - 30
ATTACHMENT 3
Cumulative Conditions Impacts & Mitigation
Future trips are anticipated to redistribute within the neighborhood. Ramona between
Tassajara and Broad as well as Serrano between Palomar and Broad Streets are anticipated to
be right around their associated thresholds. Per Table 1, Note (1) the ADT threshold shall be
adjusted up to 15%. Therefore, Ramona and Serrano are anticipated to be within this
adjustment.
No significant impacts are anticipated under cumulative conditions therefore no mitigations
are being recommended.
Cumulative Plus Project Conditions (Luneta Closed)
Cumulative Plus Project represents an estimate of future traffic conditions that would result if
Luneta Drive was not opened to two-way traffic. The future traffic conditions are estimated
assuming full buildout of the neighborhood including the planned 71 Palomar development as
well as all other land use approved in the City’s General Plan.
Cumulative Plus Project Volumes & Cut-Thru Traffic
Future traffic impacts associated with keeping Luneta closed to through traffic localizes the
increase in traffic generated from new development to Ramona Drive with very minor increases
to traffic volumes on the surrounding streets.
Figure 7: Cumulative Plus Project Segment Average Daily Traffic
PH 1 - 31
ATTACHMENT 3
Table 8: Cumulative Plus Project Volume Data
Street Segment General Plan
Classification*
General
Plan
Threshold
Volume Cut
Thru Deficiency
Ramona La Entrada to Tassajara Residential Collector
(Minor)
3,000 1,200 -- NO
Ramona Tassajara to Broad Residential Collector
(Major)
5,000 4,300 -- NO
Luneta La Entrada to Tassajara Local Residential 1,500 120 -- NO
Luneta Tassajara to Broad Local Residential 1,500 150 -- NO
Serrano Palomar to Broad Local Residential 1,500 770 -- NO
Rafael Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 900 -- NO
La Entrada Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 210 -- NO
Tassajara Foothill to Ramona Residential Collector
(Minor)
3,000 2,000 -- NO
Tassajara Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 450 -- NO
Verde Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 439 -- NO
Palomar Ramona to Luneta Local Residential 1,500 320 -- NO
Palomar Luneta to Serrano Local Residential 1,500 780 -- NO
*General Plan Classifications and Thresholds in this table represent the proposed thresholds that would
be implemented with project approval.
Cumulative Plus Project Impacts & Mitigation
Future traffic is anticipated to increase throughout the neighborhood, however, maintaining a
concentration of volume along Ramona Drive. As seen in Table 8, the segment of Ramona from
Tassajara to Broad Street would have a future daily volume of 4,300. With the reclassification of
Ramona Drive, this would operate within the maximum threshold of 5,000 vehicles/day.
Luneta remaining closed to through traffic is not anticipated to have a future impact on cut thru
traffic, therefore no additional impacts are foreseen.
No significant impacts are anticipated under cumulative plus project conditions therefore no
mitigations are being recommended.
PH 1 - 32
ATTACHMENT 3
Attachment 1: Transportation Impact Significance
Per thresholds identified in the LUCE Update EIR, and as summarized in the table below, the project
would not have a significant impact on transportation. The intersection and roadway Levels of Service
would not degrade. Maintaining the closure of Luneta Drive would not impact emergency services. The
project is consistent with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or
pedestrian facilities.
Table 9: Transportation Impact Significance of Luneta Closure
Would the project: Yes No
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 nonmotorized 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;
Specifically,
Local roadway segment (not downtown) operating at LOS D or better, but degrading to
LOS E or F or;
X
Local roadway segment (downtown) operating at LOS E or better, but degrading to LOS
F or;
N/A
Local roadway segment is currently deficient, and project increases volume‐to‐capacity
ratio by 0.01 or more;
X
Intersection (not downtown) operating at LOS D or better, but degrading to LOS E or F
or;
X
Intersection (downtown) operating at LOS E or better, but degrading to LOS F or; N/A
Intersection is currently deficient, and any increase in volume due to the project
increases.
X
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;
State Highway roadway segment operating at LOS D or better but degrading to LOS E or
F;
N/A
Local roadway segment (not downtown) operating at LOS D or better, but degrading to
LOS E or F or;
X
Local roadway segment (downtown) operating at LOS E or better, but degrading to LOS
F or;
N/A
Local roadway segment is currently deficient, and project increases volume‐to‐capacity
ratio by 0.01 or more.
X
Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment).
X
Result in inadequate emergency access. X
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
PH 1 - 33
ATTACHMENT 3
Addendum to the Land Use and Circulation Element Final Environmental
Impact Report (SCH# 2013121019)
Luneta Drive Closure
City File No: GENP 0557-2017
1. Project Title:
Luneta Drive Closure
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:
Jennifer Rice, Transportation Planner/Engineer II
805-781-7058
4. Project Location:
71 Palomar Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA (APN 052-161-007) (refer to Attachment 1)
5. Project Representative Name and Address:
Jennifer Rice
City of San Luis Obispo
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
6. General Plan Designation:
High Density Residential
7. Zoning:
R-4 (High Density Residential), R-4-PD (High Density Residential, Planned
Development), public right-of-way
ATTACHMENT 4
PH 1 - 34
8. Description of the Project:
The project consists of an amendment to the Circulation Element of the General Plan to
eliminate the Luneta Drive connection (currently part of 71 Palomar property). This would
include:
1. Maintain Luneta Drive as a non-through street, including maintaining the existing
street closure on Luneta Drive between Verde Drive and Palomar Avenue;
2. Amend Figure 1: Street Classification Diagram, Table 4. Street Classification
Descriptions and Standards and relevant text to replace note 3 with a new high
volume Residential Collector (Major) classification (Attachment 2);
3. Reclassify Ramona Drive from Tassajara to Broad Street from Residential
Collector to a Residential Collector (Major) classification; and
The portion of 71 Palomar currently identified as future public right -of-way will be still be
dedicated to the City at the time of that properties development. At that time, p hysical
improvements to this area will include an upgraded bollard system and installation of
concrete curbs and gutter and sidewalk along the north side of Luneta(refer to
Attachment 3). The City assumed that approximately 2 trees as well as shrubs within the
proposed public right-of-way would be removed to accommodate the project.
9. Project Entitlements Requested:
Amendment to General Plan Circulation Element.
10. Setting and Surrounding Land Uses:
The subject property is located along Luneta Drive just east of Palomar Avenue. The uses
along the north side of Luneta are multi-family residences, zoned R-4-PD, High Density
Residential with additional High Density Residential uses proposed. The south side of
Luneta Drive is developed with single-family residential homes, zoned R-1-PD, Low
Density Residential. The topography of the site is gently sloping upwards from Luneta
Drive, and existing vegetation on the site consists of both small and matured native and
non-native trees. An existing 15’ wide roadway segment of Luneta Drive boarders the site
to the south. This segment of Luneta currently restricts through vehicle movement with
bollards across the roadway. The road segment is primarily used as a biking and walking
pathway.
11. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing
approval, or participation agreement.):
No permits or approvals from other public agencies are required.
12. Previous Environmental Review
On December 9, 2014, the City Council certified the Land Use and Circulation Element
(LUCE) Update EIR, which evaluated the potential environmental effects of traffic and
circulation city-wide as a result of the updated LUCE. Council Resolution No. 10586 is
ATTACHMENT 4
PH 1 - 35
attached and includes all of the findings and mitigation measures that apply to the LUCE
Update (Attachment 3). All of these mitigation measures are still in effect and will apply
to this project.
Section 15164 of the State CEQA Guidelines allows a lead agency to prepare an
addendum to a EIR when “minor technical changes or additions” have occurre d in the
project description since the EIR was certified. In addition, the lead agency is required to
explain its decision not to prepare a subsequent EIR pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15162, which requires subsequent EIRs when proposed changes would require
major revisions to the previous EIR “due to the involvement of new significant
environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified
significant effects.”
The evaluation below discusses the circulation issue areas covered by the LUCE Update
EIR and concludes that in each case no new environmental effects are created and that
there is no increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects.
CIRCULATION FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
Environmental impacts associated with the Circulation Element update were evaluated in the
LUCE Update EIR (SCH# 2013121019). As addressed below, the proposed amendment to the
adopted Circulatation Element, which would result in the elimination of the previously-proposed
connection of Luneta Drive from the General Plan, would not result in any new impacts not
previously disclosed in the certified EIR, and would not increase the severity of any impact
identified in the certified EIR.
Traffic and Circulation
The Final EIR for the LUCE Update identified eight impacts relative to traffic and circulation. A
Transportation Impact Study was prepared for this project to analyze the future traffic conditions
of the project site as well as identify potential impact s resulting from the project (See
Attachement 4). Based on the Transportation Impact Study,the proposed project is consistent
with the mitigation measures requried to mitigate these impacts and the proposed project does
not create any new impacts relative to traffic and circulation because the the project proposes
to maintain existing conditions, with the exception of some minor physical improvements within
the developed public right-of-way (limited primarily to pedestrian improvements).
CIR Impact 1: Development and street network changes under the LUCE Update will cause
roadways currently operating at LOS D or better to deteriorate to LOS E or F, in downtown San
Luis Obispo, roadways operating at LOS E or better will deteriorate to LOS F, or will add
additional traffic to roadways operating at LOS E (outside of downtown) or F (in downtown). This
is considered a Class I, significant and unavoidable impact.
The following mitigation measure was approved:
1) As future development under the LUCE Update is proposed, the City will be
ATTACHMENT 4
PH 1 - 36
required to ensure consistency with the General Plan and the
policies/programs listed above. However, with the incorporation of the
Proposed Project, adherence to proposed and existing City policies and
programs discussed above, and continued support of Caltrans’, SLOCOG’s
and SLORTA’s efforts to address demand on US 101 in the vicinity of San
Luis Obispo, these mitigation measures would not mitigate the impacts.
Based on the Transportation Impact Study, implementation of the proposed project would not
further reduce level of service (LOS), as identified above in CIR Impact 1. The impact idenfied
in the LUCE Update EIR would remain significant and unavoidable, as documented in the CEQA
Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the LUCE Update and EIR. The City
would continue to implement the required mitigation measure identied above.
CIR Impact 2: Development and street network changes under the LUCE Update will cause
intersections currently operating at LOS D or better to deteriorate to LOS E or F, in downtown
San Luis Obispo, intersections operating at LOS E or better will deteriorate to LOS F, or will add
additional traffic to intersections operating at LOS E (outside of downtown) or F (in downtown).
Impact is considered to be Class I, significant and unavoidable.
The following mitigation measures were approved as options to mitigate impacts for these
intersections to meet the LOS standard:
1) CIR‐1. Grand & Slack (#8)
Install increased traffic control (traffic signal or roundabout).
2) CIR‐2. California & Taft (#12)
Install increased traffic control (traffic signal or roundabout).
3) CIR‐3. Grand & US 101 SB on‐ramp (#13)
Install dedicated WB right‐turn lane.
4) CIR‐4. San Luis & California (#55)
Install increased traffic control (traffic signal or roundabout).
5) CIR‐5. Higuera & Tank Farm (#85)
Add NB right‐turn lane, WB dual right‐turn lanes, two‐way left‐turn lane on Tank Farm
between Higuera and Long.
6) CIR‐6. Broad & High (#89)
Install increased traffic control (traffic signal or roundabout). Augment bicycle facilities
and improve transit headways on Broad Street.
7) CIR‐7 Broad & Rockview (#94)
Install downstream signal at Broad & Capitolio. Augment bicycle facilities and improve
transit headways on Broad Street.
8) CIR‐8. Broad & Capitolio (#95)
Install increased traffic control (traffic signal or roundabout). Augment bicycle facilities
and improve transit headways on Broad Street.
9) CIR‐9. Johnson & Orcutt (#96)
Install roundabout.
10) CIR‐10. Broad & Tank Farm (#98)
Establish time‐of‐day timing plans. Add SB dual left‐turn lane, NB dedicated right‐turn
lane and WB dedicated right‐turn lane. Augment Bicycle facilities and improve transit
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headways on Broad Street.
11) CIR‐11. Broad & Airport (#102)
Install TWLTL north of intersection. Augment Bicycle facilities and improve transit
headways on Broad Street.
Based on the Transportation Impact Study, implementation of the proposed project would not
further reduce level of service (LOS), as identified above in CIR Impact 2. The impact idenfied
in the LUCE Update EIR would remain significant and unavoidable, as documented in the CEQA
Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the LUCE Update and EIR. The City
would continue to implement the required mitigation measures identied above (none of which
required the Luneta connection to mitigate potentially significant traffic congestion impacts).
CIR Impact 4: Development under the LUCE Update may increase traffic volumes or traffic
speed in designated neighborhood traffic management areas. Impact is considered to be Class
III, less than significant.
As future development under the LUCE Update is proposed, the City will be required to ensure
consistency with the General Plan and the policies/programs listed in the LUCE Update EIR.
Therefore, mitigation measures are not required.
The Circulation Element adopted in 2014 included the connection of Luneta Drive from Palomar
Avenue to Verde Drive, which was anticipated to result in a decrease in traffic on surrounding
neighborhood streets. If approved, the Circulation Element would be amended to m aintain
existing conditions with minor street and pedestrian improvements. As a result, surrounding
neighborhood streets would not experience a decrease in traffic as anticipated in the LUCE EIR.
However, based on the Luneta Drive Closure Transportation Impact Study, implementation of
the proposed project would not increase the severity of this identified less than significant impact.
Table 4 of the Circulation Element identifies maximum thresholds for street classification. There
are two classifications of streets currently within this project area. Ramona is c lassified as a
Residential Collector Street with a maximum Average Daily Traffic (ADT) threshold of 3,000,
Tassajara and La Entrada between Foothill and Ramona are also classified as a Residential
Collector street. All other streets in the project area are classified as Local Residential Streets
with a maximum ADT of 1,500. While Table 4 of the Circulation Element sets a threshold of
3,000 for Residential Collector Streets, a footnote indicates three streets within the City that fall
under this classification, however have been approved by the City Council to operate with a
maximum ADT of 5,000. Those streets are Broad Street (north of Lincoln), Chorro Street (north
of Lincoln) and Margarita Avenue. These streets are acknowledged and approved to operate at
higher volumes based on their land uses which include high density residential and
neighborhood commercial.
The project includes maintaining the closure of Luneta Drvie as well as reclassifying Ramona
from Tassajara to Broad to allow for a maximum ADT of 5,000. Ramona between Tassajara and
Broad has traditionally operated at volumes above the threshold established to service the high
density residential and neighborhood commercial uses along it. The third component of the
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project established a new street classification with a 5,000 ADT threshold memoralizing several
streets already designated within this threshold.
Based on the Transportation Impact Study, future traffic impacts associated with keeping Luneta
closed to through traffic localizes the increase in traffic generated from new development to
Ramona Drive with very minor increases to traffic volumes on the surrounding streets. The ADT
of Ramona Drive between Tassajara to Broad Street is forecasted to increase to 4,300, which
would be within the ADT threshold for Ramona with project implementation. Maintaining the
closure of Luneta Drive will preserve the low vehicle volumes this neighborhood street currently
experiences, as well as on Palomar, Verde and Serrano.
CIR Impact 5: Development under the LUCE Update may encourage increased heavy vehicle
traffic on non‐designated truck routes. Impact is considered to be Class III, less than significant.
As development under the LUCE Update is proposed, the City will be required to ensure
consistency with the General Plan and the policies/programs listed in the LUCE Update EIR.
Therefore, mitigation measures are not required.
Based on the Transportation Impact Study, implementation of the proposed project would not
increase the severity of this identified less than significant impact.The proposed project would
maintain existing conditions (with the exception of minor traffic calming and pedestrian
improvements), and not result in the encouragement of increased heavy vehicle traffic on non-
designated truck routes.
Conclusion
Maintaining the closure of Luneta Drive create s no new environmental impacts relative to traffic
and circulation and would not increase the severity of any impacts identified in the LUCE Update
EIR. All mitigation measures approved in the LUCE Update EIR and associated CEQA Findings
are still in effect. No new mitigation is required.
Other Resources
Implementation of the proposed amendment to the Circulation Element would not result in any
new new physical changes that are not addressed and analyzed in the LUCE Update EIR. As
noted above, compliance with all mitigation measures that are relevant to th e proposed project
would be required upon implementation of this proposed amendment to the Circulation Element.
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DETERMINATION
In accordance with Section 15164 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City of San Luis Obispo
has determined that this addendum to the LUCE Update EIR is necessary to document changes
or additions that have occurred in the project description since the EIR was certified. The
revisions to the project relate to discussions in the Traffic and Circulation sections of the EIR.
No other issue areas are affected by the proposed project. The preparation of a subsequent EIR
is not necessary because:
1. None of the following circumstances included in Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines
have occurred which require a subsequent EIR:
a. The project changes do not result in new or more severe environmental impacts.
b. The circumstances under which the project is undertaken will not require major
changes to the EIR.
c. The modified project does not require any substantive changes to previously
approved mitigation measures.
2. The proposed project would not result in a significant increase in future traffic on affected
roadways such that the effect would result in an increase in the severity of any impact
previously identified in the LUCE Update EIR, and the proposed street reclassification
changes are minor and consistent with the scope of the approved project.
3. The changes are consistent with City objectives to improve neighborhood wellness.
Attachments:
1. Vicinity Map
2. Proposed Changes to Circulation Element
3. Revised Project Plans
4. Luneta Drive Closure Transportation Impact Study
5. Council Resolution No. 10586, 2014 Series certifying the LUCE Update EIR
Available Electronically: LUCE Update EIR (Final EIR):
http://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/community-development/planning-
zoning/general-plan
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