HomeMy WebLinkAbout8. ScreencheckFEIR20ProjectDe2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-1
Final EIR
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Avila Ranch, LLC (Applicant) proposes the implementation of the Avila Ranch
Development Plan (Development Plan), including a General Plan amendment,
amendments to the Airport Area Specific Plan (AASP), and related actions to permit
development of the approximately 150-acre Project site, which collectively comprise the
Avila Ranch Development Project (Project). The Project is intended to implement the City
of San Luis Obispo’s (City’s) vision for the Project site as guided by the City’s 2014 Land
Use and Circulation Elements of the General Plan (LUCE). The City’s LUCE specifically
identifies the Project site as a Special Focus Area and requires preparation of a specific
plan for this area to address key planning and environmental issues including: the
designation of an appropriate land use mix; the need for a variety of housing types and
levels of affordability; provision of open space, parks and trails and restoration of Tank
Farm Creek; protection and mitigation of impacts to agricultural resources; a circulation
network and linkages to the surrounding community; and the incorporation of utilities and
infrastructure.
In order to implement this vision, the Development Plan and an amendments to the AASP
provide a detailed set of standards and requirements to guide development of the Project
The 150-acre Project site is largely undeveloped and is proposed for residential, neighborhood
commercial, and open space and park land uses, and accompanying circulation network. Uses to the
north and west are industrial, and agriculture to the south and east.
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site. The Development Plan details the allowable mix of land uses and development types,
the roadway, bicycle and pedestrian circulation framework, development standards, and
open space/resource protection.
The “Project” environmental evaluation is based on the Draft Development Plan that was
submitted by the Applicant in (December 2015), and which is contained within Appendix
D. Since the submittal of the 2015 Draft Development Plan, there have been a number of
refinements to it in response to environmental findings and physical and economic
constraints. The updated version of the Development Plan is included in Appendix Q of
the Final EIR, and is evaluated as the “Mitigated Project Alternative” in the Alternatives
section of this EIR. It also includes a greater level of detail for the proposed land use plan,
additional environmental protections, provisions and regulations to reduce environmental
impacts identified in the Environmental Impact Report for the Project, and additional
provision to address anticipated changes in environmental regulations. The discussion of
the Project impacts in the EIR are useful in understanding the evolution of the Project
design and how the environmental process has informed the design of it; at this point the
Applicant considers the “Mitigated Project” as the project that will be reviewed by the
advisory bodies and the City Council.
The proposed Project would consist largely of low, medium, medium-high, and high
density residential land uses on 68.23 acres (45 percent of site), to support a range of
housing densities and affordability levels. Open space and park land uses would comprise
approximately 71.30 acres (47 percent of site) to provide recreational facilities for future
residents and protect Tank Farm Creek and its riparian corridor and adjacent agricultural
uses. Commercial land uses would be limited to a 3.34-acre Town Center, connected to the
proposed residential neighborhoods through a new network of roadways and bicycle paths.
The Project would include burying approximately one-fifth (600 feet) of the length of Tank
Farm Creek and realigning and extending the creek 1,200 northeast through the site to
improve connectivity with upstream drainage, allow for more developable area and support
include restoration of a continuous riparian corridor through the site.
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2.2 PROJECT APPLICANT TEAM
Applicant:
Avila Ranch, LLC
Andrew Mangano
735 Tank Farm Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Applicant’s Agent and Planner:
Stephen Peck, AICP
Peck Planning and Development
2455 Greenwood Avenue
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Project Design Architecture:
Pam Ricci, AICP
RRM Design Group
3765 South Higuera St., Ste. 102
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Project Engineer:
Cannon Corp.
c/o John Rogers
1050 Southwood Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
2.3 EXISTING PHYSICAL SETTING
2.3.1 Project Location
The Project site is located within
City limits, northeast of the
intersection of Buckley Road and
Vachell Lane, and extends for
approximately 0.75 miles along
Buckley Road east of this
intersection. The Project site
consists of three parcels totaling
150 acres with Assessor’s Parcel
Numbers (APNs) 053-259-004,
053-259-005, and 053-259-006. The Project site is surrounded by industrial and
commercial development to the north and west, and by agricultural lands in unincorporated
areas of the County of San Luis Obispo (County) to the south and east (see Figure 2-1); the
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (Airport) lies 0.6 mile east of the Project site.
Although the Project site is undeveloped, existing
development borders the site along the northern and
western boundaries.
CHEVRONCHEVRONSAN LUIS OBISPOSAN LUIS OBISPOTANK FARMTANK FARMROADVALLEYLOS OSOSJESPERSEN ROADJESPERSEN ROADBUCKLEY ROADBUCKLEY ROADSOUTH HIGUERA STREETSOUTH HIGUERA STREETEARTHWOODEARTHWOOD
LANELANE
SUBURBAN ROADSUBURBAN ROADHORIZON LANEHORIZON LANE
VENTURE DRIVEVENTURE DRIVESHORT STREETSHORT STREET
VACHELL LANEVACHELL LANE BUCKLEY ROADSOUTH HIGUERA STREETSUBURBAN ROADHORIZON LANE
JESPERSEN ROAD
ROADVALLEYLOS OSOSSHORT STREET
EARTHWOOD
LANE
VACHELL LANE VENTURE DRIVESERVICE &SERVICE &MANUFACTURINGMANUFACTURINGSERVICE & MANUFACTURINGSERVICE & MANUFACTURINGUNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATEDSAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTYSAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTYSERVICE & MANUFACTURINGSERVICE & MANUFACTURINGRESIDENTIALRESIDENTIALRESIDENTIALRESIDENTIALSERVICE &MANUFACTURINGSERVICE & MANUFACTURINGSERVICE & MANUFACTURINGCHEVRONSAN LUIS OBISPOTANK FARMUNINCORPORATEDSAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTYRESIDENTIALRESIDENTIALAcacia CreekTank Farm CreekEa s t F o rk S an Luis Obispo C r eekAcacia CreekTank Farm CreekEa s t F o rk S an Luis Obispo C r eek053-259-006053-259-006053-259-005053-259-005053-259-004053-259-004053-259-006053-259-005053-259-0042-1FIGURE0750SCALE IN FEETNProject Site AerialAerial Source: Google 2015.LEGENDProject Site###-###-###Project Site Assessor’s Parcel and APNSan Luis Obispo City BoundaryUrban Reserve Line2-4
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2.3.2 Project Vicinity
The Project site is located in the Los Osos Valley. The region has relatively level topography
with vegetation that consists primarily of grasslands, low lying wetlands and drainages and
agricultural fields. Mature trees within the region are generally located within established
windrows along riparian corridors of four tributaries to San Luis Obispo Creek that flow
through the area or as landscaping in developed areas. The tributaries of San Luis Obispo
Creek include Tank Farm Creek, Acacia Creek, Orcutt Creek, and the East Fork of San Luis
Obispo Creek, and are subject to flooding during major storm events. The local hydrology,
including combination of creeks, relatively flat topography, and periodic flooding, provides
substantial areas of freshwater marsh, seasonal wetlands and riparian habitats within low-
lying areas of the region. These marsh, seasonal wetland, and riparian habitats are considered
sensitive biological communities.
Land use in the Project vicinity is characterized by a mix of undeveloped open areas,
agriculture, and urban industrial development. Existing nearby development consists
primarily of light industrial and commercial uses to the west and north of the Project site
along South Higuera Street, Vachell Lane, Suburban Road, and Tank Farm Road.
Development along these roads includes large light manufacturing facilities, older
structures with a mix of storage yards, and multi-tenant commercial complexes. A large
modern commercial office building occupied by Lockheed Martin is located on Vachell
Lane adjacent to and west of the Project site.
Development along the northern border of the Project site comprises low-density industrial
and service structures, including warehouses, small businesses, and offices. Several rural
residences are located to the east of the Project site, with the nearest residential
neighborhood located west of South Higuera Street, approximately 0.3 mile from the
Project site.
The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (Airport) is a small commercial airport
covering 340 acres with two runways and two regional carriers and is surrounded by a
number of commercial complexes with industrial and service businesses. The primary
runway is Runway 11-29, which is oriented in a northwest-southeast direction and the
“crosswind” runway, Runway 7-25, is oriented in an east-west direction. The primary
runway accounts for approximately 97 percent of all airport operations, and handles all of
the commercial air traffic. The crosswind runway accounts for approximately 3 percent of
total traffic, and is rated to handle only smaller general aviation aircraft (U.S. Department
of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 2006).
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County agriculturally-designated lands lie across Buckley Road to the south, bordering the
entire southern boundary of the Project site. This agricultural area is bisected by Jespersen
Road and supports a mix of cultivated agriculture in level areas along Buckley Road and
in valley bottoms, open grasslands on hillsides, and a few rural residences.
U.S. Highway 101 is located approximately 0.4 mile west of the Project site and provides
regional access to the Project vicinity via Los Osos Valley Road or South Higuera Street,
two major thoroughfares for the City. South Higuera Street, a two-lane road in the vicinity,
links the Project site with the central portions of the City to the north and connects to
Vachell Lane, which allows direct access to the western border of the Project site. Los Osos
Valley Road, located approximately 1,000 feet northwest of the Project site, provides the
only access across U.S. Highway 101 in the southern region of the City. Buckley Road, a
two-lane roadway, serves as the southern boundary of the Project site and traverses the
southern City/County boundary connecting Vachell Lane, the Airport, and State Route
227/Edna Valley Road.
Northeast and adjacent to the Project site is the 332-acre Chevron Tank Farm property,
which spans both north and south of Tank Farm Road.1 The Chevron Tank Farm property
was used as a major oil storage facility into the early 1990s; however, most facilities are
1 The Chevron Tank Farm property was originally owned and operated by Union Oil, which reorganized in
the 1980s to become Unocal Corporation and was subsequently purchased by Chevron in 2005. In 1910,
Union Oil developed the property as a petroleum tank farm with a number of below-grade reservoirs and
above-grade tanks for storing and distributing crude oil. The use of the site declined in 1926 when a
lightning strike ignited a major fire, resulting in the spilling of large amounts of oil and tar across much of
the site (City of San Luis Obispo and County of San Luis Obispo 2013).
View facing west on Buckley Road. The Project vicinity is a mix of open space/agricultural lands and
industrial and commercial development. Agricultural lands occupy both the Project site (left) and
County lands adjacent to the site (right).
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now decommissioned and the majority of the tanks have been dismantled, but the circular
berms that once enclosed the storage tanks remain on the property. The Chevron Tank
Farm property is currently approved for a major remediation effort and cleanup of
contaminated soils to permit redevelopment with a mix of light industrial/Business Park
and open space and habitat restoration uses (City of San Luis Obispo and County of San
Luis Obispo 2013).
2.3.3 Project Site
The Project site is currently undeveloped and has been historically used for cultivated
agriculture. Existing site features include pastures, row crops, Tank Farm Creek, ruderal
(weedy) vegetation in disturbed areas along the edges of agricultural fields, and a shallow
drainage ditch located along the southern edge of the site that supports limited upland
vegetation. When viewed from Buckley Road, the Project site provides a rural and open
visual character with expansive views of agricultural lands and the distinctive foothills and
ridgelines that surround the area. Tank Farm Creek traverses the site diagonally from the
northeast to southwest for approximately 0.8 mile and comprises approximately 10 acres
out of the 150-acre site. Tank Farm Creek is a tributary to the East Fork of San Luis Obispo
Creek and carries runoff onto the site from the Chevron Tank Farm property and other
industrial properties to the north. The creek passes through an 84-inch culvert on the site
where an existing dirt road crosses the creek. The creek contains a riparian corridor that
varies from approximately 10 to up to 100 feet in width, with varying cover and qualities
of riparian vegetation. Portions of the creek, especially in the southern reaches of the site,
support high-quality dense stands of willows and scattered cottonwoods. The central and
The Project site is undeveloped and has historically been used for agriculture (left). The channel of Tank
Farm Creek bisects the site and supports large stands of riparian vegetation, including willows,
cottonwoods and oaks (right).
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northern reaches of the creek support less vegetation with several large gaps in the riparian
habitat which can be dominated by non-native or disturbed vegetation; however, a grove
of mature native cottonwoods occurs along the northern end of this creek channel. Several
freshwater emergent wetland areas in various states of disturbance also exist across the site.
Tank Farm Creek conveys site runoff and flood waters under a narrow bridge at Buckley
Road from the southwest corner of the site to San Luis Obispo Creek. In addition, a shallow
manmade channel connects to Tank Farm Creek within the northeastern portion of the
Project site.
2.4 EXISTING REGULATORY SETTING
Land use and development potential within the Project site and vicinity are governed by
the City’s LUCE and AASP as well as the County’s Airport Land Use Plan (ALUP) for
the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport as discussed below.
2.4.1 City of San Luis Obispo Land Use Element
The City’s General Plan, Land Use Element is the primary plan that guides potential
development of the Project site (see Table 2-1). The Land Use Element identifies the
Project site as Special Focus Area, SP-4, one of four special focus areas that require a
specific plan prior to development. Guidance for development of the Project site is found
in the Land Use Element, Section 8.1.6, which states:
Purpose: This area will be developed as primarily a residential neighborhood
development with supporting Neighborhood Commercial, park, recreation facilities,
and open space/resource protection. Within the Project, emphasis should be on
providing a complete range of housing types and affordability. The specific plan for
this area should consider and address the following land use and design issues:
a)Provision of a variety of housing types and affordability levels.
b)Modification of the AASP to either exclude this area or designate it as a special
planning area within the AASP.
c)Provision of buffers along Buckley Road and along eastern edge of property from
adjacent agricultural uses.
d) Provision of open space buffers along northern and western boundaries to separate
this development from adjacent service and manufacturing uses.
e)Provision of open space buffers and protections for creek and wildlife corridor that
runs through property.
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f)Safety and noise parameters described in this General Plan and the purposes of the
State Aeronautics Act; or other applicable regulations relative to the San Luis
Obispo County Regional Airport.
g)Participation in enhancement to Buckley Road and enhancement of connection of
Buckley Road to South Higuera Street.
h)Appropriate internal and external pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections to the
City’s circulation network.
i)Implementation of the City’s Bicycle Transportation Plan including connections to
the Bob Jones Trail.
j)Water and wastewater infrastructure needs as detailed in the City’s Water and
Wastewater Master Plans. This may include funding and/or construction of a
wastewater lift station.
k)Fire protection and impacts to emergency response times.
l)Architectural design that relates to the pastoral character of the area and preserves
view of agrarian landscapes.
m)Provision of a neighborhood park.
Table 2-1. Land Use Element Performance Standards for the Project Site
Type Designations Allowed Minimum1 Maximum
Residential Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Medium-High Density Residential
High Density Residential
500 units 700 units
Commercial Neighborhood Commercial 15,000 sf 25,000 sf
Open Space/ Agriculture Open Space
Agriculture
50% site coverage 2
1 There can be a reduction in the minimum requirement based on specific physical and/or environmental constraints.
2 Up to 1/3 of the open space may be provided offsite or through in-lieu fees consistent with the AASP.
Source: City of San Luis Obispo 2014.
2.4.2 Airport Area Specific Plan
The Project site is within the 1,500-acre AASP planning area. The AASP is a land use
program with policies, goals, guidelines and infrastructure financing strategies to guide
future development to ensure land use compatibility within the AASP planning area. The
Project site was annexed into the City in 2008 after the adoption of the AASP in 2005, and
was given a holding land use designation of Business Park, the same designation the
County applied to the site prior to its annexation to the City. The AASP was most recently
amended in 2014 to address changes to the Chevron Tank Farm property to the northeast
of the Project site. The AASP is proposed to be amended as part of the Project (see Section
2.6.2, AASP Amended Policies).
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2.4.3 Airport Land Use Plan
Airport land use compatibility is a key constraint that has guided the design of the proposed
Project. The San Luis Obispo County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) adopted the
ALUP for the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport in 1973, which includes the
location of airport safety boundaries and noise contours, determined by the layout of airport
facilities and regular flight paths. The ALUP is currently in the process of being updated,
a process anticipated to be completed in 2017. Because the Project involves a Development
Plan, which includes a Reservation Area for emergency landings and clusters development
in conformance with the ALUP, it qualifies as a Detailed Area Plan and a Clustered
Development Zone project and will be reviewed as such under the ALUP. The ALUP
planning area is broken down into two airport safety zones and three subzones, and
associated policies and standards guide land use densities and development within these
zones (see Table 2-2).
Table 2-2. ALUP Safety Area Standards1
Airport Safety Area
Project Site
Designation
(acres)2
Maximum Land Use Density -
Non-Residential (persons/acre)
Maximum Land Use
Density – Residential
(units/acre)
ALUP Safety Area S-1B 34.9 75 0.2
ALUP Safety Area S-1C 7.6 120 0.2
ALUP Safety Area S-2 107.5 Unlimited Unlimited
1 ALUP Safety Area standards are based on Clustered Development Zone project classification and Project compliance
with a Detailed Area Plan that would be developed in consultation with ALUC and determined to be consistent with
ALUP.
2 Based on adjusted maps from the Applicant-submitted ALUP Conformity Analysis pre-application.
Source: ALUC 2005.
The Project site is located within ALUP Safety Areas S-1B, S1-C and S-2. The City also
has a recently approved Airport Compatible Open Space Plan (ACOS), which differs
somewhat in configuration of its ALUP Safety Areas that the ALUP due to difference in
mapping. These difference are being reviewed as part of the ALUP update process.
The proposed Project is intended to be designed to respect restrictions set forth for both the
ALUP Safety Areas as well as the City’s ACOS (see Section 3.8, Land Use and Planning).
In addition, a small portion of the site is located within the 65 decibel (dB) single event
noise contour, and approximately 4.5 acres in the northeast portion of the site is located in
the 55 dB CNEL contour (see Section 3.9, Noise).
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2.5 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Section 15124(b) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines requires
a statement of a project’s objectives and Section 15124(b) requires that the statement of
objectives includes the underlying purpose of the Project. Major objectives of the Project
include:
1)Development of an economically feasible specific plan that is consistent with, and
implements policies within the City’s LUCE and AASP.
2) Establishment of a complete “linked” community with the inclusion of amenities
such as neighborhood parks and commercial goods and services that can serve the
neighborhood.
3) Provision of a variety of housing opportunities for a wide range of socioeconomic
groups and affordability levels.
4) Provision of a well-connected open space network that includes the addition of
community gardens, neighborhood parks, bicycle paths, pedestrian sidewalks,
open space buffers, and spaces for recreational activities.
5) Establishment of an internal transportation and circulation network of collector
and residential roads, Class I and II bicycle paths, and pedestrian sidewalks that is
integrated with, and enhances the regional transportation system.
6) Restoration of Tank Farm Creek with improvements to the riparian creek corridor
and establishment of open space buffers.
7)Model sustainable development practices and design features and achieve
compliance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Neighborhood
Development (LEED-ND) Silver standards and the County of San Luis Obispo’s
Emerald certification rating.
2.6 PROJECT OVERVIEW
Adoption of the Development Plan would involve the required approvals from the City and
other public agencies as described below in Section 2.6.1, Required Approvals, including
a General Plan amendment, an AASP amendment, Vesting Tentative Tract Map (VTM),
architectural review, and a Development Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding. The
following sections provide detailed descriptions of major Project components outlined in
the Avila Ranch Development Plan, which include:
a)A land use plan that would allow for the development of residential housing,
commercial services, and open space areas;
b)Sustainable design and development practices;
c)Development of a circulation system with new Project collector and residential
roads, bicycle paths, transit, and offsite improvements;
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d) Extension of utility lines and infrastructure; and
e)Realignment of Tank Farm Creek to improve hydrology and associated
restoration and enhancement of the riparian habitat.
2.6.1 Required Approvals
The following entitlements and reviews would be required to implement the Project:
•General Plan Amendment – The LUCE identifies the Project site as SP-4, one of
four Special Focus Areas, and designates SP-4 for "primarily a residential
neighborhood development with supporting Neighborhood Commercial, park,
recreation facilities, and open space/resource protection” (Section 8.1.6 of the Land
Use Element). Within the Project, emphasis would be on providing a complete
range of housing types and afford abilities. A General Plan amendment would be
needed to update land use and housing statistical data, update the Circulation
Element as need to reflect Project circulation and road design, and to accommodate
a proposed land use map update to reflect the development pattern proposed under
the Project.
•AASP Amendment – The AASP would be amended to accommodate the
proposed Development Plan and to assure consistency with existing and amended
programs, policies, and guidelines. As with other specific plans in the community,
the amended AASP would provide the development regulations equivalent to
zoning. The AASP amendment would also add residential design standards that are
typical of other residential specific plans. While the AASP covers an area greater
in size than that Project, the amendments to the AASP are intended to specifically
cover the Project and needed changes to the AASP to conform to the Project. A
new Public Facilities Financing Plan (PFFP) would also be developed to reflect the
land uses in the 2014 LUCE and the financing of public facilities. The proposed
AASP amendment does not include land use changes other than those for the
Project.
•Vesting Tract Map (VTM) – A VTM would be submitted to establish the
proposed lot lines to allow individual ownership of properties and to lay out the
required infrastructure and utilities. Detailed plans for development of lots have
been provided for the R-1 and the R-2 land uses. Specific unit configurations, condo
plans, etc. are not provided in this VTM and would be provided by subsequent
development applications. The VTM would also be submitted with a Storm Water
Control Plan that demonstrates the Project’s compliance with the Regional Water
Quality Control Board’s (RWQCB) Low Impact Development regulations. A
drainage report would also accompany the VTM in compliance with various
federal, state, and local regulations, and is included within Appendix C of this
Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
•Architectural Review – Architectural guidelines are included in the design
framework in the Development Plan to guide the architectural character and quality
of structures on the Project site. These guidelines would supplement the City’s
Community Design Guidelines which prescribe architectural designs and site
planning concepts. Final architectural review of housing, commercial buildings,
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and some site facilities would be conducted at the time that applications are made
for the development of individual neighborhoods. The Architectural Review
Committee would review the design guidelines in the Project’s design framework,
as well as the applications for the individual projects.
•Development Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding – The Development
Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding between the Project Applicant and the
City would outline a framework for process, fees, and a methodology for
determining fair share, timing for improvements, and reimbursements.
•Water Supply Assessment – An SB610 Water Supply Assessment was prepared
for the Project to demonstrate the adequacy of water supplies and would be
reviewed and considered by the City during the decision-making process.
•ALUP Conformity Determination – The Project includes a qualitative analysis of
conformance with policies and density limits in the ALUP, and is reviewed by the
ALUC. Further, the Project must be formally referred to the ALUC in order to make
a determination of consistency with the ALUP. The Draft ALUP Pre-Application
Conformity Analysis is contained within Appendix N of this EIR.
In addition, other advisory bodies that would weigh in on aspects of Project development
include the Parks and Recreation Commission for the review of proposed parks, and the
Bicycle Advisory Committee for review of the proposed bicycle path network.
Other permits, required approvals, or participation agreements from public agencies
required to implement the Project include:
•California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Excess Land Disposal for any
needed improvements related to extension of Buckley Road;
•Finding of consistency by the San Luis Obispo ALUC;
•U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Nationwide or Individual Permit
(depending on acreage of total wetland disturbance);
•California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Streambed Alteration
Agreement;
•RWQCB Section 401 Water Quality Certification, National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Permit;
•San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) – Grading Permit,
and fugitive dust regulation compliance; and
•Encroachment permits and approval of improvement plans by San Luis Obispo
County for portions of the Project’s infrastructure to be developed outside of the
City limits, namely the Buckley Road frontage, the Buckley Road Extension, the
widening of Vachell Lane at Buckley Road, and the installation of sidewalks on
South Higuera Street.
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2.6.2 AASP Amended Policies
The Project includes changes to the AASP to accommodate the proposed Development
Plan and to ensure consistency with the existing and amended programs within the AASP.
The proposed amendments reflect residential development standards that were not
previously included in the AASP, updated design standards related to the Project, and
changes to reflect recent amendments to the LUCE, which were adopted after the Chevron
Tank Farm Remediation Project’s amendments to the AASP, and a new PFFP. These
amendments provide additional regulations and development requirements for the Project
site, and may serve to mitigate potential impacts. The amended AASP policies reference
the Development Plan where appropriate to provide specific information regarding land
uses, locations for amenities, parks, open space, roads, land uses, and other physical
features.
Amendments to the AASP are proposed for policies and programs within the Conservation
and Resource Management Framework, Land Use Framework, Design Framework,
Circulation Framework, Infrastructure/Public Facilities Framework, and Public Facilities
Financing Framework. The following list summarizes key amended policies within the
AASP pertaining to the Project. The proposed amended AASP is contained within
Appendix R.
Policy 3.2.1 Riparian Vegetation. Establish healthy, continuous riparian vegetation
along (1) East Branch of San Luis Obispo Creek from Broad Street to Santa Fe
Road, (2) Acacia Creek from the northern planning area boundary to the confluence
with the East Branch of San Luis Obispo Creek, (3) Orcutt Creek from the planning
area northern boundary to its confluence with Acacia Creek, and (4) Tank Farm
Creek from the planning area’s northern boundary to its southern boundary. Where
riparian vegetation and resources are impacted by development, there should be
compensating improvements elsewhere in the Planning Area.
Policy 3.2.2 East Branch San Luis Obispo Creek Riparian Corridor. Realign
Tank Farm Creek to its historic alignment with a connection to the Chevron Tank
Farm property open space.
Policy 3.2.5 Restoring Marginal or Degraded Wetlands.
A. The contiguous state wetland in the southeast portion of the Avila Ranch
site (identified as wetland 1.4) will be protected from development and
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preserved as a contiguous habitat area to enhance the open space value
of this part of the Project.
B. The Tank Farm Creek corridor on the Avila Ranch site will be widened
to enhance the visibility of the wetland and to mitigate wetland and
riparian losses elsewhere on the Project to create contiguous habitat
rather than the existing fragmented ruderal system.
Policy 3.2.7 Mitigation of Wetland Losses. On the Avila Ranch property, loss of
federal wetlands shall be mitigated at a ratio of at least 2.5 acres to 1 acre of lost
wetland; for, state wetlands the mitigation ratio shall be at least 1 to 1.
Policy 3.2.10 Recreational Use of Wetlands Complex. Recreational use of the
wetlands complex and buffer areas should be limited to non-intrusive observation
and study. The type and extent of public access should be restricted in order to
maintain high-quality wildlife habitat. The state wetland south of the
Neighborhood Park in the Avila Ranch area should be for interpretative viewing
only and shall not be used for active recreational purposes.
Policy 3.2.16 Continuous Wetlands. Replacement or restoration of wetlands within
the Project site shall give priority to augmenting the Tank Farm Creek corridor
rather than isolated or fragmented locations.
Policy 3.2.18 Mitigate Loss of Ag and Open Space Land. Development shall help
protect agricultural and open space lands to the south and east by securing
conservation easements for protected areas at least equal to the area of new
development, where onsite protection is not available. Potential areas for
conservation easements shall be in areas which also serve to implement the City’s
ACOS, and other policies in support of the ALUP. The overall goal is to expand
and preserve agricultural areas that are of sufficient size and with sufficient support
systems to be economically viable. Creation of isolated non-contiguous preserve
areas, preserves on non-prime land, or for the sole purpose of creating a buffer
between urban land uses should be avoided.
Policy 3.2.20 Acquire Land South of Airport. Utilize locally-generated acquisition
funding, agricultural mitigation specified in Policy 3.2.18, other sources, as well as
outside grant support, to acquire fee or easement interest in lands south of the
Airport in the following order of priority:
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-16 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
A. Buckley Road Area. Agricultural lands on either side of Buckley Road
between Vachell Lane and Broad Street should receive the highest
priority in conservation funding. There is ongoing, incremental
conversion of lands from agriculture to other uses, as well as ongoing
small-scale subdivision of rural properties. There are relatively few
large properties in this area. Easements to secure development rights
and maintain scenic character would be the primary focus of this effort,
and easement acquisition is the preferred strategy.
Goal 4.1.9 Airport Operations. Airport Area land uses and development, including
Airport Compatible Open Space, should be compatible with the long-term
operation of the airport, and enhancing the viability of the airport as a regional
transportation facility.
Policy 4.3.3 Airport Land Use Plan Consistency. Airport Area development must
be consistent with the standards and requirements of the ALUP and/or Public
Utilities Code Sections 21670-21679.5. In determining the location of safety zones
and the consistency of the land uses with the ALUP, the ALUP policies and the
most recent ALUC determinations shall be used.
Goal 5.14(H). Development in the Avila Ranch area shall be designed so the
projected water consumption is 30 percent less than the average community water
consumption. To meet this goal, the following performance standards shall be used:
1. Turf shall not be permitted for individual yard landscaping. Landscape plans
shall be developed which require lower water usage and lower maintenance.
Landscape plans shall reflect the local climate zones and local plant material.
2. Turf may be used where it is associated with a common open space, parkways,
sports field or other common area. Where feasible, these areas will be irrigated
with recycled water.
3. Landscape and irrigation plans should use drip irrigation systems to the extent
feasible. General broadcast irrigation is discouraged.
6.2.7 Transit Plan. Route 2 should be extended into the Avila Ranch Project as
development progresses and demand warrants.
Program 6.3.2 Transit Plan. Transit service will be incrementally implemented (in
terms of hours of operation and frequency) consistent with development, roadway
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-17
Final EIR
extensions without endangering state transit funding and farebox recovery
requirements. The City shall anticipate development and, subject to available transit
funding, extend service into the growth areas prior to demand developing. This
shall include initial extension of Route 2 to Avila Ranch by way of Venture Drive
to Earthwood Lane and, in the long run, extension of Route 2 through Avila Ranch,
along Buckley Road to Higuera Street to serve the Caltrans Maintenance facility
and District Headquarters.
Standard 6.4.3.1. Buckley Road shall be extended as a two-lane rural arterial from
its current western terminus at Vachell Lane to South Higuera Street. A continuous
two way left turn lane is required to the Octagon Barn parking lot.
Standard 6.4.3.2. Adjacent to the Avila Ranch property, Buckley Road shall be
consistent with street Section 2, 3 and 4 as described in the Avila Ranch
Development Plan (refer to Appendix D), as applicable. The roadway shall be
design to minimize impact to adjacent creeks and open space where possible.
Standard 6.4.6.1. The Avila Ranch residential collector shall have a minimum of
two 12-foot travel lanes and two 6-foot bicycle lanes. Each side of the road will
have 7-foot tree-lined parkways between the curb and a 5-foot wide sidewalk unless
an alternative cross section is approved by the Director of Public Works. No
parking will be allowed. Direct access from adjacent residential lots will also not
be permitted.
Standard 6.4.6.2. The Avila Ranch local streets shall have two 11-foot travel lanes,
a 7-foot parking lane, and a 6-foot monolithic sidewalk adjacent to the street.
Policy 7.2.2 Water Conservation. Development in the Avila Ranch area shall be
designed so that the projected annual water consumption is 30 percent less than the
average per-person annual community water consumption for residential units. To
meet this goal, the following performance standards shall be used:
A. Turf shall not be permitted for individual yard landscaping. Landscape plans
shall be developed which require lower water usage, and which require lower
maintenance. Landscape plans shall reflect the local climate zones and local
plant material.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-18 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
B. Turf may be used where it is associated with a common open space, parkways,
sports field or other common area. Where feasible, these areas will be
irrigated with recycled water supplies.
C. Landscape and irrigation plans should use drip irrigation systems to the extent
feasible. General broadcast irrigation is discouraged.
Policy 7.9.1 Adequate Fire Suppression Services and Facilities. The City shall
provide adequate fire suppression services and facilities to the Airport Area,
consistent with the Safety Element of the General Plan, by completing area
transportation improvements, co-locating City fire services with existing CAL
FIRE facilities located on Broad Street, and/or establishing a permanent facility
within the Airport Area. Interim improvements may be provided at the Chevron
and Avila Ranch development areas until permanent facilities are available. In
order to ensure that the long-term public safety needs of the AASP and MASP are
met, and to ensure the feasibility of those improvements, the City shall facilitate
the initiation of a Community Facilities District (CFD) as part of the Avila Ranch
Project. The CFD shall provide for the equitable assessment of the cost of
construction and operation of public safety facilities. The CFD shall have
annexation provisions so that additional benefitting properties may be added to it.
Policy 7.9.3 Interim Safety Improvements. Until a permanent facility is developed
that enables the City to achieve its response travel time objectives, new
development in the Airport Area may be required to finance other improvements
that will contribute to alleviating current deficiencies, as identified in the San Luis
Obispo Fire Department Master Plan (2009). This policy will be implemented on a
case by case basis through conditions of approval when project specific fire and life
safety impacts are identified. The Avila Ranch Project may provide an interim fire
and/or emergency response substation at the intersection of Earthwood Lane and
Venture Drive. Such facilities shall be to the satisfaction of the City Fire Chief.
Policy 7.10.1 Avila Ranch Park Development. Parks will be provided at a rate of
ten acres per 1,000 residents in the following manner:
A. 9.8-acre Neighborhood Park in the eastern portion of corner of the Avila Ranch
Project site adjacent to the Town Center, with frontage on the residential
collector. Planned activities in the park include ballfields, basketball, open
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-19
Final EIR
space, picnicking, passive recreation, and other uses consistent with the City’s
Parks and Recreation Element.
B. Mini-parks shall be provided in each phase of the Avila Ranch development.
These mini-parks will range in size from 0.5 acre to 2.5 acres and include
passive recreation areas, and small game areas such as basketball, or other areas
appropriate to the size of the park.
C. Recreational and bicycle trails shall be constructed sequentially with each phase
so that the Tank Farm Creek trail will be completed by Phase 3 of the Avila
Ranch development.
D. Avila Ranch residential developments will contribute an amount equal to one
acre per thousand population for community wide facilities. While not required
by the Parks and Recreation Element, these special facilities (e.g., Sinsheimer
Park, Mission Plaza, Santa Rosa Park, Laguna Park, Damon-Garcia Sports
Complex), serve the entire community (including new residential areas in the
AASP) and the residential units shall contribute towards expanding their
capacity, or addressing unmet community wide park and recreation facility
needs (such as those identified in Policy 3.12 of the Parks and Recreation
Element).
2.6.3 Development Plan
The proposed Project includes a land use plan which designates 68.23 acres of residential
land uses, 71.30 acres of open space and parks, and 3.34 acres of Neighborhood
Commercial development (see Figure 2-2; Table 2-3). This would allow for the
development of approximately 720 residential units (including a 20-unit density bonus)
and 15,000 square feet (sf) of commercial buildings. Low, medium, medium-high, and high
density residential developments would be constructed along proposed collector and
residential roadways.2 One Neighborhood Park, five mini-parks and one pocket park would
be established as part of the 16.00 acres of developed park space planned for the Project
site.
2 Chapter 17.16.010 of the City Municipal Code establishes the allowance of a residential density bonus of
low-income and moderate-income housing provided in Chapter 17.19. Per Chapter 17.19.060, a developer
who agrees to construct at least 10 percent of its housing for low-income households or 25 percent of its
housing for moderate-income households is entitled to a 20 percent housing density bonus.
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSOUTH HIGUERA STREETVENTURE DRIVEBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANESUBURBAN ROADHORIZON LANE
VENTURE DRIVESUBURBAN ROADBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANE
SOUTH HIGUERA STREETHORIZON LANE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYURBAN RESERVE LINESAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYTank FarmCreekEast Fork San Luis Obispo CreekBUCKLEY ROAD EXTENSION600 foot long segment ofTank Farm Creekto be abandoned and filled600 foot long segment ofTank Farm Creekto be abandoned and filled1,300 foot long newchannel of realignedTank Farm Creek*HIGH DENSITYRESIDENTIALMEDIUM DENSITYRESIDENTIALLOW DENSITYRESIDENTIALPOCKET PARKNEIGHBORHOODPARKMEDIUM-HIGHDENSITYRESIDENTIALTOWNCENTER2-2FIGURE0600SCALE IN FEETNLand Use Plan*Offsite creek restoration to be performed by Chevron Tank Farm property owner.LEGENDProposed Project Land UseProject Site BoundaryBike PathRoadwayCommercial – 3.34 acresOpen Space – 55.30 acresPark – 16.00 acresR1 Residential – Low Density, 105 unitsR2 Residential – Medium Density, 305 unitsR3 Residential – Medium-High Density, 185 unitsR4 Residential – High Density, 125 unitsCity and County Land UseAgriculturalBusiness ParkCommercial ServicesRecreationResidentialServices and ManufacturingAerial Source: Google 2015.2-20
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-21
Final EIR
Table 2-3. Summary of Proposed Land Uses
Land Use Acreage Housing Units/ Square Footage
Residential 68.23 720 total units1, 2
R-1 Low Density 17.45 105 single-family units
R-2 Medium Density 35.03 305 single-family units
R-3 Medium-High
Density
11.04 185 multi-family units
R-4 High Density 4.71 125 multi-family units
Neighborhood Commercial 3.34 15,000 sf
Major Roadways 7.03 N/A
Open Space and Parks 71.30 N/A
Open Space 55.30 N/A
Parks 16.00 N/A
1Total exceeds 700 units as allowed in Section 8.1.6 of the Land Use Element due to assumed density bonus units.
2 Inclusionary units are those intended to provide long-term affordable housing and are subject to restrictions on sales
price or rent. The Applicant proposes affordable inclusionary units as needed to comply with the City’s Inclusionary
Housing Program. See Section 3.10, Population and Housing for additional information.
Notes: This table reflects land uses proposed under the Development Plan which is analyzed in this EIR and provided
in Appendix D. Land uses proposed under an updated “Mitigated Project Alternative”, which the Applicant intends to
put forth for consideration by City decision makers, is provided in Section 5.4.2.2, Mitigated Project Alternative (see
Table 5-2).
2.6.3.1 Proposed Housing
Proposed housing would range from traditional single-family homes to higher density
multi-unit complexes, enabling construction of approximately 720 total units. The mix of
residential densities include low density R-1 lots, medium density R-2 “four-pack” and “6-
pack” clustered single family detached units, medium-high density R-3, and high density
R-4 multi-family dwellings, with densities ranging from 7 to up to 24 units per acre as
described below (see also Table 2-4).
•The proposed 105 R-1 low density single-family residences would occupy 17.45
acres and comprise 14.6 percent of all residential units. R-1 residences would
include lot sizes that range from 4,000 to 8,500 sf with front garages and driveways.
These residences are intended to provide market rate housing for middle or upper
income households.
•The estimated 305 R-2 medium density units would comprise approximately 40
percent of the proposed residential units over an area of 35.03 acres on lots of 3,200
to 7,200 sf. This would include detached and attached clustered residences of “four
packs” or “six packs” with units ranging from 1,350 sf to 2,000 sf. These units are
intended to serve as workforce housing needs for moderate income households,
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-22 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
with income 120 to 160 percent of the City’s median household income, as
described in Policy 4.2.12 of the AASP.3
•Proposed development of 185 R-3 medium-high density multi-family units would
constitute 25.6 percent of the planned residential development onsite over 11.04
acres. R-3 units would include apartments, townhomes, and condominiums
arranged around a central amenity or open space. The design and site layout of these
R-3 units is intended to address noise and safety issues associated with the
proximity of these units to airport noise, where living portions of the units would
be oriented away from airport noise. These units would be constructed on a 480,900
sf lot and would range from 1,100 to 1,700 sf in size. Density of R-3 units would
be up to 20 du/acre, with the incorporated density bonus in accordance with
Chapters 17.16.010 and 17.28 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.
•Proposed development of 125 R-4 high density multi-family units would constitute
approximately 17.3 percent of the planned residential development onsite over 4.71
acres. High density residential R-4 units would include apartments up to three
stories in height located within the northwest portion of the Project site, adjacent to
existing and future Business Park and Commercial Service development. Density
of R-4 units would be up to 24 du/acre. These units would be built on two lots in
the northern portion of the site of 93,500 and 111,600 sf in size and units would
range from 650 to 1,150 sf in size. In order to address any potential noise impacts
from adjacent land uses, living portions of R-4 units would be designed to be
oriented away from Business Park and Commercial Services uses. Density of R-4
units would be up to 24 du/acre, with the incorporated density bonus in accordance
with Chapters 17.16.010 and 17.28 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance (see Figure 2-3).
Table 2-4. Summary of Housing and Population
Housing type Maximum
Units/Acre2
Total Proposed
Units
Estimated
Population1
R-1 Single-family 7 105 240
R-2 Single-family 12 305 698
R-3 Multi-family2 20 185 424
R-4 Multi-family2 24 125 286
TOTAL N/A 720 1,649
1 Population estimates are based on the number of units multiplied by the average number of persons per household. In
the City of San Luis Obispo, the average number of persons per household is 2.29 (City of San Luis Obispo 2015).
2Per City zoning and Specific Plan policies R-3 and R-4 units are expressed and density units, and R-1 and R-2
densities are expressed as dwelling units. The number of actual dwelling units in the R-3 and R-4 zone may vary
depending on the number of bedrooms.
3 120% to 160% equates to a County median family household income of roughly $92,520 to $123,360 per
year based on the 2014 County median annual household income of $77,100 (U.S. Census Bureau 2015).
BUFFERBUFFERBUFFER
BUFFER
Earthwood Lane ExtensionBUFFER
BUFFERBUFFER
BUFFER Common SpaceBuildings Fronting and
Oriented to Street
Buildings Fronting and
Oriented to StreetParkingCommon SpaceParkingarchitectural styleParking: Surface parking surrounding complex, oriented away from public streetsLandscaping: shared landscaped spaces, street trees, and sidewalksResidential StreetBUFFERPrivate ParkingOpen SpacePorches Front StreetPedestrianAccessPorches Front StreetMotor Courtarchitectural styleParking: surface parking on shared lotsLandscaping: shared landscaped spaces, street trees, and sidewalksCluster Scenario 1: if cluster opens ontoresidential street, park, or open space, the frontporches must orient to those spaces and notinternally as shown15’10’4’15’14’10’4’Residential StreetMotor Court305 UnitsLot size: 3,200 to 7,200 sfHeight: 1-2 stories in heightLot Coverage: 60% maxDesign: Private yard, detached or attached "four-pack or six-pack" clusters, private yard, street-facing units will include porchParking: 2-car garage or covered carport, onstreet parking, 2 guest spaces per "four pack" or "six pack"Landscaping: private landscaping, streetscaping and street trees, and sidewalks15’5’20’10’15’5’15’20’10’48’ Residential Street105 UnitsLot size: 4,000 to 8,500 sfHeight: 1-2 storiesLot Coverage: 40% - 50% maxDesign: Mix of 3 varied architectual styles – will include covered porch, and front and back yardsParking: 2-car garageLandscaping: private landscaping, streetscaping and street trees,and sidewalks2-3FIGURETypes of Proposed Residential DevelopmentR-1Low Density DetachedSingle Family Residences R-3Medium-high Density Mulit-family Townhomes,Condominiums, and Apartments R-2Medium Density DetachedSingle Family ResidencesR-4High Density Multi-familyApartments185 Units Height: 1-3 storiesUnit size: 1,100 to 1,300 sfDesign: Uniform 125 UnitsHeight: 1-3 storiesUnit size: 650 to 1,150 sfDesign: Uniform 2-23
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-24 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
2.6.3.2 Project Inclusionary Housing
The proposed Project would provide a mix of market rate, “workforce” and inclusionary
housing through provision of different densities and design of proposed new homes, as
well as meeting the City’s ordinance requirements for provision of affordable housing.
These units are intended by the Applicant to be subject to resale and rental restrictions to
meet the housing needs of low and moderate income households. Consistency of these
proposals with City Housing Element policies and Chapter 17.91 of the City Municipal
Code, particularly the number and potential affordability of such units to targeted low and
moderate income households are more fully discussed in Section 3.10, Population and
Housing, Impact PH-3.
2.6.3.3 Proposed Neighborhood Commercial Uses
The proposed Project would include a
“Town Center” with limited
Neighborhood Commercial uses.
Approximately 15,000 sf of
commercial development within the
3.34-acre Town Center would be
designated for office development and
retail purposes. Shopping, offices, and
small-scale convenience stores may be
provided in the Town Center. A transit
stop would be installed near the Town
Center and space for community events
such as a farmer’s market would be
provided. The Town Center would be
located near multi-family residential
housing neighborhoods to provide convenient access to transit and limited commercial
services.
2.6.3.4 Proposed Parks and Open Space
Proposed acreage for open space and parks is derived from LUCE policies and standards
in the Parks and Recreation Element of the City’s General Plan. The Parks and Recreation
Element Policies 3.13.1 and 3.15.3 prescribe at least 10 acres of recreational parks to be
provided for each 1,000 residents, with at least 5 acres per 1,000 population to be in a
The Town Center is 15,000 sf of commercial space
near residential uses and would include a transit stop.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-25
Final EIR
Neighborhood Park serving local residents. Based on the population anticipated for the
Project site, at least 16.49 acres of parks are required. This Project would provide 16.0
acres of Neighborhood Park, mini-parks, and pocket parks onsite, and would provide a
contribution or fee equal to 1.5 acres to the City for community park space or community
facilities.
A 9.80-acre Neighborhood Park would
be located to the east of the Town Center,
and within 0.5 mile from most proposed
residential neighborhoods. The
Neighborhood Park would be linked to
surrounding neighborhoods, the Tank
Farm Creek riparian corridor, and the
regional bikeway system with Class I
and Class II bicycle paths. Neighborhood
Park facilities would include group BBQ
areas, basketball courts, baseball
diamonds, play areas, and volleyball
courts. Community gardens would be located on 1.30 acres of the planned open space as part
of the Neighborhood Park. The Project would also include five mini-parks, and one dual pocket
park and bioretention basin. The pocket park would be a 0.2-acre public park located within
the southwest portion of the Project site that would also detain storm runoff generated within
the southwest portion of the Project site. The mini-parks and pocket park would be created on
irregular-shaped tracks of land near residential areas to serve the local population. These parks
would serve residential areas farther from the Neighborhood Park (see Table 2-5).
Proposed open space is based on guidance from the LUCE and the AASP, and would consist
of agricultural buffers, open lands along Tank Farm Creek, and open lands supporting
wetlands. The proposed Project will provide 55.3 acres of open space in accordance with
LUCE Policy 8.1.6 that would be dedicated to the City as open space easements, including
approximately 27 acres proposed by the Applicant for dry land farming agriculture that would
be maintained by a private farm operator under conditions developed with the City, and 18
acres for riparian open space. The City’s Urban Reserve Line (URL) coincides with the AASP
requirement to preserve a buffer from surrounding agricultural land uses. The City’s URL
establishes a 300-foot setback from the site’s southern boundary and a 150-foot open space
buffer along the eastern boundary. This open space would provide an agricultural buffer
The Project includes a 9.80-acre Neighborhood Park
with community gardens and would be connected to
the Town Center.
Low Pitch PredominatelyHip Roofs e.g., 3:12 Flat Concrete Tile RoofsNon Plaster WainscotAccent, e.g., Brick or Stone Simple ColumnsMinimal TrimLow Pitch PredominatelyHip Roofs e.g., 3:12 Flat Concrete Tile RoofsNon Plaster WainscotAccent, e.g., Brick or Stone Simple ColumnsMinimal TrimLow Pitch or Flat RoofsPredominately Shed Smooth Plaster Finishwith Score Line Features Non PlasterAccent FeatureSimple ColumnsLarge SimpleWindowsLow Pitch or Flat RoofsPredominately Shed Smooth Plaster Finishwith Score Line Features Non PlasterAccent FeatureSimple ColumnsLarge SimpleWindowsSteep Pitch GableFronts e.g., 6:12 Vertical Accent e.g.,Board and Batt siding Metal Accent Roofat Porches Vertical WindowProportions Steep Pitch GableFronts e.g., 6:12 Vertical Accent e.g.,Board and Batt siding Metal Accent Roofat Porches Vertical WindowProportions 2-4aFIGUREArchitectural Design ConceptsCalifornia BungalowAgrarianContemporary e.g., Mid-Century Modern2-26
Low Sloping S-Tile RoofsExposed Minimal EavesArched Openings e.g.,Doors, Windows, Porches Smooth or Sand PlasterFinish Concrete Flat Tile RoofsLarge Exposed OverhangsOversized BracingPredominately GableRoofs With Non-PlasterGable End TreatmentsSimple Trim2-4bFIGUREArchitectural Design ConceptsCraftsmanMission2-27
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-28 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
between the proposed development and bordering agricultural land uses to the south and east
and would include approximately 27 acres. In addition, the land fronting Buckley Road would
be planted with productive crops similar to the surrounding fields, and in conformance with
ALUP policies regarding crop type and obstructions. A portion of the agricultural area along
the Buckley frontage is also planned to serve as an ALUP emergency landing Reservation
Area.
Table 2-5. Summary of Proposed Parks and Open Space
Onsite Parks and Open Space Acres
Neighborhood Park (including 1.3 acres community gardens) 9.80
Mini-Parks 6.00
Pocket Park 0.20
Onsite Open Space (Tank Farm Creek Riparian Corridor & Agricultural Buffer) 55.3
Total 71.30
The LUCE requires that 50 percent of the Project site area shall be provided in open space,
allowing up to one-third of that space to be provided offsite. This results in a minimum
requirement that 50 acres of open space be provided on the Project site. Total onsite open
space (not including recreational park areas), totals 55.30 acres.
Additionally, the setbacks required from Tank Farm Creek would provide open space
buffers between the creek and residential development. The buffer required for Tank Farm
Creek would allow at least 18 acres of riparian open space along its edges.
2.6.3.5 Relationship of Project Development to ALUP Safety Areas
Project design and land use has been adjusted to reflect constraints imposed by Airport
Safety Areas and airport noise corridors. The ALUP 55 dB CNEL and 65 dB single event
noise contours intersect the northeastern corner of the development plan and are wholly
contained within ALUP Safety Area S-1C and are outside of the City URL; no
development is proposed within the 65 dB single event noise contour or within the 55 dB
CNEL noise contour (see Section 3.9, Noise).
As described above, ALUP Safety Areas S-1B, S-1C, and S-2 overlay the site. All R-4, R-
1 and R-2 units would be located within the 2005 ALUP Safety Area S-2, with up to seven
R-3 units located in the northwest portion of ALUP Safety Area S-1B. The Project’s
consistency with ALUP Airport Safety Areas is analyzed within Section 3.8, Land Use and
Planning.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-29
Final EIR
2.6.4 Project Design
The proposed Project is intended to be consistent with the City-adopted Community Design
Guidelines (2010), AASP, and Zoning Ordinance, with the siting and design of proposed
development intended to respect site character and constraints, including natural features
and access requirements. The Development Plan identifies specific standards and
guidelines that address building orientation, setbacks, visual quality of the streetscape,
pedestrian activity areas, design of parks, access and parking, and architectural design (see
Appendix D, Development Plan, for the complete list). Development Plan standards
include actions or requirements that must be fulfilled by new development, while
guidelines refer to methods and approaches used to achieve the desired outcome.
The Project would include sustainable development design in compliance with the U.S.
Green Building Council’s LEED-ND “silver” certification, as well as San Luis Obispo
County’s Green Build “emerald” certification rating. To the extent feasible, building
orientation would follow the County’s Green Build Passive Solar guidelines, and
photovoltaic solar panels would be installed on at least 50 percent of the proposed
residential units and be capable of providing up to 50 percent of average daily Project-
generated power demand. Water efficient fixtures and landscaping would be utilized in
order to reduce average potable water usage by 35 percent below community wide
averages. Streets would be tree-lined and pervious/porous concrete would be used for at
least 20 percent of driveways and parking areas in order to reduce storm water runoff (see
Section 3.7, Hydrology and Water Quality).
Architectural design of the Project site is intended to relate to the pastoral and agricultural
landscapes surrounding the Project. Architecture of residential structures are anticipated to
incorporate ranch, bungalow, mission, contemporary, mid-century modern, and craftsmen
style features. Exterior façades may utilize brick veneer, stone, metal canopies and smooth
stucco finishes. The Project would follow outdoor lighting standards in the Design
Guidelines and Zoning Ordinance aimed at the reduction of glare and light pollution.
Proposed lighting fixtures would include glare-reducing reflectors and shields to direct
light downwards.
Details of the Project are provided in the Development Plan submitted for the Project in
December 2015 contained within Appendix D, as well as AASP amendments proposed by
the Applicant and submitted to the City in May of 2015 contained within Appendix R. The
Development Plan includes primarily physical design, land use design, circulation design
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-30 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
and infrastructure features, where the proposed amendments to the AASP include
programmatic Project description proposals.
2.6.5 Circulation
Circulation throughout the Project site would consist of new collector and residential roads,
residential alleys, Class I and II bicycle paths, sidewalks and pedestrian walkways, and
transit improvements (see Figure 2-5). The Project would include five principal circulation
features that would be installed over the course of six proposed phases of Project
construction (see Figure 2-14; Table 2-7):
1)Offsite roadway improvements that include: the extension of Buckley Road along
the “Caltrans alignment” established by the San Luis Obispo County Public Works
Department to South Higuera Street and the establishment of connections to the
external circulation system within the City, the extension of Earthwood Lane from
the Project site to its current terminus approximately 580 feet north of the Project
site to provide a connection to Suburban Road , and other improvements on Vachell
Lane;
2)Bicycle and pedestrian circulation with proposed Class I and Class II bicycle paths
throughout the Project site;
3)A proposed internal vehicle circulation network of Project collector and residential
roadways with the extension of Venture Drive through the site and connecting with
the extension of Jespersen Road from Buckley Road;
4)Parking; and
5) Transit improvements that connect to the regional public transportation network.
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYVENTURE DRIVEBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANE
EARTHWOOD
LANE
LOS OSOS VALLEY ROADSOUTH HIGUERA STREETSHORT STREETSUBURBAN ROADHORIZON LANE
VENTURE DRIVESUBURBAN ROADBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANE
HORIZON LANE
EARTHWOOD
LANE
SHORT STREET
LOS OSOS VALLEY ROADSOUTH HIGUERA STREETSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYTank Farm CreekEast Fork San Luis Obispo CreekEast Fork San Luis Obispo CreekBUCKLEY ROAD EXTENSIONBUCKLEY ROAD EXTENSIONbb600 foot long segment ofTank Farm Creekto be abandoned and filled600 foot long segment ofTank Farm Creekto be abandoned and filled1,300 foot long newchannel of realignedTank Farm Creek*Buckley RoadClass I Bike PathEarthwood LaneExtensionVenture DriveExtensionTank Farm CreekClass I Bike PathBuckley RoadClass I Bike PathEarthwood LaneExtensionVenture DriveExtension2-5FIGURE0750SCALE IN FEETNProposed Circulation Plan*Offsite creek restoration to be performed by Chevron Tank Farm property owner.LEGENDProposed Project Elements60’ Collector RoadConnector to Existing Road48’ Residential Road20’ Residential AlleyBus StopR1 ResidentialR2 ResidentialR3 ResidentialR4 ResidentialProject Site BoundaryExisting Class II Bike PathProposed Class II Bike PathIntersectionImprovementsbAerial Source: Google 2015.Jespersen RoadExtensionClass 1 Bike PathCommercial Open SpacePark2-31
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-32 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
2.6.5.1 Offsite Improvements and Integration with the External Circulation Network
Buckley Road Extension
The proposed Project would include an offsite extension of Buckley Road to the west of
the existing Buckley Road/ Vachell Lane “dog leg” by 0.25 mile to connect with South
Higuera Street. The proposed intersection of Buckley Road and South Higuera Street
would be signalized. The Buckley Road Extension road segment would be approximately
69 feet wide and would include two lanes and a left-turn center lane, and 8-foot shoulders
with Class II bicycles lanes on either side, and a 5 to 10-foot wide planter on the north side
of Buckley Road (see Figure 2-6). The Buckley Road Extension would also include a Class
I bicycle path on the north side that would eventually connect to the Bob Jones Trail at the
Octagon Barn and the Buckley Road/South Higuera Street intersection. Construction of the
Buckley Road Extension would occur during Project Phase 2 and would require demolition
and removal of existing structures and septic system, relocation of a shed, relocation of
existing utilities and installation of new utilities (gas, electricity, water, and wastewater),
and installation of drainage infrastructure and bioretention areas on both sides of the
proposed roadway.
Figure 2-6. Buckley Road Extension Cross Section
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-33
Final EIR
The extension would improve connectivity from the region and Project site to U.S.
Highway 101 and to South Higuera Street, one of the City’s main arterials. The extension
is planned in the 2014 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), the 2014 City LUCE, the 2014
AASP, and County of San Luis Obispo Circulation and Urban Reserve Line Elements.
Caltrans holds the right-of-way for the majority of the route extension and an Excess Lands
process is currently underway. The County secured one portion of the right-of-way, and
the Applicant acquired the remaining portion of the right-of-way. Construction of the
Buckley Road Extension would require coordination between Caltrans, the County, the
City, and the Applicant. This is proposed as part of Phase 2 of Project Development and
would occur in roughly 2023.
Buckley Road Frontage Improvements
The proposed Project would include frontage and other improvements along 0.75 mile of
Buckley Road along the Project site. Left and right turn lanes would be added along
Buckley Road at Vachell Lane and at the southern entrance to the Project site at Jespersen
Road. 8-foot-wide Class II bicycle lanes would be installed along both the north and south
sides of Buckley Road. However, no westbound Class II bicycle lane is proposed for the
most western 0.25 segment of the north side of Buckley Road along the Project frontage
because of the narrow Tank Farm Creek bridge and Tank Farm Creek that runs adjacent to
it; instead, cyclists would be diverted to the Class I bicycle path within the Project site’s
open space buffer for this segment.
Earthwood Lane Extension
As part of the Project, Earthwood Lane would be extended approximately 580 feet from
the northern boundary of the Project site to connect to the existing southern terminus of
this roadway stub that extends south from Suburban Road, and would continue onsite as a
proposed 48-foot-wide residential collector road. This roadway would include Class II
bicycle lanes and 6-foot sidewalks on both sides of the road. This extension would be
constructed during Phase 1.
Vachell Lane/South Higuera Street Intersection
The Project includes implementation of offsite improvements, including left turn
restrictions at the Vachell Lane/South Higuera Street intersection that would prohibit left
turns into and out of Vachell Lane. This would be installed during Phase 1 of construction.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-34 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
South Higuera Street/ Suburban Road Intersection
The proposed Project would include offsite intersection improvements to the South
Higuera Street/Suburban Road intersection, including restriping to make the westbound
turn lane into a shared right/left turn lane and protected signal phasing for left turns.
2.6.5.2 Class I Paths and Class II Bicycle Lanes, and Pedestrian Circulation
The proposed Project would include the development of approximately 3 miles of multiple
use bicycle paths that would provide bicycle and pedestrian circulation (refer to
Figure 2-5). The proposed bicycle paths include internal Class I paths throughout the site
that link the Town Center, residential areas, Tank Farm Creek, the Neighborhood Park, and
Buckley Road, and connect to proposed City Class I bicycle paths along South Higuera
Street. The Project would include: 1) Tank Farm Creek Class I bicycle path that would run
parallel to the creek and 2) the Buckley Road Class I bicycle path within the Project open
space buffer. The Tank Farm Creek Class I bicycle path would cut diagonally across the
Project site paralleling Tank Farm Creek for most of its course, and terminating at the
Project’s northern border with the Chevron Tank Farm property and 15-foot high berm.
The Buckley Road Class I bicycle path would extend outside the Project site along the
northern side of the Buckley Road Extension to South Higuera Street that would connect
the Project and the other existing bicycle facilities to the Octagon Barn and the Bob Jones
Trail. Class I bicycle paths would be up to 20 feet in width, with a minimum of 12-foot
travel lanes and 2-foot shoulders, except in hillside areas to minimize grading impacts and
along the creek.
Class II bicycle lanes of 8 feet in width are proposed along the western and southern
boundaries of the Project site along the south side of Buckley Road and west side of Vachell
Lane. These Class II bicycle paths would be constructed in accordance with the Bicycle
Transportation Plan design criteria along these roads. The proposed bicycle paths would
connect with City-proposed Class I and II bicycle lanes and would assist in the
implementation of the City’s Bicycle Transportation Plan, which is included in the LUCE
objectives for the Project site. In places where Class I and II lanes are proposed within the
County, bicycle lanes would be designed in accordance with County design standards.
Construction of Class I and II bicycle networks would be a multi-agency effort between
the City, County, and Applicant. The Applicant would develop all segments within the
Project site. Depending on the jurisdiction of the proposed bicycle lane segment, the City
and/or County would develop Class I and II bicycle lanes along the Buckley Road
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-35
Final EIR
Extension, as well as future offsite connection along Santa Fe Road, and East Branch of
San Luis Obispo Creek as part of capital improvements. Implementation of these future
offsite segments is also dependent upon right-of-way acquisitions.
Pedestrian circulation would be accommodated with sidewalks along neighborhood streets
as required by street design standards included in the Development Plan, and off-street
multi-use paths along streets and adjacent to open space areas, as well as pedestrian
improvements to the street network outside the Project site.
2.6.5.3 Proposed Vehicular Circulation within the Project Site
Project access to adjacent public roads would include connections from the internal Project
roadway system to: Buckley Road, Vachell Lane, Venture Drive, Jespersen Road,
Earthwood Lane to Suburban Road (refer to Figure 2-5).
The proposed internal Project roadway system would be linked to existing surrounding
collector streets, as well as to the primary Project entrance off of Buckley Road.
•Jespersen Road Extension: At the east end of the Project site, Horizon Lane would
be extended approximately 2,000 feet south across the site to provide a primary
Project entrance off of Buckley Road at Jespersen Road. Jespersen Road would be
constructed as a proposed 60-foot wide Project collector road, including two 7-foot-
wide on-road Class II bicycle lanes during Phase 4 of construction.
•Earthwood Lane Extension: In the central portion of the site, Earthwood Lane
would be extended south approximately 1,800 feet through the site, then swing for
1,000 feet west to connect with Vachell Lane on the site’s western boundary.
•Venture Drive Extension: Venture Drive would be extended approximately 2,200
feet east from the site’s western boundary to link up with the Horizon Lane
Extension, with these two 60-foot wide collector roads forming the backbone of
internal site circulation.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-36 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
These three proposed collector roads would be designed to carry through vehicle traffic
and through bicycle and pedestrian trips, and would include 7-foot-wide Class II bicycle
lanes, 7-foot planters, and 5-foot sidewalks on each side, with no street parking (refer to
Figure 2-6). At the intersections of the proposed Project site collectors, roundabouts would
be constructed; this includes the intersections of the proposed Earthwood Lane
Extension/Venture Drive Extension, Venture Drive Extension/Jespersen Road Extension,
and Town Center. From the collector roads, up to 17 new 48-foot-wide residential local
roads would provide internal circulation and access to residential neighborhoods, the Town
Center, and proposed parks. Residential roads would include street parking on both sides
and 6-foot walkways to serve the neighborhood. Where proposed residential roads intersect
with Project collector roads, residential roadways would be stop controlled.
A Class I multi-use bicycle path is proposed that would bisect the site diagonally along Tank Farm
Creek.
Project Street Section: 48’ Residential Road
SIDEWALKSIDEWALK SIDEWALKSIDEWALKPARKINGPARKINGPARKINGPARKINGTRAVEL LANETRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANETRAVEL LANE
7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”11’-0”11’-0”11’-0”11’-0”
RESIDENTIALRESIDENTIAL
48’-0”48’-0”
SIDEWALK SIDEWALKPARKINGPARKINGTRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE
7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”11’-0” 11’-0”
RESIDENTIAL
48’-0”
Project Street Section: 60’ Collector Road
SIDEWALKSIDEWALK SIDEWALKSIDEWALKPLANTERPLANTERPLANTERPLANTERBIKE LANEBIKE LANE BIKE LANEBIKE LANETRAVEL LANETRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANETRAVEL LANE
5’-0”5’-0”5’-0”5’-0”7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”7’-0”6’-0”6’-0”6’-0”6’-0”12’-0”12’-0”12’-0”12’-0”
COLLECTORCOLLECTOR
60’-0”60’-0”
SIDEWALK SIDEWALKPLANTERPLANTERBIKE LANE BIKE LANETRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE
5’-0”5’-0”7’-0”7’-0”6’-0”6’-0”12’-0” 12’-0”
COLLECTOR
60’-0”
Project Interior Road Cross Sections 2-7
FIGURE
2-37
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-38 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
2.6.5.4 Parking
Parking would be provided in accordance with City development standards for parking
(Chapter 17.16 of the Municipal Code) and would be located along residential streets, in
covered onsite garages, and onsite guest parking spaces. R-1 and R-2 single-family
residences would provide a minimum of two spaces (at least 820 total spaces) while R-3
and R-4 multi-family units would provide spaces in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance
based on the number of bedrooms proposed for development. Retail and commercial
parking areas in the Town Center would provide approximately 50 to 75 spaces for the
retail/office uses, and another 50 to 75 spaces to support the Neighborhood Park, Town
Center community events, and commercial/office peak parking needs.
2.6.5.5 Transit Improvements
Transit improvements, including new bus stops, are proposed for the Project. The
Applicant would coordinate with City’s Transit Division (SLO Transit) to accommodate
changes in bus routes and install two bus stops: one at the Town Center, and one within the
residential neighborhood north of Tank Farm Creek near the Venture Drive/Earthwood
Lane intersection. Routes would follow the new collector roads that feed into Buckley
Road and Venture Lane. Refer to Section 3.12, Transportation and Traffic, for a more
complete discussion of transit operations.
2.6.6 Utilities and Services
Water, sewer, police and fire services would be provided by the City. Natural gas service
would be provided by Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas). Pacific Gas &
Electric (PG&E) would provide electrical service. Charter Communications would provide
cable and television services.
2.6.6.1 Water
Existing water main facilities that would serve the Project include an 18-inch main along
South Higuera Street, a 12-inch main along Suburban Road, and a new 10-inch main
beneath Earthwood Lane. Currently, the Earthwood water line is approximately one-third
completed, and prepared for extension into the Project site from the north. The Project
includes extension of the Earthwood Lane water line beneath the proposed Project collector
to eventually become a looping system through the Project site. Water line extensions
would also occur along 2,200 feet of Vachell Lane to South Higuera Street, 600 feet along
Venture Drive between Vachell Lane and the Jespersen Road Extension, and beneath the
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-39
Final EIR
Jespersen Road Extension. Project development would include use of horizontal
directional drilling (HDD) beneath Tank Farm Creek for two utility lines (water and sewer)
that traverse Tank Farm Creek (see Figure 2-8). The water line beneath the Jespersen Road
Extension would then connect to a proposed stubbed water main along Buckley Road. This
Buckley Road water main would also enable future connections east of the Project site
along Buckley Road. This would enable circulation for adequate domestic and fire flows.
The City’s recycled water system would be extended from the existing recycled water line
underlying Earthwood Lane into and throughout the Project site along the Earthwood Lane
Extension and other roads. The recycled water line would enter the Project site from the north
and traverse easterly and southerly passing the Town Center and neighborhood park before
traversing east along Buckley road and stubbing out at the Project boundary. Recycled water
would be used for street landscape parkways, mini-parks, pocket parks, and the
Neighborhood Park, and for limited irrigation of the non-agricultural open space areas.
2.6.6.2 Sanitary Sewer
Project site topography would result in gravity flow for wastewater to the south,
downstream from the existing Sewage Treatment Plant, which is located approximately 0.5
mile northwest of the Project site. As such, a system of force mains and/or lift stations
would be needed to transport flows to the lines that feed into the Sewage Treatment Plant.
Sewage would be conveyed through new gravity lines toward the proposed new junction
of Vachell Lane and with the Earthwood Lane Extension, and a pump station would be
constructed within the southwest portion of the Project site near Tank Farm Creek. This
City-owned and operated pump lift station would connect to a proposed force main system
that would be used to transport wastewater flows against gravity flow northwest through
the Project site. It would not only serve the Project but also areas further east on Buckley
Road, and would include a backup generator. A gravity line extending 400 feet south of
the proposed pump station would traverse Tank Farm Creek and would then run easterly
for 2,500 feet beneath Buckley Road.
Offsite, a force main would then be extended 550 feet beneath Earthwood Lane, and the
offsite sewer lines would either 1) tie into an existing main on Suburban Road; or, 2) a
gravity line would be installed along Suburban Road that would extend approximately 800
feet east west from Earthwood Lane. The proposed gravity line would then be constructed
to extend northerly to Tank Farm Road to tie in to the existing main line in Tank Farm
Road. This Tank Farm Road main line feeds directly into the existing Tank Farm Lift
Station (see Figure 2-9).
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSOUTH HIGUERA STREETSOUTH HIGUERA STREETVENTURE DRIVEVENTURE DRIVEBUCKLEY ROADBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANEVACHELL LANESUBURBAN ROADSUBURBAN ROADHORIZON LANEHORIZON LANE
VENTURE DRIVESUBURBAN ROADBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANE
SOUTH HIGUERA STREETHORIZON LANE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYTank Farm CreekEast Fork San Luis Obispo CreekEast Fork San Luis Obispo Creek2-8FIGURE0600SCALE IN FEETNProposed Water Supply LinesAerial Source: Google 2015.LEGENDProposed Project Land UseRoadwayCommercialOpen Space/ ParkResidentialProject Site BoundaryBike PathProposed Potable WaterSupply LineProposed Recycled WaterSupply LineHorizontal Directional DrillingHDDHDD2-40
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYVENTURE DRIVEVENTURE DRIVEBUCKLEY ROADBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANEVACHELL LANE
EARTHWOODEARTHWOOD
LANELANE
LOS OSOS VALLEY ROADSOUTH HIGUERA STREETSOUTH HIGUERA STREETSHORT STREETSHORT STREET
TANK FARM ROADTANK FARM ROADSUBURBAN ROADSUBURBAN ROADHORIZON LANEHORIZON LANE
VENTURE DRIVESUBURBAN ROADTANK FARM ROADBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANE
HORIZON LANE
EARTHWOOD
LANE
SHORT STREET
LOS OSOS VALLEY ROADSOUTH HIGUERA STREETSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYTank Farm CreekEast Fork San Luis ObispoCreekEast Fork San Luis Obispo CreekWASTEWATERRESOURCERECOVERYFACILITYTANK FARMTANK FARMLIFT STATIONLIFT STATIONTANK FARMLIFT STATION2-9FIGURE0750SCALE IN FEETNAerial Source: Google 2015.Proposed Wastewater Collection SystemLEGENDProposed Wastewater Lines and Flow DirectionProposed Project Land UseRoadwayCommercialOpen Space/ ParkResidentialProject Site BoundaryProposed Bike PathGravity Line Force MainProposed LiftStation2-41
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-42 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
2.6.6.3 Dry Utilities
Electrical service would be provided by PG&E with the underground extension of lines
from overhead lines along the west side of Vachell Lane and the south side of Suburban
Road. Natural gas service would be provided by SoCal Gas and proposed gas lines would
tie into the existing 16-inch high pressure main line extending southeasterly beneath
Vachell Lane and Buckley Road, including a pressure reducing station. Cable and
television services exist along Vachell Lane and would be extended into the site. Solid
waste disposal would be provided by the San Luis Obispo Garbage Company.
2.6.6.4 Fire Protection Services
Fire protection services for the site would be provided by the San Luis Obispo Fire
Department (SLOFD). The proposed residential, commercial, and open space uses would
require increased fire and emergency response services from SLOFD. The 2016 Fire
Service Master Plan Update identifies the need for a fifth fire station to serve the southern
extent of the City, including the Project site, in order to maintain acceptable service levels
and response times. However, the timing of the construction and operation of the fifth fire
station is not currently determined and is dependent on the timing of development and
collection of development impact fees and land-based funding mechanisms. As such, an
Interim Fire Station would be required to provide adequate service to the Project site. A
0.3-acre site to house an Interim Fire Station would be set aside within Phase 3 of the
Project at the intersection of Earthwood Lane/Venture Drive. The Interim Fire Station
would be constructed at 50 percent buildout of the Project site and would include a two-
person crew. At 90 percent build out of the Fire Station 5’s primary service area within the
2016 Fire Department Master Plan, a full, three-person crew would be provided. The
station would be located at the southern planning area of the City as identified in the 2016
Fire Department Master Plan (see also Section 3.11, Public Services). This Interim Fire
Station would remain in operation until the City’s fifth fire station is constructed and fully
operational, at which point the City’s fifth fire station would provide fire protection
services for the new residential units and surrounding population near the City’s southern
edge. The Interim Fire Station would be decommissioned after the fifth fire station is
operational and the site would be converted to a public park.
2.6.7 Stormwater Conveyances
The Project would be subject to the Low Impact Development (LID) standards of the
Regional Water Quality Control Board’s (RWQCB’s) Post Construction Requirements.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-43
Final EIR
Proposed storm water conveyance infrastructure would include an approximately 1,600-
foot long, 12-foot-wide surface flow collection swale along the northwestern n boundary
of the Project site, drainage culverts throughout the site installed beneath proposed Project
roadways, and a dual pocket park/bioretention basin (see Figure 2-10). The 12-foot wide
collection swale would be constructed onsite from the northwest corner of the Project site
to the proposed Jespersen Road Extension. The swale would contain a concrete retaining
wall rising 2 to 4 feet above the existing grade on the south side, and would contain 2:1
slopes on either side of the swale. The swale would collect offsite runoff entering the site
from the north and would connect with three existing retention basins located offsite
adjacent to the northern Project boundary; the swale would contain a 5 percent longitudinal
slope that would send runoff flows east to connect with three proposed culverts that would
convey runoff for discharge into Tank Farm Creek. This swale would be managed and
maintained by the local homeowners group.
Surface runoff from streets and sidewalks within the Project site would be conveyed by
gutters and streets that connect to the storm water pipe network. Stormwater conveyance
culverts would flow into Tank Farm Creek via eight outlets of various pipe sizes (see
Table 2-6). Installation of a storm water conveyance system would occur across all phases
of construction, and drainage outlets along Tank Farm Creek would include the
construction of headwalls and concrete aprons within the creek invert to direct flows (see
Figure 2-11).
Table 2-6. Pipe and Riprap Sizes at Drainage Outlets
Drainage Outlet Design Storm Pipe Size (inches) Apron Size
1 100-year 24 69.2
2 10-year 36 210.0
3 10-year 24 69.2
4 10-year 24 69.2
5 100-year 48 480.0
6 10-year 24 69.2
7 100-year 54 607.5
8 10-year 30 145.6
Apron dimensions based on methods in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) HEC. No 14.
Source: Cannon 2015.
CHEVRON TANK FARM PROPERTYCHEVRON TANK FARM PROPERTYEXISTING BUCKLEY ROAD BRIDGEEXISTING BUCKLEY ROAD BRIDGEREALIGNEDREALIGNEDTANK FARM CREEKTANK FARM CREEKPROPOSEDPROPOSEDTANK FARM CREEK TANK FARM CREEK HEADWALLHEADWALLDECOMMISSIONEDDECOMMISSIONEDTANK FARM CREEK HEADWALLTANK FARM CREEK HEADWALLLOSOSOSVALLEYROADBUCKLEY ROADBUCKLEY ROADEARTHWOODEARTHWOOD
LANELANE
HORIZON LANEHORIZON LANE
VENTURE DRIVEVENTURE DRIVESHORT STREETSHORT STREET
VACHELL LANEVACHELL LANE BUCKLEY ROADHORIZON LANE
SHORT STREET
EARTHWOOD
LANE
VACHELL LANE VENTURE DRIVECHEVRON TANK FARM PROPERTYEXISTING BUCKLEY ROAD BRIDGEDECOMMISSIONEDTANK FARM CREEK HEADWALLPROPOSEDTANK FARM CREEK HEADWALLREALIGNEDTANK FARM CREEKTank Farm Creek14231423#2#2#1#1#3#3#4#4#5#5#6#6#7#7#8#8#3#2#1#4#5#6#7#82-10FIGURE0500SCALE IN FEETNAerial Source: Google 2015.Proposed Drainage Conditions on the Project Site##LEGENDProject SiteExisting Retention BasinProposed Dual Retention Basin/Pocket ParkProposed 12’ Wide Collection SwaleApproximate Location of ProposedDrainage Outlet (see detail below right)Approximate Location of ProposedDrainage CulvertApproximate FEMA 100-Year FloodplainApproximate Proposed Conditions100-Year Floodplain (7.7 Acres on Site)Tank Farm Berm44##Outlet Number Culvert Diameter1234567824”36”24”24”48”24”54”30”Drainage Outlet Details2-44
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-45
Final EIR
Figure 2-11. Proposed Drainage Outlet Structure in Tank Farm Creek
As described above, within the southwest portion of the site is a proposed dual pocket
park/bioretention basin. The bioretention basin would lie within the proposed open space
buffer and would contain recreational land uses and open areas. This would be a 0.2-acre
basin that would detain runoff from streets and sidewalks within the R-2 neighborhood
proposed on the western portion of the site. Surface runoff in the western portion of the
site would enter the storm water pipe system, and would then discharge to the bioretention
basin. In the event of a large storm event, a culvert would convey overflow from the
bioretention basin to Tank Farm Creek.
In addition, the Project would include features to reduce impermeable surfaces. These
include the usage of pervious pavement and pavers for R-2 driveways, and the usage of
pavers and porous surfaces on at least 20 percent of parking areas in conjunction with V-
gutters and French drains.
2.6.8 Tank Farm Creek Realignment and Restoration
The proposed Project would include realignment of segments of Tank Farm Creek in order
to improve development and circulation design, improve on- and offsite drainage,
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-46 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
accommodate flood flows, and restore riparian habitats. As part of this effort, the Project
would include realignment of Tank Farm Creek to its historic route, burial of 600 feet of
the northern creek segment, restoration of disturbed areas, and enhancement of existing
retained habitats. Key drainage improvements would include installation of a culvert
through the existing 15- to 20-foot high berm along the Project site/Chevron Tank Farm
property boundary to convey runoff water via Tank Farm Creek to San Luis Obispo Creek.
Substantial grading would occur along both sides of the creek corridor to raise finish floor
elevations for new building pads, and the creek would also undergo a series of
modifications to control flood flows.
2.6.8.1 Offsite Improvements
Under existing conditions, runoff from the Chevron Tank Farm property is released into
small drainage channels on properties located north of the Project site and west of the
Chevron Tank Farm property, then flow to the North-South Creek Segment just west of
Horizon Lane. Drainage also enters the Project site from properties to the east via the East-
West Channel. These channels merge into the existing alignment of Tank Farm Creek.
The final EIR for the Chevron Tank Farm Remediation and Development Project
recommends realignment of the North-South Creek Segment to convey runoff through the
Chevron Tank Farm property and connect to the Project site at approximately its
northeastern corner. As described above as an onsite improvement, the Project would
realign the North-South Creek Segment to connect with the recommended alignment of
Tank Farm Creek from the Chevron Tank Farm Remediation and Development Project
EIR. This realigned drainage would roughly match the location of the historic Tank Farm
Creek alignment. The realignment of Tank Farm Creek as part of the proposed Project
would connect with planned drainage improvements to the northeast from the Chevron
Tank Farm property.
Offsite Tank Farm Creek improvements planned for the Chevron Tank Farm property
would include improved flood flow storage, realignment of existing drainage patterns and
conveyance of runoff to a new discharge location along the northwestern Project site
boundary approximately 800 feet east of its current discharge location into the Project site.
Planned Chevron Tank Farm property drainage improvements would include excavation
of storage capacity for a 100-year storm event and along with discharge controls to regulate
the rate of outflow to minimize downstream flooding. Three existing detention ponds
upstream of the existing headwall on the western side of Chevron Tank Farm property,
NorthwestSoutheastClass 1Bikepath20’15’48’48’41’ 4’42.411RiparianLot 188Riparian Creek SetbackLot 525WetlandTank FarmCreekExistingTopographyLimit ofFillPadEarthwoodLaneNorthSouth20’42’17’48’25’ 11’39’PadRiparianClass 1BikepathLot 600P Street3131Wetland RiparianCreek SetbackCreek SetbackTank FarmCreekLimit ofFillExistingTopographyVENTURE WAYBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANETank Farm CreekAB0700FEETNProject SiteCross SectionLocationXLEGEND2-12FIGUREIllustrative Tank Farm Creek Cross SectionsCROSS SECTION ACROSS SECTION BBased on CannonCorp Engineering Consultants Tentative Tract Map, Sheet C4 andGrading Plan, Sheets C17, C18, C21, C22 9/15/2015.2-47
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-48 Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
approximately 950 feet upstream of the Project site boundary, would be excavated into a
single pond. The future discharge location from this pond would be relocated from the
western to southern boundary of the Tank Farm Property adjacent to the Project site. The
existing headwall structure that regulates outflow from the Tank farm to properties to the
west would be decommissioned. Further discharge would be conveyed to the south through
a proposed underground culvert of up to 48 inches in diameter that would pass under the
existing 15- to 20-foot-high levee along the southern boundary of the Chevron Tank Farm
property into the Project site. The new culvert would convey flows from the new larger
detention pond that would collect runoff from three Tank Farm Creek tributaries on the
Chevron Tank Farm property, and direct flows underground to a discharge point, most
likely a new concrete headwall structure along the northeast border of the Project site to
connect with the realigned segment of Tank Farm Creek proposed as part of the Project.
These improvements would be done as part of the Chevron Tank Farm Remediation and
Development Project and would be required to conform to the City’s Waterway
Management Plan.
2.6.8.2 Onsite Tank Farm Creek Realignment and Floodplain Improvements
Onsite drainage improvements would consist of abandonment of the 600-foot long
alignment of the North-South Creek Segment of Tank Farm Creek, fill of the 1,200-foot
East-West Channel, construction of a 850-foot long realigned extension of Tank Farm
Creek east to the Chevron Tank Farm property, installation of various headwalls, culverts,
and down drains for runoff conveyance and grading to provide flood conveyance and
storage areas along Tank Farm Creek. These improvements are discussed below.
The 600-foot North-South Creek Segment of the existing alignment of northern Tank Farm
Creek that currently conveys runoff from north of the Project site into the main branch of
Tank Farm Creek would be filled in to permit new development. Runoff from the Chevron
Tank Farm property would be conveyed through the newly realigned channel of northern
Tank Farm Creek.
As discussed in Section 2.6.6.1 above, runoff from the Chevron Tank Farm property would
be collected in a new 48-inch culvert for conveyance into the newly realigned segment of
Tank Farm Creek on the Project site. Although not yet specified, related improvements
would likely include construction of concrete wing walls at the Tank Farm berm with an
energy dissipater at the discharge point into the realigned Tank Farm Creek. From this
discharge point, the newly realigned channel of Tank Farm Creek would extend
approximately 850 feet southwest to connect to the remaining intact creek channel. The
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Avila Ranch Development Project 2-49
Final EIR
newly realigned channel of Tank Farm Creek is proposed to be approximately 15 feet in
width at the bottom of the invert with 3:1 slopes and would include a newly created riparian
corridor with 25-foot setbacks from the edge of riparian habitat on both sides. This newly
realigned creek channel would generally traverse a planned open space area of
approximately 800 feet in width, but would pass under a proposed bridge supporting the
60-foot wide extension of Horizon Lane, and flow into the existing Tank Farm Creek
drainage channel.
The remainder of the existing channel would largely remain intact through the rest of its
course through the Project site; however, grading adjacent to the creek but outside of the
riparian corridor would result in a 2- to 8-foot change in grade that would accommodate
100-year flood events. Riparian zones of at least 25 feet in width from the creek centerline
are proposed along this realigned drainage segment to buffer habitat from adjacent planned
development including housing and roads, although the majority of the Tank Farm Creek
Class I bicycle path would be constructed within the riparian corridor (see Figure 2-12).
Outflow from the Tank Farm Creek drainage would continue to be conveyed under
Buckley Road and connect with the East Fork of San Luis Obispo Creek.
Runoff from residential areas within the Project site would be directed to vegetated
treatment facilities onsite; however, for larger storm events, overflow from the vegetated
treatment areas would discharge into the storm drain system for conveyance into Tank
Farm Creek at eight outfalls along the creek. Runoff from public sidewalks, paths, and
streets would also be conveyed by surface flow into the vegetated treatment areas, which
would overflow into a storm drain system that discharges to the creek. For additional
information on the hydrology of the Project site, please refer to Section 3.7, Hydrology and
Water Quality.
2.7 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
2.7.1 Phasing
Construction of the Project would occur over six phases, which are anticipated to be
completed over a period of approximately 10 years between 2020 and 2030 (see
Figure 2-13 and Table 2-7). Construction phases would involve site preparation, grading,
building construction, paving, and architectural coatings with each phase of construction
occurring over a span of one to three years. Phases 1 and 2 would also include grading of
areas for Phase 3 and Phase 4 to borrow 8,000 cubic yards (cy) of soil needed for fill on
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Table 2-7. Phases and Duration
Phase Project Component Year Grading (cy)1
1
•Construction of 185 R-2 units.
•Completion of frontage improvements along Buckley Road
and Vachell Lane.
•Extension of Earthwood Lane from the roadway segment
off of Suburban Road through the Project site and
connecting to Vachell Lane, along with Class II bicycle
lanes and sidewalks.
•Extension of Venture Drive along the frontage of the phase
through the Venture Drive/Earthwood Lane roundabout and
connection of Earthwood to Suburban, with Class II bicycle
lane.
•Construction of the sewer pump station and force main
along Earthwood Lane Extension.
•Extension of dry utilities proposed within Phase 1.
•Completion of pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Tank
Farm Creek in the southwestern portion of the site (Class I
Tank Farm Bridge No. 1).
•Construction of Class I bicycle path from the southwest
corner of Buckley Road to Class I Tank Farm Bridge No. 1
within the Project site, and along Tank Farm Creek within
Phase 1 of the site.
•Construction of a Class II bicycle lane bridge on the south
side of Buckley Road adjacent to the Buckley Road Tank
Farm Creek Bridge.
•Construction of residential roads.
•Installation of transit stop to the east of the proposed
roundabout at Venture Drive/ Earthwood Lane.
•South Higuera Street/ Suburban Road intersection
improvements.
•Vachell Lane/South Higuera Street intersection
improvements.
•Development of the pocket park/bioretention basin and
mini parks.
•Development of 12-foot wide collection swale.
•Grading of Phase 3 and 4 areas to provide 8,000 cy of fill
for Phase 1 and 2.
2020
-
2023
116,600 cut/
119,400 fill
2
•Construction of 29 R-2 units.
•Extension of utility lines throughout the Phase II area.
•Completion of Buckley Road Extension from the Project
site to South Higuera Street, including Class I & II bicycle
paths.
•Installation of the Tank Farm Creek Class I path along Tank
Farm Creek within Phase 2.
2024 69,650 cut/
74,850 fill
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Final EIR
Table 2-7. Phases and Duration (Continued)
Phase Project Component Year Grading (cy)1
3
•Construction of 91 R-2 units.
•Construction of 125 R-4 units (including 35 inclusionary
housing units).
•Extension and completion of Project collector and
residential roads throughout the site along the Project
frontages to Horizon Lane.
•Realignment of the Tank Farm Creek segment to
accommodate the 100-year flood event.
•Construction of the Phase 3 mini-parks.
•Completion of the Tank Farm Creek Class I path.
•Construction of the Interim Fire Station
2024
-
2025
77,550 cut/
68,700 fill
4
•Construction of 185 R-3 units (including 35 inclusionary
housing units.
•Development of the Neighborhood Park and Community
Gardens.
•Construction of vehicle and pedestrian bridge from Venture
to Jespersen Road.
•Completion of Jespersen Road to Buckley Road roadway
segment and utilities along this roadway.
•Grading of Phase 5 area to provide 4,300 cy of fill.
2026
-
2028
26,600 cut/
30,900 fill
5
•Construction of 105 R-1 units.
•Installation of utilities with the R-1 residential area
2026
-
2028
62,700 cut/
62,700 fill
6
•Construction of the Neighborhood Commercial Town
Center sites.
•Buckley Road frontage improvements.
•Construction of the remainder of street frontages, utilities
along Buckley Road, and open space/buffer area along
Buckley Road.
2029-
2030
8,756 cut/
8,756 fill
TOTAL 361,856 cut/
365,306 fill
1 Grading estimates are approximate. Includes all earthwork, including rough grading, utility trench spoils, and spoils
from building foundations for all Project on and offsite construction.
East Fork San Luis Obispo CreekBUCKLEY ROAD EXTENSION(PART OF PHASE 2)SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSOUTH HIGUERA STREETVENTURE DRIVEBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANESUBURBAN ROADHORIZON LANE
VENTURE DRIVESUBURBAN ROADBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANE
SOUTH HIGUERA STREETHORIZON LANE
HIGH DENSITYRESIDENTIALMEDIUM DENSITYRESIDENTIALLOW DENSITYRESIDENTIALPOCKET PARKNEIGHBORHOODPARKMEDIUM-HIGHDENSITYRESIDENTIALTOWNCENTERPHASE 6PHASE 4PHASE 3PHASE 2PHASE 1PHASE 5PHASE 6PHASE 4PHASE 3PHASE 2PHASE 1PHASE 5SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYTank Farm CreekEast Fork San Luis Obispo CreekBUCKLEY ROAD EXTENSION(PART OF PHASE 2)600 foot long segment ofTank Farm Creekto be abandoned and filled600 foot long segment ofTank Farm Creekto be abandoned and filled1,300 foot long newchannel of realignedTank Farm Creek*2-13FIGURE0600SCALE IN FEETNConstruction Phasing*Offsite creek restoration to be performed by Chevron Tank Farm property owner.LEGENDProposed Project Land UseProject Site BoundaryBike PathRoadwayCommercial – 3.34 acresOpen Space – 55.30 acresPark – 16.00 acresR1 Residential – Low Density, 105 unitsR2 Residential – Medium Density, 305 unitsR3 Residential – Medium-High Density, 185 unitsR4 Residential – High Density, 125 unitsAerial Source: Google 2015.2-52
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-53
Final EIR
Phases 1 and 2. Phase 4 would involve grading within areas of Phase 5 to borrow 4,300 cy
of soil needed for fill in Phase 4. Building construction, paving, and architectural coating
activities would then occur within each phase sequentially. At the time of construction,
each phase would be subject to permit review to ensure conformity with the approved Avila
Ranch Development Plan and the AASP, and consistency with applicable regulations. Each
phase would include specifications to address the development activities to be performed
during the phase and define specific mitigation measures and best management practices
(BMPs) that would apply.
2.7.2 Construction Activities
Each phase of the Project would generally entail the following stages: pre-construction
design and permitting, site preparation and grading, construction, and final landscaping. A
list of equipment anticipated to be used during these activities can be found in Table 2-8.
Table 2-8. List of Construction Equipment
Typical Construction Equipment
Backhoe Grader
Boom Lift Loader
Compactor (Roller) Miscellaneous Small Tools
Concrete Pump (Tow) Office Trailers
Concrete Truck Paving Machine
Crane Scaffolding
Dozer Scissor Lift
Dump Truck Scraper
Electric Man Lift Sheepsfoot
Excavator Skip Loader
Flatbed Truck Tractor
Forklift Water truck
2.7.2.1 Site Preparation and Grading
Site preparation for each phase would be performed through grading along proposed
roadways, building pads, and installation of onsite utilities. Mobilization and staging of
earth moving equipment would be required in order to bring the site and building pads to
engineered elevations. During grading operations, standard dust control and construction
runoff BMPs would be implemented. Additional requirements would be specified in detail
during the design of final engineered drawings prior to issuance of grading permits. Cut
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and fill estimates for each phase are provided in Table 2-7. Activities would include but
not be limited to:
•Full mobilization and set up of onsite construction temporary facilities;
•Movement, placement and compaction of stockpiled soils;
•Over-excavation and recompaction of soils at building pads;
•Coordination of loading and trucking activities, truck routes, and export sites;
•Delivery, staging, and storing of materials;
•Trenching and installation of utilities (water, sewer, storm drain, natural gas,
electric, telephone, cable television, and irrigation lines);
•Environmental monitoring, including fugitive dust control and implementation and
monitoring of construction storm water runoff; and
•Monitoring and recording of BMPs.
Cut and fill would be balanced onsite and within each phase; no stock piling of soils would
occur.
2.7.2.2 Onsite Infrastructure Improvements
The construction of onsite infrastructure would include installation of underground site
utilities, precise site grading, and the paving of roads. Activities would include but not be
limited to:
•Trenching for underground wet and dry utilities;
•Precise grading and compaction of soils for roadways;
•Precise grading for curb and gutter installation;
•Installation of concrete curb, gutter, and site concrete;
•Installation of base and asphalt paving of interior streets and parking areas; and
•Lighting and landscaping.
2.7.2.3 Offsite Infrastructure Improvements
Construction of offsite roadway improvements would occur at the following locations:
•Buckley Road Extension between Vachell Lane and South Higuera Street;
•Buckley Road improvements and Class II bicycle lane installation along the entire
length of the southern site boundary;
•Venture Drive between the eastern terminus of Venture Drive and Jespersen Road;
•Horizon Lane between the Project site northern boundary and the Venture Drive
Extension;
•Intersections of South Higuera Street/Suburban Road and South Higuera
Street/Vachell Lane;
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Avila Ranch Development Project 2-55
Final EIR
•Intersection of Jespersen Road and Buckley Road; and
•Earthwood Lane between the Project boundary and the existing Earthwood Lane
roadway.
These roadway segments would experience closures during construction phases (see Figure
2-14). All work would be subject to traffic control, pedestrian protection, and notification
plans. Project traffic control and pedestrian re-routing plans would be revised to reflect the
changing conditions throughout construction.
Underground site utilities would be connected to the existing utility infrastructure and
precise grading, concrete, underground utility work, and paving would be performed
offsite. Work would take place primarily along Vachell Lane, Buckley Road, Suburban
Road, and Earthwood Lane. Activities would include, but not be limited to:
•Traffic control and lane closures on an intermittent basis;
•Trenching, installation, and roadway repair for underground wet and dry utilities
along Vachell Lane and Earthwood Lane;
•Saw cut and demolition of the existing asphalt at the edge of the roadway on
Buckley Road for the length of the site;
•Precise grading and compaction of soils;
•Installation of base and asphalt paving;
•Curb and gutter installation; and
•Streetlights, road striping, and signage work.
2.7.2.4 Building Construction
Building construction would consist of the construction of 720 housing units and 15,000 sf
of commercial space in the Town Center. Construction of buildings would be concurrent
within each phase, with construction crews working concurrently at multiple locations on
the Project site.
2.7.3 Phasing of Transportation Improvements
The following transportation improvements are proposed as part of the Project (see Figure
2-14):
bbEast Fork San Luis Obispo CreekBUCKLEY ROAD EXTENSIONSAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYSOUTH HIGUERA STREETEARTHWOOD
LANE
VENTURE DRIVEJESPERSEN ROAD
BUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANESUBURBAN ROADHORIZON LANE
VENTURE DRIVESUBURBAN ROADBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANE
JESPERSEN ROAD
EARTHWOOD
LANE
SOUTH HIGUERA STREETHORIZON LANE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY BOUNDARYTank Farm CreekEast Fork San Luis Obispo CreekBUCKLEY ROAD EXTENSION600 foot long segment ofTank Farm Creekto be abandoned and filled600 foot long segment ofTank Farm Creekto be abandoned and filled1,300 foot long newchannel of realignedTank Farm Creek*PHASE 6PHASE 4PHASE 3PHASE 2PHASE 1PHASE 5Aerial Source: Google 2015.2-14FIGURE0600SCALE IN FEETNPhasing of Project Transportation ImprovementsLEGENDProject Site BoundaryClass I Bike PathClass II Bike PathBridgeBus StopIntersectionImprovementsbTransportation PhasingPhase BoundaryPhase 1Phase 2Phase 3Phase 4Phase 5Phase 6Proposed Project Land UseCommercialOpen Space/ ParkResidentialNotes: All roadway and frontage improvementsinclude pedestrian facilities.Offsite Horizon Lane improvements arenot part of the Project.Refer to Table 2-7 for a list of specific improvements.2-56
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Final EIR
Phase 1 Project Improvements (On- and Offsite):
•Extension of Earthwood Lane from its current terminus south approximately 550
feet to the northern boundary of the Project site, and approximately 2,800 feet onsite
curving through Phase 1 development and connecting to Vachell Lane (refer to
Figure 2-14). Approximately the northern 2,350 feet would be a 60-foot wide
collector road, and the last 1,000 feet would be a 48-foot wide residential road
connecting to Vachell Lane.
•Extension of Venture Drive approximately 900 feet east from its current terminus
to the proposed Earthwood Lane & Venture Drive roundabout intersection. This
extension would be a 60-foot wide collector road.
•Class II bicycle paths along both sides of Venture Drive and Earthwood Lane.
•Class I bicycle path from the southwest corner of the site through the Phase 1 open
space area in the south, and approximately 800 feet of the Tank Farm Creek Class
I bicycle path.
•Completion of internal residential roads within Phase 1 development.
•Installation of left turn restrictions at the South Higuera Street & Vachell Lane
intersection.
•Restriping the Suburban Road & South Higuera Street intersection to make the
westbound right turn lane into a shared right/left turn lane.
•Approximately 1,000 feet of frontage improvements along Buckley Road and 650
feet of frontage improvements along Vachell Lane within Phase 1.
Phase 2 Project Improvements (On- and Offsite):
•Buckley Road Extension from Vachell Lane to South Higuera Street, with a Class
I bicycle path to the north of the road and Class II bicycle lanes on both sides of the
road.
•Class II bicycle lanes along Vachell Lane from Buckley Road north to
approximately 250 feet north of the Earthwood Lane/Vachell Lane intersection.
•Continuation of the Tank Farm Creek Class I bicycle path through Phase 2 area.
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Phase 3 Project Improvements (Onsite):
•Completion of internal residential roads within Phase 3 development, including the
extension of Venture Drive from the roundabout east about 1,500 feet to the end of
the Phase 3 development.
Phase 4 Project Improvements (Onsite):
•Completion of the Jespersen Road Extension from Buckley Road to the northern
boundary with Class II bicycle lane on both sides.
•Buckley Road entrance improvements.
•Construction of the vehicle and pedestrian bridge from Venture Drive to Jespersen
Road.
Phase 5 Project Improvements (Onsite):
•Completion of internal residential roads within Phase 5 development.
•Class I bicycle path bridge cross Tank Farm Creek that connects Venture Drive to
local residential roads within Phase 5 development.
Phase 6 Project Improvements (On- and Offsite):
•Class I bicycle path along Buckley Road between Tank Farm Creek and the eastern
Project site boundary.
•Buckley Road frontage improvements, including left and right turn lanes and 8-foot
wide Class II bicycle lanes on both sides of Buckley Road along 0.75 mile of the
Buckley Road Project frontage.