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HomeMy WebLinkAbout99-056,55,54 DublinSP10-10-2000 AGENDA STATEMENT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: October 10, 2000 SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING: PA 99-056, West Dublin BART Specific Plan; PA 99-055, Downtown Core Specific Plan; and, PA 99-054, Village Parkway Specific Plan, Specific Plans, General Plan Amendments, and repeal of portions of the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan (Report Prepared by Janet Harbin, Senior Planner, and Jerry Haag, Consulting Planner) ATTACHMENTS: 1) 2) RECOMMENDATION: 1) 2) 4) 5) 6) Draft Resolution recommending City Council adoption of a Negative Declaration Draft Resolution recommending City Council approval of the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, Downtown Core Specific Plan, and Village Parkway Specific Plan and repeal of portions of the 1987 Downtown Dublin Specific Plan Draft Resolution recommending City Council approval of General Plan Amendments (with General Plan Text attached as Exhibits A and B, and General Plan Land Use Maps attached as Exhibits C and D) Initial Study/Negative Declaration West Dublin BART Specific Plan Downtown Core Specific Plan Village Parkway Specific Plan Planning Commission staff report from September 26, 2000 Open the public hearing Receive staff presentation and public testimony Close the public hearing Adopt Resolution (Attachment 1) recommending City Council adoption of a Negative Declaration Adopt Resolution (Attachment 2) recommending City Council approval of the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, Downtown Core Specific Plan, and Village Parkway Specific Plan and repeal of portions of the 1987 Downtown Dublin Specific Plan Adopt Resolution (Attachment 3) recommending City Council approval of General Plan Amendments (with General Plan Text attached as Exhibits A and B, and General Plan Land Use Maps attached as Exhibits C and D) PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This application includes consideration of three Specific Plans for adoption prepared to provide a framework for revitalizing and improving the downtown area of Dublin. A General Plan Amendment to add a Mixed-Use designation category, General Plan Amendments to redesignate some land uses and modify the maximum FAR allowed in the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans areas, COPIES TO: PA File Village Parkway Task Force Robert Enea and repeal of portions of the existing Downtown Dublin Specific Plan related to Development Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11 are also being proposed to assist in the implementation of the three proposed Specific Plans. The three draft Specific Plans have been drafted for the purpose of guiding the development and redevelopment of Do~vntown Dublin. The West Dublin BART Specific Plan area includes approximately 70 acres of land and is located north of the I-580 freeway, east of San Ramon Road, south of Dublin Boulevard and generally west of Golden Gate Drive. Ihe Downtown Core Specific Plan area, consisting of approximately 51 acres of land, is located north of Dublin Boulevard, west of the 1-80 freeway, south of Amador Valley Boulevard and east of the Dublin Green shopping center. The Village Parkway Specific Plan area is generally located along the east and west sides of Village Parkway between Dublin Boulevard to the south and Amador Valley Boulevard to the north, and consists of approximately 31 acres of land. Previous Action by Planning Commission On September 26, 2000, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Specific Plans project. At that time, the Commission continued the public hearing and consideration of the three Specific Plans to October i 0, 2000 to allow additional time to review the specific plan documents and to receive further comments on the plans. Attachment 8 to this report is the September 26, 2000 Staff Report to the Planning Commission which contains a complete description and analysis of the Specific Plans. Comments Received A letter was distributed to the Planning Commissioners at the last meeting from Ken and Marc Harvey of Dublin Honda regarding concerns related to the impacts on their property of potential land use changes in the Downtown Core Specific Plan area. Additionally, the Commissioners have received a copy of a letter to the City Council from William Bums, representing Crown Chevrolet, regarding the impacts of proposed traffic mitigation measures and improvements on Golden Gate Drive contained in the West Dublin BART Specific Plan to the auto dealership's property. Responses to these letters are currently being prepared. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Planning Commission open the Public Hearing, deliberate and adopt the following resolutions: 1. Adopt Resolution (Attachment 1) recommending City Council adoption of a Negative Declaration. Adopt Resolution (Attachment 2) recommending City Council approval of the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, Downtown Core Specific Plan, and Village Parkway Specific Plan and repeal o£portions of the 1987 Downtown Dublin Specific Plan. 3. Adopt Resolution (Attachment 3) recommending City Council approval of General Plan Amendments (with General Plan Text attached as Exhibits A and B, and General Plan Land Use Maps attached as Exhibits C and D). LAW OFFICE PETER ~VIAc DONALD 400 MAIN STREET, SUITE 210 (925) 462-019 I FAX (925) 462-0404 petemacd @ix.netcom,com October 10, 2000 City of Dublin Planning Commission 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 SUBJECT: West Dublin BART Specific Plan Dear Members of the Planning Commission, I am writing on behalf of St. Michaels Investments. St. Michaels Investments is owner of the properties known as Enea Plaza and the land on which Stoneridge Chrysler Plymouth dealership is located, all on Amador Plaza Road south of Dublin Boulevard. We are concerned that the West Dublin BART Specific Plan does not incorporate those Amador Plaza Road properties. These are the only properties south of Dublin Boulevard between San Ramon Valley Boulevard and 1-680 which are not in the West Dublin Bart Specific Plan. The BART Station and associated land uses will have potentially significant effect on operation and land use o£the Amador Plaza Road properties and upon the intersection of St. Patricks Way with Amador Plaza Road. It is imperative that the City initiate a Specific Plan amendment incorporating the remaining properties on Amador Plaza Road into the Specific Plan. The Specific Plan needs to develop a realistic scenario for the ultimate buildout of the entire area south of Dublin Boulevard, and not leave it for the last property to redevelop to solve all the problems not addressed in the original Specific Plan. We cannot consent to use of a Negative Declaration unless we have assurances that the ultimate development of the BART area will be comprehensively planned. cc: Robert Enea Very Truly Yours, Peter MacDonald RECEIVED VED [~, t ~000 ~000 DUBLIN pLANNING RESOLUTION NO. 00- A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE WEST DUBLIN BART SPECIFIC PLAN, DOWNTOWN CORE SPECIFIC PLAN, AND THE VILLAGE PARKWAY SPECIFIC PLAN PA 99-054, PA 99-055, AND PA 99-056 WHEREAS, the City has prepared and recommended for approval the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, the Downtown Core Specific Plan, and the Village Parkway Specific Plan, which have been prepared pursuant to Government Code Sec. 65450; and, WHEREAS, the Specific Plans include permitted land uses, development standards, urban design guidelines, transportation improvements and implementation programs to achieve the goals of the Dublin General Plan; and, WHEREAS, the City prepared an Initial Study to evaluate the impacts of the Specific Plans, the repeal of portions of the 1987 Downtown Specific Plan, and the General Plan Amendments for consistency with the General Plan. Based on the Initial Study, the City prepared a draft Negative Declaration for the project with the finding that the project would not have a significant effect on the enviromnent, because mitigation is incorporated in the context of the Specific Plans; and, WHEREAS, the Specific Plan documents and a complete record of the project is available and on file in the Planning Department; and, WHEREAS, a 24 day public review period was held for the draft Negative Declaration, from September 2, 2000 to September 26, 2000; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hold a properly noticed public hearing on the project on September 26, 2000 and October 10, 2000 at which time they reviewed and considered the draft Negative Declaration and all reports, recommendations and testimony before them; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the above recitals are incorporated in this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dublin Planning Commission does hereby find that: A. The Specific Plans and associated actions would not have a significant effect on the environment, because mitigation is incorporated into the Plans as part of Plan implementation. B. The draft Negative Declaration has been prepared in accordance with State and local environmental laws and guidelines. ATTACHMENT 1 C. The draft Negative Declaration is complete and adequate and reflects the City's independent judgment and analysis as to the environmental effects of the proposed Specific Plans, General Plan Amendments and repeal of portions of the 1987 Downtown Specific Plan. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dublin Planning Commission does hereby recommend City Council adoption of the draft Negative Declaration for PA 99-054, Village Parkway Specific Plan, PA 99-055, Downtown Core Specific Plan, and PA 99-056, West Dublin BART Specific Plan, including the Initial Study incorporated herein by reference. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 10~h day of October, 2000. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ATTEST: Community Development Director G:pa99054/SPNDRES Planning Commission Chairperson 2 RESOLUTION NO. 00- A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE WEST DUBLIN BART SPECIFIC PLAN, DOWNTOWN CORE SPECIFIC PLAN, AND THE VILLAGE PARKWAY SPECIFIC PLAN AND REPEALING PORTIONS OF THE 1987 DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN PA 99-054, PA 99-055 AND PA 99-056, CITY OF DUBLIN WHEREAS, the City of Dublin is desirous of improving the appearance, functionality, economic vitality of the downtown portion of Dublin in a manner consistent with the broad vision expressed in the Dublin General Plan; and, WHEREAS, the City has prepared the West Dublin BART Specific Plan (Exhibit A), Downtown Core Specific Plan (Exhibit B), and Village Parkway Specific Plan (Exhibit C) all of which have been prepared pursuant to Government Code Sec. 65450; and, WHEREAS, the Specific Plans include permitted land uses, development standards, urban design guidelines, transportation improvements and implementation programs to achieve the goals of the Dublin General Plan; and, WHEREAS, the City of Dublin adopted a Downtown Specific Plan in 1987 for areas within the boundaries of the proposed Specific Plans. However, due to changing market and other conditions, this Specific Plan is no longer relevant to those areas or Development Zones (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11) now included within the boundaries of the West Dublin BART, Downtown Core and Village Parkway Specific Plans and should be repealed; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study and draft Negative Declaration have been prepared for this application pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15071, and are on file in the Dublin Planning Department. Based on the Initial Study, a draft Negative Declaration was prepared for the Specific Plans with the finding that the implementation of the Plans would have no adverse environmental effects as mitigation measures are incorporated into the project. The draft Negative Declaration has been recommended for City Council adoption; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hold a public hearing on the West Dublin BART, Downtown Core and Village Parkway Specific Plans on September 26, 2000 and October 10, 2000; and, WHEREAS, proper notice of said hearing was given in all respects as required by law; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hear and use their independent judgment and considered all said reports, recommendations and testimony herein above set forth. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Planning Commission does hereby find that the proposed West Dublin BART Specific Plan, Downtown Core Specific ATTACHMENT2 Plan, and Village Parkway Specific Plan are consistent with the land use designations, goals, policies and implementing programs set forth in the Dublin General Plan, as amended. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Planning Commission does hereby recommend City Council approval of'the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, Downtown Core Specific Plan, and Village Parkway Specific Plan, and repeal of the 1987 Downtown Specific Plan as it relates to those lands within the boundaries of the proposed Specific Plans. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 10~h day of October 2000. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Planning Commission Chairperson ATTEST: Community Development Director g\99055\SPRESsps 2 RESOLUTION NO. 00- A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN ADDING A "MIXED USE" LAND USE DESIGNATION, INCREASING MAXIMUM FAR's, AND MODIFYING LAND USES WITHIN THE WEST DUBLIN BART AND DOWNTOWN CORE SPECIFIC PLAN AREAS PA 99-055 AND PA 99-056, CITY OF DUBLIN WHEREAS, the City of Dublin is desirous of improving the appearance, functionality, economic vitality of the downtown portion of Dublin in a manner consistent with the broad vision expressed in the Dublin General Plan; and, WHEREAS, the City has prepared and approved for adoption the West Dublin BART Specific Plan and the Downtown Core Specific Plan, both of which have been prepared pursuant to Government Code Sec. 65450; and, WHEREAS, the Specific Plans include permitted land uses, development standards, urban design guidelines, transportation improvements and implementation programs to achieve the goals of the Dublin General Plan; and, WHEREAS, to ensure consistency between the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans and the Dublin General Plan, a new land use designation entitled "Mixed-Use" is required. The text of the proposed land use designation is shown in Exhibit A, included by reference and made a part of this resolution; and WHEREAS, to ensure consistency between the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans and the Dublin General Plan, additions to the text of Background Chapter 1 of the General Plan are required under Section 1.8.1, Land Use Classification, providing for increased FAR's in the commercial land use categories for properties within the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plan areas. The text of the proposed General Plan Amendment is shown in Exhibit B, included by reference and made a part of this resolution; and, WHEREAS, to ensure consistency between the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans and the Dublin General Plan, modifications in the Land Use Map are required within the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plan areas to redesignate certain properties to different land use designations. In the West Dublin BART Specific Plan Area, an approximately 10 acre portion of land designated Public/Semi-Public Facility shall be redesignated to Retail/Office and High Density Residential (25+ dwelling units per acre). These lands are shown on Exhibit C. Additionally, a portion of land designated Retail/Office shall be redesignated to Mixed-Use in accordance with the Specific Plan. These lands are shown on Exhibit D; and, ATTACHMENT3 WHEREAS, the proposed General Plan Amendments to add a "Mixed-Use" land use designation, to modify the maximum FARs, and to amend the General Plan Land Use Map will not have a substantial adverse affect on health or safety or be substantially detrimental to the public welfare or be injurious to property or public improvement; and, WHEREAS, an Initial Study and draft Negative Declaration have been prepared and adopted for this application pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15071, and are on file in the Dublin Planning Department. Based on the Initial Study, a draft Negative Declaration was prepared for the Specific Plans with the finding that the implementation of the Plans would have no adverse environmental effects as mitigation measures are incorporated into the project; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hold public hearings on the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans on September 26, 2000 and October 10, 2000; and, WHEREAS, proper notice of said hearing was given in all respects as required by law; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hear and use their independent judgment and considered all said reports, recommendations and testimony herein above set forth. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Plarming Commission does hereby find that the proposed General Plan Amendments related to the West Dublin BART Specific Plan and the Downtown Core Specific Plan are consistent with the land use designations, goals, policies and implementing programs set forth in the Dublin General Plan, as amended. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Planning Commission does hereby recommend City Council approval of the General Plan Amendments related to the West Dublin BART Specific Plan and the Downtown Core Specific Plan, establishing the "Mixed- Use" land use designation, increasing FAR's for the Specific Plan areas, and redesignating the land use of certain properties. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 10th day of October 2000. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Planning Commission Chairperson ATTEST: Community Development Director ATTACHMENT3 EXHIBIT A To Attachment 3 Addition to General Plan text, Chapter 2, Land Use and Circulation: Land Use Element, new Section 2.1.5 as follows: 2.1.5 West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plan Areas Guiding Policy Intensify development and provide housing opportunities and transit-oriented uses near transit center and facilities. Implementing Policies Approval of Mixed-Use development in the Specific Plan areas will require that a combination of medium to high density residential housing and at least one non- residential land use, such as office or retail, be provided. Exhibit A to A~Xachment 3 EXHIBIT B To Attachment 3 Addition to General Plan text, Chapter 1, Background, General Plan Map, Land Use Classifications, Section 1.8.1 as follows: West Dublin BART Specific Plan Area Retail/Office (FAR: .25 to 1.00; employee density: 200-450 square feet per employee). Shopping centers, stores, restaurants, business and professional offices, motels, hotels, service stations, entertainment facilities, and sale of auto parts are included in this classification. Residential use is generally not included except for on lands designated for Mixed-Use. Mixed Use (FAR: .50 to 1.00; employee density: 200-450 square feet per employee). A combination of medium to high density residential housing and at least one non- residential land use, such as office or retail, are included in this classification. Office or retail uses recommended are shopping centers, stores, restaurants, business and professional offices, and entertainment facilities. Downtown Core Specific Plan Area Retail/Office (FAR: .25 to .80; employee density: 200-450 square feet per employee). Shopping centers, stores, restaurants, business and professional 'offices, motels, hotels, service stations, entertainment facilities, and sale of auto parts are included in this classification. Residential use is generally not included except for on lands designated for Mixed-Use. Mixed-Use (FAR: .50 to 1.00; employee density: 200-450 square feet per employee). A combination of medium to high density residential housing and at least one non- residential land use, such as office or retail, are included in this classification. Office or retail uses recommended are shopping centers, stores, restaurants, business and professional offices, and entertainment facilities. Exhibit B to Attachment 3 LEGEND MIXED - USE RETAIL/OFFICE HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC / SEMI - PUBLIC FACILITY PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN N.T.S. SEPTEMBER 2000 EXHIBIT~ WEST DUBLIN BART SPECIFIC PLAN C I T Y O F D U B L I N VALLEY DUBLIN BOULDIARD LEGEND ~%'- --'1 M,XE~- us~ ~ RETAIL/OFFICE HiGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL J~'~'~ PUBLIC / SEMi - PUBLIC FACILITY PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN DOWNTOWN CORE SPECIFIC PLAN N.T.S. SEPTEMBER 2000 CITY OF DUBLIN BIT P CITY OF DUBLIN P.O. Box 2340, Dublin, California 94568 · City Offices, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, Califorhia 94568 DRAFT NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Title: Downtown Specific Plans - Downtown Core Specific Plan (PA-99-055), West Dublin BART Specific Plan (PA-99-056), and Village Parkway Specific Plan (PA-99-054) Description of Project: The proposed Project consists of three specific plans developed for the downtown area of Dublin, the Downtown Core Specific Plan, the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, and the Village Parkway Specific Plan to be considered for adoption by the Dublin City Council. The Specific Plans are intended to direct the use of land, the design of public improvements, and the design and appearance of private and public development, including buildings, parking areas, signs and landscaping. The adoptions of the Plans will require General Plan Amendments for the Downtown Core and West Dublin BART Specific Plan areas related to land use changes and land use intensification. Additionally,the portions of the previously adopted (1987) Downtown Specific Plan will require repeal with adoption of the plans, to modify sections of the document relativeto Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Following Plan adoption, amendment of the City's Zoning Ordinance will be necessary. Project Location: Central downto~vn area of Dublin, generally west of Maple Drive and Portage Road, south of Amador Valley Boulevard, north of Interstate 580, and east of Regional Street. Name of Proponent: City of Dublin, Community Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, (925) 833-6610 Public Hearings: A Planning Commission Public Hearing on the Draft Negative Declaration and the associated Project is tentatively scheduled for September 12, 2000 to consider a recommendation of approval to the City Council. A City Council Public Hearing for approval is tentatively scheduled for October 3, 2000. All hearings will be held in the City Council Chambers, City of Dublin offices, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA. Determination: and a Negative Declaration will be adopted. Jffnet Harbin, Senior Planner Copies of the Initial ~3tudy documentingthe reasons to Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, or by calling (925) 833-6610. I hereby find that the proposed project could not have a significant effect on the environment Date support the above finding are available at the City of Dublin, 100 Attachments Date Published: September2, 2000 Date Posted: September 1, 2000 ATTACHMENT Date Notice Mailed: September 1,2000 Considered by: On: N.O.D.A~,,ati,,,, (arq)833-6650 · City Council (925)833-6605 · Finance (925)833-6640 · Building Inspection (925)833-6620 Couocil ResoE[~l~lB'~O~ement (9251 833-6620 · Engineering (925) 833-6630 · Parks & Community Services (92~yl~t~9054rmnd. Economic Development (925) 833-6650 · Police (925) 833-6670 - Public Works (925) 833-6630 Community Development (925) 833-6610 - Fire Prevention Bureau (925) 833-6606 CITY OF DUBLIN P.O. Box 2340, Dublin, California 94568 · City Offices, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568 DRAFT NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Title: Downtown Specific Plans - Downtown Core Specific Plan (PA-99-055), West Dublin BART Specific Plan (PA-99-056), and Village Parkway Specific Plan (PA-99-054) Description of Project: The proposed Project consists of three specific plans developed for the downtown area of Dublin, the Downtown Core Specific Plan, the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, and the Village Parkway Specific Plan to be considered for adoption by the Dublin City Council. The Specific Plans are intended to direct the use of land, the design of public improvements, and the design and appearance of private and public development, including buildings, parking areas, signs and landscaping. The adoptions of the Plans will require General Plan Amendments for the Downtown Core and West Dublin BART Specific Plan areas related to land use changes and land use intensification. Additionally, the portions of the previously adopted (1987) Downtown Specific Plan will require repeal with adoption of the plans, to modify sections of the document relative to Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Following Plan adoption, amendment of the City's Zoning Ordinance will be necessary. Project Location: Central downtown area of Dublin, generally west of Maple Drive and Portage Road, south of Amador Valley Boulevard, north of Interstate 580, and east of Regional Street. Name of Proponent: City of Dublin, Community Development Department, I00 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, (925) 833-6610 Public Hearings: A Planning Commission Public Hearing on the Draft Negative Declaration and the associated Project is tentatively scheduled for September 26, 2000 to consider a recommendation of approval to the City Council. A City Council Public Hearing for approval is tentatively scheduled for October 17, 2000. All hearings will be held in the City Council Chambers, City of Dublin offices, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA. Determination: 1 hereby find that the proposed project could not have a significant effect on the environment and a Negative Declaration will be adopted. Review Period: The review and comment period for this document was originally 20 days from the date of publicatio~o~/$e_pt~mber 2, 2000. That period has been extended to September 26, 2000. /J arbin, Senior Planner te /, Copies of the Initi~/~y documenting the reasons to support the above finding are available at the City of Dublin, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, or by calling (925) 833-6610. Attachments Date Published: September 2, 2000 Date Posted: September 1, 2000 Date Notice Mailed: September 1, 2000 Considered by:. On: Administration (925) 833-6650 · City ~)uOCi~R~s~ll~sffisNcEinance (925) 833-6640 · Building Inspedt~O.l~5~l~[]6620 g:\pa990i~l~lrE~orcement (925) 833-6620 · Engineering (925) 833-6630 · Parks & Community Services (925) 833-6645 Economic Development (925) 833-6650 · Police (925) 833-6670 · Public Works (925) 833-6630 Community Development (925) 833-6610 · Fire Prevention Bureau (925) 833-6606 DOWNTOWN CORE SPECIFIC PLAN WEST DUBLIN BART SPECIFIC PLAN VILLAGE PARKWAY SPECIFIC PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY PA 99-054 PA 99-055 PA 99-056 Lead Agency: City of Dublin September 2000 INTRODUCTION This initial study has been prepared by the City of Dublin to assess the potential environmental effects of the proposed Specific Plans and General Plan Amendments for the Downtown Core Specific Plan, the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, and the Village Parkway Specific Plan areas. The analysis is intended to satisfy the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and provide the City with adequate information for project review. This initial study includes a project description, environmental checklist and discussion focused upon issues identified in the checklist. In summary, this Initial Study concludes that the project will not pose any significant adverse environmental impacts. The Initial Study was prepared based upon the location of the project, planning staff review, field review, comments from City, County and local agencies, studies prepared by consultants, use of City Planning Documents, the CEQA Law and Guidelines, and City of Dublin CEQA Guidelines. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project consists of three specific plans developed for the downtown area of Dublin, the Downtown Core Specific Plan, the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, and the Village Parkway Specific Plan to be considered for adoption by the Dublin City Council. The Specific Plans are intended to direct the use of land, the design of public improvements, and the design and appearance of private and public development, including buildings, parking areas, signs and landscaping. The adoptions of the Plans will require General Plan Amendments for the Downtown Core and West Dublin BART Specific Plan areas related to land use changes and land use intensification. Additionally, the portions of the previously adopted (1987) Downtown Specific Plan will require repeal with adoption of the plans, to modify sections of the document relative to Zones 1,2,3,4,7,8,10 and 11. Following Plan adoption, amendment of the City's Zoning Ordinance will be necessary. The Downtown Core Specific Plan area is generally located between 1-680 to the east and San Ramon Road to the west, and Amador Valley Boulevard to the north and Dublin Boulevard to the south, and consists of approximately 51 acres of commercial land uses. The westerly boundary of the Plan area is the westerly property line of the parcels containing the existing Montgomery Wards and Target retail stores. The Specific Plan calls for a maximum development potential of 1,100,110 square feet commercial, office and mixed-use development and approximately 148 dwellings. The West Dublin BART Specific Plan area is generally located between 1-580 to the south and Dublin Boulevard to the north. San Ramon Road lies to the west of the area, and properties on the west side of Golden Gate Avenue are included in the plan area. The area consists of approximately 70 acres of commercial, office and light industrial land uses. The Village Parkway Specific Plan area is generally located between the north and south sides of Amador Valley Road to the nodh and Dublin Boulevard to the south. The 1-680 freeway forms the southwestern boundary of the area and lies adjacent to the rear property line of commercial uses. The area consists of approximately 31 acres of restaurants, offices, retail commercial, service commercial and other non-residential uses fronting on this portion of Village Parkway. A maximum development potential of 1,750,055 square feet of non-residential and 491 residential dwellings are anticipated at full Specific Plan buildout. The Village Parkway Specific Plan is generally sited along the east and west sides of Village Parkway between Dublin Boulevard to the south and Amador Valley Boulevard to the north. The Specific Plan area encompasses approximately 31 acres of land and has been developed with a mix of retail commercial, restaurant, office, automotive and similar uses, including the main Dublin Post Office. Existing types of land uses are anticipated to remain, however, a higher Floor Area Ratio included as part of the Specific Plan is intended to encourage intensification of uses with a more pedestrian-oriented design. Exhibit 3 shows the proposed land use concept for the Downtown Core Specific Plan; Exhibit 4 shows the land use concept for the West BART Specific Plan; and Exhibit 5 shows the land use concept for the Village Parkway Specific Plan. Dublin Planning Department Page 2 Downtown Specific Plans CITY OF DUBLIN Environmental Checklist Initial Study 2. 3. 4. Project title: Downtown Specific Plans - Downtown Core Specific Plan (PA-99-055), West Dublin BART Specific Plan (PA-99-056), and Village Parkway Specific Plan (PA-99-054) Lead agency name and address: City of Dublin, Community Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA, 94568 Contact person and phone number: Janet Harbin, Senior Planner (925) 833-6610 Project location: Central downtown area of Dublin, generally west of Maple Drive and Portage Road, south of Amador Valley Boulevard, north of Interstate 580, and east of Regional Street. See Exhibit 1 for a regional location map and Exhibit 2 for the location of the three proposed Specific Plans. 5. Assessors Parcel Number(s): Various 6. Project sponsor's name and address: City of Dublin, Community Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568 General Plan designations: Downtown Core Specific Plan Area - Retail/Office West Dublin BART Specific Plan Area - Retail/Office and Public/Semi-Public Facility Village Parkway Specific Plan Area - Retail/Office and Retail/Office and Automotive Zoning: Downtown Core Specific Plan Area - C-1 (Retail Commercial), C-2 (General Commercial), and PD (Planned District) West Dublin BART Specific Plan Area - C-1 (Retail Commercial), C-2 (General Commercial), and M-1 (Light Industrial District) Village Parkway Specific Plan Area - C-1 (Retail Commercial), C-2 (General Commercial), C-N (Neighborhood Commercial), and PD (Planned District) Specific Plan designation: Previously adopted (1987) Downtown Specific Plan, Zones 1,2,3,4,7, 8,10 and 11 10. Description of project: See previous page. 11. Dublin Planmng Department Downtown Specific Plans Surrounding land uses and setting: The project area is located in the commercial core of the City of Dublin and generally consists of retail, commercial service, office and some light industrial type uses. Easterly of the project area is Portage Road and Maple Drive, and the residential development adjacent to the Village Parkway Specific Plan area. Westerly of the project area is San Ramon Road and a portion of the Dublin Place Shopping Center containing retail and commercial service type uses. Northerly of the project area is Amador Valley Boulevard, retail, Page 3 commercial service and office type uses, and medium density residential development. Southerly of the project area is 1-580, which also lies adjacent to the alignment of the proposed Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) right-of-way spanning the freeway and connecting with the proposed BART station in Pleasanton. Adjacent to the freeway on the Dublin side is the proposed West Dublin BART station area. 12, Other Public Agency Approvals Required: None Environmental Factors Potentially Affected The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "potentially significant impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Land Use/Planning Transportation/ Public Services Circulation Population/Housing Biological Resources Utilities/Service Systems Geotechnical Energy/Mineral Aesthetics Resources Water Hazards Cultural Resources Air Quality Noise Recreation Mandatory Findings of Significance Determination (to be completed by Lead Agency): On the basis of this initial evaluation: X I find that the proposed project could not have a significant effect on the environment and a Negative Declaration will be prepared. __ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attachment have been added to the project. A Negative Declaration will be prepared. __ I find that although the proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on earlier analysis as described on the attached sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated." An Environmental Impact Report is required, but must only analyze the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed on the . Signature: ..~ L/t._~-.t-(..--.-.-/ Date: August 30, 2000 Printed h~'e: Janet Harbin, Senior Planner For: PA 99-054,-055 &-056 Downtown Core, West Dublin BART & Village Parkway Specific Plans, GPA DuDlin Planning Department Page 4 Downtown Specific Plans Evaluation of Environmental Impacts 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "no impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parenthesis following each question, A "no impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e,g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "no impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as welt as general factors (e.g. the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. If there are one or more "potentially significant impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" implies elsewhere the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "potentially significant effect" to a "less than significant impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA processes, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063 (c) (3) (D). Earlier analyses are discussed in Section 17 at the end of the checklist. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). References to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the document in substantiated. A source list should be attached and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 7) This is only a suggested form and lead agencies are free to use different forms. Dul~lin Planning Department Page 5 Downtown Specific Plans Ratael , Richmond Berkeley Walnut Creek Livermore San Mate¢ Hail Moor, Bay Paio Alto Redwood City N.T.S, DATED: SEPTEIviBER 2000 REGIONAL CONTEXT WEST DUBLIN BART SPECIFIC PLAN C I T Y 0 F D U B L I lq ~'4 ~'~"~-~ EXHIBIT 1 LEGEND DOWNTOWN CORE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA WEST DUBLIN BART SPECIFIC PLAN AREA VILLAGE PARKWAY SPECIFIC PLAN AREA LOCAL CONTEXT N,T.S. SEPTEMBER 2000 WEST DUBLIN BART SPECIFIC PLAN C I T Y O F D U B L N ~o/~ ~/,~ -~ O 5'(,, EXHIBIT 2 Environmental Impacts: (Note: Source of determination listed in parenthesis. See listing of sources used to determine each potential impact at the end of the checklist) Note: A full discussion of each item is found in the attachment to the following checklist. I. Land Use and Planning. Will the project a) Conflict with general plan designation or zoning? (Source: 1) b) Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted with jurisdiction over the project? (Source: 1) c) Be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity? (Source: 1,5) d) Affect agricultural resources or operations (soils or farmlands or impacts from incompatible uses)? (Source: 1,5) e) Disrupt the physical arrangement of an established community (including Iow income or a minority community)? (Source: 2,5) II. Population and Housing. Would the project: a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? (Source: 1) b) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g. through projects in an undeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure)? (Source: 1) c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing? (Source: 1,2,5) III. Soils and Geology. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential impacts involving: a) Fault rupture? (Source: 1,6 ) b) Seismic ground shaking? (Source: 1,6) c) Seismic ground failure? (Source: 1,6) d) Seiche, tsunami, including liquefaction? (Source: 1, 6) e) Landslides or mudflows? (Source: 1, 6) f) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading or fill? (Source: 1,5,6) g) Subsidence of land? (Source: 1,6) h) Expansive soils? (Source: 1,6) i) Unique geologic or physical features? (Source: 1,5, 6) Dublin Planning Department Downtown Specific Plans Potentially Potentially Less than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Unless Impact Mitigated X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Pa¢e 6 IV. Water. Would the proposal result in: a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface run-off? (Source: 1) b) Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? (Source: FEMA map, 1) c) Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity)? (Source: 1,5,6) d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body? (Source: 1,5,6) e) Changes in currents or the course or direction of water movements? (Source: 1,6) f) Changes in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through substantial loss of groundwater recharge capability? (Source: 1,6) g) Altered direction of rate of flow of groundwater? (Source: 1,6) h) Impacts to groundwater quality? (Source: 1,6) V. Air Quality. Would the proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? (Source: 3,4) b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? (Source: 1,3,4) c) Alter air movement, moisture, temperature, or cause any change in climate? (Source: 1) d) Create objectionable odors? (Source: 1) VI. Transportation/Circulation. Would the proposal result in? a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? (Source: 3) b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? (Source: 3) c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? (Source: 3,4,5) d) Insufficient parking capacity onsite or offsite? (Source: 1, 3) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Dublin Planning Department Page 7 Downtown Specific Plans e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? (Source: 1,3) f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g.. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? (Source: 1,3,5) g) Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts? (Source: 1,3) VII. Biological Resources. Would the proposal result in impacts to: a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals and birds)? (Source: 1,5,6) b) Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees)? (Source: 1,5,6) c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat)? (Source: 1,5,6) d) Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vernal pool)? (Source: 1,5,6) e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? (Source: 1,5,6) VIII. Energy and Mineral Resources. Would the proposah a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? (Source: 1) b) Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? (Source: 1) c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and residents of the State? (Source: 1,6) IX. Hazards. Would the proposal involve: a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances including, but not limited to oil, pesticides, chemicals, or radiation? (Source: 1,4) b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (Source: 4, 5) c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazards? (Source: 4,5) d) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? (Source: 1,5,6) e) Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass or trees? (Source: 4,5) X. Noise. Would the proposal result in: Dublin Planning Department Downtown Specific Plans X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Pa( e 8 a) Increases in existing noise levels? (Source: 1,5) b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? (Source: 1,5) Xl. Public Services. Would the proposal result in a need for new or altered governmental services in any of the following areas? a) Fire protection? (Source: 1,4) b) Police protection? (Source: 1,4) c) Schools? (Source: 1,4) d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? (Source: 1,4,5) e) Other governmental services? (Source: 1,4,5) Xll. Utilities and Service Systems. Would the proposal result in a need for new systems or supplies, or substantial alterations in the following utilities? a) Power or natural gas? (Source: 4) b) Communication systems? (Source: 4) c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution systems? (Source: 4) d) Sewer or septic systems? (Source: 4) e) Storm water drainage? (Source: 1,4,5) f) Solid waste disposal? (Source: 1,4,5) g) Local or regional water supplies? (Source: 1,4) XlII. Aesthetics. Would the proposal: a) Affect a scenic vista or view? (Source: 1, 5) b) Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect? (Source: 1, 5) c) Create light or glare? (Source: 5) XlV. Cultural Resources. Would the proposal: a) Disturb paleontological resources? (Source: 1,5) b) Disturb archeological resources? (Source: c) Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? (Source: 1,5) d) Restrict existing religious or sacred uses X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X within potential impact area? (Source: 1,5,6) XV. Recreation. Would the proposal: Dublin Planning Department Page 9 Downtown Specific Plans a) Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities? (Source: 1,4,5) b) Affect existing recreational opportunities? Source: 1,4,5) X X Dublin Planning Department Page 10 Downtown Specific Plans XVl. Mandatory Findings of Significance. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number of or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? c) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects). d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Potentially Potentially Less than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Unless Impact Mitigated X X X X Sources used to determine potential environmental impacts 4. 5. 6. Dublin General Plan and/or Zoning Ordinance Evaluation of Development Scenarios, Downtown Dublin, prepared by Economic and Planning Systems (EPS) (July 25, 2000) Traffic analysis prepared by Omni-Means (August 4, 2000) Communication with appropriate City of Dublin Department(s) and service providers Site visit Other source (geotechnical reports, biological surveys and other studies) Dublin Planning Department Page 11 Downtown Specific Plans Attachment to Downtown Specific Plans Initial Study Negative Declaration PA 99-054 PA 99-055 PA 99-056 Discussion of Checklist Legend PS: Potentially Significant PS/M: Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated LS: Less Than Significant Impact NI: No Impact I. Land Use and Planning Environmental Setting The project site area is the existing downtown commercial area of Dublin. The project site is the location of approximately 150 acres of retail shops, restaurants, commercial businesses, offices and light industrial uses with associated roadways and parking areas. Various small parcels remain undeveloped. No residential development has occurred within the project area. The City's existing General Plan and Zoning Ordinance envision a mix of retail, lodging, auto service, restaurant, office and similar uses within the project area. Proiect Impacts a) Conflict with general plan designation and zoning? LS. The Dublin General Plan designates the downtown specific plan areas as Retail/Office, Retail/Office and Automotive, and Public/Semi-Public Facility, which allow retail uses, commercial service uses, and civic type uses. The City's Zoning Ordinance establishes C-1, Retail Commercial; C-2, General Commercial; C-N, Neighborhood Commercial; M-l, Light Industrial; and PD, Planned District zoning districts in the project area. Some land use designations in the Downtown Core and the West Dublin BART Specific Plan areas would be modified through the general plan amendment process in conjunction with adoption of the land use plans for these areas; however, the modifications would generally be minor and establish another commercial type land use compatible with the existing and surrounding land uses. In the West Dublin BART area, some high density residential use designations are proposed to replace Public/Semi-Public facility and Retail/Office designations in close proximity to the BART station location. This change would be consistent with the intent of the existing General Plan to create a more transit-oriented area near the proposed BART station. The residential use would support the surrounding commercial development proposed, and also provide riders for the transit facility. The designation of Public/Semi-Public Facility was placed on a portion of the property in the area with the anticipation that the BART station would be developed in the general area. In the Downtown Core Specific Plan area, the intent of the Specific Plan is to retain existing major retailers (Target, Montgomery Ward and similar users), and, at the same time, add complementary smaller scale retail uses, restaurants, entertainment uses and offices to attract a more pedestrian- oriented clientele. The Specific Plan also calls for the eventual development of a number of plazas and civic uses as additional attractors of people to the area. Senior residential housing is proposed adjacent to the new senior center in the northwest portion of Specific Plan area. This would also be a complementary land use which should support the senior center and the surrounding retail Dublin Planning Department Downtown Specific Plans Page 12 commercial establishments. The mixed-use area (high density residential and commercial combination) shown at the southeast corner of Amador Valley Boulevard/Amador Plaza Road would be compatible with the residential development across Amador Valley Boulevard and the existing retail commercial uses on Amador Plaza Road. In both the Downtown Core and the West Dublin BART Specific Plan areas, intensification of development through increased floor area ratios (FAR) is anticipated. The City's General Plan presently allows a up to a maximum FAR of .50 in each area for retail and office type uses. The Downtown Core Specific Plan suggests a maximum FAR of .79 for retail and office uses, and the West Dublin BART Specific Plan suggests a maximum FAR of .83 for retail and office uses, .87 for strictly office use, and 1.00 for mixed-use development. Although these proposed FAR's under the specific plans are greater than those presently provided for in the existing General Plan, they are consistent with FAR's in traditional, thriving downtown areas. General plan amendments will be necessary to amend the allowed FAR for the downtown plan areas and modify the land uses. The proposed FAR's for the plan areas have been analyzed in regard to traffic generation rates, and only minor traffic improvements are necessary to support the intensification of the proposed development under the plans (refer to Section VI, Transportation). These improvements have been programmed into the Specific Plans. Additionally, adoption of the Downtown Core and West Dublin BART Specific Plans will required that portions of the previously adopted (1987) Downtown Specific Plan be repealed to modify sections of the document relative to Zones 1,2,3,4,7,8,10 and 11, pertaining to those specific areas. Following Plan adoption, amendment of the City's Zoning Ordinance will be necessary. There are no proposed land use changes or modifications for the Village Parkway Specific Plan area. The present General Plan allows up to a maximum FAR of .50 for the Village Parkway area, and the average FAR in that area is currently .26. Therefore, further intensification in this plan area up to a FAR of .50 would be within the range permitted under the present General Plan. No general plan amendment will be needed. b) Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies? NI. The City of Dublin has adopted no other city-wide or specific environmental plans or policies which would affect this project. NO impacts would therefore result c) Incompatibilities with existing land use in the vicinity? NI. The proposed land uses to be established with the Specific Plans would be compatible with and support the surrounding retail commercial uses in the three areas (refer to Comment a, above). There will therefore be no impacts related to land use compatibility. d) Effect on agricultural operations or soils? NI. The site has been used for commercial uses since the early 1960's. No agricultural operations exist in the subject areas or the surrounding areas of the City. No impacts would therefore result e) Disruption of physical arrangement of an established community? NI. The project consists of three plans intended to direct the land use and future development in the City's central downtown area. The plan is proposed to be implemented over a five to ten year period, and will occur as a gradual replacement of uses with new uses. This method of adaptive reuse of the areas will serve to integrate land uses, transportation and public improvements within the three Specific Plan areas not significantly disrupt the physical arrangement of the downtown. There will therefore be no impacts regarding disruption of established communities Dublin Planning Department Page 13 Downtown Specific Plans II. Population and Housing Environmental Setting The city population as of January 1, 1999 was estimated by the State Department of Finance to be 28,707. Significant population growth is anticipated for the community based on planned residential growth in east Dublin, where the City has approved a specific plan calling for residential growth. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the total population of Dublin is expected to increase to 35,200 by the year 2000, to 49,400 by the year 2005 and 58,900 in the year 2010. Under the proposed Specific Plans, approximately 491 residential dwelling units would be introduced in the West Dublin BART area, and approximately 150 residential dwelling units would be introduced in the Downtown Core area. This is not considered a significant increase for the region, and would actually establish housing closer to existing services and transportation than much of the residential development in the City. Project Impacts a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? NI. The project involves primarily retail, office, lodging and similar uses. Although future residential and mixed uses are envisioned in the West Dublin BART Specific Plan and Downtown Core Specific Plan areas, such residential uses in intended to support transit-oriented development programs. Although the overall amount of residential development for the community is anticipated to increase, such increases would be less-than-significant. b) Induce substantial growth in an area, either directly or indirectly? NI. The majority of the development that would occur under the Specific Plans would be commercial, office and other non-residential type land uses. Some new residential housing is proposed in the Downtown Core and West Dublin BART Specific Plan areas, but it would not result in a substantial amount of new dwellings, nor would it induce substantial growth in the area as land available for development is limited in this part of the City. Under the proposed Specific Plans, approximately 490 residential dwelling units would be introduced in the West Dublin BART area, and approximately 150 residential dwelling units would be introduced in the Downtown Core area. This is not considered a significant increase for the region, and would establish housing closer to existing services and transportation than much of the residential development in the City. According to the City's General Plan, the Downtown Core and West Dublin BART Specific Plan areas are considered a Downtown Intensification Area which would allow up to 200 dwelling units. It is also stated that the number may be increased if mid-rise, mixed-use buildings, such as that proposed in portions of the specific plan areas, achieve market acceptance. Additionally, the plan areas are currently serviced with water, sewer, and roads, and therefore, the specific plans are not considered growth inducing projects. c) Displacement of existing housing, especially affordable housing? NI. The project site has been developed as a retail commercial and office downtown area. It presently contains no housing. Therefore, there would be no displacement of housing units on the site. III. Soils and Geology Environmental Setting The site lies within the Tri-Va{ley area, in the commercial core of Dublin. According to historic geologic studies in the area, the site is underlain by poorly consolidated, non-marine deposit sedimentary rocks of Dublin Planning Department Page 14 Downtown Specific Plans the Tassajara Formation. The geotechnical investigation report prepared for the project indicates that the site is not within an AIquist-Priolo Fault Zone (1982). There are no mapped faults which are known to traverse the site, the closest Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone is the Calaveras Fault located along San Ramon Road approximately one-quarter mile to the west. The next nearest active seismic faults include the Hayward and the San Andreas Faults which are located approximately 9 miles southwest, and 27 miles west-southwest, respectively. The closest potentially active faults include the (1) Verona, which is located approximately 3 miles to the south, and (2) the Las Positas, which is located approximately 9 miles to the southeast. The soil conditions in the downtown area are summarized from previously prepared geotechnical studies as follows: Medium stiff to stiff lean clays to the maximum depth of about 41.5 feet below site grade (BSG). The upper 2 to 5 feet BSG consist of dark brown lean clays with varied gravel and sand content. The upper 6 to 12 inches of the clays were intermixed with wood debris suggesting that the upper 6 inches was engineered fill. The near sur[ace clays exhibit Iow to moderate plasticity, a Iow to moderate expansion potential, and moderate shear strength. The consolidation tests indicate that the clays are over-consolidated and exhibit Iow compressibility under the anticipated foundation loads. Groundwater was encountered in most of the test borings drilled below 10 feet BSG at depths ranging from 12 to 13 feet BSG. From a geotechnical standpoint, the area is suitable for proposed retail commercial and residential development with regard to support of shallow spread foundations and concrete slabs-on- grade. As this is a currently built and urbanized area, when excavation activities are proposed with individual projects on specific sites, geotechnical studies specific to that property may be required at that time. Proiect Impacts a) Is the site subject to fault rupture? NI. The risk of fault rupture on the site is anticipated to be Iow, since the nearest known active or potentially active faults lie a minimum of one quarter mile away. No impacts would therefore result. b) Is the site subject to ground shaking? LS. The site as well as the encompassing region is anticipated to be subject to moderate to severe ground shaking from a number of active and potentially active faults in the greater Bay Area, including the Hayward fault, San Andreas fault and Calaveras fault. The ground shaking issue is less than significant for properties in the Specific Plan areas because new development constructed will be required to adhere to the requirements of the Uniform Building Code and other seismic safety standards as they are developed over the life of the Specific Plans. c) Is the site subject to seismic ground failure? NI. Based on previous geotechnical reports and information for this area of the City, the risk of ground failure would be Iow. Routine enforcement of provisions of the 1997 Uniform Building Code and recommendations contained in geotechnical reports prepared for specific development projects will serve to reduce potential impacts of seismic ground failure to a less than significant level. d) Is the site subject to seiche, tsunami hazards, including liquefaction? NI. Ge0technical investigation reports for past projects in the downtown conclude that the risk of liquefaction in the downtown is Iow. This is based on the presence of clay soils on the site which are not prone to liquefaction. There are no major bodies of water located nearby which could be a source of seiche hazard. e) Is the site subject to landslides or mudflows? NI. The downtown project area is essentially flat with little change in slope; therefore, no impacts are anticipated with regard to landslides or mudflows. f) Is the site subject to erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions? LS. The area is essentially fiat and contains no unstable soil conditions. No significant changes in topography are proposed because the area has been previously graded the past to accommodate existing development. However, future development and construction within the area under the auspices of Page 15 Dublin Planning Department Downtown Specific Plans the three Specific Plans would result in grading and excavation for additional building foundations, underground utilities and similar purposes. There would be a possibility of erosion of graded material and construction debris off of construction sites. The City of Dublin requires preparation and approval of erosion control plans for all new construction where grading plans are requested. For development projects involving five acres of land are greater, preparation of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans are also required by the State Water Resources Control Board Adherence to standard erosion control plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans will ensure that any impacts related to erosion will be reduced to less-than-significant levels. g) Subsidence of land? NI. Minimal subsidence would occur in the area, according to geotechnical reports prepared for past projects in the downtown. No impacts would therefore result. h) Expansive soils? LS. The soils have a Iow to moderate expansion potential and moderate shear strength. Foundations future buildings and other structures proposed under the auspices of the Specific Plans will be reviewed by the City of Dublin pursuant to the Uniform Building Code to ensure that adequate foundations are provided. Less-than-significant impacts related to expansive soils are therefore anticipated. i) Unique geologic or physical features? NI. No unique geologic or physical features have been identified on any of the Specific Plan sites, based upon a review of a topographic survey and a field visit. No impacts are anticipated and no mitigation measures are required. IV. Water Environmental Settinq Surface water exists on perimeters of the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plan areas in the form of open storm drainage channels owned by Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (ACFCWCD) Zone 7 site. Stormwater runoff within Specific Plan areas is directed to regional storm drain facilities owned and maintained by ACFCWCD, which underlie the Specific Plan areas. There are no creeks, wetlands or other bodies of water near the Specific Plan areas The entire Tri-Valley area is underlain by an extensive underground aquifer. The aquifer ranges in depth between 15 and 500 feet but is no longer used as the primary source of domestic water in the area. Zone 7 is presently finalizing plans to store treated wastewater within the aquifer during winter months, which will be pumped out and used for landscape irrigation during dry, summer months. Proiect Impacts a) Changes to absorption rates? LS. The Specific Plan areas have been largely developed over the past thirty to forty years and covered with impervious surfaces, including buildings, parking areas, walkways and other paved areas. Small portions of the areas are either vacant or landscaped to allow for drainage and irrigation. Construction of new buildings within the areas, under the auspices of the Specific Plans, would add new impervious surfaces, but would also add additional pervious surfaces in terms of plazas and more landscaping as required by the Specific Plans. Less-than- significant impacts to absorption patterns are therefore anticipated. b) Exposure of people orproperty to flood hazard? LS. Portions of the Village Parkway and Downtown Core Specific Plan are subject to flooding during 100-year flood events and are generally inundated with water during periods of intense and/or long-term rain fall. Representatives of the City of Dublin Public Works Department have indicated that sub-regional drainage improvements will be undertaken in the future as part of the City's Capital Improvement budget to alleviate flooding hazards. Programs to deal with flood hazards are included in the Village Parkway and Downtown Dublin Planning Department Page 16 Downtown Specific Plans Core Specific Plans. Less-than-significant impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to flood hazards. c) Discharge into surface waters or changes to surface water quality? NI. Existing storm drainage facilities are planned to be used to accommodate stormwater runoff from the Specific Plan areas. Since the amount of stormwater runoff is not anticipated to increase above existing volumes (see comment a, above), no impacts are anticipated with regard to discharge into surface water. Future development projects undertaken under the auspices of the Specific Plans will be required to meet the water quality requirements of the City of Dublin's NPDES permit and the Alameda County Urban Runoff Clean Water Program. d) Changes in amount of surface water? NI. Adoption of the proposed Specific Plan would have no impacts to surface waters as all drainage shall be directed to the existing storm drainage system. No impacts to surface bodies of water are therefore anticipated. e) Changes in currents or direction of water movement? NI. The project would not alter currents or direction of water movement in nearby water bodies since no substantial changes are anticipated to the volume of stormwater runoff. Changes in quantity of groundwater? NI. Approval and implementation of the three Specific Plans would not significantly alter existing ground water resources on or near the project site because all drainage is directed to the storm drainage system operated by Zone 7. Similarly, significant amounts of groundwater use are not anticipated, since representatives of the Dublin-San Ramon Services District have indicated that adequate water supplies have been identified to serve the maximum amount of development envisioned in the proposed Specific Plans. g) Altered direction of groundwater? NI. The project would not affect groundwater direction, since no significant subsurface construction is anticipated. h) Impacts to groundwater quality? NI. The scope of the project is such that groundwater resources will not be affected, as discussed above. Substantial reduction of groundwater resources? LS. The project involves approval of three Specific Plans to upgrade the appearance and land uses in downtown Dublin. Since more intensive land uses are anticipated in the Plans above that allowed in the current General Plan, some increase in the use of water is anticipated. Representatives of the Dublin-San Ramon Services District have indicated that adequate water supplies have been identified and addressed in future District plans to serve the maximum amount of development envisioned in the proposed Specific Plans. Therefore, the projected level of water use is expected to be less-than-significant. V. Air Quality Environmental Setting The project site is located within the Tri-Valley area, a sheltered, inland area surrounded by hills to the west, south and east. Most of the air flow into the southern portions of the Valley is accomplished through two passages in the surrounding hills: the Hayward and Niles canyons. Local wind data show the frequent occurrence of Iow wind speed and calm conditions (the latter approximately 23 percent of the time). These local limitations on the capacity for horizontal dispersion of air pollutants combined with the regional characteristic of restricted vertical dispersion give the area a high potential for regional air quality problems. Dublin Planning Department Page 17 Downtown Specific Plans Proiect Impacts a) Violation of air quality standard? LS. Potential air quality impacts can be divided into short-term, construction related impacts and long-term operational impacts associated with the project. In terms of construction-related impacts, it is anticipated that construction of new buildings under the auspices of the Specific Plans would generate temporary increases in dust and particulate matter caused by excavation and grading activities. Construction vehicle equipment on unpaved surfaces also generates dust as would wind blowing over exposed earth surfaces. Generalized estimates of construction air emissions include approximately 1.2 tons of dust per acre per month of construction activity. About 45 percent of construction-related dust is composed of large particles which settle rapidly on nearby surfaces and are easily filtered by human breathing patterns. The remainder of dust consists of small particles (also known as PM10). The City of Dublin requires the approval and implementation of a Construction Impact Reduction Plan as a standard condition of approval for new construction projects which will reduce short-term air quality impacts to a level of insignificance. Buildout of the maximum development of the three Specific Plans would add additional vehicular traffic to this portion of Dublin. These additional vehicles would generate quantities of carbon monoxide, reactive organic gasses, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter (PM10). However, the location of the Specific Plans near major regional transportation corridors (I-680 and Dublin Boulevard), and the fact that the intent of the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans is to promote transit-friendly development results in conformity with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Clean Air Plan. The short-term and long-term impacts to air quality of approving and implementing the three Specific Plans would, therefore, be less-than-significant. b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? LS. As stated in V-a above, the impacts to air quality of the project will be less than significant both on the long- and short-term. The project, if approved and constructed, would add some vehicular trips to the project area, but the development of the new West Dublin BART Station would also reduce a portion of the vehicular trips in the area. This increase in vehicular trips is minor considering the fact that many of the trips are multi-purpose trips. It is unlikely that the project would expose additional sensitive receptors, future visitors, and residents to significantly higher concentrations of vehicle related pollutants. Any impacts related to this issue would be less-than-significant. c) Alter air movement, moisture, temperature or climate? NI. The Specific Plans are intended to encourage the same general type of development as currently exists on each of the project sites. Although building heights may be somewhat higher than currently found on the site, no substantial interference regarding prevailing wind patterns or climatic conditions is anticipated. d) Create objectionable odors? NI. Permitted uses allowed by the Specific Plans include primarily retail, office, entertainment, lodging and residential land uses, none of which are associated with the release of significant amounts of objectionable odors. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated. VI. Transportation/Circulation [Note: The following section is based on an analysis of the traffic and transportation performed by Omni- Means, Transportation Consultants.] Environmental Settinq Major roadways serving the site include: Dublin Planning Depar[ment Page 18 Downtown Specific Plans Interstate 580, a six-lane east-west freeway connecting Dublin with nearby local communities such as Livermore and Pleasanton and regional destinations, such as Tracy and Oakland. In the vicinity of the proposed project, 1-580 carries between 160,000 and 187,000 vehicles per day. Nearby interchanges include 5801680; Dougherty Rd./Hopyard Rd. and Hacienda Dr. Interstate 680 is a six-lane north-south freeway connecting Dublin with local communities in the Tri-Valley area and regional destinations north and south of Dublin. This freeway accommodates between 123,000 and 144,000 vehicles per day with interchanges at AIcosta Blvd., Interstate 580 and Stoneridge Drive. Dougherty Road extends ~n a north-south direction east of the Specific Plan areas. A major arterial roadway, Dougherty Road has four travel lanes north of Dublin Boulevard. South of Dublin Boulevard, the roadway widens to six travel lanes as it crosses over 1-680, a full-access interchange for eastbound/westbound traffic is located at Dougherty/l-580. In the Dublin Boulevard area, Dougherty Road provides access primarily to commercial and retail areas. North of Dublin Boulevard, the road provides access to residential areas as it approaches Amador Valley Boulevard. Amador Plaza Road. is a north-south street extending from Amador Valley Boulevard south through Dublin Boulevard. Between Amador Valley Boulevard and Dublin Boulevard, Amador Plaza Road has two travel lanes and a two-way left-turn lane. South of Dublin Boulevard, the roadway has two travel lanes and provides access to existing and new retail-commercial land uses . Amador Plaza Road is planed to connect to the new 1-680 southbound on/off ramps currently under construction. Dublin Boulevard is a major east-west roadway through the south part of the Village Parkway planning area. Dublin Boulevard has six travel lanes and raised medians from San Ramon Road to just east of Regional Street. As Dublin Boulevard approaches Golden Gate Drive, the roadway narrows to four travel lanes and maintains this configuration east to Dougherty Road. Dublin Boulevard is designated as a route of regional significant in the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency's Congestion Management Plan. Golden Gate Drive is a short, two-lane roadway that extends south from Dublin Boulevard. Providing access to commercial areas, Golden Gate Drive is designed with two travel lanes. Regional Street extends south from Amador Valley Road through Dublin Boulevard. South of Dublin Boulevard, Regional Street is a wide, two-lane road provides access to retail and commercial areas. North of Dublin Boulevard, the road has two travel lanes with a two-way left- turn lane. Amador Valley Boulevard is located north of the project site and extends in an east-west direction. East of San Ramon Road, Amador Valley Boulevard has four travel lanes with raised landscaped medians and is a major arterial street. West of San Ramon Road, the roadway narrows to two travel lanes. Village Parkway extends from Dublin Boulevard north to Alcosta Boulevard. A major arterial roadway, Village Parkway has four travel lanes with raised center landscaped and hardscaped medians. Between Dublin Boulevard and Amador Valley Boulevard, Village Parkway provides access to commercial land uses. Continuing northward, this roadway provides primary access to residential areas off of Tamarack Drive, Brighton Drive and Davona Drive. A new northbound on-ramp to 1-680 from Village Parkway recently opened. San Ramon Road is oriented in a north-south direction west of the three Specific Plan areas. A major arterial roadway, San Ramon Road has six travel lanes and raised medians north of 1-580. North of Amador Valley Boulevard, San Ramon Road narrows to four travel lanes. In the Specific Plan areas, the roadway provided access to commercial and retail businesses. San Ramon Road Dublin Planning Department Page 19 Downtown Specific Plans is designated on System (MTS) roadway by the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency. Starward Drive extends from Amador Valley Boulevard north and has two travel lanes. It provides access to residential areas north of the Specific Plan areas. Donohue Drive is oriented in a nor[h-south direction and provides access to residential areas north of Amador Valley Road. A two-lane residential street, Donohue Drive extends north from Amador Valley Boulevard. Clark Avenue extends between Village Parkway north across Dublin Boulevard to Maple Drive. A two-lane roadway, Clark Avenue provides access to commercial areas south of Dublin Boulevard and residential areas north of Dublin Boulevard. Civic Plaza/Sierra Court. Civic Plaza is a wide, two-lane street extending south from Dublin Boulevard providing access to Dublin City Hall and Police Department headquarters. Civic Plaza is not a through street. Sierra Court extends northward from Dublin Boulevard (opposite Civic Plaza) and is a two-lane road, The roadway provides access to light industrial and residential areas. Dublin Court extends southeast from Dublin Boulevard and is located east of the Specific Plan areas. A wide, two-lane road, Dublin Court provides access to retail and commercial areas. Lewis Avenue is a short, two-lane street extending east-west between Village Parkway and Portage Road. Lewis Avenue provides access to commercial and office areas off of Village Parkway before accessing residential areas east of Village Parkway. Tamarack Ddve extends in an east-west direction on both sides of Village Parkway. A wide, two- lane road, Tamarack Drive provides access to residential areas north of Amador Valley Road. Brighton Drive extends in an east-west direction on both sides of Village Parkway. A wide, two- lane road, Brighton Drive provides access to residential areas north of Tamarack Drive. Davona Drive extends between Village Parkway and Alcosta Boulevard. A two-lane residential street, Davona Drive also provides through vehicle access from Village Parkway areas to 1-680 via AIcosta Boulevard. The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority ("WHEELS") provides bus transit service through the Dublin area. Bus routes serving the downtown Dublin area include Routes 3, 4, 10 and 201/202. Regional transit to and from the Dublin area is provided by the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). BART opened a Dublin/Pleasanton station in the late 1990's, located approximately one mile east of the project site. A recent proposal has been submitted to BART to construct a Downtown Dublin station within the West Dublin BART Specific Plan area at the terminus of Golden Gate Drive, approximately 1/2 mile south of this Specific Plan area. Bikeways exist or are proposed on Amador Valley Boulevard and Dublin Boulevard . Amador Valley Boulevard is presently designated for a Class II bikeway lane, which is designed with a one-way striped lane for bicycle travel on the roadway. Dublin Boulevard is proposed for a Class II bikeway lane, to be opened with the completion of the roadway improvements. Public sidewalks have been constructed adjacent to many of the streets within and adjacent to the Specific Plan areas. Dublin Planning Department Page 20 Downtown Specific Plans The City commissioned a traffic consultant (Omni-Means, transportation consultants) to prepare a traffic analysis regarding transportation and circulation impacts of approving and implementing the three Specific Plans. General Plan Transportation Policy Framework The General Plan measures and evaluates traffic congestion conditions of the roadway network by using intersection level of service ("LOS") analysis. The LOS analysis describes the operational efficiency of an intersection by comparing the volume of critical traffic movements to intersection capacity and determining average delays. LOS can range from "A," representing free-flowing conditions, to "F," representing very severe congestion and intersection breakdown. The General Plan adopts LOS D or better as the acceptable LOS for all routes of regional significance (these routes include: Dublin Blvd., Dougherty Rd., Tassajara Rd., and San Ramon Rd.). Development and road improvements should be phased so that the LOS does not deteriorate below LOS D (VIC .91 or greater) (General Plan Guiding Policies 5.1.1 B and C). Si,qnificance Criteria Based upon General Plan policies, an intersection impact is considered significant if it causes the overall intersection LOS, or a movement LOS in the intersection, to fall below LOS D. Proiect Impacts a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? LS. The proposed project would increase vehicle trips and traffic congestion on the local roadway network, which could deteriorate existing levels of service on some affected roadways. Table 1, summarizes existing traffic conditions in and around the Specific Plan sites, which also includes anticipated traffic from approved but not yet constructed projects. The table also shows anticipated traffic impacts for the same intersections at full build out of maximum Specific Plan densities. For two of the intersections, Golden Gate/Dublin Boulevard and Amador Plaza/Dublin Boulevard, projected traffic would exceed City thresholds of significance. For these two intersections, the Specific Plans require the installation of traffic improvements as part of Specific Plan development to raise the future Level of Service to comply with City standards. Additional roadway widening improvements would be needed with the projected traffic volumes. Golden Gate Drive would require widening to four travel lanes with two-way left-turn lanes between Dublin Boulevard and St. Patrick Way. Amador Plaza Road is already planned for widening to four travel lanes in the City's Capital Improvement Program budget. If St. Patrick Way is extended to Regional Street with future development, Regional Street should also be widened to four lanes with a two-way left-turn lane between Dublin Boulevard and St. Patrick Way. To offset overall development impacts in the downtown area, including the BART related traffic, Dublin Boulevard is currently proposed for widening to six travel lanes between Sierra Court and Doughtery Road. A second eastbound right-turn lane would be installed on Dublin Boulevard at Doughtery Road. The traffic analysis also assumes the installation of certain traffic improvements within and near the Specific Plan areas that have already been approved by the City or which are programmed in the City's Capital Improvement Budget. Adherence to traffic and roadway improvements included in the Specific Plans will ensure that traffic and transportation impacts related to approval and implementation of the Specific Plans would be less-than-significant. These improvements are included in the Capital Improvement Program for the Specific Plans. Dublin Planning Department Page 21 Downtown Specific Plans b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? LS. Proposed development and redevelopment of properties in the three Specific Plan areas will be reviewed by the City of Dublin Public Works, Police and Fire Departments at the time of site development review to ensure that City design standards are met. Less-than-significant impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to safety impacts. c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? NI. The proposed Specific Plan makes provision for new roadways through the project areas. New development proposed pursuant tot he Specific Plans will be reviewed by the City of Dublin Public Works, Planning, Police and Fire Departments to ensure that adequate access and roadway widths would be provided. Therefore, adequate access would be provided to all building areas and no impacts would result regarding access. Table 1. Existing and Future Traffic Conditions Ex sting scenario Project SCenario EXisting+ EXisting ~ Future InterseCtions F~tU~ Base Base+ project AM PM AM PM V/G/LOS V/C/LOS V/G/LOS V/G/LOS Davona DriveNillage Parkway A 0.39 A 0,33 A 0.42 A 0.35 BrightonNillage Parkway A 0.39 A 0,35 A 0.40 A 0.38 Tamarack/Village Parkway A 0.39 A 0.36 A 0.43 A 0.38 San Ramon/Amador Valley A 0.49 B 0.62 A 0.49 B 0.69 Regional/Amador Valley A 0.34 A 0.56 A 0.35 A 0.58 Starward/Amador Valley C 18.2 C 26.0 C18.4 D28.8 Donohue/Amador Valley A 0.37 A 0,45 A 0.40 A 0.56 Amador Plaza/Amador Valley A 0.32 A 0.57 A 0.37 B 0.65 Village Parkway/Amador Valley B 0.64 C 0.76 C 0.72 D 0.84 LewisNillage Parkway A 0.35 A 0.38 A 0.34 A 0.38 San Ramon/Dublin D 0.85 C 0.78 D 0.87 D 0.89 Regional/Dublin A 0.36 A 0.54 A 0.48 C 0.79 Golden Gate/Dublin A 0.28 A 0.48 B 0.68 E 0.91 B0.62 C0.80 Amador Plaza/Dublin A 0.44 C 0.76 A 0.58 F 1.02 A 0.50 D 0.83 Village Parkway/Dublin A 0.47 A 0.60 A 0.47 B 0.66 Clark/Dublin A 0.40 A 0.51 A 0.42 A 0.53 Civic Plaza-Sierra/Dublin A 0.35 A 0.51 A 0.36 A 0.54 Dublin Ct./Dublin Blvd. A 0.37 B 0.66 A 0.39 C 0.71 Dougherty/Dublin C 0.74 D 0.90 C 0.75 D 0.88 1-580 WB off/Dougherty B 0.62 A 0.58 B 0.62 A 0.56 1-580/EB/Hopyard C 0.73 D 0.85 C 0.72 D 0.85 Regional/St. Patrick Way (future) .... A A Golden Gate/St. Patrick Way (future) .... A 0.56 B 0.61 Amador Plaza/St. Patrick Way (future) .... A 0.41 A 0.45 Note: Italics text indicates volume to capacity ratio and Level of Service after implementation of Specific Plan traffic improvements Dublin Planning Department Page 22 Downtown Specific Plans d) Insufficient parking capacity onsite or offsite? LS. Approval of the three Specific Plans and construction of improvements based on the Specific Plans would increase the demand for on-site parking within each of the three areas. Parking demand would also be increased due to the planned presence of the proposed West Dublin BART station, the development of which is not part of the Specific Plan project. Requirements included in each of the Specific Plans require that all new land uses proposed pursuant to a Specific Plan include on-site parking to meet current City of Dublin parking requirements. Exceptions may be allowed for shared use of parking facilities. Provision of additional parking facilities will be reviewed as individual Site Development Review applications are submitted to the City of Dublin for new construction projects. This review process will ensure that adequate parking is provided and any parking impacts would be less-than-significant. e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? NI. The proposed Specific Plans would require construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities to encourage non-auto travel modes. No impacts are therefore anticipated. Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? NI. Each of the Specific Plans require the installation of some new facilities to support enhanced bus service to each of the three sites. However, the additional facilities would be within areas presently served by transportation services. The new facilities would be consistent with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation as they would provide more opportunities to use varying modes of transportation. Therefore, no impacts are foreseen. g) Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts? NI. The proposed project is not sited near operating railroad facilities, near a navigable waterway or near an airport. Although the West Dublin BART Specific Plan is located near the proposed West Dublin BART station, the intent of the Specific Plan is to promote complementary land uses adjacent to the planned BART station. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated. VII. Biological Resources Environmental Settinq The Specific Plan project sites are located in highly urbanized areas. With the exceptions of County drainage channels on the periphery of two of the Specific Plan areas, no wetlands or other bodies of water exist in or near the site. Existing vegetation includes introduced ornamental landscaping within planter areas. Proiect Impacts a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals and birds) NI. The Specific Plan Areas are existing, urbanized downtown areas. The majority of the properties within the plan areas are fully developed. No such species have been observed in the project areas based on field observations conducted in July 2000. b) Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees). NI. No heritage trees are located on the site. c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat) NI. Only introduced, ornamental vegetation associated with urban development is found on the site. d) Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vernalpool)? NI. No wetlands exist on the project site. Dublin Planning Department Page 23 Downtown Specific Plans e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? NI. The Specific Plans represent in-fill development within an existing urbanized downtown area. There are no wildlife or migration corridors on the site; therefore, no impacts would occur to such resources VIII. Energy and Mineral Resources Environmental Settinq Based on the previous geotechnical surveys of specific properties in the Specific Plan area, no known deposits of minerals exist on the project site. The Conservation Element of the General Plan does not reference any significant mineral resources on the project site or in the general area. Project Impacts a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? NI. The proposed project will not conflict with goals, policies or programs established in the Dublin General Plan regarding energy or energy conservation. b) Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? NI. The proposed project is not anticipated to use resources in a wasteful manner. The project will be constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code and Title 24 of the California Administrative Code, both of which require stringent energy efficient construction methods, such as insulation, thermal pane windows and installation of efficient appliances. Exterior landscaping will be governed by both AB 325 and Section 8.88 of the Dublin Zoning Ordinance, which requires "water budgets" for landscape material sand methods of irrigation. Finally, the City is mandated by AB 939 to reduce the solid waste stream generated by residences, business and industrial establishments by promoting recycling and similar programs. c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and residents of the State? NI. The project site is not located in an area designated by the California State Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, as having sufficient mineral resources that are suitable as marketable commodities. No impacts are therefore expected. IX. Hazards Environmental Setting The Specific Plan areas are located in previously developed commercial, office and similar non- residential areas. Existing uses within the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plan areas include automobile sales and service uses. Operation of these facilities use oil, grease, solvents and other potentially hazardous materials. It is anticipated that some or all of these uses would remain in business after adoption of the two Specific Plans; however, storage and handling of potentially hazardous materials is controlled by the Alameda County Fire Department, Alameda County Health Department, Regional Water Quality Control Board and other regulatory agencies.. Project Impacts a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances including but not limited to oil, pesticides, chemicals, or radiation? NI. With the exception of auto-oriented uses, none of the land uses permitted by the proposed Specific Plans would store, use or transport significant quantities of hazardous substances. No impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to hazardous substances. Dublin Planning Department Page 24 Downtown Specific Plans b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? NI. Future site development plans proposed within the three Specific Plans will be reviewed by the Dublin Police Department, Dublin Planning Department and Alameda County Fire Department to ensure that adequate emergency evacuation is provided per City requirements. No impacts are therefore anticipated. c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazards ? NI. Development of land uses and other facilities pursuant to the three Specific Plans are not anticipated to generate significant health hazards, since permitted uses would generally include commercial, office, entertainment, restaurant and residential uses. No industrial or manufacturing land uses are proposed. No impacts are therefore anticipated. d) Exposure of people to existing soumes of potential health hazards? LS. Generally, new land uses in the Specific Plan areas would include commercial, office, lodging, entertainment and similar uses, none of which would involve creation of a health hazard. New development that may be located near automobile serving uses could have the potential to expose employees and visitors to health hazards; however, the potential for exposure of people to health hazards from existing uses will be reviewed during the Site Development Plan process to ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations. Less-than-significant impacts are therefore expected. e) Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass or trees? LS. The proposed Specific Plan areas are located in urbanized areas and existing uses have been constructed in compliance with Uniform Fire and Building Code requirements. Existing and future landscaped areas will be permanently irrigated and maintained so that the potential for fire is reduced to a less-than-significant level. X. Noise Environmental Setting The General Plan identifies that the normally acceptable maximum outdoor Ldn noise level is 70 dBA for commercial areas, while interior areas have a maximum noise level of 45 dBA. The primary existing source of noise in the vicinity of the three Specific Plans is vehicle traffic, autos and trucks, traveling on adjacent freeways and surface streets. It is anticipated that significant portions of all three Specific Plan areas are subject to exterior noise in excess of 70 dBA. Proiect Impacts a) Increases in existing noise levels? LS. Approval of the three Specific Plan and construction of improvements pursuant to the Plans is expected to incrementally increase noise levels in and adjacent to the three planning areas. Noise increases would include temporary noise increases, associated with construction activities and long-term permanent noise levels, associated with additional vehicular trips and operational noise (mechanical noise, unloading of goods and similar activities). Given the high levels of noise already on the site caused by nearby freeways, increases in noise levels are anticipated to be less-than-significant. b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? LS. The West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans both allow residential dwellings as permitted uses. Site specific review will be performed during Site Development Review for residential projects to ensure compliance with City interior and exterior noise standards. Noise studies may be required for individual projects. With adherence to City Dublin Planning Department Page 25 Downtown Specific Plans noise standards, less-than-significant impacts would occur with regard to exposure of people to noise impacts. Xl. Public Services. Environmental Setting The project site is served by the following service providers: Fire Protection. Fire protection is provided by the Alameda County Fire Department, under contract to the City of Dublin, which provides structural fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials control and public education services. Police Protection. Police protection is provided by the City of Dublin Police Department which is headquartered in the Civic Center. The Department, which maintains a sworn staff of 31 officers, performs a range of public safety services including patrol, investigation, traffic safety and public education. Schools. Educational facilities are provided by the Dublin Unified School District which operates kindergarten through high school services within the community. Schools which would serve the project include Dublin High School (grades 9-12) and Wells Middle School (graded 6-8). Grades K-5 could be served by one of three elementary schools within the District. Maintenance. The City of Dublin provides public facility maintenance, including roads, parks, street trees and other public facilities. Dublin's Civic Center is located at 100 Civic Plaza. Other qovernmental services. Other governmental services are provided by the City of Dublin including community development and building services and related governmental services. Library service is provided by the Alameda County Library with supplemental funding by the City of Dublin. The City of Dublin has adopted a Public Facilities Fee for all new residential development in the community for the purpose of financing new municipal public facilities needed by such development. Facilities anticipated to be funded by the proposed fee would include completion of the Civic Center Complex, construction of a new library, expansion of the existing senior center, acquisition and development of new community and neighborhood parks and similar municipal buildings and facilities. Future applicants for development pursuant to the Specific Plans would be required to pay this fee. Environmental Impacts a) Fire protection? LS. Approval of the three Specific Plans and future construction in compliance with the Specific Plans would incrementally increase the demand for fire and emergency calls for service since additional building square footage would be added to each site. As part of the site development review process for individual buildings, specific fire protection requirements will be imposed to ensure compliance with applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire Code. Such measures would include but not limited to installation of new fire hydrants, fire extinguishers and similar features. Based on standard City fire protection requirements, fire protection impacts would be less-than-significant. b) Police protection? LS. Approval of the three Specific Plans and future construction in compliance with the Specific Plans would incrementally increase the demand for police calls for service since additional building square footage would be added to each site. As part of the site development Dublin Planning Department Page 26 Downtown Specific Plans review process for individual buildings, specific security requirements will be imposed to ensure compliance with applicable provisions of the City's building security ordinance. Such measures would include, but not be limited to, installation of appropriate locking devices, installation of security lighting and similar features. Based on standard City security requirements, police protection impacts would be less-than-significant: c) Schools? LS. The West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans each call for a residential component. Although the size, type and orientation of dwellings that would be proposed for development would likely generate a minimal amount of students to be served by the Dublin Unified School District, there could be an incremental increase in the number of school-aged children. As part of subdivision and site development review of future residential projects, coordination will occur with school district officials to ensure that less-than-significant impacts would result, d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? LS. Approval of the Specific Plans and construction of individual development projects pursuant to the Plans would incrementally increase the need for maintenance of public facilities. Payment of public facility fees to the City of Dublin by individual projects would ensure that future maintenance impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels. e) Other governmental services? LS. Approval of the Specific Plans would represent incremental increases in the demand for general governmental services. Payment of the City's Public Facility Fee by individual project developers would offset any impacts caused by such projects, reducing any impacts to a less-than-significant impact. XlI. Utilities and Service Systems. Environmental Setting The project site is served by the following service providers: Electrical and natural gas power: Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Communications: Pacific Bell and AT&T Cable. Water supply and sewage treatment: Dublin San Ramon Services District. Storm drainage: City of Dublin and Zone 7. Solid waste disposal: Dublin-Livermore Disposal Company. Environmental Impacts a) Power or natural gas? NI. According to representatives from Pacific Gas and Electric Company, adequate facilities exist in the vicinity of the project to provide power and natural gas service. b) Communication systems? NI. Pacific Bell and AT&T Cable, communication facilities presently exist in the near each of the three Specific Plan sites. c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution systems? NI. Water services are provided to the area by the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). According to representatives of the District, adequate long-term water resources exist to serve future development envisioned in each of Dub[in Planning Department Page 27 Downtown Specific Plans e) f) g) the Specific Plans. However, an upgrade to a 12"1oop waterline from Regional Street to Amador Plaza Road may be required with new development, but the District will need to evaluate the system when specific projects are submitted. d) Sewer or septic systems? LS. Sewer services are provided by DSRSD. Untreated effluent would be transported to DSRSD's Regional Treatment Plant in Pleasanton for treatment prior to being discharged into the East Bay Discharge Authority's outfall line for eventual disposal into San Francisco Bay. DSRSD officials indicate that adequate capacity exists within the regional treatment facility to accommodate the proposed Specific Plans. However, the District may need to replace the 8" sewer main line with a 12" line in Dublin Boulevard if development occurs at the intensity proposed with the Specific Plan. This will also require further evaluation when specific projects are submitted. Less-than-significant impacts would therefore result regarding sewer treatment facilities. Storm water drainage? LS. This topic was previously addressed in Section IV, Water. Solid waste disposal? LS. The City of Dublin contracts with Livermore-Dublin Disposal Company to collect solid waste from households and businesses and transport it to the Altamont Landfill, located in eastern Alameda County. The Landfill currently has an anticipated capacity until the year 2005 and plans are underway to extend landfill capacity for an additional 50 years. Livermore-Dublin Disposal Company also operates a curbside recycling service to ensure that the City's waste stream complies with state requirements for reduction of solid waste. The most current information available indicates that Dublin exceeds state requirements for reducing solid waste. Although approval of the proposed Specific Plans will incrementally increase the amount of solid waste, any such increases will be insignificant because the existing facility would be able to be accommodated given the existing solid waste facilities and resources. As stated in VIIl-b above, the City is mandated by AB 939 to reduce the solid waste stream generated by residences, businesses and industrial establishment by promoting recycling and similar programs. Local or regional water supplies? NI. DSRSD staff indicate that adequate long-term water supplies are available from Zone 7 and other sources to serve the proposed project. Xlll. Aesthetics. Environmental Settin,q The Specific Plan areas are located within existing urbanized areas and are not located adjacent to. scenic highways. Environmental Impacts a) Affect a scenic vista or view? NI. The proposed Specific Plan includes development programs to intensify existing land use patterns. Each Specific Plan contains height and bulk requirements to ensure that scenic vistas from surrounding areas would not be blocked. b) Dublin Planmng Department Downtown Specific Plans Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect? NI. Each Specific Plan contains design guidelines to ensure that new development projects occurring pursuant to an approved Specific Plan would result in an aesthetically pleasing manner and would include additional landscaping. As part of the Specific Plan programs, new public plazas, streetscape elements and other improvements would be completed to improve aesthetic conditions. Therefore, no negative aesthetic impacts would be created. Page 28 c) Create light or glare? LS. Proposed new uses constructed pursuant to the Specific Plans could incrementally increase light levels in each of the Plan areas. New sources of light would include street lighting, plaza lighting and building security lighting with new development projects and, possible, extended hours of business. However, a significant amount of exterior lighting has already been installed within each of the Specific Plan areas. Standard conditions of approval for individual development projects will require that pole-mounted lights shall be equipped with cut-off luminaires. Wall-mounted lights must also be equipped with cut-off lenses. Any additional light or glare created would be therefore be minimal less-than-significant. XlV. Cultural Resources Environmental Setting The project site has been developed for a range of commercial and similar non-residential areas. No cultural resources remain on the graded surface of the site. Since surface improvements are less than fifty years old or newer, no historic resources exist on the site. Proiect Impacts a-d) Disturb paleontological, archeological, religious or cultural resources? LS. No cultural resources remain on the graded surface of the site. Any cultural resources buried beneath the ground surface would be re-buried by individual development projects proposed to implement a Specific Plan. The possibility exists that cultural resources including paleontological, cultural, historic or archaeological could be buried on the site and discovered during excavation. Each individual project proposed pursuant to a Specific Plan will be conditioned to protect buried archeological and paleontological resources. With adherence to this condition, less-than-significant impacts would result to cultural resources: XV. Recreation. Environmental Setting Each of the Specific Plan areas have been developed with commercial, office, entertainment, lodging and similar uses. No parks or recreational facilities exist on any of the Specific Plan sites. Project Impacts a) Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities? LS. Construction of new residential dwellings pursuant to the West Dublin BART and Downtown Core Specific Plans would incrementally increase the demand for local and regional parks and recreational facilities. However, it is anticipated that the majority of new dwellings would either be oriented to senior citizens or non-family households, typical of higher density, multi-family housing. Therefore, expected park and recreational demand would be less-than-significant. Future builders of residential dwellings would be also be required to pay a Public Facility fee to the City of Dublin, which includes a contribution toward construction of new parks in the city. Additionally, the plans call for some plaza areas to be created in the three specific plan areas which could provide opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. b) Affect existing recreational opportunities? NI. No recreational opportunities exist on the site that would be affected by the project. Dublin Planning Department Page 29 Downtown Specific Plans XVl. Mandatory Findings of Significance a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant ar animal community, reduce the number of or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant ar animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? NI. The preceding analysis indicates that adoption and implementation of the Village Parkway Specific Plan, the West Dublin BART Specific Plan and the Downtown Core Specific Plan would not have a significant adverse impact on overall environmental quality, including biological resources or cultural resources. b) Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? NI. The project represents an example of in-fill development near a proposed major transit station which will be sited in an area surrounded by major regional transportation corridors. No long-term environmental impacts will occur. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects). LS. Although incremental increases in certain areas can be expected as a result of constructing this project, including additional traffic, short-term air emissions and need for public services and utilities, the project site lies within an already urbanized area and sufficient capacity exists within service systems to support the anticipated amount of development planned as part of the three Specific Plans. d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? NI. Due to project design and site characteristics, approval and implementation of the three Specific Plans involve no impacts that would adversely effect human beings, either directly or indirectly. Initial Study Preparer Janet Harbin, Senior Planner Jerry Haag, Consulting Planner Agencies and Organizations Consulted The following agencies and organizations were contacted in the course of this Initial Study: City of Dublin Eddie Peabody Jr., AICP, Community Development Director Kevin van Katwyk, Senior Engineer Dublin-San Ramon Services District Bruce Webb, Senior Engineering Planner References Dublin General Plan, Revised September 1992 Dublin Planning Department Downtown Specific Plans Page 30 Dublin General Plan Housing Element, June, 1990 Dublin Zoning Ordinance, Adopted September 1997 Draft Downtown Core Specific Plan, City of Dublin, August, 2000 Draft Villaqe Parkway Specific Plan, City of Dublin, August, 2000 Draft West Dublin BART Specific Plan, City of Dublin, August, 2000 Consultant's Report on the Transportation Impacts for the Proposed Village Parkway, Downtown Core and West BART Station Specific Plans, prepared by Omni-Means, LTD., August 28, 2000 Dublin Planning Department Page 31 Downtown Specific Plans Attachment 8 is the PC Agenda Statement for PA 99-056, 055 and 054 for Specific Plans/General Plan Amendments, dated September 26, 2000. Open Laserfiche file under PC Agenda Statements for September 2000:99-056,55,54 DubSpecPlans9/26