HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.1 PCSR Dublin Bicycle & Pedestrian MP STAFF REPORT
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DATE: August 26, 2014
TO: Planning Commission
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING: PLPA-2014-0017 Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan and associated amendments to the Dublin General Plan,
Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan,
Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and Dublin Zoning Ordinance
Report Prepared by, Mamie R. Delgado, Senior Planner and Ferd Del
Rosario, Senior Civil Engineer
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Dublin has prepared the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan which combines
the update to the Bikeways Master Plan (2007) with the City's first Pedestrian Plan into a
comprehensive document that provides policies, network plans, prioritized project lists, support
programs and best practice design guidelines for bicycling and walking in Dublin. Associated
amendments to the Dublin General Plan, Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, Dublin Village Historic
Area Specific Plan, Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and Dublin Zoning Ordinance are proposed
to maintain consistency with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The Planning
Commission is being asked to review the amendments, and associated environmental
document, and make a recommendation to the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission: 1) Receive Staff presentation; 2) Open the
public hearing; 3) Take testimony from the public; 4) Close the public hearing and deliberate; 5)
Adopt a Resolution recommending City Council adoption of a Negative Declaration for the City
of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and amendments to the Dublin General Plan,
Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan, Downtown Dublin
Specific Plan and Dublin Zoning Ordinance; and 6) Adopt a Resolution recommending City
Council approval of amendments to the Dublin General Plan, Eastern Dublin Specific Plan,
Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan, Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and Dublin Zoning
Ordinance.
Submitted By Pevlev d By
Senior Planner Assistant Community Development Director
COPIES TO: File Q
ITEM NO.: U
Page 1 of 13
DESCRIPTION:
Background
The Bikeways Master Plan was originally developed in 2007 to help the City implement a
bikeway system that could provide a viable transportation alternative to the automobile, improve
safety for bicyclists and provide residents with access to open space, trails and other
recreational amenities. For Fiscal Year 2012-13, the City Council approved a project to update
the 2007 Dublin Bikeways Master Plan and to develop the City's first Pedestrian Master Plan.
The Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (Attachment 1) provides an updated bicycle and
pedestrian capital improvement project list as well as guidance on the implementation of high
priority bicycle and pedestrian projects citywide.
The firm of Fehr & Peers was hired to assist Staff with the development of the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. In order to receive public input on the combined Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan, the City hosted two public workshops on October 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013,
and a community meeting on July 31, 2013. City Staff also attended meetings with the Dublin
Chamber of Commerce over the course of the Plan process. The two public workshops focused
on citywide bicycle and pedestrian issues, and the remaining meetings focused on connectivity
to and within Downtown Dublin. In October 2013, City Staff presented the Downtown
Connectivity project to City Council, which provided an additional opportunity for public
comment.
Summary of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
The Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan combine an update of the 2007 Dublin Bikeways
Master Plan with adoption of the City's first Pedestrian Plan. The Plan is a comprehensive
document that provides policies, network plans, prioritized project lists, support programs, and
best practice design guidelines for bicycling and walking in Dublin. In addition to enhancing
conditions through site-specific improvements, the document seeks to institutionalize the
accommodation of the distinct needs of bicyclists and pedestrians as roadways are upgraded
and constructed in accordance with recently adopted policy documents, such as the City of
Dublin Complete Streets Policy (2012) and the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan (2010).
Several noteworthy updates have been made in this Plan from the 2007 Bikeways Master Plan,
including:
• Existing Walking Conditions and Proposed Pedestrian Improvements, with a
baseline inventory and recommended projects within Downtown Dublin (see Attachment
1, Chapters 3 and 5);
• Programs, Policies, and Practices Assessment (see Attachment 1, Chapter 4);
• Updated Bicycle Network Classifications, featuring buffered bicycle lanes, and green
pavement (see Attachment 1, Chapter 5);
• Updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Guidelines: Bicycle and Pedestrian Design
Guidelines have been developed as a separate, stand-alone document (Attachment 2) to
guide the design and installation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities Citywide. The
Guidelines are based on best practice documents, such as the National Association of
City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide and the American
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Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the
Design of Bicycle Facilities, and will be updated regularly by the City of Dublin Public
Works Department to remain consistent with best practices in bicycle and pedestrian
planning and design;
• Grant-Ready Concept Drawings and Fact Sheets for three bicycle and pedestrian
priority projects (see Attachment 1, Chapter 6); and
• Performance Measures for monitoring investments in walking and bicycling, such as
establishing and updating baseline walking and bicycling counts (see Attachment 1,
Chapter 8).
Key sections and recommendations of the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan are
summarized in the sections below.
Goals & Policies
The Plan includes six goals to guide biking and walking Dublin:
1. Support bicycling and walking as practical, healthy, and convenient alternatives to
automobile use in Dublin;
2. Implement a well-connected active transportation system to attract users of all ages and
abilities;
3. Incorporate the needs and concerns of bicyclists and pedestrians in all transportation and
development projects;
4. Support infrastructure investments with targeted bicycle and pedestrian education,
encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation programs;
5. Maximize multi-modal connections in the transportation network; and
6. Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety Citywide.
Programs Practices, and Policies Assessment
The City's existing approaches to facilitating and enhancing bicycling and walking were
reviewed with a benchmarking matrix that compares the City's efforts with national best
practices, as well as local context highlighted in the City's Complete Streets Policy. The
benchmarking analysis categorizes the City's programs, policies, and practices into three areas
as follows:
• Key Strengths: areas where the City of Dublin is exceeding national best practices
• Enhancements: areas where the City is meeting best practices
• Opportunities: areas where the City appears not to meet best practices
Key strengths include the City's bicycle education and encouragement programs, newly adopted
Complete Streets Policy, and inventory of bicycle infrastructure. Opportunities include
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expanding the scope of those programs and inventories to address walking issues, collecting
data regarding bicycling and walking, and adopting citywide standard guidelines for the design
of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Recommended Bicycling Network
The recommended bicycle network includes:
• Class I Bicycle Paths - Provides a completely separated right-of-way for the exclusive
use of bicycles and pedestrian with cross-flow minimized.
• Class IIA Bicycle Lanes - Provides a striped lane for dedicated one-way bike travel on a
roadway.
• Class IIB Buffered Bicycle Lanes - Provides a modified on-street bicycle lane with vehicle
and/or parking-side striped buffer for additional comfort and safety on higher speed or
volume roadways.
• Class IIIA Bicycle Routes with Sharrows - Provides for shared-use travel with motor
vehicle traffic. All proposed Class IIIA Bikeways would also have sharrows where
needed, or "shared-lane markings", to designate bicyclist positioning within the travel
lane.
All of these treatments are supported under the Highway Design Manual (HDM), California
Vehicle Code, and California Uniform Manual on Traffic Control Devices (CA UMTCD), and
detailed design guidelines are provided in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Guidelines (see
Attachment 2).
New segments of Class IIIA Bicycle Routes are proposed on many local streets, connecting
residential areas with key destinations such as regional trails, schools, and Downtown Dublin.
The minimum standard for Class III Bicycle Routes is updated to require the striping of sharrows
where needed. Sharrows are shared lane marking used to alert road users of the presence of
bicyclists and to designate the preferred bicyclist positioning within the travel lane. Class 1113
Buffered Bicycle Lanes are proposed on roadways with existing wide bicycle lanes to offer
increased separation between bicyclist and autos and clarify expectations.
In total, over 35 miles of bikeways are proposed with over 14 miles of bikeways planned to be
funded and built by private developers. The developer funded projects are estimated to cost
$7,865,700 while the total cost of City initiated bikeway projects is estimated at $2,765,600 for a
grand total of$10,631,300. - - - - - - - -
Recommended Walking Network
The pedestrian element of the Plan includes a comprehensive project list of potential
improvements in Downtown Dublin that address the walkability goals that have been set forth in
the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and the City's Complete Streets Policy. The proposed
projects include intersection improvements such as reduced crossing distances through median
refuges and curb extensions; mid-block crosswalks; signal modifications to provide protected
left-turn phasing; advanced stop bars to decrease auto encroachment on the crosswalk space;
and directional ADA curb ramps to provide clear indications for the visually impaired and
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convenient access for all users. The total cost of proposed pedestrian projects is $5,044,500,
excluding the Amador Plaza Road and Village Parkway complete streets projects.
Priority Pedestrian and Bicycle Protects
Three priority projects were considered in this Plan, and concept drawings and grant-ready fact
sheets were developed for each. The projects meet the needs of all users and operators
including commercial, emergency response, and transit. The three projects are:
• Amador Plaza Road Complete Street Project (Amador Valley Boulevard to St. Patrick
Way/1-580 Ramps): Class II Bicycle Lanes, median refuges, mid-block textured
crosswalks with bulb-outs, landscape enhancement, pedestrian lighting, and intersection
improvements.
• Village Parkway Complete Street Project (City Limit to Clark Avenue/Dublin
Boulevard): Conversion of Class II Bicycle Lanes to Class IIB Buffered Bicycle Lanes,
conversion of Class III Bicycle Route to Class IIA Bicycle Lanes, new Class IIA Bicycle
Lanes south of Dublin Boulevard including a Class I Bicycle Path connection and bridge
to the Alamo Canal Trail.
• Downtown Connectivity Project (Regional Street, Amador Valley Boulevard, Village
Parkway, Amador Plaza Road, St. Patrick Way, and Dublin Boulevard): Connect
Downtown and West Dublin BART with dedicated bicycle facilities on routes other than
Dublin Boulevard. Projects include Class IIA Bicycle Lanes on Regional Street, Class IIB
Buffered Bicycle Lanes on Amador Valley Boulevard between San Ramon Road and
Village Parkway, Class IIA Bicycle Lanes on Village Parkway/Clark Avenue between
Amador Valley Boulevard and Dublin Boulevard, Class IIA Bicycle Lanes on Saint Patrick
Way, Class I Path and Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge between Clark Avenue and Alamo
Canal Trail, and Class IIIA Bicycle Route with Sharrows where needed, on Dublin
Boulevard between San Ramon Road and Alamo Canal Trail.
Performance Measures
In order to document the results or benefits of investment in walking and bicycling, performance
goals are set in this Plan. The four performance measures are:
1. Increase total number of low-stress bicycle facilities (i.e. Class I Bike Paths) that support
users of all ages (8-80) and abilities;
2. Enhance walkability of Downtown Dublin;
3. Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout Dublin, with a specific focus on higher
collision rate location mitigation; and
4. Encourage an increase in active transportation mode share and trips.
Implementation
The Plan identifies the following implementation projects:
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• Initiate for City Council consideration a Capital Improvement Project in Fiscal Year 2014-
15 to implement the Downtown Multi-Modal Improvement-Project for pedestrian and
bicycles, including the following: 1) Incorporate the Regional Street Class IIA bicycle
lanes from Amador Valley Boulevard to the southerly end of street; 2) Amador Valley
Boulevard Class IIB buffered bicycle lanes from San Ramon Road to Village Parkway; 3)
Installation of bicycle racks and bikeway guide signs in the Downtown area; and 4)
Construct on Amador Plaza Road a mid-block crossing with enhanced crossing treatment
such as Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon.
• Incorporate Class IIA bicycle lanes on Village Parkway from Amador Valley Boulevard to
Clark Avenue into the next Village Parkway pavement overlay, currently planned in FY
2014-15.
• Incorporate Class IIB buffered bicycle lanes on Village Parkway between Amador Valley
Boulevard and North City Limit line into the next Village Parkway slurry seal, currently
planned for FY 2014-15.
• Incorporate Class IIA bicycle lanes on St. Patrick Way between Amador Plaza Road and
Golden Gate Drive.
• Incorporate Class IIIA bicycle route with Sharrows treatment, including signage and
striping, on Dublin Boulevard between San Ramon Road and the Alamo Canal Trail with
One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) funding currently planned for FY 2015-16.
• Incorporate the top priority projects included in this Plan in the update of the Downtown
Dublin Traffic Impact Fee (planned for FY 2014-15) as per the nexus analysis.
• Continue to fund the Bikeway Implementation Program education and encouragement
efforts for 2014 using funds allocated from Measure B.
• Continue Staff training for complete streets issues so that City Staff can champion
projects and apply for competitive grant funding sources.
• Opportunistically implement the other projects contained in this Plan. When opportunities
arise to stripe or construct a project, the City should take advantage of that, even if the
project is not a top tier priority project.
• While the project lists are by location for reference, look for opportunities to group
projects together by type (striping projects, safe routes to transit, etc.) where funding
sources and implementation efficiency allow.
• Consult the bicycle and pedestrian project lists whenever making improvements to the
transportation network, specifically when overlays or other routine projects are
completed.
• Identify and incorporate bicycle and pedestrian improvements in private development
projects as condition of development approvals.
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Parks and Community Services Commission
On August 18, 2014 Public Works staff presented the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
to the Parks and Community Services Commission. Members of the Commission reviewed the
Plan and asked questions on the types of bikeways, funding, and implementation of the Plan. A
member of the public suggested having staff make a presentation on the status of the Plan to
the Parks Commission every two years.
ANALYSIS:
General Plan, Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The City of Dublin General Plan and various Specific Plans contain policies regarding bikeways
within the City. The Circulation and Scenic Highways Element of the General Plan contains
Guiding Policies and Implementing Policies regarding bikeways (Section 5.5). The General Plan
also includes Bicycle Circulation maps (Figures 5-3a & 5-3b) which identify the location of
existing and proposed bicycle routes within the City of Dublin. Various Specific Plans also
provide policies and maps showing the location of existing and proposed bicycle routes and
support facilities within those specific plan areas. The proposed Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan provides updated policies as well as revised bicycle and pedestrian circulation
routes and support facilities.
The policies contained in the proposed Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan are required
to be consistent with the General Plan and various Specific Plans. Therefore, amendments to
the Dublin General Plan, Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan
and Downtown Dublin Specific Plan are proposed, as discussed below, in order to ensure
consistency between the General Plan, the Specific Plans, and the proposed Dublin Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. An amendment to the Dublin Zoning Ordinance is also proposed to
ensure consistency with the bicycle parking and support facilities recommendations in the
Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. To clarify, the Planning Commission is making a
recommendation on the conforming General Plan, Specific Plans and zoning amendments, not
on the proposed Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan itself.
The following is a description of the proposed amendments to the General Plan, Specific Plans,
and Dublin Zoning Ordinance.
Dublin General Plan
Chapter 5 (Circulation and Scenic Highways Element) of the Dublin General Plan contains
policies that support a comprehensive circulation network that supports multiple modes of
transportation including vehicles, transit, cycling, and walking. Portions of Chapter 5 are
proposed to be amended to change references from "Bikeways Master Plan" to "Dublin Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan" and to change specific references to bicycling to also include
walking. Figures 5-3 and 5-4 are proposed to be amended to reflect an updated bikeways
network as shown in the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The following policy
amendments are proposed to Section 5.2:
• Implementing Policy 5.2.2.8.2 currently requires the design and construction of all roads
in the City's circulation network as defined in Figure 5-1. The proposed amendment
would add the design and construction of bicycle and pedestrian networks, as defined in
the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, to this implementing policy.
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• Implementing Policy 5.2.5.B.1 requires that the City periodically review the improvements
identified in the Downtown Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) Program to ensure that the
improvements are consistent with the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan. The proposed
amendment would also require a review of the TIF Program for consistency with the
Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This policy also allows the City to revise the
list of improvements in the TIF if the revisions are consistent with the General Plan and
Downtown Dublin Specific Plan. The proposed amendment would also require
consistency with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Implementing Policy 5.2.5.13.2 requires that projects within the Downtown Dublin Specific
Plan area be reviewed to identify project-related improvements that can be implemented
to increase vehicular, bicyclist and pedestrian safety, transit service efficiency, and the
effectiveness of the roadway network as long as the improvements are consistent with
the General Plan and Downtown Dublin Specific Plan. The proposed amendment would
also require consistency with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Section 5.5 (Pedestrian Routes and Bikeways) describes the City's existing Citywide Bikeways
Master Plan which was adopted in 2007. The proposed amendment would update this section to
reflect the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The following policy amendments are
also proposed to Section 5.5:
• Guiding Policy 5.5.1.A.1 is to provide safe bikeways along arterials. The proposed
amendment is to provide safe, continuous, comfortable and convenient bikeways
throughout the City.
• Guiding Policy 5.5.1.A.2 is to improve and maintain bicycle routes and support facilities
consistent with the Bikeways Master Plan. The proposed amendment would add
pedestrian facilities to this policy and change the Plan reference to the Dublin Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan.
• A new Guiding Policy, 5.5.1.A.4 is proposed to be added to provide comfortable, safe,
and convenient walking routes throughout the City and, in particular, to key destinations
such as Downtown Dublin, the BART Stations, schools, parks and commercial centers.
• Implementing Policy 5.5.1.13.2 is to improve bicycle routes and support facilities
consistent with the Bikeways Master Plan in conjunction with development proposals.
The proposed amendment would add pedestrian facilities and change the Plan reference
to the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Implementing Policy 5.5.1.13.3 is to ensure on-going maintenance of bicycle routes and
support facilities that are intended for public use and located on private property in
conjunction with development proposals. The proposed amendment would add
pedestrian facilities.
Chapter 10 (Community Design and Sustainability Element) of the Dublin General Plan guides
public and private development to create a City that is diverse, functional and aesthetically
appealing. The Element contains goals and policies that provide a framework for community
development and guidelines for new construction and improvements while protecting the City's
positive characteristics. Minor revisions to Chapter 10 are proposed to change all "Bikeways
Master Plan" references to "Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Section 10.2.H is also
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proposed to be amended to update the description of the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan.
For a complete list of proposed amendments to Chapters 5 and 10 of the General Plan, refer to
Attachment 3, Exhibit A.
Eastern Dublin Specific Plan
The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan provides a framework for the future growth and development
of approximately 4,300 acres of land south and east of the Dublin Crossings Specific Plan area
and Camp Parks (Parks Reserve Forces Training Area, RFTA). The Specific Plan includes
detailed information on necessary infrastructure improvements and a strategy for
implementation to ensure that development will be coordinated and occur in an orderly manner.
Portions of Chapter 3 (Summary), Chapter 5 (Traffic and Circulation) and Chapter 7 (Community
Design) are proposed to be amended consistent with the proposed amendments to the General
Plan and the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Section 3.4.4 (Bicycle Circulation) calls for the development of a safe and convenient
bicycle circulation system which will include bike paths, bike lanes and bicycle storage
facilities. The proposed amendment calls for the development of a safe, continuous,
comfortable and convenient bicycle circulation system which will include bicycle routes
and support facilities consistent with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Section 5.5 (Bicycle Circulation) generally describes bicycle circulation within the Specific
Plan area and refers to the Bikeways Master Plan. The proposed amendment would
update this section to reflect the goals and policies of the updated Dublin Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. The goal is to provide safe and convenient bicycle circulation.
The proposed amendment would revise the goal to provide safe, continuous, comfortable
and convenient bikeways.
• Section 5.5.1 (Bicycle Routes) describes Class I and Class II bicycle routes. The
proposed amendment would update the descriptions of Class I and Class II bikeways
consistent with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and add a description for
Class III bikeways. Policy 5-17 would also be updated to change the reference from the
Bikeways Master Plan to the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Section 5.5.2 (Bicycle Parking Requirements) requires safe and convenient storage of
bicycles in order to encourage their use particularly at schools and recreation areas such
as parks. Policy 5-18 is proposed to be amended to include bicycle support facilities at
key destinations such as schools, recreation areas, transit stops and commercial centers.
Action Program 5D is also proposed to be amended to include bicycle parking and
support facilities consistent with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Figure 5-3b (East Dublin Bicycle Circulation System) identifies the location of existing and
proposed bikeways and trails in eastern Dublin and their relationship to parks, schools
and the transit center. This Figure is proposed to be amended to reflect existing and
proposed bike lanes and trails consistent with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan.
• Section 7.4.1 (Overall Gateway Design Guidelines) includes a subsection on pedestrian
and bicycle circulation within the Gateway Subareas of the Specific Plan area with an
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emphasis on providing connections between office, commercial and industrial areas and
safe pedestrian crossings of Dublin Boulevard. The proposed amendment includes
providing comfortable, safe and convenient walking routes and the provision of bicycle
parking and support facilities in accordance with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan.
• Section 7.5.1 (Pedestrian/Bike Paths) provides guidelines for the siting and design of
pedestrian and bike paths as well as bicycle parking. A new introductory paragraph is
proposed to be added to this section to emphasize that the design and location of bicycle
and pedestrian routes, support facilities and bicycle parking are critical for encouraging
alternative transportation choices. The proposed amendment also includes a reference to
the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for additional guidelines that support
reduced dependency on the automobile and promote alternative transportation choices.
For a complete list of proposed amendments to the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, refer to
Attachment 3, Exhibit A.
Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan
The Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan was developed to guide future development in the
specific plan area to be sensitive to the area's historic past and to preserve and enhance the
area's remaining historic, cultural and archeological resources. Portions of Section 4 (Existing
Conditions) as well as Exhibit 4 (Existing Land Uses), Exhibit 5 (Existing General Plan Land
Use), Exhibit 6 (Zoning), and Exhibit 7 (Circulation) are proposed to be amended.
• Section 4.6 (Transportation and Circulation) describes the existing transportation and
circulation network within the specific plan area. The entire section is proposed to be
updated to reflect current conditions as well as proposed bike lanes consistent with the
Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Revisions to Exhibits 4, 5 and 6 are clean-up items not directly related to the Dublin
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan update. The revisions include updating the land use
and zoning designations for the Heritage Park and Museums which was previously a
retail commercial shopping center.
• Exhibit 7 is a circulation diagram for the specific plan area which includes existing and
proposed bikeways. The proposed amendments would update the diagram consistent
with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
For a complete list of proposed amendments to the Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan,
refer to Attachment 3, Exhibit A.
Downtown Dublin Specific Plan
The Downtown Dublin Specific Plan provides development standards and design guidelines to
achieve a vibrant and dynamic commercial and mixed-use center that provides a wide array of
opportunities for shopping, services, dining, working, living and entertainment in a pedestrian-
friendly and aesthetically pleasing setting that attracts both local and regional residents. Portions
of Chapter 1 (Introduction), Chapter 2 (Site and Context), Chapter 4 (Development Standards
and Design Guidelines) and Chapter 5 (Mobility and Infrastructure Plan) are proposed to be
amended as well as Figures 2-6 (Pedestrian Circulation) and 2-7 (Bicycle Circulation).
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• Section 1.6.3 (City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan) describes the applicability of the
existing Plan within the Specific Plan area. The proposed amendments would update the
name of the Plan and the description to reflect the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan.
• Section 2.2.4 (Circulation and Parking) includes a subsection that describes the existing
street network in the Specific Plan area. Each street as well as both freeways have been
reviewed and revised accordingly to reflect existing conditions including existing and
proposed bikeways.
• Section 2.2.4 (Circulation and Parking) includes another subsection that describes
pedestrian and bicycle circulation in the Specific Plan area. The proposed amendments
update this section consistent with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Figure 2-6 depicts pedestrian circulation within the Specific Plan area. This Figure would
be updated to reflect existing and proposed pedestrian networks consistent with the
Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Figure 2-7 depicts bicycle circulation within the Specific Plan area. This Figure would be
updated to reflect existing and proposed bike lanes consistent with the Dublin Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Sections 4.1.3, 4.2.3 and 4.3.3 include development standards for each of the three
districts in the Specific Plan area: the Retail District, the Transit Oriented District and the
Village Parkway District. The proposed amendments would revise the development
standard for residential and non-residential bicycle parking requirements to conform to
the California Green Building Standards Code, consistent with the recommendations in
the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Chapter 5 is the mobility and infrastructure plan. It establishes the circulation and
infrastructure improvements required to achieve the development potential of the Specific
Plan area. Section 5.2.1 (Pedestrian Pathways), Section 5.2.2 (Bikeways and Bicycle
Connections) and Section 5.2.3 (Golden Gate Drive Bicycle Improvements) are proposed
to be amended to reflect existing conditions and proposed improvements consistent with
the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
For a complete list of proposed amendments to the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan, refer to
Attachment 3, Exhibit A.
Dublin Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 8.76 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations) includes development standards to
ensure safe, attractive and convenient off-street parking facilities that are compatible with
surrounding land uses. The development standards include providing bicycle parking for
residential and non-residential land uses. Section 8.76.070.A.2 (Bicycle Racks) is proposed to
be replaced with a development standard that requires bicycle parking, consistent with the
recommendations in the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
The California Green Building Standards Code requires short-term and long-term bicycle
parking for new buildings and additions or alterations to existing buildings. The amount of
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bicycle parking required depends on the number of visitors the project generates and the
number of tenant-occupants. The Code also establishes location requirements and types of
parking facilities for both short-term and long-term bicycle parking.
The complete text amendment to Section 8.76.070.A.2 (Bicycle Racks) of the Dublin Zoning
Ordinance can be found in Attachment 3, Exhibit B.
CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN, SPECIFIC PLAN AND ZONING ORDINANCE:
Based on the above described project-related amendments to the General Plan, Eastern Dublin
Specific Plan, Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan, and Downtown Dublin Specific Plan,
the proposed Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is in conformance with the General
Plan and applicable Specific Plans, as amended.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
As mentioned above, the City hosted two public workshops and a community meeting and City
Staff attended meetings with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce over the course of the Plan
process. In October 2013, City Staff presented the Downtown Connectivity project to the City
Council which provided an additional opportunity for public comment.
In accordance with State law, a notice of this public hearing was published in the Valley Times
and posted at several locations throughout the City. The Public Notice was also provided to all
persons who have expressed an interest in being notified of meetings. A copy of this Staff
Report has been made available on the City's website.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), together with State Guidelines and City
Environmental Regulations require that certain projects be reviewed for environmental impacts
and that environmental documents be prepared.
An Initial Study was prepared to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the Dublin
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan update as well as proposed amendments to the Dublin
General Plan, Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan,
Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Based on the analysis contained in the
Initial Study, it has been determined that the project will not have a significant effect on the
environment; therefore, a Negative Declaration has been prepared (Attachment 4). The
Negative Declaration was circulated for public review between June 14, 2014 and July 14, 2014
and three comments were received from the public (Attachment 5).
The first comment expresses concern over the timing of bike lanes over the Hacienda Drive and
Tassajara Road freeway overcrossings both of which are under the purview of Caltrans and the
City of Pleasanton. Staff's response is that Dublin would collaborate with the City of Pleasanton
and Caltrans to secure grant funding to conduct a bikeway feasibility study, and based on the
results of the study, the three agencies could jointly apply for competitive grant funding to
implement the recommended bikeway projects.
The second commenter would like to see more progress made on bicycle lane striping and a
safer Downtown. Staff has identified major next steps for the implementation of the Plan which
includes the initiation of a Capital Improvement Project in Fiscal Year 2014-15 to implement the
Downtown Multi-Modal Improvement Project for pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
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The third comment came from the Dublin Unified School District who agrees with the CEQA
Initial Study but mentioned there could be potential impacts to students attending schools in the
vicinity of pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Staff noted that the City Public Works
Department will coordinate with the School District and affected school(s) to avoid or minimize
potential disruption during construction of projects.
The Resolution recommending City Council adoption of the Negative Declaration is included as
Attachment 6 to this Staff Report.
ATTACHMENTS: 1) Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (provided on CD).
2) Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Guidelines (provided on CD).
3) Resolution recommending City Council approval of amendments to
the Dublin General Plan, Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, Dublin Village
Historic Area Specific Plan, Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and
Dublin Zoning Ordinance for the proposed City of Dublin Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan, with the draft City Council Resolution
attached as Exhibit A and the draft City Council Ordinance attached
as Exhibit B.
4) Initial Study/Negative Declaration for the Bicycle & Pedestrian
Master Plan, dated June 2014.
5) City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Project Response
to Environmental Comments, dated July 2014.
6) Resolution recommending City Council adoption of a Negative
Declaration for the City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
and amendments to the Dublin General Plan, Eastern Dublin
Specific Plan, Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan, Downtown
Dublin Specific Plan and Dublin Zoning Ordinance, with the draft City
Council Resolution attached as Exhibit A.
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