HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.1 - 1194 Sierra Business Center Rezone
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STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
DATE: November 1, 2016
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:
Christopher L. Foss, City Manager
SUBJECT:
PLPA 2014-00034 Sierra Business Center Rezone
Prepared by: Martha Battaglia, Associate Planner
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider approval of a request to rezone Sierra Business Center
from the current M-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District to the M-P (Industrial Park) Zoning
District. Under the current M-1 Zoning District, Professional and Administrative Offices
are not permitted. Professional and Administrative Offices are a permitted use in the
proposed M-P Zoning District.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct the public hearing, deliberate, adopt the
Resolution Approving a Negative Declaration for the Rezoning of the Sierra Business
Center From the M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District 6549 Sierra Lane (APN
941-0205-020) PLPA 2014-00034; and, waive the reading and INTRODUCE an
Ordinance Approving Ordinance Approving a Rezoning from the M-1 Zoning District to
the M-P Zoning District for the Sierra Business Center Located at 6549 Sierra Lane
(APN 941-0205-020) PLPA 2014-00034.
DESCRIPTION:
Project Location
The Sierra Business Center is located at 6549 Sierra Lane. The site is irregularly
shaped and is located northeast of Sierra Lane and west of Dougherty Road. The site
has a General Plan land use designation of Business Park/Industrial and is located in
the M-1 Light Industrial Zoning District. Surrounding uses include a continuation of the
Sierra Business Park to the north and west, Tralee mixed -use development (residential
and commercial) to the southwest and a retail shopping and auto service station to the
east that fronts onto Dougherty Road.
Figure 1: Sierra Business Center Location
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The project site has been developed with a number of single -story light industrial
buildings with two smaller buildings fronting on Sierra Lane and a larger building located
in the central and northern portion of the site. A total of 12 suites of varying sizes are
located within the three buildings. A small parking area is located off of Sierra Lane with
a larger parking lot located in the center of the site connected with various drive aisles.
Landscaped planters are located throughout the site, adjacent to some buildings and
within portions of the parking lot.
As shown on Figure 2 below, there are several adjacent properties which are zoned M-1
(Light Industrial) and PD (Planned Development) and allow uses consistent with the M-
P (Industrial Park) Zoning District. The surrounding M-1 and PD Zoning Districts allow
for a variety of industrial, office and commercial uses.
The Applicant is currently requesting approval to rezone the site from M -1 (Light
Industrial) to M-P (Industrial Park).
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Figure 2: Surrounding Zoning Districts
ANALYSIS:
The project site is currently zoned M-1. Generally buildings located in the M-1 Zoning
District have roll up doors and high ceilings to accommodate light industrial uses such
as manufacturing, printing, and laboratories. The buildings within the Sierra Business
Center lack the design attributes that are common in most light industrial buildings.
The project site is unique in that it is designed and functio ns more like an office park
than a light industrial park. The site was designed with ample parking to support office
uses as well as light industrial uses. Many of the tenant suites do not have high ceilings
and large storage spaces with roll-up doors, which are typical of light industrial designed
tenant suites.
The property owners have had difficulty in the last few years in renting out spaces
because the allowable uses are not consistent with the design of the tenant suites.
Many of the tenant spaces are designed to accommodate office uses; however, office
uses are not allowed in the existing M-1 Zoning District.
The proposed M-P Zoning District is more consistent with the design of the project site.
This Zoning District allows a wide variety of uses including Light Industrial, Office,
Indoor Recreational Facilities, and Community Facilities. The M-P Zoning District
restricts or prohibits certain industrial uses that are currently allowed, such as
automobile/vehicle repair, vehicle storage yard, and equipment and materials storage
yard. None of these uses currently operate at the site. Furthermore, the M -P District
does not permit residential use.
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The proposed M-P Zoning District is compatible with the design of the site because it
allows Office and Light Industrial uses and as previously discussed, the existing site is
designed as more of an Office Park than a Light Industrial Park and office uses are not
permitted in the M-1, Light Industrial Zoning District.
Similarly, the City Council approved the rezoning of the Sierra Trinity Business Park
(located to the west of the project site) in 2010 to allow M -P (Industrial Park) uses,
including office uses. This has resulted in the successful tenanting of the center.
If the rezoning is approved by the City, the project Applicant would have flexibility to
lease existing floor space to office uses, which are currently not allowed in the existing
M-1 Zoning District.
An Ordinance rezoning the project site from M-1 to M-P is included as Attachment 1.
CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING ORDINANCE:
The proposed rezone is consistent with the General Plan land use designation of
Business Park/Industrial because the proposed rezone will allow non -retail uses that do
not involve heavy trucking or generate nuisances on the surrounding properties. The
proposed rezone is consistent with the Zoning Ordinance and the General Plan in that
the rezone will allow uses to operate on the site which are compatible with the
surrounding area and the proposed uses will increase the economic viability of the site.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that certain projects be
reviewed for environmental impacts and that environmental documents be prepared. An
Initial Study has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of CEQA, CEQA
Guidelines, and City of Dublin Environmental Guidelines. Upon completion of the Initial
Study, it was determined that there was no substantial evidence that the project would
have a significant adverse effect on the environment and a Negative Declaration was
prepared. The Initial Study/Draft Negative Declaration was circulated for public review
from August 25, 2016 to September 14, 2016. The City received one comment letter
during the public review letter. The letter was from the Dublin San Ramon Services
District (DSRSD). DSRSD agreed with the IS/ND analysis regarding water and
wastewater.
A Resolution adopting a Negative Declaration is included as Attachment 2 with the
Initial Study included as Exhibit A.
Planning Commission Action
On October 11, 2016, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to review the
proposed project. After discussion and deliberation, the Planning Commission voted 4 -
0-1 to adopt a Resolution recommending that the City Council adopt the Negative
Declaration and a Resolution recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance
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rezoning the site from the M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District (Attachments 3
and 4). The draft minutes are included as Attachment 5.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
In accordance with State law, a Public Notice was mailed to all property owners and
occupants within 300 feet of the proposed Project. A Public Notice was also published
in the East Bay Times and posted at several locations throughout the City. To date, the
City has received no objections from surrounding property owners regarding the Project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Approving a Rezoning from the M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District for the
Sierra Business Center Located at 6549 Sierra Lane (APN 941-0205-020) PLPA 2014-
00034
2. Approving a Negative Declaration for the Rezoning of the Sierra Business Center
From the M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District 6549 Sierra Lane (APN 941 -
0205-020) PLPA 2014-00034
3. Exhibit A Initial Study Negative Declaration Final
4. PC Resolution 16-23 Recommending approval of Negative Declaration
5. PC Resolution 16-24 Recommending approval of Ordinance to Rezone
6. Draft Planning Commission minutes 10.11.16
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ORDINANCE NO. XX - 16
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
APPROVING A REZONING FROM THE M-1 ZONING DISTRICT TO THE M-P ZONING
DISTRICT FOR THE SIERRA BUSINESS CENTER
LOCATED AT 6549 SIERRA LANE
(APN 941-0205-020)
PLPA 2014-00034
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. RECITALS
A. The Applicant requests to rezone the property located at 6549 Sierra Lane from M-1,
Light Industrial to M-P, Industrial Park (PLPA 2014-00034).
B. Following a duly noticed public hearing on October 11, 2016, the Planning Com mission
adopted Resolution 16-23 recommending that the City Council approve the Initial
Study/Negative Declaration for the project, and Resolution 16-24 recommending approval
of the requested rezoning, which resolutions are incorporated herein by reference and
are available for review at City Hall during normal business hours.
C. A Staff Report for the City Council, dated November 1, 2016 and incorporated herein by
reference, described and analyzed the rezoning project. At a properly noti ced public
hearing on November 1, 2016, the City Council considered the Initial Study/Negative
Declaration and the Planning Commission’s recommendation on the rezoning project.
Section 2. FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS
A. Pursuant to Section 8.120.050.B of the Dublin Municipal Code, the City Council finds as
follows:
1. The rezoning is consistent with the Dublin General Plan because: the proposed uses
are consistent with the General Plan Land use designation of Business Park/Industrial
in that the Rezone will allow uses that are non-retail and will not generate nuisances
to the surrounding area. No Specific Plans apply to the project site.
B. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), on November 1, 2016, the
City Council adopted Resolution XX-16 approving a Negative Declaration for the Sierra
Business Center Rezoning, which resolution is incorporated herein by reference.
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Section 3. ZONING MAP AMENDMENT.
Pursuant to Chapter 8.120, Title 8 of the City of Dublin Municipal Code, the Dublin Zoning Map
is hereby amended to rezone APN 941-0205-020-00 consisting of 5.3+ gross acres to the M-P
(Industrial Park) Zoning District.
A map of the rezoning area is shown below:
Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE AND POSTING OF ORDINANCE
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from and after the date of
its passage. The City Clerk of the City of Dublin shall cause the Ordinance to be posted in at
least three (3) public places in the City of Dublin in accordance with Section 36933 of the
Government Code of the State of California.
Sierra Business
Center
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY the City Council of the City of Dublin, on this
_______________________ by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
G:\PA\2014\PLPA-2014-00034 Sierra Business Center Rezone\CC Meeting.11.1.16\Att 1 CC Ordinance.DOC
RESOLUTION NO. xx- 16
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
APPROVING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE REZONING OF THE SIERRA
BUSINESS CENTER FROM THE M-1 ZONING DISTRICT TO THE M-P ZONING DISTRICT
6549 SIERRA LANE (APN 941-0205-020)
PLPA 2014-00034
WHEREAS, the Applicant proposes to rezone the project site from the M -1 (Light
Industrial) Zoning District to the M-P (Industrial Park) Zoning District; and
WHEREAS, the site is located at 6549 Sierra Lane and is currently developed with 3
industrial buildings which are currently used for a variety of uses; and
WHEREAS, a complete application is available and on file in the Planning Division; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, the City prepared an Initial Study for the project; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study determined that there was no substantial evidence that the
rezoning project would have a significant adverse effect on the environment, therefore, the City
prepared a negative declaration dated August 25, 2016 and a ttached as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the City circulated the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) for public
review from August 25, 2016 through September 14, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the City received only one comment letter during the public review pe riod.
The letter was from the Dublin San Ramon Services District and agreed with the IS/ND analysis
regarding water and wastewater; and
WHEREAS, on October 11, 2016, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution 16-23
(incorporated herein by reference) recommending that the City Council adopt a Resolution
approving a Negative Declaration for the Rezoning of the Sierra Business Center from the M -1
to the M-P Zoning District; and
WHEREAS, a Staff Report dated November 1, 2016, analyzed the IS/ND and the
rezoning project and recommended approval of the IS/ND and the application; and
WHEREAS, on November 1, 2016, the City Council did hold a properly noticed public
hearing on the application at which time all interested parties had the opportunity to be heard ;
and
2
WHEREAS, the City Council considered the IS/ND, and all reports, recommendations
and testimony referenced above before making its recommendation; and
WHEREAS, the location and custodian of the documents and other materials which
constitute the record of proceedings for the project is the City of Dublin Community
Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, attention: Martha Aj a.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the foregoing recitals are true and correct
and made a part of this Resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby adopt the
Negative Declaration attached as Exhibit A, based on the following findings:
1. The City Council considered the Negative Declaration and public comment letter prior to
taking action on the project.
2. The City Council finds, on the basis of the whole record before it, including the Initial
Study and any comments received, that there is no substantial evidence that the
proposed rezoning will have a significant effect on the environment.
3. The Negative Declaration reflects the City’s independent judgment and analysis as to the
potential environmental effects of the proposed rezoning from the M -1 to M-P Zoning
District.
4. The Negative Declaration has been completed in complianc e with CEQA and the CEQA
Guidelines.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 1st day of November 2016 by the following
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
City Clerk
G:\PA\2014\PLPA-2014-00034 Sierra Business Center Rezone\CC Meeting.11.1.16\Att 2 CC Reso Neg Dec.DOC
Sierra Business Center Rezone
6465-6557 Sierra Lane, Dublin
City File: PLPA 2014-00034
INITIAL STUDY/
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Lead Agency:
City of Dublin
Prepared By:
Jerry Haag, Urban Planner
August 2016
City of Dublin Page 1
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PLPA # 2014-00034
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 2
Project Sponsor & Contact ........................................................................................... 2
Project Description ........................................................................................................ 2
Project Location and Context ...................................................................................... 2
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ............................................................. 9
Determination ................................................................................................................ 9
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts ....................................................................... 11
Discussion of Checklist ................................................................................................
1. Aesthetics ............................................................................................... 24
2. Agricultural & Forestry Resources ..................................................... 25
3. Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Analysis ............................................. 25
4. Biological Resources ............................................................................. 26
5. Cultural Resources ................................................................................ 28
6. Geology and Soils ................................................................................. 28
7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions .................................................................. 29
8. Hazards and Hazardous Materials .................................................... 30
9. Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................ 32
10. Land Use and Planning ........................................................................ 33
11. Mineral Resources ................................................................................. 34
12. Noise ....................................................................................................... 34
13. Population and Housing ...................................................................... 35
14. Public Services ....................................................................................... 36
15. Recreation ............................................................................................... 36
16. Transportation/Traffic ......................................................................... 37
17. Utilities and Service Systems ............................................................... 38
18. Mandatory Findings of Significance .................................................. 39
Initial Study Preparers ................................................................................................. 41
Agencies and Organizations Consulted .................................................................... 41
References ...................................................................................................................... 41
City of Dublin Page 2
Initial Study/ 6455-6557 Sierra Lane August 2016
PLPA # 2014-00034
Environmental Checklist/Initial Study
6549 Sierra Lane Proposed Rezoning
PLPA #2014-00034
City of Dublin
Introduction
This Initial Study has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”, Pub. Res. Code §§ 21000 et seq.,) and the CEQA
Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs. title 14, §§ 15000-15387). This Initial Study analyzes if
potential impacts associated with rezoning approximately 5.3 acres of developed land
in the central portion of Dublin would result in any potentially significant impacts on
the environment.
Applicant/Contact Person
Square I, LLC, Attn: Edward Pike
PO Box 458
Orinda, CA 94563
Phone: (925) 383-9894
Project Description
Project location and context. The project site consists of approximately 5.3 acres of
land located in the central portion of Dublin, Alameda County. Exhibit 1 shows the
regional location of Dublin in the Bay Area and Exhibit 2 shows the project site location
in the context of the local roadways and other features.
The site is irregularly shaped and is located northeast of Sierra Lane within the Sierra
Business Park. The Sierra Business Park is generally located north of Dublin Boulevard
and west of Dougherty Road. The project site has been developed with a number of
single-story light industrial buildings with two smaller buildings fronting on the north
side of Sierra Lane and a larger building located in the central and northern portion of
the site. A total of 12 suites of varying sizes are located within the three buildings. The
existing tenants are shown on Exhibit 3. A small parking area is located off of Sierra
Lane with a larger parking lot located in the center of the site connected with various
drive aisles. Landscaped planters are located throughout the site, adjacent to some
buildings and within portions of the parking lot.
Buildings on the site, as well as buildings on adjacent properties within the Sierra
Business Park, were constructed in the late 1970’s.
City of Dublin Page 3
Initial Study/ 6455-6557 Sierra Lane August 2016
PLPA # 2014-00034
Site addresses range from 6465 to 6557 Sierra Lane.
The largest of the three buildings contains approximately 51,400 gross square feet of
floor area, the second-largest building contains approximately 13,200 gross square feet
of floor area and the smallest building contains approximately 7,000 gross square feet of
floor area. Total building square footage on the project site includes 71,600 gross square
feet of floor area. Approximately 7,000 square feet of the complex are currently devoted
to office use. The term “gross square feet” reflects the total size of the buildings and
includes non-occupied space, such as storage areas and mechanical spaces.
Each of the three buildings has been divided into multiple interior suites. Some of the
existing suites include but are not limited to: a health club, a video repair shop, a
church, a building materials sales office, an insurance office, a photography studio and
similar uses. The site is fully developed with buildings, paving/parking, and
landscaping. There are no significant natural features on the project site, including but
not limited to major stands of trees, bodies of water or similar features.
Dublin Boulevard and Dougherty Road provide primary regional access to and from
the site. Local roads serving the property include Sierra Lane immediately south of the
site and Sierra Court to the west. A signalized intersection exists at Sierra Court and
Dublin Boulevard that facilitates access to and from the project site.
Surrounding uses include a continuation of the Sierra Business Park to the north and
west, Tralee mixed-use development (residential and commercial) to the southwest and
a retail shopping and auto service station to the east that fronts onto Dougherty Road.
Proposed project. The applicant has requested that the City of Dublin change the zoning
on the site from the current M-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District to the M-P (Industrial
Park) Zoning District.
Section 8.28.020 of the Dublin Zoning Ordinance states that the purpose of the M-1
Zoning District is to “provide for the continued use, expansion and new development
of light industrial types in proximity to major transportation corridors and to ensure
compatibility with adjacent residential and commercial uses.”
The same section states that the intent of the M-P Zoning District is to “provide for the
continued use, expansion and new development of industrial park type uses in
proximity to major transportation corridors and to ensure compatibility with adjacent
residential and commercial uses.”
Both the existing M-1 and the proposed M-P Zoning Districts are consistent with the
site’s General Plan Business Park/Industrial land use designation. Under the current
M-1 Zoning District, office uses are not permitted. If the zoning district were to be
City of Dublin Page 4
Initial Study/ 6455-6557 Sierra Lane August 2016
PLPA # 2014-00034
changed to the proposed M-P Zoning District, professional and administrative offices
would be an allowed use within the complex.
The M-P and M-1 Zoning Districts also allows other land uses and activities that would
not be changed by the requested rezoning. Such uses, permitted in both districts,
include, but are not limited, to laboratories, printing and publishing, warehousing and
distribution and similar uses. The M-P Zoning District is stricter as to some light
industrial uses than the current M-1 Zoning District, either restricting or prohibiting
uses that would currently be allowed such as automobile/vehicle repair, vehicle storage
yard and equipment and materials storage yard.
If the rezoning is approved, future uses on the property would be reviewed by the
Dublin Community Development Department through the building permit or
discretionary land use application process to ensure that the uses would be compatible
with uses allowed (or conditionally allowed) in the M-P Zoning District.
There would be no changes or expansion to the current buildings or other
improvements on the site should the rezoning be approved since the site is considered
“built out.” If the rezoning is approved by the City, the project applicant could rent or
lease existing floor space to office uses, which are currently not allowed in the existing
M-1 Zoning District. The applicant estimates that within three years from the present,
up to 11,700 square feet of space could be converted to office use, which includes the
7,000 square feet of current office use. Within five years, the total amount of office in the
complex could reach 18,300 square feet of the site’s 71,600 square feet. Future changes
would be limited to changes in interior occupancies within each of three buildings on
the site and related tenant improvements. No expansion of the current building
footprints or area is expected. Future on-site uses would be constrained by Chapter 8.76
(Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations) of the City of Dublin Zoning Ordinance
that generally requires a higher number of on-site parking spaces for offices uses than
lower-employee intensive light industrial uses. Future changes in use will be monitored
by the Dublin Community Development Department through the building permit
process and business license review to ensure that the project site meets the current City
parking requirement.
Requested land use entitlements. The applicant has requested rezoning the project site
from the M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District. The rezoning requires a public
hearing and recommendation by the Dublin Planning Commission, and a final action by
the Dublin City Council. Potential future land uses for the individual suites under the
M-P Zoning District would include some permitted uses for which a building permit
and zoning clearance would be required, and conditionally permitted uses (see the land
use table in Section 8.12.050 of the Dublin Zoning Ordinance).
City of Dublin Page 5
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PLPA # 2014-00034
Exhibit 1. Regional Context
City of Dublin Page 6
Initial Study/ 6455-6557 Sierra Lane August 2016
PLPA # 2014-00034
Exhibit 2. Local context
City of Dublin Page 7
Initial Study/ 6455-6557 Sierra Lane August 2016
PLPA # 2014-00034
Exhibit 3. Project Site
City of Dublin Page 8
Initial Study/ 6455-6557 Sierra Lane August 2016
PLPA # 2014-00034
1. Project description: Rezoning of approximately 5.3 acres of the Sierra
Business Park from the M-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning
District to the M-P (Industrial Park) Zoning District
2. Lead agency: City of Dublin
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin, CA 94583
3. Contact person: Martha Aja, Dublin Planning Department
(925) 833-6610
4. Project location: 6465-6557 Sierra Lane
Dublin, CA 94558
5. Project contact person: Square I, LLC
Attn: Edward Pike
PO Box 458
Orinda, CA 94563
Phone: (925) 383-9894
6. General Plan Land Use Business Park-Industrial
Designation:
7. Zoning Existing: M-1, Light Industrial
Proposed: M-P, Industrial Park
8. Other public agency necessary, potential and/or desired approvals:
• Building Permits and Zoning Clearances (City
of Dublin)
• Conditional Use Permit(s) (City of Dublin,
possible)
City of Dublin Page 9
Initial Study/ 6455-6557 Sierra Lane August 2016
PLPA # 2014-00034
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.
- Aesthetics
- Agricultural
Resources
- Air Quality
- Biological
Resources
- Cultural Resources - Geology/Soils
- Hazards and
Hazardous
Materials
- Hydrology/Water
Quality
- Land Use/
Planning
- Mineral Resources
- Noise - Population/
Housing
- Public Services - Recreation
- Transportation/
Circulation
- Utilities/Service
Systems
- 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 attached sheet have been added to the project. A Mitigated
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.
City of Dublin Page 10
Initial Study/ 6455-6557 Sierra Lane August 2016
PLPA # 2014-00034
___ I find that although the proposed project may have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because at least one or
more potentially significant effects 1) have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR
pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant
to that earlier EIR, including mitigation measures as described in the attached sheets. A
supplemental Mitigated Negative Declaration is required, but must only analyze the
effects that remain to be addressed as identified in this Initial Study.
___ 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 proposed
project.
Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________________
Printed Name: __________________________ For: __________________
City of Dublin Page 11
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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 well as general factors (e.g. the project will not expose
sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).
2) In some instances, a “LS, Less-than-Significant Impact” response may reflect that a
specific environmental topic has been analyzed in a previous CEQA document and
appropriate mitigation measures have been included in a previous CEQA
document to reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level. In a few instances,
some previously analyzed topics were determined to be significant and
unavoidable and mitigation of such impact to a less-than-significant level is not
feasible. In approving the Eastern Dublin project, the City of Dublin adopted a
Statement of Overriding Considerations for the significant unavoidable impacts
identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR. A Statement of Overriding Considerations
would also be required for the project if it could result in the identified significant
unavoidable impacts.
3) 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.
4) "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.
5) "Negative Declaration: Less-Than-Significant With 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.
6) “No Impact” or “No New Impact” means that there would not be any impact with
respect to this topic.
City of Dublin Page 12
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PLPA # 2014-00034
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)
Earlier Analyses
Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to tiering, a program EIR, or other CEQA
process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or
Negative Declaration. Reference CEQA Guideline Section 15063 (c)(3)(d). No earlier
analyses were used; this initial study is based on existing conditions.
City of Dublin Page 13
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Environmental Impacts (Note: Source of determination listed in parenthesis. See listing of
sources at end of checklist used to determine each potential impact).
Note: A full discussion of each item is found
following the checklist.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
1. Aesthetics. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic
vista? (Source: 1, 6)
X
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including
but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
(Source: 1, 3, 6)
X
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character
or quality of the site and its surroundings?
(Source: 1, 6)
X
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare,
which would adversely affect day o nighttime
views in the area? (Source: 6)
X
2. Agricultural Resources. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or
Farmland of Statewide Importance, as show on
the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to a non-
agricultural use? (Source: 1, 6)
X
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agriculture use
or a Williamson Act contract? (1, 6)
X
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of forestland (as defined by PRC Sec.
12220(g), timberland (as defined in PRC Sec.
4526), or timberland zoned Timberland
Production (as defined in PRC Sec. 51104 (g)?
(Source: 1, 2)
X
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use? (1, 2)
X
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment
that, due to their location or nature, could result
in conversion of farmland to a non-agricultural
use or conversion of forestland to a non-forest
use? (Source: 1, 2)
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
3. Air Quality (Where available, the significance
criteria established by the applicable air
quality management district may be relied on
to make the following determinations).
Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
the applicable air quality plan? (Source: 1, 2)
X
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air
quality violation? (Source: 1, 2, 8)
X
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which
the project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard (including releasing emissions
which exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors? (1,2,8)
X
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? (7, 8)
X
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a
substantial number of people? (8)
X
4. Biological Resources. Would the project
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly
through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive or special
status species in local or regional plans, policies
or regulations, or by the California Department
of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service? (1, 2. 3)
X
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies or
regulations or by the California Department of
Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service? (1, 2, 3)
X
c) Have a substantial adverse impact on federally
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act (including but not limited
to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption
or other means? (1, 2, 3)
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites? (1, 2, 3)
X
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a
tree preservation policy or ordinance?
X
f) Conflict with the provision of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan or other
approved local, regional or state habitat
conservation plan? (Source: 1, 2, 8)
X
5. Cultural Resources. Would the project
a) Cause a substantial adverse impact in the
significance of a historical resource as
defined in Sec. 15064.5? (Source: 1, 2)
X
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archeological resource
pursuant to Sec. 15064.5? (Source: 1, 2)
X
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or unique geologic
feature? (Source: 1, 2)
X
d) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of a formal cemetery? (1,2)
X
6. Geology and Soils. Would the project
a) Expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk
of loss, injury, or death involving:
X
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Fault Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist or based on other known evidence
of a known fault? (Source: 1)
X
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? (1) X
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction? (Source: 1)
X
iv) Landslides? (Source: 1) X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil? (Source: 1))
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project and potentially result in
on- and off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? (1)
X
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or
property? (Source: 1)
X
e) Have soils capable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems where sewers
are not available for wastewater disposal?
(8)
X
7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Would the
project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment? (8)
X
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
X
8. Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Would the
project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport,
use or disposal of hazardous materials? (2,
5)
X
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous into the environment?
(6)
X
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school? (Source: 1, 2, 6)
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
d) Be located on a site which is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites complied
pursuant to Government Code Sec. 65962.5
and, as a result, would it create a significant
hazard to the public or the environment? (8)
X
e) For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such plan has not been
adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project result in
a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area? (Source: 8)
X
f) For a project within the vicinity of private
airstrip, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area? (Source: 8)
X
g) Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with the adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan? (Source: 1, 2. 6, 8)
X
h) Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving
wildland fires, including where wildlands are
adjacent to urbanized areas or where
residences are intermixed with wildlands?
(8)
X
9. Hydrology and Water Quality. Would the
project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements? (Source: 1, 2, 4)
X
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net
deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the
local groundwater table level (e.g. the
production rate of existing nearby wells
would drop to a level which would not
support existing land uses or planned uses
for which permits have been granted)?
(Source: 1, 2, 7)
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river, in a manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-
site? (Source: 1, 2, 6)
X
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or areas, including through
the alteration of a course or stream or river,
or substantially increase the rate or amount
of surface runoff in a manner which would
result in flooding on- or off-site? (Source: 1,
2, 6)
X
e) Create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff? (Source: 1, 2, 6)
X
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water
quality? (Source: 1, 2, 6)
X
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard
area as mapped on a Flood Hazard Boundary
or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood
delineation map? (Source: 1, 7)
X
h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area
structures which impede or redirect flood
flows? (Source: 1, 7)
X
i) Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury, and death involving
flooding, including flooding as a result of the
failure of a levee or dam? (Source: 1, 7)
X
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflow? X
10. Land Use and Planning. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
(Source: 1,2, 6)
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan,
policy, or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including but
not limited to the general plan, specific plan,
or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an environmental
effect? (Source: 1, 2, 7)
X
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan? (Source: 1, 2, 8)
X
11. Mineral Resources. Would the project
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to
the region and the residents of the state? (2)
X
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan or other land use plan? (Source: 2)
X
12. Noise. Would the proposal result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in
the general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies? (4)
X
b) Exposure of persons or to generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels? (Source: 4)
X
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above
existing levels without the project? (4)
X
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase
in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels without the project? (4)
X
e) For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working n the
project area to excessive noise levels? (8)
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels? (8)
X
13. Population and Housing. Would the project
a) Induce substantial population growth in an
area, either directly or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)? (1, 2)
X
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere? (1, 2)
X
c) Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the replacement of housing
elsewhere? (Source: 1, 2)
X
14. Public Services. Would the proposal:
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain acceptable
service ratios, response times or other
performance objectives for any of the public
services? (Source: 1, 2, 7)
X
Fire protection? X
Police protection? X
Schools? X
Parks? X
Other public facilities X
15. Recreation:
a) Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood or regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facility would occur
or be accelerated? (Source: 1, 2, 5)
X
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or
require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might have an
adverse physical effect on the environment?
(Source: 1, 2, 5)
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
16. Transportation and Traffic. Would the
project:
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance
or policy establishing measures of
effectiveness for the performance of the
circulation system, taking into account all
modes of transportation, including mass
transit and all non-motorized travel and
relevant components of the circulation
system, including but not limited to
intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths and
mass transit? (Source: 1, 2, 7)
X
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion
management program, including but not
limited to, level of service and travel
demand measures, or other standards
established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways? (Source: 1, 2, 7)
X
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels
or a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks? (Source: 1, 2)
X
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses, such as
farm equipment? (Source: 7)
X
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? (4) X
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or
programs regarding public transit, bicycle or
pedestrian facilities or otherwise decrease the
performance of safety of such facilities? (7)
X
17. Utilities and Service Systems. Would the
project
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of
the applicable Regional Water Quality
Control Board? (Source: 2, 7)
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
b) Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects? (7)
X
c) Require or result in the construction of new
storm water drainage facilities or expansion
of existing facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
effects? (7)
X
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project from existing water
entitlements and resources, or are new or
expanded entitlements needed? (7)
X
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may
serve the project that it has adequate capacity
to serve the project’s projected demand in
addition to the providers existing
commitments? (Source: 7)
X
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the
project’s solid waste disposal needs?
X
g) Comply with federal, state and local statutes
and regulations related to solid waste? (7)
X
18. 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?
X
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
b) 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).
X
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
X
Sources used to determine potential environmental impacts
1) Dublin General Plan, City of Dublin (Amended as of November 18, 2014)
2) Site Visit
3) Discussion with City staff or service provider
4) Other Source
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Attachment to Initial Study
Discussion of Checklist
Legend
PS: Potentially Significant
LS/M: Less Than Significant After Mitigation
LS: Less Than Significant Impact
NI: No Impact/No New Impact
Note: The Checklist questions below are based on the Appendix G
checklist in the state CEQA Guidelines; please see the Checklist above or
the Guidelines for the full text of the questions.
1. Aesthetics
Project Impacts
a-c) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic vista, damage scenic resources (including
a scenic highway) or substantially degrade the visual character of a site? NI. The project
site is presently developed with single-story light industrial buildings, parking
areas and landscaping. No significant natural features exist on the site, including
but not limited to major strands of trees, large rock outcroppings or bodies of
water. The nearest roadway, Sierra Lane, is not designated as either a local or
state scenic highway.
Future office and other M-P uses would occur within the envelope of existing
buildings. This is because the site is fully developed and there is no room to
expand the existing parking to accommodate additional building area; therefore,
there would be no new or expanded buildings. There would be no change to
existing conditions and no impact with respect to substantial impacts on a scenic
vista, damage to scenic resources or the visual character of the project site.
d) Create light or glare? NI. Existing sources of exterior lighting are present on the
site in terms of parking lot lighting and building-mounted security and
identification lighting. No additional light fixtures are proposed to be added to
the site as part of the proposed rezoning because all future development would
consist of use changes or tenant improvements within existing buildings. Future
uses on the project will either be permitted or conditionally permitted, but all
would be subject to the Section 8.28.030.F industrial performance standards
which require that there be no direct or sky-reflected glare or heat discernible at
the property lines. Compliance with this standard ensures that future exterior
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light fixtures would not create substantial light and glare that would adversely
affect day or night views in the area. No impacts are anticipated with respect to
this topic.
2. Agricultural & Forestry Resources
Project Impacts
a-c) Convert Prime Farmland, conflict with agricultural zoning or a Williamson Act
Conservation Agreement or convert prime farmland to a non-agricultural use? NI. The
5.3-acre site is fully developed with light industrial buildings and ancillary
improvements with no agricultural operations. The site is zoned for industrial
uses and no Williamson Act land conservation contract exists on the property.
The project would have no impacts on agricultural land or zoning.
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to a non-forest use? NI. No
forest land exists on the site and no impact would result from project approval.
e) Involve other changes which, due to their location or nature, could result of forest land to
a non-forest use? NI. See item “d,” above.
3. Air Quality
Project Impacts
a) Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of an air quality plan? NI.
The BAAQMD Clean Air Plan assumes development under local general plans.
The current project was approved and built in the late 1970’s and is consistent
with the City of Dublin General Plan. No changes to the General Plan are
proposed as part of this project; therefore, the project would not be inconsistent
with or obstruct implementation of an air quality plan. All future uses on the
project site will be reviewed by the Dublin Community Development Staff
through the building permit or other land use application process to ensure such
uses would be consistent with land uses included in the Land Use Element o f the
General Plan. No impacts would result in terms of inconsistency with or
obstruction of the regional Clean Air Plan.
b, c) Would the project violate any air quality standards or result in cumulatively considerable
air pollutants? NI. The project site is developed with light industrial uses, parking
areas and landscaping. It is anticipated that up to 11,700 square feet of the total
71,600 square feet could convert from light industrial uses to offices uses over the
next five years, resulting in approximately 18,300 square feet of office uses. The
primary source of increased emissions over existing conditions would be the
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conversion of current light industrial uses to office uses. Construction emissions
related to tenant improvements within the buildings would be limited and
temporary. Heavier truck traffic would likely be reduced with office uses
permitted in the M-P Zoning District since this district limits or prohibits certain
industrial uses that are currently permitted in the M-1 Zoning District. Although
future office uses could generate more vehicle trips than the current light
industrial uses, such increases would likely be offset by fewer delivery truck
trips and emissions of manufacturing-related pollutants. Therefore, no impact is
anticipated for this topic.
d) Expose sensitive receptors to significant pollutant concentrations? NI. The proposed
project would not change the light industrial occupancy of the three buildings
included in the application. Future industrial park uses that could be allowed in
the project site should the rezoning be approved would be limited to those uses
that would not generate a significant amount of pollutants. Limitations on
pollutant emissions are controlled by industrial performance standards in
Sections 8.28.030.E and H of the Dublin Zoning Ordinance and are enforced by
the City’s Community Development Department. Additionally, there are a
limited number of sensitive receptors located adjacent to the project site. The
closest schools are located a half mile northwest of the project site. While Tralee
is located across the street from the project site and includes residential, the City
does not expect a significant increase in pollutant concentrations since the
existing uses generate traffic and pollution and the proposed project would
simply allow office uses as a permitted use. There would be no impacts with
respect to this topic.
e) Create objectionable odors? NI. The project would not result in land uses on the
project site that would emit objectionable odors since future uses would need to
be consistent with the M-P Zoning District performance standards for industrial
park uses, including Section 8.28.030.G of the Dublin Zoning Ordinance which
prohibits emission of odorous gasses or matter that would be discernible at the
property line. The M-P Zoning District also requires that all uses to be
conducted entirely within the buildings. Compliance with these performance
standards will ensure that future M-P uses will not create objectionable odors.
No impacts are therefore anticipated.
4. Biological Resources
Project Impacts
a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a candidate, sensitive, special-status species
riparian habitat or wetlands? NI. The project site is located in a fully urbanized
area of central Dublin. The project site has been developed with industrial
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buildings, parking lots, driveways and limited ornmental landscaping. No
protected or special-status plant or wildlife species exist on the site.
Surrounding uses include light industrial uses to the north and west and
retail commercial/residential uses to the east and south. No surrounding
properties provide suitable habitat for protected or special-status plant or
animal species. No creeks, streams, ponds, wetlands or other waters exist on
the site or on nearby properties since these properties are fully developed.
There would be no impacts with respect to candidate, sensitive, special-status
or otherwise protected plant or wildlife species or on wetlands or riparian
habitat should this project be approved.
b, c) Have a substantial adverse impact on riparian habitat or federally protected
wetlands? NI. As noted above, the project property is fully developed with
buildings, parking lots, driveways and other improvements. No wetlands,
other waters, creeks or streams are present on the site or on nearby
properties. Any construction that is proposed in the future as a result of this
project would be in the form of interior tenant improvements within the
suites so there would be no impact with respect to this topic.
d) Interfere with movement of native fish or wildlife species? NI. With the built-up,
urbanized nature of the site and the surrounding properties, it is very
unlikely that wildlife species or native fish use any portion of the property as
a migratory corridor. No impacts would occur with respect to this topic.
e, f) Conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources or any
adopted Habitat Conservation Plans or Natural Community Conservation Plans?
NI. The project lies within the Eastern Alameda County Conservation
Strategy (EACCS) planning area. The City of Dublin utilizes the Conservation
Strategy as guidance for environmental permitting for public projects, and
private development projects are encouraged to use the EACCS as a resource
as well. The Conservation Strategy embodies a regional approach to
permitting and mitigation for wildlife habitat impacts associated with land
development, infrastructure, and other activities. The Conservation Strategy
is neither a Habitat Conservation Plan nor a Natural Community
Conservation Plan, but is a document intended to provide guidance during
the project planning and permitting process to ensure that impacts are offset
in a biologically effective manner. The project site is fully developed with
existing operating uses and no biological resources exist on the site. Since
there is no habitat or species affected by the project, no impacts are
anticipated with respect to the EACSS and there is no conflict to an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan since none exist.
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5. Cultural Resources
Project Impacts
a) Cause substantial adverse change to significant historic resources? NI. Buildings on
the project site were constructed in the late 1970’s and exhibit no historical
characteristics, nor is the site known to be associated with historic figures in
local, state or national history. No new or exterior construction is proposed as
part of this project. It is possible that façade improvements to existing
buildings could be proposed in the future, but no impacts would result with
respect to a significant change to a historic resource because the buildings are
not historic resources.
b-d) Cause a substantial adverse impact or destruction to archeological or paleontological
resources, or human remains that may be interred outside of a formal cemetery? NI.
The project site is fully developed with buildings, paving/parking and
landscaping. As noted earlier, no new or expanded building area is likely
due to site and regulatory constraints. Future development on the site would
be in the form of changed uses and related interior tenant improvements.
There would be no related ground disturbance that could affect any currently
unknown resources or remains. The General Plan does not identify the
potential for cultural resources on or around the site. No evidence has been
found that the project site was previously used as a cemetery. In the absence
of ground disturbance from future uses under the proposed rezoning, there
would be no impact with respect to impacts on archeological or
paleontological resources, or human remains.
6. Geology and Soils
Project Impacts
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse impacts, including loss,
injury or death related to ground rupture, seismic ground shaking, ground failure, or
landslides? LS. The site is not located in an identified fault rupture zone so
there is no potential for ground rupture. The site is flat so there is no
potential for landslides or other slope-related impacts. As noted earlier, the
site is fully developed with existing buildings, paving/parking and
landscaping so there would be no expanded building area, grading or other
ground disturbance that could raise geologic issues. Any future construction
under the rezoning would be in the form of interior use changes and related
tenant improvements. The change of approximately 11,700 square feet to
office uses could potentially increase the number of employees and visitors to
the site, as reflected in the increased traffic trip generation identified in
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Section 16 below. Any of the construction activities would be required to
meet the stringent California Building Code seismic requirements in effect at
the time of building permit submittal. The modest potential increase in
employees and visitors from additional office uses together with compliance
with adopted seismic construction standards ensures that seismic-related
impacts would be less-than-significant.
b) Is the site subject to substantial erosion and/or the loss of topsoil? NI. The project site
is fully developed with buildings, paving/parking and landscaping. As noted
earlier, no new or expanded building area is likely due to site and regulatory
constraints. Future development on the site would be in the form of changed
uses in accordance with the M-P Zoning District and related interior tenant
improvements. There would be no related ground disturbance or grading that
could cause erosion of loss of topsoil; therefore, there would be no impact with
respect to this topic.
c-d) Is the site located on soil that is unstable or expansive and that could result in
potential lateral spreading, liquefaction, landslide or collapse? LS. The site is located
within a liquefaction hazard area as mapped by the City of Dublin (Jayson
Imai, Dublin Public Works Department, 4/23/16). As noted earlier, the site is
fully built-out and no new or expanded building is expected due to site and
regulatory constraints. Any future construction under the rezoning would be
in the form of interior use changes and related tenant improvements. Any of
the construction activities would be required to meet the stringent California
Building Code seismic requirements in effect at the time of building permit
submittal.
e) Have soils incapable of supporting on-site septic tanks if sewers are not available? NI.
Existing buildings are connected to sanitary sewers owned and maintained by
the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). As noted earlier, the site is
fully built-out and no new or expanded building is expected due to site and
regulatory constraints. Any future construction would be in the form of
interior use changes and related tenant improvements. No impacts would
therefore result with regard to septic systems.
7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Project Impacts
a,b Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment or conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? NI.
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Existing buildings and uses on the site currently emit greenhouse gases, from
both vehicles traveling to and from the site as well as from the operation of
existing light industrial uses on the site. It is anticipated that office uses that
could locate on the site under the proposed M-P Zoning District would
generate slightly greater quantities of greenhouse gasses. This would be as a
result of greater vehicle trips associated with future M-P uses (see Section 16,
Transportation and Traffic). However, the project is located on an infill site,
no general plan amendment is required for this project and future greenhouse
gas emissions from development under the General Plan have been
addressed in the City of Dublin Climate Action Plan, last updated in 2013.
There would therefore be no impact with respect to this topic.
8. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Project Impacts
a) Create significant hazards to the public or the environment through the routine
transport, use or disposal hazardous materials? NI. The current M-1 Zoning
District and the proposed M-P Zoning District allows light industrial uses
that could involve hazardous materials. The transport, use or disposal of
hazardous materials is subject to extensive federal, state and regional
regulation intended to ensure that such uses are controlled, contained, etc., to
protect the public, handling employees, and the environment. The City
likewise regulates hazardous materials through industrial performance
standards in Section 8.28.030.B, D, and I, and Section 8.28.040 of the Dublin
Zoning Ordinance. These standards limit radioactivity, flammable or
explosive materials, and discharge of liquid contaminants, and are applicable
to uses in both the M-1 and M-P Zoning Districts. Implementation of the
proposed project would not change any current uses or occupancies on the
site that involve industrial, manufacturing or similar land uses or activities
that would use, generate, transport or store significant quantities of
hazardous materials. These existing uses would continue to be subject to all
applicable hazardous materials regulations. If approved, the proposed M-P
Zoning District would allow office uses, with a lower probability of using,
transporting, storing or handling potential hazardous materials on the site.
The M-P Zoning District also prohibits or limits uses that might involve
hazardous materials, compared to the current M-1 Zoning District. The
addition of offices as permitted uses and lesser intensity of industrial uses in
the M-P Zoning District compared to the M-1 Zoning District would likely
reduce the potential for transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials at
the site. These circumstances together with compliance with the City’s
performance standards will ensure that there would be no significant impact
with regard to this topic.
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b, c) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accidental conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment or emit hazardous materials or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances or wastes within one-quarter mile of an
existing or proposed school? NI. No changes are proposed to current uses
operating on the project site. Existing uses generally consist of light industrial
and similar uses that do not use or handle significant quantities of hazardous
or potentially hazardous materials. The current uses plus any uses that are
conducted in the future would be subject to all applicable regulations,
including the City’s industrial performance standards. The change from the
M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District would expand permitted uses
to include offices, which would not be a source of reasonably foreseeable
upset or accident or release of hazardous materials. In addition, the M-P
Zoning District is more restrictive of industrial uses and would likely reduce
the potential for such upset, accident or release. The change in potential uses
from the rezoning would not be expected to cause a significant impact on this
topic. Public schools that are closest to the project site are Valley High School
and Wells Middle School, each located approximately one-half mile
northwest of the project site. No impact is anticipated with respect to thi s
topic.
d) Be listed on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites complied on
the Cortese List and, as a result, would create a significant hazard to the public or
environment? NI. The site is not included on the Cortese List as of March 28,
2016. The Cortese List identifies one potentially contaminated site in Dublin,
which is the Parks RFTA (also known as Camp Parks). Parks RFTA is located
approximately 1,000 feet east of the project site and no impact would result
with respect to this topic.
e,f) Is the site located within an airport land use plan of a public airport or private
airstrip? NI. The project site lies outside of the Airport Influence Area (AIA) of
Livermore Municipal Airport (see Figure 3-1, Livermore Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan, County of Alameda, 2012). No impact would result with
respect to this topic.
g) Interference with an emergency evacuation plan? NI. The project site and area are
served by existing public streets, which provide emergency access to th e site.
No building expansion is likely due to site and regulatory constraints.
Potential use changes and related tenant improvements within the existing
buildings would not interfere with emergency evacuation plans. No impacts
are anticipated with regard to this topic.
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h) Expose people and structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving
wildland fires or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? NI. The project
site is located in central Dublin and is surrounded by other fully developed
light industrial, commercial and/or mixed-use developments. No wildlands
or undeveloped properties are located near the site. No impact is anticipated
with respect to this topic.
9. Hydrology and Water Quality
Project Impacts
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? NI. The
project site is fully developed with existing buildings, paving/parking and
landscaping. No additional or expanded building area is expected due to site
and regulatory constraints. The rezoning from M-1 to M-P would allow office
uses on the site and would reduce the range of permitted light industrial
uses. The rezoning would likely result in changes of uses within the existing
buildings and related interior tenant improvements. The potential addition of
office uses on the site would not significantly increase existing wastewater
flows to the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) wastewater
treatment plant in Pleasanton or adversely affect water quality. According to
DSRSD representatives, the District treatment plant is currently operating
within waste discharge limits as approved by the Regional Water Quality
Control Board (source: Stan Kolodzie, engineer, DSRSD, 3/30/16) and there
would be no impact with respect to this topic.
b) Substantially deplete groundwater recharge areas or lowering of water table? NI The
source of water to all structures in the City of Dublin is imported water
supplied by DSRSD and Zone 7 Flood Control and Water Conservation
District, which relies primarily on imported water from other sources. The
project site is fully developed with buildings, paved parking and landscaped
areas so that there is minimal, if any, groundwater recharge presently
occurring. The proposed rezoning to the M-P Zoning District would not
change these conditions. No impacts would result with respect to this topic.
c) Substantially alter drainage patterns, including streambed courses such that
substantial siltation or erosion would occur? NI. No changes to current drainage
patterns are proposed as part of the project, since no expansion of the existing
buildings or construction of new buildings would be possible based on site
and regulatory constraints, as noted earlier. The site is in a developed area in
central Dublin with existing development draining to the public storm drain
system. There is no drainage from or to any streams or creeks and no
significant amounts of siltation or erosion would occur. No impacts would
result.
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d, e) Substantially alter drainage patterns or result in flooding, either on or off the project
site, create stormwater runoff that would exceed the capacity of drainage systems or
add substantial amounts of polluted runoff? NI. Refer to item “c,” above. No
changes to the existing drainage patterns or increases in the amount of
current stormwater runoff from the site is anticipated.
f) Substantially degrade water quality? NI. See items a-e above, the site is fully
built out in a developed area and drains to the public storm drain system.
The rezoning would add office uses as a permitted use. Office uses are not
likely to involve contaminants that could substantially degrade flows from
the site to the storm drain system; therefore, there would be no increases in
any degradation of water quality from current levels.
g- i) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped by a Flood Insurance
Rate Map, or impede or redirect flood flow, including dam failure? NI. The project
includes a rezoning to the M-P Zoning District. No housing is permitted in
either the existing or proposed zoning districts. The site is not located within
a 100-year flood plain or in a dam inundation area. No impacts are
anticipated with respect to this topic.
j) Result in inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflows? NI. The project site is
located inland from major bodies of water and not subject to seiche or tsuami.
Surrounding properties are flat with no major topographic relief that could
cause significant mudflows or landslides onto the project site. No impacts are
anticipated with respect to this topic.
10. Land Use and Planning
Project Impacts
a) Physically divide an established community? NI. The project site is built out and
fully surrounded by existing light industrial, commercial and mixed-use
development (of which a portion is high density residential). The proposed
rezoning expands permitted uses to include offices within the existing
buildings. The proposed rezoning would not change existing physical site
conditions and would not physically divide an established community. No
impacts are anticipated.
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy or regulation? NI. No
amendments are required to the Dublin General Plan or other local
regulations that have been adopted to protect the environment. The project
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would involve a requested zone change and no impacts are anticipated with
respect to this topic.
c) Conflict with a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan?
NI. The project site and surrounding properties have been fully developed
with urban uses. No new or expanded building construction would result
from the requested rezoning and there would be no impact to a habitat
conservation plan or natural community conservation plan as neither type of
plan exists on the site.
11. Mineral Resources
Project Impacts
a, b) Result in the loss of availability of regionally or locally significant mineral resources ?
NI. No impacts would occur to any mineral resources, since no such
resources are identified on the project site in the Dublin General Plan.
12. Noise
Project Impacts
a) Would the project expose persons or generation of noise levels in excess of standards
established by the General Plan or other applicable standard? NI. Approval of the
proposed project would change the zoning from M-1 to M-P. Although no
changes to existing site occupancies are currently proposed, the M-P Zoning
District would add office uses as a permitted use. An additional 11,700 square
feet of office uses could be developed on the project site in the existing
buildings. Such uses would generate more vehicle trips than light industrial
uses, which could increase local roadway noise. Vehicle trips are discussed in
Section 16 of this Initial Study, Transportation and Traffic. Uses permitted in
the M-P Zoning District (such as office uses) could generate less operational
noise than uses that are allowed in the M-1 Zoning District, which include
equipment and materials storage yard, impound yards and vehicle storage
yards. If the rezoning is approved, the operational noise generated on the site
is expected to be less since the M-P Zoning District requires that all uses be
conducted entirely indoors. Surrounding land uses generally include light
industrial and commercial uses, although some residences exist to the south,
so that there would be few sensitive noise receptors. The City does not expect
a significant increase in noise resulting from additional vehicle trips since the
existing tenants generate vehicle trips, the increase in vehicle trips will not be
substantial and there are multiple routes to access the project site.
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b) Exposure of people to excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels ?
NI. The project site is fully developed. There would be no construction
undertaken as a result of the project other than interior tenant improvements;
therefore, there would be no impact with respect to vibration or groundborne
noise.
c, d) Substantial permanent or temporary increases in permanent in ambient noise levels ?
NI. No impact is anticipated to occur with respect to a permanent or
temporary increase in noise from the site. No new or expanded building
construction is expected that would generate temporary noise because the site
is fully developed. Interior tenant improvements for office and other uses
permitted in the M-P Zoning District would be subject to the City’s
restrictions on construction hours to ensure there would be no significant
construction noise impacts. A substantial permanent increase in noise is not
anticipated since the M-P Zoning District requires that all uses be conducted
entirely indoors.
e, f) Be located within an airport land use plan area, within two miles of a public or
private airport or airstrip? NI. The project site lies outside of the Airport
Influence Area (AIA) of Livermore Municipal Airport (see Figure 3-1,
Livermore Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, County of
Alameda, 2012). No impacts would occur with respect to this topic.
13. Population and Housing
Project Impacts
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly? NI.
The project site is developed with light industrial buildings and no
construction is proposed as a part of the project. Although future office uses
could be allowed on the site should the requested rezoning be approved, it is
a fully developed site with existing businesses and employees. Possible future
office uses could generate additional employees; however, the increase would
be small given the scope of the project. There would therefore be no direct or
indirect population growth facilitated as a result of the project.
b, c) Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing housing units or people
requiring replacement housing? NI. No residences exist on the project site that
would be displaced. No impacts would occur with respect to this topic.
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14. Public Services
Environmental Impacts
a) Fire protection? NI. The City of Dublin contracts with the Alameda County
Fire Department for fire suppression, emergency medical, rescue and fire
inspection services. Future M-P uses that would be permitted as part of the
project could result in a slight increase in the number of calls for emergency
services based upon an increase in office uses. The increase in employees
would be limited given the scope of the project. A representative of the
Alameda County Fire Department has reviewed the proposed project and has
found that no new or expanded fire facilities would be required to serve the
additional population included in the proposed project (Bonnie Terra, ACF D,
3/18/16). No impacts would result as a result of the proposed project.
b) Police protection? NI. Similar to fire service, there would likely be a slight
increase in the number of calls for service to the Dublin Police Services based
on allowing office uses. A representative from the Dublin Police Services has
reviewed the proposed project and found that no new or expanded Police
Services facilities would be needed as a result of project approval (Chief
Dennis Houghtelling 3/28/16).
c) Schools? NI. Public educational services in Dublin are provided by the Dublin
Unified School District. The District maintains a number of K -12 schools
throughout Dublin. There are also a number of private educational facilities
in the community. Since no dwellings are included in the proposed project
and no construction is proposed that could directly facilitate growth that
would add students, no impacts are proposed with respect to this topic.
d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? NI. No public facilities are
proposed to be constructed as part of the rezoning project so there would be
no impact with respect to this topic.
e) Solid waste generation? NI. See item 17 (F-G), below.
15. Recreation
Project Impacts
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks? NI.
No dwellings or other structures would be constructed as part of the
proposed project, since the project only includes a change from one industrial
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zoning district to another. There would be no impact with respect to an
increase in use of City or regional park facilities.
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction of
recreational facilities? NI. The proposed project includes a rezoning from the
M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District and does not include the
construction of recreational facilities. No impact would result with respect to
this topic.
16. Transportation/Traffic
Project Impacts
a, b) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial relative to existing traffic load and
street; or exceed LOS standards established by the County CMA for designated
roads? LS. The project site is currently developed and is generating traffic to
and from the site. Should the requested rezoning to the M-P Zoning District
be approved, office uses would be allowed on the project site. The Dublin
Public Works Department has estimated existing trips to and from the site
compared with anticipated future trips under a industrial park scenario
during the morning and afternoon peak hour (see Table 2). Peak hour trips
are considered the most intense in comparison with other hours of the day
and this measurement is generally used to analyze project traffic impacts. The
City threshold for determining if additional traffic impact analysis is required
is whether a project would increase any peak hour trips by 50 or more. If
project trip generation is less than this threshold, the impact would be less
than significant.
Table 2. Project Peak Hour Trip Generation
Zoning
Classification
Current Light
Industrial Use
Proposed Industrial
Park Use
Trip Generation
Change
ITE Trip Generation
Category 1
Light Industrial Industrial Park --
A.M Peak
Trip Generation 59 100 +41
P.M. Peak
Trip Generation 60 90 +30
Note 1: Trip rates based on ITE Trip Generation Manual, 9th edition
Source: City of Dublin Traffic Division, Public Works Department
Based on the above, the proposed rezoning could generate up to 41
additional vehicle trips in the A. M. peak and 30 additional trips in the P.M.
peak period. These potential trip increases would not exceed the City’s
significance threshold. Based on City of Dublin records for intersection and
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street operations near the project site there would be no significant impacts
on local or regional roads, or Alameda County Congestion Management
Agency (CMA) roads (source: W. Lai, City of Dublin, April 2016).
c) Result in a change of air traffic patterns? NI. The proposed project would have
no impact on air traffic patterns, since it involves an industrial rezoning in the
central part of Dublin.
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature or incompatible use ? NI.
There would be no increase in any existing design feature hazards since no
construction is proposed as part of this project.
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? NI. No impacts would occur with regard
to emergency access since no new development would be constructed that
could block an emergency access route or an evacuation route.
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs supporting alternative
transportation modes? NI. If approved, the zoning of the project site would be
changed from the M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District. There
would be no impacts on local transportation systems, including but not
limited to bus systems, bicycle routes and pedestrian paths.
17. Utilities and Service Systems
Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the RWQCB? NI. The project site is
within the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) and receives
wastewater collection, treatment and disposal services from DSRSD.
Approval of the requested rezoning could slightly increase wastewater
generation from the site if more intensive office uses locate on the site. Future
uses in the project area are unknown but could result in slightly greater
wastewater flows from existing conditions due to potentially more intensive
office uses. Regardless, DSRSD representatives have indicated that even with
the approval of the requested rezoning, DSRSD wastewater facilities are
considered to be adequate to accommodate future flows and would not
exceed Regional Water Quality Control Board discharge requirements
(source: Stan Kolodzie, DSRSD engineer, 3/30/16). No impact is anticipated
with respect to this topic.
b) Require new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing
facilities? NI. A representative from DSRSD notes that the District can provide
water and wastewater facilities to the project site if the requested rezoning to
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the M-P Zoning District is approved without new or expanded facilities (Stan
Kolodzie, DSRSD, 3/30/16). No impacts would occur with respect to this
topic.
c) Require new storm drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities? NI. See
Hydrology Section, 9d.
d) Are sufficient water supplies available? NI. DSRSD currently provides water for
domestic and fire suppression purposes via a network of water mains,
laterals and related facilities throughout the City of Dublin, including the
project site. The amount of water required to serve future uses permitted in
the M-P Zoning District could be slightly higher than water needed for
current uses due to potentially more office uses. However, the District has
indicated that an adequate long-term water supply can be provided to the
project site even with approval of the requested rezoning (source: Stan
Kolodzie, DSRSD engineer, 3/30/16). No impact is anticipated with respect
to this topic.
e) Adequate wastewater capacity to serve the proposed project? NI. See item “a,”
above.
f, g) Solid waste disposal? NI. Existing businesses on the project site are currently
generating solid waste and recycling. It is anticipated that approximately the
same quantity of solid waste would be generated should the rezoning be
approved since the solid waste generated by office uses would be
approximately equivalent to the solid waste generated by the existing light
industrial uses. No significant impact would occur with respect to this topic.
18. 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? No. The preceding analysis indicates that the proposed
project would not have a significant adverse impact on the environment,
cultural resources or have the potential to affect fish or wildlife habitats, or
populations or plant communities, or restrict the range of rare or endangered
species, based on the analysis included in this Initial Study.
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b) 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). No, the proposed project involves a rezoning of a fully
developed site from the M-1 Zoning District to the M-P Zoning District. No
significant cumulative impacts have been identified in this Initial Study.
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse
effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? No. Based on the preceding
Initial Study, no substantial effects to human beings, either directly or
indirectly have been identified.
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Initial Study Preparers
Jerry Haag, Urban Planner, Project Manager and Principal Author
Rob Tuma, Report Graphics
Agencies and Organizations Consulted
The following agencies and organizations were contacted in the course of this Initial
Study:
City of Dublin
Luke Sims, Community Development Director
Jeff Baker, Assistant Community Development Director
Martha Aja, Associate Planner
Obaid Khan, Transportation and Operations Manager
Jayson Imai, Senior Civil Engineer
William Lai, Assistant Civil Engineer
Bonnie Terra, Alameda County Fire Department
Chief Dennis Houghtelling, Dublin Police Services
Kit Faubion, Assistant City Attorney
California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
Website
Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD)
Stan Kolozdie, Staff Engineer
References
Municipal Code, City of Dublin
Dublin General Plan, updated through November 2014
Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, updated through October 2014
Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Clean Air Plan, September 15, 2010
Eastern Alameda County Conservation Strategy (EACCS), October 2010
California Department of Toxic Substances Control, website, July 2014
City of Dublin, Climate Action Plan Update, July 2013
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Negative Declaration
Date August 25, 2016
Project Title Sierra Business Center Rezone
Project Application PLPA-2014-00034
Project Location The project site is located at 6465-6557 Sierra Lane (APN# 941-0205-
020) in the City of Dublin, CA in Alameda County.
Project Applicant Edward Pike, Square I, LLC, PO Box 458, Orinda, CA 94563
Phone: 925-383-9894
Contact Martha Aja, Associate Planner , City of Dublin Community,
Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: 925-833-6610 martha.aja@dublin.ca.gov
Project Description
The applicant has requested that the City of Dublin change the zoning district on the site from
the current M-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District to the M-P (Industrial Park) Zoning District.
Both the existing M-1 and the proposed M-P Zoning Districts are consistent with the site’s
General Plan Business Park/Industrial land use designation. Under the current M -1 Zoning
District, office uses are not permitted. If the zoning district were to be changed to the
proposed M-P Zoning District, professional and administrative offices would be an allowed use
within the complex.
Finding
The City hereby finds that the above project could not have a sign ificant effect on the
environment and a Negative Declaration is the appropriate environmental review under CEQA.
The Initial Study documenting the reasons to support the above finding is a separately bound
document, incorporated herein by reference and available for public review during normal
business hours at City Hall from the Contact above.
CITY OF DUBLIN
________________________
Martha Aja, Associate Planner Date:
Considered by: ______________________________ On: _______
Resolution No.: ________ NOD Filed: ________
RESOLUTION NO. 16- 23
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE REZONING OF THE SIERRA BUSINESS
CENTER FROM THE M-1 TO THE M-P ZONING DISTRICT
(APN 941-0205-020)
PLPA 2014-00034
WHEREAS, the Applicant proposes to rezone the project site from the M-1 (Light
Industrial) Zoning District to the M-P (Industrial Park) Zoning District; and
WHEREAS, the site is located at 6549 Sierra Lane and is currently developed with 3
industrial buildings which are currently used for a variety of uses; and
WHEREAS, a complete application is available and on file in the Planning Division; and
WHEREAS, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), toget her with State
Guidelines and City Environmental Regulations require that certain projects be reviewed for
environmental impacts and that environmental documents be prepared; and
WHEREAS, the City prepared an Initial Study for the project; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study determined that there was no substantial evidence that the
rezoning project would have a significant adverse effect on the environment , therefore, the City
prepared a Negative Declaration dated August 25, 2016 and attached as Attachment 1 to
Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the City circulated the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) for public
review from August 25, 2016 through September 14, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the City received only one comment letter during the public review period.
The letter was from the Dublin San Ramon Services District and agreed with the IS/ND analysis
regarding water and wastewater; and
WHEREAS, a Staff Report dated October 11, 2016 analyzed the IS/ND and the rezoning
project and recommended approval of the IS/ND and the application; and
WHEREAS, on October 11, 2016, the Planning Commission did hold a properly noticed
public hearing on the application at which time all interested parties had the opportunity to be
heard; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered the IS/ND, and all reports,
recommendations and testimony referenced above before making its recommendation.
2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the foregoing recitals are true and correct
and made a part of this resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission recommends that the City
Council adopt the Resolution attached as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference,
approving a Negative Declaration for the Sierra Business Center Rezone.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 11th day of October 2016 by the following
vote:
AYES: Kohli, Mittan, Goel, Bhuthimethee
NOES:
ABSENT: Do
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Planning Commission Chair
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Assistant Community Development Director
G:\PA\2014\PLPA-2014-00034 Sierra Business Center Rezone\CC Meeting.11.1.16\Att 3 PC Reso Neg Dec.DOC
RESOLUTION NO. 16- 24
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A
REZONING FROM THE M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) ZONING DISTRICT TO THE M-P
(INDUSTRIAL PARK) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE SIERRA BUSINESS CENTER LOCATED
AT 6549 SIERRA LANE
(APN 941-0205-020)
PLPA 2014-00034
WHEREAS, the Applicant proposes a to rezone the project site from the M-1 (Light
Industrial) Zoning District to the M-P (Industrial Park) Zoning District; and
WHEREAS, the site is currently developed with 3 industrial buildings which are currently
used for a variety of uses; and
WHEREAS, a complete application is available and on file in the Planning Division; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, the City prepared and circulated an Initial Study/Negative Declaration
(IS/ND) for the project dated August 25, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference; and
WHEREAS, a Staff Report dated October 11, 2016 analyzed the IS/ND and the rezoning
project and recommended approval of the IS/ND and the application; and
WHEREAS, on October 11, 2016, the Planning Commission did hold a properly noticed
public hearing on the application at which time all interested parties had the opportunity to be
heard; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered the IS/ND, and all reports,
recommendations and testimony referenced above before making its recommendation; and
WHEREAS, following the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution
16-23 recommending that the City Council adopt a resolution approving a Negative Declaration
for this project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the foregoing recitals are true and correct
and made a part of this resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission, based on the findings in
the attached draft Ordinance, recommends that the City Council approve the Ordinance
attached as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, which Ordinance approves a
rezone for the Sierra Business Center (PLPA-2014-00034).
2
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 11th day of October 2016 by the following
vote:
AYES: Kohli, Mittan, Goel, Bhuthimethee
NOES:
ABSENT: Do
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Planning Commission Chair
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Assistant Community Development Director
G:\PA\2014\PLPA-2014-00034 Sierra Business Center Rezone\CC Meeting.11.1.16\Att 4 PC Reso CC Ordinance.DOC
DRAFT DRAFT
Planning Commission October 11, 2016
Regular Meeting Page | 107
Planning Commission Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2016
1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE TO THE FLAG
A regular meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, October
10, 2016, in the City Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Plaza. Chair Kohli called the
meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Chair Kohli; Vice Chair Mittan; Commissioners Bhuthimethee and Goel; Jeff
Baker, Assistant Community Development Director; Tim Cremin, Assistant City
Attorney; Martha Aja, Associate Planner; and Debra LeClair, Recording Secretary.
Absent: Cm. Do
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – NONE
3. CONSENT CALENDAR –
3.1 Minutes of the September 13, 2016 Planning Commission Meeting. On a motion
by Cm. Goel and seconded by Cm. Bhuthimethee, on a vote of 3-0-2, both Cm. Do
and Cm. Mittan were absent from that meeting, the Planning Commission approved
the minutes of the September 13, 2016 meeting.
4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – NONE
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS –
5.1 PLPA 2014-00034 Sierra Business Center Rezone from the current M-1 (Light
Industrial) Zoning District to the M-P (Industrial Park) Zoning District.
Martha Aja, Associate Planner, presented the project as outlined in the Staff Report.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked if there is an advantage to the Applicant in changing the zoning to M-P
(Industrial Park) versus adopting Planned Development (PD) zoning.
Ms. Aja answered that the Applicant requested the change to the M-P (Industrial Park) versus a
PD amendment.
Cm. Goel asked about the site to the west of the project site.
Ms. Aja pointed out the Sierra Trinity Business Center and stated that the buildings in that
center have similar design attributes to those on the project site.
Cm. Goel asked if the Sierra Trinity Business Center currently has occupied office space.
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Planning Commission October 11, 2016
Regular Meeting Page | 108
Ms. Aja answered yes; the change in zoning has resulted in the successful tenanting of those
buildings. She stated that leasing spaces had been a challenge for the property owner prior to
the zoning change.
Cm. Goel asked if the letter of support from the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD)
was included in the Staff Report.
Ms. Aja answered that it was not included in the Staff Report.
Cm. Goel asked for the information included in the letter of support.
Ms. Aja responded that DSRSD agreed with the conclusions of the Initial Study and the analysis
and would be able to provide water and wastewater services to the site if the zoning change
was approved.
Cm. Goel felt that the letter was not necessarily in support of approving the zoning change but
DSRSD felt that there were no negative impacts associated with the zoning change and
confirmed the study.
Cm Mittan asked if the project site could still have a light industrial use.
Ms. Aja answered yes; this zoning change will add the office space use, but some of the heavier
industrial uses currently allowed in the Light Industrial zoning district , would no longer be
permitted.
Cm. Mittan asked if the zoning change is being done with a specific tenant in mind or in order to
enable the property owner to open their building to other potential tenants.
Ms. Aja referred the question to the Applicant.
Chair Kohli asked about the parking situation at the project site. He was concerned with
overflow parking at adjacent buildings and asked if there was a parking study done.
Ms. Aja responded that there is currently more parking on the site than is required per the code.
She stated that, whenever a potential office use comes into the City, Staff would evaluate the
use to ensure that there is adequate parking to support a more intensive office use.
Chair Kohli asked if the adjacent businesses are aware of the requested zoning change. He f elt
that they might be concerned about overflow parking.
Ms. Aja stated that the City has received no letters regarding the request and the property
owners and tenants within 300 feet were notified of this public hearing.
Chair Kohli opened the public hearing.
Edward Pike, Applicant, spoke in favor of the project.
Cm. Mittan asked how many tenant spaces are currently in the building.
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Planning Commission October 11, 2016
Regular Meeting Page | 109
Mr. Pike stated that there are approximately 9-10 tenant spaces, currently occupied with long-
term tenants.
Chair Kohli closed the public hearing.
Cm. Bhuthimethee felt that the building was set up for office space and that this is an
appropriate change. She asked if the building or the zoning came first.
Ms. Aja responded that the building was built in the 1970’s, which was prior to the City’s
incorporation.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked if the zoning for the area was assigned by the City.
Ms. Aja answered yes.
Cm. Goel asked if the Industrial Park zoning allows for residential uses.
Ms. Aja answered no; the Industrial Park zoning does not allow for residential uses.
Cm. Goel asked if the zoning change will open up the business center as an office suite
complex.
Ms. Aja answered yes; the only land use that is not allowed, that would be allowed with the
zoning change, is the office use. She stated that there are other uses that would no longer be
allowed.
Cm. Goel asked what uses would no longer be allowed.
Ms. Aja stated that the uses that would no longer be allowed are: auto uses, repair services,
sales, cemetery, impound yard, service station, storage yard, salvage and wrecking yard and
trucking terminals which are the heavier industrial or outdoor uses.
Cm. Goel asked if the Applicant is planning any rehabilitation to the property site.
Ms. Aja responded that the only rehabilitation would be tenant improvements to the spaces.
Cm. Goel asked if it was the Applicant who initiated the request for zoning change.
Ms. Aja answered yes.
Cm. Mittan asked how the zoning for the current project affects the surrounding buildings.
Ms. Aja pointed out the adjacent zoning and the allowed uses.
Chair Kohli stated that the surrounding parcels are zoned PD but the project site has requested
a zoning change to M-P and asked for an explanation of the difference.
Jeff Baker, Assistant Community Development Director, responded that the zoning is technically
different but practically speaking, it is the same. Both zoning districts allow virtually the same
uses.
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Planning Commission October 11, 2016
Regular Meeting Page | 110
On a motion by Cm. Goel and seconded by Cm. Mittan, on a vote of 4-0-1, with Cm. Do being
absent, the Planning Commission adopted:
RESOLUTION NO. 16- 23
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE REZONING OF THE SIERRA BUSINESS
CENTER FROM THE M-1 TO THE M-P ZONING DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO. 16- 24
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A
REZONING FROM THE M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) ZONING DISTRICT TO THE M-P
(INDUSTRIAL PARK) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE SIERRA BUSINESS CENTER LOCATED
AT 6549 SIERRA LANE
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – NONE
7. NEW BUSINESS - NONE
8. OTHER BUSINESS -
8.1 Mr. Baker informed the Planning Commission that the Community Development
Department has a new Principal Planner, Amy Million, to replace Kristi Bascom who
has left the City for a new opportunity.
8.2 Mr. Baker informed the Planning Commission that there will be no meeting on
October 25th and that there are no items on the schedule for the rest of the year, but
that could change. Chair Kohli felt that if this is the last meeting of the year he
wanted to thank Staff and the other Planning Commissioners for a great year.
9. ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 7:18:58 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Planning Commission Chair
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Planning Commission October 11, 2016
Regular Meeting Page | 111
ATTEST:
Jeff Baker
Assistant Community Development Director
G:\MINUTES\2016\PLANNING COMMISSION\10.11.16 DRAFT PC MINUTES.docx