HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.2 Sustainable Neighborhood DesignG~~.~ O~' Dp~l fy
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i9\~;~~~ STAFF REPORT C I T Y C L E R K
~ ~ ~ DUBLIN CITY COIJNCIL File # ^~~~-~~
~~LIFOR~l~ „
DATE: March 1, 2011
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Joni Pattillo, City Manager
SUBJ : Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy
Prepared By: Kristi Bascom, Principal Planne~h
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Dublin has taken an active role in promoting environmental sustainability with
initiatives such as the Green Building Ordinance and the City's recent adoption of a Climate
Action Plan. In this report, Staff is presenting: the City Council with various options for
implementing a"Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy," which would enable and promote
sustainable site design and planning for the street, land use, and open space p.atterns for
neighborhoods in Dublin.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Confirm Staff's recommendations on the elements
of the Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy, the applicability of the Sustainable
Neighborhood Design Strategy; the methods of implementing, and adopting the Sustainable
Neighborhood Design Strategy; or 2) Provide other direction.
, S bmitted By:
Community Development Director
Revi By:
Assistant City Manager
Page 1 of 10 ITEM NO. ~~~
DESCRIPTION:
Background
Sustainability, green design, and improving public health are some of the key topics being
discussed by cities and developers today. A City's land use, street, and neighborhood design
patterns create a particular physical reality and compel behaviors that have a significant effect
on the environmental perFormance of any given place. When a neighborhood has~ a robust
network of internaf streets and good connections to surrounding neighborhoods and
communities, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers can move efficiently and safely. Vehicles are
driven less, air quality improves, human health improves, and the overall sustainability of a
community improves too.
On December 21, 2010 City Staff presented a report to the City Council on developing a
"Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy" (Attachment 1). Staff described the Sustainable
Neighborhood Design Strategy (SNDS) as a policy document that would outline the desired
components of a sustainable neighborhood, such as a connected street pattern and land use
plan, green infrastructu~-e and buildings, and a linked open space network. A SNDS could also
include a set of perFormance standards designed to measure the sustainability of a proposed
neighborhood, much like the City currently uses the GreenPoint Rated Checklist for measuring
` the environmental efficiency of new residential buildings. Staff also presented the City Council
~ with information on one of the predominant rating systems to measure the sustainability level of
new neighborhoods: the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND).
The City Council directed Staff to further develop a Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy
and to return to a future meeting with a report on policy alternatives to consider (Attachment 2)...
The City Council directed Staff to return with a report that includes the following information:
1. Recommendation on how a Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy could work and
how LEED-ND standards, or other sustainable neighborhood programs, could be
integrated into the policy;
2. Recommendation on how a policy could be implemented;
3. Recommendations on which types of development could be subject to compliance with a
policy;
4. Recommendations for public outreach to review the concepts being considered;
5: Provide examples of Sustainable Neighborhood/LEED-ND projects in other communities
and showcase best practices; and
6. Provide options for incentivizing compliance with a policy. ~
ANALYSIS:
"Sustainable Neighborhood" Programs
Several certification programs have emerged to rate the sustainability of mixed-use,
neighborhood and community-scale developments-addressing a wider range of issues than
previous rating systems for individua{ buildings. These broader-scale certification programs
include LEED-ND, One Planet Communities, and the Living Building Challenge. Both One
Planet Communities and #he Living Building Challenge are international programs that focus
heavily on reducing the ecological footprint of new development and minimizing carbon output.
LEED-ND is specific to development in the U.S. and is the most relevant standardized rating
system for our purposes because it covers the five topic areas noted below.
Page 2 of 10
LEED for Neighborhood Development '
The LEED-ND framework identifies those components of a sustainable neighborhood that are
most critical and awards points to those project components that meet the standards. The
LEED-ND rating system awards points in five main categories:
1. Smart Location and Linkage encourages communities to consider location,
transportation alternatives, and preservation of sensitive lands.
2. Neighborhood Pattern and Design emphasizes vibrant, equitable communities that are
healthy, walkable, and contain a mixture of land uses.
3. Green Infrastructure and Buildings promotes the design and construction of buildings
and infrastructure that reduce energy and water use, while promoting more sustainable
use of materials, reuse of existing and historic structures, and other sustainable best
practices.
4. Innovation and Design Process recognizes exemplary and innovative performance
reaching beyond the existing credits in the rating system, as well as the value of
including an,accredited professional on the design team.
5. Regional Priority encourages projects to focus on earning credits of significance to the
project's local environment.
The. LEED for. Neighborhood Development rating system was introduced as-. a pilot project in t
2009. There are several projects in the Bay Area that are in one of the three stages of
certification for LEED-ND. A sampling of these projects include the 14 acre high=density
"Emeryville Marketplace" mixed-use community with 674 multi-family residential units, 180,000
sq. ft. . of retail, 120;000 sq.. ft. of office, parking garages, and open space .in Emeryville,
California and the 42-acre "Hercules Bayfront", which will transform a former dynamite
manufacturing site into a transit-oriented, mixed-use waterfront community with. 1,400
residentia{ units, 115,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 224,000 square feet of
office/commercial flex space. Another example of a LEED-ND certified neighborhood is the
200-acre Sonoma Mountain Village, which is a mixed-use residential and commercial, solar-
powered, zero-waste community under development in Rohnert Park.
Applicability to Dublin
The LEED-ND framework encompasses a wide range of subject areas. Several of the
sustainable neighborhood concepts outlined in the LEED-ND rating system are already in place
in the City of Dublin: 'Concepts such as prioritizing higher density development near transit ~
(LEED-ND's Smart Location and Linkage category) and promoting the design of buildings and
infrastructure that reduce energy and wafer use (LEED-ND's Green Infrastructure and Buildings
category) are already priorities in Dub{in. The one LEED-ND category where the City does not
currently have specific standards is Neighborhood Pattern and Design, which focuses on the
physical layout of development sites. ~
There are other cities and counties throughout the country that have developed their own
sustainable rating systems and policies through which they can assess new development in lieu
of using a standardized system such as LEED-ND. These programs were developed to be
specific to the geographic region as well as the community's specific concerns and interests. A
sample of these programs include:
• The City and County of San Francisco instituted a set of sustainability standards and a
"Healthy Deve{opment Measurement Tool" to gauge new development;
Page 3 of 10
• The City of Greensburg, Kansas has developed a full set of Sustainable Development
Code Standards that implement the policies contained in their Sustainable
Comprehensive Plan; and
• The City of Richmond, California adopted a set of 15 Community Principles related to
development in their community that focus on how to plan neighborhoods that will more
successfully serve the needs of.those who live and work within them.
Instead of adopting the full LEED-ND rating system and standards in Dublin, Staff recommends
that the City focus on developing a Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy that is specific
to this City. Dublin's Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy would contain only those
policy categories where we do not already have existing guidance. Staff is proposing a
Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy specifically to guide the development of
neighborhood street patterns, land use patterns, and use of open spaces to create opportunities
for residents and workers to walk, cycle, and use alternative modes of transportation in the
community.
Best Practices in Sustainable Neighborhood Design
Dublin already has examples of residential ~and commercial neighborhoods
neighborhood street patterns, land use patterns, and good use of open spaces,
1.
Emerald Glen Park/Douqherty Elementary neiqhborhood
This roughly 275-
acre neighborhood
is well-served with
an interconnected
street pattern and a
combination of land
uses that are well-
located. The
streets serving the
area are sufficiently
sized for vehicular
traffic yet also safe
and comfortable for
pedestrians and
cyclists. There are ~
wide, separated
sidewalks and off-
street trails. Many
of the cul-de-sacs
that have good
including:
in the area are open and passable for kids walking to school or to the park. Waterford
Shopping Center is accessible to pedestrians from all sides and has wide sidewalks and
pathways for strolling and dining.
Page 4 of 10
connectivity, social networking, civic engagement, physical activity, and time spent
outdoors.
Staff has prepared a Draft Strategy, which is included as Attachment 3 to this Staff Report. The
Draft Strategy includes a menu of goals, policies, and standards to address sustainability in
neighborhood pattern and design. The Dcaft SNDS includes policies that provide a baseline
standard for future neighborhood development in Dublin. By setting expectations, standards,
and a means by which to achieve these goals and assess sustainable site design, the City will
encourage early cooperation and involvement between the City and the property
owner/developer in the site planning process. Identifying sustainable standards outlines the
City's expectations and also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable neighborhoods that
could open up opportunities for future grant funding to implement plans as well as the potential
for local, regional, or national recognition of the proposed project.
Staff is seeking feedback from the City Council on the goals, policies, and standards included in
the Draft Strategy (Attachment 3).
Applicability of a Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy
Staff recommends that a Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy be applied to the.
following types of projects: ' . '
~ .;F " . . ~ ' ~ . . ~ .. ~ ~ . ,
1. General Plan and Specific PIan.Amendments, new Specific Plans; .
2. Annexations;
3. New Stage 1 and/or Stage 2 Planned Development Rezones. Minor amendments to an
existing Stage 2 Development Plan would be exempt from compliance with the Draft
Strategy; ,
4. Rezoning applications; and
5. Any subdivision of property or other new development that creates new streets without
changing the applicable land use designation would need to comply with all policies and
standards contained in Policy Section One (Street Patterns and Design) of the Strategy.
Developers typically spend large sums of money to obtain entitlements to develop their
property. For example, a Stage 1 Development Plan outlines the basic development
parameters including maximum densities-.and. permitted uses, but does not contain .detailed
land use plans. A Stage 2 Development Plan requires design work, detailed land plans with
street networks, and drawings that illustrate the proposed development. A developer invests a
considerable amount of time and money to obtain this level of entitlements. Therefore, projects
with this level of entitlements and projects which are close to achieving this level of entitlement
are not recommended to be subject to compliance with the Draft Strategy.
Projects that would be subject to compliance with the Draft Strategy include those project types
listed above for properties that do not have a current Planning Application on file. These future
projects include Area B in Dublin Ranch, several properties in Fallon Village (Croak, Chen, and
Anderson - commercial portion) and properties near Dublin's northern border along Tassajara
Road (Tipper, Fredrich, and Vargas). In addition, as noted above, the approved projects that
request a General Plan Amendment or rezone, would be subject to compliance with the SNDS.
Page 6 of 10
J
There are several other properties in Dublin that are in different stages of project review,
organized into three categories below:
First, there are two projects that have Pre-Applications on file with the City, but where there is
no current activity on the application, as described below:
Pro'ect Name Current Entitlements Ap lication Status
Righetti Approved Planned Pre-Application on file since 2006 for a Tentative
Development Zoning Parcel Map and Planned Development Rezoning with
with a Stage 1 a Stage 2 Development Plan. Tentative Parcel Map
Development Plan. approved in 2007. No plans have been submitted for
the Sta e 2 Develo ment Plan. ~
Dublin Land Approved Planned General Plan Amendment Study initiated in 2004.
Company Development Zoning Various Pre-Applications have been submitted and
with a Stage 1 withdrawn over the years for different project
Develo ment Plan. conce ts. No current lans on file.
Staff recommends that both of the above projects be subject to compliance with the Draft
Strategy.
Second, there., are two projects that have existing applications for General Plan Amendment
studies that are at the very beginning of the entitlement process. Both The Preserve (Doolan
Canyon) and Dublin Crossings (Camp Parks) haVe initiated General Plan Amendment studies,
but the environmental analysis for the projects have not yet begun, detailed land plans have not
been submitted, and therefore the detailed analysis of potential land plans, street networks, and
open space networks are not yet underway: Neither of these projects has vested entitlements
and is in the very early stages of the City process, as described below:
Pro'ect Name Current Entitlements A lication Status
Dublin Crossing None General Plan Amendment Study initiated in 2003. A
(Camp Parks) Planning Application has been received, but no
detailed plans for evaluation. Future applications will
include a General Plan land use plan, New Specific
Plan, Proposed Rezoning plans, Tentative
Subdivision Map(s), Development Agreement(s), and
applications for anriexation to local utility/service
roviders.
The Preserve None General Plan Amendment Study initiated in 2010.
(Doolan Canyon) The current application includes a General Plan
Amendment for a Sphere of Influence adjustment.
Future applications could include an annexation, a
Specific Plan Amendment or New Specific Plan,
Zoning, Tentative Subdivision Map(s), and
Develo ment A reement s.
Staff recommends that both of the above projects be subject to compliance with the Draft
Strategy.
Third, there are two other projects that have existing applications for General Plan Amendment
studies and/or Planned Development Rezones, and are much further along in the entitlement
Page 7 of 10
process. Jordan Ranch (Phase 2) and Positano have current development applications
underway for General Plan and Specific Plan Amendments and Stage 1 and Stage 2 Planned
Development Rezonings. Both of the current applications include modifications to a previously-
approved project, as described below: ,
Pro'ect Name Current Entitlements A lication Status
Jordan Ranch Approved Planned General Plan Amendment Study initiated in 2011
(Phase 2) Development Zoning to change the land use designations for a portion
with a Stage 2 of the project site. Future approvals include a
Development Plan, General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan
Tentative Subdivision Amendment, Planned Development Rezoning,
Map, and Development Site Development Review, and possible Tentative
Agreement that vests Subdivision Map amendments.
the existin entitlements. ~
Positano Approved Planned General Plan Amendment Study initiated in 2011
Development Zoning to change the land use designations for a 2.5-
with a Stage 2 acre portion of the project site. Future approvals
Development Plan, include a General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan
Tentative Subdivision Amendment, Planned Development Rezoning,
;- Map, and Development Site Development Review, and possible Tentative
. Agreement that~.vests . Subdivision Map amendments . '
the existin entitlements. ~
Compliance with the Draft Strategy for these two projects, and any others at a similar stage of
planning approval, is not proposed.
Options for Implementation and Incentives ~ ~
For those projects to which the Strategy is applicable, the City could require compliance with the
Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy in its entirety or in part. The City Council could
consider using a"scorecard" method that would require compliance with a minimum percentage
of the Strategy, which would allow a greater degree of developer discretion, and could offer
incentives for full compliance. If the City Council directs Staff to pursue a"scorecard" method of
implementation, Staff will examine if there are feasible incentives that can be offered to achieve
full compliance with the Strategy.
However, because the Sustainable Neighborhood Design `'Strategy, as proposed, contains the
basic requirements to create a sustainable neighborhood, it is Staff's recommendation to
require compliance with the Strategy in its entirety for those projects to which the Strategy is
applicable.
Options for Adopting the Strategy
The folfowing are three possible methods in which a Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy
could be adopted by the City Council. Each of these options would require follow-up General
Plan Amendments to the Circulation and Scenic Highways Element (for changes to the adopted
standards for roadway configurations).
1. Adopt as a stand-alone policy document (similar to the Public/Semi-Public Policy
adopted in 2004};
2. Adopt as a new Ordinance/Municipal Code chapter (similar to the Green Building
Ordinance); or ,
Page 8 of 10
3. Amend the Community Design and Sustainability, Element of the General Plan to include
the additional goals and policies.
A stand-alone policy document is easier to adopt and modify if the City Council so desires.
However, a stand-alone policy does not have the same strength as an ordinance or a General
Plan-level policy. This policy-level~approach provides the City Council with the most flexibility in
implementing the policy as well as making exceptions to the policy as desired.
An ordinance would become part of the Municipal Code, and any deviation from compliance
with the ordinance would require official action by the City to grant exceptions from the
ordinance on a case-by-case basis. If changes were proposed to the Strategy, a Zoning
Ordinance Amendment would be required.
The Community Design and Sustainability Element of the General Plan includes policy-level
guidance for new development in Dublin, and all projects are subject to consistency with the
General Plan. The Community Design and Sustainability Element of the General Plan already
contains Section 10.7, Design of the Built Form, and. the specific standards of the Draft Strategy
naturally fit as an extension to this section. If changes were proposed to the Strategy, a General
Plan Amendment would be required.
' . _ .:1 . . : ,
Staff .recommends that the ,Sustainable Neighborhood; Design Strategy be adopted as an
amendment to the Community Design and. Sustainability.Element of the General Plan.
Public Outreach
Once the City Council provides direction on the goals, policies, and standards proposed in the
Strategy, Staff proposes to meet with the development community ,to present the Draft SNDS
and, receive their feedback. Feedback from the development community will be presented to
the City Council along,with Staff's recommendation on the final Strategy language at a future.
City Council meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is making the following recommendations on the Sustainable Neighborhood Design
Strategy, as discussed in this Staff Report.
" 1. Draft Sustainable Neiqhborhood Design Strateqv.' Staff recommends that the Draft .
Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy contain the goals, policies, and standards as
outlined in Attachment 3.
2. Applicabilitv of a Sustainable Neiqhborhood Design Strateqv based on proiect type.
Staff recommends that the Draft Strategy apply to:
• New General Plan and Specific Plan Amendments, new Specific Plans;
• Annexations;
• New Stage 1 and/or Stage 2 Planned Development Rezones;
• Rezoning applications; and
• Any subdivision of property or other new development that creates new streets
without changing the applicable land use designation would need to comply with
all policies and standards contained in Policy Section One (Street Patterns and
Design) of the Strategy
Page 9 of 10
3. Applicability of a Sustainable Neiqhborhood Desiqn Strategy to actual proiects.
Staff recommends that the Draft Strategy apply to:
• Projects that have Pre-Applications on file with the City, but where there is no
current activity on the application (e.g. Righetti, Dublin Land Company); and
• Projects that have existing applications for General Plan Amendment studies that
do not have land plans on file and are at the very beginning of the entitlement
process (e.g. Dublin Crossing, The Preserve).
4. Implementation and Incentives. Staff recommends that the Draft Strategy apply in its
entirety, not partial compliance. ~
5. Adopting a Draft Strateqy. Staff recommends that the Draft Strategy is adopted as an
amendment to the Community Design and Sustainability Element of the General Plan.
NEXT STEPS:
Once direction is provided by the City Council on the recommendations above, Staff will:
1. Refine the Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy to incorporate direction from
the City Council; ~ .
~. -,, ,
2. Meet with the development community to present Draft Sustainable Neighborhood
Design Strategy and receive their feedback; .~.
3. Prepare amendments to existing Planning Documents as necessary; and
4. Conduct.the appropriate level of environmental review;
5: Present the Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy to the Planning
Commission for recommendation to the City Council and then to the City Council
adoption/approvaL ~
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
A public notice is not required to seek direction from the City Council on proposed policy direction.
Future reports that request the City Council to take action on policy recommendations will be
noticed as required by law and sent to members of Dublin's development community.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. City Council Staff Report dated December 21, 2010
2. City Council meeting minutes dated December 21, 2010
3. Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy
G:\PA#~2010\Sustainable Neighborhoods Strategy\CC 3.1.2011\CCSR 03.01.2011.doc
Page 10 of 10
G`~.~ or' o~e~~2 ~
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~9'~;~'aZ STAFf ~REPORT C I T Y C L E R K
~``~L~~f~ DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL File # ^~~~-~~
DATE: December 21, 2010 J
TO: ~ Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Joni Pattillo, City Manager
SUBJEC . Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy
~ Prepared By: Kristi Bascom, Principal Planner
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Dublin has taken an active role in promoting sustainability in the public realm. On
the private side, initiatives such as the Green Building Ordinance are resulting in the
construction of more sustainable buildings. However, Staff believes that the City could benefit
from developing a"Sustainabfe Neighborhood Development Strategy;" which would enable and
promote sustainable site design and planning for the streets, homes, workplaces, and
businesses we build in our neighborhoods. This Staff Report contains an overview of why the
City Council should consider developing a Sustainable Neighborhood Devefopment Strategy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is requesting that the City Council provide feedback an directi n on developing a
Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy.
Submitted By: R viewe By:
Community Development Director Assistan ' Manager
Page 1 of 5 • -~ -~~~7~L-v~ j I~~ J~ ~
ATTACHMENT l
DESCRIPTION:
~ ~~
Background .
Sustainability, green design, and improving public health are some of the key topics being
discussed by cities and developers today. Our land use, street, and neighborhood design
patterns create a particular physicaf reafity and compel behaviors that have a significant effect
on the environmental performance of any given place. When a neighborhood has .a robust
network of internal streets and good connections to surrounding neighborhoods and
communities, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers can move e~ciently and safely. VeHicles are
driven fess, air quality improves, human health improves, and the overall sustainability of a
community improves too.
Over the past several years, the City of Dublin has made several commitments to move the
community toward a more sustainable future. The City's Ten Year Strategic Plan consists of a
mission, vision, and various statements. and strategies to achieve implementation of the Plan.
The Ten Year Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 lists the community's values in a variety
of areas, and one of the three "Values in Guiding Development" is to "Support pedestrian-
friendly development, transit-oriented development, green building, and environmental
responsiveness." The City of Dublin has taken a number of.concrete actions to support this
value, which is descrihed below. .
In 2004, the City Council adopted a Green Building Practices Ordinance that requires public
buildings of a certain value to follow a"whole-systems" approach to the design, construction,
and operafion. This Ordinance requires that all new civic buildings that cost vver $3 million be
built to achieve silver certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) standards. The aim of enacting this Ordinance was to demonstrate civic leadership in
appfying green building practices to the construction of buildings and structures that helps
mitigate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of construction, demolition, and
renovation. The Shannon Community Center, which was completed in February 2009, includes
numerous energy efficient and water conserving measures. The Shannon Community Center is
awaiting LEED certification. ~
In 2009, the City Council adopted the Green Building Ordinance, which aims to improve public
health and welfare by encouraging green building measures in the design, construction, and
maintenance of both public and private buildings. This Ordinance requires residential projects
over 20 units in size to reach 50 points on the GreenPoint rating system. In November 2010,
the City'adopted the California Green Building Code, which requires further enhancements in
the design and construction of buildings and sustainable construction practices.
In February 2010, the City Council appointed residents to the Green Initiatives Task Force. The
purpose of the Task Force was to provide recommendations on environmental initiatives that
the City Council could consider for future implementation. In June 2010, ,the City Council
adopted several recommendations of the City's Green Initiatives Task Force. The City Council
also authorized the creation of a Green Strategic Plan document. This document will provide
guidance to Staff about which environmental activities should be given .priority over the next five
years. The Task Force provided recommendations on energy and water conservation, air
quality, solid waste and recycling, green building, and transportation and land use.
In addition to the above actions, the City has also developed several policy documents that
support sustainable development, including the Community Design and Sustainability Element
Page 2 of 5
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of the General Plan, which contains po{icies intended to enhance the livability of Dubiin through
high-quality design. The City's Bikeways Master Plan aims to continue the development of
successful bicycle.and pedestrian corridors, provide improved access to parks and open space
areas, and provide and promote a convenient and safe bicycle infrastructure to reduce trips by
motor vehicies. Most recently, the City Council adopted Dublin's Climate Action Plan, which
sets forth the City's plan to reduce its Greenhouse Gas Emissions 20% below a business-as-
usual scenario by 2020. ~
Many of the ~City initiatives already underway are promoting sustainability in the public realm.
On the private side, initiatives such as the Green Building Ordinance are resulting in the
construction of more sustainable buildings. However, planning for sustainabi{+ty should also
include looking at the physical layout of the development sites to see what sustainability
measures can be included in the site design. Staff is requesting that the City Council provide
feedback and direction on developing a"Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy" to
enable and promote designs where the streets, homes, workplaces, and businesses built in our
neighborhoods contribute positively to residents' _quality of life and the community as a whole.
ANALYSIS:
Promoting sustainable neighborhood design . .
Recent research by the Kaiser Foundation shows that people's environments - where they live
and work, how they travel around, what they eat and.where and when they are physically active
- have a major impact on their health and well-being. The design of neighborhoods can vastly
. impact public health, which is a chronic sustainability issue.
The sustainable benefits of a neighborhood increase when it offers proximity to transit, schools,
and parks, and when residents and workers can travel safely by foot or bicycle to jobs, services,
and amenities.. This can create a neighborhood with a high quality of life and healthy
inhabitants. Additionally, green buildings can reduce energy and water u~e, and green
infrastructure such as landscaping and best practices designed to reduce stormwater runoff can
protect natural resources. All of these features combine to create a sustainable neighborhood.
Well-located and well-designed sustainable neighborhood development can play an integral
role in improving quality of life.
In addition to the City policies noted above, state legislation such as Assembly Bill 32
(mandating greenhouse gas reduction measures) and Senate Bill 375 (requiring the
examination of sustainable practices throughout a region) will require local consideration of
issues such as reducing vehicle miles travelled and improving air quality. Other state efforts
that.will impact local planning efforts are new air quality/greenhouse gas emissions thresholds
that will affect land use planning and site design. These state regulations, when combined with
the enforcement of the City's existing policies, could eventually lead to the creation ~ of more
environmentally sustainable neighborhoods over time. ~
However, the City could go further by creating specific standards to compel sustainab{e site
design to occur. By setting expectations, standards; and a means by which to assess
sustainable site design, the City can take a more active approach. Creating sustainability
standards will compel early cooperation and involvement befinreen the City and the property
owner/developer in the site planning process. Identifying sustainable standards outlines the
City's expectations and also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable neighborhoods that
could open up opportunities for future grant funding to implement plans as well as the potential
for local, regional, or national recognition.
Page 3 of 5
~ ~ -~
A Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy could be a policy document that outlines
the desired components of a sustainable neighborhood such as connected street pattern and
land use plan, green infrastructure and buildings, and open space preservation and utilization.
A Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy could also incfude a set of performance
standards designed to measure the sustainability of a planned neighborhood, much like the City
currently uses the GresnPoint Rated Checklist for measuri_ng the environmental efficiency of
new residential buildings. An example would be LEED-ND, as described below.
Developing Sustainable Neighborhood Design Standards: The LEED-ND approach
One of the predominant rating systems to measure the sustainability level of . new
neighborhoods is the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND).
In the late 1990s, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed a system for measuring
green building metrics, which led to the first LEED building rating system. The LEED systems
have evolved, and today there are LEED rating systems for new construction, existing buildings,
retail, schools, homes, and healthcare facilities. Unlike the other LEED rating systems that
focus primarily on green building practices, the LEED for~ Neighborhood Development (LEED-
ND) rating system places emphasis on site design and construction elements that bring
buildings and infrastructure together. Like the other LEED rating systems, -LEED-ND
certifications are awarded according to how many points are earned. Projects can.be certified
for one of four levels: LEED certified, silver, gold, or platinum. A brief fact sheet describing
LEED-ND is included with this Staff Report as Attachment 1.
Projects that qualify for LEED-ND certification are compact, walkable, vibrant mixed=use
neighborhoods with good connections to nearby communities and neighborhoods. These are
the types of neighborhoods that the City Council has expressed interest in developing, so
preparing a Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy could help better the City's ability
to achieve them.
Options to consider
Staff is seeking feedback and direction from the City Council on whether policy alternatives
should be drafted for the City Council's consideration that further develops this concept of
sustainable neighborhoods.
Staff requests that the City Council provide direction on which of the following options to pursue:
1. Direct Staff to return to the City Council with a report on Sustainable Neighborhood
Development Strategy policy alternatives to consider. Staff will propose several
alternatives to consider and will seek direction at that time on which policy alternative(s)
should be developed into a policy recommendation. The report will, outline the following:
• How a Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy policy could work;
'• How LEED-ND standards, or other sustainable neighborhood concepts, could be
integrated into a policy;
• How the policy could be implemented;
• Recommendations on which types of development could be subject to compliance
with a future policy; and
• Recommendations for public outreach .to review the concepts being considered.
Page 4 of 5
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2. Direct Staff to continue to utilize existing policy documents, processes, and state
mandates to compel green initiatives at the neighborhood level. No new policy direction
at this time.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
A public notice is not required to seek direction from the City Council on whether or not to prepare
sustainable neighborhood policy alternatives. Future reports would address pub{ic outreach on
policy alternatives being considered.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. LEED for Neighborhood Development Fact Sheet
Page5of5
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FACT SHEET
LEED° for Neighborhood Development
LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) integrates the principles of smart growth, New
Urbanism and green building into the first national rating system for neighborhood design and was
developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in partnership with the Congress for the New
Urbanism (CNU) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Significance of LEED for Neighborhood Development certification
LEEp for Neighborhood Development recognizes devetopment projects that successfully protect and
enhance the overall health, natural environment and quality of life in our communities. The rating system
encourages smart growth and 1Vew Urbanist best practices by promoting the location and design of
neighborhoods that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and creating developments where jobs and
services are accessible by foot or public transit. It also promotes an array of green building and green
infrastructure practices, particularly more efficient energy and water use-especially important in urban
areas where infrastructure is often overtaxed.
Project types ` '
LEED for Neigiiborhood Development is designed to certify exemplary development projects that perform
well in terms of smart growth, urbanism, and green buitding. Projects may constitute whole
neighborhoods, portions of neighbo~hoods, o~ multiple neighborhoods. Projects are often mixed-use,
though srriall single-use projects that complement existing neighborhood uses may also use the rating
system. Local jurisdictions should not use LEED-ND as a replacement for comprehensive planning,
however, many local jurisdictions may find that LEED for Neighborhood Development is a meaningful tool
to help promote sustainable land devefopment if incentivized or used as a guideline when revising local
codes and regulations.
Credit Categories
The following credit categories are included in the rating system:
• Smart Locatton and Linkage encourages communities to. consider location, transportation
alternatives, and preservation of sensitive lands while also discouraging sprawl.
• Neighborhood Pattern and Design emphasizes vibrant, equitable communities that are healthy,
wa{kable, and mixed-use.
• Green Infrastructure and Buildings promotes the design and construction of buildings and
infrastructure that reduce energy and water use, while promoting more sustainable use of
materials, reuse of existing and historic structures, and other sustainable best practices.
•. Innovation and Design Process recognizes exemplary and innovative performance reaching
beyond the existing credits in the rating system, as well as the value of including an accredited
professional on the design team.
• Regional Priority encourages projects to focus on eaming credits of significance to the projecYs
local environment.
U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
ZI01 L St pW, Suite 500. Was~ington, OC 20+J31 . Phone 2U2 828-7d2T. • U56EC.org
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Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Annual Audit for the Fiscal
8:37:43 PM 8.4 (310-30)
Administrative~ Services Director Paul Rankin presented th taff Report and advised that the
City of Dublin had compiled and published its Comprehe ive Annual Financial Report (CAFR),
for the fiseal year ending June 30, 2010. This repo ' cluded financial statements pr~pared by
City Staff along with the audit prepared by Capori ~ and Larson (C&L), a subsidiary of Marcum,
LLP, the independent auditors selected by City Council. The CAFR is a report which
encompassed information beyond minim financial reporting requirements. The Auditors
have provided a"clean opinion" based their review. The report had also been reviewed by
the City Council ad-hoc Audit Sub mmittee. The report also included a discussion of the
allocation of General Fund Rese s.
The City Council comment,~ on the positive features of the report.
On motion of Vm. art, seconded by Cm. Swalwell and by unanimous vote, the City Council
received the re rts and confirmed the establishment of the fund balances as stated for the
year ending ne 30, 2010; and directed Staff to proceed with the development of specific
policies r ted to the designation of reserves in accordance with accounting standards.
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Sustainable Neiphborhood Development Strateqv
8:45:26 PM 8.5 (530-10)
Principal Planner Kristi Bascom presented the Staff Report and advised that the City of Dublin
had taken an active role in promoting sustainability. in the public realm. On the private side,
initiatives such as the Green Building Ordinance were resulting in the construction of more
sustainable buildings. However, Staff believed that the City could benefit from developing a
"Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy," which would enable and promote
sustainable site design and planning for the streets, homes, workplaces, and businesses we
build in our neighborhoods. This Staff Report contained an overview of why the City Council
could consider developing a Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategy.
Cm. Swalwell asked if there was a way to balance requirements with incentives. Would these
requirements make costs so high that applicants could not afford to build, or.no one can afford
to purchase it?
Ms. Bascom stated there were many alternatives that could be brought forward for City Council
consideration. When looking at LEED, there were some prerequisites that were required to be
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MtNUTES 13
VOLUME 29 ` OF Dtii,.
REGULAR MEETING rn ~~
December21,2010 19~~ ~,~
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ATTACHMENT 2
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LEED certified but there were many variations. Some components were items the City was
already doing or encouraging, or developers were already implementing.
Cm. Hildenbrand asked when the report came back, could it include other cities that had these
types of programs. This was cutting edge and made for some great neighborhoods. There was
a cost associated with these kinds of homes, but residents wanted these kinds of homes.
Vm. Hart stated he was willing to look at incentives and programs to find a ba{ance relative to
associated costs.
Cm. Hildenbrand stated these were recommendations and sustainable homes options were
upgrades when purchasing a new home. .
Mayor Sbranti stated the nexus now for the developers to provide some of the sustainable
elements were not as costly as they were three.or four years ago.
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to proceed with developing a Sustainable
Neighborhood Development Strategy.
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OTHER BUSINESS Brief /NFORMAT/ON ONLY reports from ouncil and/or Staff,
including Committee ~Reports and Reports by Council relate to meetings attended at ~
City expense (AB 1234) ~
9:00:00 PM
Cm. Swalwell stated he attended the Deputy
Cm. Hildenbrand stated the City of Dub
Dinner meeting on St. Patrick's Day. /
Tree Lighting ceremony.
uld be hosting the East Bay Division. League
Cm. Biddle stated he also attende he Deputy Monego Tree Lighting ceremony. He attended
the City's Breakfast with Santa vent, the N30 Open House, a Stopwaste Planning meeting,
and a Community Developm t Block Grant and Community Development Support meeting.
Vm. Hart had no comrp~nts on meetings attended.
Mayor Sbranti ted he attended a Dublin Chamber Mixer, a N30 Board meeting, and an
Alameda Co Transit Authority retreat.
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DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 14
VOLUME 29 0 0~
REGULAR MEETING n,~ ~ ~a
December 21, 2010 '~\~~~1
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Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy
Proposed Goals, Policies, and Standards
The overarching goals of the proposed Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy are to:
• Create neighborhoods with a robust network of internal streets and good connections to
surrounding neighborhoods where pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers can move
efficiently and safely.
• Promote walking and cycling by providing safe, appealing, and comfortable street
environments that support public health by reducing pedestrian injuries and
encouraging daily physical activity.
• Improve physical and mental health and social capital by providing a variety of open
spaces (public and private) close to work and home to. facilitate neighborhood
connectivity, social nefinrorking, civic engagement, physical activity, and time spent,
outdoors. ~
Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy Page 1 of 6
ATTACHMENT 3
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Policy Section One: Street Patterns and Design
Intended Results:
• A dedicated pedestrian and bike network
• Streets with ample room for sidewalks, parkway strips, dedicated bike lanes
• Multiple intersections providing increased opportunities for circulation
• Safe and easy tcavel between key destinations: residential, civic/public, and commercial
spaces
Goa/s:
• Promote transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
• Enable easier non-vehicular circulation
• Promote walking and cycling
Policies and Standards: ~ ` ~~ ~
Policy 1: Provide safe and comfortable pedestrian and bicycle connections
between destinations within a project area by providing wide multi-use
paths, generous sidewalks, and dedicated bicycle lanes on all collector
and arterial streets. ~
New streets shall conform to the following street standards:
Standard 1a: No closed cul-de-sacs. New residential cul-de-sacs shall have cut-throughs
at the end that are accessib/e to pedestrians and cyclists. The cul-de-sac can
open to another cu/-de-sac, another street, or a park, trail, or open space
area. All cut-throughs sha/l ensure compliance with CPTED principles and
accessibility for public safety vehicles.
Standard 1b: New residential collectorstreets shall have a minimum 6' wide sidewalk or
multi-use path, 5' parkway strip with street trees at intervals not to exceed 40
feet, and a dedicated bike lane that is separate from on-street parking and
travel /anes.
Standard 1 c: New non-residential collector streets shall have a minimum 8' wide sidewalk
or multi-use path, 5' parkway strip with street trees at intervals not to exceed
40 feet, a dedicated bike lane that is separate from on-street parking and
travel /anes, and a raised median.
Standard 1 d: New arterial streets shall have a minimum 10' wide sidewalk or multi-use
path, 5' parkway strip with street trees at intervals not to exceed 40 feet, a
dedicated bike lane that is separate from on-street parking and travel lanes,
and a raised median.
Standard 1 e: . All streets at the perimeter of a school site shall have a minimum 10' wide
sidewalk or multi-use path, 5' parkway strip with street trees at intervals not to
Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy Page 2 of 6
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exceed 40 feet, a dedicated bike lane that is separate from on-street parking
and travel lanes, regardless of the street type.
Policy.2: ~ Provide connectivity and options for access within a neighborhood.
Standard 2a: Design new intersections every 600' on average and at 800' maximum. This
standard applies to non-vehicular intersections (e.g. separated pedesfrian/
bicycle paths or trails) as well.
Policy 3: Provide a continuous network of pedestrian and bicycle routes within a
project area and logical connections to the exterior of the project area.
Standard 3a: Provide a pedestrian and bicycle accessibility plan for each neighborhood that
illustrates the continuous connections throughout the project site, highlighting
the connections to school sites, public spaces, and semi-public uses in
~ particular. '
Policy 4: All projects within'/Z mile of a regional transit~sfation (e.g: BART) shall
provide increased connectivity to the station for pedestrians and
cyclists.
Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy Page 3 of 6
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Policy Section Two: Land Use Patterns and Design
Infended Results:
• Generous open spaces (both public and private) located close to the places people live
and work .
• A minimum standard of residential densities in close proximity to BART
Goals
• Provide a variety of open spaces close to residences and businesses
• Improve access to transit
Policies and Standards:
. Policy 5: Locate open spaces in close proximity to residents and businesses.
Standard 5a: ' Design neighborhoods so that a park, civic, semi-public, or publicly- ~
accessible passive-use space, at least % acre in size lies within a'4 mile walk
disfance of 75% of planned and existing residences and commercial
businesses. The space can be either a public park (in compliance with the
Parks and Recreation Master plan) or privately-owned, as long as it is
accessible to the general public.
Standard 5b: Design neighborhoods so that a park, civic, semi-public, or publicly-
accessible recreational facility at least one acre in size with ~either indoor or
outdoor recreational amenities, lies within a%-mile walk distance of 75% of
planned and existing residences and commercial businesses. Recreational
facilities must include some physical improvements and may include `~ot lots,"
swimming pools, sports fields, community buildings or recreation centers, or
can be any public park. The recreational facility can be either a public park (if
it is in compliance with the Rarks and Recreation Master plan) or privately- .
owned, as long as it is accessible to the general public. It can be a facility
that charges a fee for use.
Policy 6: Residential development in the vicinity of a regional transit station (e.g.
BART) shall have minimum development density requirements.
Standard 6a: For all residential uses within % mile of a regional transit station, 25 units per
net acre is the minimum density requirement, and for all residential land within
% mile of a regional transit station, 10 units per net acre is the minimum
density requirement. Higher densities within % mile of a regional transit
sfation are encouraged. ~
Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy Page 4 of 6
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Policy 7: Support fac~lities for a regionai transit station (e.g. BART) shall be
provided in large residential neighborhoods to facilitate pedestrian and
cyclist access to transit.
Standard 7a: Include a`Transit Hub" in any new project that has 500+ residential units and
is located more than one mile from a regional transit station. A Transit Hub
would be a central location in the project where pedestrian trails, bike /anes,
and streets converge at a central transit stop. If bus service is to be provided
to the project area, the Transit Hub wou/d be the location to put the bus stop,
bicycle parking, and bus shelter. There is no minimum size for a Transit Hub
and it shall be located adjacent to an open space, park, or publiclcivic facility
a:
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Policy Section Three: Access to Schools
Intended Results:
• Well-located and easily-accessible school sites
• Minimize the distance from school sites for the maximum number of likely students (e.g.
adjacent to attached and detached single family homes) ~
Goal:
• Integrate schools into the neighborhood street and land use pattern
Policies and Standards:
Policy 8: School sites in neighborhoods shall be chosen for maximum safety and
accessibility for students. ~
Standard 8a: School sites shall be located and designed for accessibility to the maximum
number of likely students. School sites are ideally not located at the
intersection of collector streets, and the site must be designed and located so
that pedestrians and cyclists can easily reach the site via safe bike lanes,
multi-use paths, and sidewalks.
Standard 8b: Design a neighborhood such that at least 50% of any attached and detached
sing/e-family residential units are within a% mile walking distance of any new
e/ementary or middle school site.
Standard 8c: For projects thaf do not involve the creation of a new school site, locate
attached and detached single-family residential units in areas within the
project that facilitates the most direct walking route to existing school site(s).
Streets within and/or bordering the project area that lead from new dwelling
units to an existing school site (or dedicated future school site) shall be
designed to have a complete network of multi-use paths or sidewalks on at
least two sides and either bicycle lanes or traffic control and/or calming
measures.
Draft Sustainable Neighborhood Design Strategy Page 6 of 6