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Home My WebLink About3.2Item 3.2 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS June 2, 2011 Staff Report to the Planning Commission RE: GENERAL PLAN PATHWAYS ELEMENT MASTER PATH PLAN AMENDMENT LA LOMA DRIVE; #84-11-MISC. FROM: Cynthia -Richardson, Consulting Planner APPROVED BY: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: Review, make comments, and forward a recommendation that, based on the Initial Study (Attachment #1), the City Council adopt .the Negative Declaration in Attachments #2; and 2. Forward a recommendation that the City Council approve the requested General Plan Pathways Element, Master . Path Map amendment, based on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration. DISCRETIONARY ACTIONS The following discretionary actions by the City Council are required for approval of the project: 1. Adoption of the Negative Declaration and 2. Approval of the General Plan Pathways Element Master Path Map amendment. The Planning Commission's actions are recommendations to the City Council. BACKGROUND On March 8, 2005, the City Council adopted the off-road Master Path Plan, since that time the La Loma neighborhood pocket has been annexed into the Town. The Pathways Committee recognized the need to connect La Loma Drive to Rhus Ridge Road where a pathway informally exists along the shared driveway accessing four homes and along the northern property line of 25265 La Loma Drive. The Pathways Committee held a neighborhood meeting on February 28, 2011 to discuss the potential of adding the La Loma pathway in the newly annexed area. No residents raised objections to the proposal and the Committee voted to recommend adding the off-road path to the Town's Master Master Path Plan. Minutes from the meeting are included in Attachment #4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project includes amending the General Plan/Pathway Element Master Path Plan to add a future off-road pathway connecting La Loma Drive to Rhus Ridge Road. The off-road path exists informally along the private right-of-way serving four residences. Staff Report to the Planning Commission General Plan Pathways Element Master Path Map Amendment June 2, 2011 Page 2 of 2 The neighborhood, consisting of 13 properties on 12.79 acres of land, was annexed into the Town of Los Altos Hills in October 2009. ' No easement dedication or construction is planned with this General Plan Master Pathway Plan amendment. The Town of Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Section 10.2.602a states that each property shall have direct access to a pathway or indirect access via a vehicular right-of-way. This General Plan Pathways Map amendment will achieve this goal sometime in the future for the newly annexed La Loma neighborhood. A future Pathway as indicated on the Master Pathway Plan gives guidance to the Pathways Committee when reviewing future projects. New pathway dedication and construction may only be triggered by a subdivision, construction of a new main residence or secondary dwelling, cumulative development of 900 square feet of habitable floor area or a barn greater than 900 square feet (see General Plan Pathway Element Goal 4.2 and 4.3). ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW In conformance with CEQA requirements, staff has prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration. A Notice of Intent to adopt a Negative Declaration was published in the Town Crier on May 25, 2011. The notice was also submitted to the Santa Clara County Clerks Office for a 20 day public review period which began on May 25, 2011 and ends on June 16, 2011. CONCLUSION Staff recommends approval of the proposed General Plan Pathways Element Master Path Map Amendment -based on: 1. The project is consistent with the Town's General Plan Pathways Element. 2. The neighborhood has been recently annexed into the Town and easement dedication or construction is not required at this time. ATTACHMENTS 1. Initial Study 2. Negative Declaration 3. Master Path Plan Amendment Exhibit 4. Minutes of the Pathways Committee Meeting, February 28, 2011 Attachment 1 INITIAL STUDY Initial Study Checklist & References General Plan/Pathways Element Master Path Map Amendment Project #84-11 Misc Town of Los Altos Hills -Planning Department 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 2 of 25 In accordance, with the policies regarding implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, this document, combined with the attached supporting data, constitutes the initial study on the subject project. This initial study provides the basis for the determination of whether the project may have a significant effect on the environment. If it is determined that the project may have a significant effect on the environment, an environmental impact report will be prepared which focuses on the area of concern identified by this initial study. If it is determined that the project would not have a significant effect on the environment, it is eligible for a Negative Declaration. If it is determined that the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, however, the significant effects of the project have been reduced to a less -than -significant level because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to be the project applicant, then the project would be eligible for a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Environmental Checklist Form 1. Project Title: General Plan Pathways Element Master Path Map Amendment. 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: Town of Los Altos Hills, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California 94022 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director (650) 941-7222 4. Initial Study prepared by: Cynthia Richardson, Consulting Planner (650) 941-7222 5. Project Location: The Town of Los Altos Hills is located in southwestern Santa Clara County. The proposed future off-road pathway is located over an existing informal path along a private right-of-way (off of La Loma Drive) accessing four homes then, continuing along the eastern and northern property lines of 25265 La Loma Drive. The neighborhood consisting of 13 properties on 12.79 acres of land was annexed into the Town of Los Altos Hills in October, 2009. 6. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Town of Los Altos Hills, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California 94022 7. General Plan Designation: R -Residential 8. Zoning: R -A (Residential -Agricultural) 9. Description of Project: The proposed project includes amending the General Plan/Pathway Element and Master Path Plan to add a future off-road pathway connecting La Loma Drive to Rhus Ridge Road. The off-road path currently exists informally along a private driveway serving four residences and continues along the eastern an. The property was recently annexed into the Town of Los Altos Hills. Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 3 of 25 10. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: The project is located in the south end of the Town of Los Altos Hills near La Loma Drive in an area that was recently annexed into the Town. Surrounding land uses include one and two story single- family residences with minimum lot size of 1 acre. 11. Other public agencies whose approval is required: None Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 4 of 25 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 ❑ ❑ Biological Resources ❑ ❑ Hazards & Hazardous ❑ Materials ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ ❑ Public Services ❑ ❑ Utilities / Service Systems ❑ Agriculture Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology / Water Quality Noise ❑ Air Quality ❑ Geology /Soils ❑ Land Use / Planning ❑ Population / Housing Recreation ❑ Transportation/Traffic Mandatory Findings of Significance This Initial study has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Information and conclusions in the Initial Study are based upon staff research and the Town's General Plan and Municipal Code. DETERMINATION On the basis of this initial evaluation: 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 attached sheet have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, ❑ and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) 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 the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant impact' or "potentially significant unless mitigated." An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there ❑ WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. i Signature: Date: 5 2 5 Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 5 of 25 �} 'S f L Et i a .6€{:E� t €, 1' i i f.4 S X kEhy E ? !....tR0 "F rf E�£.II! li i i i� f, SIVE' Fd F.Y T:h�Qa�r��,A�..�:z` € � { �` �- ��.Incorporation�a A ( € yl I. AESTHETICS —Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a ❑ ❑ ❑ Q scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock ❑ ❑ ❑ Q outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual ❑ ❑ Q ❑ character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light ❑ ❑ ❑ Q or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? DISCUSSION: The existing visual and aesthetic character of the Town of Los Altos Hills is of a rural low-density residential area. Much of the Town is dominated by hillsides, heavy native vegetation and canyons. The meandering streets are lined with native vegetation and there are no paved urban sidewalks in order to retain the rural atmosphere of the Town. The proposed changes to the General Plan/Pathway Element and Master Pathway Plan would allow for a future off-road pathway. No construction or easement dedication would occur at this time. There are no aesthetic impacts. MITIGATION: None Sources: 1,5,6 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 6 of 25 H. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES— Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the ❑ ❑ ❑ maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for ❑ ❑ ❑ Q agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or ❑ ❑ ❑ nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use? DISCUSSION: The proposed project will have no foreseeable impact on Agricultural Resources. The site is not used as agricultural land. MITIGATION: None Source: 8 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 7 of 25 M. AIR QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of ❑ T !t A �N�[ON t f F€ 4 4E'rh `'fiE�E { } i Ff} f £.h`_ fh i Ff t 7 a: f :c n sF �,, I`r€v 7 1 f ft it 1 A:F" t �I 6 _ E { iE f $ �: F, b� r►� ? . t• �. IF EE:_FE ha^i substantially to an existing. or projected air ❑ ❑ ❑ Q quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net 3igJim iit E �' Si nitlicant s g No Impact 3 �r� r Ex `h� r A r x' Impact y M�f�gationf t r f s s Impact r ; r> � n .� Tncorporahou , f. applicable federal or state ambient air quality 14A ❑ ❑ standard (including releasing emissions which 1 exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone at:'j M. AIR QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of ❑ ❑ ❑ the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing. or projected air ❑ ❑ ❑ Q quality violation? 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q e) Create objectionable odors affecting a ❑ ❑ ❑ Q substantial number of people? DISCUSSION: Santa Clara County is currently a non -attainment basin for ozone thresholds but achieves an attainment level for carbon monoxide emissions. The proposed project will not increase any emissions or contribute to substantial pollutant concentrations. MITIGATION: None Source: 9 I a Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 8 of 25 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES — Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, ❑ `T.ess Thana� ❑ Q sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by S�gmficantS}i{g{mficant with 4 Significant 4 NQ Impact S' [ f F F k I M�ttgation3 Y or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Impact€ ,� a impact w b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any Incorporation � , riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional ❑ ❑ ❑ Q IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES — Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, ❑ ❑ ❑ Q sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional ❑ ❑ ❑ Q plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act ❑ ❑ ❑ Q (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native ❑ ❑ ❑ Q resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, ❑ ❑ ❑ Q such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 9 of 25 DISCUSSION: The proposed General Plan Amendment would result in the addition of one future off-road pathway to the Master Path Map. The off-road path would provide a connection between the La Loma and Rhus Ridge neighborhoods. The pathway would not be constructed nor easements granted at this time and therefore no impacts would occur. MITIGATION: None Sources: 1,5,6,10,17 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 10 of 25 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES — Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined ❑ ❑ ❑ Q in ' 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource ❑ ❑ ❑ pursuant to '15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique ❑ ❑ ❑ geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including ❑ ❑ ❑ those interred outside of formal cemeteries? DISCUSSION: The addition of the future off-road pathway would not have any impacts to cultural resources because there will be no construction. MITIGATION: None Sources: 3,5,16 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 11 of 25 VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential ❑ ❑ ❑ Q substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury; or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other ❑ ❑ Q ❑ substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? ❑ ❑ Q ❑ iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including ❑ ❑ ❑ Q liquefaction? iv) Landslides? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems ❑ ❑ ❑ Q where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? DISCUSSION: The addition of an off -road -pathway to the Master Path Map would not have a geologic impact. MITIGATION: None Sources: 12,17 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 12 of 25 VII. 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? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions ❑ involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, ❑ substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section ❑ 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? 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 result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety ❑ hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response ❑ plan or emergency evacuation plan? 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? ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 13 of 25 DISCUSSION: The proposed General Plan Amendment project does not produce a hazard or hazardous waste and will have no foreseeable impact related to Hazards and Hazardous Materials. The site is not located in an identified location according to CA Government Code 65962.5. MITIGATION: None Sources: 13 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 14 of 25 VIII HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? 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 pre- existing nearby wells would drop to -a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? 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? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a 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? 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? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? 1 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16; 2011 Page 15 of 25 DISCUSSION: The proposed project will have no impact on Hydrology and Water Quality as defined in this section. MITIGATION: None Sources: 11, 14, 17 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 16 of 25 IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING- WouId the project: a) Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q 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, ❑ ❑ ❑ Q local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community ❑ ❑ ❑ Q conservation plan? DISCUSSION: The project complies with the Town of Los Altos Hills General Plan and all applicable Town Ordinances. Pursuant to the General Plan Pathways Element Goal 3, the Town shall "Develop and maintain a system of off-road paths that provide connections between neighborhoods and direct routes to schools and open space preserves." Pathways Element's Policy 3.1 also states that "Off-road paths shall be located on private property on easements that have been dedicated to the Town, or over public lands. They shall provide connections between neighborhoods and provide direct routes to schools and open space. Cul-de-sacs should have off-road paths that connect the end of the street to adjoining neighborhoods whenever possible." MITIGATION: None Sources: 4,5,6 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 17 of 25 F h i`h �:��££ E 9 £ 'FfC E 6�OtVlltti111 t d'€�+ - `4 �' '" " yesS£F�SIE E ( { •off$ Sign�tIca llt E No3tnpaCt j r {E I�pa�t E a Im act " f£ K SihiryY� E3 Gtf 'i5 F'1PV - h �. iE E1:f:'£�'�� Y.i[�F<E si ,,. .— t_..... .- ,<r�. .. �:..nEki,1, .� .o,.,—� ➢. >s ,�f4 eV'k. fir_;,._ .Ex.=,! ., .. ._t tM E x. .�, .'A. s,a, �� { Ei�fED .E ,,. „a,5w f}F X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the ❑ ❑ ❑ Q region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally -important mineral resource recovery ❑ ❑ ❑ Q site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? DISCUSSION: The proposed project will not result in the loss of mineral resources. The project is not located in an area known for valued minerals. MITIGATION: None Sources: 5,6,17 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/PathwayElement 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 18 of 25 M. NOISE --Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of Q noise levels in excess of standards established ❑ in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or ❑ groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity ❑ above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project ❑ vicinity above levels existing without the project? 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 in the project area to excessive noise levels? D 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? DISCUSSION: The proposed project will have no noise generating activities. MITIGATION: None Sources: 5,6 Im ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q r Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 19 of 25 f _£'a C' t E E KFtR { 'S £ 'E+ i -{ eF E �; , .i: d ➢ '£� S Y4 4 "`# k € d e °gC�t E 4: E t "pt i✓i �y `h ''€_t � E � t t - L I � �E � �L E fi : { - } h E ��Fty�• �„a.,5 {� t {2' �i<9y: £ rk'` � k XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING -- Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or ❑ ❑ ❑ Q indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑ Q replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ ❑ Q housing elsewhere? DISCUSSION: The proposed project will not have,a significant impact on population or housing. MITIGATION: None Sources: 3,5 - Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 20 of 25 -�i .{ �` .F 'T£rs�' f' !•€ � t A�s' +C``KW . � 4� V t yS FjE�d ;jg�,€ �6 fE #i�.�� {.r._ �^�(E [+ E £E i E �P k gn' I L. � 4i r' i' , r, i , _ E i�•3'Rh`EE �� ,.€,�E �{ { .F`f �_ �.€' ❑ ❑ Q h PofieQtially-_ t_.. Less ThaQ + .F> F iE iK i.Li i 4 r ( f N- 4 4i��E$ E S r4Yy�"- XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES— Would the project: a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for 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: Fire protection? Police protection? Schools? Parks? Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q DISCUSSION: The proposed project will not have a foreseeable impact on any public service or facility. MITIGATION: None Sources: 3 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 21 of 25 KE�d i SEH 3 E P�.ES' iy^�e £ E K..#4R f Z 3,L >'S` fi S.F{A, Y t .€Ts" Legs ThaQ- S`-�' ' ES�gmfccant � � ' Na Impact � R.'. �•v sS4. ad, �.. n,. �.. ,_-_.. ,. ,,, �,.,, v .,,�-.w ,.r,, ., ,..�,.., ., cu� ,4..�,a .�,.u2ci:, _„£,_„i,u _,A. ef��.?;,r ..S�.A. �..�i'_x i'+#: XIV. RECREATION — Would the project: a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and. regional parks or other recreational facilities such that ❑ ❑ ❑ Q substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which ❑ ❑ ❑ Q might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? DISCUSSION: The proposed project will not have a foreseeable impact on recreation facilities and will help provide a connection between the La Loma and Rhus Ridge neighborhoods. The proposal complies with the General Plan Pathways Element because it will "provide access to nearby destinations, provide a place to exercise, walk dogs, or ride horses.” MITIGATION: None Sources: 5,6 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 22 of 25 XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC — Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? 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? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? DISCUSSION: The project has no traffic impacts. MITIGATION: None Sources: 1,3,5 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 23 of 25 XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS— Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements Q of the applicable Regional Water Quality ❑ Control Board? 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? 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? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements ❑ and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? 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 provider's existing commitments? 0 Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the ❑ project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state; and local ❑ statutes and regulations related to solid waste? DISCUSSION: The proposed project will not have an impact on utility and service systems. MITIGATION: None Sources: 1,3,15 A Ok C C u ❑ Q ❑ R1 ❑ C� ❑ Q ❑ Q ❑ Q Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General -Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 24 of 25 XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- Would the project: 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project ❑ ® ❑ Q 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)? c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on ❑ ❑ ❑ Q human beings, either directly or indirectly? DISCUSSION: The proposed project will not result in a negative impact to the environment, wildlife, plant or historical resource. The project does not have any foreseeable cumulative or unmitigated impacts as defined in this Initial Study. MITIGATION: None Sources: 1-18 7 - 1 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16,_2011 Page 25 of 25 Source List: 1. Field Inspection 2. Project Plans 3. Planner's Knowledge of the Area 4. Los Altos Hills Land Use and Zoning Map 5. Los Altos Hills General Plan 6. Los Altos Hills Municipal Code 7. Assessor's Maps, Office of County Assessor, Santa Clara County, 2009-2010 8. State Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program 9. BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines: Assessing the Air Quality Impacts of Projects and Plans, December 1999 10. State Department Fish and Game CNDDB Map 11. Santa Clara Valley Water District Map 12. Geotechnical and Seismic Hazard Zones Map of Los Altos Hills, Cotton Shires and Associates, December 2005 13. DTSC Hazardous Waste and Substance Sites List, California Environmental Protection Agency 14. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Insurance Rate Map, Los Altos Hills, May 18, 2009 15. Sanitary Sewer Map, Town of Los Altos Hills Engineering Department 16. Santa Clara County Municipal Code Chapter II Indian Burial Grounds (Title B Division B-6) 17. CEQA Guidelines, 2010 18. Google Earth Exhibit List: 1. Master Path Plan Attachment 2 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS NEGATIVE DECLARATION PROJECT TITLE: General Plan/Pathways Element Master Path Map Amendment PREPARED BY: Cynthia Richardson, Consulting Planner . NAME AND ADDRESS OF PROJECT SPONSOR: Town of Los Altos Hills 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 LOCATION OF PROJECT: The Town of Los Altos Hills is located in southwestern Santa Clara County. The specific location of the proposed future off-road pathway easement is along a private right-of-way (off of La Loma Drive) accessing four homes and continuing along the eastern and northern property lines of 25265 La Loma Drive. The neighborhood consisting of 13 properties on 12.79 acres of land was annexed into the Town of Los Altos Hills in October, 2009. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project includes amending the General Plan/Pathway Element and Master Path Plan to add a future off-road pathway connecting La Loma Drive to Rhus Ridge Road. The off-road path currently exists informally along a private right-of-way serving four residences and continues along the eastern and northern property lines of 25265 La Loma Drive. FINDING: The Town of Los Altos Hills has completed a review of the proposed project, and on the basis of the attached Initial Study, has determined that the project, as mitigated, will reduce impacts to a less than significant level. MITIGATION MEASURES, IF ANY, INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT TO AVOID POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS: The project is not. anticipated to have any potentially significant effects on the environment and therefore no mitigation measures are proposed. The Town of Los Altos Hills has completed a review of the proposed project, and on the basis of the attached Initial Study, has determined that the project will not have a significant effect upon the environment for the following reasons: a. For the reasons specified in the attached Initial Study (Exhibit "X'), the project does not 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 or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal species, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or pre -history. y - r Mitigation Measures General Plan Amendment/Pathway Element 2011 June 16, 2011 Page 2 b. For the reasons specified in the attached Initial Study (Exhibit "X'), the project does not have the potential to achieve short-term goals to the disadvantage of long-term environmental goals. c. For the reasons specified in -the attached Initial Study (Exhibit "A"), the project does not have impacts which are individually limited but cumulatively considerable. _ d. For the reasons specified in the attached Initial Study (Exhibit "A"), the project does not have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. 1 �I Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director Date TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS Circulated on: May 25, 2011 Adopted on: 1202 ,9 25070 12250 12113 12040 25525 OA 25555 r 11470 ' 12051 25567 \,� 12175 12155 O 12200 12111 25625 25640 O� 25090 25051 MOp ONO 1200 O ? 25552 12145 493 .p 25605 \LL 25100 241 12005 O� tea• ^1 e,. � 25564 25091 12120 24911 12200 12025 O 25750 Od 25578 25071 12119 12100 25550'a ,,� �• 25600 2 1 25111 - 12101 24941 512 12002 �s F 25586 12000 25119 25111 p 25725 11511 25594 11450 25041 25947 a 12001 L 11510 U vs e 11460 11500 w 12002 �J OPO 25055 25955 O 25745, S 11490 Q 25031 w 1200.5 Z U 12008 WOOD 24965 11910 11935 25765 11523 11275 25031 25044 25005 24915 12009 11800 11860 25700 !O 11499 25201 25 25026 250 �/y 24905 80. , z 11920 �S 25785 GE 25209 25179 25010 00 m 11885 1,1870 11950 25215 24930 25263 25136 25090 4990 24960 24900 25223 11880 11930 25182 .. 25,100 24920 11970 25265 ' r- 24910 25259 25124 25386 D 25225 25228 119 25394 25 25320 245 2527425396 . '25362 11972 . . 11972 25346 25255 530 11989 2 25275 5398 11888 12001 5400 g 25295 25333 2 2 008 25285 8012 25299 25325 25317 2 25309 25313 Le ends:I. PROPOSED FUTURE OFF-ROAD PATH LA LOMA DRIVE EXISTING PATH WITH EASEMENTS i FUTURE PATH - RETAINED (MARCH 8, 2005) FUTURE PATH - REMOVED FROM THE 1981 MASTER PATHWAY PLAN (MARCH 8, 2005) TOWN LANDS 28000 28016 28080 i �/ J � } Attachment 4 Los Altos Hills Pathway Committee DRAFTI Minutes of Meeting February 28, 2011 1. ADMINISTRATIVE Chairman Eileen Gibbons called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM Members present: Courtenay.Corrigan, Nick Dunckel, Eileen Gibbons, Breene'Kerr, Bob Stutz, Sue Welch, Denise Williams Members absent: Ann Duwe, Tim Warner LAH Council Members present: Breene Kerr, Ginger Summit Members of the public present: Eli Attia, architect Was present representing 13818 Page NO Road The agenda was approved as published. 2. Communications from the floor. None 3. Property Reviews. The following properties were reviewed for pathway recommendations: a) 13818 Page Mill Road (Lands of Thrun. Sebastian, and Petra) The reason for pathway review is construction of a new residence. The architect, Eli Attia, was present representing the homeowners. The 9 -acre property has a Page Mill address, but is actually on the south side of Moon Lane. Moon Lane is a cul-de-sac; it is a private after 13816, but Chairman Gibbons reported that the Town holds an easement that confers right-of-way for the public. Easement maps show an in -road easement the full length of Moon Lane (connecting to the off-road path) and a planned roadside path with easement on 13826 and 13818 Page Mill. An established off-road path (on a gravel/grass fire road) exits from the eastern end of Moon Lane and connects to Saddle Mountain Drive. It is unclear how many residences Moon serves. The PWC visited the site on February 26, 2011 and walked the fire road, and spoke with the homeowner, who said he had no objections to a path along Moon Lane. Sue Welch moved that the owners of 13818 Page Mill Road be asked to pay a pathway in -lieu fee. Breene Kerr seconded and amended the motion to ask that staff confirm that the Town holds an easement conferring public access all along on Moon Lane. Eileen Gibbons seconded. The vote was unanimously in. favor. 4. Reports from Other Meetings Breen Kerr distributed information from the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) a) Info on a bicycle and pedestrian workshop to solicit feedback from cyclists on rural roads in the area that are heavily'used and potentially in need of improvements (Popular Bicycle Rides on Country Roads, March 9, 2011) b) Santa Clara County project priority list update showing projects to be funded (or not) by the Roads and Airports Department. Addition of roadside paths to Moody Road between Hidden Villa and Canyon Road is on the list but will not be funded. BK suggested.that involvement of the PWC help the Town get funding. S. Old Business a) Addition of La Loma Annex Off -Road Pathway to Master Path Plan (MPP. Eileen Gibbons met with Richard Chiu and Debbie Pedro to review he procedure for adding segments to the MPP. She will put the request for amendment of the MPP before City Council for approval on February 17, 2011. Environmental review will be done in April and the amendment will go to Planning Commission in May and City Council (public hearing) again in June. This route will not be added to the Public Walking Map. The PWC discussed the route. EG moved that the City Council approve amendment of the MPP to include the off-road path in the newly annexed La Loma area to run along the NE border of 25245 and 25225 La Loma, the N and NE borders of 25265 La Loma to connect to Rhus Ridge Road. Bob Stutz seconded. The vote was 6 in favor 1 opposed. b) Fremont Bike Path Update. Funds have been awarded and preliminary plans are available. PWC has been assured that the width of pathways will not be reduced. EG will ask Town engineering to stake out the proposed boundaries at the potentially problematic areas (e.g'., the S -curves and the area close to the bridge where Fremont meets Arastradero). PWC will have an opportunity to view the survey stakes and provide feedback. c) Lands of Nicholson Pathway Easement Encroachment. This subdivision was reviewed on 27 Nov 2006 and 28 Sep 2009. The owner of this subdivision has requested that the proposed off-road pathway that comes down from Dawson to the sewer easement be routed for about 30 feet on the neighbor's property (12131 Oak Park Court) close to where it meets the sewer easement. This will allow the path to run around the long wall that runs along the south border of the sewer easement and drop gradually down to the sewer easement. Bob Stutz moved that the letter be sent to the neighbor requesting this pathway on their property. EG seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor. d) Proposed Crosswalks. Town staff provided provisional plans from Fehr and Peers for crosswalks at four locations, as recommended by the PWC (i.e., Elena Road at Black Mountain off-road path terminus; Elena Road at Packard Path terminus; Moody Road at Artemis Ginzton Trail terminus; intersection of Moody Road and Elena Road). Pros and cons of the proposed crosswalk configurations (e.g., flashing lights, striping, multiple road signs) were discussed. It was suggested that one crosswalk (i.e., the one at Moody Road at Artemis Ginzton Trail terminus) using a simple configuration without lights be installed first to gauge response. e) Road barrier at Taaffe. THe owner of the house at the corner of Taaffe and Elena has requested that the Town install a guardrail. This was deemed an issue for Town engineering staff, not the PWC. f) Mary Davey Memorial Path. At the 18 Nov 2010, City Council meeting, Council voted to name the Moody Road -EL Monte path the "Mary Davey Path" in honor of Mary Davey, LAH resident and environmental activist who died late last year. Council allocated up to $7500 for landscaping and bench. PWC visited the site on Sat Feb 26 and did not find a suitable spot for a memorial bench. Sue Welch suggested that instead of a bench on the Moody Path, a memorial plaque or tree in Byrne Preserve may be appropriate, given Mary's instrumental role (as Mayor of LAH in 1968) in the purchase and dedication of Byrne Preserve as an open space preserve for the Town. SW offered to bring this to the Open Space Committee and report back to PWC. EG moved that the Open Space Committee identify an appropriate spot in Byrne Preserve for a memorial to Mary Davey. SW seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor. g) Request for update maps. Courtenay Corrigan request that PWC members be provided with updated maps at the next meeting EG will follow-up on this. h) Request for Clarification of Policy Regarding Absences. Courtenay Corrigan requested that this policy be clarified. Apparently Town policy is not well defined regarding number of meeting meetings members can miss. 6. Approval of Minutes Draft1PWC_Minll-0228 3/18/11 ,Y The minutes of the 23 Jan 2008 meeting were approved as amended. Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM. 7. Next Scheduled Meetings Next pathway walk: Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 8:30 AM at Town Hall Next regular meeting: Monday, March 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall Respectfully submitted, Sue Welch March 12, 2011 T)raftlPWC Minll-(1729 1/19/11 14