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Appendix A - NOP comments
Appendix A: Notice of Preparation (NOP) and Comments Received on the NOP NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF AN EIR AND SCOPING MEETING FOR THE PROPOSED INFINITE 131 PROJECT To: Agencies, Organizations, and Interested Parties From: City of South San Francisco, Economic and Community Development Department Subject: Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in Compliance with Title 14, Sections 15082(a), 15103, and 15375 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR; Title 14, Chapter 3 of the CCR is described herein as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines). The City of South San Francisco (City) is the Lead Agency under CEQA for the proposed project identified below. The City will prepare an EIR for the proposed project identified below: Project Title: Infinite 131 Project. The project location and a summary of the project description are included below and on the following pages. Current Environmental Review: To ensure that the proposed project is fully analyzed under CEQA, a Focused EIR will be prepared in compliance with Title 14, Section 15161 of the CCR. An Initial Study checklist is being prepared to supplement the Focused EIR analysis. In accordance with CEQA requirements, all environmental topic areas will be addressed between the Focused EIR and Initial Study Checklist. As discussed below, the proposed project consists of the construction of the proposed Infinite 131 project, the construction of off-site transportation and circulation improvements to accommodate traffic generated by the Infinite 131 project, and the redesignation and rezoning of five parcels north of the Infinite 131 project site (collectively, the proposed project). The EIR will provide a project-level analysis of the proposed Infinite 131 project and off-site transportation and circulation improvements, pursuant to Section 15161 of the CEQA Guidelines, and a program-level analysis of the redesignation and rezoning of the five off-site parcels, pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines. The EIR may be relied on by other agencies, including the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission as a Responsible Agency pursuant to Section 15381 of the CEQA Guidelines, for purposes of approving aspects of the proposed project within those agencies’ respective jurisdictions. The proposed project is further described below. Agency/Public Comments: The City requests your comments regarding the scope and content of the environmental review to be conducted for the proposed project. Normally, State law requires that your response be received no later than thirty (30) days after receipt of this notice. However, given the Thanksgiving Holiday, the City will accept written comments on this NOP between November 1, 2023, and December 8, 2023. Please send your comments by email to
[email protected]
or by mail to: City of South San Francisco Department of Economic and Community Development Attn: Billy Gross, Principal Planner 315 Maple Avenue South San Francisco, CA 94080 Scoping Meeting: Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21083.9 and Sections 15206 and 15082 of the CEQA Guidelines, the Lead Agency also hereby gives notice of a public scoping meeting on this project to receive comments on the scope of the EIR. The Lead Agency will conduct a virtual scoping meeting on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, beginning at 1:30 PM, via webinar and telephone conference line. During the scoping meeting, agencies, organizations, and the public will have an opportunity to submit comments. The scoping meeting will include a presentation providing an overview of the project and the CEQA process, followed by a question and answer session for online and phone attendees. Please note that comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. To access the scoping meeting webinar, please use this link from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://ssf-net.zoom.us/j/85288004565?pwd=TVFCOVdxY2t3ejYzbUVVMHpHSU1BUT09 You may need to install the Zoom app on your device prior to the meeting: https://zoom.us/download You can also dial in to the meeting using your phone: United States (Toll Free): 1 (669) 444-9171 Meeting ID: 852 8800 4565 Passcode: 439429 You can also find your local dial-in number at the following link: https://ssf-net.zoom.us/u/kIRhgGH0H Please note that there are three ways to comment during the meeting: 1. Send a comment via email to
[email protected]
. City staff will monitor emails during the meeting and an email comment received during the meeting will be read into the record. Your email should be limited so that it complies with the 3-minute time limitation for public comment. 2. Call the Planning Division Hotline at (650) 829-4669. Voice Messages will be monitored during the meeting and read into the record. Your voicemail should be limited so that it complies with the 3-minute time limitation for public comment. 3. Submit a comment via the “chat” function in the Zoom meeting app. City staff will monitor the chat, and will read comments and questions into the record. EIR Process: An Initial Study is being prepared that considers all applicable environmental topic areas in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Following the close of the NOP comment period, a Focused Draft EIR will be prepared for topics where the Initial Study analysis identifies a potential for a significant impact to occur. The Draft EIR will take into consideration NOP comments. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15105(a), the Draft EIR will be released for public review and comment for the required 45-day review period. Following the close of the public review period, the City will prepare a Final EIR that will include responses to all substantive comments received on the Draft EIR. The Draft EIR and Final EIR will be considered by City decision-makers in making the decision to certify the EIR and to approve or deny the components of the proposed project subject to review and approval by the City. If certified by the City, the EIR may be relied on by other agencies for purposes of carrying out portions of the proposed project within their respective jurisdictions. Project Location & Existing Conditions: The approximately 17.67-acre project site comprises one parcel at 131 Terminal Court in the City of South San Francisco (see Figure 1, Project Location), and is identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 015-113-210. The project site is currently occupied by the Golden Gate Produce Terminal, a produce market facility, and associated surface parking. There are approximately 475 existing employees on the project site. The project site outside the existing building footprints is covered with asphalt and concrete paving, with minimal surrounding landscaping and no trees. The southern part of the project site also includes a portion of the shoreline band within the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), adjacent to the navigable slough that feeds into the San Bruno Canal south of the project site. In addition, the project site is approximately 1-mile northwest of San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The project site is designated in the City of South San Francisco’s (City’s) Zoning Code and in the Shape SSF 2040 General Plan (General Plan) and Lindenville Specific Plan (Specific Plan) as Mixed Industrial High (MIH). A General Plan, Specific Plan, and Zoning Amendment are anticipated as part of the proposed project to ensure policy consistency. Surrounding land uses include industrial and commercial uses. Specifically, Terminal Court and a large Park N’ Fly surface parking lot are north of the project site, a large surface parking lot and U.S. 101 (known as Bayshore Freeway) are adjacent to the eastern portion of the project site, the navigable slough that feeds into San Bruno Canal is south of the project site, and several mixed industrial and commercial buildings and San Mateo Avenue are west of the project site. The project site is approximately 1 mile west of the San Francisco Bay and 0.30 mile west of a portion of the San Francisco Bay Trail that runs along the San Bruno Canal. Project Description: Proposed Project. The proposed project includes the construction of new research and development (R&D) and amenity uses with a maximum anticipated total building area of up to approximately 1.7 million square feet. The proposed project would demolish all existing on-site uses and construct six buildings (I131S A, I131S B, I131S C, I131S D, I131N A, and 131N B) collectively referred to as the I131N buildings and I131S buildings, with approximately 1,632,000 square feet of R&D uses and approximately 68,000 square feet of amenity uses. Building heights would range from two to six stories, with the maximum building height being 113 feet 6 inches to the top of the rooftop appurtenances. In addition, the proposed project would include two parking garages, associated with the I131N buildings and the I131S buildings, as well as surface parking. The I131N parking garage would be approximately 551,631 square feet and approximately 100 feet tall. It would include three levels of below-grade parking, as well as nine levels of above-grade parking. The I131S parking garage would be approximately 453,034 square feet and include two levels of below-grade parking. In total, the proposed project would provide approximately 3,049 parking spaces, including 114 surface parking spaces. The proposed buildings would be tied together through a cohesive network of landscaping and open space. Two central courtyards, that would provide approximately 115,130 square feet of open space, would be located along the interior of the project site, and framed by the shape of the I131N and I131S buildings to prioritize pedestrian- and bike-friendly connections. The proposed project would also include associated utility and circulation improvements. The proposed project would require General Plan, Specific Plan and Zoning Code amendments to change the existing land use and zoning designations from Mixed Industrial High (MIH) to Business Technology Park High (BTP-H) and allow development of the R&D campus. Off-site Transportation and Circulation Improvements: The proposed project may require off-site transportation and circulation improvements to accommodate traffic that would be generated by the proposed project. Such improvements could include new traffic signals, crosswalks, sidewalks, bikeways, and driveway connections along Terminal Court, Shaw Road, and/or Produce Avenue. A local transportation analysis is currently underway which will identify the specific types and locations of improvements that would be needed. The potential environmental effects that could occur from constructing the necessary improvements will be evaluated in the Draft EIR. Off-Site Redesignation Area. In addition to the General Plan, Specific Plan, and Zoning Code amendments required for the proposed project, the project would also require additional amendments to the General Plan, Specific Plan, and Zoning Code to redesignate five parcels north of the project site across Terminal Court located at 120 Terminal Court, 196 Produce Avenue, 160 Produce Avenue, and 140 Produce Avenue (APNs 015-113-350, 015-113-290, 015-113-340, 015-113-330, 015-113-320). The five off-site redesignation parcels are currently designated as Mixed Industrial High (MIH) under the General Plan, Specific Plan, and Zoning Code, and would be redesignated to BTP-H, consistent with the proposed land use and zoning for the project site. The five parcels are approximately 7.28- acres and are currently comprised of a large Park N’ Fly surface parking lot and a Shell gas station. The purpose of the off-site redesignation parcels is to ensure that future development is cohesive and consistent with the development proposed as part of the project. The proposed project does not include the construction of any new uses or any other type of development within the five parcels as part of the redesignation, and existing uses would be maintained. Therefore, no direct impacts on the environment would occur. However, the analysis in the Draft EIR will evaluate the reasonably foreseeable indirect impacts that could result from the proposed off-site redesignation parcels. Future development within the five parcels, should it occur, would be subject to additional environmental review in accordance with CEQA, potentially tiering from the analysis for the off-site redesignation parcels in the EIR. Probable Environmental Impacts: It is anticipated that the following CEQA environmental issue areas are likely to result in potentially significant impacts and therefore will be addressed in the Focused EIR: Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Cultural Resources, Noise, and Transportation. The following remaining environmental issue areas are anticipated to not result in potentially significant impacts and therefore will be evaluated and scoped out from further review in the Initial Study Checklist: Aesthetics, Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Biological Resources, Energy, Geology and Soils, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Mineral Resources, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Tribal Cultural Resources, Utilities and Service Systems, and Wildfire. The Focused EIR will provide a discussion indicating the reasons why these topics are not evaluated in detail in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15128. In accordance with Section 15130 of the CEQA Guidelines, the Draft EIR will evaluate cumulative impacts of the project, including the effects of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects in the vicinity. Per Section 15126.6 of the CEQA Guidelines, the EIR will also identify and evaluate a range of reasonable alternatives to the proposed project, including a No Project Alternative. Date: November 1, 2023 Billy Gross, Principal Planner Telephone: (650) 877-8535 Email:
[email protected]
Figure 1 Project Location Map \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 0 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ C i t y _ o f _ S o u t h _ S a n _ F r a n c i s c o \ 1 0 4 6 6 8 _ 0_ 1 _ 1 S T e r m i n a l _ 1 3 1 \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ L a n d _ U s e \ L a n d _ U s e _ F i g u r e s . a p r x ; U s e r : 5 8 3 0 3 ; D a t e : 8 / 1 / 2 0 2 3 0 500250 Feet Project Site Off-Site Redesignation Parcels City Limits Colma Tiburon Alameda Pacifica Millbrae BerkeleySausalito Daly City Burlingame San Francisco South San Francisco [N 1:5,000 Source: ESRI 101S 101N 101GARAGE 131SC 131SB 131SA 131NB 131NA 131S AMENITY 131N GARAGE (SEPARATE PROJECT) 0 50 0 100Source: SteelWave and SOM LLP, 2023 Gr a p h i c s … 1 0 4 6 6 8 ( 1 0 - 1 0 - 2 0 2 3 ) J C Figure 2 Conceptual Site Plan CHAIRPERSON Reginald Pagaling Chumash VICE-CHAIRPERSON Buffy McQulllen Yokayo Pomo, Yuki, Nomlaki • SECRETARY Sara Dutschke Miwok PARLIAMENTARIAN Wayne Nelson Luiser'io COMMISSIONER Isaac Bojorquez Ohlone-Costanoan COMMISSIONER Stanley Rodriguei Kumeyaay COMMISSIONER Laurena Bolden Serrano COMMISSIONER Reid Milanovich Cahuillo COMMISSIONER Vacant EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Raymond C. Hitchcock Miwok, Nisenan NAHC HEADQUARTERS 1550 Harbor Boulevard Suite 100 West Sacramento, California 95691 (916) 373-3710
[email protected]
.<1ov NAHC.ca.gov STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom Governor NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSI.ON November 2, 2023 Billy Gross City of South San Francisco 315 Maple Avenue South San Francisco, CA 94080 Re: 2023110023, Infinite 131 Project, San Mateo County Dear Mr. Gross: The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) has received the Notice of Preparation (NOP), Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) or Early Consultation for the project referenced above. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub. Resources Code §21000 et seq.), specifically Public Resources Code §21084.1, states that a project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, is a project that may have a significant effect on the environmerit. (Pub. Resources Code§ 21084.1; Cal. Code Regs., tit.14, § 15064.5 (b) (CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5 (b)). If there is substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before a lead agency, that a project may have a significant effect on the environment, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) shall be prepared. (Pub. Resources Code §21080 (d); Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 5064 subd.(a)(l) (CEQA Guidelines §15064 (a)(l)). In order to determine whether a project will cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, a lead agency will need to determine whether there are historical resources within the area of potential effect (APE). CEQA was amended significantly in 2014. Assembly Bill 52 (Gatto, Chapter 532, Statutes of 2014) (AB 52) amended CEQA to create a separate category of cultural resources, "tribal cultural resources" (Pub. Resources Code §21074) and provides that a project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. (Pub. Resources Code §21084.2). Public agencies shall, when feasible, avoid damaging effects to any tribal cultural resource. (Pub. Resources Code §2i 084.3 (a)). AB 52 applies to any project for which a notice of preparation, a notice of negative declaration, or a mitigated negative declaration is flied on or after July 1, 2015. If your project involves the adoption of or amendment to a general plan or a specific plan, or the designation or proposed designation of open space, on or after March 1, 2005, it may also be subject to Senate Bill 18 (Burton, Chapter 905, Statutes of 2004) (SB 18). Both SB 18 and AB 52 have tribal consultation requirements. If your project is also subject to the federal National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.) (NEPA), the tribal consultation requirements of Section l 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 ( 154 U.S.C. 300101, 36 C.F.R. §800 et seq.) may also apply. The NAHC recommends consultation with California Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of your proposed project as early as possible in order to avoid inadvertent discoveries of Native American human remains and best protect tribal cultural resources: Below is a brief summary of portions of AB 52 and SB 18 as well as the NAHC's recommendations for conducting cultural resources assessments. Consult your legal counsel about compliance with AB 52 and SB 18 as well as compliance with any other applicable laws. Pag.e 1 of 5 AB 52 has added to CEQA the additional requirements listed below, along with many other requirements: 1. Fourteen Day Period to Provide Notice of Completion of an Application/Decision to Undertake a Proiect: Within fourteen ( 14) days of determining that an application for a project is complete or of a decision by a public agency to undertake a project, a lead agency shall provide formal notification to a designated contact of, or tribal representative of, traditionally and culturally affiliated California Native American tribes that have requested notice, to be accomplished by at least one written notice that includes: a. A brief description of the project. b. The lead agency contact information. c. Notification that the California Native American tribe has 30 days to request consultation. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1 (d)). d. A "California Native American tribe" is defined as a Native American tribe located in California that is on the contact list maintained by the NAHC for the purposes of Chapter 905 of Statutes of 2004 (SB 18). (Pub. Resources Code §21073). 2. Begin Consultation Within 30 Da ys of Receiving a Tribe's Request for Consultation and Before Releasin g a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or Environmental Impact Re port: A lead agency shall begin the consultation process within 30 days of receiving a request for consultation from a California Native American tribe that is traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the proposed project. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1 , subds. (d) and (e)) and prior to the release of a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration or Environmental Impact Report. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1 (b)). a. For purposes of AB 52, "consultation shall have the same meaning as provided in Gov. Code §65352.4 (SB 18). (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1 (bl). 3. Mandatory To pics of Consultation If Requested by a Tribe: The following topics of consultation, if a tribe requests to discuss them, are mandatory topics of consultation: a. Alternatives to the project. b. Recommended mitigation measures. c. Significant effects. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (a)). 4. Discretionary Topics of Consultation: The following topics are discretionary topics of consultation: a. Type of environmental review necessary. b. Significance of the tribal cultural resources. c. Significance of the project's impacts on tribal cultural resources. d. If necessary, project alternatives or appropriate measures for preservation or mitigation that the tribe may recommend to the lead agency. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (a)). 5. Confidentiality of Information Submitted by a Tribe During the Environmental Review Process: With some exceptions, any information, including but not limited to, the location, description, and use of tribal cultural resources submitted by a California Native American tribe during the environmental review process shall not be included in the environmental document or otherwise disclosed by the lead agency or any other public agency to the public, cqnsistent with Government Code §6254 (r) and §6254.10. Any information submitted by a California Native American tribe during the consultation or environmental review process shall be published in a confidential appendix to the environmental document unless the tribe that provided the information consents, in writing, to the disclosure of some or all of the information to the public. ( Pub. Resources Code § 21082.3 ( cl( 1)). 6. Discussion of Impacts to Tribal Cultural Resources in the Environmental Document: If a project may have a significant impact on a tribal cultural resource, the lead agency's environmental document shall discuss both of the following: a. Whether the proposed project has a significant impact on an identified tribal cultural resource. b. Whether feasible alternatives or mitigation measures, including those measures that may be agreed to pursuant to Public Resources Code §21082.3, subdivision (a), avoid or substantially lessen the impact on the identified tribal cultural resource. (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (b)). Page 2 of 5 7. Conclusion of Consultation: Consultation with a tribe shall be considered concluded when either of the following occurs: a. The parties agree to measures to mitigate or avoid a significant effect, if a 'significant effect exists, on a tribal cultural resource; or b. A party, acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutuai agreement cannot be reached. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (b)). 8. Recommending Mitigation Measures Agreed Upon in Consultation ·in the Environmental Document: Any mitigation measures agreed upon in the consultation conducted pursuant to Public Resources Code §21080.3.2 shall be recommended for inclusion in the environmental document and in an adopted mitigation monitoring and reporting program, if determined to avoid or lessen the impact pursuant to Public Resources Code §21082.3, subdivision (b), paragraph 2, a_nd shall be fully enforceable. (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (a)). 9. Required Consideration of Feasible Mitigation: If mitigation measures recommended by the staff of the lead agency as a result of the consultation process are not included in the environmental document or if there are no agreed upon mitigation measures at the conclusion of consultation, or if consultation does not occur, and if substantial evidence demonstrates that a project will cause a significant effect to a tribal cultural resource, the lead agency shall consider feasible mitigation pursuant to Public Resources Code §21084.3 (b). (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (e)). 10. Examples of Mitigation Measures That, If Feasible, May Be Considered to Avoid or Minimize Significant Adverse Impacts to Tribal Cultural Resources: a. Avoidance and preservation of the resources in place, including, but not limited to: i. Planning and construction to avoid the resources and protect the cultural and natural context. ii. Planning greenspace, parks, or other open space, to incorporate the resources with culturally appropriate protection and mandgement criteria. b. Treating the resource with culturally appropriate dignity, taking into account the tribal cultural values and meaning of the resource, including, but not limited to, the following: i. Protecting the cultural character and integrity of the resource. ii. Protecting the traditional use of the resource. iii. Protecting the confidentiality of the resource. c. Permanent conservation edsements or other interests in real property, with culturally appropriate management criteria for the purposes of preserving or utilizing the resources or places. d. Protecting the resource. (Pub. Resource Code §21084.3 (b)). e. Please note that a federally recognized California Native American tribe or a non-federally recognized California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the NAHC to protect a California prehistoric, archaeological, cultural, spiritual, or ceremonial place may acquire and hold conservation easements if the conservation easement is voluntarily conveyed. (Civ. Code §815.3 (c)). f. Please note that it is the policy of the state that Native American remains and associated grave artifacts shall be repatriated. (Pub. Resources Code §5097.991 ). 11. Prerequisites for Certifying an Environmental Impact Report or Adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Negative Declaration with a Significant Impact on an Identified Tribal Cultural Resource: An Environmental Impact Report may not be certified, nor may a mitigated negative declaration or a negative declaration be adopted unless one of the following occurs: • a. The consultation process between the tribes and the lead agency has occurred as provided in Public Resources Code §21080.3. land §21080.3.2 and concluded pursuant to Public Resources Code §21080.3.2. b. The tribe thot requested consultation failed to provide comments to the lead agency or otherwise failed to engage in the consultation process. c. The lead agency provided notice of the project to the tribe in compliance with Public Resources Code §21080.3.1 (d) and the tribe failed to request consultation within 30 days. (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (d)). The NAHC's PowerPoint presentation titled, "Tribal Consultation Under AB 52: Requirements and Best Practices" may be found on line at: http://nahc.ca.qov /wp-content /uploads/2015/ l 0/A B52TribaIConsultation Cal EPA PDF .odf Page 3 of 5 SB 18 applies to local governments and requires local governments to contact, provide notice to, refer plans to, and consult with tribes prior to the adoption or amendment of a general plan or a specific plan, or the designation of open space. (Gov. Code §65352.3). Local governments should consult the Governor's Office of Planning and Research's "Tribal Consultation Guidelines," which can be found online at: https://www.opr.ca.aov/docs/09 14 05 Updated Guidelines 922.pdf. Some of SB 18's provisions include: 1. Tribal Consultation: If a local government considers a proposal to adopt or amend a general plan or a specific plan, or to designate open space it is required to contact the appropriate tribes identified by the NAHC by requesting a "Tribal Consultation List." If a tribe, once contacted, requests consultation the local government must consult with the tribe on the plan proposal. A tribe has 90 days from the date of receipt of notification to request consultation unless a shorter timeframe has been agreed to by the tribe. (Gov. Code §65352.3 (a)(2)). 2. No Statutory Time Limit on SB 18 Tribal Consultation. There is no statutory time limit on SB 18 tribal consultation. 3. Confidentiality: Consistent with the guidelines developed and adopted by the Office of Planning and Research pursuant to Gov. Code §65040.2, the city or county shall protect the confidentiality of the information concerning the specific identity, location, character, and use of places, features and objects described in Public Resources Code §5097.9 and §5097.993 that are within the city's or county's jurisdiction. (Gov. Code §65352.3 (bl). 4. Conclusion of SB 18 Tribal Consultation: Consultation should be concluded at the point in which: a. The parties to the consultation come to a mutual agreement concerning the appropriate measures for preservation or mitigation; or b. Either the local government or the tribe, acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutual agreement cannot be reached concerning the appropriate measures of preservation ·or mitigation. (Tribal Consultation Guidelines, Governor's Office of Planning and Research (2005) at p. 18). Agencies should be aware that neither AB 52 nor SB 18 precludes agencies from initiating tribal consultation with tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with their jurisdictions before the timeframes provided in AB 52 and SB 18. For that reason, we urge you to continue to request Native American Tribal Contact Lists and "Sacred Lands File" searches from the NAHC. The request forms can be found online at: http://nahc.ca.gov/resources/forms/. NAHC Recommendations for Cultural Resources Assessments To adequately assess the existence and significance of tribal cultural resources and plan for avoidance, preservation in place, or barring both, mitigation of project-related impacts to tribal cultural resources, the NAHC recommends the following actions: 1. Contact the appropriate regional California Historical Research Information System (CHRIS) Center (https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=3033 l) for an archaeological records search. The records search will determine: a. If part or all of the APE has been previously surveyed for cultural resources. b. If any known cultural resources have already been recorded on or adjacent to the APE. c. If the probability is low, moderate, or high that cultural resources are located in the APE, d. If a survey is required to determine whether previously unrecorded cultural resources are present. 2. If an archaeological inventory survey is required, the final stage is the preparation of a professional report detailing the findings and recommendations of the records search and field survey. a. The final report containing site forms, site significance, and mitigation measures should be submitted immediately to the planning department. All information regarding site locations, Native American human remains, and associated funerary objects should be in a separate confidential addendum and not be made available for public disclosure. b. The final written report should be submitted within 3 months after work has been completed to the appropriate regional CHRIS center. Page 4 of 5 3. Contact the NAHC for: a. A Sacred Lands File search. Remember that tribes do not always record their sacred sites in the Sacred Lands File, nor are they required to do so. A Sacred Lands File search is not a substitute for consultation with tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the project's APE. b. A Native American Tribal Consultation List of appropriate tribes for consultation concerning the project site and to assist in planning for avoidance, preservation in place, or, failing both, mitigation measures. 4. Remember that the lack of surface evidence of archaeological resources (including tribal cultural resources) does not preclude their subsurface existence. a. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plan provisions for the identification and evaluation of inadvertently discovered archaeological resources per Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15064.S(f) (CEQA Guidelines § 15064.S(f)). In areas of identified archaeological sensitivity, a certified archaeologist and a culturally affiliated Native American with knowledge of cultural resources should monitor all ground-disturbing activities. b. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plans provisions for the disposition of recovered cultural items that are not burial associated in consultation with culturally affiliated Native Americans. c. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plans provisions for the treatment and disposition of inadvertently discovered Native American human remains. Health and Safety Code §7050.5, Public Resources Code §5097.98, and Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15064.5, subdivisions (d) and (e) (CEQA Guidelines§ 15064.5, subds. (d) and (e)) address the processes to be followed in the event of an inadvertent discovery of any Native American human remains and associated grave goods in a location other than a dedicated cemetery. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at my email address:
[email protected]
. Sincerely, Cody Campagne Cultural Resources Analyst cc: State Clearinghouse Page 5 of 5 Plan Review Team Land Management
[email protected]
PG&E Gas and Electric Facilities Page 1 Public November 2, 2023 Billy Gross City of South San Francisco 315 Maple Ave South San Francisco, CA 94080 Ref: Gas and Electric Transmission and Distribution Dear Billy Gross, Thank you for submitting the Infinite 131 Project plans for our review. PG&E will review the submitted plans in relationship to any existing Gas and Electric facilities within the project area. If the proposed project is adjacent/or within PG&E owned property and/or easements, we will be working with you to ensure compatible uses and activities near our facilities. Attached you will find information and requirements as it relates to Gas facilities (Attachment 1) and Electric facilities (Attachment 2). Please review these in detail, as it is critical to ensure your safety and to protect PG&E’s facilities and its existing rights. Below is additional information for your review: 1. This plan review process does not replace the application process for PG&E gas or electric service your project may require. For these requests, please continue to work with PG&E Service Planning: https://www.pge.com/en_US/business/services/building-and-renovation/overview/overview.page. 2. If the project being submitted is part of a larger project, please include the entire scope of your project, and not just a portion of it. PG&E’s facilities are to be incorporated within any CEQA document. PG&E needs to verify that the CEQA document will identify any required future PG&E services. 3. An engineering deposit may be required to review plans for a project depending on the size, scope, and location of the project and as it relates to any rearrangement or new installation of PG&E facilities. Any proposed uses within the PG&E fee strip and/or easement, may include a California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) Section 851 filing. This requires the CPUC to render approval for a conveyance of rights for specific uses on PG&E’s fee strip or easement. PG&E will advise if the necessity to incorporate a CPUC Section 851filing is required. This letter does not constitute PG&E’s consent to use any portion of its easement for any purpose not previously conveyed. PG&E will provide a project specific response as required. Sincerely, Plan Review Team Land Management PG&E Gas and Electric Facilities Page 2 Public Attachment 1 – Gas Facilities There could be gas transmission pipelines in this area which would be considered critical facilities for PG&E and a high priority subsurface installation under California law. Care must be taken to ensure safety and accessibility. So, please ensure that if PG&E approves work near gas transmission pipelines it is done in adherence with the below stipulations. Additionally, the following link provides additional information regarding legal requirements under California excavation laws: https://www.usanorth811.org/images/pdfs/CA-LAW-2018.pdf 1. Standby Inspection: A PG&E Gas Transmission Standby Inspector must be present during any demolition or construction activity that comes within 10 feet of the gas pipeline. This includes all grading, trenching, substructure depth verifications (potholes), asphalt or concrete demolition/removal, removal of trees, signs, light poles, etc. This inspection can be coordinated through the Underground Service Alert (USA) service at 811. A minimum notice of 48 hours is required. Ensure the USA markings and notifications are maintained throughout the duration of your work. 2. Access: At any time, PG&E may need to access, excavate, and perform work on the gas pipeline. Any construction equipment, materials, or spoils may need to be removed upon notice. Any temporary construction fencing installed within PG&E’s easement would also need to be capable of being removed at any time upon notice. Any plans to cut temporary slopes exceeding a 1:4 grade within 10 feet of a gas transmission pipeline need to be approved by PG&E Pipeline Services in writing PRIOR to performing the work. 3. Wheel Loads: To prevent damage to the buried gas pipeline, there are weight limits that must be enforced whenever any equipment gets within 10 feet of traversing the pipe. Ensure a list of the axle weights of all equipment being used is available for PG&E’s Standby Inspector. To confirm the depth of cover, the pipeline may need to be potholed by hand in a few areas. Due to the complex variability of tracked equipment, vibratory compaction equipment, and cranes, PG&E must evaluate those items on a case-by-case basis prior to use over the gas pipeline (provide a list of any proposed equipment of this type noting model numbers and specific attachments). No equipment may be set up over the gas pipeline while operating. Ensure crane outriggers are at least 10 feet from the centerline of the gas pipeline. Transport trucks must not be parked over the gas pipeline while being loaded or unloaded. 4. Grading: PG&E requires a minimum of 36 inches of cover over gas pipelines (or existing grade if less) and a maximum of 7 feet of cover at all locations. The graded surface cannot exceed a cross slope of 1:4. 5. Excavating: Any digging within 2 feet of a gas pipeline must be dug by hand. Note that while the minimum clearance is only 24 inches, any excavation work within 24 inches of the edge of a pipeline must be done with hand tools. So to avoid having to dig a trench entirely with hand tools, the edge of the trench must be over 24 inches away. (Doing the math for a 24 inch PG&E Gas and Electric Facilities Page 3 Public wide trench being dug along a 36 inch pipeline, the centerline of the trench would need to be at least 54 inches [24/2 + 24 + 36/2 = 54] away, or be entirely dug by hand.) Water jetting to assist vacuum excavating must be limited to 1000 psig and directed at a 40° angle to the pipe. All pile driving must be kept a minimum of 3 feet away. Any plans to expose and support a PG&E gas transmission pipeline across an open excavation need to be approved by PG&E Pipeline Services in writing PRIOR to performing the work. 6. Boring/Trenchless Installations: PG&E Pipeline Services must review and approve all plans to bore across or parallel to (within 10 feet) a gas transmission pipeline. There are stringent criteria to pothole the gas transmission facility at regular intervals for all parallel bore installations. For bore paths that cross gas transmission pipelines perpendicularly, the pipeline must be potholed a minimum of 2 feet in the horizontal direction of the bore path and a minimum of 24 inches in the vertical direction from the bottom of the pipe with minimum clearances measured from the edge of the pipe in both directions. Standby personnel must watch the locator trace (and every ream pass) the path of the bore as it approaches the pipeline and visually monitor the pothole (with the exposed transmission pipe) as the bore traverses the pipeline to ensure adequate clearance with the pipeline. The pothole width must account for the inaccuracy of the locating equipment. 7. Substructures: All utility crossings of a gas pipeline should be made as close to perpendicular as feasible (90° +/- 15°). All utility lines crossing the gas pipeline must have a minimum of 24 inches of separation from the gas pipeline. Parallel utilities, pole bases, water line ‘kicker blocks’, storm drain inlets, water meters, valves, back pressure devices or other utility substructures are not allowed in the PG&E gas pipeline easement. If previously retired PG&E facilities are in conflict with proposed substructures, PG&E must verify they are safe prior to removal. This includes verification testing of the contents of the facilities, as well as environmental testing of the coating and internal surfaces. Timelines for PG&E completion of this verification will vary depending on the type and location of facilities in conflict. 8. Structures: No structures are to be built within the PG&E gas pipeline easement. This includes buildings, retaining walls, fences, decks, patios, carports, septic tanks, storage sheds, tanks, loading ramps, or any structure that could limit PG&E’s ability to access its facilities. 9. Fencing: Permanent fencing is not allowed within PG&E easements except for perpendicular crossings which must include a 16 foot wide gate for vehicular access. Gates will be secured with PG&E corporation locks. 10. Landscaping: Landscaping must be designed to allow PG&E to access the pipeline for maintenance and not interfere with pipeline coatings or other cathodic protection systems. No trees, shrubs, brush, vines, and other vegetation may be planted within the easement area. Only those plants, ground covers, grasses, flowers, and low-growing plants that grow unsupported to a maximum of four feet (4’) in height at maturity may be planted within the easement area. PG&E Gas and Electric Facilities Page 4 Public 11. Cathodic Protection: PG&E pipelines are protected from corrosion with an “Impressed Current” cathodic protection system. Any proposed facilities, such as metal conduit, pipes, service lines, ground rods, anodes, wires, etc. that might affect the pipeline cathodic protection system must be reviewed and approved by PG&E Corrosion Engineering. 12. Pipeline Marker Signs: PG&E needs to maintain pipeline marker signs for gas transmission pipelines in order to ensure public awareness of the presence of the pipelines. With prior written approval from PG&E Pipeline Services, an existing PG&E pipeline marker sign that is in direct conflict with proposed developments may be temporarily relocated to accommodate construction work. The pipeline marker must be moved back once construction is complete. 13. PG&E is also the provider of distribution facilities throughout many of the areas within the state of California. Therefore, any plans that impact PG&E’s facilities must be reviewed and approved by PG&E to ensure that no impact occurs which may endanger the safe operation of its facilities. PG&E Gas and Electric Facilities Page 5 Public Attachment 2 – Electric Facilities It is PG&E’s policy to permit certain uses on a case by case basis within its electric transmission fee strip(s) and/or easement(s) provided such uses and manner in which they are exercised, will not interfere with PG&E’s rights or endanger its facilities. Some examples/restrictions are as follows: 1. Buildings and Other Structures: No buildings or other structures including the foot print and eave of any buildings, swimming pools, wells or similar structures will be permitted within fee strip(s) and/or easement(s) areas. PG&E’s transmission easement shall be designated on subdivision/parcel maps as “RESTRICTED USE AREA – NO BUILDING.” 2. Grading: Cuts, trenches or excavations may not be made within 25 feet of our towers. Developers must submit grading plans and site development plans (including geotechnical reports if applicable), signed and dated, for PG&E’s review. PG&E engineers must review grade changes in the vicinity of our towers. No fills will be allowed which would impair ground-to-conductor clearances. Towers shall not be left on mounds without adequate road access to base of tower or structure. 3. Fences: Walls, fences, and other structures must be installed at locations that do not affect the safe operation of PG&’s facilities. Heavy equipment access to our facilities must be maintained at all times. Metal fences are to be grounded to PG&E specifications. No wall, fence or other like structure is to be installed within 10 feet of tower footings and unrestricted access must be maintained from a tower structure to the nearest street. Walls, fences and other structures proposed along or within the fee strip(s) and/or easement(s) will require PG&E review; submit plans to PG&E Centralized Review Team for review and comment. 4. Landscaping: Vegetation may be allowed; subject to review of plans. On overhead electric transmission fee strip(s) and/or easement(s), trees and shrubs are limited to those varieties that do not exceed 10 feet in height at maturity. PG&E must have access to its facilities at all times, including access by heavy equipment. No planting is to occur within the footprint of the tower legs. Greenbelts are encouraged. 5. Reservoirs, Sumps, Drainage Basins, and Ponds: Prohibited within PG&E’s fee strip(s) and/or easement(s) for electric transmission lines. 6. Automobile Parking: Short term parking of movable passenger vehicles and light trucks (pickups, vans, etc.) is allowed. The lighting within these parking areas will need to be reviewed by PG&E; approval will be on a case by case basis. Heavy equipment access to PG&E facilities is to be maintained at all times. Parking is to clear PG&E structures by at least 10 feet. Protection of PG&E facilities from vehicular traffic is to be provided at developer’s expense AND to PG&E specifications. Blocked-up vehicles are not allowed. Carports, canopies, or awnings are not allowed. 7. Storage of Flammable, Explosive or Corrosive Materials: There shall be no storage of fuel or combustibles and no fueling of vehicles within PG&E’s easement. No trash bins or incinerators are allowed. PG&E Gas and Electric Facilities Page 6 Public 8. Streets and Roads: Access to facilities must be maintained at all times. Street lights may be allowed in the fee strip(s) and/or easement(s) but in all cases must be reviewed by PG&E for proper clearance. Roads and utilities should cross the transmission easement as nearly at right angles as possible. Road intersections will not be allowed within the transmission easement. 9. Pipelines: Pipelines may be allowed provided crossings are held to a minimum and to be as nearly perpendicular as possible. Pipelines within 25 feet of PG&E structures require review by PG&E. Sprinklers systems may be allowed; subject to review. Leach fields and septic tanks are not allowed. Construction plans must be submitted to PG&E for review and approval prior to the commencement of any construction. 10. Signs: Signs are not allowed except in rare cases subject to individual review by PG&E. 11. Recreation Areas: Playgrounds, parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, barbecue and light trucks (pickups, vans, etc.) may be allowed; subject to review of plans. Heavy equipment access to PG&E facilities is to be maintained at all times. Parking is to clear PG&E structures by at least 10 feet. Protection of PG&E facilities from vehicular traffic is to be provided at developer’s expense AND to PG&E specifications. 12. Construction Activity: Since construction activity will take place near PG&E’s overhead electric lines, please be advised it is the contractor’s responsibility to be aware of, and observe the minimum clearances for both workers and equipment operating near high voltage electric lines set out in the High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders of the California Division of Industrial Safety (https://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/sb5g2.html), as well as any other safety regulations. Contractors shall comply with California Public Utilities Commission General Order 95 (http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/gos/GO95/go_95_startup_page.html) and all other safety rules. No construction may occur within 25 feet of PG&E’s towers. All excavation activities may only commence after 811 protocols has been followed. Contractor shall ensure the protection of PG&E’s towers and poles from vehicular damage by (installing protective barriers) Plans for protection barriers must be approved by PG&E prior to construction. 13. PG&E is also the owner of distribution facilities throughout many of the areas within the state of California. Therefore, any plans that impact PG&E’s facilities must be reviewed and approved by PG&E to ensure that no impact occurs that may endanger the safe and reliable operation of its facilities. From: Zachariasen, Judith@DOC <
[email protected]
> Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 12:11 PM To: Gross, Billy <
[email protected]
> Cc: OPR State Clearinghouse <
[email protected]
>; OLRA@DOC <
[email protected]
> Subject: Infinite 131 Project - SCH Number 2023110023 [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of South San Francisco -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Billy Gross, The California Geological Survey (CGS) has received the Notice of Preparation of a Focused Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Infinite 131 Project in South San Francisco. This emailconveys the following recommendations from CGS concerning geologic issues related to theproject area: 1. Liquefaction Hazards The entire project area is located within an earthquake zone of required investigation(ZORI) for liquefaction mapped by CGS. The DEIR and supporting documents shouldaddress this hazard as it relates to the design of the proposed structures. Additionalinformation is available at the links below: https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/app/https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/index.html?map=regulatorymaps 2. Ground Shaking Hazards The project area is not located in an Earthquake Fault Zone mapped by CGS. However, several active faults are nearby, and the site could be subject to significant ground shaking. The DEIR and supporting documents should address this hazard as it relates to the design of the proposed structures. Additional information about ground shaking hazard can be obtained at the following sites: https://usgs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html? id=14d2f75c7c4f4619936dac0d14e1e468 https://earthquake.usgs.gov/scenarios/catalog/bssc2014/ If you have any additional comments or questions, please feel free to call or email. Thank you, Judy Zachariasen Judith Zachariasen, PhD, PG, CEGSenior Engineering Geologist Fault Zoning Unit Supervisor Seismic Hazards Program California Geological Survey California Department of Conservation 715 P Street, MS 1900, Sacramento, CA 95814 T: (916) 879-2844 E:
[email protected]
From: Jacob Madden <
[email protected]
> Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 9:57 AM To: Gross, Billy <
[email protected]
> Subject: Infinite 131 Project [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of South San Francisco -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Hi Billy, Similar to the Infinite 101 project, we would request that a site management plan be approved by this office prior to issuance of a grading or building permit. Thank you Jacob Madden, PG Program Specialist San Mateo County Groundwater Protection Program (650)399-5959 Plan Review Team Land Management
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Pacific Gas and Electric Company P.O. Box 0000 City, State, Zip Code PG&E Gas and Electric Facilities Page 1 Public November 30, 2023 Billy Gross City of South San Francisco 315 Maple Ave South San Francisco, CA 94080 Re: Infinite 131 Project 131 Terminal Court, South San Francisco, CA 94080 Dear Billy: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to review the subject plans. The proposed Infinite 131 Project is within the same vicinity of PG&E’s existing facilities that impact this property. The Infinite 131 Project proposes new buildings and land uses over existing PG&E easements and facilities on the subject property. Said easements are for the operation and maintenance of a gas distribution main and a line of overhead poles. Said easements do not allow for the construction of any building or other structure within the easement areas and provide PG&E the right to trim any trees along the easements whenever considered necessary. The applicant may submit an application to PG&E’s Service Planning department at www.pge.com/cco should any of PG&E’s existing easements or facilities be found in conflict with the Infinite 131 Project. All relocations are completed at applicant expense. No buildings will be permitted to be constructed within any existing PG&E easement. Please see the attached landscaping guides to further design landscaping around any PG&E facilities on the subject property. Landscaping must be compliant with said guides to promote the continued safe operation of the existing gas distribution main and overhead pole line. Please provide fully engineered site plans to
[email protected]
for review when available. Please contact the Building and Renovation Center (BRSC) for facility map requests by calling 1-877-743-7782 and PG&E’s Service Planning department at www.pge.com/cco for any modification or relocation requests, or for any additional services you may require. As a reminder, before any digging or excavation occurs, please contact Underground Service Alert (USA) by dialing 811 a minimum of 2 working days prior to commencing any work. This free and independent service will ensure that all existing underground utilities are identified and marked on-site. If you have any questions regarding our response, please contact me at
[email protected]
. Sincerely, PG&E Gas and Electric Facilities Page 2 Public Justin Newell Land Management 916-594-4068 For the safety of our customers and communities, we regularly inspect the area above and around the natural gas transmission pipeline for any trees or plants that could block emergency access for safety crews or potentially damage the pipe. Many types of low-growing vegetation including lawns, flower beds and shrubs with non-woody stems work well in the area above the underground pipeline. Smaller trees, large shrubs and plants with a trunk less than eight inches in diameter at full maturity are permitted from five up to 10 feet from the edge of the pipeline. To check if a gas transmission pipeline runs on or near your property, visit pge.com/pipelinelocations. Frequently Asked Questions Why is a small newly planted tree a safety concern? Depending on the species and the potential size of the tree when it is full grown, it may be identified as a safety risk and need to be removed. While the tree may not pose an access concern while it is a sapling, when it is full grown, it can block access in an emergency or for critical maintenance work. The pipeline could also be damaged as the tree grows. I planted according to your Guide to Safe Landscaping. Why does my tree now need to be removed? Crews regularly walk the area above the pipeline to look for new structures or vegetation that may pose a safety concern. They also re-inspect trees and brush that were previously left in place to ensure they don’t develop into a safety concern. If any of these conditions change, we may need to work with the property owner to remove the tree. Gas Transmission Vegetation Management Guide to Safe Landscaping Near Gas Pipelines From 10 up to 14 feet From 10 up to 14 feet From 5 up to 10 feet From 5 up to 10 feet 0 up to 5 feet 0 up to 5 feet Outer Zone Outer ZoneBorder Zone Pipe Safety Zone Border Zone Illustration not to scale. Other factors like trunk sizes and soil conditions, among others, to be considered. Any tree planted within 10 feet could pose a safety concern and may need to be removed. Be Safe. Dig Safe. Before you begin any landscaping work, always call 811 at least two business days in advance. With one call to 811, PG&E will send a crew that can mark our underground gas and electric facilities for free before you begin work, helping you plan a safe project. GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINE To learn more about PG&E’s gas safety programs, visit pge.com/gasveg. You can contact us at 1-800-259-6277 or
[email protected]
. “PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2023 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. CCC-0722-5446. 04/13/2023 Below is a sample of water-wise plant types that are safe in certain locations near a pipeline. Scan the code for more safe planting tips. Please note that this list includes recommended plant species suited for most California climate zones and is not all-inclusive. Consult your local nursery for more information. If there is an electric power line on or near your property, there may be additional planting restrictions. Pipe Safety Zone Typically from 0 up to 5 feet on either side of the edge of the pipe. Lawns, flowers, low-profile grasses and low-growing herbaceous plants are permitted within the Pipe Safety Zone. Beach Aster (Erigeron glaucus) Bird’s Foot Fern (Pellaea mucronate) Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum and cvs.) Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.) California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum) California Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) Coast Sunflower (Encelia californica) Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa) Deer Weed (Acmispon glaber) Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana) Lilac Verbena (Glandularia lilacina and cvs.) Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) Perennial Hollyhock (Alcea rosea and cvs.) Pink Santa Barbara Daisy (Erigeron x moerheimii) Purple Needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) Sand Aster (Lessingia filaginifolia and cvs.) Sonoma Sage (Salvia sonomensis and cvs.) Western Marsh Rosemary (Limonium californicum) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium and cvs.) Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) Pipe Border Zone Typically from 5 up to 10 feet from the edge of the pipe. Small to medium shrubs with a trunk or main branch less than 8 inches in diameter at full maturity are permitted within the Border Zone. Diameter is measured at chest height. Aloe (Aloe spp. (CA native and non-native)) Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) Blue Jeans Ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘’Blue Jeans’’) California Wild Rose (Rosa californica) Chaparral Honeysuckle (Lonicera interrupta (shade)) Coastal Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus) Concha Ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘’Concha’’) Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis consanguinea) Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) Hillside Gooseberry (Ribes californicum) Manzanita (shrub) (Arctostaphylos hookeri (shrub cvs.)) Mountain Blue Curls (Trichostema parishii) Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) Pitcher Sage (Lepechinia calycina) Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla and cvs.) Shrub Live Oak (Quercus turbinella) Tree Mallow (Malva assurgentiflora and cvs. (Lavatera assurgentiflora)) Tree Poppy (Dendromecon rigida) Woolly Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon tomentosum) Yellow Penstemon (Keckiella antirrhinoides) Outer Zone Typically from 10 up to14 feet from the edge of the pipe. Large shrubs and small trees with a trunk less than 36 inches in diameter at full maturity are permitted within the Outer Zone, however, it’s recommended to plant trees even further away from the pipeline. Diameter is measured at chest height. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Fastigata’) Australian Willow (Gijera parviflora) White Alder (Alnus rhombifolia) Blue Blossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) Coral Gum (Eucalyptus torquata) Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia hybrids) Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) Flowering Plum (Prunus ceraifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’) Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliflora) New Zealand Christmas Tree (Metrosideros excelsa) Ray Hartman Ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’) Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria Purpureus’) Swan Hill Olive (Olea eruopaea ‘Swan Hill’) Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) Trident Maple (Acer buergeranum) Western Redbud(Cercis occidentalis) Trees and shrubs for power line-friendlylandscaping Bay Area and Inland 2 At Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), our most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and the communities we serve. As part of that responsibility, we created this guide to help you select the right trees and shrubs when planting near power lines. Planting the right tree in the right place will help promote fire safety, reduce power outages and ensure beauty and pleasure for years to come. Plan before you plant How to plant and care for your tree Key characteristics ofrecommended small trees Keeping the lights on and your community safe 1 4 6 17 Plan before you plant Consider these questions for successful planting: 1. What types of utility lines are near you? Planting restrictions for trees and other vegetation vary widely for different types of utility lines—electric transmission lines, electric distribution lines and gas pipelines. 2. Are you planting in a high fire-threat area? If you live in an area designated as high fire threat by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), you can take steps to help reduce wildfire risks. 3. Are there any underground utility lines? To avoid contact with underground utilities, call 811 at least two working days before digging. Workers will visit your property free of charge to mark the location of gas lines or other underground utilities so you can avoid them. Learn which plants will thrive in your region. Refer to the Sunset Western Garden Book map below to find your planting zone. Bay Area and Inland Climate Zones: 7–9 and 14–17 15 16 14 17 9 8 7 7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9 14 14 14 14 14 14 16 16 15 15 15 15 15 17 17 17 17 17 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 14 Zone 15 Zone 16 Zone 17 MAP IS APPROXIMATE 1 Plan before you plant Planting with fire safetyin mind You can help reduce wildfire risks by choosing the right plants, trees and shrubs and by following new vegetation and fire safety standards that require greater clearances between trees, limbs and power lines. Create defensible space In addition to maintaining a safe distance between trees and power lines, we recommend fire-resistant plants in high fire-threat areas. Their purpose is to replace important plants for wildlife in areas where brush and tree removal can leave an area bare. Fire-resistant plant features include: • High moisture content • Minimal buildup of dry vegetation • Fewer branches and leaves • Slow growing • Stems, leaves or needles that are not oily or waxy To learn more about high fire-threat areas visit cpuc.ca.gov/FireThreatMaps A Planting outside of high fire-threat areas Planting restrictions for trees and other vegetation vary widely for different types of utility power lines— electric transmission, electric distribution and gas pipelines. Please consider the following when planting near: Distribution power lines: Select only small trees that will grow no taller than 25 feet at maturity. Transmission power lines: Plant only low-growing shrubs under the wire zone and only grasses within the area directly below the tower. Along the border of the transmission line right-of-way, plant only small trees no taller than 10 feet. B Planting within high fire-threat areas You play a vital role to ensure that the right tree is safely planted in the right place. This planting guide will help you select a species of tree and appropriate planting location that is compatible with our safety clearances. Small zone: Within 15 feet of the pole, plant only low-growing plants less than 12 inches at maturity that have high moisture and low sap content. Medium zone: From 15 to 50 feet of the pole, plant trees no taller than 40 feet at maturity. Tall zone: At least 50 feet away from the pole, plant trees taller than 40 feet at maturity. Any incompatible or hazardous vegetationis subject to removal. Avoid Conflicts with Power Lines—Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place A B DistributionLine Large Shade Trees (outside high firethreat areas) DistributionLine (within high firethreat areas) Small Trees Transmission Line Large Shade Trees No Trees Low GrowingShrubs; No Trees in Wire Zone Medium Size Trees Small Zone 15 ft. Medium Zone 50 ft. Tall Zone Wire Zone 2 2 Plan before you plant 1. When planting near distribution lines in high fire-threat areas, plant only low-growing, fire resistant shrubs. 2. Small flowering trees or shrubs add interest and beauty to the landscape and may attract butterflies and hummingbirds. 3. Many small tree species add curb appeal and help improve your neighborhood. 4. Small trees produce fruit or nuts that attract birds and other wildlife. 5. Small trees create hedges for privacy or screening. 6. Small trees add interest and beauty to small spaces. Safety tip for planting Know what’s below To remain safe while planting trees, shrubs or flowers, call 811 at least two days before digging. Workers will visit your property free of charge to mark the location of gas lines or other underground utilities so you can avoid them. 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 Proper tree andsite selection Always consider tree size when planting where space is limited— near power lines, in narrow side yards or close to buildings. Small trees that grow no taller than 20 feet are the right choice. Blocking vision at streetcorners. Plant at least 10 feet from the curb at corners. Planting too close tosidewalks, streets or driveways. Planting closer than 8 feetfrom the front and 2 feet from the back and sides of pad-mounted transformers. Planting within 10 feet ofthe base of utility poles andallowing vegetation thatcan grow more than 8 feetabove the ground. 1 8 ft. 10 ft. 8 ft. 2 ft. 2 When planting, you should AVOID: 1 2 Transformers Streets Power lines How to plant and care for your tree 1. Prepare the planting area. Mark an area several times wider than the root ball diameter. Loosen this area to about the depth of the root ball. 2. Dig the hole. Shallow is better than deep. Ensure the sides of the hole are rough and uneven. In hard soils, a rough edge to the hole helps new roots grow out into the surrounding soil. 3. Place the tree in the hole. The trunk flare should be at or just above the soil surface. Planting too deep is the most common mistake since soil above the trunk flare causes the bark to rot. • For containerized trees, gently remove the container from root ball. Don’t pull by the trunk. Loosen roots with finger tips and prune away damaged or circling roots. • For balled and burlapped trees, rest the root ball in the center of the hole. Reshape the hole if necessary so the tree will be straight and at the proper level. Carefully, remove the burlap and any other material away from the sides and top of the root ball. 4. Loosen the soil near the trunk. Find the trunk flare, which should be visible at the top of the root ball. If the trunk flare is not visible, remove soil from the top of the root ball until it is visible. 5. Tree adjustments. Stand back and look at the tree before putting soil back into the hole. Careful adjustments can be made at this time to the planting height and the direction the branches face without seriously harming the roots. 6. Do not add fertilizer at time of planting. Do not add compost or other material to the hole. Fertilizer may be added at the drip line of the tree after the first year if poor growth is experienced. Follow fertilizer manufacturer’s instructions; too much will injure or kill the tree. 7. Fill the hole with original soil around the tree. Gently backfill the hole using one-third of the soil at a time. Break up dirt clods and remove any grass, weeds or rocks. Lightly pack the soil with the shovel handle to remove air pockets. Do not stamp on or compress soil heavily. The best soil for root growth has spaces for both air and water, but not large air pockets. Refill and pack again until soil is even with top of root ball. The trunk flare should be slightly above the soil. Water thoroughly. • For trees not planted in a lawn, construct a small earthen dam or berm, less than four inches tall, with excess soil just outside of the root ball zone. This will help hold water until it soaks into the soil, rather than letting it run off. The berm is temporary while your tree becomes established and, in most cases, should be removed two years after planting. 8. Cover the entire loosened area of soil. Use three to four inches of mulch. Keep mulch away from the trunk of the tree to prevent disease. 9. Stake only if tree stability is a problem. Staking is a temporary measure to allow the trunk to develop strength. The sooner the stakes and ties are removed the stronger your tree will be. If staked, typically this should be one to two years and no longer than three. Reddy Stakes are the easiest to use and are available from your local nursery. Water: New trees need about 1 inch of water per week for about two years. This is true for all trees including native and drought tolerant. Be careful not to drown the roots; they need air to grow as well. Water slowly by hand. 0.1 4 How to plant and care for your tree A. Dig hole no deeper than root ball. B. Bottom of root ball on firm soil. C. Top of root ball level with or slightly above ground. D. Backfill with original soil, tamping gently and watering briefly when filling hole. E. Mulch 3–4 inches deep in circle around tree. F. Keep mulch away from trunk. G. If not planting in a lawn, build a soil dam 3–4 feet from trunk. Young tree pruning Remove branches shown with dotted lines C B D A F E G A Planting basics Make hole several times wider than root ball. D B GCE F A. Remove limbs that extend beyond the natural crown of the tree. B. Remove competing stems to develop a single trunk. C. Remove dead, broken or crossing limbs. D. Remove limbs that turn inward towards the trunk. E. Do not leave branch stubs. F. Remove root suckers and sprouts. G. Shorten low branches to develop trunk thickness. 5 Remove branches shown with dotted lines - - - - - - - Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Weeping Bottlebrush Callistemon viminalis A beautiful tropical tree that produces scarlet blossoms March through July, this tree attracts hummingbirds and is drought tolerant. It is ideal for creating high hedges that screen views. Not suitable for windy areas or near the street. Grows well in restricted soil space. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 8–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN Fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE California Buckeye Aesculus californica This tree, native to the dry slopes of the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills, makes an excellent choice for low water use areas. In spring, fragrant, cream-colored flower plumes transform it into a giant candelabra. Following winter leaf drop, its silvery bark creates an interesting silhouette. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS, CALIFORNIA NATIVE Fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Produces unusual flowers that smell like honey and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its seeds provide wildlife food, especially for ducks, and its thick foliage provides habitat for many wetland birds. Useful for naturalizing wet areas. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 7–9, 14. DECIDUOUS, CALIFORNIA NATIVE NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE Camellia Reticulata Camellia reticulata The main decorative feature is its spectacular flowers, which bloom January through May. This tree is very susceptible to cold. It develops better form and heavier foliage in open ground. Good for shrub borders and screens. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN Fire resistant PARTIAL–FULL SHADE 6 - - - - - - - - Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Cordia Cordia boissieri Wild olive is a native North American evergreen Kwanzan Cherry Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’ A beautiful decorative flowering tree with yellow fall color, this cherry does not bear fruit. Often used near a patio or as a specimen away from lawn grass competition, this tree is not suitable for planting near the street. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7, 14–17. DECIDUOUS tree reportedly close to extinction. White flowers appear year-round and olive-like fruit attracts birds and other wildlife. Good near a deck or patio, in sidewalk cutouts and as a street tree. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 8–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE Fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE Cockspur Coral Tree Erythrina crista-galli This beautiful, showy tree, which boasts brilliant red and fragrant flowers in spring, attracts hummingbirds. It is widely planted as a street or garden tree. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS NOT fire resistant FULL SUN NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE Hopa Crabapple Malus hopa Grown for its adaptability, fragrant flowers and attractive, brightly colored fruit, this tree creates a warm glow of color each spring. It bears edible fruit and attracts wildlife. Good for sidewalk cutouts and as a street tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE 7 - - - - - - - - Dragon Tree Dracaena draco Native to the Canary Islands, this palm-like, Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Weeping Dogwood Cornus florida Fringe Tree Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica This is among the longest blooming trees in existence, with striking summer color and attractive fall foliage. It is a favorite small tree for landscaping. It is drought tolerant and well suited as a buffer near a street, deck or patio. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 12–14. DECIDUOUS NOT fire resistant FULL SUN tropical tree grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. It is drought tolerant and makes a dramatic statement in landscaping. It is a good choice for coastal areas since it tolerates salty spray and soils. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 16–17. EVERGREEN NOT fire resistant PARTIAL SHADE This is one of the most popular decorative trees and earliest springtime bloomers. It produces a non-edible fruit that attracts butterflies, birds and other wildlife. Use dogwood as a framing or background tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–16. DECIDUOUS Chionanthus virginicus One of the most beautiful small trees when in full bloom, its purple-blue fruits attract many birds and other wildlife. Famous for its sweet but not overpowering fragrance, it is most commonly used as a free standing decorative tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 15–17. DECIDUOUS, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE NOT fire resistant NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE PARTIAL–FULL SHADE 8 - - - - - - - - Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Golden Ball Lead Tree Leucaena retusa Washington Hawthorn Crataegus phaenopyrum The small white, abundant flowers in spring are followed by orange to red fruit that lasts until winter and attracts birds. The fall leaf color is striking orange and red. Well suited for creating a barrier or as a street tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE Bright yellow powder-puff blossoms appear April through October. They are prominent after heavy rain and attract butterflies and wildlife. It seeds itself, spreads rapidly and is drought tolerant. Good as an accent tree in a shrub border or backyard garden. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE NOT fire resistant FULL SUN FULL SUN NOT fire resistant Yaupon Holly Ilex vomitoria Tiny white flowers, which appear in spring, attract Pineapple Guava Feijoa sellowiana Hardiest of the subtropic trees, it blossoms in spring and produces fruit in late summer and early fall. Both flowers and fruit are edible and attract birds and bees. The plants can be pruned into a small tree or a hedge. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN bees for several weeks. Bright red berries appear fall through winter and attract wildlife. Commonly used as a trimmed hedge, screen or windbreak. Well suited as a topiary. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE NOT fire resistant NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE 9 -- -- - - - - Little Gem Magnolia Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Kumquat Fortunella margarita Bronze Loquat Eriobotrya deflexa Small white, fragrant flowers appear in spring followed by small, inedible fruits. Leaves are a bright red-bronze or coppery color. Well suited as a decorative tree near the street or a shade tree for a patio or deck. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN Fragrant flowers, which blossom in late spring, attract butterflies and become fruit that look like tiny oranges in the fall. Great ornamental element in a landscape. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 8–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN NOT fire resistant FULL SUN Lemon Tree Citrus limon Dark green foliage and pure white, extremely fragrant blossoms make citrus a popular garden choice for frost-free locations. Juicy, fragrant edible fruit ripens in fall and winter. Well suited for shade or as a screen. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 8–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN Fire resistant FULL SUN NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE Magnolia grandiflora x ‘little gem’ Fragrant white blossoms open to perfume the entire garden in late spring and turn into fuzzy brown cones with bright red seeds, which are used by a variety of wildlife. Well suited for a screen or hedge. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 7–9, 14-17. EVERGREEN NOT fire resistant FULL SUN 10 - - - - - - - - - Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Amur Maple Acer ginnala Its main decorative value is in its brilliant red fall foliage and pink/red-winged fruit. It is well suited as a patio tree, hedge or screen. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–16. DECIDUOUS FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE Saucer Magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana Blooms open late winter to early spring producing a display of large white flowers shaded in pink. Can be used near a patio or deck. Best used as a stand-alone specimen in a sunny spot. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE Japanese Maple Acer palmatum Manzanita Arctostaphylos manzanita Popular for shiny red or mahogany colored bark, its pink to white flowers attract wildlife and provide nectar to butterflies and hummingbirds. It is very drought tolerant and looks green even in the hottest, driest part of the summer. Good for hillside covers, background plantings and screens. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN, CALIFORNIA NATIVE NOT fire resistant Famous for its striking display of fall color when leaves turn brilliant shades of scarlet, yellow or orange, it is one of the most beautiful small trees for the landscape. Well suited as an accent tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS NOT fire resistant PARTIAL–FULL SHADE Fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE 11 - - - - … - - - - Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Rattan Palm Rhapis humilis A hardy, slow growing and graceful-looking palm variety, it is especially well suited as a dense screen or hedge or accent tree. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 16–17. EVERGREEN NOT fire resistant PARTIAL–FULL SHADE Pinyon Pine Pinus edulis This rugged conifer is best known for its edible pine nuts. This pine grows slowly and does not overwhelm the surrounding area. It is more drought and wind tolerant than other pines. It provides good cover for wildlife. The tree works well in small, dry gardens and can be used to screen unwanted views, as a windbreak or an accent tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN, CALIFORNIA NATIVE Sonoran Palo Verde Cercidium praecox Valued for its yellow floral display in spring, this plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. It does well in arid climates and is tough and trouble-free. Well suited for streetscape plantings or as an accent tree. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 14–17. DECIDUOUS, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE Purple-Leaf Plum Prunus cerasifera ‘Newport’ FULL SUN Very popular for its unusual changing leaf color, which starts out ruby red, then turns reddish-purple, and finally greenish-bronze. The small white to light pink blossoms are followed by a crop of small, edible purple fruit. Often used as a decorative landscape element, it is good near patios and decks. Only plant the smaller ‘Newport’ or ‘Thundercloud’ varieties near power lines. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS NOT fire resistant Fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE 12 - - - - … - - - - Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Tangelo Citrus reticulata x citrus maxima Fragrant white flowers appear March through April and attract honeybees and butterflies. Edible, orange-colored fruit matures September Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis Blossoms appear all over the tree in spring followed by beans, which provide food for hummingbirds and other wildlife. Not suitable as a street tree but well suited as an accent plant. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE NOT fire resistant American Smoke Tree Cotinus obovatus Long flowers have a fluffy, grayish-buff appearance resembling a cloud. One of the best plants for fall color with orange, purple, red and yellow leaves. Best used in a shrub border or as a patio or accent tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. DECIDUOUS, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE through December. The best fruit is produced in warm summer areas. Well suited as an ornamental accent tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 8–9, 14–15. EVERGREEN Fire resistant FULL SUN Tasmanian Tree Fern Dicksonia antarctica Best known and hardiest of tree ferns, it has a dark brown trunk and dark green, lacy fronds that arch five to seven feet. Easy to transplant and establish, it makes a beautiful accent tree for a tropical effect or can be a backdrop to other plants. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 8–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN NOT fire resistant PARTIAL–FULL SHADE 13 - - - - - - - - - Key characteristics of recommended small trees (Reference zone map on page 1) Tea Tree Common Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana The bark of this slow growing, drought tolerant plant is the source of the liniment witch hazel. It has bright foliage and yellow and red bloom clusters in the fall. It is well suited for borders and naturalistic, shady areas. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–16. DECIDUOUS, NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE Leptospermum petersonii Leaves have a strong lemon scent and when dried are used to make tea. Small white flowers bloom in spring to early summer. This is a fast-growing plant well suited for hedges, screening unwanted views or as a windbreak. Mature height: 20 feet. Zones 14–17. EVERGREEN NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE IMPORTANT NOTE: This guide makes recommendations for planting small trees near distribution lines only. Near or under transmission lines, plant only low-growing shrubs. Any incompatible vegetation is subject to removal. If you are not sure if a power line is distribution or transmission, please call us at 1-800-743-5000. Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia Also known as “Christmas Berry” or “California Holly,” this evergreen is native to California Coast Ranges and is great in butterfly and bird gardens. Drought resistant and low maintenance, it blooms in summer and bears beautiful red berries in winter. It is well suited for hedges, screens for unwanted views or as an accent tree. Mature height: 25 feet. Zones 7–9, 14–17. EVERGREEN, CALIFORNIA NATIVE NOT fire resistant FULL SUN–PARTIAL SHADE 14 - - - Key characteristics of recommended small trees The following is a guide to small trees suitable near distribution power lines in areas that are not at high risk for wildfire. Work with your local nursery to identify other suitable plants for your specific planting zone. Common/Scientific name Mature ht. Growth/yr. Soil Wildlife attraction and flower facts Bottlebrush, Weeping Callistemon viminalis 25 feet 25 feet 20 feet 20 feet 25 feet 20 feet 20 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 20 feet 25 feet 20 feet 25 feet 36 inches 24 inches 24–36 inches 12–24 inches 24 inches 24 inches 24 inches 36 inches 24 inches 24 inches 12 inches 12 inches 12–36 inches 24 inches 24 inches 24 inches 24 inches Wet– Dry Moist– Dry Wet– Moist Moist Moist Moist– Dry Moist– Dry Moist Moist– Dry Moist Moist Moist Well Drained Moist– Dry Moist– Dry Moist Moist Hummingbirds, screening, drought tolerant. RED FLOWERS Hummingbirds, provides screening, blooms in spring. WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Hummingbirds, butterflies, wildlife habitat. CREAM OR WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Decorative, provides screening, not suitable for cold environment. PINK, RED FLOWERS Fall color, no fruit, not suitable for street planting. PINK OR ROSE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Hummingbirds, good for streets and gardens. PINK OR RED, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Birds and wildlife, good for streets and patios. YELLOW OR WHITE, FRAGRANT, YEAR-ROUND FLOWERS Wildlife, edible fruit, good for streets and sidewalk cutouts. RED OR ROSE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Long blooming period, fall color, good for narrow lawns, drought tolerant. RED, PINK, PURPLE OR WHITE FLOWERS Butterflies and wildlife, blooms in early spring. WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Slow growing, long lasting, drought tolerant. CHARTREUSE OR WHITE FLOWERS Birds and wildlife, decorative free-standing tree. GREEN OR WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Butterflies and wildlife, accent tree, drought tolerant. YELLOW FLOWERS Birds and bees, blooms in spring, edible flower and fruit. PURPLE, RED OR WHITE FLOWERS Wildlife, good screen or street tree. WHITE FLOWERS Bees and wildlife, good hedge or screen. TINY, WHITE FLOWERS Butterflies, edible fruit, decorative. WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Buckeye, California** Aesculus californica Buttonbush** Cephalanthus occidentalis Camellia Reticulata Camellia reticulata Cherry, Kwanzan Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’ Cockspur Coral Tree Erythrina crista-galli Cordia* Cordia boissieri Crabapple, ‘Hopa’ Malus ‘hopa’ Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica Dogwood, Weeping Cornus florida Dragon Tree Dracaena draco Fringe Tree* Chionanthus virginicus Golden Ball Lead Tree* Leucaena retusa Guava, Pineapple Feijoa sellowiana Hawthorn, Washington* Crataegus Holly, Yaupon* Ilex vomitoria Kumquat Fortunella margarita Chart continued on next page 15 Key characteristics of recommended small trees Common/Scientific name Mature ht. Growth/yr. Soil Wildlife attraction and flower facts Lemon Tree Citrus limon 25 feet 25 feet 20 feet 25 feet 20 feet 25 feet 25 feet 20 feet 20 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 20 feet 20 feet 25 feet 25 feet 24 inches 36 inches 12 inches 24 inches 12–24 inches 12–24 inches 12–24 inches 12 inches 36 inches 12 inches 24 inches 36 inches 12–24 inches 24 inches 12 inches 24 inches 12–24 inches 12–24 inches Moist Moist Moist Moist Moist– Dry Moist– Dry Moist– Well Drained Moist Moist– Dry Moist– Dry Moist Moist Well Drained Moist Moist Moist– Dry Moist– Dry Moist Edible fruit, good for shade or screening. WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Birds and wildlife, good for patios and decks. WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Wildlife, provides a dense screen. WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Birds. PINK, PURPLE OR WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Butterflies, hummingbirds and wildlife, colorful bark. PINK OR WHITE FLOWERS Fall color, good for patios and decks, hedge or screen. YELLOW, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Fall color, good as accent tree. PURPLE FLOWERS Good screen or hedge, decorative, drought tolerant. INCONSPICUOUS FLOWERS Bees, butterflies and birds, smooth green bark, blooms in spring, drought tolerant. YELLOW FLOWERS Wildlife habitat, edible seeds, drought and wind tolerant. INCONSPICUOUS FLOWERS Winter and spring floral display, edible fruit, self-sowing. PINK OR WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Hummingbirds and wildlife. PINK OR ROSE FLOWERS Fall color. PINK OR WHITE, SMOKE-LIKE EFFECT FLOWERS Bees and butterflies, blooms in spring, edible fruit. WHITE, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Cold tolerant, easy to transplant and establish, good as an accent. NO FLOWERS Fragrant leaves, good for hedges, screening and as a windbreak. WHITE FLOWERS Butterflies, hummingbirds and wildlife, drought tolerant. WHITE FLOWERS Fall foliage and flowers, drought tolerant. YELLOW, FRAGRANT FLOWERS Loquat, Bronze Eriobotrya deflexa Magnolia, Little Gem Magnolia grandiflora x ‘little gem’ Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia x soulangeana Manzanita** Arctostaphylos manzanita Maple, Amur Acer ginnala Maple, Japanese Acer palmatum Palm, Rattan Rhapis humilis Palo Verde, Sonoran* Cercidium praecox Pine, Pinyon** Pinus edulis Plum, Purple-Leaf Prunus cerasifera ‘Newport’ Redbud, Eastern* Cercis canadensis Smoke Tree, American* Cotinus obovatus Tangelo Citrus reticulata x citrus maxima Tasmanian Tree Fern Dicksonia antarctica Tea Tree Leptospermum petersonii Toyon** Heteromeles arbutifolia Witch Hazel, Common* Hamamelis virginiana *North American Native **California Native 16 Keeping the lights on and your community safe At PG&E our most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and the communities we serve. We know how much trees mean to our communities, and we are committed to helping you ensure the right trees are located in the right places to help reduce wildfire risks and improve public safety. Every year, we inspect each segment of approximately 100,000 miles of overhead power lines, with some locations patrolled multiple times a year. We prune or remove 1.4 million trees annually and work to address dead and dying trees in areas affected by drought. By planting the right tree in the right place, you can help reduce fire hazards, promote safety and reduce the risk of damage to properties and power lines. 17 For more information regarding tree planting near power lines or gas pipelines and to download a copy of this booklet, please visit: pge.com/righttreerightplace. To verify the type of utility line near you, schedule an appointment with our tree care professionals or request gas pipeline planting information, please call 1-800-743-5000. Additional references and resources: PG&E Vegetation Management Program: pge.com/trees Planting the right tree in the right place: arborday.org/trees/righttreeandplace High Fire-Threat District Map: cpuc.ca.gov/FireThreatMaps California Tree Selections: selectree.calpoly.edu Climate Zone maps and information are courtesy of Sunset Western Garden Book, 2008. Illustrations Copyright © 2019 Robert O’Brien “PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation ©2019 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. CCR-0919-1604W 18 December 5, 2023 Billy Gross, Principal Planner TRANSMITTED VIA EMAIL ONLY City of South San Francisco
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Department of Economic and Community Development 315 Maple Avenue South San Francisco, California 94080 Subject: NOP Comments: Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Infinite 131 Project, South San Francisco, California San Francisco International Airport (SFO or the Airport) staff have reviewed the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Infinite 131 Project (the Proposed Project), located in the City of South San Francisco (City). We appreciate this opportunity to provide comments on the NOP. As described in the NOP, the Proposed Project is located on an approximately 17.67-acre site, identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 015-113-210. The site is currently occupied by a produce market facility (the Golden Gate Produce Terminal) and surface parking. The Proposed Project consists of demolishing all existing structures and uses on the site and constructing six buildings containing a total of approximately 1,632,000 square feet of research and development (R&D) space and approximately 68,000 square feet of amenity space. The buildings would range in height from two stories to six stories, with the tallest building being about 114 feet tall (measured from ground level to the top of the rooftop appurtenances). A total of about 3,049 parking spaces would be provided through a combination of surface parking and two parking garages. The Proposed Project would also include two central courtyards that would provide a total of approximately 115,130 square feet of open space as well as utility and circulation improvements (e.g., new traffic signals, sidewalks, crosswalks, bikeways, and driveways connections). Airport Influence Areas The Proposed Project site is within two Airport Influence Areas (AIAs): Area A – Real Estate Disclosure Area (all of San Mateo County) and Area B – Policy/Project Referral Area (a smaller subarea in the northern part of San Mateo County), as defined by the Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport (SFO ALUCP). Within Area A, the real estate disclosure requirements of state law apply (see attachment). A property owner offering a property for sale or lease must disclose the presence of planned or existing airports within two miles of the property. Within Area B, the Board of Directors of the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County, acting as the designated Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC), shall review proposed land use policy actions, including new general plans, specific plans, zoning ordinances, plan amendments and rezonings, and land development proposals (see attachment). The real estate disclosure requirements in Area A also apply in Area B. DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 Billy Gross, City of South San Francisco December 5, 2023 Page 2 of 3 SFO ALUCP Policies The southern end of the Proposed Project site is within the 65 decibel Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) contour. However, the Proposed Project does not include any land uses that are identified as conditionally compatible or not compatible in Table IV-1: Noise/Land Use Compatibility Criteria, of the SFO ALUCP. The Proposed Project site is outside of all safety compatibility zones. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not appear to be inconsistent with the Noise and Safety Compatibility Policies adopted in the SFO ALUCP. As described in Exhibit IV-17 of the SFO ALUCP (see attachment), the critical aeronautical surfaces at the Proposed Project are at an elevation of approximately 130 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).1 The elevation of the Proposed Project site ranges from about 8.5 feet to about 12.5 feet AMSL. The buildings would range in height from two stories to six stories, and the tallest building would be about 114 feet tall (an elevation of about 126.5 feet AMSL), which would be lower than the elevation of the lowest critical aeronautical surface. The Proposed Project would not appear to be inconsistent with Airspace Protection Policy AP-3 (Maximum Compatible Building Height) of the SFO ALUCP, subject to the issuance of a Determination of No Hazard from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for any proposed structures (see below), and determinations from the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County as the designated ALUC. However, this presumption is based on limited information as the site plan included in the NOP does not specify the exact location of the tallest building or provide its elevation AMSL. The project description and figures in the DEIR should specify the elevation AMSL of each building, and the DEIR analysis of the Proposed Project’s impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials should discuss the Proposed Project’s consistency with Airspace Protection Policy AP-3 of the SFO ALUCP. This evaluation does not waive the requirement for the Proposed Project sponsor to undergo Federal Aviation Administration airspace review as described in 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 77 for both (1) the permanent structures and (2) any equipment taller than the permanent structures required to construct those structures. The NOP states that “the proposed buildings would be tied together through a cohesive network of landscaping and open space,” with two central courtyards providing approximately 115,130 square feet of open space. Landscaping for the proposed courtyards has the potential to attract wildlife. To ensure compliance with Airspace Protection Policy AP-4 (Other Flight Hazards Are Incompatible), the Airport suggests that the sponsor consider planting low-lying vegetation/brush of a non-seeding variety that does not provide cover or shelter for wildlife and trees that provide minimal roosting opportunities for birds. * * * The Airport appreciates your consideration of these comments. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (650) 821-6678 or at
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. 1 The elevation above mean sea level is defined from the origin of the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 Billy Gross, City of South San Francisco December 5, 2023 Page 3 of 3 Sincerely, Nupur Sinha Director of Planning and Environmental Affairs San Francisco International Airport Attachment Airport Influence Area and Airspace Protection Policies of the SFO ALUCP cc: Audrey Park, SFO Chris DiPrima, SFO DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 THE CITY/COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY NOVEMBER 2012 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport [IV-2] Airport/Land Use Compatibility Policies 4.2 Airport Influence Area (AIA) The AIA for SFO includes two parts: Area A and Area B. Area A is the larger of the two areas and encompasses all of San Mateo County. Area B lies within Area A and includes land exposed to aircraft noise above CNEL 65 dB or lying below critical airspace. Area A, depicted on Exhibit IV-1, includes the entire county, all of which is overflown by aircraft flying to and from SFO at least once per week at altitudes of 10,000 feet or less above mean sea level (MSL). (Appendix L explains the rationale for defining the AIA Area A boundary.) Area B of the AIA, depicted on Exhibit IV-2, is based on a combination of the outer boundaries of the noise compatibility and safety zones, the 14 CFR Part 77 conical surface, and the TERPS approach and One-Engine Inoperative (OEI) departure surfaces.1 As depicted on Exhibit IV-2, the Area B boundary has been adjusted to follow streets, highways, and corporate boundaries to make it easier to identify and implement. See Exhibit IV-3 for a close- up view of the northwestern half of Area B and Exhibit IV-4 for a close-up view of the southeastern half. The following AIA policies (IP) shall apply to the ALUCP. IP-1 AIRPORT INFLUENCE AREA A – REAL ESTATE DISCLOSURE AREA Within Area A, the real estate disclosure requirements of state law apply. Section 11010 of the Business and Professions Code requires people offering subdivided property for sale or lease to disclose the presence of all existing and planned airports within two miles of the property.2 The law requires that, if the property is within an “airport influence area” designated by the airport land use commission, the following statement must be included in the notice of intention to offer the property for sale: NOTICE OF AIRPORT IN VICINITY This property is presently located in the vicinity of an airport, within what is known as an airport influence area. For that reason, the property may be subject to some of the annoyances or inconveniences associated with proximity to airport operations (for example: noise, vibration, or odors). Individual sensitivities to those annoyances can vary from person to person. You may wish to consider what airport annoyances, if any, are associated with the property before you complete your purchase and determine whether they are acceptable to you. 1 On the northwest side, the Area B boundary corresponds to the 800-foot elevation line of the TERPS approach surface and the OEI departure surface. On the southeast side, the Area B boundary corresponds with the transitional surfaces rising from the flat, central portion of the TERPS surface having an elevation of 210 feet MSL. See Exhibits IV-17 and IV-18 for a detailed depiction of the airspace surfaces. 2 California Business and Professions Code, Section 11010(b)(13). DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 Hayward Fremont San Francisco Oakland Los Altos Mountain View Castro Valley Union City Loyola Alameda Cupertino Palo Alto San Leandro Los Altos Hills Ashland San Lorenzo Cherryland SaratogaNewark Menlo Park East Palo Alto Portola Valley Atherton Woodside Redwood City San Carlos Belmont San Mateo Foster City Hillsborough Half Moon Bay Pacifica San Bruno Millbrae Burlingame Brisbane Colma South SanFrancisco DalyCity Sunnyvale Santa Clara San Jose San Jose Los GatosMonte Sereno Fairview Los TrancosWoods Stanford Emerald LakeHills Highlands Montara El Granada Moss Beach Broadmoor OlympicCountry Club San BrunoMtn Park BurlingameHills Palomar Park Sequoia Tract Pacfic Ocean San Francisco Bay SANTA CRUZ SAN MATEO ALAMEDA SAN FRANCISCO MARIN SANTA CLARA CONTRACOSTA 0 2 41 Comprehensive Airport Land Use PlanFor The Environs of San Francisco International Airport NORTH C/CAGCity/County Association of Governmentsof San Mateo County, California LEGEND Exhibit IV-1AIRPORT INFLUENCE AREA A - REAL ESTATE DISCLOSURE AREA Miles County Boundary Freeways City Boundary Range/ Township/ Section and Rancho Lines Roads Municipal Members of SFO/Community Roundtable Unincorporated San Mateo County Airport Influence Area A Boundary Boundary for Airport Influence Area B DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 280 380 280 101 101 101 101 92 1 82 82 82 82 1 ROLL I N S R D HILL S I D E B L V D E 3RD AVE CALIFO R N I A D R MIS S I O N R D AIRPORT BLVD CALLAN B LVD S N O R F O L K S T S G R A N T S T MILLER AVE 9TH A V E SNEATH L N PARK WY SH AR P P A RK RD OAKMONT DR M URC HISON DRHILLCREST BLVD CHATEAU DR RALSTO N A V E HELEN DR ST FRANCIS BLVD ARR O YO DR S A I R P O R T B L V D TROUSDALE D R N H U M B O L D T S T BAYSH O R E H W Y TILTON A V E N M CDONNE L L RD EL CERRIT O A VE PAL M A V E HICKEY BLVD ADEL I N E D R TERRA NOVA B LVD HILLS I D E D R LO MITA AVE S SPRUCE AVE SERRAMONTE BLVD CHE S T N U T A V E N D E L A W A R E S T B A Y SHO R E BLVD E GRAND AVE HOLLY AVE CARMELITA AVE S LI N D E N A V E UTAH AVE LOY O L A D R RAY DR DW I G H T R D OC C I D E N T A L A V E OAK GR O V E A V E N S A N M A T E O D R W POPLA R A V E CRE S TMOOR DR JENEVE I N A V E M A RINERS ISLAND BLVD SHOREVIEW AVE M ADIS O N AVE MILLBRA E A V E SISTER CITI E S B L V D CRESCEN T AVE C R YSTAL SPRINGS RD E SAN BRUN O A VE W SAN BR U N O AVE BL O O M F I E L D R D W O R ANGE AVE SEB AS TIA N D R S A M P H L E T T B L V D ALTA M ESA DR L E RIDA WY RO L LING W OOD DR EVERG R E E N A V E W SANTA IN EZ AVE SAN MATEO AVE E 16TH A V E SAN RAYMUN D O R D RICHMO N D D R TAYL O R B L V D J U NIP E R O S E R R A B LV D RI D G E W O O D D R EAS T O N D R EARL AVE SHAR O N A V E LARKSPUR D R W 5TH A V E SK Y L I N E B O U L E V A R D BURLIN G A M E A V E OAKS DR E L C A M I N O R E A L 5TH AV E ALVA R A D O A V E ODDS T A D B L V D BARROIL H E T A V E HU N T D R SUMMIT D R HAYNE RD HELEN D R MA G N O L I A A V E CRYS T A L S P R I N G S R D W SAN BRU N O A V E H U N T I N G T O N A V E EL CAMINO REAL E 3RD A V E S N E ATH LN Cattle Hill810 San Bruno Mountain1314 PacificaPacifica Daly CityDaly City San MateoSan Mateo San BrunoSan Bruno HillsboroughHillsboroughMontaraMontara BrisbaneBrisbane Foster CityFoster City ColmaColma San FranciscoSan Francisco South San FranciscoSouth San Francisco MillbraeMillbrae BurlingameBurlingame Redwood CityRedwood City BroadmoorBroadmoor OaklandOakland Highlands-Baywood ParkHighlands-Baywood ParkMoss BeachMoss Beach San Pedro Valley County ParkSan Pedro Valley County Park San Bruno Mt State & Cnty ParkSan Bruno Mt State & Cnty Park Golden Gate National Rec AreaGolden Gate National Rec Area McNee Ranch State ParkMcNee Ranch State Park 0 0.65 1.30.325 Miles Exhibit IV-2 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Planfor the Environs of San Francisco International Airport AIRPORT INFLUENCE AREA B --LAND USE POLICY ACTION/PROJECT REFERRAL AREA NORTH Municipal Boundary Road Regional Park or Recreation Area FreewayRailroad San FranciscoSan FranciscoBayBay C/CAGCity/County Association of Governmentsof San Mateo County, California Sources: 100:1 FAA Notification Zone: Ricondo & Associates, Inc. and Jacobs Consultancy, based on 14 CFR Part 77, Subpart B,Section 77.9. Outer Boundary of TERPS Approach and OEI DepartureSurfaces: San Francisco International Airport, JacobsConsultancy, and Planning Technology Inc., 2009 Safety Compatibility Zones: Jacobs Consultancy Team, 2009; Ricondo & Associates, Inc., 2011 Noise Contour: URS Corporation and BridgeNet International.Draft Environmental Assessment, San Francisco InternationalAirport Proposed Runway Safety Area Program, June 2011 CNEL 65 dB San FranciscoSan FranciscoInternational AirportInternational Airport Elevation 13.2 FeetElevation 13.2 Feet CNEL Contour, 2020 Forecast LEGEND Airport Property BART Station CALTRAIN Station Outer Boundary of Safety Zones Open Space Local Park, Golf Course, Cemetery 14 CFR Part 77 Conical Surface 28L 28R 10L 10R 19L 19R 1R 1L Outer Boundary of TERPS Approach andOEI Departure Surfaces Boundary for Airport Influence Area B DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 82 280 380 101 101 101 CA L L A N B L V D MIS S I O N R D MILLER AVE HILLSIDE BLVD HICKEY BLVD SNEATH L N PAR K W Y OAKMONT DR FL E E T W O O D D R A RROYO DR S A I R P O R T B L V D SHAR P PARK RD N M C D O N N E L L R D AIRPO R T B L V D LIN D E N A V E L O MITA AVE S S P R U C E A V E CHE S T N U T A V E E GR A N D A V E W EST B OROUGH BLVD HOLLY A V E S LI N D E N A V E HELEN D R UTAH AVE CRESTM O OR DR JU N I P E R O S E R R A B L V D JENEVEIN A V E MADIS ON A V E SISTER C I T I E S B L V D CRYST A L SPRINGS RD E SAN BRUNO AVE W SAN BRUNO AV E W OR AN G E AVE ALTA M E SA DR PAR K B L V D R O LLINGWO O D DR M A G N O LIA AVE SAN M A T E O A V E RICHMO N D D R OLY M P I C D R EVER G R E E N A V E WHITMAN WY RIDGEW O O D D R LA U R E L A V E S T FRANCIS BLVD BAYS H O R E H W Y SK Y L I N E B O U L E V A R D AVALON DR LIT T L E F I E L D A V E TAYLO R B L V D SHANNO N D R E L C A M I N O R E A L EUC A L Y P T U S A V E HILLCREST BLVD LARKS P U R D R OLD BA Y S H O R E B L V D MOSSW O O D L N G RAND AVE SK Y L I N E B O U L E V A R D SA N M A T E O A V E MIL L E R A V E AIRPORT BLVD AIRP O R T B L V D W SAN BRU N O A V E SN EATH LN H U N T I N G T O N A V E EL C A M I N O R E A L HICKEY BLV D MA G N O L I A A V E Cattle Hill810 San Bruno Mountain1314 PacificaPacifica Daly CityDaly City San BrunoSan Bruno South San FranciscoSouth San Francisco BrisbaneBrisbane ColmaColma MillbraeMillbrae San FranciscoSan Francisco BroadmoorBroadmoor BurlingameBurlingame San Bruno Mt State & Cnty ParkSan Bruno Mt State & Cnty Park Golden Gate National Rec AreaGolden Gate National Rec Area 0 0.4 0.80.2 Miles Exhibit IV-3 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Planfor the Environs of San Francisco International Airport AIRPORT INFLUENCE AREA B --NORTH SIDE NORTH San FranciscoSan FranciscoBayBay C/CAGCity/County Association of Governmentsof San Mateo County, California CNEL 6 5 d B San FranciscoSan FranciscoInternational AirportInternational Airport Elevation 13.2 FeetElevation 13.2 Feet 10L 10R 19 R 1R 1L 19L 28R28L Municipal Boundary Road Regional Park or Recreation Area FreewayRailroad CNEL Contour, 2020 Forecast LEGEND Airport Property BART Station CALTRAIN Station Outer Boundary of Safety Zones Open Space Local Park, Golf Course, Cemetery 14 CFR Part 77 Conical SurfaceOuter Boundary of TERPS Approach andOEI Departure Surfaces Boundary for Airport Influence Area B Sources: 100:1 FAA Notification Zone: Ricondo & Associates, Inc. and Jacobs Consultancy, based on 14 CFR Part 77, Subpart B,Section 77.9. Outer Boundary of TERPS Approach and OEI DepartureSurfaces: San Francisco International Airport, JacobsConsultancy, and Planning Technology Inc., 2009 Safety Compatibility Zones: Jacobs Consultancy Team, 2009; Ricondo & Associates, Inc., 2011 Noise Contour: URS Corporation and BridgeNet International.Draft Environmental Assessment, San Francisco InternationalAirport Proposed Runway Safety Area Program, June 2011 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 THE CITY/COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY NOVEMBER 2012 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport Airport/Land Use Compatibility Policies [IV-11] IP-2 AIRPORT INFLUENCE AREA B – POLICY/PROJECT REFERRAL AREA Within Area B, the Airport Land Use Commission (the C/CAG Board) shall exercise its statutory duties to review proposed land use policy actions, including new general plans, specific plans, zoning ordinances, plan amendments and rezonings, and land development proposals. The real estate disclosure requirements in Area A also apply in Area B. For the purposes of this policy, parcels along the edge of the Area B Boundary that are split by the boundary shall be considered as fully being within Area B. Portions of unincorporated San Mateo County and the following municipalities are located within Area B: Daly City – small part of the city in the Serramonte area Colma –the entire town Pacifica – north and northeast of the city South San Francisco – all but north and west sides of the city San Bruno – all but northwest corner of the city Millbrae – the entire city Burlingame – the entire city Hillsborough – the northern part of the town, north of Chateau Drive San Mateo – a few blocks in the City of San Mateo Foster City – the northern part of the City Unincorporated San Mateo County: California Golf Club, Country Club Park, Burlingame Hills, and San Francisco International Airport The following special districts are located within Area B of the AIA: North San Mateo County Sanitation District Peninsula Health Care District San Mateo County Flood Control District San Mateo County Harbor District San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District Westborough County Water District The following school districts and community college district are located within Area B: Bayshore Elementary School District Brisbane Elementary School District Burlingame Elementary School District DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 THE CITY/COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY NOVEMBER 2012 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport [IV-12] Airport/Land Use Compatibility Policies Hillsborough City Elementary School District Jefferson Elementary School District Jefferson Union High School District Millbrae Elementary School District Pacifica School District San Bruno Park Elementary School District San Mateo County Community College District San Mateo Foster City Elementary School District San Mateo Union High School District South San Francisco Elementary School District 4.3 Noise Compatibility Policies The airport noise compatibility policies described in this section have a two-fold purpose: 1. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare by minimizing the exposure of residents and occupants of future noise-sensitive development to excessive noise. 2. To protect the public interest in providing for the orderly development of SFO by ensuring that new development in the Airport environs complies with all requirements necessary to ensure compatibility with aircraft noise in the area. The intent is to avoid the introduction of new incompatible land uses into the Airport’s “noise impact area” so that the Airport will continue to be in compliance with the State Noise Standards for airports (California Code of Regulations, Title 21, Sections 5012 and 5014).3 The following noise compatibility policies (NP) shall apply to the ALUCP. NP-1 NOISE COMPATIBILITY ZONES For the purposes of this ALUCP, the projected 2020 CNEL noise contour map from the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Runway Safety Area Program shall define the boundaries within which noise compatibility policies described in this Section shall apply.4 Exhibit IV-5 depicts the noise compatibility zones. More detail is provided on Exhibit IV-6. The zones are defined by the CNEL 65, 70 and 75 dB contours. 3 In 2002, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors declared that the Airport had eliminated its “noise impact area,” as defined under state law -- California Code of Regulations, Title 21, Sections 5012 and 5014. 4 URS Corporation and BridgeNet International. Draft Environmental Assessment, Proposed Runway Safety Area Program, San Francisco International Airport, June 2011. DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 THE CITY/COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY NOVEMBER 2012 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport [IV-34] Airport/Land Use Compatibility Policies and associated with human disease of varying severity. b. Biosafety Level 3 practices, safety equipment, and facility design and construction are applicable to clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, or production facilities in which work is done with indigenous or exotic agents with a potential for respiratory transmission, and which may cause serious and potentially lethal infection. c. Biosafety Level 4 practices, safety equipment, and facility design and construction are applicable for work with dangerous and exotic agents that pose a high individual risk of life-threatening disease, which may be transmitted via the aerosol route and for which there is no available vaccine or therapy. 4.5 Airspace Protection The compatibility of proposed land uses with respect to airspace protection shall be evaluated in accordance with the policies set forth in this section. These policies are established with a twofold purpose: 1. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare by minimizing the public’s exposure to potential safety hazards that could be created through the construction of tall structures. 2. To protect the public interest in providing for the orderly development of SFO by ensuring that new development in the Airport environs avoids compromising the airspace in the Airport vicinity. This avoids the degradation in the safety, utility, efficiency, and air service capability of the Airport that could be caused by the attendant need to raise visibility minimums, increase minimum rates of climb, or cancel, restrict, or redesign flight procedures. 4.5.1 FEDERAL REGULATIONS REGARDING TALL STRUCTURES 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 77, Safe, Efficient Use and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace, governs the FAA’s review of proposed construction exceeding certain height limits, defines airspace obstruction criteria, and provides for FAA aeronautical studies of proposed construction. Appendix F describes the FAA airspace review process and the extent of FAA authority related to airspace protection. 4.5.2 PART 77, SUBPART B, NOTIFICATION PROCESS Federal regulations require any person proposing to build a new structure or alter an existing structure with a height that would exceed the elevations described in CFR Part 77, Subpart B, Section 77.9, to prepare an FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, and submit the notice to the FAA. The regulations apply to buildings and other structures or portions of structures, such as mechanical equipment, flag poles, and other projections that may exceed the aforementioned elevations. DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 THE CITY/COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY NOVEMBER 2012 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport Airport/Land Use Compatibility Policies [IV-35] Exhibit IV-10 depicts the approximate elevations at which the 14 CFR Part 77 notification requirements would be triggered; see Exhibit IV-11 for a close-up view of the northern half and Exhibit IV-12 for a close-up view of the southern half of the area. These exhibits are provided for informational purposes only. Official determinations of the areas and elevations within which the federal notification requirements apply are subject to the authority of the FAA. The FAA is empowered to require the filing of notices for proposed construction based on considerations other than height. For example, in some areas of complex airspace and high air traffic volumes, the FAA may be concerned about the potential for new construction of any height to interfere with electronic navigation aids. In these areas, the FAA will want to review all proposed construction projects. The FAA has developed an on-line tool for project sponsors to use in determining whether they are required to file a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration. Sponsors of proposed projects are urged to refer to this website to determine whether they are required to file Form 7460-1 with the FAA: https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/gisTools/gisAction.jsp?action=showNoNoticeRequiredToolForm 4.5.3 AIRSPACE MAPPING Part 77, Subpart C, establishes obstruction standards for the airspace around airports including approach zones, conical zones, transitional zones, and horizontal zones known as “imaginary surfaces.” Exhibit IV-13 depicts the Part 77 Civil Airport Imaginary Surfaces at SFO. The imaginary surfaces rise from the primary surface, which is at ground level immediately around the runways. The surfaces rise gradually along the approach slopes associated with each runway end and somewhat more steeply off the sides of the runways. The FAA considers any objects penetrating these surfaces, whether buildings, trees or vehicles travelling on roads and railroads, as obstructions to air navigation. Obstructions may occur without compromising safe air navigation, but they must be marked, lighted, and noted on aeronautical publications to ensure that pilots can see and avoid them. Close-up views of the north and south sides of the Part 77 surfaces are provided in Exhibit IV-14 and Exhibit IV-15, respectively. Additionally, Exhibit IV-16 provides an illustration of the outer approach and transitional surfaces located on the southeast side of the Part 77 surfaces. Together with its tenant airlines, SFO has undertaken a mapping effort to illustrate the critical aeronautical surfaces that protect the airspace required for multiple types of flight procedures such as those typically factored into FAA aeronautical studies, as shown on Exhibit IV-17 and Exhibit IV-18. These aeronautical surfaces include those established in accordance with FAA Order 8260.3B, U.S. Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS), and a surface representing the airspace required for One-Engine Inoperative (OEI) departures from Runway 28L (to the west through the San Bruno Gap).16 The exhibits depict the lowest elevations from the combination of the OEI procedure surface and all TERPS surfaces. The surfaces are defined with Required Obstacle Clearance (ROC) criteria to ensure safe separation of aircraft using the procedures from the underlying obstacles. Any proposed structures penetrating these surfaces are likely to receive Determinations of Hazard (DOH) from the FAA through the 7460-1 aeronautical study process. These surfaces indicate the maximum height at which structures can be considered compatible with Airport operations. 16 See Appendix F, Section F.3.2 for a discussion of one-engine inoperative procedures. DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 280 380 280 280 101 101 101 101 1 35 82 82 1 1 82 ROLL I N S R D HILL S I D E B L V D E 3RD AV E CALIF O R N I A D R B A YSHORE BLVD E L C A MIN O R E A L MIS S I O N R D 87TH ST AIRPORT BLV D CALLA N B LV D GRAND AV E MILLER AVE SOUTHGATE AVE TR OUSDALE DR S HA R P P A RK RD SNEATH L N PARK WY CRESPI DR FLEE T W O OD DR M U R C H ISO N D R SU L L I V A N A V E ST FRANCIS BLVD JOHN DALY B L V D RALST O N A V E HELE N D R A R R O YO DR S A I R P O R T B L V D S K Y L IN E B O ULEVARD GENEVA A V E N H U M B O L D T S T FASSLER AVE BAYSH O R E H W Y TILTO N A V E N AMPHLETT BLVD N MC D ON N E L L R D ST A TE HIGH W A Y 3 5 H U N T I N G T O N A V E LINDA MAR BLVD HICKEY BLV D SHAW RD ADEL I N E D R E 4TH A V E TER RA NOVA B LVD HILLS I D E D R LIN D E N A V E LO MITA A V E S SPRUCE AVE SERRAM O N T E BLVD CHE S T N U T A V E N D E L A W A R E S T BELLEVUE A V E E GRAND AVE S N O R F O L K S T HOLLY AVE CARMELITA AVE S L I N D E N A V E UTAH AVE LOY O L A D R RAY D R DW I G H T R D O C C I D E N T A L A V E N S A N M A T E O D R C RE S T M O O R DR JENEVE I N A V E M A D IS O N A VE MILLBRA E A V E SISTER CIT I E S B L V D C R Y S TA L SPRINGS RDW SAN B R U N O AVE S E B A S T I A N D R ALTA M E SA DR L E RIDA WY PA R K P L A Z A D R P ARK B LVD J U NIP E R O S E R R A B L V D A L ICANT E DR MA G N O L I A A V E SA N M A T E O A V E BRO A D W A Y HOFF M A N S T RICHM O N D D R SEVILLE DR MONTEREY RD RI D G E W O O D D R EAS T O N D R EARL AVE S A N A N T O N I O A V E SHA R O N A V E LARKSPUR D R G A T E W A Y DR EL C E R RIT O AVE C H A T E A U D R WESTLAKE AVE BELLA V I S T A D R LITTLEFIELD AVE C R O C K E R A V E E MARKE T S T LINCOLN AVE OAKS DR EL C A M I N O R E A L ODDS T A D B L V D HU N T D R SUMMIT DR EU C A L Y P T U S A V E HELEN D R ST A T E HIG H W A Y 35 W SAN BR U N O A V E EL CAMINO REAL S N E ATH LN MA G N O L I A A V E HI L L S I D E B L V D E 3RD AVE PacificaPacifica Daly CityDaly City San BrunoSan Bruno BrisbaneBrisbane San MateoSan Mateo ColmaColma HillsboroughHillsborough South San FranciscoSouth San Francisco MillbraeMillbrae BurlingameBurlingame San FranciscoSan Francisco Foster CityFoster City BroadmoorBroadmoor MontaraMontara San Pedro Valley County ParkSan Pedro Valley County Park San Bruno Mt State & Cnty ParkSan Bruno Mt State & Cnty Park Golden Gate National Rec AreaGolden Gate National Rec Area McNee Ranch State ParkMcNee Ranch State Park San Andreas LakeSan Andreas Lake 1. This map is intended for informational and conceptualplanning purposes, generally representing the aeronauticalsurfaces considered most critical by San FranciscoInternational Airport (SFO) and its constituent airlines. It doesnot represent actual survey data, nor should it be used as thesole source of information regarding compatibility with airspaceclearance requirements in the development of data for an FAAForm 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration.SFO does not certify its accuracy, information, or title to theproperties contained in this plan. SFO does make anywarrants of any kind, express or implied, in fact or by law, withrespect to boundaries, easements, restrictions, claims,overlaps, or other encumbrances affecting such properties. 2. This map does not replace the FAA's obstruction evaluation /airport airspace analysis (OE/AAA) review process. Proposingconstruction at elevations and heights that are lower than thecritical aeronautical surfaces shown on this map, (a) does notrelieve the construction sponsor of the obligation to file an FAAForm 7460-1, and (b) does not ensure that the proposal will beacceptable to the FAA, SFO, air carriers, or other agencies orstakeholders. SFO, San Mateo County, and local authoritieshaving jurisdiction reserve the right to re-assess, review, andseek modifications to projects that may be consistent with thiscritical aeronautical surfaces map but that through the FAAOE/AAA process are found to have unexpected impacts to thesafety or efficiency of operations at SFO. Notes: Exhibit IV-17CRITICAL AERONAUTICAL SURFACES-- NORTHWEST SIDEComprehensive Airport Land Use Planfor the Environs of San Francisco International AirportC/CAGCity/County Association of Governmentsof San Mateo County, California Municipal Boundary Road FreewayRailroad Airport Property BART StationCALTRAIN Station Regional Park or Recreation Area Sources: San Francisco International Airport, JacobsConsultancy, and Planning Technology Inc., 2009 0 0.5 10.25 Miles NORTH Ground level(Terrain) Elevation of critical aeronautical surfaces, feetAbove Mean Sea Level (AMSL), North AmericanVertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) 100 Height of Critical Aeronautical Surfaces, Feet AboveGround Level (AGL) LEGEND Elevation of terrain, feet AMSL Criticalaeronauticalsurfaces AIRPORTMean sea level Ele v a t i o n , f e e t A M S L 10 0 20 0 30 0 40 0 Elevation of critical aeronautical surfaces, feet AMSL (represented on plan with contours) Height of critical aeronautical surfaces,feet AGL (represented on plan with color gradient) Calculated as - = 0 Ground level(Terrain) AB C A B C A B C A C 35 and lower 35- 65 65 - 100 100 - 150 150 and more DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 THE CITY/COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY NOVEMBER 2012 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport Airport/Land Use Compatibility Policies [IV-55] Exhibit IV-19, which is provided for information purposes only, depicts a profile view of the lowest critical airspace surfaces along the extended centerline of Runway 10L-28R – the TERPS Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) surface, representing standard all-engines departures, and the approximate OEI surface developed by SFO through independent study in consultation with the airlines serving SFO. The exhibit also shows the terrain elevation beneath the airspace surfaces and various aircraft approach and departure profiles, based on varying operating assumptions. The exhibit illustrates a fundamental principle related to the design of airspace protection surfaces. The surfaces are always designed below the actual aircraft flight profile which they are designed to protect, thus providing a margin of safety. Note that the ODP climb profile is above the ODP airspace surface, and the OEI climb profile is above the OEI airspace surface. 4.5.4 AIRSPACE PROTECTION POLICIES The following airspace protection policies (AP) shall apply to the ALUCP. AP-1 COMPLIANCE WITH 14 CFR PART 77, SUBPART B, NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION AP-1.1 Local Government Responsibility to Notify Project Sponsors Local governments should notify sponsors of proposed projects at the earliest opportunity to file Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, with the FAA for any proposed project that would exceed the FAA notification heights, as shown approximately on Exhibit IV-10. Under Federal law, it is the responsibility of the project sponsor to comply with all notification and other requirements described in 14 CFR Part 77. This requirement applies independent of this ALUCP. AP-1.2 FAA Aeronautical Study Findings Required Before Processing Development Application The sponsor of a proposed project that would exceed the FAA notification heights, as shown approximately on Exhibit IV-10, shall present to the local government permitting agency with his or her application for a development permit, a copy of the findings of the FAA’s aeronautical study, or evidence demonstrating that he or she is exempt from having to file an FAA Form 7460-1. It is the responsibility of the local agency to consider the FAA determination study findings as part of its review and decision on the proposed project. AP-2 COMPLIANCE WITH FINDINGS OF FAA AERONAUTICAL STUDIES Project sponsors shall be required to comply with the findings of FAA aeronautical studies with respect to any recommended alterations in the building design and height and any recommended marking and lighting of their structures for their proposed projects to be deemed consistent with this ALUCP. DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 THE CITY/COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY NOVEMBER 2012 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport Airport/Land Use Compatibility Policies [IV-59] AP-3 MAXIMUM COMPATIBLE BUILDING HEIGHT In order to be deemed consistent with the ALUCP, the maximum height of a new building must be the lower of (1) the height shown on the SFO critical aeronautical surfaces map (Exhibits IV-17 and IV-18), or (2) the maximum height determined not to be a “hazard to air navigation” by the FAA in an aeronautical study prepared pursuant to the filing of Form 7460-1. For the vast majority of parcels, the height limits established in local zoning ordinances are lower than the critical airspace surfaces. In those cases, the zoning district height regulations will control. Compliance with the zoning district height and the SFO critical aeronautical surfaces map, however, does not relieve the construction sponsor of the obligation to file a FAA Form 7460-1 Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, if required, and to comply with the determinations resulting from the FAA’s aeronautical study. For a project to be consistent with this ALUCP, no local agency development permits shall be issued for any proposed structure that would penetrate the aeronautical surfaces shown on Exhibits IV-17 and IV-18 or the construction of which has not received a Determination of No Hazard from the FAA, or which would cause the FAA to increase the minimum visibility requirements for any instrument approach or departure procedure at the Airport. AP-4 OTHER FLIGHT HAZARDS ARE INCOMPATIBLE Proposed land uses with characteristics that may cause visual, electronic, or wildlife hazards, particularly bird strike hazards, to aircraft taking off or landing at the Airport or in flight are incompatible in Area B of the Airport Influence Area. They may be permitted only if the uses are consistent with FAA rules and regulations. Proof of consistency with FAA rules and regulations and with any performance standards cited below must be provided to the Airport Land Use Commission (C/CAG Board) by the sponsor of the proposed land use action. Specific characteristics that may create hazards to aircraft in flight and which are incompatible include: (a) Sources of glare, such as highly reflective buildings or building features, or bright lights, including search lights or laser displays, which would interfere with the vision of pilots making approaches to the Airport. (b) Distracting lights that that could be mistaken by pilots on approach to the Airport for airport identification lighting, runway edge lighting, runway end identification lighting, or runway approach lighting. (c) Sources of dust, smoke, or water vapor that may impair the vision of pilots making approaches to the Airport. (d) Sources of electrical interference with aircraft or air traffic control communications or navigation equipment, including radar. (e) Land uses that, as a regular byproduct of their operations, produce thermal plumes with the potential to rise high enough and at sufficient velocities to interfere with the control of aircraft in DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 THE CITY/COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY NOVEMBER 2012 Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport [IV-60] Airport/Land Use Compatibility Policies flight. Upward velocities of 4.3 meters (14.1 feet) per second at altitudes above 200 feet above the ground shall be considered as potentially interfering with the control of aircraft in flight.17 (f) Any use that creates an increased attraction for wildlife, particularly large flocks of birds, that is inconsistent with FAA rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, FAA Order 5200.5A, Waste Disposal Sites On or Near Airports, FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-33B, Hazardous Wildlife Attractants On or Near Airports, and any successor or replacement orders or advisory circulars. Exceptions to this policy are acceptable for wetlands or other environmental mitigation projects required by ordinance, statute, court order, or Record of Decision issued by a federal agency under the National Environmental Policy Act. 4.5.5 iALP AIRSPACE TOOL In consultation with C/CAG, SFO developed the iALP Airspace Tool, a web-based, interactive tool to evaluate the relationship of proposed buildings with the Airport’s critical airspace surfaces. The iALP Airspace Tool is designed to assist planners, developers, and other interested persons with the implementation of the airspace protection policies of the SFO ALUCP. The tool helps users determine: (1) the maximum allowable building height at a given site, and/or (2) whether a building penetrates a critical airspace surface, and by how much, given the proposed building height. A more detailed description of the iALP Airspace Tool and a tutorial explaining how to use it is presented in Appendix J. Use of this tool, however, does not relieve a project sponsor of the duty to comply with all federal regulations, including the obligation to file Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, with the FAA. 17 This is a threshold established by the California Energy Commission in its review of power plant licensing applications. See Blythe Solar Power Project: Supplemental Staff Assessment, Part 2,. CEC-700-2010-004-REV1-SUP-PT2, July 2010. California Energy Commission. Docket Number 09-AFC-6, p. 25. This criterion is based on guidance established by the Australian Government Civil Aviation Authority (Advisory Circular AC 139-05(0), June 2004). The FAA’s Airport Obstructions Standards Committee (AOSC) is studying this matter but has not yet issued specific guidance. DocuSign Envelope ID: 2A18F83F-5084-4659-92C0-17338BB1BE55 State of California – Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CHARLTON H. BONHAM, Director Bay Delta Region 2825 Cordelia Road, Suite 100 Fairfield, CA 94534 (707) 428-2002 www.wildlife.ca.gov Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870 December 7, 2023 Billy Gross City of South San Francisco 315 Maple Avenue South San Francisco, CA 94080
[email protected]
Subject: Infinite 131 Project, Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report, SCH No. 2023110023, City of South San Francisco, San Mateo County Dear Mr. Gross: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) from the City of South San Francisco (City) for the Infinite 131 Project (Project). Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments and recommendations regarding those activities involved in the Project that may affect California fish and wildlife. Likewise, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments regarding those aspects of the Project that CDFW, by law, may be required to carry out or approve through the exercise of its own regulatory authority under the Fish and Game Code. CDFW ROLE CDFW is a Trustee Agency with responsibility under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for commenting on projects that could impact fish, plant, and wildlife resources (Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15386). CDFW is also considered a Responsible Agency if a project would require discretionary approval, such as a permit pursuant to the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) or Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA), the Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Program, and other provisions of the Fish and Game Code that afford protection to the state’s fish and wildlife trust resources. Pursuant to our authority, CDFW has the following concerns, comments, and recommendations regarding the Project. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION The proposed Project consists of the demolition of approximately 126,750 square feet (sf) of industrial and operational uses that are currently occupied by the Golden Gate Produce Terminal, along with approximately 116,572 sf of open-air structures (e.g., loading docks, trash compactor areas), on a 17.67-acre site identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 015-113-210. The proposed Project would construct DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 2 approximately 1.7 million sf of research-and-development uses and amenities within six buildings, ranging from two to six stories, and two parking garages that are above and below ground level. The proposed Project would also amend the General Plan, Specific Plan, and Zoning Code to redesignate five parcels north of the Project site across Terminal Court, APNs 015-113-350, 015-113-290, 015-113-340, 015-113-330, and 015- 113-320, to be consistent with the proposed land use and zoning for the Project site. The Project site is located in the City of South San Francisco, at 131 Terminal Court, South San Francisco, CA 94080, Latitude 37.64577, Longitude -122.40729, APNs: 015- 113-210, 015-113-350, 015-113-290, 015-113-340, 015-113-330, and 015-113-320. The CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.) require that the EIR incorporate a full Project description, including reasonably foreseeable future phases of the Project, that contains sufficient information to evaluate and review the Project’s environmental impact (CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15124 & 15378). Please include a complete description of the following Project components in the Project description: Land use changes resulting from, for example, rezoning certain areas; Footprints of permanent Project features and temporarily impacted areas, such as staging areas and access routes; Area and plans for any proposed buildings/structures, ground-disturbing activities, fencing, paving, stationary machinery, landscaping, and stormwater systems; Operational features of the Project, including level of anticipated human presence (describe seasonal or daily peaks in activity, if relevant), artificial lighting/light reflection, noise, traffic generation, and other features; and Construction schedule, activities, equipment, and crew sizes. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS California Endangered Species Act and Native Plant Protection Act Please be advised that a CESA Incidental Take Permit (ITP) must be obtained if the Project has the potential to result in “take” of plants or animals listed under CESA or NPPA, either during construction or over the life of the Project. Under CESA, “take” means “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.” (Fish & G. Code, § 86). If the Project will impact CESA listed species, such as those identified in Attachment 1, early consultation is encouraged, as significant modification to the Project and mitigation measures may be required in order to obtain a CESA ITP. CDFW’s issuance of an ITP is subject to CEQA and to facilitate Permit DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 3 issuance, any such Project modifications and mitigation measures must be incorporated into the EIR’s analysis, discussion, and mitigation monitoring and reporting program. CEQA requires a Mandatory Finding of Significance if a project is likely to substantially restrict the range or reduce the population of a threatened or endangered species (Pub. Resources Code, §§ 21001, subd. (c) & 21083; CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15380, 15064, & 15065). In addition, pursuant to CEQA, the Lead Agency cannot approve a project unless all impacts to the environment are avoided or mitigated to less-than-significant levels, or the Lead Agency makes and supports findings of overriding consideration for impacts that remain significant despite the implementation of all feasible mitigation. Findings of Overriding Consideration (FOC) under CEQA, however, do not eliminate the Project proponent’s obligation to comply with the Fish and Game Code. Lake and Streambed Alteration An LSA Notification, pursuant to Fish and Game Code sections 1600 et. seq., is required for Project activities affecting lakes or streams and associated riparian habitat. Notification is required for any activity that will substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow; change or use material from the bed, channel, or bank including associated riparian or wetland habitat; or deposit or dispose of material where it may pass into a river, lake or stream. Work within ephemeral streams, washes, watercourses with a subsurface flow, and floodplains are generally subject to notification requirements. CDFW may not execute the final LSA Agreement until it has considered the final EIR and complied with its responsibilities as a responsible agency under CEQA. Fully Protected Species Fully protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time and no licenses or permits may be issued for their take, except for collecting these species for necessary scientific research, management, or relocation of a fully protected bird species for the protection of livestock. Take of any fully protected species is prohibited, and CDFW cannot authorize their take in association with a general project except under the provisions of a Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP), Fish and Game Code section 2081.7, a Restoration Management Permit, or a Memorandum of Understanding for scientific research purposes. “Scientific Research” does not include an action taken as part of specified mitigation for a project, as defined in section 21065 of the Public Resources Code. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING The draft EIR should provide sufficient information regarding the environmental setting (“baseline”) to understand the Project’s, and its alternatives (if applicable), potentially significant impacts on the environment (CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15125 & 15360). DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 4 CDFW recommends that the CEQA document prepared for the Project provide baseline habitat assessments for special-status plant, fish and wildlife species located and potentially located within the Project area and surrounding lands, including, but not limited to, all rare, threatened, or endangered species (CEQA Guidelines, § 15380). The EIR should describe aquatic habitats, such as wetlands or waters of the U.S. or state, and any sensitive natural communities or riparian habitat occurring on or adjacent to the Project site (for sensitive natural communities see: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/NaturalCommunities#sensitive%20natural%20co mmunities), and any stream or wetland set back distances the City may require. Fully protected, threatened, or endangered, candidate, and other special-status species that are known to occur, or have the potential to occur in or near the Project site, include, but are not limited to, those listed in Attachment 1. Habitat descriptions and the potential for species occurrence included in the EIR should include robust information from multiple sources: aerial imagery, historical and recent survey data, field reconnaissance, scientific literature and reports, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Information, Planning, and Consultation System, California Aquatic Resources Inventory, and findings from “positive occurrence” databases such as California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Only with sufficient data and information from the habitat assessment, can the City adequately assess which special- status species are likely to occur on or near the Project site, and whether they could be impacted by the Project. CDFW recommends that prior to Project implementation, surveys be conducted for special-status species with potential to occur, following recommended survey protocols if available. Survey and monitoring protocols and guidelines are available at: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Survey-Protocol. Botanical surveys for special-status plant species, including those with a California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) (http://www.cnps.org/cnps/rareplants/inventory/)1, must be conducted during the blooming period within the Project area and adjacent habitats that may be indirectly impacted by, for example, changes to hydrological conditions, and require the identification of reference populations. More than one year of surveys may be necessary based on environmental conditions. Please refer to CDFW protocols for surveying and evaluating impacts to special-status plants available at: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Plants. 1 CRPR 1B plants are considered rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. Further information on CRPR ranks is available in CDFW’s Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109383&inline) and on the California Native Plant Society website (https://www.cnps.org/rare-plants/cnps-inventory-of-rare-plants). DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 5 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES The draft EIR should discuss all direct and indirect impacts (temporary and permanent) that may occur with implementation of the Project (CEQA Guidelines, § 15126.2). This includes evaluating and describing impacts such as: Land use changes that would reduce open-space or agricultural land uses and increase residential or other land use involving increased development; Encroachments into riparian habitats, wetlands or other sensitive areas; Potential for impacts to special-status species; Loss or modification of breeding, nesting, dispersal and foraging habitat, including vegetation removal, alternation of soils and hydrology, and removal of habitat structural features (e.g., snags, roosts, vegetation overhanging banks); Permanent and temporary habitat disturbances associated with ground disturbance, noise, lighting, reflection, air pollution, traffic or human presence; and Obstruction of movement corridors, fish passage, or access to water sources and other core habitat features related directly to Project construction and indirectly through water supply impacts to stream resources resulting from Project implementation. The draft EIR should also identify existing and reasonably foreseeable future projects in the Project vicinity, disclose any cumulative impacts associated with these projects, determine the significance of each cumulative impact, and assess the significance of the project’s contribution to each impact (CEQA Guidelines, §15355). Although a project’s impacts may be insignificant individually, its contributions to a cumulative impact may be considerable; a contribution to a significant cumulative impact – e.g., reduction of available habitat for a special-status species – should be considered cumulatively considerable without mitigation to minimize or avoid the impact. The CEQA Guidelines direct the City, as the Lead Agency, to consider and describe in the EIR all feasible mitigation measures to avoid and/or mitigate potentially significant impacts of the Project on the environment based on comprehensive analysis of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the Project (CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15021, 15063, 15071, 15126.2, 15126.4 & 15370). This should include a discussion of impact avoidance and minimization measures for special-status species, which are recommended to be developed in early consultation with CDFW, USFWS, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. These measures can then be incorporated as DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 6 enforceable Project conditions to reduce potential impacts to biological resources to less-than-significant levels. COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS COMMENT 1: Riparian Setbacks Issue: The Project has the potential to encroach into the riparian zone from development of a new research and development building. Encroachment into the riparian zone can negatively impact sensitive riparian and aquatic species through reduction of habitat and decreased water quality. The Project could cause altered channel bed material mobilization and distribution and increased channel scour, which could affect native fish, aquatic organisms, and riparian communities. The Project’s construction and operation activities could also cause significant alteration of substrate and increased stream sedimentation that could disrupt or deter fish spawning, other aquatic fauna reproduction, and impair aquatic habitat diversity. Evidence impact would be significant: Riparian vegetation, and associated floodplains, provide many essential benefits to stream and aquatic species habitat, including thermal protection, cover, and large woody debris (Moyle 2002, CDFW 2007). Development adjacent to the riparian zone can result in fragmentation of riparian habitat and decreases in native species abundance and biodiversity (Davies et al. 2001, Hansen et al. 2005, CDFW 2007). Riparian buffers help keep pollutants from entering adjacent waters through a combination of processes including dilution, sequestration by plants and microbes, biodegradation, chemical degradation, volatilization, and entrapment within soil particles. Narrow riparian buffers are considerably less effective in minimizing the effects of adjacent development than wider buffers (Castelle et al. 1992, Brosofske et al. 1997, Dong et al. 1998, Kiffney et al. 2003, Moore et al. 2005). Recommendation 1: CDFW recommends the Project establish and the draft EIR incorporate riparian buffer zones to limit development and vegetation clearing to outside of and away from riparian areas. CDFW is available to consult with the City to determine appropriate site-specific riparian buffers to reduce impacts to sensitive species and riparian habitat to less-than-significant. At a minimum, CDFW recommends a 50-foot riparian buffer as measured from the top of streambank to the nearest Project infrastructure. Recommendation 2: CDFW recommends the Project perform an assessment to determine if bank stabilization is necessary. If the assessment determines that bank stabilization is necessary to protect existing infrastructure, CDFW recommends that it 1) does not include concrete, 2) limits the amount of rock or other hardscape, and 3) focuses on a bioengineered approach with appropriate native plantings. COMMENT 2: San Francisco Garter Snake DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 7 Issue: The Project is located less than one mile north of one of the largest remaining populations of San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia), a state and federally listed as endangered species and a state fully protected species (CNDDB 2023, USFWS 2020). The Project is immediately adjacent to a channel that may provide habitat for San Francisco garter snake. Project activities could disturb or remove vegetation adjacent to the channel leading to injury or mortality of San Francisco garter snake. In addition, vehicles and heavy equipment operating at the Project site could run over basking San Francisco garter snake, causing injury or mortality. Evidence Impact would be significant: The San Francisco garter snake is an endemic snake with a highly limited range in the San Francisco Peninsula. They are threatened by loss of habitat from agricultural, commercial, and urban development, illegal collection by reptile breeders, and decline of their prey species, California red- legged frog (Rana draytonii) (USFWS 2007, USFWS 2020). Project activities could cause injury or mortality of San Francisco garter snakes if they are present at or near the Project site, which could result in a substantial reduction in the San Francisco garter snake population. Recommendation 1: CDFW recommends that the draft EIR provide a detailed San Francisco garter snake habitat assessment at and near the Project site, including identification of upland sites for basking; rodent burrows for shelter; and slow, flowing aquatic habitat, such as streams and low-lying marshes, for feeding and reproduction. A qualified biologist should conduct the habitat assessment prior to initiating Project activities. A qualified biologist is an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and: 1) is knowledgeable in San Francisco garter snake and other relevant species’ life histories and ecology, 2) can correctly identify relevant species, 3) has conducted field surveys for relevant species, 4) is familiar with relevant survey protocols, and 5) is knowledgeable of state and federal laws regarding the protection of sensitive species. Recommendation 2: If the habitat assessment described above identifies potentially suitable San Francisco garter snake habitat at or near the Project site, the draft EIR should identify whether the habitat can be avoided and how take of San Francisco garter snake will be avoided. The draft EIR should incorporate avoidance measures, in coordination with CDFW, as appropriate. ENVIRONMENTAL DATA CEQA requires that information developed in EIRs and negative declarations be incorporated into a database which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations (Pub. Resources Code, § 21003, subd. (e)). Accordingly, DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 8 please report any special-status species and natural communities detected during Project surveys to CNDDB. The CNDDB online field survey form and other methods for submitting data can be found at the following link: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data. The types of information reported to CNDDB can be found at the following link: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plantsand-Animals. FILING FEES CDFW anticipates that the proposed Project will have an impact on fish and/or wildlife, and assessment of filing fees is necessary to defray the costs of CDFW’s review under CEQA (Fish & G. Code, § 711.4; Pub. Resources Code, § 21089). Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency. If you have any questions, please contact Wesley Stokes, Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), at (707) 339-6066 or
[email protected]
. Sincerely, Erin Chappell Regional Manager Bay Delta Region Attachment 1: Special-Status Species ec: Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse (SCH No. 2023110023) DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 9 ATTACHMENT 1: Special-Status Species Species Name Common Name Status Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia San Francisco garter snake FE, SE, FP Rana draytonii California red-legged frog FT, SSC Rana boylii pop. 1 foothill yellow-legged frog - north coast DPS SSC Rallus obsoletus obsoletus California Ridgway's rail FE, SE, FP Spirinchus thaleichthys longfin smelt ST, FC Acipenser medirostris pop. 1 green sturgeon – southern DPS FT Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend’s big-eared bat SSC Lasiurus cinereus hoary bat NM FE = federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); FT = federally listed as threatened under ESA; FC = candidate for federal listing under ESA; ST = state listed as threatened under CESA; SE = state listed as endangered under CESA; SC = state candidate for listing as endangered under CESA; FP = state fully protected under Fish and Game Code; SSC = state Species of Special Concern; SR = protected under the NPPA of 1977; CRPR = California Rare Plant Rank; DPS = Distinct Population Segment; NM = nongame mammal protected pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 4150. REFERENCES Brosofske, K.D., J. Chen, R.J. Naiman, and J.F. Franklin. 1997. Harvesting effects on microclimatic gradients from small streams to uplands in western Washington. Ecological Applications 7:1188-1200. Castelle, A.J., C. Conolly, M. Emers, E.D. Metz, S. Meyer, M. Witter, S. Mauermann, T. Erickson, and S.S. Cooke. 1992. Wetlands buffers use and effectiveness. Adolfson Associates, Inc., Shorelands and Coastal Zone Management Program, Washington Department of Ecology, Olympia, WA. Pub. No. 92-10. California Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW]. 2007. California wildlife: conservation challenges. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. CNDDB. 2023. California Natural Diversity Database. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, CA. Accessed on November 27, 2023. Davies, K.F., C. Gascon, and C.R. Margules. 2001. Habitat fragmentation: consequences, management, and future research priorities. Pages 81-97 in: M.E. DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA Billy Gross City of South San Francisco December 7, 2023 Page 10 Soule and G. H. Orians, (eds.) Conservation Biology: Research Priorities for the Next Decade. Island Press, Washington, DC. Dong, J., J. Chen, Brosofske, K.D., and R.J. Naiman. 1998. Modeling air temperature gradients across managed small streams in western Washington. Journal of Environmental Management 53:309-321. Hansen, A. J., R. L. Knight, J. M. Marzluff, S. Powell, K. Brown, P. A. Gude, and K. Jones. 2005. Effects of exurban development on biodiversity patterns, mechanisms, and research needs. Ecological Applications 15:1893-1905. Kiffney, P. M., J. S. Richardson, and J. P. Bull. 2003. Responses of periphyton and insects to experimental manipulation of riparian buffer width along forest streams. Journal of Applied Ecology 40:1060-1076. Moore, R. D., D. L. Spittlehouse, and A. Story. 2005. Riparian microclimate and stream temperature response to forest harvesting: a review. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 41:813-834. Moyle P.B. 2002. Inland fishes of California. University of California Press. Berkeley, CA. USFWS [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]. 2007. Species Account San Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis Tetrataenia). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, California. USFWS. 2020. Species Status Assessment for the San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia), Version 1.0. May 2020. Sacramento, CA. DocuSign Envelope ID: 02F1D91C-9F25-4B5B-89AB-030BE2200CBA “Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” DISTRICT 4 OFFICE OF REGIONAL AND COMMUNITY PLANNING P.O. BOX 23660, MS–10D | OAKLAND, CA 94623-0660 www.dot.ca.gov December 8, 2023 SCH #: 2023110023 GTS #: 04-SM-2023-00550 GTS ID: 31241 Co/Rt/Pm: SM/101/21.398 Billy Gross, Principal Planner City of South San Francisco 315 Maple Avenue South San Francisco, CA 94080 Re: Infinite 131 Project ─ Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Dear Billy Gross: Thank you for including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in the environmental review process for the Infinite 131 Project. We are committed to ensuring that impacts to the State’s multimodal transportation system and to our natural environment are identified and mitigated to support a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system. The Local Development Review (LDR) Program reviews land use projects and plans to ensure consistency with our mission and state planning priorities. The following comments are based on our review of the November 2023 NOP. Project Understanding The proposed project would demolish approximately 126,750 square feet (s.f.) of industrial and operational uses along with approximately 116,572 s.f. of open-air structures. In its place, the proposed project would construct approximately 1.7 million s.f. of research-and-development (R&D) uses and amenities within six buildings, along with two parking garages and additional surface parking. This project site is in vicinity of US-101. Aeronautics One of the goals of the Caltrans Aeronautics Program, is to assist cities, counties, and Airport Land Use Commissions or their equivalent (ALUC), to understand and comply with the State Aeronautics Act pursuant to the California Public Utilities Code (PUC), Section 21001 et seq. Billy Gross, Principal Planner December 8, 2023 Page 2 “Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” The proposed project is in the Airport Influence Area B of the San Francisco International Airport, established by the San Mateo County ALUC pursuant to Section 21675(c). Therefore, the proposed project shall adhere to the safety and land use criteria and restrictions defined in the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan formed by the ALUC pursuant to the PUC, Section 21674 and Section 21676 and is subject to review authority by the ALUC. As this proposed project calls for amendments of the General Plan, Specific Plan, and Zoning Code, per the California Public Utilities Code Section 21001 et seq. relating to the State Aeronautics Act, Section 21676(b) prior to the amendment of a general plan…within the planning boundary established by the airport land use commission pursuant to Section 21675, the local agency shall first refer the proposed action to the commission. The proposed project should also be reviewed to comply with 14 CFR Part 77 Conical Surface standards, Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) Approach and One Engine Inoperative (OEI) Departure Surfaces, and Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) Contours noise compatibility in applicable areas if necessary. An Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) is crucial in minimizing noise nuisance and safety hazards around airports while promoting the orderly development of airports, as declared by the California Legislature. A responsibility of the ALUC is to assess potential risk to aircraft and persons in airspace and people occupying areas within the vicinity of the airport. Travel Demand Analysis With the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 743, Caltrans is focused on maximizing efficient development patterns, innovative travel demand reduction strategies, and multimodal improvements. For more information on how Caltrans assesses Transportation Impact Studies, please review Caltrans’ Transportation Impact Study Guide (link). If the project meets the screening criteria established in the City’s adopted Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) policy to be presumed to have a less-than-significant VMT impact and exempt from detailed VMT analysis, please provide justification to support the exempt status in alignment with the City’s VMT policy. Projects that do not meet the screening criteria should include a detailed VMT analysis in the DEIR, which should include the following: ● VMT analysis pursuant to the City’s guidelines. Projects that result in automobile VMT per capita above the threshold of significance for existing (i.e. baseline) city-wide or regional values for similar land use types may indicate a significant impact. If necessary, mitigation for increasing VMT should be identified. Mitigation should Billy Gross, Principal Planner December 8, 2023 Page 3 “Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” support the use of transit and active transportation modes. Potential mitigation measures that include the requirements of other agencies such as Caltrans are fully enforceable through permit conditions, agreements, or other legally-binding instruments under the control of the City. ● A schematic illustration of walking, biking and auto conditions at the project site and study area roadways. Potential traffic safety issues to the State Transportation Network (STN) may be assessed by Caltrans via the Interim Safety Guidance (link). ● The project’s primary and secondary effects on pedestrians, bicycles, travelers with disabilities and transit performance should be evaluated, including countermeasures and trade-offs resulting from mitigating VMT increases. Access to pedestrians, bicycle, and transit facilities must be maintained. Hydrology Any floodplain impacts must be documented and mitigated, please provide floodplain analysis report. Any additional floodplain impacts on existing adjacent properties must be explained; and please ensure that any increase in storm water runoff to State Drainage Systems or Facilities be treated, contained on project site, and metered to preconstruction levels. Equitable Access If any Caltrans facilities are impacted by the project, those facilities must meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards after project completion. As well, the project must maintain bicycle and pedestrian access during construction. These access considerations support Caltrans’ equity mission to provide a safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation network for all users. Encroachment Permit Please be advised that any permanent work or temporary traffic control that encroaches onto Caltrans’ ROW requires a Caltrans-issued encroachment permit. As part of the encroachment permit submittal process, you may be asked by the Office of Encroachment Permits to submit a completed encroachment permit application package, digital set of plans clearly delineating Caltrans’ ROW, digital copy of signed, dated and stamped (include stamp expiration date) traffic control plans, this comment letter, your response to the comment letter, and where applicable, the following items: new or amended Maintenance Agreement (MA), approved Design Standard Decision Document (DSDD), approved encroachment exception request, and/or airspace lease agreement. Your application package may be emailed to
[email protected]
. To obtain information about the most current encroachment permit process and to download the permit application, please visit Caltrans Encroachment Permits (link). Billy Gross, Principal Planner December 8, 2023 Page 4 “Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” Lead Agency As the Lead Agency, the City is responsible for all project mitigation, including any needed improvements to the State Transportation Network (STN). The project’s fair share contribution, financing, scheduling, implementation responsibilities and lead agency monitoring should be fully discussed for all proposed mitigation measures. Thank you again for including Caltrans in the environmental review process. Should you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Melissa Hernandez, Associate Transportation Planner, via
[email protected]
. For future early coordination opportunities or project referrals, please contact
[email protected]
. Sincerely, YUNSHENG LUO Branch Chief, Local Development Review Office of Regional and Community Planning c: State Clearinghouse