HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 28-2015 RESOLUTION NO. 28-2015
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE INITIAL
STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ND14-0001) FOR THE
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL PLAN HOUSING
ELEMENT UPDATE (GPA14-0001)
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65580 of the State Planning and Zoning Law
requires every city to adopt a housing element; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 65583 of the California Government Code,
"Housing element content," the City of South San Francisco has prepared a General Plan
Housing Element Update ("Project"), which provides detailed background information, an
assessment of housing needs, an analysis of adequate sites, resources, and constraints for
residential development, an analysis of special needs housing, an analysis of housing for the
homeless, and the description of goals and policies for the creation of new residential
development and the preservation of the existing housing stock; and
WHEREAS, the Project policies are internally consistent with the policies contained in
each of the South San Francisco General Plan elements; and
WHEREAS,the City presented the Project to the Airport Land Use Commission/C/CAG
and it was found to be consistent with the Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public
Resources Code, sections 21000, et seq. (CEQA), the City prepared the attached Initial Study/
Negative Declaration and distributed the document to the State Clearinghouse, appropriate
responsible agencies and interested parties on February 27, 2015 for a 30-day public review
period; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a properly noticed public hearing on March
19, 2015 to consider and evaluate the Negative Declaration, and at the conclusion of which, the
Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a properly noticed public hearing on April 8, 2015 to
consider and evaluate the Negative Declaration; and
WHEREAS, the custodian of the record is the City's Chief Planner, and the Initial
Study/Negative Declaration and the General Plan Housing Element Update, as well as other
materials comprising the record for these proceedings, are available and may be reviewed at the
offices of the South San Francisco Planning Division, City Hall Annex, 315 Maple Avenue,
South San Francisco, 94080.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that based on the entirety of the record before
it, which includes without limitation, the California Environmental Quality Act, Public
Resources Code §21000, et seq. ("CEQA") and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 California Code of
Regulations §15000, et seq.; the South San Francisco General Plan and General Plan EIR,
including all amendments and updates thereto; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; the
Initial Study/Negative Declaration, prepared by Dyett & Bhatia Urban and Regional Planners,
and all appendices thereto; all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the
Planning Commission Study Session on November 6, 2014; all reports, minutes, and public
testimony submitted as part of the City Council Study Session on December 10, 2014; all
reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission's duly
noticed March 19, 2015 meeting; all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of
the City Council's duly noticed April 8, 2015 meeting and any other evidence (within the
meaning of Public Resources Code §21080(e) and §21082.2), the City Council of the City of
South San Francisco hereby finds as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution.
2. The exhibits and attachments, including the Initial Study/Negative Declaration for
the 2015-2023 Housing Element Update (attached as Exhibit A) are each incorporated by
reference as part of this Resolution, as if set forth fully herein.
3. The documents and other material constituting the record for these proceedings
are located at the Planning Division for the City of South San Francisco, 315 Maple Avenue,
South San Francisco, CA 94080, and in the custody of the Chief Planner.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco
hereby adopts the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (ND 14-0001), attached hereto as Exhibit A,
for the South San Francisco General Plan Housing Element Update (GPA14-0001).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the resolution shall become effective immediately
upon its passage and adoption.
* * * * *
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was regularly introduced and adopted by
the City Council of the City of South San Francisco at a regular meeting held on the 8th day of
April, 2015 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Karyl Matsumoto, Pradeep Gupta, and Liza Normandy
Vice Mayor Mark N. Addiego and Mayor Richard A. Garbarino
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A TEST: !�i 1 ■
*St Air y'elli, City Clerk
Exhibit A: Initial Study/Negative Declaration for the 2015-2023 Housing Element Update
EXHIBIT A
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
2015-2023 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION
2421305.1
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
2015-2023 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
February 2015
Prepared by
Ur Iban rewd RegwnaV Manners
Table of Contents
ProjectDescription...........................................................................................................
Background.................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Housing Element Overview.............................................................................................7
1.2 City of South San Francisco Housing Needs...............................................................7
1.3 Potential Housing Opportunity Sites.............................................................................8
1.4 Housing Element Organization.................................................................................... 12
1.5 Required Approvals........................................................................................................ 13
2 Determination........................................................................................................... 14
2.1 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected.............................................................. 14
2.2 Determination.................................................................................................................. 14
3 Environmental Checklist.......................................................................................... 16
3.1 Aesthetics.......................................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Agriculture Resources................................................................................................... 18
3.3 Air Quality........................................................................................................................21
3.4 Biological Resources.......................................................................................................23
3.5 Cultural Resources.........................................................................................................26
3.6 Geology and Soils............................................................................................................27
3.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions..........................................................................................28
3.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials...............................................................................31
3.9 Hydrology and Water Quality.....................................................................................34
3.10 Land Use and Planning...................................................................................................36
3.11 Mineral Resources...........................................................................................................37
3.12 Noise..................................................................................................................................38
3.13 Population and Housing.................................................................................................40
3.14 Public Services..................................................................................................................42
3.15 Recreation.........................................................................................................................43
3.16 Transportation and Circulation...................................................................................45
3.17 Utilities and Service Systems........................................................................................47
3.18 Mandatory Findings of Significance..............................................................................49
4 References................................................................................................................. 51
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
List of Figures
Figure1: Planning Area......................................................................................................................................5
List of Tables
Table 1: Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 2014-2022.........................................................................8
Table 2: Housing Opportunity Sites in Transit Village Area.................................................................. 10
Table 3: Housing Opportunity Sites in Downtown South San Francisco........................................... I I
Housing Element Update
Project Description
PROJECT TITLE
City of South San Francisco General Plan,Housing Element Update
LEAD AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS:
City of South San Francisco
Economic and Community Development Department
315 Maple Avenue
South San Francisco,CA 94080
CONTACT PERSON AND PHONE NUMBER:
Tony Rozzi,AICP, Senior Planner
City of South San Francisco,Economic and Community Development Department
Phone: (650) 877-8535
E-mail: I'ony.Rozzi @ss£net
PROJECT LOCATION
The City of South San Francisco
PROJECT SPONSOR'S NAME AND ADDRESS
City of South San Francisco
Economic and Community Development Department
315 Maple Avenue
South San Francisco,CA 94080
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION
N/A
ZONING
N/A
PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The proposed project is a general plan amendment to update the Housing Element of the City of
South San Francisco General Plan. See further discussion that follows in the Background and
Introduction and Project Description sections of this document.
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
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Housing Element Update
I Background
This Initial Study provides environmental analysis pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act(CEQA) for the proposed City of South San Francisco General Plan Housing Element
Update, assessing the significance of environmental impacts that could result due to the adoption
and implementation of the Draft Housing Element.
The project site to be affected by the Housing Element Update is the area within South San
Francisco city limits. The city limits are illustrated in Figure 1, which also shows the Planning
Area boundaries for the City of South San Francisco's General Plan. Please note that the Housing
Element Update and its goals, policies, and programs would only apply within South San
Francisco city limits.
This Housing Element Update is required by State law(Section 65580 - 65589.8 of the California
Government Code). The Draft Housing Element identifies residential sites adequate to
accommodate a variety of housing types for all income levels and needs of special population
groups defined under State law (Section 65583 of the California Government Code); analyzes
governmental constraints to housing maintenance, improvement and development; addresses
conservation and improvement of the condition of the existing affordable housing stock; and
outlines policies to promote housing opportunities for all persons.
The Initial Study focuses on whether the proposed project may cause significant effects on the
environment. In particular,this Initial Study is intended to assess any effects on the environment
that are peculiar to the proposed project or to the parcels on which the project would be located
that may differ from those contemplated as part of the City's existing General Plan and Zoning
Ordinance.
It is important to note that under CEQA, the economic and social effects of a project are not
required to be evaluated. Consequently, this Initial Study/Negative Declaration specifically
focuses on environmental impacts and does not address social and economic effects. Lead
agencies may choose to present economic or social information in, or associated with, an EIR in
order to disclose the relative impact of a project, or series of projects, on these important
community considerations. There are specific ways that economic or fiscal effects may be
considered as part of an EIR. Section 15131 of the CEQA Guidelines states:
i. Economic or social effects of a project shall not be treated as significant effects on the
environment.An EIR may trace a chain of cause and effect from a proposed decision on a
project through anticipated economic or social changes resulting from the project to
physical changes caused in turn by the economic or social changes. The intermediate
economic or social changes need not be analyzed in any detail greater than necessary to
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
trace the chain of cause and effect. The focus of the analysis shall be on the physical
changes.
ii. Economic or social effects of a project may be used to determine the significance of
physical changes caused by the project.
Therefore, discussion of social and economic effects will not be addressed in this document, but
could be considered as part of future EIRs associated with the actual housing development
projects.
No new housing sites, beyond those already identified in the current General Plan, adopted
area/specific plans, and the Zoning Ordinance, are proposed as part of this update. The Housing
Element Update does not include any changes to land use designations, zoning, building heights
and intensities, or residential densities. Other proposed developments in the city that do not
currently have City entitlements are not included in this Housing Element.
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Housing Element Update
1 . 1 Housing Element Overview
As an element of the South San Francisco General Plan, and in accordance with the California
Government Code, the Housing Element presents a comprehensive set of housing policies and
programs to address identified housing needs for the City of South San Francisco. The housing
element is one of the seven required general plan elements mandated by California state law. State
law requires that each city and county adopt a housing element that conforms to the detailed
statutory requirements established in Article 10.6 (Sections 65580 to 65589.8) of the Government
Code,and which must be updated every four to eight years.
According to State law, all housing elements must identify and analyze existing and projected
housing needs; state goals, policies, quantified objectives, financial resources, and scheduled
programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing;identify adequate sites
for housing, including rental housing, factory-built housing, mobile homes, and emergency
shelters; and make adequate provision for the existing and projected needs of all economic
segments of the community. To ensure compliance, each housing element is submitted to the
California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) at specified times
during the update cycle for mandatory review.
The Housing Element update corresponds to the planning period of January 31, 2015 to January
313 2023, and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) projection period of January 1,
2014 to October 31, 2022. It replaces the Housing Element corresponding to the planning period
of 2007 to 2014 that was adopted by City Council and certified by HCD in 2009.
1 .2 City of South San Francisco Housing Needs
A Regional Housing Needs Plan (RHNP) is mandated by the State of California (Government
Code [GC], Section 65584) for regions to address housing issues and needs based on future
growth projections for the area. The RHNP is developed by the Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG), and allocates a "fair share" of regional housing needs to individual cities
and counties. The intent of the RHNP is to ensure that local jurisdictions address not only the
needs of their immediate areas but also that needs for the entire region are fairly distributed to all
communities. A major goal of the RHNP is to assure that every community provides an
opportunity for a mix of affordable housing to all economic segments of its population.
The County of San Mateo, in partnership with all 20 cities in the county, formed a subregion and
designated the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) as the entity responsible for
coordinating and implementing the subregional Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
process. C/CAG created its own methodology, issued draft allocations, and handled the revision
and appeal processes. They also issued final allocations to members of the subregion. These final
allocations were incorporated into ABAG's San Francisco Bay Area Housing Needs Plan (HNP).
ABAG's current RHNA projection period is from 2014 through 2022. Pursuant to the provisions
of the HNP and to adequately provide affordable housing for all income groups, specifically very-
low- and low-income groups, the City needs to plan to accommodate 1,864 new units from 2014
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
through 2022. Specifically, the City needs to identity sites to accommodate 846 new extremely
low-, very low-, and low-income units, 313 moderate-income units, and 705 above moderate-
income units through 2022. Table 1 summarizes South San Francisco's allocation.
Table 1: Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 2014-2022
Income Category Household Income Limits for RHNA 2014-2022 Percent of Total
4-Person Household
Extremely Low (less than 30% Less than $33,950
AMI) 282 15%
Very Low (30-49%AMI) $33,951-$56,550 283 15%
Low (50-79%AMI) $56,551-$90,500 281 15%
Moderate (80-120%AMI) $90,501-$123,600 313 17%
Above Moderate(over 120%
AMI) Over$123,600 705 38%
Total Units 1,864 100%
Notes:
1.The 2013 San Mateo County median for a family of four was$103,000,as determined by HUD.
Source:ABAG,2014;Dyett&Bhatia,2014.
Several factors influence the demand for housing as well as the type of housing demanded in the
City of South San Francisco. Major needs categories considered in the Housing Element include:
housing needs resulting from population growth in the city and the surrounding region; housing
needs that result when households are paying more than they can afford for housing; housing
needs resulting from overcrowding of existing units; and the housing needs of "special needs
groups" such as seniors, large family households, single-parent and female-headed households,
agricultural workers,households with persons with disabilities,and the homeless.
1 .3 Potential Housing Opportunity Sites
The City has identified potential housing sites based on current zoning to accommodate its
RHNA for the 2014-2022 projection period. The opportunity sites are geographically clustered
into two areas near transit. Approximately 80 percent of the City's near-term residential
development potential is in the Transit Village area, which is already zoned for medium (30
dwelling units per acre) to high (120 dwelling units per acre) density residential development.
Almost 20 percent of near-term residential development potential is in the Downtown area.
Under the new Downtown Station Area Specific Plan (adopted in early 2015), residential
development potential in the Downtown area ranges from 60 dwelling units per acre to 100
dwelling unit per acre and the FAR ranges from 3.0 to 6.0,depending on the zoning district.
Approximately 23 acres of land were identified that are both suitable and constitute realistic sites
for residential development. Available sites could yield approximately 2,169 housing units at
densities currently permitted under the Zoning Ordinance. There is adequate capacity on these
residentially- or commercial/mixed use-zoned sites to accommodate South San Francisco's 2014-
2022 RHNA. The available sites inventory conducted for the Housing Element focuses on sites
with near-term development potential, where the site is currently vacant, highly underutilized, or
8
Housing Element Update
where developers have come forward with plans to redevelop existing uses. These sites are all
zoned to allow residential development and are thus consistent with the City's existing Zoning
Ordinance, the El Camino Real/Chestnut Avenue Area Plan and its accompanying certified EIR
(2011), and the newly adopted Downtown Station Area Specific Plan and its accompanying
certified EIR (January 2015). Therefore, no new environmental impacts are associated with the
Housing Element Update that have not been anticipated and analyzed by those documents.
TRANSIT VILLAGE AREA
Located in the northwestern portion of the City near a BART transit station, many of the sites in
and around the Transit Village area are vacant or underutilized parcels that present an excellent
opportunity for housing development. The area has been a focus of some of the City's most recent
planning efforts, including adoption of the BART Transit Village Plan in 2001, the South El
Camino Real General Plan Amendment in 2010, and the El Camino Real/Chestnut Avenue Area
Plan in 2011. For this Housing Element, five sites are identified in the Transit Village and contain
16.9 acres of land with combined capacity for 1,731 units of housing,as shown in Table 2.
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
Table 2: Housing Opportunity Sites in Transit Village Area
Estimated Actual
Maximum
Dwelling Units Dwelling Units
Site Acres Existing Use Zoning Per Acre Per Acre Units
1 0.1 Vacant SFR TV-RM 30 30 3
1 1.5 Vacant TV-RM 30 30 44
Site I Total 1.6 47
2 1.3 Vacant motel ECR/C-MXH 80 80 104
2 1.3 Vacant ECR/C-MXH 80 80 104
2 3.1 Lumber yard ECR/C-MXH 80 80 248
Site 2 Total S.7 4S6
3-Block A Vacant ECR/C-RH 120 108 419
3-Block B Vacant ECR/C-MXH 80 76 43
3-Block C Vacant ECR/C-MXH 80 72 94
Commercial,
3-Block D vacant ECR/C-MXH 80 64 139
Commercial,
3-Block E vacant ECR/C-MXH 80 54 150
3-Block H Commercial ECR/C-MXH 80 70 223
3-Block J Commercial ECR/C-MXH 80 39 45
Site 3 Total' 7.6 1,113
4 0.3 Utility RH-30 30 23 7
Site 4 Total 0.3 7
5 1.7 Commercial ECR/C-MXH 80 64 108
Site S Total 1.7 108
Total 16.9 1,731
Notes:
1. Includes blocks A, B,C, D, E, H,and J from the Focus Area of the El Camino Real/Chestnut Area Plan. Buildout
assumptions reflect those in the Area Plan.
Source:City of South San Francisco,201 S;Dyett&8hatia,201 S.
DOWNTOWN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Situated just west of Highway 101 and near the South San Francisco Caltrain station, the City's
historic Downtown area encompasses a range of vacant and underutilized parcels that are suitable
for either mixed-use or residential development. For this Housing Element,the City has identified
12 key sites in the Downtown with near-term redevelopment potential. In total, these sites
represent 6.1 acres with a combined development capacity for 438 units under the new
Downtown Station Area Specific Plan, as shown in Table 3.
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Housing Element Update
Table 3: Housing Opportunity Sites in Downtown South San Francisco
Maximum Estimated Actual'
Dwelling Dwelling
Units Per Units Per Total
Site Acres Existing Use Zoning Acre Acre' Units
Linden Neighborhood
6 0.3 Vacant Center 60 48 14
Site 6 Total 0.3 14
Linden Neighborhood
7 0.3 Parking Lot Center 60 48 14
Site 7 Total 0.3 14
8 0.3 Vacant Downtown Transit Core 100 80 24
Site 8 Total 0.3 24
Downtown Residential
9 0.3 Parking Lot Core 80 64 19
Site 9 Total 0.3 19
Downtown Residential
10 0.3 Parking Lot Core 80 64 19
Downtown Residential
10 0.1 Parking Lot Core 80 64 6
Downtown Residential
10 0.1 Parking Lot Core 80 64 6
Downtown Residential
10 0.1 Parking Lot Core 80 64 6
Site 10 Total 0.6 38
11 0.3 Office Building Downtown Transit Core 100 80 24
11 0.2 Parking Lot Downtown Transit Core 100 80 16
11 0.1 Office Building Downtown Transit Core 100 80 8
11 0.2 Retail Downtown Transit Core 100 80 16
Site 11 Total 0.8 64
12 0.1 Parking Lot Grand Avenue Core 80 64 6
12 0.1 Parking Lot Grand Avenue Core 80 64 6
12 0.2 Parking Lot Grand Avenue Core 80 64 13
Commercial
12 0.1 Building Grand Avenue Core 80 64 6
12 0.1 Vacant Grand Avenue Core 80 64 6
12 0.2 Parking Lot Grand Avenue Core 80 64 13
Site 12 Total 0.8 51
Vacant Fire
13 0.2 Station Downtown Transit Core 100 80 16
13 0.3 Parking Lot Downtown Transit Core 100 80 24
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
Table 3: Housing Opportunity Sites in Downtown South San Francisco
Maximum Estimated Actual'
Dwelling Dwelling
Units Per Units Per Total
Site Acres Existing Use Zoning Acre Acre' Units
Site 13 Total O.S 40
Commercial
14 0.5 Building Downtown Transit Core 100 80 41
Site 14 Total O.S 41
15 0.4 Parking Lot Downtown Transit Core 100 80 32
Site I S Total 0.4 32
16 Parking Lot Downtown Transit Core 100 80
16 Commercial Downtown Transit Core 100 80
16 Parking Lot Downtown Transit Core 100 80
Site 16 Total I.I 8S
17 0.2 Parking Lot Downtown Transit Core 100 80 16
Site 17 Total 0.2 16
Total 6.1 438
Notes:
1. Numbers may not sum precisely due to rounding.
2. Estimated actual density does not include density bonuses incentives that may be achievable.
Source:City of South San Francisco,2014;Dyett&Bhatia,2014.
1 .4 Housing Element Organization
The City of South San Francisco Draft Housing Element is organized into six primary sections as
outlined below:
1. Introduction — This chapter describes the role and content of the Housing Element, the
relationship with the General Plan,and public participation process.
2. Review of Housing Element Past Performance—This chapter reviews the prior Housing
Element, including analysis of housing production over the previous Housing Element
Planning period.
3. Housing Needs Assessment — This chapter analyzes the current and future housing
needs in South San Francisco.
4. Housing Constraints — This chapter analyzes the actual governmental and non-
governmental constraints to housing production.
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Housing Element Update
5. Housing Resources - This chapter provides an inventory and analysis of housing
resources.
6. Housing Plan - This chapter details specific policies and programs the City of South San
Francisco will carry out over the planning period to address the City's housing goals.
The detailed previous Housing Element accomplishments are included in Appendix A.
1 .5 Required Approvals
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CITY COUNCIL
Implementation of the Housing Element Update would require the following discretionary
actions by the City of South San Francisco City Council:
• Certification of a Negative Declaration and
• Adoption of the Housing Element for the City of South San Francisco through the
General Plan Amendment process.
OTHER AGENCIES
In addition to adoption by the City of South San Francisco City Council, the Housing Element
Update must be certified by HCD.
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
2 Determination
2. 1 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving
at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact." A more detailed assessment may be
found on the following pages.
❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agriculture ❑ Air Quality
❑ Biological Resources ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Geology/Soils
❑ Greenhouse Gases ❑ Hazards& Hazardous Materials ❑ Hydrology/Water Quality
❑ Land Use& Planning ❑ Energy& Mineral Resources ❑ Noise
❑ Population & Housing ❑ Public Services ❑ Recreation
❑ Transportation & Circulation ❑ Utilities/Service Systems ❑ Mandatory Findings of
Significance
2.2 Determination
On the basis of this initial study:
K I find that the Proposed Project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,
and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
❑ I find that although the Proposed Project could have a significant effect on the environment,
there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been
made by or agreed to by the applicant. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be
prepared.
❑ I find that the Proposed Project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
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Housing Element Update
❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially
significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been
adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has
been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached
sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,but it must analyze only the
effects that remain to be addressed.
❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,
because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier
General Plan EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated
pursuant to that earlier General Plan FIR,including revisions or mitigation measures that are
imposed upon the proposed project,nothing further is required.
Signature Date
City of South San Francisco
Printed Name For
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
3 Environmental Checklist
The following section adapts and completes the environmental checklist form presented in
Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The checklist is used to describe the impacts of the
proposed project.
For this checklist,the following designations are used:
• Potentially Significant Impact: An impact that could be significant, and for which no
mitigation has been identified. If any potentially significant impacts are identified, an EIR
must be prepared.
• Potentially Significant With Mitigation Incorporated: An impact that requires
mitigation to reduce the impact to a less-than-significant level.
• Less-Than-Significant Impact: Any impact that would not be considered significant
under CEQA relative to existing standards.
• No Impact:The project would not have any impact.
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Housing Element Update
3. 1 Aesthetics
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
a. Have a substantial adverse effect ❑ ❑ ❑ K
on a scenic vista?
b. Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not
limited to,trees, rock ❑ ❑ ❑ K
outcroppings,and historic
buildings within a State scenic
highway?
c. Substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of the ❑ ❑ ❑ K
site and its surroundings?
d. Create a new source of
substantial light or glare which ❑ ❑ ❑ K
would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
a-d. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The goals,policy guidance,and implementation measures in the Housing Element Update
would not result in any impact to scenic vistas or resources, would not degrade the visual
character of the city, and would not cause light or glare impacts beyond what has already
been contemplated in the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Future housing projects will continue to
be reviewed through the City's entitlement process and CEQA to ensure that existing
views and aesthetic conditions are preserved, and that the projects are consistent with all
General Plan goals, objectives, and policies. Therefore, the proposed project would have
no impact on aesthetic resources.
3.2 Agriculture Resources
Would the project:
Potentially Potentially Significant Less-Than-
Significant With Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance (Farmland), as shown on
the maps prepared pursuant to the ❑ ❑ ❑ K
Farmland Mapping Program of the
California Resources Agency,to non-
agricultural use?
b. Conflict with existing zoning for
agricultural use, or a Williamson Act
contract? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or
cause rezoning of,forest land (as
defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)),timberland (as
defined by Public Resources Code ❑ ❑ ❑ X
section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code section 51 104(g))?
d. Result in the loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to non- ❑ ❑ ❑ K
forest use?
e. Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their ❑ ❑ ❑ x
location or nature, could result in
18
Housing Element Update
Potentially Potentially Significant Less-Than-
Significant With Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
conversion of Farmland,to non-
agricultural use or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use.
a-e. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The goals, policy guidance, and
implementation measures in the Housing Element Update would not result in any impacts
associated with the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance beyond what has already been contemplated by the existing
General Plan land use and zoning designations. As the Housing Element Update does not
propose new development or any changes to existing zoning or land use policy, it will not
impact zoning for agricultural use or any Williamson Act contract. Similarly, it would not
conflict with zoning for forest land or timberland, or result in the loss or conversion of
forest land. Additionally, the Housing Element Update would not in itself involve other
changes in the existing environment that, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest
use beyond what has already been anticipated by the existing General Plan, adopted
19
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
area/specific plans, and Zoning Ordinance. Therefore, the proposed project would have
no impact on agricultural resources.
20
Housing Element Update
3.3 Air Quality
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
a. Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the applicable ❑ ❑ ❑ K
air quality plan?
b. Violate any air quality standard or
contribute substantially to an ❑ ❑ ❑ K
existing or projected air quality
violation?
c. Result in a cumulatively
considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment
under an applicable federal or ❑ ❑ ❑ X
State ambient air quality standard
(including releasing emissions
which exceed quantitative
thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d. Expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant ❑ ❑ ❑ K
concentrations?
e. Create objectionable odors
affecting a substantial number of ❑ ❑ ❑ K
people?
a—e. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
21
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The Housing Element Update will not impact the rate or intensity of development, but
may result in broadening the range of affordability levels and special needs population
that may reside in housing; these issues will not affect the potential for impacts to air
quality. The proposed project would not conflict with or obstruct the implementation of
the air quality plans prepared by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to attain
State and national air quality standards, or violate any air quality standard. The project
would not result in any indirect or cumulatively adverse impacts on air quality. The
proposed project would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations or objectionable odors. The Housing Element Update does include
programs that encourage energy-efficiency, which may result in an indirect improvement
to air quality.
Future housing projects will continue to be reviewed through the City's entitlement
process and CEQA to ensure consistency with local, State, and federal air quality
standards and consistent with the goals, policies, and standards established within the
other elements of the General Plan that are intended to protect air quality. Therefore, the
proposed project would have no impact on air quality.
22
Housing Element Update
3.4 Biological Resources
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, on
any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local or ❑ ❑ ❑ X
regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by
the California Department of Fish and
Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional ❑ ❑ ❑ K
plans, policies, or regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
US Fish and Wildlife Service?
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on
federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including, but not limited to, marsh,vernal ❑ ❑ ❑ X
pool, coastal, etc.)through direct removal,
filling, hydrological interruption, or other
means?
d. Interfere substantially with the movement
of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established resident or ❑ ❑ ❑ X
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the
use of wildlife nursery sites?
e. Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological resources, ❑ ❑ ❑ K
such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance?
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Conservation Community Plan, or other ❑ ❑ ❑ K
approved local, regional, or State habitat
conservation plan?
a—d. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
23
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The goals, policies, and implementation
measures in the Housing Element Update would not result in any impact to any special-
status species; any impact to riparian or other sensitive habitats, including wetlands; or
any impact to migration routes for wildlife species in the region, as future housing
projects will continue to be reviewed through the City's entitlement process and CEQA to
ensure consistency with local, State, and federal regulations and all General Plan goals and
policies intended to protect biological resources. Therefore, the proposed project would
have no impact on biological resources.
e-f. No Impact.
The Housing Element Update has been prepared to be consistent with the City's adopted
General Plan, adopted area/specific plans, and ordinances. Future development projects
would be required to be consistent with local policies and ordinances. The City has a Tree
Preservation Ordinance (No. 1271-2000, Municipal Code Chapter 13.30) that applies to
any tree designated as a protected tree on property within the city. Future development
consistent with the Housing Element would be required to comply with the City's tree
preservation requirements. The City is currently participating in the San Bruno Mountain
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), along with the City of Brisbane, Daly City, San Mateo
County, and US Fish and Wildlife Service;however,none of the housing opportunity sites
are located within the HCP-protected areas. The City is currently not participating in a
Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). Title 20 of the City's Municipal Code
outlines the City's guidelines to require that construction of projects is consistent with the
City's habitat conservation plan. Development under the Housing Element would adhere
24
Housing Element Update
to Title 20 of the Municipal Code. In consideration of the above, the proposed project
would have no impact on resource protection and preservation programs.
25
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
3.5 Cultural Resources
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource as ❑ ❑ ❑ K
defined in Section 15064.5?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a unique archaeological ❑ ❑ ❑ K
resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource on site or ❑ ❑ ❑ K
unique geologic features?
d. Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal ❑ ❑ ❑ X
cemeteries?
a—d. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
26
Housing Element Update
The goals, policies, and implementation measures in the Housing Element Update would
not result in any impact to cultural,paleontological, or archaeological resources or human
remains. Future housing projects will continue to be reviewed through the City's
entitlement process and CEQA to ensure consistency with local, State, and federal
regulations and all General Plan goals, objectives and policies intended to protect cultural
resources.Therefore,the proposed project would have no impact on cultural resources.
3.6 Geology and Soils
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk
of loss, injury, or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault,
as delineated on the most recent Alquist
- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map ❑ ❑ ❑ K
issued by the State Geologist for the area
based on other substantial evidence of a
known fault?
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
iii. Seismic-related ground failure,
including liquefaction? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
iv. Landslides? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss ❑ ❑ ❑ K
of topsoil?
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as
a result of the project,and potentially result ❑ ❑ ❑ X
in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code ❑ ❑ ❑ K
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or
property?
e. Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal systems ❑ ❑ ❑ X
where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?
27
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
a-e. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The Housing Element Update does not change the potential location of development. The
goals, policies, and implementation measures in the Housing Element Update would not
expose any persons or structures to hazards associated with seismic occurrences or
expansive soils, nor would the project result in erosion impacts. Any future development
that occurs in the City of South San Francisco would be subject to compliance with State
and local building codes and seismic safety design standards to ensure that new
construction does not expose persons or property to significant seismic or geologic
hazards. Therefore,there is no impact associated with geologic hazards.
3.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions,
either directly or indirectly,that may have ❑ ❑ ❑ X
a significant impact on the environment?
28
Housing Element Update
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
b. Conflict with any applicable plan, policy,
or regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse K
gases?
a-b. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The goals, policies, and programs of the
Housing Element Update are in compliance with the California Air Resource Board's
(ARB) Scoping Plan and ABAG's Plan Bay Area, which are designed to implement the
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions required by AB 32 and SB 375. SB 375
requires each of California's Metropolitan Planning Organizations to adopt a Sustainable
Communities Strategy (SCS) containing land use, housing, and transportation strategies
that would allow the region to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Plan
Bay Area is the SCS and Regional Transportation Plan developed for the nine-county San
Francisco Bay Area region by ABAG and the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC).
For the 2014-2022 RHNA, ABAG and MTC developed a methodology to distribute the
total housing need for the San Francisco Bay Area, as determined by HCD, in a manner
29
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
consistent with the SCS. Thus, by demonstrating consistency with the RHNA, the City of
South San Francisco is also demonstrating consistency with the long-range GHG
reduction strategy presented in Plan Bay Area.
The Draft Housing Element also contains a goal (Goal 7) and corresponding policies and
programs (Policies 7-1 through 7-3) to promote energy efficiency in new residential
developments and existing residential rehabilitation projects. Future projects will also be
subject to environmental review to ensure that any interim or adopted project-level
greenhouse gas emissions threshold is not exceeded or is mitigated, and to ensure
compliance with the Scoping Plan and Plan Bay Area. Therefore, the proposed project
would have no negative impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, the City has adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2014 pursuant to the
BAAQMD requirements for a "qualified" GHG reduction plan to meet GHG reduction
targets for 2020 and 2035. Citywide GHG emissions and reductions are addressed in the
Climate Action Plan, and are consistent with the statewide reduction goals of AB 32.
Potential residential development projects consistent with the Housing Element would
also be evaluated for their consistency with the Climate Action Plan.
30
Housing Element Update
3.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, ❑ ❑ ❑ K
use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the ❑ ❑ ❑ K
likely release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, ❑ ❑ ❑ K
substances, or waste within one-quarter mile
of an existing or proposed school?
d. Be located on a site which is included on a list
of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section ❑ ❑ K ❑
65962.5 and, as a result,would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
e. For a project located within an airport land
use plan or,where such a plan has not been
adopted,within two miles of a public airport ❑ ❑ ❑ K
or public use airport,would the project result
in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip,would the project result in a safety ❑ ❑ ❑ K
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area?
g. Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency ❑ ❑ ❑ X
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
h. Expose people or structures to the risk of
loss, injury or death involving wildland fires,
including where wildlands are adjacent to ❑ ❑ ❑ K
urbanized areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands?
31
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
a-c. No Impact.
The proposed project does not propose new development or any use that would result in
the transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Furthermore, the proposed project
would not result in a foreseeable upset, accident, or emission of hazardous materials. The
proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. Future
housing projects will continue to be reviewed through the City's entitlement process and
CEQA at the project level to ensure that development of housing does not result in
potentially significant hazards or expose people to potential health hazards and for
consistency with local, State, and federal requirements and guidelines. Actions to
implement the goals, policies, and programs included in the Housing Element must be
consistent with the goals, policies, and standards established within the other elements of
the General Plan, as well as the Municipal Code, that are intended to protect the safety of
the community. Implementation of the proposed project would have no impact on these
environmental topics.
d. Less than Significant Impact.
There are 114 known sites in South San Francisco that are included in the Department of
Toxic Substances Control component of the Cortese List published in 1994. No sites in the
Transit Village are listed with the State as having known or potential contamination.
However, certain sites within the Downtown area have been suspected of environmental
contamination, including Site 14, which has undergone Phase I Environmental Site
Assessments; Site 16, which has undergone Phase I and II Environmental Site
Assessments; and Sites 6 and 7, which have not undergone environmental site
assessments. At such time as development is considered, these sites may require clean up
in order to facilitate housing development, which will continue to be guided by the South
San Francisco General Plan, adopted area/specific plans, Zoning Ordinance, and
Municipal Code.
Future housing projects will continue to be reviewed through the City's entitlement
process and CEQA at the project level to ensure that development of housing does not
result in potentially significant hazards or expose people to potential health hazards and
for consistency with local, State, and federal requirements and guidelines. Actions to
implement the goals, policies, and programs included in the Housing Element must be
consistent with the goals, policies, and standards established within the other elements of
the General Plan, as well as the Municipal Code, that are intended to protect the safety of
the community. Implementation of the proposed project would have no impact on these
environmental topics.
e-f. No Impact.
The City is located just north of the San Francisco International Airport and within the
San Mateo County Airport Land Use Commission's (ALUC) jurisdiction. All but the west
and north portions of South San Francisco are within the Airport Influence Area B. The
ALUC allows development within ALUC boundaries,provided that the development is in
32
Housing Element Update
accordance with the San Mateo County Airport Land Use Plan, including height limits.
The South San Francisco General Plan has been updated to be consistent with the San
Mateo County Airport Land Use Plan, and the ALUC will continue to review any
proposed land use policy actions, including new general plans, specific plans, zoning
ordinances,plan amendments and rezonings, and land development proposals.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. Actions to
implement the goals, policies, and programs included in the Housing Element must be
consistent with the goals, policies, and standards established within the other elements of
the General Plan, as well as the Municipal Code, that are intended to protect the safety of
the community. Future housing projects will continue to be reviewed through the City's
entitlement process and CEQA to ensure that development of housing does not result in
potentially significant hazards or expose people to potential safety hazards and for
consistency with local, State, and federal requirements and guidelines, including the San
Mateo County Airport Land Use Plan. The proposed project does not propose new
development or any use that would result in a safety hazard from airport operations.
Moreover, sites that were included in the previous (2007-2014) Housing Element that fell
within the redrawn noise contours of the San Francisco International Airport have been
removed from the sites inventory in this update to the Housing Element. Implementation
of the proposed project would have no impact on this environmental topic.
g. No Impact.
The Land Use Element of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance will continue to guide
the location and nature of development. Initial Studies would be prepared for individual
projects to address changes in traffic patterns and circulation. As conditions of approval,
each project would be required to meet all City standards and regulations pertaining to
emergency response access and evacuation procedures. The City has an Emergency
Response Plan, integrated with the San Mateo Area/County Multi-Hazard Functional
Plan. The City's plan is in compliance with existing law. Future residential development
anticipated by the Housing Element would not physically interfere with an adopted
emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. Implementation of the proposed
project would have no impact on this environmental topic.
h. No Impact.
Actions to implement the goals, policies, and programs included in the Housing Element
must be consistent with the policies established within the other elements of the General
Plan and the Municipal Code that are intended to protect the safety of the community.
The goals, policies, and implementation measures in the Housing Element Update would
not result in any impact associated with fire hazards. Future development will continue to
be reviewed for compliance with State and local standards for fire safety. Implementation
of the proposed project would have no impact on this environmental topic.
33
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
3.9 Hydrology and Water Quality
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste ❑ ❑ ❑ K
discharge requirements?
b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net
deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the
local groundwater table level (i.e.,the ❑ ❑ ❑ X
production rate of pre-existing nearby wells
would drop to a level which would not
support existing land uses or planned uses for
which permits have been granted)?
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or ❑ ❑ ❑ X
river, in a manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or ❑ ❑ ❑ K
river, or substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner which
would result in flooding on- or off-site?
e. Create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or ❑ ❑ ❑ K
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?
f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
g. Place housing within a 100-year floodplain, as
mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary ❑ ❑ ❑ K
or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood
hazard delineation map?
h. Place within a 100-year floodplain structures ❑ ❑ ❑ K
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
i. Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, ❑ ❑ ❑ K
including flooding as a result of the failure of a
levee or dam.
j. Inundation by seiche,tsunami, or mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
34
Housing Element Update
a-j. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) prepares and maintains Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS), which
show the extent of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and other thematic features
related to flood risk, in participating jurisdictions. To receive insurance benefits in the
event of flood, participating agencies must recognize these official flood boundaries and
establish appropriate land use policy for the flood zones. The potential for a 100-year
flood, which represents a one percent chance of flooding each year, exists in portions of
the city. Periodic flooding occurs in certain areas along Colma Creek in South San
Francisco, which runs through the Transit Village; however, improvement projects in this
area have greatly reduced the concern of flooding, such that it is not an issue that would
limit development in this area. All potential development occurring within the 100-year
flood zone in the Transit Village area would be subject to design and construction
requirements (based on their base flood elevation, or BFE) established by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and the City's building code, and evaluated via project-
level environmental review. The Downtown area sites are outside of any flooding hazard
zones. In consideration of the above,there is no impact associated with flooding hazards.
All future development will be subject to site-specific environmental studies as
determined by the City and will comply with applicable policies related to hydrology and
water quality issues, including the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act as enforced by the State Regional Water Control Board, which requires compliance
35
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for
construction runoff and long-term urban runoff. Thus, the goals, policies, and
implementation measures in the Housing Element Update would have no impact on water
quality standards or waste discharge requirements, drainage patterns, runoff, or water
quality, and would not place people or structures at risk of flooding, mud flow, or other
hydrological hazards. Earthquakes can cause tsunami (tidal waves) and seiches (oscillating
waves in enclosed water bodies) in the San Francisco Bay. As portions of the City are
located adjacent to the Bay and are low-lying,tsunami or seiche inundation is a possibility.
However, the sites that are housing opportunity sites in the Housing Element Update are
located outside of these low-lying areas and therefore no impact would result.
3. 10 Land Use and Planning
Would the project.
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
b. Conflict with any applicable land use plans,
policies, or regulations of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including, but
not limited to the general plan, specific plan, ❑ ❑ ❑ X
local coastal program, or zoning ordinance)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating on environmental effect?
c. Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community ❑ ❑ ❑ K
conservation plan?
a—c. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted area/specific plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
36
Housing Element Update
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element as revised would be
internally consistent with the existing General Plan as required by State law. Future
housing projects will continue to be reviewed through the City's entitlement process and
CEQA to ensure consistency with local, State, and federal regulations and all General Plan
goals, objectives and policies intended to protect established communities and land uses.
As discussed in the Biological Resources section, the City is currently participating in the
San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP); however, none of the housing
opportunity sites are located within the HCP-protected areas. The City is currently not
participating in a Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). Title 20 of the City's
Municipal Code outlines the City's guidelines to require that construction of projects is
consistent with the City's habitat conservation plan, and development under the Housing
Element would adhere to Title 20 of the Municipal Code. In consideration of the above,
the Housing Element Update would have no impact on land use, planning, or
conservation programs.
3. 11 Mineral Resources
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to ❑ ❑ ❑ X
the region and the residents of the state?
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site ❑ ❑ ❑ K
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan, or other land use plan?
a—b. No Impact.
37
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and specific/area plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The housing sites identified in the Draft Housing Element are not located in areas
containing known mineral resources. There are no mines included on the Office of Mine
Reclamation AB 3098 list operating within the City of South San Francisco. The proposed
project would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource or mineral
resource recovery site. The Land Use Element of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance
will continue to guide the location and nature of development. In consideration of the
above,the proposed project would have no impact on mineral resources.
3. 12 Noise
Would the project result in:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in the ❑ ❑ ❑ K
local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
b. Exposure of persons to or generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or ❑ ❑ ❑ K
groundborne noise levels?
38
Housing Element Update
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels ❑ ❑ ❑ X
existing without the project?
d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity ❑ ❑ ❑ X
above levels existing without the project?
e. For a project located within an airport land use
plan or,where such a plan has not been
adopted,within two miles of a public airport or ❑ ❑ ❑ K
public use airport,would the project expose
people residing or working in the project area
to excessive noise levels?
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip,would the project expose people ❑ ❑ ❑ K
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
a—f. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted specific/area plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
39
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
The City is located just north of the San Francisco International Airport and within the
San Mateo County Airport Land Use Commission's (ALUC) jurisdiction. The ALUC
allows development within ALUC boundaries, provided that the development is in
accordance with the San Mateo County Airport Land Use Plan, including aircraft noise
contours. The South San Francisco General Plan has been updated to be consistent with
the San Mateo County Airport Land Use Plan and its aircraft noise contours. Disclosures
are provided to potential buyers of homes that are located in the 65 to 69 CNEL aircraft
noise contour areas, and there are added restrictions placed on new homes within the 65
to 69 CNEL aircraft noise contour. This is addressed in a policy (4-3) and program in the
Housing Element Update. The location and nature of development will continue to be
guided by the South San Francisco General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Municipal Code.
Future housing projects will continue to be reviewed through the City's entitlement
process and CEQA to ensure that residents and employees are not exposed to
unacceptable noise and vibration levels, and that the projects are consistent with all
General Plan goals, objectives, and policies, and the noise regulations of the Municipal
Code. Therefore,there are no noise-related impacts associated with the proposed project.
3. 13 Population and Housing
Would the project.
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Induce substantial population growth in an
area, either directly (for example, by
proposing new homes and businesses) or ❑ ❑ ❑ K
indirectly (e.g.,through projects in an
undeveloped area or extension of major
infrastructure)?
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑ K
replacement housing elsewhere?
c. Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ ❑ X
housing elsewhere?
a—c. No Impact.
The proposed project provides policy guidance to facilitate housing development that is
consistent with meeting the regional housing needs as determined by the State of
California. The Draft Housing Element demonstrates that the City has designated sites
available for future development that have more than adequate capacity to accommodate
the city's"fair share" of the region's housing needs over the current housing cycle. Because
40
Housing Element Update
of this fact, it was not necessary to include any policies that require future annexation,
redesignation of land uses, or rezoning of land to accommodate the regional housing
needs. The Housing Element includes goals, policies, and programs designed to maintain
and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that new development is affordable to a
range of household income levels, and provide a variety of housing types. For example, to
improve existing housing stock, Housing Element Policy 3-1 and its corresponding
programs provide various forms of financial assistance for reinvestment in older
residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing, especially housing for very low-,
low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6, and 1-7 and the corresponding
programs in the Housing Element provide support for various housing types, such as
second units and infill residential development on underutilized sites (however, no
specific development proposals are included in these policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and
its corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for affordable
housing development through pursuing site acquisition,pursuing funding applications for
affordable housing, and considering waivers or deferrals of fees for affordable housing
developments. The Housing Element does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. No new
housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those already
identified in the General Plan and adopted specific/area plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance.
Thus, while the goals, policies, and programs of the Housing Element Update would
encourage housing development to meet the community's needs according to HCD
requirements, they will not induce substantial population growth and do not require
future annexation, development of growth-inducing facilities, or any increase in the city's
development capacity. The policy guidance would not result in any direct or indirect
impacts on population growth, or displacement of people or housing beyond what has
already been contemplated in the General Plan, adopted area/specific plans, and the
Zoning Ordinance. Development and population growth will continue to occur based on
market demand, availability of financing, and other factors beyond the City's control. The
location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San Francisco
General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. In consideration of the above, the proposed project
would have no impact on population and housing.
41
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
3. 14 Public Services
Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental
facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the
public services:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Fire protection? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
b. Police protection? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
c. Schools? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
d. Parks? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
e. Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑ K
a-e. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted specific/area plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
42
Housing Element Update
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Future housing projects will continue to
be reviewed through the City's entitlement process and CEQA to ensure the adequate
provision of public services through the adequate facilities policies already in place in the
city. As a result, the proposed project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on
public services such as fire, police, schools, parks, and other services that are not already
contemplated in the General Plan. Therefore, the proposed project would have no impact
on public services.
3. 15 Recreation
Would the project.
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial ❑ ❑ ❑ K
physical deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated?
b. Does the project include recreational facilities
or require the construction or expansion of ❑ ❑ ❑ K
recreational facilities which might have an
adverse physical effect on the environment?
a—b. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted specific/area plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
43
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Future development will continue to be
reviewed through the City's entitlement process and CEQA to ensure the adequate
provision of recreational facilities consistent with the General Plan, and to ensure that any
new development of recreational facilities needed to support future residential
development does not have an adverse effect of the environment. Therefore,the proposed
project would have no impact on recreational facilities.
44
Housing Element Update
3. 16 Transportation and Circulation
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or
policy establishing measures of effectiveness for
the performance of the circulation system,
taking into account all modes of transportation
including mass transit and non-motorized travel ❑ ❑ ❑ K
and relevant components of the circulation
system, including but not limited to
intersections, streets, highways and freeways,
pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit?
b. Conflict with an applicable congestion
management program, including, but not limited
to level of service standards and travel demand ❑ ❑ ❑ K
measures, or other standards established by the
county congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways?
c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels or a ❑ ❑ ❑ K
change in location that results in substantial
safety risks?
d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design
features (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous ❑ ❑ ❑ K
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g.,farm
equipment)?
e. Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ ❑ X
f. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or
programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or ❑ ❑ ❑ K
pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the
performance or safety of such facilities?
a—f. No Impact.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The Housing
Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and zoning designations that are
appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more than adequate capacity to
accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft Housing Element. No
new housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those
already identified in the General Plan and adopted specific/area plans and designated for
residential use in the Zoning Ordinance. The Housing Element includes goals, policies,
45
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
and programs designed to maintain and improve the existing housing stock, ensure that
new development is affordable to a range of household income levels, and provide a
variety of housing types, and do not require future annexation or any increase in the city's
development capacity. For example, to improve existing housing stock, Housing Element
Policy 3-1 and its corresponding programs provide various forms of financial assistance
for reinvestment in older residential neighborhoods and rehabilitation of housing,
especially housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Policies 1-5, 1-6,
and 1-7 and the corresponding programs in the Housing Element provide support for
various housing types, such as second units and infill residential development on
underutilized sites (however, no specific development proposals are included in these
policies or programs). Policy 1-4 and its corresponding programs in the Housing Element
provide support for affordable housing development through pursuing site acquisition,
pursuing funding applications for affordable housing,and considering waivers or deferrals
of fees for affordable housing developments.
The location and nature of development will continue to be guided by the South San
Francisco General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Future housing projects will continue to
be reviewed by the City to ensure compliance with regional and local transportation plans
and policies, the General Plan, and the Municipal Code. As individual development
projects are proposed in South San Francisco, they are reviewed for their potential to
result in project-level traffic impacts or contribution to cumulative adverse traffic
conditions. Individual development projects are conditioned to provide traffic
improvements to reduce significant impacts, unless the City determines that there are
considerations, such as social, economic, or other benefits from a project that override the
project's contribution to adverse traffic impacts. In consideration of the above, the
proposed project would have no impact on transportation and circulation.
46
Housing Element Update
3. 17 Utilities and Service Systems
Would the project:
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of
the applicable Regional Water Quality Control ❑ ❑ ❑ K
Board?
b. Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities,the construction ❑ ❑ ❑ K
of which could cause significant environmental
effects?
c. Require or result in the construction of new
storm water drainage facilities or expansion of ❑ ❑ ❑ K
existing facilities,the construction of which
could cause significant environmental effects?
d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project from existing entitlements and ❑ ❑ ❑ K
resources, or are new or expanded
entitlements needed?
e. Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve
the project that it has adequate capacity to ❑ ❑ ❑ K
serve the project's projected demand in
addition to the provider's existing
commitments?
f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted
capacity to accommodate the project's solid ❑ ❑ ❑ K
waste disposal needs?
g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes ❑ ❑ ❑ K
and regulations related to solid waste?
a/b/d/e. No Impact.
Existing utilities and service systems have adequate capacity to serve the City of South San
Francisco in terms of both existing development and future development of housing units
represented by the RHNA. The California Water Service Company (CWSC), which
purchases most of its water supply from the San Francisco Water Department, provides
water service to the City of South San Francisco. The CWSC has water supplies and plans
for conveyance infrastructure adequate to meet the service demand projections of its
service area, which includes the City of South San Francisco, through and beyond the
RHNA cycle.
47
South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
Similarly, the wastewater conveyance infrastructure in the City of South San Francisco is
in generally good condition. The Water Quality Control Plant is jointly owned by the
cities of South San Francisco and San Bruno. It treats all wastewater generated within the
two cities and has contracts to treat most of the wastewater produced by the City of Colma
and some wastewater produced by the City of Daly City. The General Plan EIR indicated
that major wastewater treatment facilities were adequate, or would be improved in order
to meet project water and wastewater demand growth.
The proposed Housing Element Update does not entitle,propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. No new
housing sites are proposed as a part of this Housing Element Update beyond those already
identified in the current General Plan, adopted area/specific plans, and the Zoning
Ordinance. The Housing Element identifies sites with existing General Plan and Zoning
Ordinance designations that are appropriate for residential use; these sites provide more
than adequate capacity to accommodate the city's housing needs as described in the Draft
Housing Element. The goals, policies, and programs of the Housing Element do not
require future annexation or any increase in the city's development capacity. The Housing
Element Update will not require the construction of new treatment facilities, require
expansion or modification of existing water and wastewater facilities, or cause exceedance
of the wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality
Control Board (RWQCB) permit. The location and nature of development will continue
to be guided by the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Municipal Code. In
consideration of the above, the proposed project would have no impact on water or
wastewater utilities and services.
C. No Impact.
Implementation of the Housing Element Update would not result in the need to construct
new or expanded stormwater drainage facilities, as the Draft Housing Element does not
increase the city's potential development capacity. The proposed Housing Element Update
does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or
rehabilitation of existing development. No new housing sites are proposed as a part of this
Housing Element Update beyond those already identified in the current General Plan,
adopted area/specific plans, and the Zoning Ordinance. The location and nature of
development will continue to be guided by the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and
Municipal Code. Future development will continue to be reviewed by the City for
compliance with stormwater quality requirements as established by the General Plan,
Zoning Ordinance,Municipal Code, and RWQCB. Therefore,the proposed project would
have no impact on stormwater facilities.
f-g. No Impact.
Solid waste is collected from South San Francisco homes and businesses and then
processed at the Scavenger Company's materials recovery facility and transfer station.
Materials that cannot be recycled or composted are transferred to the Ox Mountain
Sanitary Landfill. Allied Waste Industries, owner of the Ox Mountain Landfill, has a
permit for forward expansion of the Corinda Los Trancos Canyon at Ox Mountain, and
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when the permit expires in 2016, Corinda Los Trancos will be expanded further or
Apanolio Canyon will be opened for fill. Thus, sufficient landfill capacity is expected
through and beyond the RHNA cycle. Future development would be anticipated to
increase the volume of solid waste generated by the city; however, as none of the goals,
policies, or programs included in the Housing Element Update will alter the city's
development capacity, they would have no effect on the development assumptions used
for the landfill's capacity projections. All new development will continue to be reviewed
for compliance with federal, state, and local statutes regarding solid waste. None of the
goals, policies, or programs in the Draft Housing Element will have any effect upon or
result in any conflicts with any such regulations. Therefore, the proposed project would
have no impact on solid waste facilities.
Future housing projects will continue to be reviewed by the City to ensure compliance
with federal, state, and local policies and regulations related to utilities and services. In
consideration of the above, the proposed project would have no impact on utilities and
service systems.
3. 18 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Potentially
Potentially Significant With Less-Than-
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
a. Does the project have the potential to degrade
the quality of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species,
cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below
self-sustaining levels,threaten to eliminate a ❑ ❑ ❑ K
plant or animal community, reduce the number
or restrict the range of a rare or endangered
plant or animal or eliminate important examples
of the major periods of California history or
prehistory?
b. Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable"
means that the incremental effects of a project ❑ ❑ ❑ K
are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects,the effects of
other current projects,and the effects of
probable future projects.)
c. Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects on ❑ ❑ ❑ K
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
a. No Impact.
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
The above analysis indicates that the Housing Element Update does not have the potential
to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce fish or wildlife habitats,
impact wildlife populations or ranges, or eliminate historical, archaeological, or
paleontological resources. As described throughout the analysis above, the proposed
project will not result in any changes to General Plan land use designations or zoning
districts, would not result in annexation of land, and would not allow development in
areas beyond those already identified in the General Plan and adopted specific/area plans
and designated as such in the Zoning Ordinance. Further, the proposed Housing Element
Update does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new
development or rehabilitation of existing development. Development projects would
continue to be subject to existing requirements for specific plan or project-level review.
The City finds no impacts related to degradation of the environment associated with the
Housing Element Update.
b. No Impact
The Draft Housing Element does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the
construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development that could
contribute to short-term or long-term cumulative impacts that have not previously been
contemplated by the General Plan, adopted area/specific plans, these plans' EIRs, and the
Zoning Ordinance, which will continue to guide the location and nature of future
development in South San Francisco. The City finds that the proposed project has no
cumulatively considerable impacts.
C. No Impact
As indicated in the above analysis, the Housing Element Update will have no adverse
impacts on people or the environment. The City finds that the proposed project has no
environmental impacts that would cause direct or indirect effects on human beings.
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4 References
The following documents are referenced information sources utilized by this analysis:
• AB 3098 List. Office of Mine Reclamation,2015.
• BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines. Bay Area Air Quality Management District,2011.
• City of South San Francisco Climate Action Plan. City of South San Francisco,2014.
• City of South San Francisco Downtown Station Area Specific Plan. City of South San
Francisco,2015.
• City of South San Francisco Downtown Station Area Specific Plan Final Environmental
Impact Report. City of South San Francisco,2015.
• City of South San Francisco El Camino Real/Chestnut Avenue Area Plan. City of South
San Francisco,2011.
• City of South San Francisco El Camino Real/Chestnut Avenue Area Plan Final
Environmental Impact Report. City of South San Francisco,2011.
• City of South San Francisco General Plan. City of South San Francisco, 1999 and
amendments through 2015.
• City of South San Francisco General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. City of
South San Francisco, 1999.
• City of South San Francisco Municipal Code.
• Climate Change Scoping Plan. California Air Resources Board,2008.
• Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco
International Airport. City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County,
2012.
• Final Regional Housing Need Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area: 2014-2022.
Association of Bay Area Governments,2013.
• First Update to the Climate Change Scoping Plan. California Air Resources Board,2014.
• Habitat Conservation Plans, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015.
htW://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-clo/hcp-overview.html.
.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-clo/ cp-overview.html.
• Long Range Property Management Plan, Successor Agency to the City of South San
Francisco Former Redevelopment Agency,2013.
• Natural Community Conservation Planning, California Department of Fish and Wildlife,
2015.htWs://www.wildlife.ca.2ov/Conservation/Plannin2/NC('P.
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South San Francisco Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
• Plan Bay Area.Association of Bay Area Governments,2013.
• Senate Bill 375 Regional Targets (website). California Environmental Protection Agency
Air Resources Board,2014.httP://www.arb.ca.qovlcclsb3751sb375.htm.
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