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indicated on NWIC inventory maps is a formally unrecorded prehistoric site found at the
Fisher School on Blossom Hill Road. There is no additional information regarding this
resource (Geier & Geier 2011, pg. 14).
There remains potential that discovery of unknown and unanticipated buried cultural
resources could occur during grading and construction activities. Damage to significant
cultural resources would be considered a significant impact. The Town will implement
standard conditions of approval consistent with General plan policy OSP‐9.4 which
requires construction to cease if cultural resources, including archaeological or
paleontological resources, are uncovered during grading or other on‐site excavation
activities. Compliance with the Town’s standard conditions would ensure impacts would
be less than significant.
c.The general plan EIR cites the University of California Museum of Paleontology in
determining that there are no fossil localities within the Town (Town of Los Gatos
2010b, page 4.4-15), but determined that deep excavations could disturb unknown
underground paleontological resources. The proposed project would involve shallow
excavations, so no impact is expected to occur. In the unlikely event an anticipated
paleontological find were to occur, compliance with general plan policies would ensure
that impacts would be less than significant.
d.While there are no know human remains within the site, there remains potential for the
discovery of unknown and unanticipated human remain disturbance of which would be
considered a significant impact. Per general plan policy OSP‐9.3, if any human remains
are discovered during implementation of public and private projects within the Town,
the developer must fully comply with California laws that address the identification and
treatment of human remains and the find must be treated with respect and dignity.
Implementation of this general plan policy would ensure that impacts would be less than
significant.
ATTACHMENT 1 - PART 2
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6. ENERGY
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Result in potentially significant
environmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of
energy resources, during project construction
or operation? (1, 2)
b. Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan
for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
(1, 2)
Comments:
a/b. Buildout of the General Plan would increase energy consumption in the County. Energy
resources (diesel and gasoline fuel) will be used during construction of projects
anticipated in the General Plan. Energy will be consumed to provide lighting, heating,
and cooling for development under the General Plan. Energy will also be consumed by
transportation and vehicle use by projects anticipated in the General Plan. The General
Plan EIR found that policies contained within the General Plan would promote smart
energy use and efficiency and would reduce adverse environmental impacts associated
with inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary energy consumption to less-than-significant
levels.
Future development of the project site in conformance with the Commercial Zoning
Code standards could contribute to the impacts to energy resources identified in the
General Plan EIR. However, the project would not result in more development than
identified in the General Plan and analyzed in the General Plan EIR. The proposed
project would not interfere with measures or General Plan policies intended to increase
renewable energy provision, promote energy conservation, and increase overall energy
efficiency throughout the Town. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in any
new or more severe impacts than those already analyzed in the General Plan EIR, and
the proposed project would result in a less than significant impact.
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7. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk
of loss, injury, or death involving:
(1) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State Geologist for the
area or based on other substantial
evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42? (15)
(2) Strong seismic ground shaking? (15)
(3) Seismic-related ground failure,
including liquefaction? (2,15)
(4) Landslides? (2,15)
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss
of topsoil? (4, 15)
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project, and potentially result in
on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? (2,15)
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994) [Section 1803 of the California
Building Code], creating substantial risks to
life or property? (15)
e. Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater? (4, 15)
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Comments:
Milstone Geotechnical prepared a Geologic and Geotechnical Investigation (geotechnical report) for
the project site in June 9, 2014 and revised August 10, 2018. The geotechnical report is included
as Appendix D of this initial study. Milstone Geotechnical conducted a surface reconnaissance
and subsurface exploration to evaluate physical and engineering properties of the subsurface
conditions. Subsurface conditions were explored by drilling seven small-diameter exploratory
boreholes between depths of 14.5 feet and 28.0 feet below the ground surface.
a. 1. Fault Rupture. The project site is not located in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zone. Because no active or potentially active faults are known to cross the site, there is
no risk of fault rupture across the site and there would be no impact from hazards related
to fault rupture.
2. Seismically-Induced Ground Shaking. The closest mapped faults are a main trace of
the potentially active Berrocal fault which is located approximately 0.9 miles to the
southwest of the site. The site is located between concealed surface traces of the active
Monte Vista – Shannon fault zone, with traces approaching within 1,000 feet to the
northeast and 1,775 feet to the southwest. The active San Andreas fault zone is mapped
approximately four miles southwest of the project site (Milestone 2018 p. 4). The
property is expected to experience violent ground shaking during large earthquakes on
the nearby segment of the San Andreas fault system. However, implementation of the
Town’s conditions will ensure there are no impacts related to the risk of loss, injury, or
death associated with seismically induced ground shaking.
3, 4. Landslide and Liquefaction. Based on the lack of ground water and the gradation
and density of the materials encountered during the geotechnical consultant’s
exploration, the potential for liquefaction is considered to be low. According to the
general plan EIR, the site is not located in a liquefaction zone or landslide zone.
b. Approximately 79 percent (or 32,512 square feet) of the 0.94-acre project parcel is
covered with the impervious surfaces of the site’s building, concrete slab foundation, and
asphalt parking lot. Project development would result a slight increase of impervious
surface area by 657 square feet to 33,169 square feet of impervious surface area. The
post-construction design of the project site consists of landscaping and storm water
control measures that would encourage groundwater infiltration. Additionally, the
proposed project would not create slopes on the site that would increase the risk of long-
term erosion. Therefore, potential erosion-related impacts would be limited to the
construction period. Project plans include a preliminary interim erosion control plan
(applicable to and construction activities), and a preliminary storm water management
plan that identifies proposed pervious and impervious surface and disposition of
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anticipated runoff. These plans are shown on sheets C-6, -7, and -8 in the project plans,
included in the proposed development plans in Appendix A. Implementation of the
preliminary interim erosion control and storm water management plans, and compliance
with Town Code Section 22.30.035 will ensure that impacts related to erosion and loss of
topsoil would be less than significant.
c/d. The geotechnical report determined that localized substandard backfill was present
which is unstable and weaker near surface soil. However, the report determined that the
geotechnical conditions of the site are suitable for the proposed construction.
Implementation of the Town’s conditions will ensure there will not be impacts related to
unstable or expansive soils.
e. The proposed project would connect to the Town’s sanitary sewer system and would not
require the use of a septic system or alternative disposal system.
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8. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment?
(4,10,34)
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
(4,10,34)
Comments:
a/b. The proposed project would result in new greenhouse gas emissions during its
construction and operational phases. Construction emissions would be generated by
equipment used during the site preparation and building construction processes.
Operational emissions would be generated primarily by employee and visitor vehicle
trips, and indirectly by use of electricity and natural gas on site, by use of electricity to
pump water supply and treat wastewater, and from decomposition of solid waste
generated by commercial uses.
The proposed project is located within the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(hereinafter “air district”). The air district is charged with managing air quality within its
boundaries. The air district has published comprehensive guidance on evaluating,
determining significance of, and mitigating GHG impacts of projects and plans. The
guidance is contained in the air district’s 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines (hereinafter
“2017 CEQA Guidelines”). The 2017 CEQA Guidelines identify three thresholds of
significance options for operational-related GHG emissions for land use development
projects: 1) compliance with a qualified GHG reduction strategy; 2) annual emissions
less than 1,100 metric tons per year (MT/yr) of CO2e; or 3) emissions below 4.6 MT
CO2e/service population/yr, where service population equals the sum of residents plus
employees generated by a project).
The Town of Los Gatos does not specifically have a greenhouse gas emissions reduction
plan; however, policies in both the general plan and the Los Gatos Sustainability Plan
(hereinafter “sustainability plan”) include measures that would reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. The sustainability plan is the Town’s principal tool in implementing the
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sustainability objectives of the general plan. The sustainability plan presents the Town’s
strategy to achieve sustainability in transportation, land use, energy conservation, water
use, solid waste reduction and open space preservation. Implementation of the
sustainability plan should reduce GHG emissions by approximately 30 percent from the
business-as-usual assumption by 2020.
The 2017 CEQA Guidelines, Table 3-1 Criteria Air Pollutants and Precursors and GHG
Screening Level Sizes, identifies land uses by size that are typically not expected to result
in operational GHG emissions that would exceed air district thresholds. The applicable
land use category of the air district’s screening criteria table for the project is “general
office building”. For operational impacts from GHG emissions, the screening size is
19,000 square feet for a retail commercial building and 53,000 square feet for a general
office building. The project consists of approximately 13,629 square feet of commercial
buildings (of which 2,312 square feet is already existing). The project is below the air
district’s screening thresholds for such uses and would have a less-than-significant impact
related to operational GHG emissions.
The air district has not adopted a threshold of significance for construction-related GHG
emissions. During site preparation and construction of the project, GHGs would be
emitted through the operation of construction equipment and from worker/builder
supply vehicles, which typically use fossil-based fuels to operate. Project excavation,
grading, and construction would be temporary, occurring only over the construction
period, and would not result in a permanent increase in GHG emissions. The impact
from construction emissions associated with the project, therefore, would be less than
significant.
Therefore, the proposed project would generate greenhouse gases that have a less-than-
significant impact on the environment and would not conflict with an applicable plan,
policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse
gases.
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9. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS M ATERIALS
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials? (4)
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous materials
into the environment? (4)
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one-quarter mile
of an existing or proposed school? (4, 5)
d. Be located on a site which is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code section
65962.5 and, as a result, create a significant
hazard to the public or the environment?
(24, 25)
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 a public-use airport, result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area? (4, 5, 6)
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
(4, 5, 6)
g. Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
(1, 4, 5, 6)
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
h. Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury, or death involving
wildland fires, including where wildlands
area adjacent to urbanized areas or where
residences are intermixed with wildlands?
(4, 22, 23)
Comments:
a/b. The proposed project would not involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of
hazardous waste or result in the release of hazardous materials into the environment.
However, construction of the proposed project may involve the use and transport of
hazardous materials. These materials may include fuels, oils, mechanical fluids, and
other chemicals typically used during construction. Transportation, storage, use and
disposal of hazardous materials during construction activities would be required to
comply with applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations. Enforcement of
hazardous material regulations and rapid response by local agencies would reduce the
proposed project’s impact on the transportation, use, and disposal of hazardous materials
to less than significant.
c. The project site is within one-quarter mile of three schools: Fischer Middle School (0.2
mile to the west), Louise Van Meter Elementary School (0.25 mile to the south), and
Shannon Nursery School (0.2 mile to the east). The Shir Hadash Early Childhood
Center is located approximately 0.30 mile to the east, and Blossom Hill Elementary is
located approximately 0.35 mile to the northeast. As described in item “a-b” above, the
project would not require the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
d. A search of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board’s GeoTracker database
(within a 1,000-foot radius from the project site) identified five sites, including the project
site, with previous environmental issues – now listed as completed/case closed – and one
listed as open/verification monitoring. These sites are listed in Table 1, Hazardous
Materials Sites in Project Vicinity.
All cases listed in Table 1 are closed except for the one located at King’s Court Shopping
Center, approximately 0.10 of a mile north of the project site. The site is the location of a
former dry cleaning business (King’s Court Cleaners) that operated from 1961 through
1980. This case involves soil and shallow groundwater contamination involving
perchloroethylene (PCE), used by the dry cleaning business to perform cleaning services.
According to the fact sheet prepared for the site by the Regional Water Quality Control
Board, there is no known use of shallow groundwater underlying the site for municipal,
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domestic, industrial, or agricultural water supply. This case has been listed with a status
of “Open - Verification Monitoring” since 2002. This status definition means that site
remediation is complete and a monitoring/sampling program is occurring to confirm
successful completion of cleanup at the site. No active remediation is considered
necessary or no additional active remediation is anticipated. Therefore, contamination
from this case would not affect the project site.
Table 1 Hazardous Materials in Project Vicinity
Site Name Global ID Status1
(Date Case
Closed)
Case Type Address
A & M Motors T0608591735 Completed - Case
Closed (1999)
Other/ Substance
Release
16165 Los
Gatos
Boulevard
EXXON #7-
0223
T0608547563 Completed - Case
Closed (2004)
Leaking
Underground Tank
700 Blossom
Hill Road
Former South
Bay Honda
T10000003448 Completed - Case
Closed (2012)
Other/Substance
Release
16213 Los
Gatos
Boulevard
King's Court
Shopping
Center
Sl18314734 Open -
Verification
Monitoring (N/A)
Other/ Substance
Release
728 Blossom
Hill Road
Los Gatos
Acura
T0608536423 Completed - Case
Closed (1997)
Leaking
Underground Tank
16151 Los
Gatos
Boulevard
West Valley
Dodge
(project site)
T0608501657 Completed - Case
Closed (1996)
Leaking
Underground Tank
16212 Los
Gatos
Boulevard
Source: RWQCB 2018; Google Earth 2018.
Notes: 1 Project Status Definitions
Completed – Case Closed: A closure letter or other formal closure decision document has been issued for the site.
Open – Verification Monitoring: Remediation phases are essentially complete and a monitoring/sampling program is
occurring to confirm successful completion of cleanup at the Site. (E.g. No “active” remediation is considered necessary or
no additional “active” remediation is anticipated as needed. Active remediation system(s) has/have been shut-off and the
potential for a rebound in contaminant concentrations is under evaluation).
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A search of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control Envirostor database
indicates no toxic cleanup incidents on or in the vicinity of the project site.
e/f. The project site is not within an airport land use plan, within two miles of a public
airport, or near a private landing strip. The nearest airports are San Jose International
Airport, seven miles to the north, and Reid-Hillview Airport, nine miles to the northeast.
The project would not result in a safety hazard for people working in the project area.
g. The Town’s Emergency Operations Plan identifies potential threats and outlines response
protocols and procedures. Evacuations are considered most likely in response to a dam
failure or wildfire. In general, during emergencies, major roads, highways, hospitals, and
fire stations are important to the initial response. Schools, churches, and community
centers are frequently used as assembly points for persons displaced from homes, or for
distribution of emergency supplies. The project site is adjacent to a major road (Los
Gatos Boulevard) and within 0.4 mile of a fire station. However, the proposed project
would not impede access along Los Gatos Boulevard or to the fire station, or interfere
with response during an emergency. There would be no impact related to
implementation of an emergency plan.
h. The proposed project site is located in a local responsibility area, but is not located in a
zone of Very High Fire Hazard, as identified in the general plan. The project is not
adjacent to or intermixed with wildlands. There is no risk of exposure of people or
structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires.
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10. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements? (4, 19, 20, 21)
b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net
deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the
local groundwater table level (e.g., would the
production rate of preexisting nearby wells
drop to a level which would not support
existing land uses or planned uses for which
permits have been granted? (4,5,6,15)
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river, in a manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
(4, 19, 20)
d. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river, or substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface run-off in a manner which
would result in flooding on- or off-site?
(4, 19, 20)
e. Create or contribute run-off water, which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned storm water drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted run-off? (4, 19, 20)
f. Otherwise substantially degrade water
quality? (4, 19, 20)
g. Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard
area as mapped on Federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or
other flood hazard delineation map? (2, 4)
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
h. Place within a 100-year flood hazard area
structures which would impede or redirect
flood flows? (2, 4)
i. Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury, or death involving
flooding, including flooding as a result of the
failure of a levee or dam? (4, 13, 29)
j. Cause inundation by seiche, tsunami, or
mudflow? (4, 5, 6)
Comments:
a. Water Quality Standards. In order to comply with the State-issued National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Regional Permit (MRP), Order R2-
2015-0049, NPDES Permit No. CAS612008, adopted on November 19, 2015, the Town
of Los Gatos are required to place Conditions of Approval related to storm water quality
control on certain “regulated” development projects. Regulated projects include all
projects that create and/or replace 10,000 sq. ft. or more of impervious surface on the
project site. Approximately 79 percent, or 32,512 square feet, of the 0.94-acre project site
is currently covered with impervious surfaces. When completed, the project would result
in a 657 square foot increase in impervious surfaces to 33,169 square feet. The project
would require the replacement of 19,141 square feet of impervious surfaces and would
include 7,532 square feet of new impervious surface. Therefore, the project would be a
regulated project subject to storm water quality control (Town of Los Gatos Provision
C.3 Data Form p. 1 and Notice for Developers & Contractors State of California
Stormwater Regulations p. 1).
All regulated projects are required to implement Low Impact Development (LID) source
control, site design, and storm water treatment in accordance with Provisions C.3.c. and
C.3.d. of the NPDES permit. The goal of LID is to reduce runoff and mimic a site’s
predevelopment hydrology by minimizing disturbed areas and impervious cover and
then infiltrating, storing, detaining, evapotranspiring, and/or biotreating stormwater
runoff close to its source. Each regulated project is reviewed by the Town’s stormwater
treatment consultant to certify the project’s compliance with the NPDES permit
requirements. An agreement with the Town outlining the treatment facilities installed
and the on-going operation, maintenance and reporting obligations will be the final
requirement.
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Additionally, Town Code Section 22.30.035 requires permanent storm water pollution
prevention measures for development projects to reduce water quality impacts of storm
water runoff from the site in accordance with the Town's current NPDES storm water
discharge permit, and the Town's policy for storm water management requirements for
new development and redevelopment projects.
The project would be required to adhere with the above referenced standards which
would ensure the project would not violate any water quality standards.
Waste Discharge Requirements. The West Valley Sanitation District provides
wastewater collection and disposal services for Campbell, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos,
much of Saratoga, and some unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. The West
Valley Sanitation District has a fixed allocation of the San Jose/Santa Clara Wastewater
Treatment Facility (Town of Los Gatos 2010a, p 4.14-18). The Regional Water Quality
Control Board strictly monitors the wastewater treatment facility’s discharges and sets
requirements in the facility’s NPDES wastewater discharge permit according to
wastewater discharge requirements (San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility.
Fact Sheet p. 1). The project would connect to the city maintained sewer system and
therefore, the proposed project would not violate any waste discharge requirements.
b. Approximately 92 percent, or 38,515 square feet, of the 0.94-acre project site is currently
covered with impervious surfaces. Once developed, the project would result in a net
decrease in impervious surfaces to 32,960 square feet. Therefore, the project would result
in an increase in pervious surfaces and would not interfere with groundwater recharge;
i.e. there would not be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local
groundwater table level when compared to the existing on-site conditions.
According to the geotechnical report, no groundwater was detected to the maximum
depth explored of 26 feet below ground surface (Milestone Geotechnical 2010, p 10). The
proposed project does not include groundwater extraction and would not substantially
deplete groundwater supplies.
c-f. Urban development has the potential to substantially alter the existing drainage pattern
of a site and result in the release of pollutants that can degrade the quality of downstream
waters which would result in substantial erosion, siltation, or flooding on- or off-site.
Additionally, development can create or contribute run-off water, which would exceed
the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted run-off. The proposed project has the potential to generate
pollution in storm water runoff during construction and operations. The project will be
required to implement Low Impact Development (LID) source control, site design, and
storm water treatment in accordance with Provisions C.3.c. and C.3.d. of the NPDES
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permit as discussed in item “a.” The project plans include a preliminary interim erosion
control plan (applicable to demolition and construction activities), and a preliminary
storm water management plan that identifies proposed pervious and impervious surfaces,
disposition of anticipated runoff volumes, and storm water treatment methods to
safeguard water quality in site runoff and prevent erosion and siltation during
construction and operation of the proposed project. These plans are shown on sheets C-
6, -7, and -8 in the project plans, included in the proposed development plans in
Appendix A. Implementation of the Town’s storm water requirements and preliminary
interim erosion control and storm water management plans would ensure that the project
would not result in the a substantial alteration of the drainage pattern of the site such that
it would cause the release of pollutants or result in substantial erosion, siltation, flooding
or exceedance of the storm drainage system.
g/h. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone map in
the general plan EIR (Figure 4.8-1), the project site is not located in a flood zone.
i. The project site is within a dam failure inundation area. The project site is downstream
of the Lenihan Dam at Lexington Reservoir on Los Gatos Creek, and is subject to
flooding in the event of a dam failure. Lenihan Dam was seismically upgraded and the
state inspects dams regularly to ensure safety; therefore, dam failure is unlikely, and the
impact is less than significant.
j. The project site is not located adjacent to a large body of water, so seiches and tsunamis
are not possible. The project site is essentially level and surrounded by nearly level
ground, so mudflows are not possible.
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11. LAND U SE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Physically divide an established community?
(4,5,6)
b. Conflict with any applicable land-use plan,
policy, or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including, but
not limited to, the general plan, specific plan,
local coastal program, or zoning ordinance)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
(1,2,3)
c. Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan? (4,5,6)
Comments:
a. The surrounding area is developed with commercial, retail, and residential land uses.
The site is bordered on two sides by public roadways (Los Gatos Boulevard and
Shannon Road) with sidewalks and bike lanes. The proposed project includes re-use of
the existing commercial building and the addition of a second commercial building. The
project is adding to an existing on-site commercial use and would not divide an
established community.
b. Applicable policies of the general plan and zoning code were reviewed by the consultant
and it was determined that the proposed project would not conflict with any applicable
land use plan policies adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental impact.
c. The project site is not located within a designated natural community conservation plan
and, for the reasons described in item “f” in Section 4, Biological Resources, the
proposed project would not conflict with or impair implementation of the Santa Clara
Valley Habitat Conservation Plan. Therefore, no impacts would occur.
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12. MINERAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Result in loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to
the region and the residents of the state?
(1)
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated in a local general plan, specific
plan, or other land-use plan? (1)
Comments:
a/b. The general plan EIR determined that mineral resources are not significant in the Town.
Several limestone quarries operated south of Los Gatos in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The nearest active quarries are the Lexington Quarry, east of Lexington Reservoir, and
the Lehigh Permanente and Stevens Creek quarries west of Cupertino. There is no active
mining at or near the project site or anywhere within the Town. There are no known
mineral resources in the vicinity of the project site.
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13. NOISE
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Result in exposure of persons to or
generation of noise levels in excess of
standards established in the local general
plan or noise ordinance, or in applicable
standards of other agencies? (1,18)
b. Result in exposure of persons to or
generation of excessive ground-borne
vibration or ground borne noise levels?
(4,5,6)
c. Result in a substantial permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels existing without the project?
(4,5,6,18)
d. Result in a substantial temporary or periodic
increase in ambient noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels existing without the
project? (4,5,6)
e. For a project located within an airport land-
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public-use airport, expose people residing
or working in the project area to excessive
noise levels? (5,6)
f. For a project located within the vicinity of a
private airstrip, expose people residing or
working in the project area to excessive noise
levels? (5,6)
Comments:
a. The discussion below is based, in part, on the Envelope Acoustical Design (noise
analysis) prepared by Veneldasen Associates in February 2011 for the Laurel Mews
residential project located at 16213 Los Gatos Boulevard and the noise impact section
included in the initial study prepared for that project (Geier & Geier 2011). The Laurel
Mews site is located diagonally from the project site across Los Gatos Boulevard.
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The Noise Element of general plan contains guidelines for land use planning to reduce
future noise and land use incompatibilities (see Figure NOI-1 of the Noise Element).
These guidelines define noise level acceptability by land use. According to the Town’s
noise level guidelines for commercial uses, noise levels up to 70 dBA (LDN or CNEL)
are "normally acceptable" while noise levels between 67 dBA and 77 dBA are
"conditionally acceptable." Noise levels between 75 dBA and 85 dBA are "normally
unacceptable." There are no "clearly unacceptable" noise levels identified for this use.
The Noise Element also establishes outdoor noise limits (see Table NOI-2 of the Noise
Element), which represent long-range community goals for different land use
designations within the Town. For commercial uses, the goal is 70 dBA (LDN).
The Noise Element establishes goals and policies for reducing noise levels in the Town.
Policies aimed at reducing noise levels must address specific sources of unwanted noise,
as well as noise-sensitive receptors.
The noise analysis prepared for the Laurel Mews residential project determined that pre-
project noise levels on that site ranged from 57 – 68 dBA (LDN). Future (2030) with
project noise levels at that site would increase by approximately 1dBA across the site.
Given the proximity of the project site to the Laurel Mews site, it can be assumed that
noise levels at the project site would be similar, although daytime noise levels may be
higher at the Laurel Mews site due to proximity to the auto repair shop located on the
northwest intersection of Los Gatos Boulevard and Roberts Road, with auto repair bays
located on Roberts Road.
The project site would be subject to noise levels attributable to traffic along Los Gatos
Boulevard that are considered "normally acceptable” for the proposed commercial uses.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is necessary.
b. Operation of the proposed project would not result in exposure of persons to, or
generation of, excessive ground-borne vibration or ground borne noise levels. Vibration
levels generated during project construction activities may at times be perceptible at
neighboring land uses, but vibration levels would not be excessive or result in cosmetic
or structural damage to buildings.
c. The main source of operational noise associated with the proposed commercial project
would be traffic noise. Long‐term, permanent increases in ambient noise levels would be
primarily associated with increases in vehicle traffic on nearby roadways. According to
the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, doubling of
the noise source produces only a 3 dB increase in sound pressure level. A 3 dB change in
sound level is barely detectable by the human ear. The greatest effect of project traffic
would occur along Los Gatos Boulevard between Roberts Road and Shannon Road
during the PM peak hour. The PM Peak hour number of vehicle trips along this roadway
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segment is 2,104 vehicles. The proposed project would add 21trips to this segment during
the PM peak hour, for a total of 2,125 trips representing an increase of in traffic volume
by 0.99 percent (traffic impact analysis Appendix E). Therefore, project‐generated
increase in traffic volumes would not substantially increase noise levels in the project
vicinity.
d. Equipment that produces noise will be used during the short-term construction process.
Residences and businesses are located adjacent to and near the project site. Use of
construction equipment could be a short-term source of impact on these noise-sensitive
uses. However, implementation of Town conditions would ensure significant impacts are
avoided.
e/f. The project site is not within an airport land use plan, is not within two miles of a public
airport, and is not near a private landing strip. The nearest airports are San Jose
International Airport, seven miles to the north, and Reid-Hillview Airport, nine miles to
the northeast. Flights generally approach San Jose International Airport through the
Coyote Valley, and depart over south San Francisco Bay. Flights approaching San
Francisco Airport generally pass over the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Los Gatos.
Most aircraft do not pass over Los Gatos.
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14. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
Impact
a. Induce substantial population growth in an
area, either directly (e.g., by proposing new
homes and businesses) or indirectly (e.g.,
through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)? (4)
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere? (4)
c. Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere? (4)
Comments:
a. The proposed project would not result in population growth or foster growth beyond that
planned in the general plan. Therefore, there would be no indirect impacts related to
construction of infrastructure as a result of population growth.
b/c. There are no existing houses or people on the project site that would be displaced by the
proposed project.
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15 PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of
or 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 following public services:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a. Fire protection? (4,5,6)
b. Police protection? (4,5,6)
c. Schools? (2,4)
d. Parks? (4,5,6)
e. Other public facilities? (4)
Comments:
a-e. Existing development on the site is served by public services. The proposed project is not
a population generating project and would not significantly increase the demand for
public services such that new or altered facilities would be required.
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16. RECREATION
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a. Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated? (4,5,6,18)
b. Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities, which
might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment? (4,5,6,18)
Comments:
a/b. The proposed project would not increase local population or increase demand for
recreational facilities such that construction or expansion of existing facilities would be
required. The project's future employees may result in an incremental increase in the use
of nearby recreational facilities, but would not have significant impacts on existing park
and recreational facilities or result in environmental impacts from the construction of
additional park and recreational facilities.
Nearby recreational facilities include Blossom Hill Park (0.6 mile to the east), Vasona
County Park (0.5 mile to the west), Oak Meadow Park (0.6 mile to the west), Los Gatos
Creek Trail (0.5 mile to the west), Fischer Middle School (0.2 mile to the west), Louise
Van Meter Elementary School (0. 25 mile to the south), and Los Gatos High School (0.8
mile to the southwest).
The project vicinity is served by a large number of additional existing park and
recreational facilities. Parks and recreational programs serving or located close to the
project site are operated by the Town, the City of Campbell, the Los Gatos Saratoga
Community and Recreation District, Santa Clara County Parks Department, Mid-
Peninsula Open Space District, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
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17. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant Impact
No
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 and relevant
components of the circulation system,
including but not limited to intersections,
streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian
and bicycle paths, and mass transit? (17)
b. Conflict with an applicable congestion
management program, including, but not
limited to level of service standards and
travel demand measures, or other standards
established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways? (17)
c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels or
a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks? (4)
d. Substantially increase hazards due to a
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses
(e.g., farm equipment)? (17)
e. Result in inadequate emergency access?
(4, 17)
f. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or
programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or
pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease
the performance or safety of such facilities?
(4, 5, 6, 17, 33)
Comments:
This section is based on the 16212 Los Gatos Boulevard Mixed-Use Development Traffic Impact
Analysis (traffic impact analysis) prepared by Hexagon Transportation Consultants on November
19, 2018. The impacts of the project were evaluated in accordance with the standards set forth by
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the Town of Los Gatos. Traffic conditions at the study intersections were analyzed for the
weekday AM, school PM, and PM peak hours of adjacent street traffic. The AM peak hour of
adjacent street traffic is generally between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, the school PM peak hour is
typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and the PM peak hour of adjacent street traffic is
typically between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Traffic studies do not typically include the 2:00-4:00
PM period because it is not as busy as the commute hours. However, this site is near schools, so
the streets are busy at school dismissal times. It is during these periods on an average weekday
that the most congested traffic conditions occur. The study intersections are listed below.
1. Blossom Hill Road and Roberts Road
2. Los Gatos Boulevard and Blossom Hill Road
3. Los Gatos Boulevard and Roberts Road/Shannon Road
4. Los Gatos Boulevard and Nino Avenue
Intersection Thresholds of Significance. Traffic conditions at the study intersections were
evaluated using level of service (LOS). Level of Service is a qualitative description of operating
conditions ranging from LOS A, or free-flow conditions with little or no delay, to LOS F, or
jammed conditions with excessive delays. The Town of Los Gatos LOS methodology for
signalized intersections is the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) method. This method is
applied using the TRAFFIX software. The 2000 HCM operations method evaluates signalized
and unsignalized intersection operations on the basis of average control delay time for all
vehicles at the intersection. The Town of Los Gatos LOS standard for all signalized intersections
is LOS D or better. A project is said to create a significant adverse impact on traffic conditions at
an intersection if, for either peak hour, either of the following conditions occurs: 1) the addition
of project traffic causes an intersection operating at LOS A, B, or C under no-project conditions
to degrade more than one letter grade under with-project conditions, or 2) the level of service at
an intersection is LOS D under no-project conditions and the addition of project traffic causes a
degradation of level of service to LOS E or F.
a/b. Performance Standards. In order to determine potential traffic impacts associated with
future development of the project, the traffic impact analysis evaluated six study
scenarios: Existing Conditions, Existing Plus Project Conditions, Background
Conditions, Background Plus Project Conditions, Cumulative Conditions, and
Cumulative Plus Project Conditions. The LOS calculation sheets for each of these
scenarios are included in Tables 5 through 7 of the traffic impact analysis (Appendix E).
Existing Conditions and Existing Plus Project Conditions. The results of the
intersection level-of-service analysis under existing conditions and existing plus project
conditions show all study intersections would operate at or better than their respective
level of service standards.
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Background and Background Plus Project Conditions. The results of the intersection
level-of-service analysis under background conditions and background plus project
conditions show all study intersections would operate at or better than their respective
level of service standards.
Cumulative and Cumulative Plus Project Conditions The results of the intersection
LOS analysis under cumulative conditions show that all study intersections would
operate at acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better) during the AM, school PM, and
PM peak hours. Under cumulative plus project conditions, the results of the intersection
level of service show that, measured against the Town of Los Gatos level of service
standards, all the study intersections would continue to operate at an acceptable LOS D
or better during the AM, school PM, and PM peak hours. According to the Town of Los
Gatos significant intersection impact criteria, the proposed project would not generate
any significant intersection impacts under cumulative plus project conditions.
The Town requires a Traffic Control Plan for each project to control construction traffic,
including limiting haul and delivery truck traffic during the morning and afternoon peak
hours to facilitate the flow of commuter traffic. The Traffic Control Plan sets the routes
allowed for construction traffic to facilitate traffic flow and minimize travel delay in the
event of overlapping construction traffic from other projects occurring in the vicinity,
including projects from neighboring jurisdictions. Because the Traffic Control Plan is
required, construction traffic impacts would be less than significant.
c. The proposed project would not affect air travel.
d. The Shannon Road driveway provides full access to the project site, whereas the Los
Gatos Boulevard driveway is restricted to right-in and right-out only because of the
median on Los Gatos Boulevard. The proposed project would extend the median to
ensure that left-turning vehicles could not use the driveway to enter or exit. The width of
the existing driveway on Shannon Road is 22 feet and Los Gatos Boulevard is 25 feet,
which meet the City’s requirement. The project driveways would be located as far as
possible from the traffic signal at Los Gatos Boulevard and Shannon Road in order to
maximize queuing storage and to minimize turning movement conflicts at the
intersection.
The proposed project would make safety improvements and not increase hazards due to
a design feature. Refer to item “f” for discussion of bicycle and pedestrian safety features.
e. The site plan indicates that there would be sufficient space on-site to accommodate
emergency trucks to conduct a three-point turn to turn around on site. Additionally,
because the project driveways on Los Gatos Boulevard and Shannon Road would be
connected internally, the site plan allows emergency vehicles to access from one
driveway and exit at the other driveway without having to turn around onsite.
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f. The project site is well-served by existing bicycle facilities. There is an existing Class II
bike lane on Los Gatos Boulevard. Additional bicycle facilities within the project vicinity
include bike lanes on Blossom Hill Road, Cherry Blossom Lane, and on Los Gatos-
Almaden Road, as well as the Los Gatos Creek trail. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a
Class I bike facility that runs in a north-south direction just west of Highway 17.
Shannon Road is designated bike route near the project vicinity (Traffic Impact Analysis
p. 36).
As part of a Safe Routes to School Plan, the project developer proposes to make various
improvements along its frontage to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety. The proposed
project includes a protected bike lane on Los Gatos Boulevard with a painted buffer
between the bike lane and the traveled lanes that would enhance the safety of cyclists and
would not interfere with the project driveway or vice versa (Traffic Impact Analysis
p. 38). Also, a bike box would be added to Shannon Road that would increase bicyclist
visibility for drivers and enhance bicyclist safety crossing the intersection.
Pedestrian activity could occur between the site and retail centers located along Los
Gatos Boulevard and Roberts Road, as well as the closest bus stops, located about 75 feet
north and 200 feet to the south of the project site. There are existing sidewalks on Los
Gatos Boulevard that connect the site to the bus stops and to the shopping. The project
would increase pedestrian safety by moving the curb out ten feet on Los Gatos
Boulevard to widen the sidewalk. The pork-chop island and the right turn slip lane
would be removed on Shannon Road, which would reduce the pedestrian crossing
distance. The proposed project would move the cross walk located at the east approach
of the Shannon Road to the west approach of the Robert Road leg for additional
pedestrian safety. Due to the location of the project site near schools, these
improvements will not only encourage more pedestrians and bicyclists to walk or bike
but also provide safety to the school students.
There is transit service on Los Gatos Boulevard is adjacent to the site. It is not expected
that the proposed project would generate a significant amount of transit ridership or
create a significant impact to intersection levels of service along transit routes. Therefore,
the project would not significantly impact transit facilities and transit travel times.
The project would not decrease the performance or safety of bicycle, pedestrian, or
transit facilities or conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public
transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities.
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18. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-than-Significant
Impact with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated
Less-Than-
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource,
defined in Public Resources Code section
21074 as either a site, feature, place, or
cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of the
landscape, sacred place, or object with
cultural value to a California Native
American tribe, and that is:
(1) Listed or eligible for listing in the
California Register of Historical
Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in Public
Resources code section 5020.1(k), or
(1, 2, 3, 17)
(2) A resource determined by the lead
agency, in its discretion and supported by
substantial evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code
Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead
agency shall consider the significance of
the resource to a California Native
American tribe. (1, 2, 3)
Comments:
a. The CEQA statute as amended by Assembly Bill (AB) 52 (Public Resources Code
Sections 21073 and 21074) define “California Native American tribe” and “tribal
cultural resources.” A California Native American tribe is defined as a Native American
tribe located in California that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American
Heritage Commission. “Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 outlines procedures
for tribal consultation as part of the environmental review process.
No California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the
project area requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code section
21080.3.1.
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19. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements
of the applicable Regional Water Quality
Control Board? (2,4)
b. Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant
environmental effects? (2,4)
c. Require or result in the construction of new
storm water drainage facilities or expansion
of existing facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
effects? (4)
d. Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project from existing entitlements
and resources, or are new or expanded
entitlements needed? (4)
e. Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider, which serves or may
serve the project that it has inadequate
capacity to serve the project’s projected
demand in addition to the provider’s existing
commitments? (2)
f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the
project’s solid-waste disposal needs? (4,30,
31)
g. Comply with federal, state, and local statues
and regulations related to solid waste?
(4, 31)
Comments:
a/b/e. West Valley Sanitation District provides wastewater collection and disposal services for
the Town of Los Gatos. Wastewater treatment would occur at the San Jose/Santa Clara
Water Pollution Control Plant located in Alviso. The treatment plant has a licensed
capacity of 167 million gallons per day (mgd) and the flow rate in 2010 was below
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110 mgd, which represented a drop of over 20 mgd since 2000. The treatment plant has a
planned capacity of 450 mgd. At a generation rate of 0.076 gallons per square foot per
day, a total of 853.48 gallons per day of wastewater generation would be introduced into
the system (in addition to the 182.4 gallons per day currently generated on site. New on-
site wastewater laterals would be installed and off-site wastewater collection pipe
connections would be required. The West Valley Sanitation District has adequate
collection facilities and treatment capacity to accommodate wastewater flows from the
proposed commercial development.
c. The proposed project would collect and treat storm water in on-site bioswales, with
overflow storm water directed off the project site to an existing drainage conveyance
system. Storm drainage would flow to existing drain lines in Los Gatos Boulevard and
Shannon Road. Approximately 92 percent, or 32,512 square feet, of the 0.94-acre project
site is currently covered with impervious surfaces. Once developed, the project would
result in a small increase in impervious surfaces to 33,169 square feet. (See discussion
under item c/d/e in Section 9, Hydrology and Water Quality.)
All projects that create and/or replace 10,000 sq. ft. or more of impervious surface on the
project site Therefore, the proposed project would we required to comply with
appropriate design measures to control storm water runoff pollutant discharges.
d. The proposed project would develop the project site with new uses that would use water
provided by the San Jose Water Company. Using the future projected commercial
demand factor from the general plan EIR, 0.0751 gallons per square foot per day, a total
of 1,023.61 gallons per day, or 1.15 acre-feet of water per year. Landscape irrigation is
assumed to be included within the overall commercial rate. It is expected that water
needs of the proposed project would be met with existing entitlements and resources.
f. West Valley Collection & Recycling is the exclusive recycling, compostable waste, and
garbage hauler for the Town of Los Gatos, the cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, and
Saratoga and unincorporated Santa Clara County. Most compostable waste and garbage
are transported to the Guadalupe Landfill, located off Hicks Road southeast of the
project site; less than 10 percent of waste is disposed of at other landfills within the state.
The Guadalupe Landfill has operated at the site (initially as an open burn facility) since
1929, and is owned by the Guadalupe Rubbish Disposal Company. The Guadalupe
Landfill is a Class III solid waste landfill with a total permitted capacity of 28.6 million
cubic yards. As of January 2011, the landfill had used approximately 11 million cubic
yards (about 61 percent of its capacity) and is expected to reach its capacity in about
2048 (CalRecycle 2018).
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Based on a disposal rate of 8.1 pounds per employee per day with 23 employees, the
proposed project would generate about 186 pounds of solid waste per day
(approximately 34 tons per year). Implementation of the General Plan policies for solid
waste handling would promote waste reduction and compliance with recycling
regulations. The landfill has adequate landfill space through 2048, and adequate landfill
space would be available for the proposed project. The proposed project's impact on solid
waste services would be less than significant.
g. The California Integrated Waste Management Board sets disposal targets for each
jurisdiction in the state. For Los Gatos, the 2015 targets were 6.0 pounds per day per
resident and 11.6 pounds per day per employee. The Town exceeded those targets by
limiting residential disposal to 4.5 pounds per person per day, and non-residential
disposal to 8.1 pounds per person per day. The proposed project would have the same
recycling and diversion opportunities, so disposal rates would be similar to the Town’s
existing rates. Therefore, the proposed project would be in compliance with solid waste
regulations.
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20 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than Significant
Impact with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
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 plant or animal
community; substantially reduce the number
or restrict the range of an endangered, rare,
or threatened species; or eliminate important
examples of the major periods of California
history or prehistory? (4, 5, 6, 18)
b. Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable”
means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past projects,
the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)
(2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 18, 21, 26, 27)
c. Does the project have environmental effects,
which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly? (4, 5, 6, 10)
Comments:
a. The project does not have a significant potential to degrade the quality of the
environment; substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species; cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels; threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community; substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of an
endangered, rare, or threatened species; or eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory.
b. The proposed project would not contribute to cumulative project impacts.
c. The project would not result in significant environmental effects that would cause
substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly.
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E. SOURCES
1. Town of Los Gatos. Town of Los Gatos 2020 General Plan. March 10, 2010a.
2. Town of Los Gatos. Town of Los Gatos 2020 General Plan EIR. June 16, 2010b.
3. The Los Gatos Town Code. Updated October 30, 2017.
4. Studio S Squared Architecture. Proposed Development Plans (dated April 12, 2019).
5. Aerial Photographs (Google Earth, Google Maps, Mapquest etc.)
6. Site visit by Rachel Hawkins, Associate Planner, EMC Planning Group, Inc.,
January 18, 2018.
7. California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Santa Clara
County Williamson Act FY 2015/2016 map. 2016.
8. California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection,
Santa Clara County Important Farmland Map 2014. 2016.
9. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Scenic Highways Program.
Accessed on February 22, 2018 at:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/design/lap/livability/scenic-highways/index.html.
10. Bay Area Air Quality Management District. May 2017. California Environmental Quality Act
Air Quality Guidelines. San Francisco, CA.
http://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/ceqa/ceqa_
guidelines_may2017-pdf.pdf?la=en
11. Bay Area Air Quality Management District. April 19, 2017. 2017 Clean Air Plan: Spare the
Air, Cool the Climate. San Francisco, CA.
http://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/plans/2017-clean-air-
plan/attachment-a_-proposed-final-cap-vol-1-pdf.pdf?la=en
12. Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE), Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition. 2012, as
presented in the traffic analysis prepared by Hexagon Transportation Consultants,
Inc., dated November 19, 2018.
13. Town of Los Gatos. Town of Los Gatos Flood Evacuation Route Program.
https://www.losgatosca.gov/1803/Flood-Evacuation-Information
16212 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD COMMERCIAL INITIAL STUDY
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14. Levison, Walter. Arborist Report: 16212 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos, California.
November 20, 2017.
15. Milstone Geotechnical. Geotechnical Feasibility letter report. Proposed Residential
Development, 16212 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos, California. June 9, 2014 revised
August 2018.
16. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. National Wetlands Inventory. 2018. Accessed on
January 29, 2018 at: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.HTML.
17. Hexagon Transportation Consultants, Inc. (Hexagon). Traffic Analysis for 16212
Los Gatos Boulevard Mixed-Use Development. November 19, 2018.
18. Geier & Geier Consulting, Inc. Initial Study for 16213 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos,
California. Prepared for the Town of Los Gatos Community Development
Department. August 2011.
19. Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program. Town of Los Gatos
Provision C.3 Data Form.
https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17565/WVCWP-C-3-Data-
Form_WV-20160914?bidId=. Accessed January 29, 2019.
20. Town of Los Gatos. Notice for Developers & Contractors State of California Stormwater
Regulations. Accessed January 29, 2019.
21. San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. Fact Sheet. April 25, 2016.
22. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Santa Clara County Fire Hazard
Severity Zones in LRA, Adopted by CAL FIRE on November 7, 2007.
23. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Santa Clara County Draft Fire
Hazard Severity Zones in LRA, as recommended by CAL FIRE, October 2008.
24. California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Geotracker database.
Accessed on January 18, 2018 at: http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov.
25. California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Envirostor database.
Accessed on January 18, 2018 at: http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov.
26. Intentionally Left Blank
27. Intentionally Left Blank
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28. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region (RWQCB).
Fact Sheet. Status of Environmental Clean-up. King’s Court Shopping Center. 728 Blossom Hill
Road, Los Gatos, Santa Clara County. January 2018.
29. Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD). Inundation Map of Lexington Dam. 2016.
30. CalRecycle. Website: Facility/Site Summary Details: Guadalupe Sanitary Landfill
(43-AN-0015). Accessed on January 19, 2019 at:
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/SWFacilities/Directory/43-AN-0015/Detail/.
31. CalRecycle. Jurisdiction Diversion/Disposal Rate Summary. Accessed on
February 18, 2019 at: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/LGCentral/Diversion
Program/JurisdictionDiversionPost2006.
32. Fehr and Peers. North 40 Specific Plan Draft Transportation Impact Analysis.
March 26, 2014.
33. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Santa Clara Countywide Bicycle Plan.
August 2008.
34. The Planning Center and Design Community & Environment. October 15, 2015.
Los Gatos Sustainability Plan. Town of Los Gatos, CA.
https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8162/LosGatos
Sustainability-Plan_October-2012_201308121810582238
All documents indicated in bold are available for review at the Los Gatos Community
Development Department, 110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030; (408) 354-6874
during normal business hours.
All documents listed above are available for review at EMC Planning Group Inc., 301
Lighthouse Avenue, Suite C, Monterey, California 93940, (831) 649-1799 during normal
business hours.
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