990 Wren Avenue Residential Project

Initial Study

File No: PLN2014-10384/10385 and CEQ2014-01177

City of Santa Clara

December 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE ...... 7 SECTION 2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION ...... 8 2.1 PROJECT TITLE ...... 8 2.2 PROJECT LOCATION...... 8 2.3 LEAD AGENCY CONTACT ...... 8 2.4 PROPERTY OWNER/PROJECT APPLICANT ...... 8 2.5 ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS ...... 8 2.6 ZONING DISTRICT AND GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATIONS...... 8 SECTION 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 12 SECTION 4.0 SETTING, ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST AND IMPACTS ...... 16 4.1 AESTHETICS ...... 16 4.2 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES ...... 22 4.3 AIR QUALITY ...... 24 4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 35 4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES ...... 49 4.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS ...... 56 4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ...... 60 4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ...... 66 4.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ...... 74 4.10 LAND USE ...... 82 4.11 MINERAL RESOURCES ...... 86 4.12 NOISE ...... 87 4.13 POPULATION AND HOUSING ...... 94 4.14 PUBLIC SERVICES ...... 96 4.15 RECREATION ...... 101 4.16 TRANSPORTATION ...... 103 4.17 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS ...... 106 4.18 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE ...... 111 SECTION 5.0 REFERENCES ...... 116 SECTION 6.0 AUTHORS AND CONSULTANTS ...... 119

990 Wren Avenue Residential Project Initial Study City of Santa Clara i December 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIGURES

Figure 2.2-1 Regional Map ...... 9 Figure 2.2-2 Vicinity Map ...... 10 Figure 2.2-3 Aerial ...... 11 Figure 3.1-1 Site Plan ...... 13 Figure 3.1-2 Elevations ...... 14 Figure 4.4-1 Habitat Map ...... 36 Figure 4.4-1 Tree Map ...... 41 Figure 4.8-1 Soil Sampling Locations ...... 68

TABLES

TABLE 4.3-1 Number of Ambient Air Quality Standards Violations and Highest Concentrations (2011-2013) ...... 24 TABLE 4.3-2 Thresholds of Significance Used in Air Quality Analyses ...... 27 TABLE 4.3-3 Summary of Cancer Risk, PM2.5 Concentrations, and Hazard Index ...... 30 TABLE 4.3-4 Summary of Cancer Risk, PM2.5 Concentrations, and Hazard Index During Construction ...... 32 TABLE 4.6-1 Active Faults Near the Project Site ...... 56 TABLE 4.9-1 Pervious and Impervious Surfaces On-Site ...... 78

APPENDICES

Appendix A Community Health Risk Assessment Appendix B Construction Toxic Air Contaminants Assessment Appendix C Biological Resources Report Appendix D Arborist Report Appendix E Archaeological Literature Review Appendix F Preliminary Historical Evaluation Appendix G Geotechnical Investigation Appendix H Environmental Site Assessment Appendix I Subsurface Investigation Report Appendix J Noise Assessment

990 Wren Avenue Residential Project Initial Study City of Santa Clara ii December 2014

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PROJECT LOCATION

The proposed project (APN: 313-31-003) is located at 900 Wren Avenue in the City of Santa Clara. The 0.72-acre site is located on the west side of Lawrence Expressway and on the east side of Calabazas Creek.

The site is bordered by a vacant lot to the north (a groundwater well site owned by the City) and residences to the south.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The project proposes to demolish the existing single-family residence on-site (including associated structures, hardscape, and ornamental landscaping) and construct five, two-story single-family houses. The project site would be divided into five parcels, a parcel for each proposed residence.

The project site is designated as Very Low Density Residential in the General Plan and zoned as R1- 6L - Single Family Residential. The proposed development is consistent with the General Plan designation. Due to the irregular shape of the site resulting in varying lot widths and the height of the proposed buildings, the project is inconsistent with the current zoning district and proposes rezoning the site to a Planned Development zoning district.

SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS

Several potentially significant impacts were identified associated with either construction or operation of the proposed project. Construction activities, including demolition, could result in temporary impacts to air quality and nesting migratory birds or roosting bats. Soil excavation during construction could potentially encounter subsurface cultural resources and/or expose construction workers and future residents to contaminated soil from prior agricultural activities. Development of the proposed project could expose future residents to excessive noise from Lawrence Expressway. Implementation of the identified mitigation measures and Standard Permit Conditions would reduce all significant impacts to a less than significant level.

The following table summarizes the significant impacts and identifies mitigation and avoidance measures for the proposed project.

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SIGNIFICANT IMPACT MITIGATION AND AVOIDANCE MEASURES

Air Quality Impacts

Impact AIR-1: Construction MM AIR 1-1: All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil activities would generate dust and piles, graded areas, and unpaved access roads) shall be other particulate matter that could watered two times per day. impact adjacent and nearby residents. MM AIR 1-2: All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be covered. (Significant Impact) MM AIR 1-3: All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.

MM AIR 1-4: All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.

MM AIR 1-5: All roadways, driveways, and sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible after grading to minimize dirt and soil exposure. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used.

MM AIR 1-6: Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control measure Title 13, Section 2485 of California Code of Regulations (CCR)). Clear signage shall be provided for construction workers at all access points.

MM AIR 1-7: All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. All equipment shall be checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper condition prior to operation.

MM AIR 1-8: Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact at the Lead Agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District’s phone number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

(Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated in the Project)

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SIGNIFICANT IMPACT MITIGATION AND AVOIDANCE MEASURES Impact AIR-2: Construction MM AIR 2-1: All mobile diesel-powered off-road equipment larger than activities using commonly available 50 horsepower and operating on-site for more than two days equipment assumed in the continuously shall meet the US EPA particulate matter modeling for the health risk emissions standards for Tier 2 engines. assessment would generate emissions of TACs and DPM that MM AIR 2-2: Minimize the number of hours that equipment will operate, could impact adjacent and nearby including the use of idling restrictions (e.g., five minutes). residents. Alternatively, the construction contractor could use other (Significant Impact) measures to minimize construction period DPM emissions to reduce the predicted cancer risk below the thresholds. Such measures may be the use of alternative powered equipment (e.g., LPG-powered lifts), alternative fuels (e.g., biofuels), added exhaust devices, or a combination of measures, provided that these measures are included in a final emission reduction plan. The plan shall be submitted to the Director of Planning and Inspection for approval prior to issuance of demolition and grading permits and demonstrate the reduction of community risk impacts to a less than significant level.

(Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated in the Project)

Biological Resources Impacts

Impact BIO-1: Construction MM BIO 1-1: Construction shall be scheduled to avoid the nesting season activities associated with the to the extent feasible. The nesting season for most birds, proposed project could result in the including most raptors in the San Francisco Bay area, loss of fertile eggs, nesting raptors extends from February 1 through August 31. or other migratory birds, or nest abandonment. MM BIO 1-2: If it is not possible to schedule demolition and construction between September and January, pre-construction surveys (Significant Impact) for nesting birds shall be completed by a qualified ornithologist to ensure that no nests will be disturbed during project implementation. This survey shall be completed no more than 14 days prior to the initiation of construction activities during the early part of the breeding season (February 1 through April 30) and no more than 30 days prior to the initiation of these activities during the late part of the breeding season (May 1 through August 31). During this survey, the ornithologist will inspect all trees and other possible nesting habitats immediately adjacent to the construction areas for nests. If an active nest is found sufficiently close to work areas to be disturbed by construction, the ornithologist, in consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, will determine the extent of a construction-free buffer zone to be established around the nest, typically 250 feet, to ensure that raptor or migratory bird nests will not be disturbed during project construction.

(Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated in the Project)

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SIGNIFICANT IMPACT MITIGATION AND AVOIDANCE MEASURES Impact BIO-2: Construction MM BIO 2-1: Pre-construction bat surveys shall be completed by a activities associated with the qualified biologist prior to vegetation removal or any proposed project could result in the construction related activity. A minimum of one survey loss of individual bats and bat shall be completed no more than 14 days prior to the roosts. initiation of construction activities. If no bats are observed roosting in the buildings, structures, and mature trees on- (Significant Impact) site, then results of the survey will be submitted to the City of Santa Clara Director of Planning and Inspection and no further action is required.

MM BIO 2-2: If a non-breeding bat colony is found, the individuals shall be humanely evicted prior to demolition and under the direction of the qualified biologist to ensure direct impacts would not occur to any bats as a result of project-related activities. If a maternity colony is detected on the project site, then a construction-free buffer will be established around the colony and remain in place until it has been determined a qualified biologist that the nursery is no longer active. Results of the survey shall be submitted to the City of Santa Clara Director of Planning and Inspection.

(Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated in the Project)

Cultural Resources Impacts

Impact CUL-1: Subsurface MM CUL-1.1: A qualified archaeologist will be on-site to inspect the cultural resources could be native soil after the demolition of the existing residence and uncovered during associated hardscape and to monitor the initial excavation demolition/construction of the activities. After monitoring the initial excavation, the proposed project. archaeologist will make recommendations for further monitoring if it is determined that the site has cultural (Significant Impact) resources. If the archaeologist determines that no resources are likely to be found on site, no additional monitoring will be required.

MM CUL-1.2: In the event that prehistoric or historic resources are encountered during excavation and/or grading of the site, all activity within a 50-foot radius of the find will be stopped, the Director of Planning and Inspection will be notified, and the archaeologist will examine the find and make appropriate recommendations prior to issuance of building permits. Recommendations could include collection, recordation, and analysis of any significant cultural materials. A report of findings documenting any data recovery during monitoring would be submitted to the Director of Planning and Inspection.

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SIGNIFICANT IMPACT MITIGATION AND AVOIDANCE MEASURES American Heritage Commission (NAHC) immediately. Once NAHC identifies the most likely descendants, the descendants will make recommendations regarding proper burial, which will be implemented in accordance with Section 15064.5(e) of the CEQA Guidelines.

(Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated in the Project)

Hazardous Materials Impacts

Impact HAZ-1: Implementation MM HAZ-1.1: As pesticide contaminated soils were found on the site in of the proposed project could concentrations above established thresholds (e.g., Regional expose construction workers and Water Quality Control Board ESLs for unrestricted future residents to contaminated residential use), regulatory oversight shall be initiated and a soil. Site Management Plan (SMP) will be prepared and implemented (as outlined below). Regulatory oversight (Significant Impact) may be provided by the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEH), the Regional Water Quality Board (RWQCB) or DTSC. These agencies may also require additional site investigation to fully delineate the extent of contaminants of concern at the site. The potential risks to human health shall be reduced either by remediation of contaminated soils (e.g., excavation and off- site disposal) and/or implementation of engineering and institutional controls (e.g., soil capping and deed restrictions/notices) to ensure that any potential added health risks to construction workers, maintenance and utility workers, residents, and the general public as a result of potential hazardous materials contamination are reduced to acceptable levels, as required by a regulatory oversight agency.

Any contaminated soils removed shall be disposed of according to the California Hazardous Waste Regulations. Contaminated soil shall be handled by trained personnel using appropriate protective equipment and engineering and dust controls, in accordance with local, State, and Federal laws. The contaminated soil to be removed from the site shall be hauled off-site and disposed of at a licensed hazardous materials disposal site.

Institutional and engineering controls employed on the site may include placement of new fill, pavement, or buildings over contaminated soils and/or adoption of deed restrictions.

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SIGNIFICANT IMPACT MITIGATION AND AVOIDANCE MEASURES analyses of excess soil requiring disposal at an appropriate off-site waste disposal facility; a dust control plan; and soil stockpiling protocols. Prior to issuance of grading permits, a copy of the SMP must be approved by the SCCEHD, the City’s Director of Planning and Inspection, and the Santa Clara Fire Chief.

(Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated in the Project)

Noise Impacts

Impact NOI-1: Implementation of MM NOI-1.1: A noise barrier wall extending at least 40 feet along the the proposed project could expose eastern boundary from the southeast corner of the project future residents near Lawrence site shall be installed. The barrier wall would be 10 feet Expressway to interior noise levels above grade of Lawrence Expressway and 12 feet above in excess of the 45 dBA Ldn grade of the residential development. The wall would threshold for City and State attenuate between eight and 13 dBA from the traffic noise standards for residential levels. development.  Building materials for the noise barrier shall meet (Significant Impact) requirement in the project-specific acoustical analysis including: solid building material with a density of at least two pounds per sf such as a half-inch thick wood, half-inch outdoor plywood, 16 gauge steel sheet, and masonry units. A final noise analysis shall be submitted to the City, along with the building plans. The analysis and study shall be approved prior to issuance of a building permit.

(Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Measures Incorporated in the Project)

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SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

This Initial Study (IS) of environmental impacts is being prepared to conform to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations 15000 et. seq.), and the regulations and policies of the City of Santa Clara. The purpose of this document is to provide objective information regarding the environmental consequences of the proposed project to the decision makers who will be reviewing and considering the project.

This IS evaluates the potential environmental impacts which might reasonably be anticipated to result from demolition of a single-family residence at 990 Wren Avenue and the construction of five, two- story single-family residences on a 0.72 acre site in the City of Santa Clara.

All documents referenced in this IS are available for public review in the Department of Planning and Inspection at Santa Clara City Hall, 1500 Warburton Avenue, during normal business hours.

990 Wren Avenue Residential Project Initial Study City of Santa Clara 7 December 2014

SECTION 2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION

2.1 PROJECT TITLE

990 Wren Avenue Residential Project

2.2 PROJECT LOCATION

The project site is located at 990 Wren Avenue in the City of Santa Clara between Calabazas Creek to the west and Lawrence Expressway to the east. The site is bordered by a vacant lot to the north and residences to the south.

Regional and vicinity maps of the project site are shown in Figures 2.1-1 and 2.2-2, respectively. An aerial photograph showing land uses surrounding the 0.72-acre project site is shown on Figure 2.2-3.

2.3 LEAD AGENCY CONTACT

City of Santa Clara Shaun Lacey, Assistant Planner II Planning and Inspection Department 1500 Warburton Avenue Santa Clara, CA 95050 Phone: (408) 615-2450

2.4 PROPERTY OWNER/PROJECT APPLICANT

Larome Development Inc. Ben Engelman 11652 Bridge Park Ct Cupertino, CA 95014

2.5 ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS

APN 313-31-003

2.6 ZONING DISTRICT AND GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATIONS

Zoning District: R1-6L - Single Family Residential

General Plan Designation (Phase I 2010-2015): Very Low Density Residential (10 dwelling units per acre)

Proposed Zoning District: Planned Development

990 Wren Avenue Residential Project Initial Study City of Santa Clara 8 December 2014 880

Fremont 84

Palo Alto Milpitas

101 Mountain View 237 680 280

82 Santa Clara

San Jose 880

Project Site

87 Saratoga

9 85 Campbell

101

17 Morgan Hill

0510 Miles

REGIONAL MAP FIGURE 2.2-1 Project Boundary 0 100 200 400

Feet

Benton Street

Calabazas Creek Thrush Way Shafer Drive

e v A k c u D d o Golden State Drive o

Lawrence Expressway

Butcher Drive

Burbank Drive Warbler Avenue

Brookdale Drive

Kent Avenue

Viero Avenue

VICINITY MAP FIGURE 2.2-2 Project Boundary

0 35 70 140 Feet

Aerial Source: Google Earth Pro, July 18, 2014. Photo Date: Apr. 2013 Residential

Residential

Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Property

Golden State Drive

Residential

Lawrence Expressway Expressway Lawrence Lawrence

Residential

Residential Vireo Avenue

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH AND SURROUNDING LAND USES FIGURE 4.10-1

SECTION 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The 0.72-acre project site is comprised of a single parcel (APN: 313-31-003) located at 990 Wren Avenue, on the west side of Lawrence Expressway and on the east side of Calabazas Creek, in the City of Santa Clara. The project site is designated Very Low Density Residential in the City’s General Plan and zoned R1-6L - Single Family Residential.

The project site is currently developed with a one-story house, two accessory structures, and various paved areas throughout the lot. Landscaping consists of planted trees, shrubs, and other vegetation between the residence and the street frontage and mature trees and plants along Calabazas Creek. The project site is accessible from a gated driveway on Wren Avenue on the south side of the site. The lot is bound by a six-foot chain link fence along the northern and eastern boundaries, a wooden fence along the southern boundary, and the creek along the western boundary. An approximately 10 foot tall concrete wall along the Lawrence Expressway frontage of the residential neighborhood south of the project site extends approximately 10 feet onto the site along the eastern boundary. There are no sidewalks along the boundaries of the site. A water utility easement is located near the northeastern corner of the site, adjacent to a City-owned property which functions as a groundwater well site.

3.1 REDEVELOPMENT AND SITE DESIGN

The project proposes to demolish the existing 3,534 square foot (sf) residence and accessory structures and construct five, two-story single-family houses (totaling 15,434 sf) with attached garages, and install new pavement and landscaping. The new development would result in a subdivision of five parcels on the project site, a parcel for each proposed residence (see Figure 3.1-1 Site Plan). A six-foot tall wooden fence would extend along the northern, western, and southern boundaries of the site and along the property line between each parcel.

Due to an existing water utility line on the northeastern corner of the site (Lot 5), the project proposes to dedicate 450 sf of land towards the water easement. A sound wall, to attenuate noise from Lawrence Expressway, would be installed along the eastern boundary of the site and extend between the boundaries of the water easement area and Lot 5.1 The wall would have a 10-foot setback from the water line.2

Building heights would vary from 24 to 29 feet above grade (see Figure 3.1-2 Elevations). A 24-foot wide private road (Wren Court) is proposed on-site, extending from Wren Avenue. It would connect to the proposed driveways on each parcel and terminate in a cul-de-sac near the western boundary. The private road would be accessible to residents, visitors, and emergency vehicles.

The proposed buildings would have a minimum setback of 8.5 feet from Lawrence Expressway, six feet from the southern property line, five feet from the western property line, 20 feet from the top

1 The sound wall would connect to the existing 10-foot tall wall south of the site and match the 10-foot height above the existing grade of Lawrence Expressway. The proposed development will be graded lower than the expressway and the eastern wall along Lot 5 would be 12 feet in height above the ground surface of the development. 2 The City’s Water Department determined a minimum 10-foot clearance from the face of the water line is required for the project.

990 Wren Avenue Residential Project Initial Study City of Santa Clara 12 December 2014 of bank of the Calabazas Creek channel, 10 feet from the northern property line, and approximately three feet from the proposed water utility easement.

Remedial grading to remove surface soils with residual organochlorine pesticide contamination is proposed prior to construction of residential structures. The upper 18-24 inches of soil would be removed and disposed of off-site or subject to engineering controls by qualified personnel with oversight by an appropriate regulatory agency. (See Section 4.8 for details).

Construction of the proposed development would occur over a six-month period and would not require heavy construction equipment (i.e., cranes). Once remedial grading is complete, subsurface activities would be limited to utility trenching.

3.1.1 Landscaping and Open Space

The project would remove 42 trees of the 51 trees on-site and retain seven trees on the northeast portion and two trees on the southeast portion of the site. New landscaping would consist of trees, shrubs, and groundcover along the private street (Wren Court), the wooden fence, and the perimeter of the project site. Two bioretention areas, consisting of sod, would be located along the street frontage of Lot 5 and Lot 1 and 2 as shown in the site plan (Figure 3.1-1).

3.2 GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING DESIGNATIONS

The Very Low Density Residential General Plan designation is intended for single-family units with a density of up to 10 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC). New developments of this development density typically include large landscaped yards, street trees, and distinct setbacks between structures. The proposed project would develop five single-family residences on-site (a density of seven DU/AC) which is consistent with the General Plan designation.

The R1-6L - Single Family Residential zoning district (Chapter 18.12 of the City Code) is intended for single-family residential development with a maximum of 10 DU/AC. The maximum permitted building height within this zoning district is 25 feet (up to two stories), and the maximum building coverage is 40 percent of the parcel. For each dwelling unit, the zoning district requires a minimum lot area of 6,000 sf, a minimum lot width of 60 feet, two side yards, a backyard, and two garage parking spaces.

The project would create five separate parcels for the proposed five residences. Due to the irregular shape of the parcels and a proposed maximum building height of 29 feet, the project would be inconsistent with the current zoning. Therefore, the project proposes to rezone the site to a Planned Development zoning district to accommodate the proposed design concept.

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SECTION 4.0 SETTING, ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST AND IMPACTS

This section describes the existing environmental conditions on and near the project area, as well as environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. The environmental checklist, as recommended in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, identifies environmental impacts that could occur if the proposed project is implemented.

The right-hand column in the checklist lists the source(s) for the answer to each question. The sources cited are identified at the end of this section. Mitigation measures are identified for all significant project impacts. “Mitigation Measures” are measures that will minimize, avoid, or eliminate a significant impact (CEQA Guidelines §15370). Measures that are proposed by the applicant that will further reduce or avoid already less than significant impacts are categorized as “Avoidance Measures.”

4.1 AESTHETICS

4.1.1 Setting

Project Site

The site is currently developed with a one-story ranch style single-family residence with a two-car garage (Photo 1), a toolshed and a wooden accessory structure in the backyard, and hardscape areas (i.e., concrete pavements and asphalt). Access to the site is via an iron gate entry on Wren Avenue.

The wooden accessory structure has a wooden canopy over the entrance into the structure. Tree branches lie on top of the structure and the wooden slats and roof contain gaps (Photo 2).

Landscaping consists of mature trees and vegetation along Calabazas Creek and planted trees, shrubs, and groundcover on the eastern, northern, and western portions of the site. A six-foot high chain link fence extends along the Lawrence Expressway frontage and along the northern boundary of the site. Extending along the southern boundary is a wooden fence up to eight feet high. Trees, plants, and creek vegetation are present along the eastern boundary. A six-foot tall concrete wall along Lawrence Expressway and Wren Avenue extends 10 feet along the eastern boundary of the site.

Due to the mature vegetation along the eastern and northern boundaries and concrete and wooden fences, the project site is only visible from the immediate project area (i.e., residences west of the creek and south of the site and along a short segment of Lawrence Expressway).

990 Wren Avenue Residential Project Initial Study City of Santa Clara 16 December 2014 PHOTO 1: View of the residence on the project site, looking west from the project site.

PHOTO 2: View of the accessory structure on the project site, looking southwest from the project site.

PHOTOS 1 AND 2 PHOTO 3: View of adjacent residences, looking south from the project site.

PHOTO 4: View of Calabazas Creek, looking northeast from the western boundary of the project site.

PHOTOS 3 AND 4

Surrounding Land Uses

Surrounding the project site are residential neighborhoods, including development west of the creek. The nearest commercial uses are 730 feet northwest of the project site at the northeast corner of Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street. The southeast corner of Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street is a vacant lot. The commercial uses are in a small lot and include a gas station, a dry- cleaners, and convenience stores. Houses in the project area vary in height from one to two stories. South of the project site are two-story single-family houses with stucco facades, cream and earth tone trims, and Spanish tile roofs (Photo 3). Each house has a driveway to an attached garage and landscaping consists of a lawn area and plants in the front yard. East of Lawrence Expressway are one-story houses that are not visible from the project site or the roadway due to a seven-foot concrete wall.

West of the project site is Calabazas Creek, a highly modified stream channel with rock-filled gabion baskets along the creek banks (Photo 4). There are trees, shrubs, and other vegetation along the creek. A detailed discussion of the creek is in Section 4.4., Biological Resources.

4.1.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic 1,2,3 vista? 2. Substantially damage scenic resources, 1,2,3 including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? 3. Substantially degrade the existing visual 1,2,3 character or quality of the site and its surroundings? 4. Create a new source of substantial light or 1,2,3 glare which will adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?

4.1.2.1 Discussion of Aesthetic Impacts

Aesthetic values are very subjective. Opinions as to what constitutes a degradation of visual character will differ among individuals. One of the best methods for assessing what constitutes a visually acceptable standard for new buildings are the City’s design standards and implementation of those standards through the City’s design process. The following discussion addresses the proposed changes to the visual setting of the project area and factors that are part of the community’s assessment of the aesthetic values of a project’s design.

City of Santa Clara 19 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

Scenic Vista and Resources

The Santa Clara General Plan identifies major waterways in the City, including Calabazas Creek, as visual resources. Currently, the creek in the project area is only visible from nearby residences and properties. Construction of the proposed project would not obstruct views of the creek from public vantage points.3

The project site is located on the floor of the Santa Clara Valley and is not in proximity to scenic vistas, highways, historic buildings, trees, or rock outcroppings that are designated as scenic resources by the City. It is set back from the Calabazas Creek channel and would not modify vegetation along the creek or obscure views of the creek corridor from public vantage points. Therefore, the proposed project would result in a less than significant impact to scenic resources. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Visual Character

The proposed single-family residences are similar in size and building materials to the single-family residences south of the site. The proposed two-story houses would have Spanish tile roofs, light- colored stucco facades, and front porch entries. In addition, a wall would be installed along the eastern boundary of the site and would effectively reduce visibility to the proposed residences on-site from Lawrence Expressway. Final project design would be reviewed by the City’s Architectural Committee and Planning Division staff prior to issuance of building permits to ensure the project would comply with community design standards. Therefore, the project would result in a less than significant impact on the visual character of the neighborhood. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Light and Glare

The project would include outdoor security lighting on-site, along driveways, the roadway, and entryways, and within the front and backyards. The outside lighting would be comparable in brightness to the ambient lighting in the surrounding area. While increased lighting on-site, relative to the existing outdoor lighting, would increase the level of illumination in the area, the proposed wall along Lawrence Expressway and six-foot wooden fence along the northern, western, and southern boundaries of the site would limit lighting spillover effects on adjacent properties.

The proposed building facades are primarily stucco and plaster would not result in substantial glare. Building materials and lighting plans would be reviewed by the City’s Architectural Committee and the Planning Division staff prior to issuance of building permits to ensure that the project would not create a substantial new source of light or glare for nearby residences or persons traveling on the local roadways. As a result, the project would result in a less than significant nighttime light and daytime glare impacts in the project area. (Less Than Significant Impact)

3 CEQA is concern with whether a project may affect the environment of persons in general, not whether it will affect particular persons. Therefore, in the context of aesthetic impacts on public views.

City of Santa Clara 20 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

4.1.3 Conclusion

The project would have a less than significant impact on scenic resources and the visual character of the project area. Construction of the proposed project would not result in substantial new sources of light or glare. Therefore, the project would have a less than significant aesthetics impact. (Less Than Significant Impact)

City of Santa Clara 21 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

4.2 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES

4.2.1 Setting

The project site is located in Santa Clara in an area designated for urban uses. According to the Santa Clara County Important Farmlands 2010 Map, the project site is designated as “Urban and Built-up Land.”4 In addition, the project site is not subject to a Williamson Act contract, and there are no forest lands on or adjacent to the project site.

4.2.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, 1,2,3,4 or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? 2. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural 1,2,3,4 use, or a Williamson Act contract? 3. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause 1,2,3 rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? 4. Result in a loss of forest land or conversion of 1,2,3 forest land to non-forest use? 5. Involve other changes in the existing 1,2,3 environment which, 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?

4.2.2.1 Agriculture and Forestry Resources Impacts

The proposed project would demolish the existing single-family residence and construct five single- family houses on-site. The project would not convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural uses and would not conflict with existing

4 “Urban and Built-up Land is defined as land with at least six structures per 10 acres and utilized for residential, institutional, industrial, commercial, landfill, golf course, and other urban-related purposes.

City of Santa Clara 22 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 zoning for agricultural operations or facilitate unplanned conversion of farmland elsewhere in Santa Clara to non-agricultural uses. The project site is not utilized as forest lands (nor are there forest lands in the vicinity) and would not result in the loss of forest lands in Santa Clara. For these reasons, the project would not result in a significant impact to agriculture or forestry resources. (No Impact)

4.2.3 Conclusion

The project would not result in any impacts to agricultural or forest lands. (No Impact)

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4.3 AIR QUALITY

The following discussion is based in part on a Community Health Risk Assessment and a Construction Toxic Air Containments Assessment prepared by Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc in August 2014 and December 2014, respectively. These reports are attached as Appendices A and B, respectively.

4.3.1 Setting

4.3.1.1 Background Information

Air quality and the amount of a given pollutant in the atmosphere are determined by the amount of a pollutant released and the atmosphere’s ability to transport and dilute the pollutant. The major determinants of transport and dilution are wind, atmospheric stability, terrain and for photochemical pollutants, sunshine. The Bay Area typically has moderate ventilation, frequent inversions that restrict vertical dilution, and terrain that restricts horizontal dilution. These factors give the Bay Area a relatively high atmospheric potential for pollution.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) monitors air quality at several locations within the San Francisco Bay Air Basin. As shown in Table 4.3-1, violations of State and Federal standards at the downtown San José monitoring station (the nearest monitoring station to the project site) during the 2011-2013 period (the most recent years for which data is available) include high 5 levels of ozone (O3), PM10, and PM2.5. Violations of carbon monoxide (CO) standards have not been recorded since 1992. 6

TABLE 4.3-1 Number of Ambient Air Quality Standards Violations and Highest Concentrations (2011-2013) Days Exceeding Standard Pollutant Standard 2011 2012 2013 SAN JOSÉ STATION State 1-hour 1 1 1 Ozone Federal 8-hour 0 0 1 Federal 8-hour 0 0 0 Carbon Monoxide State 8-hour 0 0 0 Nitrogen Dioxide State 1-hour 0 0 0 Federal 24-hour 0 0 0 PM10 State 24-hour 0 1 5 PM2.5 Federal 24-hour 3 2 6

5 PM refers to Particulate Matter. Particulate matter is referred to by size (i.e., 10 or 2.5) because the size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. 6 Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Annual Bay Area Air Quality Summaries. Accessed May 19, 2014.

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The pollutants known to exceed the State and Federal standards in the project area are regional pollutants. Ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 are all considered regional pollutants because the concentrations are not determined by proximity to individual sources, but rather show a relative uniformity over a region.

The Bay Area as a whole does not meet State or Federal ambient air quality standards for ground level O3 or State standards for PM10, and PM2.5. Based on air quality monitoring data, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has designated Santa Clara County as a “nonattainment area” for O3 and PM10 under the California Clean Air Act. The County is either in attainment or unclassified for other pollutants.

4.3.1.2 Toxic Air Contaminants

The Federal Clean Air Act defines Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) as air contaminants identified by U.S. EPA as known or suspected to cause cancer, serious illness, birth defects, or death. In California, Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) include all HAPs, plus other contaminants identified by CARB as known to cause morbidity or mortality (cancer risk). TACs are found in ambient air, especially in urban areas, and are caused by industry, agriculture, fuel combustion, and commercial operations (e.g., dry cleaners). TACs are typically found in low concentrations, even near their source (e.g., benzene near a freeway). Because chronic exposure can result in adverse health effects, TACs are regulated at the regional, State, and Federal level. Unlike other emissions, TACs are measured based on the risk of human health rather than a set emission standard.

Diesel exhaust, a mixture of gases, vapors, and fine particles, is the predominant TAC in urban air and is estimated to represent about two-thirds of the cancer risk from TACs (based on the statewide average). Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is of particular concern since it can be distributed over large regions, thus leading to widespread public exposure. CARB has adopted and implemented a number of regulations for stationary and mobile sources to reduce emissions of DPM. Several of these regulatory programs affect medium and heavy duty diesel trucks. These trucks represent the bulk of DPM emissions from California highways and include the solid waste collection vehicles, public and utility fleets, and the heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses.

4.3.1.3 Sensitive Receptors

BAAQMD defines sensitive receptors as facilities where population groups that are particularly sensitive to the effects of air pollutants (i.e., children, the elderly, and people with illnesses) are likely to be located. Examples include schools, hospitals, and residential areas. The residences east, south, west (across the creek) of the site and future residents on the project site would be considered sensitive receptors.

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4.3.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of 1,2,3,5 the applicable air quality plan? 2. Violate any air quality standard or contribute 1,2,3,5,6 substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? 3. Result in a cumulatively considerable net 1,2,3,5,6 increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is classified as non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors? 4. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial 1,2,3,7 pollutant concentrations? 5. Create objectionable odors affecting a 1,2,3 substantial number of people?

4.3.3 Air Quality Impacts

As discussed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(b), the determination of whether a project may have a significant effect on the environment calls for careful judgment on the part of the Lead Agency and must be based to the extent possible on scientific and factual data. The City of Cupertino and other Lead Agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin often utilize the BAAQMD thresholds and methodology for assessing air emissions and/or health effects, which are based upon the scientific and other factual data prepared by BAAQMD in developing those thresholds.

In December 2010, the California Building Industry Association (BIA) filed a lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court challenging toxic air contaminant (TAC) and PM2.5 thresholds adopted by BAAQMD in its CEQA Air Quality Guidelines (California Building Industry Association v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Alameda County Superior Court Case No. RG10548693). One of the identified concerns is inhibiting infill and smart growth in the urbanized Bay Area. On March 5, 2012, the Alameda County Superior Court issued a judgment that BAAQMD had failed to comply with CEQA when it adopted its thresholds. The Court issued a writ of mandate ordering the District to set aside the thresholds and cease disseminating them until the District fully complies with CEQA. The BAAQMD appealed this ruling, and the Appellate Court overturned that decision, finding that adopting the thresholds did not amount to a project under CEQA (California Building Industry Association v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District (2013) 218 Cal.App.4th 1171). The Court of Appeal also found that the challenged thresholds were supported by substantial

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evidence. The case is now in front of the state Supreme Court on one issue unrelated to the substance of particular thresholds or the evidence on which they are based.

In April 2012, BAAQMD revised their website in conformance with the superior court order, no longer recommending use of the 2010 thresholds in determining a project’s significant air quality impacts. Based on the Appellate ruling, however, it is reasonable for agencies to conclude that the thresholds are based on substantial evidence and that they represent a reasonable method of determining significance. The City has carefully considered the thresholds prepared by BAAQMD and the recent court ruling, and regards the thresholds to be based on the best information available for the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin and conservative in terms of the assessment of health effects associated with TACs and PM2.5. Evidence supporting these thresholds has been presented in the following documents:

 BAAQMD. Thresholds Options and Justification Report. 2009.  BAAQMD. CEQA Air Quality Guidelines. May 2011. (Appendix D).  California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA). Health Risk Assessments for Proposed Land Use Projects. 2009.  California Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board (CARB). Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective. 2005.

The analysis in this IS is based upon the general methodologies in the most recent BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines (dated May 2012) and numeric thresholds for the San Francisco Bay Basin, including the thresholds listed in Table 4.3-2.

TABLE 4.3-2 Thresholds of Significance Used in Air Quality Analyses Construction Operation-Related Average Average Maximum Pollutant Daily Emissions Daily Emissions Annual Emissions (pounds/day) (pounds/day) (tons/year) ROG, NOx 54 54 10 82 PM10 82 15 (exhaust) 54 PM2.5 54 10 (exhaust) Fugitive Dust BMPs None None (PM10/PM2.5)  Increased cancer risk of >10.0 in one million  Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0 Hazard Risk and Hazards for Same as Index (chronic or acute) New Sources and Operational 3  Ambient PM2.5 increase: > 0.3 µ/m Receptors (Project) Threshold [Zone of influence: 1,000-foot radius from property line of source or receptor]  Increased cancer risk of >100 in one million Risk and Hazards for Same as  Increased non-cancer risk of > 10.0 Hazard New Sources and Operational Index (chronic or acute) Receptors (Cumulative) Threshold 3  Ambient PM2.5 increase: > 0.8 µ/m

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TABLE 4.3-2 Thresholds of Significance Used in Air Quality Analyses Construction Operation-Related Average Average Maximum Pollutant Daily Emissions Daily Emissions Annual Emissions (pounds/day) (pounds/day) (tons/year) [Zone of influence: 1,000-foot radius from property line of source or receptor] Sources: BAAQMD CEQA Thresholds Options and Justification Report (2009) and BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines (dated May 2012).

4.3.3.1 Bay Area 2010 Clean Air Plan

The most recent clean air plan is the Bay Area 2010 Clean Air Plan (2010 CAP) that was adopted by BAAQMD in September 2010. This plan addresses air quality impacts with respect to obtaining ambient air quality standards for non-attainment pollutants (i.e., O3, PM10 and PM2.5), reducing exposure of sensitive receptors to TACs, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such that the region can meet AB 32 goals of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The consistency of the proposed project with this regional plan is primarily a question of the consistency with the population/employment assumptions utilized in developing the 2010 CAP, which were based on Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Projections. The City’s General Plan allows for single-family residences with a maximum 10 DU/AC on the project site. The proposed project would demolish the existing residence and construct five single-family residences with a maximum seven DU/AC, which is consistent with the General Plan and the land use assumptions in the CAP.

The 2010 CAP includes about 55 control measures that are intended to reduce air pollutant emissions in the Bay Area either directly or indirectly. The control measures are divided into five categories that include:

 Measures to reduce stationary and area sources;  Mobile source measures;  Transportation control measures;  Land use and local impact measures; and  Energy and climate measures

The project would include new trees to mitigate the “urban heat island” effect, and building fixtures that would comply with the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) to reduce water and energy use and GHG emissions. Although the project would increase the number of residences on-site, because the proposed development is consistent with the land use assumptions in the General Plan and applicable control measures in the 2010 CAP, it would not conflict with implementation of the 2010 CAP. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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4.3.3.2 Operational Impacts to Regional and Local Air Quality

Operational Emissions

The proposed project would construct five residences on-site. The 2011 BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines contains a screening table that lists criteria to provide a conservative indication of whether a project could result in potentially significant air quality impacts (e.g., emissions of 54 pounds per day of ROG, NOx, PM2.5, and 82 pounds per day of PM10). For operational impacts from criteria pollutants, the screening size is 325 dwelling units. Projects that are smaller than the screening size would have a less than significant operational air quality impact.

The project is well below the screening size for the proposed land use. Therefore, the project would have a less than significant operational air quality impact for criteria pollutants and their precursors. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Community Risk Impacts – Toxic Air Contaminants

The BAAQMD recommended thresholds of significance for local community risk and hazard impacts applicable to both the siting of a new source and to the siting of a new receptor. Local community risk and hazard impacts are associated with TACs and PM2.5 because emissions of these pollutants can have significant health impacts at the local level. The project would include sensitive receptors that could be exposed to TACs due to the site’s proximity to Lawrence Expressway. Therefore, a community risk assessment for the future residents on-site was completed.

BAAQMD provides screening analysis tables that are used to assess potential cancer risk and annual PM2.5 concentrations from surface streets for each Bay Area county. For the City of Santa Clara, a project would result in a significant TAC or PM2.5 impact if:

 An excess cancer risk level of more than 10 in one million, or a non-cancer (chronic or acute) hazard index greater than 1.0.  An incremental increase of more than 0.3 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) annual average PM2.5.

The proposed single-family residences would be located within 1,000 feet of one source of mobile emissions (Lawrence Expressway) and one stationary source (a gas station at 3595 Benton Street). The exposure risk to current and future residences was calculated based upon the project data, and 7 8 the screening analysis tables. The cancer risks, PM2.5 concentrations, and non-cancer risks from exposure to mobile and stationary sources are shown in Table 4.3-3 below.9

7 The screening for cancer risks is based on a 70-year lifetime exposure. 8 Non-cancer risk hazardous air pollutants are modeled and ranked on the Hazard Index. 9 Cumulative community risks impacts are discussion in Section 4.18.3, Cumulative Impacts.

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TABLE 4.3-3 Summary of Cancer Risk, PM2.5 Concentrations, and Hazard Index

Cancer Risk Annual PM2.5* Hazard Source Address (per million) Concentrations Risk Mobile Sources Lawrence Expressway (60,000 ADT)10 9.4 0.28 <0.01 Stationary Sources Al’s Arco Gas Station (740 feet) 3595 Benton Street 0.46 <0.01 <0.01 Single Source Threshold 10.0 0.3 1.0 Significant Impact No No No

*The CAL3QHCR dispersion model was used to calculate PM2.5 concentrations from mobile sources and the BAAQMD’s Risk and Hazards Emissions Screening Calculator was used for stationary sources at the project site.

3 The maximum PM2.5 concentration on the project was 0.28 µg/m with a maximum cancer risk of 9.4 per million and a maximum hazard index of less than 0.01. These concentrations and cancer risk levels are below the thresholds for a significant impact. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in a significant impact on the health of future residents due to TACs from Lawrence Expressway and the nearby gas station. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.3.3.3 Construction Impacts

Criteria Air Pollutants and Precursors

As with operational emissions, BAAQMD developed screening criteria in its BAAQMD Guidelines to provide a conservative indication of whether construction activities associated with a project could result in a potentially significant air quality impact from emissions of criteria air pollutants and their precursors. For construction impacts from criteria pollutants, the screening size is 114 dwelling units. Projects that are smaller than the screening size are considered to have a less than significant operational air quality impact.

The five-unit project is well below the screening size for the proposed land use. Therefore, the project would have a less than significant construction air quality impact from criteria pollutant emissions. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Construction Dust Emissions

Construction activities on the site would include demolition of the existing structures and hardscape, trenching for utilities, and grading of the site, which would generate dust and other particulate matter. The generation of dust and other particulate matter could temporarily impact nearby residents.

Impact AIR-1: Construction activities would generate dust and other particulate matter that could impact adjacent and nearby residents. (Significant Impact)

10 Projected ADT in 2035.

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Mitigation and Avoidance Measures

The following mitigation measures will be implemented during construction to reduce dust and other particulate matter impacts:

MM AIR 1-1: All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, graded areas, and unpaved access roads) shall be watered two times per day.

MM AIR 1-2: All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be covered.

MM AIR 1-3: All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.

MM AIR 1-4: All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.

MM AIR 1-6: Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control measure Title 13, Section 2485 of California Code of Regulations [CCR]). Clear signage shall be provided for construction workers at all access points.

With implementation of the identified mitigation measures, dust and other particulate matter generated during construction that could affect adjacent and nearby sensitive land uses would be reduced to a less than significant level. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

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Community Risk Impacts – Toxic Air Contaminants

Emissions from construction-related automobiles, trucks, and heavy equipment are a primary concern due to release of TACs including DPM, organic TACs from all vehicles, and PM2.5, which is a regulated air pollutant. There are sensitive receptors (i.e., residents and children) south of project site, west of Calabazas Creek, and east of Lawrence Expressway that could be exposed to DPM during the construction of the project. In addition to on-site construction activities, site preparation would include removal of surface soils and/or engineering controls to cap soil contaminated with residual concentrations of persistent pesticides previously applied to the site.

A community risk assessment of the project construction activities was conducted that evaluated potential health effects to sensitive receptors at nearby residences from construction emissions of DPM and PM2.5. A dispersion model was used to predict the off-site DPM concentrations resulting from project construction so that lifetime cancer risks could be predicted. The maximum modeled DPM and PM2.5 concentrations occurred at a residence adjacent to the southern boundary of the project construction site (refer to Figure 1 in Appendix B). The analysis was based on a construction period of five months.

The exposure risk for both a child exposure (3rd trimester through 2 years of age) and adult exposure was calculated based upon the project data. The cancer risks, PM2.5 concentrations, and non-cancer risks from exposure to mobile and stationary sources are shown in Table 4.3-4 below.

TABLE 4.3-4 Summary of Cancer Risk, PM2.5 Concentrations, and Hazard Index During Construction

Annual PM2.5 Cancer Risk Hazard Risk Sensitive Receptor Concentrations (per million) (µg/m3) (µg/m3)* 0.6 11.8 Nearest residences (south of the project site) 0.37 0.03 (adults) (children) BAAQMD’s Significance Threshold 10.0 0.3 <1.0 Significant Impact No Yes Yes No

* The AERMOD dispersion model was used to calculate PM2.5 concentrations.

The maximum incremental residential child cancer risk was calculated to be 11.6 cancer cases per million. The maximum increased adult cancer risk would be 0.6 in one million. While the cancer risk estimated for adults was well below the health risk threshold of 10 cancer cases per million, the residential child cancer risk exceeds the threshold.

The annual maximum PM2.5 concentration from construction activities and equipment was estimated at 0.37 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), exceeding BAAQMD’s threshold of 0.3 µg/m3.

Potential non-cancer health effects due to chronic exposure to DPM were also evaluated. Non-cancer health hazards from TAC exposure are expressed in terms of a hazard index (HI), which is the ratio of the TAC concentration to a reference exposure level (REL). California’s Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessments (OEHHA) has defined acceptable concentration levels for

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contaminants that pose non-cancer health hazards. TAC concentrations below the REL are not expected to cause adverse health impacts, even for sensitive individuals.

Impact AIR-2: Construction activities using commonly available equipment assumed in the modeling for the health risk assessment would generate emissions of TACs and DPM that could impact adjacent and nearby residents. (Significant Impact)

Mitigation and Avoidance Measures

The following mitigation measures will be implemented during construction to reduce TAC emissions impacts:

MM AIR 2-1: All mobile diesel-powered off-road equipment larger than 50 horsepower and operating on-site for more than two days continuously shall meet the US EPA particulate matter emissions standards for Tier 2 engines.

MM AIR 2-2: Minimize the number of hours that equipment will operate, including the use of idling restrictions (e.g., five minutes).

Alternatively, the construction contractor could use other measures to minimize construction period DPM emissions to reduce the predicted cancer risk below the thresholds. Such measures may be the use of alternative powered equipment (e.g., LPG-powered lifts), alternative fuels (e.g., biofuels), added exhaust devices, or a combination of measures, provided that these measures are included in a final emission reduction plan. The plan shall be submitted to the Director of Planning and Inspection for approval prior to issuance of demolition and grading permits and demonstrate the reduction of community risk impacts to a less than significant level.

With implementation of these mitigation measures, in addition to the dust control/exhaust mitigation measures listed for construction impacts in MM AIR 1.1-1.8 above, the proposed project would result in a reduction of over five percent of exhaust emissions (including diesel) and over 50 percent of fugitive dust emissions and would result a less than significant construction-related air quality impact on nearby sensitive receptors. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

4.3.3.4 Odors

The proposed development is a residential use within a residential neighborhood and would not result in incompatible odors. While construction of the development would result in temporary exhaust emissions, it would not result in a significant odor impact. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.3.4 Conclusion

The project is consistent with the 2010 CAP and therefore would not conflict with any applicable air quality plans in the San Francisco Bay Area region. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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The project would result in a less than significant operational air quality impact. (Less Than Significant Impact)

With implementation of identified mitigation measures, the project would result in a less than significant dust emissions impact to nearby receptors due to construction activities. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

With implementation of identified mitigation measures, construction activities on the project site would not result in substantial pollutant concentrations that would impact nearby sensitive receptors. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

The project site located in an area where the proposed development would not result in incompatible odors. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

The following discussion is based in part on a Biological Resources Report prepared by David J. Powers and Associates on July 23, 2014 and an Arborist Report prepared by McClenahan Consulting on January 28, 2014. Copies of the reports are attached in Appendices C and D, respectively.

4.4.1 Setting

4.4.1.1 On-Site Habitats

The project site consists of developed/ landscaped habitat (Figure 4.4-1). The central portion of the project site supports an existing single-family dwelling, associated wooden outbuilding, paved walkways, and an asphalt parking lot and driveway. The eastern portion of the site is dominated by low growing landscape juniper (Juniperus spp.) and the northern and western portions of the site contain a number of trees, most of which were planted for landscaping when the parcel was originally developed. Tree species include but are not limited to coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), myoporum (Myoporum laetum), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), pine, (Pinus spp.), mulberry (Morus spp.) and cedar (Cedrus spp.). Three smaller coast live oaks (approximately 9-15-inches in diameter) are located along the site perimeter. Ornamental landscaping is scattered throughout the parcel and ruderal non-natives including ryegrass (Lolium mulitflorum), and mustard (Brassica spp.), were observed in limited bare ground areas of the project site.

Wildlife species observed included black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), rock dove (Columba livia), and a desiccated opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Wildlife diversity observed during the site visit was low and species were those common to urban and suburban settings. Large mature trees and dense landscaped vegetation associated with the project site provide opportunities for avian roosting and nesting. Trees also attract potential food sources in the form of insects and provide perch opportunities for foraging birds

4.4.1.2 Adjacent Habitat Along Calabazas Creek

The project site is located directly adjacent to the channel of Calabazas Creek. The creek originates at 2,000 feet in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It falls steeply in the mountains and flows northeastwardly to Sunnyvale, through the City of Santa Clara, and ultimately to the Guadalupe Slough. As the principal drainage for the Calabazas watershed, Calabazas Creek is just over 13 miles long and drains about 14 square miles. Calabazas Creek is considered a highly modified stream channel, with almost one-third of the stream being classified as hard bottom. The engineered reaches are found mostly in the downstream half of the watershed (north of Homestead Road), but there are also several concrete sections in the southern area.11 The earthen banks of the creek were constructed and modified and the channel is primarily a narrow corridor through an urbanized landscape.

11 Santa Clara Valley Water District. “Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan – Calabazas Creek”. Accessed July 17, 2014. < http://www.valleywatercompplan.org/watersheds/view/265 >

City of Santa Clara 35 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 Project Boundary Developed Low Growing Landscape Juniper Planted Trees 0 35 70 140 Feet

Aerial Source: Google Earth Pro, July 18, 2014. Photo Date: Apr. 2013

Golden State Drive

Lawrence Expressway Expressway Lawrence Lawrence

Vireo Avenue

WREN AVENUE HABITAT MAP FIGURE 4.4-1

The portion of Calabazas Creek located immediately west of the project site, is a modified trapezoidal earthen channel with rock-filled gabion baskets for armoring (Photos 5 and 6). The creek bottom is gravel and contains patches of in-stream freshwater habitat and associated herbaceous vegetation. Riparian vegetation along the armored banks of the creek occurs in patches and includes willow (Salix spp.), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa) and mature and non-mature coast live oak trees. Immediately north of the project site Calabazas Creek becomes a concrete lined trapezoidal channel, between Lawrence Expressway and Highway 101.

4.4.1.3 Special-Status Species

Special status species include plants or animals that are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal and/or California Endangered Species Acts (CESA), species identified by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as a California Species of Special Concern, as well as plants identified by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS)12 as rare, threatened, or endangered.

Special-Status Plants

In general, special-status plant species are unlikely to occur within the city limits because of the narrow range of habitats and developed urban/suburban nature of the City of Santa Clara. Scattered non-native grasslands habitat when encountered within the City could support suitable habitat for Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii).13

Congdon’s tarplant is an annual herb in the composite family (Asteraceae) that has a variable blooming period extending from June through November. It occurs in valley and foothill grasslands, particularly those with alkaline substrates, and in slumps or disturbed areas where water collects in lower elevation wetlands below approximately 760 feet. This subspecies tolerates disturbance and often occurs in disked fields with non-native, California annual grassland habitat with Harding grass (Phalaris paradoxa) and alkali mallow (Malvella leprosa).

The project site consists of a managed landscape surrounding a suburban residence and does not support non-native grassland habitat. A review of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey indicates that the only mapped soil occurring on the projects site is Urban land-Stevenscreek complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes. This soil type is silty loam in nature and lacks alkaline substrates. Congdon’s tarplant was not observed during the biological assessment, which was conducted during the known blooming period for the species. Congdon’s tarplant is considered absent from the project site and suitable habitat for the species was not observed on or immediately adjacent to the site.

12 The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a non-profit organization that maintains lists and a database of rare and endangered plant species in California. Plants in the CNPS “Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California” are considered “Special Plants” by the CDFW Natural Diversity Database Program. 13 City of Santa Clara. Integrated Final Environmental Impact Report Draft 2010-2035 General Plan. January 2011.

City of Santa Clara 37 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 PHOTO 5: Showing eastern bank of Calabazas Creek showing rock-filled gabion armoring.

PHOTO 6: Looking north along Calabazas creek showing gabion banks and herbaceous vegetation in channel bottom.

PHOTOS 5 AND 6

Special-Status Wildlife

Calabazas Creek is known to support both native and introduced fish species. Calabazas Creek experiences both low- and high-flows, making cold and warm water fish passage unusual. Low water levels, such as in flat channels and lack of natural summer flow, create difficult swimming conditions. In addition, excessive stormwater runoff, due largely to the significant amount of engineered channels, generates flow speeds that are difficult to resist. Due to the presence of migration barriers along portions of the creek, Central California Coast steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a federally threatened species, is considered absent from the Calabazas Creek.14

California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), a federally-listed threatened species and state-listed species of special concern, is known to occur in and along freshwater marshes, streams, ponds, and other semi-permanent water sources. Suitable habitat for the species includes dense emergent or shoreline riparian vegetation closely associated with deep (i.e., greater than 2.3 feet), still, or slow- moving water.15 The project site does not support suitable habitat for the species and the channelized portion of Calabazas Creek adjacent to the project site does not contain suitable habitat for the species due to reduced water quality from urban stormwater and a lack of suitable breeding pools. Surveys conducted by the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) have not observed the species in the channelized portion of Calabazas Creek.16 The species is not likely to occur in the portion of Calabazas Creek adjacent to the proposed project.

California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), a state and federally-listed threatened species, is known to occur in valley floor and foothill grasslands, and open oak woodland and savannah. Adults utilize rodent burrows for refuge during the non-breeding season. They use aquatic habitat for reproduction, migrating to breeding sites during the rainy season from November to January. Portions of Calabazas Creek could provide low quality habitat for the species; however, the modified nature of channel and lack of adjacent upland habitat likely makes the presence of the species unlikely.17 The project site does not support suitable habitat for the species and the species is not likely to occur in the portion of Calabazas Creek adjacent to the proposed project.

Western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata), a state-listed species of special concern, occurs in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, rivers, streams, and irrigation ditches that typically have a rocky or muddy bottom and contain stands of aquatic vegetation. The presence of western pond turtles is largely dependent on the availability of suitable basking sites and adjacent upland habitat for egg-laying (e.g., sandy banks or grassy open fields) and over-wintering.18 The portion of Calabazas Creek adjacent to the project site provides limited habitat for the species due to the steep terraced gabion armored banks, lack of deep pools, and appropriate vegetative cover. The presence of gabion armoring and surrounding suburban development has likely resulted in the

14 Leidy, R. A., G. S. Becker, and B. N. Harvey. Historical distribution and current status of steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in streams of the San Francisco Estuary, California. 2005. 15 Jennings, M. R., and M. P. Hayes. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, California. 1994. 16 Santa Clara Valley Water District. Calabazas Creek Flood Protection Project: Final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration. 2009. 17 Ibid. 18 Stebbins, R. C. A field guide to western amphibians and reptiles. Third edition. 2003.

City of Santa Clara 39 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 elimination of suitable upland habitat for nesting and egg-laying. The project site does not support suitable habitat for the species and the species is not likely to occur in the portion of Calabazas Creek adjacent to the proposed project.

While none of the avian species observed during the site visit are considered special-status species, the trees, landscape vegetation, and deteriorated outbuilding provide suitable nesting opportunities for a variety of special-status (e.g., Cooper’s hawk) and non-special status bird species.

There is a low to moderate potential for a variety of bat species to forage along the riverine areas and creeks in the City of Santa Clara, including Calabazas Creek. Robust trees, dense vegetation, and the outbuilding located on the project site provide limited roosting opportunities for a variety of bat species, including the Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) a state listed species of special concern. Due to the project site’s proximity to Calabazas Creek, known special-status wildlife in the riparian corridor include the Central California Coast steelhead (federally-listed Threatened Species), the California red-legged frog (federally-listed Threatened Species and State-listed Species of Special Concern), the Western pond turtle (State-listed Species of Special Concern), the California tiger salamander (federally-listed and State-listed Threatened Species), the Pallid bat (State-listed Species of Special Concern) and various bird species that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).

4.4.1.4 Conservation Plans

The project site is not located within an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan.

4.4.1.5 Trees

Mature trees (both native and non-native) are valuable to the human environment for the benefits they provide for resisting global climate change (i.e., carbon dioxide absorption), protection from weather, because they provide nesting and foraging habitat for raptors and other migratory birds, and because they are a visual enhancement. Therefore, a tree survey was completed to document and evaluate the mature trees on the site.

Trees located on the project site are a mixture of native and non-native species, in varying sizes and levels of health. Within the boundaries of the project site, there are a total of 51 trees. Of the 51 trees on-site, there are 38 redwoods, three coast live oaks, and one of each of the following: olive, elderberry, myoporum, xylosma, holly oak, Monterey pine, pittosporum, mulberry, Japanese black pine, and weeping blue atlas cedar. Coast live oak and elderberry are native species to the Santa Clara area.

A table listings all the trees identified during the tree survey can be found in the attached Arborist Report in Appendix D. The location of the trees is shown on Figure 4.4-2.

City of Santa Clara 40 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 S 89°23'00" E 106.63' 46'± 60'± 8.00'

8'± S 89°23'00" E

S 00°37'00" W 10.00' 10'±

S 44°47'16" W 65.56' 62'± LOT 4 LOT 5 0.10± AC 0.10± AC 4,319± S.F. 5,167± S.F.

2'± Calabazas Creek - S.C.V.W.D. R=10.00' 50'± 25'± R=260.00' D=53°30'59" D=12°27'47" L=9.34' L=56.56' R=27.00' D=287°02'00" L=135.26'

EXISTING TOP OF Wren Court R=37.00' S 00°37'00" W 85.52' CREEK BANK (Private Street) D=90°37'00" (SURVEYED) L=58.52'

R=10.00' D=53°30'59" 19'± 31'± L=9.34'

R=38.00' D=102°51'42" L=68.22'

S 32°19'29" W 52.63'

LOT 3 LOT 2 LOT 1 Lawrence Expressway 0.11± AC 0.11± AC 0.12± AC 4,828± S.F. 4,671± S.F. 5,167± S.F. 71'± 81'±

27'± R=240.00' D=9°42'22" L=40.66'

R=50.00'

D=9°30'58" Road L=8.30' Private 85'± 64'± 62'± N 89°56'00" E 315.88'

PROPOSED SVP TRANSFORMER LOCATION (Public Street)

01020 30 Feet Wren Avenue

TREE MAP FIGURE 4.4-2

The City of Santa Clara’s policy is to protect all healthy trees for the following species: cedars, redwoods, oaks, olives, bay laurel, and pepper and all trees over 36 inches in circumference, or about 11 inches in diameter, when measured 48 inches along the trunk and above the ground surface. 48 trees on the project site would be regulated under the policy, including 38 redwoods, four oaks, and one cedar tree.

4.4.1.6 Regulatory Setting

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA: 16 USC Section 703, Supp. I, 1989) prohibits killing, possessing, or trading in migratory birds except in accordance with regulations prescribed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. This act encompasses whole birds, parts of birds, and bird nests and eggs. Construction disturbance during the breeding season could result in the incidental loss of fertile eggs or nestlings, or otherwise lead to nest abandonment, which is a violation of the MBTA.

Birds of Prey

Birds of prey, such as owls and hawks, are protected in California under provisions of the state Fish and Game Code, Section 3503.5 (1992), which states that it is “unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the order Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds of prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.” Construction disturbance during the breeding season can result in the incidental loss of fertile eggs or nestlings, or otherwise lead to nest abandonment. Disturbance that causes nest abandonment and/or loss of reproductive effort is considered “taking” by the CDFW.

Santa Clara General Plan

The General Plan includes several land use and conservation policies designed to protect biological resources in the City, specifically riparian habitats and trees. These policies include the following:

Policy 5.3.1-P10: Provide opportunities for increase landscaping and trees in the community, including requirements for new development to provide street trees and a minimum 2:1 on- or off- site replacement for trees removed as part of the proposal.

Policy 5.10.1-P2: Work with Santa Clara Valley Water District and require that new development follow the “Guidelines and Standards for Lands Near Streams” to protect streams and riparian habitats.

Policy 5.10.1-P4: Protect all healthy cedars, redwoods, oaks, olives, bay laurel and pepper trees of any size, and all other trees over 36 inches in circumference measured from 48 inches above-grade on private and public property as well as in the public right-of-way.

Policy 5.10.1-P5: Encourage enhancement of land adjacent to creeks in order to foster the reinstatement of natural riparian corridors where possible.

City of Santa Clara 42 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

4.4.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Have a substantial adverse effect, either 1,2,3,8 directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service? 2. Have a substantial adverse effect on any 1,2,3,8 riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service? 3. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally 1,2,3,8 protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? 4. Interfere substantially with the movement of 1,2,3,8 any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? 5. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances 1,2,3,8,9 protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? 6. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted 1,2,3 Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

4.4.2.1 Biological Resources Impacts

On-Site Habitat Impacts

The biological assessment determined that vegetation on-site consists of urban landscaped trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants. The project site does not support riparian or wetland habitats, including federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water. Due to the fact

City of Santa Clara 43 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

that there are currently no sensitive or natural habitats on the project site, no significant impacts to natural plant communities would result from the proposed residential development. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Potential Impacts to Adjacent Sensitive Habitats (Calabazas Creek)

Riparian habitat is considered a sensitive, natural community by various State and Federal resource agencies and the City of Santa Clara. The proposed residences would be set back at least 20 feet from Calabazas Creek. In addition, a fence and screen plantings would create a buffer between the residences and the creek.

Per the General Plan policy 5.10.1-P2, the project incorporates a setback and would be required to follow planting and tree protection guidelines in the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) Guidelines and Standards for Lands Near Streams. The guidelines include, but are not limited to, building setback limits, restrictions on the species of landscape plants, lighting, etc. to ensure that the new development adjacent to nature streams and waterways does not harm the plant and animal species within the riparian corridor or the functionality of the creek. The final setbacks and landscape and lighting plans would be reviewed by the City of Santa Clara for consistency with the Guidelines and Standards for Lands Near Streams.

The SCVWD has adopted an ordinance that protects watercourses, creeks, streams, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. The ordinance requires a project review and permitting process to minimize impacts to watercourses resulting from development or community activities. Anyone who plans a project or works within 50 feet of any watercourse must first obtain an encroachment permit from the SCVWD.

By complying with the City policy and the requirements of the SCVWD for activities near the creek, the project would result in a less than significant impact on Calabazas Creek. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Special-Status Species Impacts

Special-Status Plant Species

There are no identified special-status plant species on or expected to occur on the project site. (No Impact)

Special-Status Wildlife (Nesting Birds and Raptors)

While the project site is located within an urban environment, the mature trees on-site and on the adjacent properties, including the creek, could provide nesting habitat and/or foraging habitat for raptors and migratory birds.

Migratory birds like nesting raptors are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 2800. Migratory birds, especially raptors, utilize mature trees for nesting and foraging habitat. The project area is in proximity to the

City of Santa Clara 44 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

mature trees within the riparian corridor and construction of the proposed project may result in loss of fertile eggs or nestlings, or lead to nest abandonment in raptor habitat.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)19 defines “taking” as causing abandonment and/or loss of reproductive efforts through disturbance.

Impact BIO-1: Construction activities associated with the proposed project could result in the loss of fertile eggs, nesting raptors or other migratory birds, or nest abandonment. (Significant Impact)

Mitigation and Avoidance Measures

The following mitigation measures will be implemented during construction to avoid abandonment of raptor and other protected migratory birds nests:

MM BIO 1-1: Construction shall be scheduled to avoid the nesting season to the extent feasible. The nesting season for most birds, including most raptors in the San Francisco Bay area, extends from February 1 through August 31.

MM BIO 1-2: If it is not possible to schedule demolition and construction between September and January, pre-construction surveys for nesting birds shall be completed by a qualified ornithologist to ensure that no nests will be disturbed during project implementation. This survey shall be completed no more than 14 days prior to the initiation of construction activities during the early part of the breeding season (February 1 through April 30) and no more than 30 days prior to the initiation of these activities during the late part of the breeding season (May 1 through August 31). During this survey, the ornithologist will inspect all trees and other possible nesting habitats immediately adjacent to the construction areas for nests. If an active nest is found sufficiently close to work areas to be disturbed by construction, the ornithologist, in consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, will determine the extent of a construction-free buffer zone to be established around the nest, typically 250 feet, to ensure that raptor or migratory bird nests will not be disturbed during project construction.

With implementation of the identified measures, the project would result in a less than significant impact on raptors and migratory birds. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

Special-Status Wildlife (Roosting Bats)

Various bat species, including the Pallid bat (State-listed Species of Concern), forage along creeks in the City of Santa Clara. A wooden accessory structure on the western portion of the project site has the potential to provide shelter for bats foraging along Calabazas Creek. Also, bats may roost in the

19 Formally the California Department of Fish and Game.

City of Santa Clara 45 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 mature trees and dense vegetation on-site. The project proposes to remove the wooden accessory structure and some mature trees on-site, which could result in the loss of bat habitat.

Impact BIO-2: Construction activities associated with the proposed project could result in the loss of individual bats and bat roosts. (Significant Impact)

Mitigation and Avoidance Measures

The following mitigation measures will be implemented during construction to reduce and/or avoid impacts to bats, specifically the Pallid bat:

MM BIO 2-1: Pre-construction bat surveys shall be completed by a qualified biologist prior to vegetation removal or any construction related activity. A minimum of one survey shall be completed no more than 14 days prior to the initiation of construction activities. If no bats are observed roosting in the buildings, structures, and mature trees on-site, then results of the survey will be submitted to the City of Santa Clara Director of Planning and Inspection and no further action is required.

MM BIO 2-2: If a non-breeding bat colony is found, the individuals shall be humanely evicted prior to demolition and under the direction of the qualified biologist to ensure direct impacts would not occur to any bats as a result of project- related activities. If a maternity colony is detected on the project site, then a construction-free buffer will be established around the colony and remain in place until it has been determined a qualified biologist that the nursery is no longer active. Results of the survey shall be submitted to the City of Santa Clara Director of Planning and Inspection.

With implementation of the identified measures, the project would result in a less than significant impact on the Pallid bat and other bat species. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

Conflicts With Conservation Plans

The project site is not within any protected conservation plan area, such as the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP), or other official local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan. (No Impact)

4.4.2.2 Trees

On-Site Tree Removal

The proposed project would remove 42 existing trees on-site. The loss of 42 trees on-site would somewhat decrease the number and variety of bird species in the project vicinity by reducing available habitat for nesting and foraging. The project does, however, propose to plant new landscaping around the perimeter of the site, along the street frontage, and near the buildings. The City’s General Plan (Policy 5.3.1-P10) requires new development to include new street trees and at

City of Santa Clara 46 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

least a 2:1 on- or off-site replacement for removal of existing trees. While the proposed project would need to plant a minimum of 84 trees, the landscape plan shows 62 new trees would be planted on the project site for a total of 71 trees. Species used will be required to exclude invasive species listed in the Guidelines and Standards for Lands Near Streams. At the City’s directive, the project would plant, at minimum, 22 trees off-site to offset the loss of the trees to be removed as a result of the project. If additional trees are removed, whether due to deterioration, construction injury, or a mitigation measure, the project would need to offset the loss of trees in accordance with General Plan Policy 5.3.1-P10. Because the project would be required to comply with the City’s tree replacement policy, the loss of these trees on-site would result in a less than significant impact on trees in the project area. (Less than Significant Impact)

Retained Trees On-Site and on Adjacent Properties

The project proposes to retain nine trees on the property, including trees in the dedication area for the water easement. These trees could be impacted by construction activities. There are trees along the creek and adjacent to the northern and eastern boundaries of the site. Although these trees are off- site, their root systems and canopies could be impacted by construction activities due to proximity to the project boundary. The following Standard Permit Conditions are included in the project to reduce impacts to on-site and off-site trees during all construction activities, such as clearing, grading, demolition, excavation, and building:

Standard Permit Conditions

 Prior to any construction, tag and identify all trees to be retained on-site and place four to five inches of mulch around the retained trees (to the dripline).

 To the extent feasible, no site clearing, grading, excavation, or construction shall occur within the drip line of existing trees.

 If site clearing, grading, excavation or construction must occur within the drip line of existing trees, these activities shall be done under direct supervision of a Certified Arborist (Certification of International Society of Arboriculture). No cutting of any part of private trees, including roots, shall be done without direct supervision of the Certified Arborist and prior notification of the owners of the trees.

 Materials, equipment, temporary buildings, fuels, paints and other construction items shall not to be placed within the drip line of existing trees.

 Any cutting of existing roots shall be done with light, approved equipment under the direct supervision of the Certified Arborist.

 Grading shall not create drainage problems for trees by channeling water into them, or creating sunken areas.

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With supervision of site clearing and construction activities at the eastern boundary by a Certified Arborist and implementation of the above Standard Permit Conditions in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture standards, adverse impacts to adjacent trees would be avoided. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.4.3 Conclusion

Conformance with City policies and implementation of the identified mitigation measures and Standard Permit Conditions, the project would result in a less than significant impact on biological resources. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

City of Santa Clara 48 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES

The following discussion is based, in part, on an Archaeological Literature Review prepared by Holman & Associates in August 2014 and a Preliminary Historical Evaluation prepared by Archives and Architecture in December 2014. Copies of the reports are attached in Appendices E and F of this Initial Study.

4.5.1 Setting

An archaeological survey was completed in 1979 on the southeast corner of Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street, approximately 500 feet from the project site. Results yield no archaeological resources on the site, but there is potential for subsurface resources due to known prehistoric and historic occupation of Santa Clara. Similarly, there are no existing conditions or immediate evidence that would suggest the presence of subsurface historic or prehistoric resources on the project site; however, it is located in an area of Santa Clara which is considered culturally sensitive for subsurface archaeological resources.

4.5.1.1 Prehistoric Resources

Native American settlements are commonly associated with the abundant food supply in the Santa Clara Valley and they often established settlements near local waterways. The project site is located adjacent to Calabazas Creek, 1.1 miles west of San Tomas Aquino Creek, and approximately four miles southwest of the Guadalupe River. While the long distances from San Tomas Aquino Creek and the Guadalupe River decreases the likelihood that subsurface artifacts associated with those waterways would be located on-site, the project site’s proximity to Calabazas Creek provides a potential for subsurface archaeological resources to be discovered on-site.

4.5.1.2 Historic Resources

The existing residence on-site was constructed in 1963 and is approximately 51 years old.20 It is a one-story Ranch style residence with stucco cladding, common in neighborhoods in the surrounding Santa Clara-Sunnyvale area. Historically, the project area supported agricultural uses, primarily orchards.

Historic Structures – Regulatory Framework

Below is an overview of criteria used to assess the historic significance and eligibility of a building, structure, object, site, or district for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), and the City of Santa Clara Criteria for Local Significance.

20 The age of the building was ascertained using the data available from the City of Santa Clara on-line permit center. http://santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?page=1015 Accessed August 27, 2014.

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National Criteria

The NRHP is the nation’s most comprehensive list of historic resources and includes historic resources significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture, at the local, State, and National level. National Register Bulletin Number 15, How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, describes the Criteria for Evaluation as being composed of two factors. First, the property must be “associated with an important historic context,” and second, the property must retain integrity of those features necessary to convey its significance.

The National Register identifies four possible context types or criteria, at least one of which must be applicable at the National, State, or local level. As listed under Section 8, “Statement of Significance,” of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Registration Form, these are:

A. Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. B. Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. C. Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. D. Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history.

State of California Criteria

The California Office of Historic Preservation’s Technical Assistance Series #6, California Register and National Register: a Comparison, outlines the differences between the federal and state processes. The context types to be used when establishing the significance of a property for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) are very similar, with emphasis on local and State significance. They are:

1. It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history, or the cultural heritage of California or the United States; or 2. It is associated with the lives of persons important to local, California, or national history; or 3. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values; or 4. It has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history of the local area, California, or the nation.

City of Santa Clara Criteria for Local Significance

In April 2004, the City of Santa Clara City Council adopted the Criteria for Local Significance to establish evaluation measures that will assist the Council and other appropriate decision makers (i.e., Historical and Landmarks Commission) in determining the significance of properties not identified on the City’s Architecturally or Historically Significant Properties list. The criteria are based on historical, cultural, architectural, geographic, and archaeological significance as discussed below.

City of Santa Clara 50 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

Criteria for Historical or Cultural Significance

 To be historically or culturally significant, a property must meet at least one of the following criteria:

 The site, building, or property has character, interest, integrity and reflects the heritage and cultural development of the city, region, State, or nation.

 The property is associated with a historical event.

 The property is associated with an important individual or group who contributed in a significant way to the political, social and/or cultural life of the community.

 The property is associated with a significant industrial, institutional, commercial, agricultural, or transportation activity.

 A building’s direct association with broad patterns of local area history, including development and settlement patterns, early or important transportation routes or social, political, or economic trends and activities. Included is the recognition of urban street pattern and infrastructure.

 A notable historical relationship between a site, building, or property’s site and its immediate environment, including original native trees, topographical features, outbuildings, or agricultural setting.

Criteria for Architectural Significance

To be architecturally significant, a property must meet at least one of the following criteria:

 The property characterizes an architectural style associated with a particular era and/or ethnic group.

 The property is identified with a particular architect, master builder, or craftsman.

 The property is architecturally unique or innovative.

 The property has a strong or unique relationship to other areas potentially eligible for preservation because of architectural significance.

 The property has a visual symbolic meaning or appeal for the community.

 A building’s unique or uncommon building materials, or its historically early or innovative method of construction or assembly.

 A building’s notable or special attributes of an aesthetic or functional nature. These may include massing, proportion, materials, details, fenestration, ornamentation, artwork, or functional layout.

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Criteria for Geographic Significance

To be geographically significant, a property must meet at least one of the following criteria:

 A neighborhood, group, or unique area directly associated with broad patterns of local area history.

 A building’s continuity and compatibility with adjacent buildings and/or visual contribution to a group of similar buildings.

 An intact, historical landscape or landscape features associated with an existing building.

 A notable use of landscaping design in conjunction with an existing building.

Structures on the Project Site

The structure on the site was evaluated for historic significance based on the National, State,and local criteria by Archives and Architecture in December 2014 (refer to Appendix F). The house on-site is a vernacular Ranch style residence from the early 1960s, typical of residences in rural areas of Santa Clara Valley during the post-World War II period. Characteristics of the house include a wooden framework with a stucco exterior, stone veneer on the front façade, a recessed entry alcove, aluminum slider windows, and a horizontally extended roof. The hipped roof connects to overhanging boxed eaves.

The residence is located in a neighborhood where existing residences have a diverse pattern of development that does not contribute to the historic character of the post-war era in the City of Santa Clara. In addition, the property by itself does not represent any patterns of historic development within the City. Since the residence is not associated with any patterns of development or significant events contributing to the history of the City, it does not meet Criterion One of the CRHR or Criterion A of the NRHP.

The property was previous owned by Archibald Patterson (a Scottish immigrant in 1850s), the Butchers in the 1900s, and the Kishimotos in the 1960s. None of these families and individuals were identified as historically significant to the City’s history. Therefore, the property and the house is not eligible for CRHR under Criterion Two for association with important persons in the City’s, California’s, or United States’ history. Similarly, the site is not eligible for the National Register under Criterion B.

Constructed in 1963, the house is 51 years old and is in a good physical condition. It does not, however, have any exemplary characteristics that are distinguishing to the ranch style homes of the era. As a result, the house does not meet the significance qualification under Criterion Three of the CRHR and the National Register under Criterion C.

The project site was also evaluated for local cultural significance based on the City of Santa Clara’s City of Santa Clara Criteria for Local Significance. Similar to the evaluation under the CRHR and the NRHP, the residence at 990 Wren Avenue does not have any historical, cultural, architectural, or

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geographical (pattern of development) significance to the City and does not qualify for the City’s Architecturally or Historically Significant Properties list.

4.5.1.3 Paleontological Resources

Paleontological resources are the fossilized remains of organisms from prehistoric environments found in a geologic strata. The project site is underlain by Holocene (basin) soil deposits.21 Geologic units of Holocene age are generally not considered sensitive for paleontological resources, because biological remains younger than 10,000 years are not usually considered fossils. These sediments have low potential to yield fossil resources or to contain significant nonrenewable paleontological resources; however, these recent sediments overlie sediments of older Pleistocene sediments with high potential to contain paleontological resources. These older sediments, often found at depths of 10 feet or more below the ground surface, have yielded the fossil remains of plants and extinct terrestrial Pleistocene vertebrates.

4.5.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Cause a substantial adverse change in the 1,2,3,10 significance of an historical resource as defined in §15064.5? 2. Cause a substantial adverse change in the 1,2,3,10 significance of an archaeological resource as defined in §15064.5? 3. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique 1,2,3,10 paleontological resource or site, or unique geologic feature? 4. Disturb any human remains, including those 1,2,3,10 interred outside of formal cemeteries?

4.5.2.1 Impacts to Cultural Resources

Subsurface Prehistoric and Historic Resources

The site has a high potential for containing prehistoric archaeological resources due to its location on the east side of Calabazas Creek. Since the existing residence on-site was developed 51 years ago, CEQA guidelines did not require archaeological surveys and there are no reports of any archaeological finds on-site. Therefore, demolition of the existing building and trenching for utilities could uncover and damage as yet unrecorded subsurface resources.

21 City of Santa Clara. Integrated Final Environmental Impact Report Draft General Plan 2010-2035. Page 323. January 2011.

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Impact CUL – 1: Subsurface cultural resources could be uncovered during demolition/construction of the proposed project. (Significant Impact)

Mitigation and Avoidance Measures

The following mitigation measures will be implemented during construction to avoid significant impacts to unknown subsurface cultural resources.

MM CUL-1.1: A qualified archaeologist will be on-site to inspect the native soil after the demolition of the existing residence and associated hardscape and to monitor the initial excavation activities. After monitoring the initial excavation, the archaeologist will make recommendations for further monitoring if it is determined that the site has cultural resources. If the archaeologist determines that no resources are likely to be found on site, no additional monitoring will be required.

MM CUL-1.3: In the event that human remains are discovered during excavation and/or grading of the site, all activity within a 50-foot radius of the find will be stopped. The Santa Clara County Coroner will be notified and shall make a determination as to whether the remains are of Native American origin or whether an investigation into the cause of death is required. If the remains are determined to be Native American, the Coroner will notify the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) immediately. Once NAHC identifies the most likely descendants, the descendants will make recommendations regarding proper burial, which will be implemented in accordance with Section 15064.5(e) of the CEQA Guidelines.

With implementation of these mitigation measures, impacts to unknown subsurface prehistoric, historic, and archaeological resources would be less than significant. (Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation)

Historic Structures

The project proposes to demolish the existing residence on-site and construct five single-family units. Since there are no historic structures immediately adjacent to the project site and the existing residence is not eligible for the California or National Registers or the City’s Architecturally or

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Historically Significant Properties list, implementation of the proposed project would have no impact on historic structures. (No Impact)

Paleontological Resources

Excavation on-site would not exceed 10 feet in depth and it is improbable that paleontological resources would be discovered on-site during construction activities due to the type and age of underlying alluvial soil materials. The most recent paleontological discovery was the remains of a fossilized mammoth along the Guadalupe River in San José, which is not near the project site. (No Impact)

4.5.3 Conclusion

With implementation of the identified mitigation measures described above, the proposed project would have a less than significant impact on subsurface prehistoric, historic, and archaeological resources. (Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation)

Implementation of the proposed project would not result in impacts on historic structures or paleontological resources. (No Impact)

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4.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS

The following discussion is based, in part, on a Geotechnical Investigation report prepared by Capex Engineering Inc. in April 2014. A copy of the report is in Appendix G of this Initial Study.

4.6.1 Setting

4.6.1.1 Soils and Groundwater

Soils beneath the project site are identified as Urban land-Stevencreek complex, zero to two percent slopes. The soil type is characterized as silty loam and has good natural drainage.22 To evaluate soil stability for urban development, the soil was measured for expansion potential at the depth of three feet. Soil samples showed a Plasticity Index score of 17.5 and 19.5, indicating a moderate expansion potential. Expansive soils shrink and swell as a result of moisture changes. These changes can cause heaving and cracking of slabs-on-grade, pavement, and structures found on shallow foundations.

Groundwater is 85 feet below the ground surface (bgs).23

4.6.1.2 Seismicity

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most seismically active region in the United States. Strong ground shaking can be expected at the site during moderate to severe earthquakes in the general region. The significant earthquakes that occur in the Bay Area are generally associated with crustal movement along well defined active fault zones of the San Andreas Fault System, which regionally trends in a northwesterly direction.

TABLE 4.6-1 The site is not located within a designated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone24 or in a Santa Clara County Fault Active Faults Near the Project Site Hazard Zone25 and no active faults have been mapped on- Distance from Fault Site site. Therefore, the risk of fault rupture at the site is low. Hayward Faults in the region are, however, capable of generating 8.4 miles (Southeast Extension) earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher and strong to very Monte Vista – 6.8 miles strong ground shaking would be expected to occur at the Shannon project site during a major earthquake on one of the Calaveras 12.7 miles nearby faults. Active faults near the project site are San Andreas 10.4 miles shown in Table 4.6-1.

22 United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Web Soil Survey: Santa Clara Area, California, Western Part (CA641).” Accessed July 17, 2014. Available at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx 23 Groundwater data is estimated from nearby monitoring wells (841 Lawrence Expressway) identified in the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. 24 California Department of Conservation Website. http://www.quake.ca.gov/gmaps/ap/ap_maps.htm Accessed March 6, 2014. 25 Santa Clara County Website. County Geologic Hazards Zones – Maps. http://www.sccgov.org/sites/PLANNING/GIS/GEOHAZARDZONES/Pages/SCCGeoHazardZoneMaps.aspx Accessed March 4, 2014.

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4.6.1.3 Liquefaction and Lateral Spreading

Liquefaction

Liquefaction is the result of seismic activity and is characterized as the transformation of loose, water-saturated soils from a solid state to a liquid state during ground shaking. There are many variables that contribute to liquefaction, including the age of the soil, soil type, soil cohesion, soil density, and depth to groundwater. While the proposed project site is not located within a mapped liquefaction hazard zone, it is adjacent to a creek and may experience liquefaction during large seismic events.26

Lateral Spreading

Lateral spreading is a type of ground failure related to liquefaction. It consists of the horizontal displacement of flat-lying alluvial material toward an open area, such as the steep bank of a stream channel. Calabazas Creek is adjacent to the site and would be subject to lateral spreading. Therefore, the site has a moderate potential for lateral spreading.

4.6.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: a. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as 1,2,3,11 described 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.) b. Strong seismic ground shaking? 1,2,3,11 c. Seismic-related ground failure, including 1,2,3,11 liquefaction? d. Landslides? 1,2,3,11 2. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of 1,2,3 topsoil?

26 Santa Clara County. County Geologic Hazard Zones – Spatial Data. http://www.sccgov.org/sites/planning/GIS/GeoHazardZones/Spatial_Data/Pages/County-Geologic-Hazard-Zones- Data.aspx Accessed October 2, 2014.

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Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 3. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is 1,2,3,11 unstable, or that will become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? 4. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in 1,2,3,11 Section 1802.3.2 of the California Building Code (2007), creating substantial risks to life or property? 5. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting 1 the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater?

4.6.2.1 Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Impacts

Based upon site-specific testing, the project site has moderately expansive soils and has a low potential for liquefaction and a moderate potential for lateral spreading during large seismic events. The project includes a minimum 20-foot setback from the top of bank of the Calabazas Creek channel, which is considered adequate by Capex Engineering to avoid potential effects related to lateral spreading or bank failure impacts. This setback is also consistent with guidelines for a slope stability protection area for single family units near a structurally engineered creek channel in the SCVWD’s Guidelines and Standards for Land Use Near Streams (See Section 4.4.1.6, Biological Resources Regulatory Setting). Based upon an evaluation of the preliminary site plans, the design- specific geotechnical report provides building and construction recommendations including grading and compaction, foundation, reinforcement of concrete slabs, surface drainage and irrigation, and utility trenching to avoid substantial geology and seismic hazards.

The project would be designed and constructed in accordance with standard engineering safety techniques and City Code requirements and in conformance with the design-specific geotechnical report prepared for the site to reduce soil and geological impacts to a less than significant level. In addition, the project shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the 2013 California Building Code which contains the regulations that govern the construction of structures in California. These regulations are meant to prevent damage to structures in the event of an earthquake. (Less Than Significant Impact)

The project would be connected to the City’s sanitary sewer system and would not use any septic systems. (No Impact)

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4.6.3 Conclusion

With implementation of recommendations in the design-specific geotechnical report and conformance to the 2013 California Building Code and City Code requirements, the project would not expose people or property to significant impacts associated with geologic or seismic conditions. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

4.7.1 Setting

Unlike emissions of criteria and toxic air pollutants, which have local or regional impacts, emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) have a broader, global impact. Global warming associated with the “greenhouse effect” is a process whereby GHGs accumulating in the atmosphere contribute to an increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere. The principal GHGs contributing to global warming and associated climate change are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated compounds. Emissions of GHGs contributing to global climate change are attributable in large part to human activities associated with the transportation, industrial/ manufacturing, utility, residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors.

4.7.1.1 Existing On-Site GHG Emissions

The project site is currently developed with a single-family residence. When occupied, GHG emissions are generated by daily traffic trips of residents and visitors and water and electricity usage.

4.7.2 Regulatory Background

4.7.2.1 State of California

State of California Executive Order S-3-05

In June 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-3-05, which identified CalEPA as the lead coordinating State agency for establishing GHG emission reduction targets in California. A “Climate Action Team,” a multi-agency group was set up to implement Executive Order S-3-05. Under this order, the State plans to reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

Assembly Bill (AB) 32 – The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006

California Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act, was signed into law in September 2006. With the passage of AB 32, the State of California made a commitment to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, which represents about a 30 percent decrease over current levels. CARB’s Discrete Early Actions include maximizing energy efficient building and appliance standards, pursuing additional efficiency efforts, including new technologies and new policy and implementation mechanisms, and pursuing comparable investment in energy efficiency by all retail providers of electricity in California (including both investor-owned and publicly-owned utilities). In December 2008, CARB approved the Climate Change Scoping Plan, which proposes a comprehensive set of actions designed to reduce California’s dependence on oil, diversify energy sources, save energy, and enhance public health, among other goals.

On May 22, 2014, CARB adopted an updated Scoping Plan document. The 2014 update defines CARB’s climate change priorities for the next five years and lay the groundwork to start the

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transition to the post-2020 goals set forth in Executive Order S-3-05 and B-16-2012.27 The 2014 update highlights California’s progress toward meeting the near-term 2020 greenhouse gas emission reduction goals defined in the 2008 Scoping Plan and evaluate how to align the State’s longer-term greenhouse gas reduction strategies with other State policy priorities such as for water, waste, natural resources, agriculture, clean energy, transportation, and land use.

Senate Bill 375

Senate Bill 375 (SB 375), also known as the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008, requires regional transportation plans to include a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) that links transportation and land use planning together into a more comprehensive, integrated process. The SCS is a mechanism for more effectively linking a land use pattern and a transportation system together to make travel more efficient and communities more livable. The result is reduced GHG emissions from passenger vehicles along with other benefits. The target for the Bay Area is a seven percent per capita reduction in GHG emissions attributable to automobiles and light trucks by 2020 and a 15 percent per capita reduction by 2035.

Consistent with the requirements of SB 375, MTC and ABAG adopted Plan Bay Area in July 2013 as part of the Regional Transportation Plan process. The strategies in the plan are intended to promote compact, mixed-use development close to public transit, jobs, schools, shopping, parks, recreation, and other amenities, particularly within Priority Development Areas (PDAs) identified by local jurisdictions. The project site is not located in a PDA.

4.7.2.2 2010 Bay Area Clean Air Plan

The Bay Area 2010 Clean Air Plan (CAP) is a multi-pollutant plan that addresses GHG emissions along with other air emissions in the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin. One of the key objectives in the CAP is climate protection. The 2010 CAP includes emission control measures in five categories: Stationary Source Measures, Mobile Source Measures, Transportation Control Measures, Land Use and Local Impact Measures, and Energy and Climate Measures. Consistency of a project with current control measures is determined by its consistency with the CAP. The current CAP also includes performance objectives, consistent with the state’s climate protection goals under AB 32 and SB 375, designed to reduce emissions of GHGs to 1990 levels by 2020 and 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2035.

4.7.2.3 City of Santa Clara General Plan

The Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan includes policies that address the reduction of GHG emissions during the planning horizon of the General Plan. Goals and policies that address sustainability (see Appendix 8.13: Sustainability Goals and Policies Matrix in the General Plan) are aimed at reducing the City’s contribution to GHG emissions. The City’s General Plan also includes a comprehensive GHG emissions reduction strategy.

27 Executive Order B-16-2012, issued by Governor Brown in March 2012, calls for expanded infrastructure to support zero emission vehicles and sets benchmarks for future state fleet vehicle purchases of zero emission vehicles. The executive order is available online at: http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17472

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Climate Action Plan

The City of Santa Clara has a comprehensive GHG emissions reduction strategy (Climate Action Plan or “CAP’) to achieve its fair share of statewide emissions reductions for the 2020 timeframe consistent with AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. The CAP was adopted on December 3, 2013. The City of Santa Clara CAP specifies the strategies and measures to be taken for a number of focus areas (coal-free and large renewables, energy efficiency, water conservation, transportation and land use, waste reduction, etc.) citywide to achieve the overall emission reduction target, and includes an adaptive management process that can incorporate new technology and respond when goals are not being met.

A key reduction measure that is being undertaken by the City of Santa Clara under the CAP is in the Coal-Free and Large Renewables focus area. The City of Santa Clara operates Silicon Valley Power (SVP), a publicly owned utility that provides electricity for the community of Santa Clara, including the project site. Since nearly half (48 percent) of Santa Clara’s GHG emissions result from electricity use, removing GHG-intensive sources of electricity generation (such as coal) is a major focus area in the CAP for achieving the City’s GHG reduction goals. This measure is being undertaken by Silicon Valley Power.

CEQA clearance for all discretionary development proposals are required to address the consistency of individual projects with reduction measures in the CAP and goals and policies in the General Plan designed to reduce GHG emissions. Compliance with appropriate measures in the CAP would ensure an individual project’s consistency with an adopted greenhouse gas reduction plan. Projects that are consistent with the CAP would have a less than significant impact related to GHG emissions.

4.7.3 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either 1,2,3 directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? 2. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or 1,2,3 regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?

4.7.3.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impacts

Greenhouse gas emissions worldwide contribute, on a cumulative basis, to the significant adverse environmental impacts of global climate change. No single land use project could generate sufficient GHG emissions on its own to noticeably change the global average temperature. The combination of GHG emissions from past, present, and future projects in Santa Clara, the entire state of California,

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and across the nation and around the world, contribute cumulatively to the phenomenon of global climate change and its associated environmental impacts.

Per the CEQA Guidelines Section 15064 (b), a Lead Agency may analyze and mitigate significant GHG emissions in a plan for the reduction of GHG emissions that has been adopted in a public process following environmental review. The City of Santa Clara adopted its CAP (a GHG reduction strategy) in 2013 which is in conformance with its most recent General Plan Update. The City’s projected emissions and the CAP are consistent with measures necessary to meet statewide 2020 goals established by AB 32 and addressed in the Climate Change Scoping Plan. The threshold of significance for whether a development project in the City of Santa Clara would generate GHG emissions that would have a significant impact on the environment, therefore, would be whether or not the project conforms to the applicable reduction measures in the City’s CAP.

Greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed project would include emissions from construction and operation of the project. The GHG emissions from the project would include:

 Construction emissions;  Emission from the manufacture and transport of building materials;  Mobile emissions (e.g., emissions from combustion of fossil fuels for vehicle trips to and from the site); and  Emissions from the generation of electricity to operate lighting, appliances, and HVAC on the site and to convey water to the site.

4.7.3.2 Operational Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Plans, Policies, and Regulations

As described previously, the City of Santa Clara Climate Action Plan, which is part of the City’s General Plan, identifies a series of GHG emissions reduction measures to be implemented by development projects that would allow the City to achieve its GHG reduction goals. The measures center around seven focus areas: coal-free and large renewables, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, off-road equipment, transportation and land use, and urban heat island effect. Of these seven focus areas, three are applicable to private, single-family development projects during design, construction, or occupancy.

The project’s conformance with applicable reduction measures for new residential developments is discussed below.

Energy Efficiency

Measure 2.4 Customer Installed Solar Photovoltaic Systems encourages the City to incentivize residents and business owners to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on homes, parking garages, warehouses, large retail buildings, and other nonresidential buildings. While the project does not currently propose any solar PV systems, the systems could be added by future residents.

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Water Conservation

Measure 3.1 Water Conservation calls for reduction in per capita water use to meet Urban Water Management targets by 2020. Development standards for water conservation will be applied to increase efficient in indoor and outdoor water uses areas. The project would comply with Title 24 Standards which requires insulated water heater systems to reduce energy and water use. In addition, the project would include various plants and groundcover with low-watering needs.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Measure 7.1 Urban Forestry requires planting of shade trees on new developments and encourages shade trees to be planted near south-facing windows. The project would include shade trees on-site and is therefore consistent with this measure.

While the proposed development would result in a small net increase in traffic trips and an increase in energy usage compared to the existing site conditions, the project would include efficient energy and water use features in compliance with Title 24 standards to reduce GHG emissions. As a result, the project would not preclude the City from reaching its GHG emissions reduction goals. Operation of the proposed project would have a less than significant GHG emissions impact. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.7.3.3 Construction Greenhouse Gas Emissions

GHG emissions would occur during demolition of the existing building and hardscape, grading of the site, and construction of the project. Construction of the project would involve emissions associated with equipment, vehicles, and manufacturing materials used to construct the project.

Per General Plan Policy 5.10.3-P3, the project would reduce energy consumption through sustainable construction practices such as salvaging and recycling discarded building materials (i.e., existing hardscape and remnant materials from construction) in order to reduce the amount of demolition and construction waste going to the landfill. The project site is an infill site located in an urbanized location within close distance to construction supplies and equipment. These project features would help to minimize GHG emissions generated by transport of construction materials and waste associated with the project.

Neither the City of Santa Clara nor BAAQMD have quantified thresholds for construction activities. Given that the project is in an urban setting close to construction supplies and equipment, discarded materials would be salvaged or recycled, and the project would meet Title 24 standards (Section 4.3 Air Quality) to reduce energy and water usage, construction of the project would not contribute substantially to local or regional GHG emissions. (Less than Significant Impact)

4.7.4 Conclusion

Conformance to the CAP and implementation of the green building measures would reduce operational GHG emissions to a less than significant level. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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Construction activities would have a less than significant short-term GHG emissions impact. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

4.8.1 Setting

The following discussion is based on an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) prepared for the project by AEI Consultants in April 2014 and a Subsurface Investigation prepared for the project by AEI Consultants in August 2014. Copies of the reports are attached in Appendix H and I of this Initial Study.

4.8.1 Existing Setting

The 0.72-acre project site is currently developed with 2,253 square foot single-family residence, two accessory structures, hardscape areas, and landscaping. The building is currently occupied.

Based on topographic maps, it is estimated that the direction of groundwater flow beneath the project site is northeast. Groundwater depth on-site is estimated from nearby monitoring wells (841 Lawrence Expressway) and is reported at 85 feet below ground surface (bgs).

4.8.1.1 Site History

A land use history of the site was compiled based on aerial photographs, topographic maps, building records, and City directories. Based on a review of these sources, as early as 1939, the project site was part of an orchard and operated as for agricultural uses through 1956. In 1965, the orchard on- site was replaced by the existing residence. No significant changes have occurred on the project site since 1965.

The surrounding area was utilized as agricultural land in 1939 including properties west of Calabazas Creek. A road (today’s Lawrence Expressway) borders the eastern boundary of the project site in 1939. By 1956, residential neighborhoods developed south and east of the project site. Residences expanded east of Calabazas Creek between 1965 and 1982. No significant changes in land use are shown in the 1998, 2005, and 2012 aerials.

4.8.1.2 On-Site Sources of Contamination

To determine if there is a potential for contamination on-site, data on hazardous materials usage, storage and releases have been obtained from the following regulatory agencies and databases:

 Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEH);  Santa Clara Fire Department (SCFD);  California Department of Conservation-Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR);  State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)- Geotracker Database;  Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)- Hazardous Waste Tracking System (HWTS); and  DTSC- EnviroStor Database.

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The data showed no record of hazardous material uses, storage, or releases on the project site.

As noted above, the project was historically agricultural land and was developed with the current residence in 1965. Due to the potential for prior use of persistent agricultural chemicals, sampling of on-site soils was under taken in August 2014. Sampling locations are shown on Figure 4.8-1 and sampling results are summarized in Appendix H. Soil samplings found arsenic, DDT, and lead at concentrations exceeding the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s (RWQCB) Environmental Screening Levels (ESLs) for residential uses.

Asbestos and Lead Based Paint

Friable asbestos is any asbestos containing material (ACM) that, when dry, can easily be crumbled or pulverized to a powder by hand, allowing the asbestos particles to become airborne. Common examples of products that have been found to contain friable asbestos include acoustical ceilings, plaster, wallboard, and thermal insulation for water heaters and pipes. Non-friable ACMs are materials that contain a binder or hardening agent that does not allow the asbestos particles to become airborne easily. Common examples of non-friable ACMs are asphalt roofing shingles, vinyl asbestos floor tiles, and transite28 siding made with cement. Non-friable ACMs can pose the same hazard as friable asbestos during remodeling, repairs, or other construction activities that would damage the material. Use of friable asbestos products was banned in 1978. In the same year, the Consumer Products Safety Commission banned paint and other surface coating materials containing lead, a substance that is harmful to human health. The existing building on-site was constructed prior to 1978, therefore, it is likely that ACMs and/or lead based paints are present in the structure.

4.8.1.3 Off-Site Sources of Contamination

Off-site sources of contamination could impact the project site through contaminants in the groundwater. Since contaminants tend to dissipate with distance in the soil and groundwater, the primary concern are hazardous source sites with an eighth-mile radius of the project site.

Review of the Environmental Database Resources (EDR) Report found the presence of 16 listed hazardous waste sites within a half-mile radius of the project site. Of the recorded hazardous material sites, there are no hazardous sources located within an eighth-mile radius of the project site. Generally, the concentration of contaminants in the groundwater would dissipate with distance and sources of hazardous materials beyond an eighth-mile radius would not result in significant adverse levels of contamination on the project site.

28 Transite materials are manufactured from cement and ACM.

City of Santa Clara 67 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 Estimated depth of pesticide impact to approximately 2 feet bgs

Estimated depth of pesticide impact to approximately 3 feet bgs 0 20 40 Property Boundary SCALE:Feet 1” = 40’ Sample Boundaries Soil Boring *bgs: Below ground surface

SOIL SAMPLING LOCATIONS FIGURE 4.8-1

4.8.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Create a significant hazard to the public or 1,2,3,14 the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? 2. Create a significant hazard to the public or the 1,2,3,14, environment through reasonably foreseeable 15 upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? 3. Emit hazardous emissions or handle 1,2,3 hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? 4. Be located on a site which is included on a list 13 of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, will it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? 5. For a project located within an airport land 1,2,3 use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, will the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? 6. For a project within the vicinity of a private 1,2,3 airstrip, will the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? 7. Impair implementation of, or physically 1,2,3 interfere with, an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? 8. Expose people or structures to a significant 1,2,3 risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?

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4.8.2.1 On-Site Hazardous Materials Impacts

Agricultural Land Uses

The project site was used as agricultural land for at least 17 years (1939 - 1956) and developed with the current single-family residence in 1963. It is common to find arsenic, lead, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) residue in the soil in Santa Clara County from historic farming operations. Soil sampling found arsenic, lead, DDT exceeding the RWQCB’s ESLs for residential uses.

Development of the proposed project would require demolition of the existing building and hardscape which could result in impacts to construction workers from exposure to soil contamination related to agricultural operations. Once the project is complete, most of the exposed soil would be capped with the buildings, paved driveways, and hardscape. There would be, however, landscaped areas throughout the site, resulting in some direct soil exposure for future residents on-site. In addition, future residents may make modifications to their houses and properties, resulting in shallow soil disturbance and potentially exposure to contaminated soil.

Impact HAZ-1: Implementation of the proposed project could expose construction workers and future residents to contaminated soil. (Significant Impact)

Mitigation and Avoidance Measures

The project proposes to implement the following mitigation measures:

MM HAZ-1.1: As pesticide contaminated soils were found on the site in concentrations above established thresholds (e.g., Regional Water Quality Control Board ESLs for unrestricted residential use), regulatory oversight shall be initiated and a Site Management Plan (SMP) will be prepared and implemented (as outlined below). Regulatory oversight may be provided by the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEH), the Regional Water Quality Board (RWQCB) or DTSC. These agencies may also require additional site investigation to fully delineate the extent of contaminants of concern at the site. The potential risks to human health shall be reduced either by remediation of contaminated soils (e.g., excavation and off-site disposal) and/or implementation of engineering and institutional controls (e.g., soil capping and deed restrictions/notices) to ensure that any potential added health risks to construction workers, maintenance and utility workers, residents, and the general public as a result of potential hazardous materials contamination are reduced to acceptable levels, as required by a regulatory oversight agency.

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contaminated soil to be removed from the site shall be hauled off-site and disposed of at a licensed hazardous materials disposal site.

Institutional and engineering controls employed on the site may include placement of new fill, pavement, or buildings over contaminated soils and/or adoption of deed restrictions.

An SMP will be prepared to establish management practices for handling impacted soil material that may be encountered during site development and soil-disturbing activities. Components of the SMP will include: a detailed discussion of the site background; preparation of a Health and Safety Plan by an industrial hygienist; notification procedures if previously undiscovered significantly impacted soil is encountered during construction; on-site soil reuse guidelines based on the California RWQCB, San Francisco Bay Region’s reuse policy; sampling and laboratory analyses of excess soil requiring disposal at an appropriate off-site waste disposal facility; a dust control plan; and soil stockpiling protocols. Prior to issuance of grading permits, a copy of the SMP must be approved by the SCCEHD, the City’s Director of Planning and Inspection, and the Santa Clara Fire Chief.

Implementation of the identified mitigation measures would reduce the risk of construction worker and resident exposure to contaminated soils to a less than significant level. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

Asbestos and Lead Based Paint

Due to the age of the structure on the project site, ACMs may be present. The project proposes to demolish the existing building and as a result, an asbestos survey must be conducted under National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) guidelines. In addition, NESHAP guidelines require that all potentially friable ACM be removed prior to building demolition or renovation that may disturb the ACMs.

Based on the age of the building, lead-based paint may also be present. If lead-based paint is still bonded to the building materials, its removal is not required prior to demolition. It will be necessary, however, to follow the requirements outlined by Cal-OSHA Lead in Construction Standard, Title 8, California Code of Regulation (CCR) 1532.1 during demolition activities. These requirements include employee training, employee air monitoring, and dust control. If lead-based paint is peeling, flaking, or blistered, it should be removed prior to demolition. It is assumed that such paint will become separated from the building components during demolition activities and must be managed and disposed of as a separate waste stream. Any debris or soil containing lead paint or coating must be disposed of at landfills that are permitted to accept such waste.

Demolition of the existing building and accessory structures on-site could expose construction workers to harmful levels of ACMs or lead.

City of Santa Clara 71 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

The project is required to conform to the following regulatory programs and implement the following measures to reduce impacts due to the presence of ACMs and/or lead-based paint:

 In conformance with State and local laws, a visual inspection/pre-demolition survey, and possible sampling, shall be conducted prior to the demolition of on-site buildings to determine the presence of asbestos-containing materials and/or lead-based paint.

 Prior to demolition activities, all building materials containing lead-based paint shall be removed in accordance with Cal/OSHA Lead in Construction Standard, Title 8, California Code Regulations 1532.1, including employee training, employee air monitoring, and dust control. Any debris or soil containing lead-based paint or coatings would be disposed of at landfills that meet acceptance criteria for the waste being disposed.

 All potentially friable ACMs shall be removed in accordance with NESHAP guidelines prior to any building demolition or renovation that may disturb the materials. All demolition activities will be undertaken in accordance with Cal/OSHA standards contained in Title 8 of CCR, Section 1529, to protect workers from exposure to asbestos.

 A registered asbestos abatement contractor shall be retained to remove and dispose of ACMs identified in the asbestos survey performed for the site in accordance with the standards stated above.

 Materials containing more than one percent asbestos are also subject to Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) regulations. Removal of materials containing more than one percent asbestos shall be completed in accordance with BAAQMD requirements.

Conformance with aforementioned regulatory requirements would result in a less than significant impact from ACMs and/or lead-based paint. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Future Operations

The five proposed residences would likely include the use and storage on-site of cleaning supplies and maintenance chemicals in small quantities. No other hazardous materials would be used or stored on-site. The small quantities of cleaning supplies and maintenance chemicals that would be used on-site would not pose a risk to future residences or adjacent land uses. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.8.2.2 Off-Site Hazardous Materials Impacts

The concentration of contaminants traveling by groundwater would dissipate with distance, and hazardous sources beyond an eighth-mile of the project site would have a low potential to significantly impact the site. The ESA prepared by AEI in April 2014 concluded that there is no record of hazardous materials sites within one-eighth-mile of the project site. Therefore, contamination from off-site hazardous materials would have a less than significant impact on the project site. (Less Than Significant Impact)

City of Santa Clara 72 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

4.8.2.3 Other Hazards

While the project site is one-quarter mile of Laurelwood Elementary (0.20 miles), the project site does not proposed the use or handling of any hazardous materials that would pose significant hazards, especially to offsite receptors. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in a significant hazardous materials impact to schools in the project area. (No Impact)

The project site is not located near any public airport or private air strip. The nearest airport is the Mineta San José International Airport, approximately 3.3 miles east of the project site. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in safety hazard impacts due to airport activities. (No Impact)

The project site is in a highly developed urban area, and it is not adjacent to any wildland areas that would be susceptible to fire. Therefore, the proposed project would not expose the proposed building and future site users to wildland fires. (No Impact)

The City’s public safety departments have evaluated the proposed project design and operations and determined that the project would not interfere with any adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.8.3 Conclusion

With implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, the project would not result in significant impacts related to hazardous materials. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

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4.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY

4.9.1 Setting

4.9.1.1 Flooding

The project site is not located within a 100-year flood hazard area. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the project site is located in Zone X which is an area with 0.2 percent annual chance of flood; areas with one percent chance of annual flood with average depths of less than one foot or with drainage areas less than one square mile; and areas protected by levees from one percent annual flood.29

4.9.1.2 Dam Failure

Based on the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) dam failure inundation hazard maps. The project site is not located within any dam failure inundation hazard zones. 30

4.9.1.3 Seiches, Tsunamis, and Mudflows

There are no landlocked bodies of water near the project site that would affect the site in the event of a seiche. There are no bodies of water near the project site that would affect the site in the event of a tsunami.31 The project area is flat and there are no mountains near the site that would affect the site in the event of a mudflow.

4.9.1.4 Storm Drainage System

The City of Santa Clara owns and maintains the municipal storm drainage system which serves the project area. The lines that serve the area drain into Calabazas Creek which flows north, carrying the runoff from the storm drains into San Francisco Bay.

Currently, 32 percent of the project site is covered with impervious surfaces and 68 percent is covered with pervious surfaces. The City of Santa Clara’s storm drainage system does not extend to the site. The nearest storm inlet is located at the northwest corner of Vireo Avenue and Wren Avenue. The inlet connects to an 18-inch line in Vireo Avenue and eventually drains into Calabazas Creek.

29 Federal Emergency Management Agency. Map 06085C0063H. May 18, 2009. Accessed August 27, 2014. 30 Association of Bay Area Governments. Dam Failure Inundation Hazard Map for NW San José/Milpitas/Santa Clara. 1995. Accessed August 27, 2014. 31 Association of Bay Area Governments. Tsunami Inundation Emergency Planning Map for the San Francisco Bay Region. . Accessed August 27, 2014.

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4.9.1.5 Groundwater

Data from previous monitoring wells in the project area estimated groundwater to be approximately 85 feet below ground surface (bgs). The project site is developed in a confined area of the Santa Clara Valley groundwater basin and does not substantially contribute to the recharging of the groundwater aquifer used for water supply.

4.9.1.6 Water Quality Regulatory Setting

As stated above, stormwater from the project site drains into Calabazas Creek. The water quality of Calabazas Creek is directly affected by pollutants contained in stormwater runoff from a variety of urban and non-urban uses. Stormwater from urban uses contains metals, pesticides, herbicides, and other contaminants, including oil, grease, asbestos, lead, and animal wastes.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Program

The Federal Clean Water Act and California’s Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act are the primary laws related to water quality. Regulations set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) have been developed to fulfill the requirements of this legislation. EPA’s regulations include the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which controls sources that discharge pollutants into the waters of the United States (e.g., streams, lakes, bays, etc.). These regulations are implemented at the regional level by the water quality control boards, which for the Santa Clara area is the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Based on data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),32 Calabazas Creek is not currently listed on the California 303(d) list33 or the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) high priority schedule.34

Statewide Construction General Permit

The SWRCB has implemented a NPDES General Construction Permit for the State of California. For projects disturbing one acre or more of soil, a Notice of Intent (NOI) and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be prepared prior to commencement of construction.

Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (MRP)/C.3 Requirement

The San Francisco Bay RWQCB also has issued a Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (Permit Number CAS612008) (MRP). In an effort to standardize stormwater management requirements throughout the region, this permit replaces the formerly separate countywide municipal stormwater permits with a regional permit for 77 Bay Area municipalities, including the City of

32 United States Environmental Protection Agency. California 303(d) Listed Waters. http://ofmpub.epa.gov/tmdl_waters10/attains_impaired_waters.impaired_waters_list?p_state=CA&p_cycle=2006 Accessed March 5, 2014. 33 The Clean Water Act, section 303, establishes water quality standards and TMDL programs. The 303(d) list is a list of impaired water bodies. 34 A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards.

City of Santa Clara 75 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

Santa Clara. Under provisions of the NPDES Municipal Permit, redevelopment projects that disturb more than 10,000 square feet are required to design and construct stormwater treatment controls to treat post-construction stormwater runoff. Amendments to the MRP require all of the post- construction runoff to be treated by using Low Impact Development (LID) treatment controls, such as biotreatment facilities. The Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) assists co-permittees, such as the City of Santa Clara, with implementing the provisions of the Municipal NPDES Permit.

Hydromodification (Subset of MRP)

In addition to water quality controls, the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES permit requires all new and redevelopment projects that create or replace one acre or more of impervious surface to manage development-related increases in peak runoff flow, volume, and duration, where such hydromodification is likely to cause increased erosion, silt pollutant generation or other impacts to beneficial uses of local rivers, streams, and creeks. Projects may be deemed exempt from the permit requirements if they do not meet the size threshold, drain into tidally influenced areas or directly into the Bay, drain into hardened channels, or are infill projects in subwatersheds or catchments areas that are greater than or equal to 65 percent impervious (per the Santa Clara Permittees Hydromodification Management Applicability Map).

Based on the SCVUPPP Watershed Map for the City of Santa Clara, the project site is within a subwatershed that drains into a hardened channel or tidal area. As a result, the project is not subject to the NPDES hydromodification peak runoff requirements.35

4.9.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Violate any water quality standards or waste 1,2,3 discharge requirements? 2. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or 1,2,3 interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there will be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells will drop to a level which will not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?

35 Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program. http://www.scvurppp-w2k.com/hmp_maps.htm Accessed September 30, 2014.

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Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 3. Substantially alter the existing drainage 1,2,3 pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which will result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site? 4. Substantially alter the existing drainage 1,2,3 pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which will result in flooding on-or off-site? 5. Create or contribute runoff water which will 1,2,3 exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? 6. Otherwise substantially degrade water 1,2,3 quality? 7. Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard 1,2,3 area as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? 8. Place within a 100-year flood hazard area 1,2,3,10 structures which will impede or redirect flood flows? 9. Expose people or structures to a significant 1,2,3,11 risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? 10. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? 1,2,3,12

City of Santa Clara 77 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

4.9.2.1 Storm Drainage Impacts

Development of the project would result in the disturbance of approximately 0.72 acres of soil on the project site. With implementation of the proposed project, the amount of impermeable surface area on the project site would increase, compared to the existing site conditions. The existing and proposed pervious and impervious surfaces on the project site are shown in Table 4.9-1 below.

TABLE 4.9-1 Pervious and Impervious Surfaces On-Site36 Existing/Pre- Project/Post- Difference Site Surface Construction % % % Construction (sf) (sf) (sf) Impervious Building Footprint 3,534 11 10,130 33 +6,596 +22 Sidewalks and Hardscapes 6,336 21 9,182 29 +2,846 +8 Subtotal 9,870 32 19,312 62 +9,442 +30 Pervious Pervious Pavement and 21,435 68 11,993 38 -9,442 -30 Landscaping TOTAL 31,305 100 31,305 100

Under existing conditions, the storm drainage system has sufficient capacity to convey runoff from the site. The proposed development would result in a 30 percent (9,442 sf) increase in impervious surface area on-site. To comply with the NPDES Municipal Permit and the City Code (Title 15, Chapter 15.15, Building Code), the project would incorporate best management practices (BMPs) that will reduce stormwater runoff. The City will review the project’s development plants including the Stormwater Control Plan and the Utility Plan to ensure that the project would not exceed the capacity of the local drainage system. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.9.2.2 Flooding Impacts

Based on the FEMA flood insurance rate maps, the site is not located within a 100-year flood hazard zone. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in people or structures being exposed to significant flood risks. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.9.2.3 Groundwater Supplies and Quality Impacts

The project site is currently 32 percent paved and does not contribute to recharging of the groundwater aquifers used as water supply. The depth to groundwater at the project site is at least 85 feet bgs. Development of the project would include trenching for utilities (up to three feet bgs) and would not have any substantial excavations that would extend to the groundwater, and as a result, the

36 To simplify the discussion, the modifications to the public-right-of-way adjacent to the project parcel are considered as part of the project site.

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project would not interfere with groundwater flow or expose any aquifers. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.9.2.4 Water Quality Impacts

Construction Impacts

Implementation of the proposed residential development will disturb 0.72 acre of land area, which is below the one acre threshold. Therefore, the proposed project would not require compliance with the NPDES General Permit for Construction Activities. City of Santa Clara requirements under the City’s MRP would apply, however.

Construction of the proposed project would require demolition of the existing building foundations and pavement, and grading of the site. These construction activities could degrade water quality in Calabazas Creek because the existing on-site storm drainage system discharges into this waterway. Construction activities would generate dust, sediment, litter, oil, paint, and other pollutants that would temporarily contaminate runoff from the site. The following Standard Permit Conditions37 would be included in the project to reduce construction-related water quality impacts:

Standard Permit Conditions

 Burlap bags filled with drain rock shall be installed around storm drains to route sediment and other debris away from the drains.

 Earthmoving or other dust-producing activities shall be suspended during periods of high winds.

 All exposed or disturbed soil surfaces shall be watered at least twice daily to control dust as necessary.

 Stockpiles of soil or other materials that can be blown by the wind shall be watered or covered.

 All trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials shall be required to cover all trucks or maintain at least two feet of freeboard.

 All paved access roads, parking areas, staging areas, and residential streets adjacent to the construction sites shall be swept daily (with water sweepers).

 Vegetation in disturbed areas shall be replanted as quickly as possible.

 All unpaved entrances to the site shall be filled with rock to knock mud from truck tires prior to entering City streets. A tire wash system may also be employed at the request of the City.

37 These Standard Permit Conditions are based on RWQCB Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce construction-related water quality impacts.

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The proposed development would include the above Standard Permit Conditions to reduce construction-related water quality impacts to less than significant. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Operational Impacts

Implementation of the proposed project would result in an overall increase in stormwater runoff due to an approximately 30 percent increase in impermeable surfaces over existing conditions. Once redeveloped, the project site would contribute the same types of stormwater runoff pollutants as the current site conditions and the surrounding development. Runoff from streets and parking areas often carries grease, oil, and trace amounts of heavy metals into natural drainages. Runoff from landscaping can carry pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Although the amounts of these pollutants ultimately discharged into the waterways are unknown, over time they could accumulate and be substantial.

The existing and proposed square footages of pervious and impervious surfaces are shown on Table 4.9-1, above. The existing project site is approximately 31,305 sf, of which approximately 9,870 sf (32 percent) is currently comprised of impervious surfaces. The proposed project would increase impervious surfaces on-site by approximately 9,442 sf (30 percent). The total impervious surface area would increase, which would increase the amount of pollution flowing into the storm drainage system.

In addition, the proposed project would add or replace more than 10,000 sf of impervious surfaces, so it must conform to the requirements of the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES permit. Conformance is illustrated in the project’s Conceptual Stormwater Control Plan and would be finalized in the final Stormwater Control Plan at the Development Permit stage. Plans would be certified by engineers to ensure incorporation of appropriate and effective source control measures to meet Low Impact Development (LID) requirements to prevent discharge of pollutants, reduce impervious surfaces, retain a percentage of runoff on-site for percolation, and treatment control measures to remove pollutants from runoff entering the storm drainage system. In order to meet the City’s and the NPDES requirements, the project proposes that pathways, driveways, parking areas and rooftop runoff would drain into bio-retention areas located along the proposed private road.

The proposed treatment facilities would have sufficient capacity to treat the stormwater runoff entering the storm drainage system. In addition, the project would be required to maintain all post- construction treatment control measures, as outlined below, throughout the life of the project.

The following Standard Permit Conditions, based on the RWQCB BMPs and the City requirements, are included in the project to ensure compliance with NPDES permit requirements to reduce post- construction water quality impacts.

Standard Permit Conditions

 All post-construction Treatment Control Measures (TCMs) will be installed, operated, and maintained by qualified personnel. On-site inlets will be cleaned out at a minimum of once per year, prior to the wet season.

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 The property owner/site manager will keep a maintenance and inspection schedule and record to ensure the TCMs continue to operate effectively for the life of the project. Copies of the schedule and record must be provided to the City upon request and must be made available for inspection on-site at all times.

With implementation of the project’s SWCP and the Standard Permit Conditions, the project would not violate any adopted water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. Runoff would be routed directly from the treatment facilities to the storm drainage system and would not flow off-site. Installation and maintenance of the proposed stormwater treatment systems would result in a less than significant impact on water quality. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.9.2.5 Inundation and Dam Failure Impacts

Due to the location of the project site, the project would not be subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. (No Impact)

The project site is not located within a dam failure hazard zone. Therefore, implementation of the project would not expose people or structures to flooding risks due to dam failure. (No Impact)

4.9.3 Conclusion

The project would not be subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. (No Impact)

The project would comply with the Nonpoint Source Pollution Program and the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit, and therefore would not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. (Less Than Significant Impact)

The project would increase wastewater discharge and stormwater runoff from the site; however, it would not result in substantial erosion or siltation on-site (or in local waterways) or degraded water quality. (Less Than Significant Impact)

The project does not contribute to the recharging of groundwater aquifers, and there are no groundwater recharge sources in the project area. In addition, the project would not deplete the groundwater supply or expose people or structures to flood hazards such as dam failure. (Less Than Significant Impact)

While construction activities could temporarily increase pollutants loads in stormwater runoff, implementation of the identified Standard Permit Conditions would reduce construction-related impacts to water quality. (Less Than Significant Impact)

City of Santa Clara 81 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

4.10 LAND USE

4.10.1 Setting

4.10.1.1 Project Site

The project site is a relatively flat 0.72-acre parcel. The project site is currently developed with a single-family residence totaling 3,534 square feet. The site is landscaped with grass, trees, and shrubs along the eastern, western, and northern portions of the site. The project site is currently accessed by an ingress/egress driveway on Wren Avenue. An aerial photograph of the project site and surrounding land uses is shown in Figure 2.2-3.

4.10.1.2 Surrounding Land Uses

Development in the project area is primarily one- to two-story residences with one commercial plaza on the northeast corner of Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street. The southeast corner of Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street is a vacant lot. The commercial plaza includes a gas station, a drycleaner, and convenient stores. South of the project site is a single-family residential neighborhood and west of Calabazas Creek are single-family and multi-family residences. East of Lawrence Expressway are single-family residences.

4.10.1.3 Existing Land Use Designation and Zoning

The Very Low Density Residential General Plan designation is intended for single-family units with a density of up to 10 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC). New developments typically include large landscaped yards, street trees, and distinct setbacks between structures.

The R1-6L - Single Family Residential zoning district (Chapter 18.12 of the City Code) is intended for single-family residential development with 10 DU/AC. The maximum permitted building height within this zoning district is 25 feet (up to two stories), and the maximum building coverage is 40 percent of the parcel. For each dwelling unit, the zoning district requires a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet, a minimum lot width of 60 feet, two side yards, a backyard, and two garage parking spaces.

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4.10.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Physically divide an established community? 1,2,3 2. Conflict with any applicable land use plan, 1,2,3 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? 3. Conflict with any applicable habitat 8 conservation plan or natural community conservation plan?

4.10.2.1 Land Use Impacts

Land use conflicts can arise from two basic causes: 1) a new development or land use may cause impacts to persons or the physical environment in the vicinity of the project site or elsewhere; or 2) conditions on or near the project site may have impacts on the persons or development introduced onto the site by the new project. Both of these circumstances are aspects of land use compatibility. Potential incompatibility may arise from placing a particular development or land use at an inappropriate location, or from some aspect of the project’s design or scope. Depending on the nature of the impacts and its severity, land use compatibility conflicts can range from minor irritation and nuisance to potentially significant effects on human health and safety. The discussion below distinguishes between potential impacts from the proposed project upon persons and the physical environment, and potential impacts from the project’s surroundings upon the project itself.

Land Use Compatibility

The project area is comprised of residential uses with a commercial plaza northwest of the project site. The proposed project would demolish the existing single-family residence and develop five single-family residences on-site. The proposed project would not change the existing land use of the site and is a compatible land use with the surrounding residential neighborhood. (No Impact)

General Plan and Zoning Consistency

As stated in Section 4.10.1.3, the project site is designated Very Low Density Residential under the City’s General Plan. The intent of this designation is single-family residences with a maximum 10 DU/AC. The proposed project would be develop five single-family residences on-site for a density of seven DU/AC and, therefore, it is consistent with the allowed density for this General Plan designation.

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The R1-6L - Single Family Residential zoning district is intended for single-family residential developments with a maximum of 10 DU/AC. The maximum permitted building height within this zoning district is 25 feet (up to two stories), and the maximum building coverage is 40 percent of the parcel. For each dwelling unit, the zoning district requires a minimum lot area of 6,000 sf, a minimum lot width of 60 feet, two side yards, a backyard, and two garage parking spaces. The proposed buildings would have a maximum height of 29 feet and varying lot widths under 60 feet. As a result, the project is not consistent with the R1-6L zoning development standards and proposes a Planned Development zoning district for the site. The slight increase in building height and varying lot widths would not represent a change in the type of use or introduce a development that would be incompatible with the adjacent residential neighborhood south of the project site.

The houses would be along a private street, Wren Court, that would extend from a street terminus and variable lot widths would not be apparent from the adjoining neighborhood. Setbacks and the modest increase in allowed building heights also would not be out of character with two-story structures in the vicinity.

With the City’s approval of a Planned Development zoning, the project would remain consistent with the General Plan designation. Therefore, the project would be consistent with the General Plan and the City’s Zoning Code, and would not conflict with any land use plans or policies. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Visual Intrusion

The project proposes five two-story residences on-site. Three of the residences would be located in proximity to the residences south of the project site and could result in visual access into backyards and windows of adjacent residences. The project proposes a 6-foot fence and screen plantings to limit the visual intrusion between residences. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Shade and Shadow Effects

The project would construct five two-story residences, up to 29 feet in height, on-site. Shadows from the houses would be limited to the project site for most of the year. Usually winter afternoons (i.e., December 21st at 3PM) would result in the longest shadows, however, the project shadows would cast over Lawrence Expressway. Therefore, the project would result in less than significant shade and shadow impacts. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Other Land Use Issues

The proposed residential development would be constructed in a residential neighborhood and would not divide an established community. The proposed project would not conflict with any habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. (No Impact)

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4.10.3 Conclusion

The project would not divide an established community or conflict with any habitat conservation plans. (No Impact)

Implementation of the proposed project would not result in significant land use impacts (Less Than Significant Impact)

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4.11 MINERAL RESOURCES

4.11.1 Setting

The Santa Clara Valley was formed when sediments derived from the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Mt. Hamilton-Diablo Range were exposed by continued tectonic uplift and regression of the inland sea that had previously inundated this area. As a result of this process, the topography of the area is relatively flat and there are no mapped mineral resources in the project vicinity.38

4.11.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Result in the loss of availability of a known 1,2,3 mineral resource that will be of value to the region and the residents of the state? 2. Result in the loss of availability of a locally- 1,2,3 important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?

4.11.2.1 Mineral Resources Impacts

The proposed project site is within a developed urban area and it does not contain any known or designated mineral resources. (No Impact)

4.11.3 Conclusion

The project would not result in a significant impact from the loss of availability of a known mineral resource. (No Impact)

38 Stanley, R. G., R. C. Jachens, P. G. Lillis, R. J. McLaughlin, K. A. Kvenvolden, F. D. Hostettler, K. A. McDougall, and L. B. Magoon. 2002. Subsurface and petroleum geology of the southwestern Santa Clara Valley (“Silicon Valley”), California. (Professional Paper 1663) Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office.

City of Santa Clara 86 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014

4.12 NOISE

The following analysis is based, in part, on a Noise Assessment prepared by Mei Wu Acoustics in April 2014. The report can be found in Appendix J of this Initial Study.

4.12.1 Setting

4.12.1.1 Background Information

Acceptable levels of noise vary from land use to land use. In any one location, the noise level will vary over time, from the lowest background or ambient noise level to temporary increases caused by traffic or other sources. State and Federal standards have been established as guidelines for determining the compatibility of a particular land use with its noise environment.

There are several methods of characterizing sound. The most common in California is the A- weighted sound level or dBA.39 This scale gives greater weight to the frequencies of sound to which the human ear is most sensitive. Because sound levels can vary markedly over a short period of time, a method for describing either the average character of the sound or the statistical behavior of the variations must be utilized. Most commonly, environmental sounds are described in terms of an average level that has the same acoustical energy as the summation of all the time-varying events. This energy-equivalent sound/noise descriptor is called Leq. The most common averaging period is hourly, but Leq can describe any series of noise events of arbitrary duration.

Although the A-weighted noise level may adequately indicate the level of environmental noise at any instant in time, community noise levels vary continuously. Most environmental noise includes a conglomeration of noise from distant sources which create a relatively steady background noise in which no particular source is identifiable. To describe the time-varying character of environmental noise, the statistical noise descriptors, L01, L10, L50, and L90, are commonly used. They are the A- weighted noise levels equaled or exceeded during 1, 10, 50, and 90 percent of a stated time period.

Sound level meters can accurately measure environmental noise levels to within about plus or minus one dBA. Since the sensitivity to noise increases during the evening hours, 24-hour descriptors have been developed that incorporate artificial noise penalties added to quiet-time noise events. The Day/Night Average Sound Level, Ldn, is the average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after the addition of 10 decibels (dB) to noise levels measured in the nighttime between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

The most widespread and continual source of noise in Santa Clara is transportation and transportation-related facilities. Freeways, local arterials, the Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, railroads, and Light Rail Transit are all major contributors to noise in Santa Clara. In the project area, the main source of noise is traffic on Lawrence Expressway.

39 The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting filter network. All sound levels in this discussion are A-weighted, unless otherwise stated.

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4.12.1.2 Regulatory Background – Noise

The State of California and the City of Santa Clara have established guidelines, regulations, and policies designed to limit noise exposure at noise sensitive land uses. Appendix E of the State CEQA Guidelines, the State of California Building Code, and the City of Santa Clara’s Noise Element of the General Plan present the following applicable criteria:

State CEQA Guidelines. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) contains guidelines to evaluate the significance of effects resulting from a proposed project. These guidelines have been used in this Initial Study as thresholds for establishing potentially significant noise impacts and are listed under Thresholds of Significance.

City of Santa Clara General Plan. Based on the City’s General Plan Noise Element, Table 4.12-1 shows the noise levels considered compatible with specific land uses, the community noise equivalent level (CNEL). Residential land uses are considered compatible with Ldn noise levels of up to 55 dBA and acceptable with design and insulation techniques in areas with Ldn noise levels up to 70 dBA.

TABLE 4.12-1 Noise and Land Use Compatibility (Ldn & CNEL) Land Use 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 Residential

Educational

Recreational

Commercial

Industrial

Open Space Compatible Require Design and insulation to reduce noise levels Incompatible. Avoid land use except when entirely indoors and an interior noise level of 45 Ldn can be maintained Source: City of Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan

City of Santa Clara General Plan Noise Policies. The following General Plan policies are applicable to the proposed project:

 Policy 5.10.6-P1: Review all land use and development proposals for consistency with the General Plan compatibility standards and acceptable noise exposure levels defined on Table 5.10-1.

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 Policy 5.10.6-P2: Incorporate noise attenuation measures for all projects that have noise exposure levels greater than General Plan “normally acceptable” levels, as defined on Table 5.10-1.

 Policy 5.10.6-P3: New development should include noise control techniques to reduce noise to acceptable levels, including site layout (setbacks, separation and shielding), building treatments (mechanical ventilation system, sound-rated windows, solid core doors and baffling) and structural measures (earthen berms and sound walls).

City of Santa Clara Noise Standards. Section 5.10.6 of the General Plan states that all indoor uses are compatible at less than 45db CNEL and that exterior noise must be attenuated to achieve a normally acceptable interior noise level of 45 db CNEL for noise sensitive land uses and 50 db CNEL for office, retail, and other indoor spaces.

Santa Clara City Code. In section 9.10.040 of the Santa Clara City Code, Schedule A shows the noise levels considered consistent with specific zoning designations. For residential land uses, outdoor noise levels of up to 55 dB are considered acceptable between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM and up to 50 dB between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

4.12.1.3 Existing Noise Environment

The project site is located immediately west of Lawrence Expressway. Noise in the project area is generated primarily from vehicle traffic on this roadway. According to the City of Santa Clara 40 General Plan, the project site is exposed to noise levels between 70 to 75 dBA Ldn. The noise assessment measured an ambient noise level as high as 69 dBA on-site.

The site is outside the 65 CNEL noise contour for the Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport.

Sensitive Receptors

Noise sensitive land uses adjacent or within proximity to the site include the existing residential neighborhood immediately south of the project.

40 City of Santa Clara. 2010. City of Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan, Section 5.10.6 Noise Goals and Policies, Figure 5.10-4.

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4.12.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project result in: 1. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise 1,2,3,19 levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? 2. Exposure of persons to, or generation of, 1,2,3 excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? 3. A substantial permanent increase in ambient 1,2,3,19 noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? 4. A substantial temporary or periodic increase 1,2,3,19 in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? 5. For a project located within an airport land 1,2,3 use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, will the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? 6. For a project within the vicinity of a private 1,2,3 airstrip, will the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?

4.12.2.1 Thresholds of Significance

The CEQA Guidelines state that a project would normally be considered to have a significant impact if noise levels conflict with adopted environmental standards or plans, or if noise levels generated by the project would substantially increase existing noise levels at noise-sensitive receivers on a permanent or temporary basis. CEQA does not define what noise level increase would be substantial. The General Plan defines a change of three dBA Ldn as noticeable, five dBA Ldn as 41 distinct in noise level. Typically, project generated noise level increases of three dBA Ldn or greater are considered significant where resulting exterior noise levels would exceed the normally acceptable noise level standard. Where noise levels would remain at or below the normally acceptable noise level standard with the project, a noise level increase of five dBA Ldn or greater is considered significant.

41 City of Santa Clara. 2010. City of Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan, Section 8.14.1 Noise Measurement.

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4.12.2.2 Noise Impacts to the Project Site

Exterior Noise Levels

The project site is located adjacent to Lawrence Expressway and exterior noise at the project site could reach up to 75 dBA Ldn along the street frontage, exceeding the normally acceptable noise level for residences. The project would be required to attenuate interior noise levels to 45 db CNEL to have a less than significant noise impact.

Interior Noise Levels

The City of Santa Clara requires that interior noise levels within new residential developments not exceed 45 dBA Ldn. Using standard construction techniques, a typical building insulation material provides 15 dBA of attenuation with windows open and 20 to 25 dBA of attenuation with windows closed. With the incorporation of a forced air mechanical ventilation system to allow windows to remain closed, interior noise levels can typically be maintained below State and City standards within exterior noise environments that range from 60 to 65 dBA Ldn, using standard construction techniques. In noise environments of 65 dBA Ldn or greater, a combination of forced air mechanical ventilation and sound-rated construction methods is typically required to meet the 45 dBA Ldn interior noise level standard.

Based on available data, it is estimated that future residents near Lawrence Expressway would be exposed to exterior noise levels with a maximum of 75 dBA Ldn.

Impact NOI-1: Implementation of the proposed project could expose future residents near Lawrence Expressway to interior noise levels in excess of the 45 dBA Ldn threshold for City and State standards for residential development. (Significant Impact)

Mitigation and Avoidance Measures

A project-specific acoustical analysis has been prepared for the proposed development to verify that the design of the project would reduce interior noise levels to 45 dBA Ldn or less. The following measures have been incorporated into the project to reduce interior noise impacts at the project site to a less than significant level.

MM NOI-1.1: A noise barrier wall extending at least 40 feet along the eastern boundary from the southeast corner of the project site shall be installed. The barrier wall would be 10 feet above grade of Lawrence Expressway and 12 feet above grade of the residential development. The wall would attenuate between eight and 13 dBA from the traffic noise levels.

 Building materials for the noise barrier shall meet requirement in the project-specific acoustical analysis including: solid building material with a density of at least two pounds per sf such as a half-inch thick wood, half- inch outdoor plywood, 16 gauge steel sheet, and masonry units. A final

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noise analysis shall be submitted to the City, along with the building plans. The analysis and study shall be approved prior to issuance of a building permit.

With implementation of the above mitigation measures, the project would result in a less than significant interior noise impact. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

4.12.2.3 Project-Generated Traffic Noise Impacts

Based upon the traffic estimates for the project, traffic noise levels would not increase as a result of the project. A noise increase is considered substantial if it increases the ambient noise level by three dB or more in sensitive noise areas. A three dB increase is equivalent to a doubling of traffic on local roadways. In the vicinity of the project site, Lawrence Expressway has an ADT (average daily trips) of 65,410 that is expected to increase to 66,869 in 2035.42

The project would result in a net increase of about eight daily vehicle trips from the project site. Therefore, project traffic would not double the amount of traffic on Lawrence Expressway and would not result in a noticeable increase in ambient noise level of the project area. As a result, future project traffic would result in a less than significant noise impact. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.12.2.4 Project-Generated Mechanical Equipment Noise Impacts

The proposed project would include various mechanical equipment such as ventilation systems, air conditioning, exhaust fans, etc. The City Code limited noise levels from building equipment to 55 dBA Leq during the daytime (7:00 am to 10:00 pm) and 50 dBA Leq during the evening (10:00 pm to 7:00 am) at adjacent noise sensitive land uses.

The mechanical equipment would be required to be designed to minimize noise impacts to the residences south of the site, consistent with City code. Noise attenuation can be achieved by placing the equipment on the north side of each housing unit and, for roof-top mounted equipment, providing acoustical shielding such as roof-top screens, roof-top parapet walls, or fitting the equipment with noise control baffles, sound attenuators, or enclosures.

Final design of the mechanical equipment would be reviewed by City staff prior to issuance of installation permits. Because the project would be required to comply with City Code standards related to mechanical equipment noise, the project would have a less than significant noise impact on nearby residences. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.12.2.5 Construction Impacts

Construction activities associated with implementation of the proposed project would temporarily increase noise levels in the project area. Construction activities generate considerable amounts of noise, especially during demolition and construction activities. Typical average construction

42 City of Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan. Current ADT estimated in 2008.

City of Santa Clara 92 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 generated noise levels are about 81 – 89 dB measured at a distance of 50 feet from the center of the site during busy construction periods. Construction generated noise levels drop off at a rate of about six dB per doubling of distance between the source and receptor.

The construction of the proposed project would temporarily increase noise levels in the immediate vicinity of the project site and would be audible at the nearby residences. Compliance with City Code requirements for construction (Chapter 9.10, listed below) would reduce impacts from construction activities on the project site.

 Construction and demolition activities shall be limited to the period between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays. No construction or demolition activities are permitted on Sundays or holidays.

 Construction crews will be required to use available noise suppression devices and properly maintain and muffle internal combustion engine-driven construction equipment.

 The applicant shall designate a disturbance coordinator and post the name and phone number of this person at easy reference points for the surrounding land uses. The disturbance coordinator shall respond to and address all complaints about noise.

Compliance with City Code requirements during construction activities on the project site would result in a less than significant construction noise impact. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.12.3 Conclusion

Compliance with City Code requirements would reduce temporary construction noise impacts to a less than significant level. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Conformance with General Plan policies and implementation of the identified mitigation measures would reduce long-term noise impacts to future residents of the site to a less than significant level. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

The proposed project would have a less than significant long-term noise impact on nearby sensitive receptors. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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4.13 POPULATION AND HOUSING

4.13.1 Setting

As of 2013, the City of Santa Clara has a total population 120,245 residents.43 In 2012, there were 12,034 households with an average of 2.7 persons per household.44 According to the City’s General Plan, the projected population in 2035 will be 154,825 residents, 60,435 households, 154,280 total jobs and 86,800 employed residents.

The jobs/housing balance is the relationship between the number of housing units required as a result of local jobs and the number of residential units available in the City. This relationship is quantified by the jobs/employed resident ratio. When the ratio reaches 1.0, a balance is struck between the supply of local housing and local jobs. The jobs/employed resident ratio is determined by dividing the number of local jobs by the number of employed residents that can be housed in local housing. This is an environmental issue because proximity between jobs and housing strongly influences driving patters, air quality, and other environmental factors.

The City of Santa Clara had an estimated 1.9 jobs per employed resident in 2008. The 2010-2035 General Plan focuses on increased housing and the placement of housing near employment. As a result, the overall jobs/employed residents ratio is expected to decrease to 1.77 by 2035.

4.13.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Induce substantial population growth in an 1,2,3 area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? 2. Displace substantial numbers of existing 1,2,3 housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? 3. Displace substantial numbers of people, 1,2,3 necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

43 United States Census Bureau. State and County QuickFacts. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0669084.html (July 8, 2014). Accessed August 26, 2014. 44 Ibid.

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4.13.2.1 Population and Housing Impacts

Implementation of the project would demolish the existing residence and construct five two-story single-family houses, which would result in a net population increase of about 11 residents. The increase in housing would incrementally decrease the overall jobs/housing imbalance within the City.

Implementation of the proposed project would remove one house and would not require replacement housing to be constructed.45

The proposed project would add up to 11 new residents in the City, would have a less than significant impact on population and housing in the City of Santa Clara. (Less than Significant Impact)

4.13.3 Conclusion

Implementation of the proposed project will result in a less than significant impact on the City’s population and housing supply. (Less than Significant Impact)

45 The project site and on-site residence is currently owned and occupied by the project applicant.

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4.14 PUBLIC SERVICES

4.14.1 Setting

4.14.1.1 Police Protection Services

Police protection services are provided in the project area by the City of Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD). The SCPD is divided into three divisions: Field Operations, Investigations, and Administrative Services and has approximately 144 sworn officers, 27 reserve officers, and 102 support personnel.46 Police headquarters is located at 601 El Camino Real, approximately 3.2 miles east of the project site.

4.14.1.2 Fire Protection Services

Fire protection services are provided to the project site by the City of Santa Clara Fire Department (SCFD). The SCFD is comprised of approximately 179 fire service personnel and more than 65 reserve employees/volunteers. The SCFD receives an average of 7,000 emergency calls per year, including hazardous materials, emergency medical, specialized rescue, and fires. The goal of the SCFD is to maintain a force sufficiently staffed and deployed to sustain a three-minute response time to initial calls 90-95 percent of the time.47

The SCFD consists of 10 stations distributed throughout the City. The nearest station to the project site is Station Seven, located at 3495 Benton Street, which is approximately 0.3 mile northwest of the project site.

4.14.1.3 Schools

The project site is located with the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD). 48 The project area is served by the schools listed in Table 4.14-1.

TABLE 4.14-1 Local Schools School Location Distance from Site 955 Teal Drive, Santa Laurelwood Elementary (K-5) 0.2 miles W Clara, CA 95051 1380 Rosalia Avenue, Peterson Middle School (6-8) 0.6 miles NW Sunnyvale, CA 94087 3250 Monroe Street, Wilcox High School (9-12) 1.45 miles NE Santa Clara, CA 95051

46 City of Santa Clara Website: http://scpd.org/index.aspx?page=1521 Accessed August 25, 2014. 47 City of Santa Clara Website. Fire Department Administration. Fact Sheet. 2009. http://fire.santaclaraca.gov/fire_div.html Accessed August 25, 2014. 48 Personal Communication. Michal Healy. Santa Clara Unified School District. August 27, 2014.

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4.14.1.4 Libraries

The City is served by two libraries, the Central Park Library located at 2635 Homestead Road, and the Mission Library Family Reading Center located at 1098 Lexington Street. The Central Park Library includes group study rooms, large community rooms, public art, more than 100 public computers, high speed Internet connection for personal laptops, a computer training facility, a café and bookstore, a renowned genealogy and local history collection, a children's garden, fireplaces, and an extensive collection of materials for educational and recreational use. The Mission Library contains an extensive collection of reading materials and is headquarters for READ Santa Clara, a free adult literacy program.

4.14.1.5 Parks

The City of Santa Clara currently maintains one 52-acre community park (Central Park), 24 neighborhood parks, four mini parks, and a wildlife and natural vegetation park. Mini parks are typically less than one acre in size and neighborhood parks range from one to fifteen acres in size.

The nearest City park is Earl R. Carmichael Park, located approximately 0.6 miles northeast of the project site. Earl R. Carmichael Park is a 10.5-acre park that contains a Gymnastics Center, basketball courts, a little league field, picnic areas, open space, two tennis courts, and a children's play area.

4.14.1.6 Regulatory Framework

California Government Code Section 65995-65998 (School Facilities)

The California Government Code Section 65996 specifies that an acceptable method of offsetting a project’s effect on the adequacy of school facilities is the payment of a school impact fee prior to issuance of a building permit. Sections 65995-65998 sets forth provisions for the payment of school impact fees by new development by “mitigating impacts on school facilities that occur (as a result of) the planning, use, or development of real property” [§65996(a)]. The legislation goes on to say that the payment of school impact fees “are hereby deemed to provide full and complete school facilities mitigation” under CEQA [§65996(b)]. The school district is responsible for implementing the specific methods for mitigating school impacts under the Government Code. In accordance with California Government Code Section 65996, developers pay a school impact fee to the school district to offset the increased demands on school facilities caused by their proposed residential development project.

Parkland Dedication Ordinance

On July 15, 2014, the City of Santa Clara has adopted the Parkland Dedication Ordinance (PDO, City Code Chapter 17.35) requiring new residential development to either dedicate sufficient land to serve new residents, or pay fees to offset the increased costs of providing new park facilities for new development. The ordinance intended to reduce the extent to which new development would exacerbate the existing park and recreational facilities. Under the PDO, a project can satisfy half of

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its total parkland obligation by providing private recreational facilities on-site as approved by the City. For projects under 51 units, only the in-lieu fee is required.

4.14.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated 1. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire Protection? 1,2,3 Police Protection? 1,2,3 Schools? 1,2,3 Parks? 1,2,3 Other Public Facilities? 1,2,3

4.14.2.1 Impacts to Public Services

Police Protection Service

The proposed residential development would increase the population of Santa Clara and would incrementally increase the demand for police services because the project would increase the number of residents on-site. The project site is, however, located within an urban area that is already served by the SCPD. The project would be constructed in conformance with current codes, and the project design would be reviewed by the SCPD to ensure that it incorporates appropriate safety features to minimize criminal activity. New facilities would not be required to provide adequate police services to serve the proposed project. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Fire Protection Services

The existing conditions on the site create a demand for fire services because the site is currently occupied. The proposed project would result in an 11,900 sf net increase in the total square footage of residential development on-site, resulting in an increase in demand for fire protection services. The proposed project would be built to applicable Fire Code standards in use when construction permits are issued, including sprinklers and smoke detectors, and would include features that would reduce potential fire hazards. Emergency vehicles would have access to the proposed residences via the proposed roadway on-site (Wren Court) which connects to Wren Avenue.

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Although the proposed project would incrementally increase demand for fire response and related emergency services, it would not require the development of new fire stations and, therefore, would not result in a significant physical impact on the environment. (Less Than Significant Impact)

School Impacts

As noted above, the project site is located within the Santa Clara Unified School District. Implementation of the proposed project would increase the local resident population and, as a result, would likely increase the demand on local school facilities. Table 4.14-1 shows the local schools that students from the project site would attend, the school’s capacity, and the school’s current enrollment.49

TABLE 4.14-1 Local School Facilities School Capacity Current Enrollment (2014-2015) Laurelwood Elementary School 607 680 Peterson Middle School 1,193 897 Wilcox High School 1,890 1,962

Based on student generation rates for the Santa Clara Unified School District provided in the General Plan, the proposed project would generate an estimated two new students in the school district.50 The current capacity of Peterson Middle is adequate to meet enrollment demand. Laurelwood Elementary School and Wilcox High School, however, currently exceed their student capacity by approximately 73 and 72 students, respectively. The two new students generated by the project is very low, and the project would not require the construction of any new or expansion of existing school facilities to serve the new student population.

According to California Government Code Section 66000, a qualified agency, such as a local school district, may impose fees on developers to compensate for the impact that a project will have on existing facilities and services. The California Legislature passed Senate Bill 50 (SB 50) in 1998 to insert new language into the Government Code (Sections 65995.5-65885.7), which authorized school districts to impose fees on developers of new residential construction in excess of mitigation fees authorized by Government Code Section 66000. SB 50 also restricts the ability of local agencies to deny project approvals on the basis that public school facilities are inadequate. School districts must meet a list of specific criteria, included the completion and annual update of a School Facility Needs Analysis, in order to impose additional fees.

Under SB 50, school districts may collect fees to offset the costs associated with increasing school capacity as a result of development. Under the terms of this statute, payment of statutory fees by property owners or property developers is considered to mitigate in full for the purposes of CEQA

49 Personal Communication. Michal Healy. Santa Clara Unified School District. August 27, 2014. 50 Personal Communication. Michal Healy, Bond Program Consultant. Santa Clara Unified School District. December 8, 2014. A single-family house in the Santa Clara Unified School District generates 0.3 students per house.

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any impacts to school facilities associated with a qualifying project. The fees are assessed based upon the proposed square footage of the new or expanded development.

The addition of approximately one new student to the Santa Clara Unified School District would make up a very small percentage of the total student population. Implementation of the proposed project would not substantially degrade existing school facilities, would not result in the need for new permanent facilities to be constructed, and would not require payment of school impact fees. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Library Impacts

Implementation of the proposed project could increase the overall population of the City by up to 11 people.51 The addition of up to 11 new residents to the City would not result in a substantial impact to library services in the City and would not result in the need for new library facilities. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Park Impacts

The proposed project would increase the number of residents on-site. Therefore, the demand on parks and other recreational facilities in the project area would increase. This increase, however, represents a fraction of the total population and will not result in the accelerated deterioration or overuse of these facilities. No new recreational facilities would need to be built to adequately serve the City’s residents, and the incremental increase in park use resulting from the project will not generate the need for new park facilities beyond those identified in the City’s 2010-2035 General Plan. In addition, the development will be subject to the Santa Clara City Code Title 17, Chapter 17- 35, which requires the payment of a parkland fee for each new dwelling unit constructed. Parkland fees are used primarily for the acquisition and/or expansion of parks and recreational facilities. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.14.3 Conclusion

The project will not result in significant impacts to public services in the City of Santa Clara or require the construction of new facilities to serve the resident population of the City. (Less Than Significant Impact)

51 The City of Santa Clara General Plan assumes that new residential units would average 2.5 persons per household. Currently, there is one single-family house on-site, approximately three residents.

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4.15 RECREATION

4.15.1 Setting

The City of Santa Clara currently maintains one community park (Central Park), 24 neighborhood parks, four mini parks, and a wildlife and natural vegetation park. Mini parks are typically less than one acre in size, and neighborhood parks range from one to fifteen acres in size. Central Park is 52 acres and contains several of the City’s recreational facilities (listed below).

In addition to parklands, the City has a community recreation center, three swim centers, a gymnastics center, a bicycle track, a dog park, a golf and tennis club, a senior center, a teen center, a youth activity center, and a skate park. Neighborhood parks typically range in size from one acre to 10 acres. The City’s recreational system is augmented by local school facilities, which are available to the general public after normal school hours.52

The nearest City park is Earl R. Carmichael Park, located approximately 0.6 miles northeast of the project site on Benton Street. Earl R. Carmichael Park is a 10.5-acre park that contains a gymnastics center, basketball courts, a little league field, picnic areas, open space, two tennis courts, and a children's play area.

4.15.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated 1. Would the project increase the use of existing 1,2,3 neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility will occur or be accelerated? 2. Does the project include recreational facilities 1,2,3 or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

4.15.2.1 Recreational Impacts

The existing site is a single-family residence and the proposed project would increase the number of residents on-site. Therefore, the demand on parks and other recreational facilities in the project area would increase. This increase, however, represents a fraction of the total population and will not result in the accelerated deterioration or overuse of these facilities. Per City Code (Chapter 17.35), for new developments with less than 50 units, only park in-lieu fees are required. The project proposes five residential units on-site and the development will be paying a parkland fee to the City for potential future parkland acquisition or rehabilitation. No new recreational facilities are proposed by the project. The incremental increase in park use resulting from the project would not generate

52 City of Santa Clara, City of Santa Clara General Plan 2010-2035.

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the need for new park facilities beyond those identified in the City’s 2010-2035 General Plan. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.15.3 Conclusion

The proposed project would not result in significant impacts to parks and recreational facilities in Santa Clara. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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4.16 TRANSPORTATION

4.16.1 Setting

4.16.1.1 Roadway Network

Regional access to the project site is provided via Lawrence Expressway. Lawrence Expressway extends from CA-237 in Sunnyvale to Saratoga Avenue in San José. The eight-lane roadway provides access to the project site via Lochinvar Avenue and Wren Avenue.

Local access to the project area is provided by Wren Avenue, a two-lane north/south roadway that extends from the project site to Lochinvar Avenue.

4.16.1.2 Existing Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities

Pedestrian facilities in the project area consist primarily of sidewalks along the streets in the surrounding residential neighborhood. Sidewalks are found along virtually all nearby roadways, with the exception of Lawrence Expressway in the project area, which is absent of sidewalks and pedestrians are prohibited.

While there are no bike lanes in the project area, bicycles are permitted on Lawrence Expressway.

4.16.1.3 Existing Transit Service

Existing transit service on the surrounding roadways is provided by Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Commuter rail service is provided by Caltrain, the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE), and the Capitol Corridor. VTA provides connection service to the Santa Clara Transit Center/ Caltrain Station and the Diridon Station in San Jose, both of which serve the City of Santa Clara and the project area as multimodal rail stations.

The nearest bus stops, approximately 0.5 miles from the project site, are located near the Lawrence Expressway/Homestead Road and El Camino Real/Lawrence Expressway intersections. Bus route 81 provides services between San José State University (Seventh Street/Santa Clara Street intersection) in San José and Vallco Shopping Mall (Wolfe Road/Stevens Creek Boulevard intersection) in Cupertino with 10-minute headways during commute hours. Bus route 328 is a limited stop bus route that provides service between Almaden Expressway/Via Valiente in San José and Lockheed Martin/Moffett Park with 10-minute headways during commute hours.

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4.16.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or 1,2,3,20 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? 2. Conflict with an applicable congestion 1,2,3,20 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? 3. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, 1,2,3 including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? 4. Substantially increase hazards due to a design 1,2,3 feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible land uses (e.g., farm equipment)? 5. Result in inadequate emergency access? 1,2,3 6. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or 1,2,3 programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities?

4.16.2.1 Transportation Impacts

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency Congestion Management Program (CMP) calls for a transportation analysis to be prepared when a project would add 100 or more peak hour trips to the roadway network. Projects that generate fewer than 100 AM or PM peak hour trips are presumed to have a less than significant impact on the level of service (LOS) of local intersections that would carry project traffic.

Traffic trips generated by the proposed project were estimated using the “Single-Family” rates in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation, 9th Edition. Trip credits were applied to

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the proposed project to account for the existing use of the site. A summary of the net project trip generation estimates is shown in Table 4.16-1, below.

TABLE 4.16-1 Project Trip Generation Estimates Daily AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Land Use Trips In Out Total In Out Total Existing Residence 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Proposed Residential 10 1 4 5 1 4 5 Development Net New Trips 8 1 3 4 1 3 4

Based on the ITE Trip Generation Manual, the proposed project would generate approximately eight daily trips. Of the eight trips, four would occur in the AM Peak Hour and four would occur in the PM Peak Hour. Even without a trip credit for the existing land use, the net new trips associated with the proposed project are well below the CMP threshold. Therefore, the project would result in a less than significant impact on the LOS of local intersections. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.16.2.2 Other Transportation Issues

The proposed project is located approximately 5.5 miles southwest of the Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport. The proposed project will not result in a change in air traffic patterns or obstruct airport operations. (No Impact)

The project would develop a private roadway (Wren Court) that connects to Wren Avenue and terminates on-site. Sidewalks would be included on both sides of the roadway to enhance pedestrian facilities on-site. In addition, there would be no vehicle or pedestrian access to the project from Lawrence Expressway.

Typically, people would utilize public transit within walking distance (approximately 0.25 miles) of their residence. The nearest public transit facility is a bus stop approximately 0.4 miles southeast of the project site and would not likely be frequently used by residents of the project site. The project would not modify public roads or trails and, therefore, the proposed project would not adversely affect or preclude any existing or planned pedestrian, bicycle, or transit facilities in the project area. (Less Than Significant Impact)

The City has evaluated the proposed project and determined that it would not increase on-site hazards due to the design of the residences, including garages and driveways, and the proposed roadway. In addition, the project would not result in inadequate emergency access. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.16.3 Conclusion

The proposed project would not result in significant transportation impacts. (Less Than Significant Impact)

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4.17 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS

4.17.1 Setting

4.17.1.1 Water Services

Water is provided to the site by the City of Santa Clara Water Utility. The system consists of more than 295 miles of water mains, 27 wells, and seven storage tanks with more than 27 million gallons of water capacity. Drinking water is provided by an extensive underground aquifer (access by the City’s wells) and by two wholesale water importers: the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) (imported from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta) and the San Francisco Hetch-Hetchy System (imported from the Sierra Nevada). The three sources are used interchangeably or are blended together. A water recharge program administered by SCVWD from local reservoirs and imported Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water enhances the dependability of the underground aquifer.

Existing Site Conditions

The residence on-site uses approximately 290 gallons of water per day.53 Based on the 2010 Urban Water Management Plan, the project site is supplied by a blend of the City’s well water and the SCVWD’s treated surface water.54

Recycled Water

There are no recycled water lines near the project site. The nearest recycled water lines are under Benton Street near Kiely Boulevard.55

4.17.1.2 Wastewater Services

The City of Santa Clara Departments of Public Works and Water and Sewer Utilities are responsible for the wastewater collection system within the City. Wastewater is collected by sewer systems in Santa Clara and is conveyed by pipelines to the San José Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (Facility) located in San José. The Facility is one of the largest advanced wastewater treatment facilities in California and serves over 1,500,000 people in San José, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Monte Sereno. 56 The Facility has available capacity to treat up to 167 million gallons per day (mgd) and presently operates at an average dry weather flow of 109 mgd, which is 58 mgd (or 35 percent) under its 167 mgd treatment capacity.57 Approximately 10 percent of the plant’s effluent is recycled for non-potable uses and the remainder flows into San Francisco Bay.

53 City of Santa Clara. 2010 Urban Water Management Plan. Table 4: Actual Water Deliveries. May 24, 2011. Page 10. Estimated water use is based on volume of water use (acre-feet per year) by single-family residences in 2010. One acre-foot per year of water is equivalent to 893 gallons of water per day. 54 City of Santa Clara. 2010 Urban Water Management Plan. Source of Water by Area. May 24, 2011. Page 5. 55 City of Santa Clara. Recycled Water System Map. www.santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?page=2091 Accessed September 25, 2014. 56 City of San José, Environmental Services Division. 57 City of Santa Clara. 2010. City of Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan.

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Existing Site Conditions

Typically, landscape irrigation is equal to approximately 15 percent of the total potable water use on- site and the remainder (85 percent) is potable water that is assumed to exit the site as wastewater. Based on this assumption, the project site currently generates approximately 247 gallons of wastewater per day. Wastewater is discharged into sanitary sewer lines located in Wren Avenue and Lawrence Expressway. The project site connects to a 24-inch line in Wren Avenue that connects to a 22-inch line in Lawrence Expressway.

4.17.1.3 Storm Drainage

Due to the amount of pervious surfaces (bare soil and landscaping) on-site, stormwater is collected on-site and permeates into the soil. There is no storm drain line that serves the project site.

4.17.1.4 Solid Waste

Solid waste collection in the City of Santa Clara is provided by Mission Trail Waste System through a contract with the City. Mission Trail Waste System also has a contract to implement the Clean Green portion of the City’s recycling plan by collecting yard waste. All other recycling services are provided through Stevens Creek Disposal and Recycling. The City has an arrangement with the owners of the Newby Island Landfill, located in San José, to provide disposal capacity for the City of Santa Clara through 2024. The City of San José approved expansion of Newby Island Landfill in August 2012 and could continue to provide disposal capacity to Santa Clara beyond 2024. Prior to 2024, the City would need to amend their contract with Newby Island or contract with another landfill operator which would be subject to environmental review.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) established a diversion requirement of 50 percent beginning in 2000. Based on the CIWMB 2008 Annual Report Summary, the City of Santa Clara has exceeded its diversion goal. In addition to the CIWMB requirements, the City of Santa Clara has a construction debris diversion ordinance which requires all projects over 5,000 sf to divert a minimum 50 percent of construction and demolition debris from landfills.

Existing Site Conditions

The existing single-family residence generates approximately 9.8 pounds of solid waste per day.58

58 California Integrated Waste Management Board. Estimated Solid Waste Generation Rates for Residential Developments. January 1996. Accessed August 27, 2014.

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4.17.2 Environmental Checklist and Discussion of Impacts

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: 1. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of 1,2,3 the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? 2. Require or result in the construction of new 1,2,3 water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? 3. Require or result in the construction of new 1,2,3 stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? 4. Have sufficient water supplies available to 1,2,3 serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? 5. Result in a determination by the wastewater 1,2,3 treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? 6. Be served by a landfill with sufficient 1,2,3 permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? 7. Comply with federal, state and local statutes 1,2,3 and regulations related to solid waste?

4.17.2.1 Water Services Impacts

The proposed project would construct five single-family residences totaling 15,434 sf including amenity space (i.e., garages). The project would use approximately 1,919 gallons of water per day which is 1,629 gallons of water per day more than the existing residence.59 The additional 1,629 gallons of water per day is well below one percent of the total daily water demand of the City and would not exceed the capacity of the Santa Clara Water Utility to provide water services to the project site.60 In addition, the proposed residential development is accounted for in the City’s

59 City of Santa Clara. 2010 Urban Water Management Plan. Table 12: Water Deliveries Projected (2015-2020). May 24, 2011. Page 20. Estimated water use is based on projected volume of water use (acre-feet per year) by single-family residences in 2015. The first operational year of the project is most likely in late 2015. 60 Ibid.

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General Plan. Therefore, the project would have a less than significant impact on water supply. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.17.2.2 Wastewater Services Impacts

San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility

The San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility has the capacity to treat 167 mgd of wastewater. The City’s average dry weather flow is 13.3 mgd based on 2009 data, while the City’s allocation of treatment capacity is approximately 23 mgd. The project would generate approximately 1,631 gallons of wastewater per day61 and well below one percent of the City’s total allocation of treatment capacity.62 The proposed project would not increase the need for wastewater treatment beyond the capacity of the Facility and is accounted for in the City’s General Plan. As a result, the Facility has the ability to treat wastewater generated by the proposed project. The project, therefore, would not have a significant wastewater services impact. (Less Than Significant Impact)

Sanitary Sewer

The proposed project would construct sewer lines in the proposed private road on-site to connect to existing sewer lines in the project area. The project would generate 1,384 gallons per day more wastewater than the existing residence. This does not represent a substantial increase and there is sufficient remaining capacity in the sanitary sewer main systems to serve the proposed development. Because the proposed project would construct adequate sewer lines to serve the project site and would not exceed the capacity the City’s sanitary sewer system, the project would have a less than significant impact on the sanitary sewer system. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.17.2.3 Storm Drainage Impacts

The amount of impermeable surface area on the project site would increase by approximately 30 percent with implementation of the proposed project. Under existing conditions, the site is not served by the City of Santa Clara’s storm drainage system and stormwater permeates into the soil on- site or sheet flows across the site. Due to the increase in impervious surfaces, the project proposes to construct a storm drain line in the proposed private road that would connect to the City’s storm drain system south of the project site. The storm drain lines would comply with the City Code to provide adequate capacity for the proposed residences. While the proposed project would result in a net increase in impervious surface area, the project would comply with the requirements in the NPDES Municipal Permit and applicable regulations in the City Code (as identified in Section 4.9 of this Initial Study) and would not exceed the capacity of the local drainage system. (Less Than Significant Impact)

61 Wastewater generated by the proposed project is assumed to be 85 percent of the total water demand. 62 Based on the City’s allocation of treatment capacity of 23 mgd as identified in the City of Santa Clara Draft 2010 – 2035 General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. January 2011.

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4.17.2.4 Solid Waste Impacts

The proposed project would generate approximately 49 pounds of solid waste per day.63 This is 39.2 pounds per day more than the solid waste generated by the existing residence, which represents less than one percent of the maximum daily intake allowed at the landfill.

The Newby Island Landfill, located in San José, has an agreement with the City to provide disposal capacity through 2024. The City of San José approved expansion of Newby Island Landfill in August 2012 and could continue to provide disposal capacity to Santa Clara beyond 2024. In addition, the City is working to continue meeting its waste diversion goal of 50 percent. Increased recycling will extend the useful life of the landfill. Implementation of the proposed five-unit residential project will not result in a significant increase in solid waste and recyclable materials generated within the City of Santa Clara and will not require that new landfill facilities be contracted with or constructed to serve the proposed project. (Less Than Significant Impact)

4.17.3 Conclusion

The project would not result in any utility or service facility exceeding current capacity or require the construction of new infrastructure or service facilities. (Less Than Significant Impact)

63 California Integrated Waste Management Board. Estimated Solid Waste Generation Rates for Residential Developments. January 1996. Accessed August 27, 2014.

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4.18 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE

Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Checklist Significant With Significant No Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated 1. Does the project have the potential to degrade 1,2,3,8, the quality of the environment, substantially 10 reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? 2. Does the project have impacts that are 1-20 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)? 3. Does the project have the potential to achieve 1-20 short-term environmental goals to the disadvantage of long-term environmental goals? 4. Does the project have environmental effects 1-20 which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?

4.18.1 Findings

As described in their respective sections, measures are included in the proposed project to avoid or reduce impacts to less than significant level. With implementation of these measures, the proposed project would not result in impacts to biological or cultural resources, achieve short-term environmental goals to the disadvantage of long-term environmental goals, or substantially adversely affect human beings directly or indirectly.

As discussed in Section 4.4 and 4.5 of this Initial Study, with implementation of the identified City requirements, General Plan policies, standard measures, and mitigation measures, the proposed project would result in less than significant impacts on biological resources and cultural resources.

There are no known sensitive, threatened, or endangered animal or plant species or sensitive habitats on the project site. The project would result in the loss of trees on-site and temporary construction activities may disturb nesting birds and bat species in the project area. With implementation of the identified mitigation measures, the project would reduce impacts to biological resources to less than

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significant. In addition, intensifying residential uses on the project site would not restrict the number or range of a rare or endangered plant or animal species.

There are no known subsurface cultural resources on or adjacent to the project site. In addition, there are no historic structures on-site. The project would implement the identified mitigation measures and potential impacts to buried cultural resources would be less than significant.

As discussed in the individual sections of this Initial Study, the project would have no impacts or less than significant impacts on aesthetics, agricultural and forest resources, mineral resources, geology and soils, public services, recreational facilities, transportation, and utilities and service systems.

4.18.2 Short-term Environmental Goals vs. Long-term Environmental Goals

The project site is currently development with a 3,534 sf one-story residence. The proposed development would construct five single-family houses totaling 15,434 sf with front and backyards, two-car garages, and new pavement and landscaping. A private road is proposed on-site to connect to the driveway of each residence and to connect to Wren Avenue. The project is consistent with the General Plan designation and therefore is consistent with the long-term goals of the General Plan.

The project would result in temporarily air quality (including GHG emissions), water quality, geological, and noise impacts during construction. With implementation of identified standard measures, and mitigation measures, the construction impacts would be mitigated to a less than significant level. Because the nature of the identified impacts would be temporary and would be mitigated, the proposed project would not result in significant adverse long-term environmental impacts on air quality, water quality, or noise in the project area. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

4.18.3 Cumulative Impacts

Cumulative Air Quality Impacts

The project would not result in project level operational health risk impacts due to TAC and/or PM2.5 exposure from any of the identified individual emission sources. Cumulative thresholds for community risk are as follows:

 Excess Cancer Risk – 100 in one million 3  PM2.5 Concentration – 0.8 µg/m  Hazard Index – 10.0

Future site residents would be exposed to a cumulative excess cancer risk from mobile and stationary 3 sources of 9.86 in one million, an annual PM2.5 concentration of less than 0.29 µg/m , and a hazard index of less than 0.02. Therefore, based on the thresholds listed above, implementation of the proposed project will not expose future residents to cumulatively considerable TAC and PM2.5 emission concentrations.

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Cumulative Biological Resources Impacts

The project would result in the loss of trees and activities that could disturb nesting birds or bat species in the area. Implementation of the mitigation and avoidance measures in conformance with City policies would avoid or offset temporal and direct impacts to biological resources. The project, therefore, would not make a cumulatively considerable contribution to cumulative biological resources impacts in the area.

Cumulative GHG Emissions Impacts

Greenhouse gas emission impacts are cumulative in nature as any one project would not substantially increase climate change. The proposed project would comply with the City’s Climate Action Plan. The project would not preclude the City or State from meeting emission reduction goals by the horizon year 2020.

Cumulative Hazards Impacts

The site has localized soil contamination related to historic agricultural operations on-site. In addition, the existing building is likely to contain asbestos and/or lead based paint. The identified hazardous materials impacts will be mitigated and would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact.

Cumulative Land Use Impacts

The proposed project is consistent with the General Plan and proposes a Planned Development zoning district to be consistent with all applicable City land use regulations.

Cumulative Noise Impacts

The project site is adjacent to Lawrence Expressway and is exposed up to 75 dBA from vehicle traffic. The proposed development would implement the identified avoidance measures to reduce noise impacts to less than significant levels and would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact.

There are no recently approved or reasonably foreseeable projects that, when combined with the proposed project, would result in a cumulatively considerable impact.

4.18.4 Direct or Indirect Adverse Effects on Human Beings

Consistent with Section 15065(a)(4) of the CEQA Guidelines, a lead agency shall find that a project may have a significant effect on the environment where there is substantial evidence that the project has the potential to cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. Under this standard, a change to the physical environment that might otherwise be minor must be treated as significant if people would be significantly affected. This factor relates to adverse changes to the environment of human beings generally, and not to effects on particular individuals. While changes to the environment that could indirectly affect human beings would be represented by all of the designated CEQA issue areas, those that could directly affect human beings include air quality,

City of Santa Clara 113 Initial Study Screencheck 990 Wren Avenue Residential Project December 2014 hazardous materials, and noise. Implementation of the standard measures and mitigation measures, and adherence to General Plan, the City Code, and State and Federal regulations described in these sections of the report, would avoid significant impacts. No other direct or indirect adverse effects on human beings have been identified. (Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation)

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Checklist Sources

1. CEQA Guidelines - Environmental Thresholds (professional judgment and expertise and review of project plans). 2. City of Santa Clara. Santa Clara General Plan and City Code. 3. City of Santa Clara. General Plan EIR. 4. California Department of Natural Resources, Santa Clara County Important Farmland 2010 Map. 5. Bay Area Air Quality Management District. CEQA Guidelines. June 2010 6. Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Annual Bay Area Air Quality Summaries. 2009. 7. Illingworth & Rodkin. Community Health Risk Assessment. August 2014. 8. David J. Powers and Associates. Biological Resources Report. July 2014. 9. McClenahan Consulting. Arborist Report. January 2014. 10. Holman and Associates. Archaeological Literature Search. August 2014. 11. Capex Engineering, Inc. Geotechnical Investigation. April 2014. 12. Santa Clara County. Geologic Hazard Maps. 2002. 13. City of Santa Clara. Santa Clara 2010 Climate Action Plan. September 2013. 14. AEI Consultants. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. April 2014. 15. AEI Consultants. Subsurface Investigations. August 2014. 16. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Flood Hazard Maps. 2009. 17. Association of Bay Area Governments. Dam Failure Inundation Hazard Map for NW San José/Milpitas/Santa Clara. 1995. 18. Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Tsunami Inundation Emergency Planning Map for the San Francisco Bay Region. 2009 19. Mei Wu Acoustics. Noise Report. April 2014. 20. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation, 9th Edition. Trip Generation Rates.

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SECTION 5.0 REFERENCES

AEI Consultants. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 990 Wren Avenue. April 2014.

AEI Consultants. Subsurface Investigation Report – 990 Wren Avenue. August 2014.

Archives and Architecture. Preliminary Historical Evaluation – 990 Wren Avenue. December 2014.

Association of Bay Area Governments. Dam Failure Inundation Hazard Map for NW San José/Milpitas/Santa Clara. 1995. Accessed August 27, 2014.

Association of Bay Area Governments. Tsunami Inundation Emergency Planning Map for the San Francisco Bay Region. . Accessed August 27, 2014.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Annual Bay Area Air Quality Summaries. Accessed May 19, 2014.

California Department of Conservation Website. Accessed March 6, 2014.

California Integrated Waste Management Board. Estimated Solid Waste Generation Rates for Residential Developments. January 1996. Accessed August 27, 2014.

Capex Engineering, Inc. Geotechnical Investigation. April 2014.

City of San José, Environmental Services Division.

City of Santa Clara. 2010. City of Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan, Section 5.10.6 Noise Goals and Policies, Figure 5.10-4.

City of Santa Clara. 2010. City of Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan, Section 8.14.1 Noise Measurement.

City of Santa Clara. 2010 Urban Water Management Plan. Source of Water by Area. May 24, 2011. Page 5.

City of Santa Clara. 2010 Urban Water Management Plan. Table 4: Actual Water Deliveries. May 24, 2011. Page 10.

City of Santa Clara. 2010 Urban Water Management Plan. Table 12: Water Deliveries Projected (2015-2020). May 24, 2011. Page 20.

City of Santa Clara. Santa Clara 2010 Climate Action Plan. September 2013.

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City of Santa Clara. Integrated Final Environmental Impact Report Draft 2010-2035 General Plan. January 2011.

City of Santa Clara. Recycled Water System Map. Accessed September 25, 2014.

City of Santa Clara. Fire Department Administration. Fact Sheet. 2009. Accessed August 25, 2014.

Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, California. 1994.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. Map 06085C0063H. May 18, 2009. Accessed August 27, 2014.

Holman & Associates. Archaeological Literature Search – 990 Wren Avenue. August 2014.

Illingworth and Rodkin. Community Health Risk Assessment. August 2014.

Illingworth and Rodkin. Construction Toxic Air Containments Assessment. December 2014.

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation, 9th Edition. Trip Generation Rates.

Jennings, M. R., and M. P. Hayes. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California. California

Leidy, R. A., G. S. Becker, and B. N. Harvey. Historical Distribution and Current Status of Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Streams of the San Francisco Estuary, California. 2005.

McClenahan Consulting. Arborist Report – 990 Wren Avenue. January 2014.

Mei Wu Acoustics. Noise Report – 990 Wren Avenue. April 2014.

Personal Communication. Michal Healy. Santa Clara Unified School District. August 27, 2014.

Santa Clara County Website. County Geologic Hazards Zones – Maps. http://www.sccgov.org/sites/PLANNING/GIS/GEOHAZARDZONES/Pages/SCCGeoHazardZoneM aps.aspx Accessed March 4, 2014.

Santa Clara County. County Geologic Hazard Zones – Spatial Data. http://www.sccgov.org/sites/planning/GIS/GeoHazardZones/Spatial_Data/Pages/County-Geologic- Hazard-Zones-Data.aspx Accessed October 2, 2014.

Santa Clara Police Department. Accessed August 25, 2014.

Santa Clara Valley Water District. Calabazas Creek Flood Protection Project: Final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration. 2009.

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Santa Clara Valley Water District. “Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan – Calabazas Creek”. Accessed July 17, 2014. < http://www.valleywatercompplan.org/watersheds/view/265 >

Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program. http://www.scvurppp- w2k.com/hmp_maps.htm Accessed September 30, 2014.

Stanley, R. G., R. C. Jachens, P. G. Lillis, R. J. McLaughlin, K. A. Kvenvolden, F. D. Hostettler, K. A. McDougall, and L. B. Magoon. 2002. Subsurface and petroleum geology of the southwestern Santa Clara Valley (“Silicon Valley”), California. (Professional Paper 1663) Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office.

Stebbins, R. C. A Field Guide to Western Amphibians and Reptiles. Third edition. 2003.

United States Census Bureau. State and County QuickFacts. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0669084.html (July 8, 2014). Accessed August 26, 2014.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Web Soil Survey: Santa Clara Area, California, Western Part (CA641).” Accessed July 17, 2014. Available at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

United States Environmental Protection Agency. California 303(d) Listed Waters. http://ofmpub.epa.gov/tmdl_waters10/attains_impaired_waters.impaired_waters_list?p_state=CA&p _cycle=2006 Accessed March 5, 2014.

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SECTION 6.0 AUTHORS AND CONSULTANTS

Lead Agency

City of Santa Clara Kevin Riley, Director of Planning and Inspection Shaun Lacey, Assistant Planner II

Consultants

David J. Powers & Associates, Inc. Environmental Consultants and Planners San José, CA

Nora Monette, Principal Kieulan Pham, Assistant Project Manager Zach Dill, Graphic Artist

Archives & Architecture Historical Architecture Consultants San José, CA

Holman & Associates Archaeological Consultants San Francisco, CA

Illingworth & Rodkin Air Quality Consultants Petaluma, CA

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