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Home My WebLink AboutRESO 4728--------..---~-----~------- . ·~ j \ . ' , .• ,-!-.. ., • ORiGINAL RESOLUTION NO. 4728 REtOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO MAKING NU~ROUS AMENDMENTS TO THE OPEN SPACE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN AS CERTIFIED TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY RESOLUTION NO. 164 OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTED ON IlARCH 14, 1973 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palo Alto has duly prepared and recommended for adoption certain additions and amendments to the Open Space Element of the General Plan of the City of Palo Alto, and the Planning Commission,·after havin9 held a public hearing on such proposed amendments on February 14, 1973, and March 14, 1973, pursuant to the provisions of Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 19.04.080, has certified such additions and amendments to the City Council re~ommending their incorporation into the Open Space Element of the General Plan1 and WHEREAS, the city Council has also held a public hearing on the adoption of such additions and amendments, pursuant to Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 19.04~080 on April 23, 1973, notice of the time and place of which was published and given in the manne1 pro- vided by law; NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City elf Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: SECTION 1. The Open Space Element of the General Plan, adopted by the City Council in Resolution No. 4585, hereby is amended in part to read as indicated in the descriptive materials, true ·-. copies of which are P.ttached hereto: l. l>escriptive matter being page 19 through paqe "2~, -marked Exhibit n~" (replacinq page .J9 and page·2'0-lµld relating to the Baylands and the Open Spac,_, Ac.tion Prograsns). 2. Deacriptive matter beinq pages B-4, B-5,-and s.7 <=eplacing page• B-4, B-5, and B-7 and relatinq to the Baylands) and a mAP entitled "BAYLANDS PLANT ZONES," dated Februar.y lo, -1- I .. Ill • . . . '•"' • ... • •• 1973, numbe~ed page B-19 (adding a map desiqn~tinq plant zones for the Baylanda), marked Exhioit "B". 3. Descriptive matter being paqe E-1 through paqe E-7 (addinq an appendix on detailed qoala and policies for the Baylands) and page F-1 (adding an appendix on map definitions for the Open Space Plan), marked Exhibit "C". 4. A map entitled "'l'HE OPEN SPACE PLAN," which will be dated April 23, 1973, which will be placed at the end of the Open Space Element of the Gengral Plan, and which will be marked Exhibit 11 0" (replacing the two maps entitled "OPEN SPACE LANDS: URBAN LANDS AND BAYL\NDS" and "OPEN SPACE LANDS: FOOTHILLS," following the present page 20), a presentation map of which was approved by the City Council on April 23, 1973. SECTION 2. Said Open Space Element of the General Plan of the City of Palo Alto shall be endorsed to show th~t the maps and descrip.tive materials contained therein have been so amended by the City Council of the City of Palo Alto. INTRODUCED ANO PASSED: April Z 3. 1973 · AYES: UNANIMOUS ..__ NOES: NONE ASSENT: NONE AT'l'ES'I': ~t'L~ city. cier'tJ · APPROVED// hif;' ~ty~~~. APPROVBO AS TO CON'r'BNT: ~Ji!~ ( ; -2- \(\,· ~ • ._;..~ '!'..) o...,..,~ '- ', ) I .· .. , .. 1 ~ • • I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I IV. OPEN SPACE POLICIES: -1, Recognize that different kinds of open space have different functions, but include in the Palo Alto Open Space System wherever possible lands that can be used for at least two of the six major open space func- tions: recreation, scenic beauty, conservation, production, protec- tion, and containment and structuring. 2. Oetennine priorities among various open space uses to insure that major alteration is not undertaken without full discussion and understanding of the probable end result and altentat1ve consequences. . - 3. Preserve lands a~ open~space to minimize hazards to man due to seismic activity such as quaking, slope collapse and liquefaction, or due to fire, earth-sliding, flooding, erosion and siltation, soil compression, lateral spreading, and subsidence. 4. Protect conservation and scenic areas frorrt deterioration or destruction by either private or public actions. 5. Provide open space lands.~~r a variety of outdoor recreation opportuni- ties, and make improvements, construct facfl i ties and maintain programs which will encourage, where appropriate; a maximum of resident partici- pation. 6. Include landscaping and plazas on public and private lands and well- designed pedestrian facilities in areas ~f intensive pedestrian activity, particularly in the City's business districts and neighbor- hood centers. 7. Support regional and sub-regional efforts to acquire, develop, maintain and/or operate open space lands and facilities (including an effort toward the deveiopment of a Skyline Scenic Parkway along Skyline Drive). 8. Hake use of Federal and State programs wherever possil>le in all matters concerned with open space. {These may include Environnental Impact Studies, ~ational Flood lnsura~ce Programs, Land and Water Conservation Funds, Urban Open Space {Legacy of Parks) ·Funds, Urban Renewal and/or Urban Beautification Programs, et~.) 9. De1.relop hiking, biking and riding trails and paths consistent with the recannendations of the Trails and Paths Pian. 10. Utilize natural riparian lands along streams, ponds, creeks and lakes wherever possible for paths and trails, and as 1 inks in the City-wide and subregiQnal open space systems. 11. ~rovide maximum open space in residential developments consi?tent with residents' needs and ecOf'lomic f~asibility. .. Ja-- I. ':A., • • 12. Adopt plant zones shown on the map ent1tled BAYLANDS PLANT ZONES. Adopt and maintain a master plant list of suitable plants for each zone based upon adaptability, wildlife utility, and aes- thetic compatibility to the natural baylands 1andscape. 13. Adopt a wildlife habita~ -ecological preserve concept for the remaining natural areas in the Palo Alto Baylands, to allow only compatible recreation uses. BAYLANOS GOALS ANO POLIClcS Palo Alto recognizes through the following prima\y goals that the South Bay and its adjacent lands are unique and irreplaceable resources impor- tant to the total environment of the Bay region: 1. Preservation and enhancement of water areas: Palo Alto acknowledges the necessity of the responsibility f'lr the preservation and enhance- ment of all water areas -u Bay, marshrands, wetlands, salt ponds, sloughs, and creeks --in order that they may: a. Preserve an irreplaceable resource {primari1y natural) which fonns a large scale open space. b. -Preserve and enhance environmental air, water, visual and sound quality. .c. Function as a moderator of the climate. d. Provide a living scientific and educational resource for all age groups. e. Enhance the fulfillment of open space, conservat;on and recre- ational needs. f. Allow for only those uses (publ;c or private) which are found to be compat;ble w;th the foregoing objectives. 2. w;se use of dry land areas: Palo Alto recognizes the importance of careful planning of the use of dry land areas in a manner: a. Compat;ble with and supportiv~ to the above water area policy. b. Assured of a reasonable level of safety from flood and/or geolog;cal risk for life and property. c. Related visually and physically to the Bay by giving greater priority to dorr.in3nt open space uses near the water areas {for example. conservation, recreation and agriculture) over urban uses (for example, housing, ;ndustry, transportatio0, etc. Detailed goals and policies are listed in Appendix E. {Revised 4/23/73) 19 ' ' .. r ~· I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~··. I I I I I I I I ~ ' ·1 I I I I I I I I I . . .. . V. OPEN SPACE ACTION PROGRAMS Foothills: It is the adopted policy of the City of Palo Alto to preserve the Foothills as open space. 1. The City has created an 11 0-5 11 {Open Space) District as one means of preserving open space, and has applied the new zone to the Foothills. The zone dQes allow some development, for iiistance, residential develoP,.ient at one dwelling un;t per 10 acres, but requires any developrnent of 4 or more units to be clustered in order to minimize road construction and slope and landscape disturbance and to retain as much open area as pos- sible. Any existing lot smaller than 10 acres is considered a legal building site if it was a legal building site under its previous zo-~. Foun~ation and soil conditions must be re- viewed by one or more geologists or structural engineers, and the design and sitiilg of the structures must be approved by the Planning Conmssion and City Council. 2. The City has entered into Williamson Act contracts with owners to establish Agricultural Preserves on several Foothill proper- ties which total 177 acres as of M£!"th 1, 1973. Under the tenns of these contracts, the lands preserved wil 1 remain in open space use, and their scenic, natur'' resource, wildlife habitat, and agricultural valu~s will be retained. 3. The City has received a gift of 79 acres of land in the ~oot hills at the intersection of Page Mill Road and Monte Bello Road. In addition, the City has purchased a 49-acre parcel just west of the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club. Possibilities for recreation ar.d conservation uses of these lands will be deter- mined in 1973 and 1974.-· · 4. The almost 500-acre BJact Mountain Ranch has been donated by George Morell, pubHsher of the Palo Alto Times, to Stanford University. The ranch transverses the Cfty 1 s Foothills from north to south, about 1-1/2 miles southeast of the intersection of Page Mf 11 Road and fltt'1te Be 11 o Road, and adjo f ns a 200-acre parcel previously donated to Stanford for educational and re- searcti purposes. The use of the land has not been enclllt>ered. although it fs Mr. Morell's stated wish to the University that these lands renain essentially open and in their natural wilder- ness state. 20 (Revised 4/23/73) 5. It ;s the intent of the City to preserve as open space: A. Coyote H;11 B. Deer Gulch C. The hilly area between Deer Creek Road. Arastradero Road, Page Mill Road, and the Junipero Serra Freeway. D. The hilly area betwe~n Page Mill Road. the proposed Foot- hill Expresswa.v, Al p;ne Road, and Junipero Serra Freeway. Baylands: The City owns most of the lands with open space potent;a1 within its jurisdictior. in the Baylands and has dedicated it for park, conserva- t; on, and other open space purposes: .1 _ 1. The Cit.> also owns the Faber Tract, a property in San Mateo County, some.of which was once marsh and whic~ ;s being returned to salt marsh in ~onfonnance with BCDC directives. The Faber Tract and the Laumeister Tract, also in San Mateo County, which together comprise about 220 acres, have been designated as fi'arshland Pre- serve, marshland being defined as those lands above mean sea level which are currently subject to tidal action, and the levees adjoin- ing these lands. - 2. All of the marshlands ;" Palo Alto have been designated as Marsh- land Preserve. The~e include the marshes at the·mouth of Charleston Slough, and the Sand Point, Hook Island, Yacht Ha~or, and Castle Island marshes as well as all the tidelands in Palo Alto since they are an integral part of the marshland ecology. 3. ·Several plans and studies have bet!l'I executed for the South Bay which affect Paiu Alto. ltnong these are the san Francisco Bay Plan by the Bay Conservation and Development C011111ission; the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge proposal; Santa Clara County Shoreline Park Plan; and the Santa Clara County Pt~nning Policy CD111nittee Baylands Subconmittee Study. The City has r-e·evaluated the conflict between recreation and conservation ~ses in the Flood Basin, and has deter- mined that flood control w.ill be the primary purpose of the Flood Basin. and that preserv'ation of wetland and wildlife habitat will !le the secondary purpose. The Planning Co11111ission, therefore, has desig- nated the Flood Basin as Wetland Preserve, wetlands being defined as those lands whfch previously received tidal action and are still in a natural and undeveloped state. and adjoining levees. Educational programs, nature study, and recreation oriented to the Baylands will be encouraged in the Flood Barin, as will the controlled and experi- (Added 4/23/73) 21 ' . :~ . r I I I I I I I I I I I I: I I I I I I '·~ I I I I I 11 I I I I I I . I I I I I I .. . . 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. mental introduction of compatible salt-tolerant plants to provide food supply and shelter for wildlife and thus increase wildlife density and diversity. The IT&T property, a 154-acre parcel within the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County, has been prezoned to 11 A-C-D 11 , Agricultura1- Cons~rvation, Site and Design Control, as an indication of the City's desire that the land remai~ undeveloped and in its present state insofar as practicable. The City has the full cooperation of the Santa Clara County Flood Control ar.J Water Distrf:t in ut11;zing the Flood Basin as a wild- life habitat. If it is found necessary to excavate material from the floor of the basin to increase the runoff holding capacity, the District has said that tt will coordinate these excavations with the City to facilitate the development of isolated island wild111e sanctuaries within the basin. The Dhtrict "'ill nndify gates to allow hiking and cycling along the Flood Basin lPvee through the Char-\eston Slough area. The District has also con- sented to work with ·the City in improvement of the levee system, to allow salt-, drought-, and mo;sture-tolerant plants to be planted on the levee!» to improve their appearance and to retard levee erosion. The City is expanding its Baylands Trail System to extend from one end of its Baylands to the other. Eventually, the trail sys- tem can continue on into Menlo Park and East Palo Alto on the northwest and Mountain View on the southeast, and will tie in to urban Palo Alto. The existing levees and P. G. and E.'s boardwalk under their transmission tower ~ill be ut;lized in the trail system. T~e City will use the Baylands Plant Zone co"cept (see Appendix . B, THE BAYLANDS) to landscape several of its own facilities, re.:. view the landscaping plans of the areas leasec:· to th~ County (the Airport and the Yacht Harbor), and rev\eW the landscaping plans of private developers in the Baylands. The County plans to up- grade the road between the Duck Pond -Lagoon and the _Yacht Harbor, . after which the City will finish landscapinq the Duck Pond and Lagoon area with natives and other salt-mar5h40n!lated plants • The City will deYelop parktng. observation, and picnic areas in conj1.mctf on with this work. The City has designated a small W1fncorporated area in the Bay- 1ands lying between Palo Alto and Mountain View as Open Space Land. That portion whi:h actually lies within the Flood Basfn and on the adjoining levee is designated Wetland Preserve and that portion which lies across the course of Charle:aton Slough i~· designated Marshland PN!serve. 22 (Added 4/23/73) -' 0 • • • 9. An area of approximately 150 acres east of the IT&T property has been utilized or designated as a sanitary land fill area. Its future use has b~en designated for park. recreation. and conser- vation purposes. The current program of filling is expPcted to be completed by 1983. If and when alternative sites or methods of refuse disposal are found, the site will be put to recreational uses. Bicycle S_ystem: 1. The City had implemented the Basic Bicycle Network (the first phase) of its Bicycle Master Plan. After an evaluation of the network's utility and comprehensiveness as a COlllllJting and recreational system, further expansion of the network will b~ dependent upon available fund~ and co11111Unity desires. Trails and Paths: 1. The City has designated jtreamside Trails al<Vlg Stevens, Arastradero. Los Tran cos, and San Franci squ ito Creeks and wi 11 exp 1 ore requirements for recnation hiking and riding facilities. · 2. T'1e City, acting in cooperation with adjoining cit1es and coun- ties, has designated the area along Skyline Boulevard as part of a Skyline Scenic Recreation Route, and will develop recrea- tional hiking, biking, and riding facilities through its juris- diction. 3. See Open Space Action Programs, Baylands Program No. 6 on page 22, for an explanation of the Baylands Trail System. Neighborhood Parks: 1. n.a City will develop small parks in the Downtown Neighborhood as soon as is reasonable in consideration of the current housing situation. A site north of University Avenue has been purchased or. the block bounded by Everett, Waverley, Hawt~ome and Kipling. The site has not yet :ieen fully developed since it would remove eleven low/moderate income dwelling units; however, several vacant parcels on the block have been temporarily developed as mini-parks. 2. It is the fotent of the City to create a neighborhood park south of University Avenue in the-rl~1town neighborhood, but the pur- chase of a site for it has b~n held in abeyance due to other higher priority needs such as the purchase of the Foothills and the maintainance of all low/moderate incane housing units; and the completion of the University Avenue Neighborhood Study which wfl'I analyze alternative sites and recomnend one of them. 3. It is the !ntent of the City to consider purchase of land for small public parks 1 wherever possible and appropriate, in conjunction with subsidized housing. (Added 4/23/73) 23 .. :~l, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ ". I I I ,, I I i I I I I I I I I I : I I I .. D. E. Andreas Fault zone traverses the opper Foothills from northwest to South- east and ancillary fault zones traverse the lower Foothills in an east-- west direction. Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club: In the lower Foothills, on rolling terrain just north of Foothills Park, lies the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country· Club. It occupies 132 acres and is not open to the general public. Approximately 33,000 rounds of golf are played yearly on the 18-hole course. It is visible from several vantage points and is maintained constantly as a green grassed area. The wellwater ponds and green grass provide local cooling and refreshened air through evaporation and re-oxygenation. Coyote Hi 11 : On Stanford lands, 1/2 mile southeast of the intersection of Foothill Expressway and Page Mil 1 Road, is Coyote Hil 1. Currently used only for grazing, this strategically located hill is a visually praninent land- mark, virtually an entrance marker to the Foothills. The Livingston and Blayney Stanford Land Use Policy/Plan proposed that Coyote Hill rllllilin as it presently is, retaining the oak parkland quality it now has. Previously, the University wished to develop the crown of the hill, but the reJJ(lrt suggests maintaining' it as a biological preserve. The slopes and crown of Coyote Hill as well as the land between the western face and Deer Gulch Creek should remain as open space. f. Deer Gulch: Paral.'el ing Page Mill ~ad at the western base of Coyote Hi 11 runs Deer Gulch-Creek. The reach from Coyote Hill Road to Arastradero Road is reconmended in the Livingston and Blayney Stanford Report for a 9-hole golf course. Just adjacent to the gulch area 1 ies a larger portion of iand bounded on the south by Junipero Serra Freeway and on the west by Page Mill Road. Th1s land is a steep irregular hill fonnation and has been proposed to remain in open space by the Livingston and Blayney Report. STANFORD LA~DS ADJACENT.· Tb PALO AL TO: .-""'\_ The 2,360-acre $tanford University acadellic campus 1s adjacent to Palo Alto. It inc1udes the Stanford Arboretum across El C•ino Real from urban Palo Alto. This is a large area where rare and exotic species of trees have been planted along with native species. The pre?Oftderance of large eucalyptus trees established the character of this flat area which 1s open ·to the public. Stanford University owns a total of 8,800 acres in and adjacent to Palo Al to. B-3 ,, s." A. Stanford Golf Course: The Stanford Golf Course is located on the Campus at Junipero Serra Boulevard and San Francisquito Creek. The 18-hole course is not open to the public but serves the Stanford co1T111Unity. Academic expansion may force the course to be moved, but it is University policy to main- tain a golf facility essentially in the same vicinity as the present one. It is an important open space for visual enjoyment, air qua1ity and urban shaping (as part of the larger Stanford holdin~s). B. Searsville Lake and t:ie Jasper Ridge Bioloaical Preserve: The Livingston and Blayney Stanford Report rec01m1ends that the Sears- ville Lake Reservoir be included in a Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve to cr~a~e a 1,070 acre preserve. This land is in San Mateo County and )ts use would probably be restricte~ to prevent further ecological alteration. Presently, Searsville Lake is a recreational facility, one of the few lakes in the area where it is possible to swim. Ending swirrming privileges here may suqgest that a swimning lake be established somewhere 1n the City--perhaps in the Lower Foothills area. C. Fe 1 t Lake: Located between Alpine and Arastradero Roads south of the Junipero Serra Freeway, Felt 1 ake is also a reservoir and is su9gested to rema~n in open space uses by the Livingston and Blayney Stanford Report. It would primarily be a biological preserve as well as a water supply source. It is currently not open to the public for recreational purposes and will, in all probability, remain closed. THE BA':'LANDS: Dedication of the Bayhnds for park purposes provides for ;::utilic control and. management over the ecologically valuable but fragile bayfront; meadows, ~.arshes and shoreline for the public welfare and allows recreation and other uses. All of the remaining marshes and adjoining tidal flats in Palo Alto have now been designated as Marshland Pre!~rve. These include the marshes at the mouth of Charleston Slough, and the Sand Point, Hook Island, Yacht Harbor, and Castle Island marshes. Some areas in the Baylands have been altered in the past for sewage treatment, a golf course, a refc~e disposal site, flood control, an athletic stadium, an airport, and a yacht harbo'r. A recent public awareness of the delicate, but vital, ecological importance of the Baylands and related mudflats and waters has led to re-examination of past policies and goals for the Baylands. Therefore, the current emphasis is upon retei1tion and preservation of the natural areas remaining in the Baylands, and allowfn~ recreation activities only when they are ccmpat;ble w1th these higher priority conservation goals. · Plant zones have been established for the entire e·aylands area, as illustrated on the map on page B-19, entitled BAYL.Ai~DS PLANT ZONES, ~n order to maintain (Revised 4/23/73) B-4 . , ... ~ I I I I I. I I I I I. I I I I I I I I J." . . I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I • as much as possible. the natural qualities and amenities of the Baylands, and provide a smooth transition between the urban and natural zones. These follow a gradation from a zon! allowing only indigenous marsh plants, to a second zone which allows other marsh-related and salt-tolerant plants, to a transi- tion zone which includes primarily saline soil, moisture and drought tolerant natives and exotics on filled lands, to a fourth zone which encourages the use of salt-tolerant plants b~t allows orT1arnental, screening and shade plants to blend with the filled land and urban developments characteristic of this zone. A master plant'~ist is maintained which indicates what plants will be culturally and aesthetically appropriate to each zone. A. Flood Basin: The 600-acre Flood Basin has been designated as a Wetland Preserve. Its primary use is as a flood control facility, but its use as a wetland and "lildlife habitat sanctuary is of major importance. · It is one of t:ie few remants left of relatively undhturbed wetland iu the Bay Area. Recreat;on uses here must be C°"'1atible with these two major uses and may include hiking, nature walks, and retriever dog training in limited areas. The present plant COlll!l.mity provides a permanent habitat and nesting area fo·t several species of waterfowl. shore birds, and manmals; and wintering or resting grounds for lllilny migratory waterfowl and shorebird species which complement the ad.Joining ti41.l m1rsh ·plant comnunity. The Flood Basin will be enhanced as • wildlife preserve by selective dredging to create island ~ancu1er1es and mounds and by the introduction of compat')ble salt- tolerant ~lants to increase the habitat diversity and food supply and variety. This will allow greater use of the wetlands by eac.h_species and encourage other species to inhabit th~ basin. ' ' B. Hook's Island and Sand Point Salt Marshes: Hook's Island is an island of cordgrass salt 1 marsh. It consists of approxi- mately 35 acres and is completely inundated by the tides. The Sand Point Marsh is the major marsh in Palo Alto's Baylands, being roughly 120 acres. It is composed of cordgrass, pickleweed and salt grass, successively, from lowest to highest elevati::;:.c It is important, ecologically, particularly for its food value, wildlife habitat and reoxygenatfng abilities. Two endangered species, the Califon11a Clapper Rail and the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse, a!: well is other rare and threatened species, inhabit these marshes. C. City.owned Baylands in San Mateo County: Both the Faber and Lameister Tracts which the City owns have been designated as Marshland Preserve. The 120-acre La.inefster Tract is an und1stu~ed marsh. while the 100-acre Faber Tract was once diked and used for grazing but is now open to tidal action. and the salt marsh is re-establishing itself. D. Municipal Golf Course: The Municipal Golf Course is located in the Baylands~ The 184 acre course provides a significant open space 'nd najor recreational facility. There were 91,605 rounds of golf played on the course during 1970-71. This figure is down substantially from.the total of 104 1 000 rounds played in 1968. Since then, two courses have opened. one in San Jose and one in 8-5 (Revised 4/23/73) '•' E. F. • Sunnyva 1 e. The na tiona 1 economy has a 1 so remained s ·, uggi sh, with the 1oca1 economic effects part~;ularly acute in the aerospace industry. Usually, 100,000 rounds per-year is considered an acceptable maximum n1.111ber to be accCJ11nOdated by tn 18-hole course. The necessity for at least one or more l8-hole.9olf courses in the area has been stated in previous reports. Even though play dropped oetween 196o·and 1971 at the Municipal Golf Course, the two courses opened in neighboring Santa Clara County co11111unities will only temporarily relieve part of the pressure on the course. Also, participation rates in golf have been constantly rising and are projected to continue as more people gain leisure time through earlier retirements, stagge~ed working days and the four-day work week. The local economy is also expected to gradually return to preinflation/recession fonn in the future. Finally, there will be, in all likelihood, some population increase ir. the general area in the next ten years. Mountain View is plann'ing an 18-hole golf course in its Shoreline Park, which is expe~ted to be completed in three or four years. This course should fulfill the short range expansion needs of the area. Beyond that, a 9-hole short course is proposed for Deer Gulch, and play at golf facili- ties in the Stanford acad~ic lands will continu&, as will play at the Country Club. The need for ~n additional 18-hole golf course in the Baylands should be re-evaluated in the future when the new golf courses can be analyzed and "the problem of solid waste disposal after 1980 is solved. An environ- mental impact study in relation to solid waste disposal in the Baylands may a 1 so be necessary after 1980. Palo Alto Airp0rt: The Palo Alto Airport, adjacent to the Golf Course, is a major facility at which a substantial portion.of the flights are recreational. It is leased to, and is developed and maintained by the Ccunty, and controlled by the FAA. Ancillary to the airport fun~~fon are clear zones at the ends of the runways to eliminate h1111an presence and clear space for some distance around to prevent collisions with stable objects. Refuse Disposal Area: The sanitary landfill site of 150 acres is presently estimated to be filled by 1983. Po~tfons can be topped off sooner, but this area will still be needed for refuse disposal if al temate methods of disposal or sites are not found by then. Another layer of lO to 20 feet could be added which woula take care of the disposal needs of the City past the year 2000. This land is dedicated as a public park but specific uses have net been assigned. A golf course ha~ been suggested as one major use. B-6 • f ... ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1- 1 ' J · ... I I I I I I I I I I I I I ' I I I 1- 1 G. • • IT&T Property: The IT&T Pro'.'>erty, an area of 154 acres, is presently an antenna fann and is entirely located within an unincorporated portion of the County completely surrounded by Palo Alto. The City has now prezoned this land to 11 A-C-D 11 , Agric1.:ltural-Conservatfon, Site and Design Control. after thorough study of its natural wetland condition, significance as wildHfe habitat. and the costs of overcoming the various seismic. foundation bearing and flooding hazards of the property. H. Yacht Harbor: The expansion of the Yacht Harbor as presently proposed will add 28l berths. Presently there are approximately 120 and with thg expansion there will be 400. The ability to both dredge and to provide the facili- ties e~pansion is largely contingent upon the availability of a site for the dredgings and the availability of C~unty funds. Dredging is done within the Yacht Harbor lease lines and is currently needed to maintain operation. I. Duck Pond and LagOOf!:.. __ An important area in the Baylands is thP. Duck Pond. a one-acre pond with related sanctJary zone~ The Pond attracts migratory waterfowl.-as well as indigenous waterfowl and shorebirds. Associated with it is a 13-acre lagoon, fonnerly a portion of a slough (named Mayfield Slough), which was the estuary of S~n Francf squito Creek. Previously closed to tidal action. the lagoon. which has stagnated.will now be open to tidal action as a salt marsh demonstration project with the goal of re-establishing t~e natural er;nlogy of the slough. The duck pond and lagoon are heavily visited by residents throughout the year, but particularly in the winter months when hundreds of migratory waterfowl winter here. J. Baylands Athletic Center: The Baylands Athleti-c Center. one of the r~reation facilities fn the Baylands. is located near Stn Francisquito Creek. and is comprised of two ball fields, one for softball and one for baseball. The baseball field has pennaner:t grandstands and both fields are lighted for night play. Other field and team sports can be played there also. A total of 14,531 visits were made to the Athletic Center during 1970-71. K. Charleston Slough: Adjacent to. and east of, the Palo·ftlto Flood Basin is the Charleston Slough. Conn~ted by a comon levee, 1t fs awned by Leslie Salt and provides an B-7 (Revised 4/23/73) • • intake for the solar evaporation system by which salt is extracted from the Bay. It is approximately 190 acres and is a valuable wildlife habitat area and rK>t open to the public. Just east of Charleston Slough are two salt ponds and a wet meadow area in Mountain View. The salt ponds remain fn the Shoreline Park Proposal and have been supported by the Santa Clara County Planning Policy Con'lnittee Parks Technical Advisory Corrmittee as possible sailing basins if discontinued for salt production. · L. Mount~in View Shoreline Park: Mountain View Shoreline ~ark, acquired-jointly by Mountain View and Santa Clara _County, has been established but 1s currently undevelopp.d. Utili- zing sanita.·.v landfill acquired from San Francisco, the 550-acre area is planned for a Baylands park including a marina with bay a:cess, a golf course, and playfields adjacent to the sailing basins which may be developed fran the salt ponds. INTERMEDIATE SCALE OPEN SPACES NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, DISTRICT PARKS, AND SOIOOL SITES (Green Acres); Pala Alto has continuously acquired and maintained parks, recreation facilities and other spaces consonant with the City's population growth, recreation demands, and ecological awareness. The City has, therefore, developed neighborhood parks to serve the local recreational needs of each neighborhood and has de·:eloped Rinconada and Mitchell Parks to provide primarily for the larger and more struc- tured recreational activities, as well as some neighborhood needs of the innediate surrounding residential areas. The Palo Alto Uniffed·School District contributes to the supply of recreation facilities within tn~ City by making each playground and other recreation facilities available year-round during non-school hours, and during the strrmer months. · The Parks and Recreation Division of the Department of Conlllunity Services super- vises the playgrounds and activities at the school sites and Eleanor and Peers Neighborhood Parks; and other recreation actfvities··at Rinconada and Mitchell District Parks, and at the Lucie Stern, Mitchell, and Col1~ge Terrace COOl1l.tnity Centers. The 1969 Parks and Recreat19n Policy Study discussed ways of determining area requirements for open spaces, particularly those used prima: .. ily for intenshe, structured recreation. The conclu.sion reached was that area requirements based upon standards expressed ~s 11 X11 acres per thousand persons could only be a starting point and a very general,guirle to detennining whether the population was being served adequately. ' More important factors were the nature of the park space, the facilities provided, the programs ·provided, and the accessibility to the specific population being served. The 1969 Study stated: 11 0. RETAIN THE 'ACRES-PER-THOUSANIJ PERSONS• STANDARD. The stanJards of acres-per-thousands of residents should be redefined and retained for use primaril1 as a general guide :~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I - -I s ~ ..... w - • w • ( m .. -'° --- /'......_ '--~~t- C:OMPRl!~EM5l'IE PL.AM -1'lo AH-- 2·10 ~15 - -- -~ - .· ... · •' · .. ... ·-=· .. ' . ... --- ·' ------- lNDICINOUt !IL.~ ON.V tMM.,_... #IP t»-1' ~ ~ ...,.,.,.,, Tllt'NtrT• .. ,Mt T ,.•C.t1Atl1' ~~ OINAfllNTAL "-#II~ --I ' . • • APPENDIX E: BAYLA.-.DS DETAILED GOALS AND POLICIES I. WATER QUALITY ANO CIRCULATION Goals--Water Quality and Circulation 1. Achievement of Bay water quality as approved by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Ccntrol Board which includes water quality standards sufficiently high to pennit water contact sports. growth of edible shell fish. 2. Encouragement of the es tab 1 ishment of a coordinated system f'lr the treating and disposa~ of 1 ·iquid wastes for those.-· tersheds that drain into the South Bay. Policies--Water Quality and Circulation 1. All liquid waste disc.,.rges to the Bay which do not meet water quality standards should be eliminated and ultimately treated for reuse or exported. Reuse of effl!.lent f s preferred rather than exportatiori of polluted waters to tne centr~l Bay or the Paci-fie Ocean. 2. Filling of Bay waters, marshes, and mud flats (or any other activi- ties which tend to reduce tidal flushing and circulation) should be prohibited. 3. Encourage a joint conference of local. state, and ·federal agencies and officials to determine ways in wh1ch the circulation in the South Bay can be improved. ---- 4. The possible--benefits of restoring former marshl ar.ds to marshes for the prevention of ~iltat.ion in sloughs by tidil action scouring should be investigated for implementation. 5. A program of salt marsh management should be quantitatively assessed for economic btneffts to South Ba1 Wii'tl!r quality ( s ·_•ch as oxygenation of water by cordgrass) • 6. The existing refuse disposal site-.should be periodically checked for possible toxic effects Qn water quality and maintained at acceptable operational standards. E-1 ·(Added 4/2.3/73) ,, c" • • 7. In order to reduce that portion of the South Bay's sediment load received fran develoi:-nent occurring upstream in the drain- age basins, the grading ordinance should be reviewed periodically and updated to insure that it offers maximum protection from sedi- mentation. II. ESTUARINE ECOLOGY ANO WILDLIFE -Goals--Estuarine Ecology and Wildlife 1. Protection for major parts of the Baylands: a. To protect unique and endangered wildlife by provision of feeding, resting, and breeding areas. b. To provide a living resource area for research and other educational activities. c. To provide an open space land use for the enjoyment of nature and compatible recreation activities. d. To preserve a potentially valuable food resource for man. e. To preserve an important part of the Baylan~s ecological system which is imj)ortant for all living species, including ".an himself. Pol}cies--Estuarine Ecology and Wildlife 1. Action should be taken to preserve Beylands marshes and wetlands as permanent wildlife areas and to restore wh~rever possible those marshes which have been destroyed. 2. Public access to observation and/or fishing sites, consistent with the preservati_on of important wfldl i fe habitat areas. shou1 d be provided. 3. Projects should not be authorized which have potentially damaging consequen,es on estuarine ecology until the possible impacts have been evaluated by a panel of coms;~tent and impartial experts. Such projects when authorized should.be scheduled in development phases with public hearings prior to the authorization of each phase of the proj~ct. 4. In order to protect and enhance wildlife and the ndtural ecology· of the South Bay, Palo Alto should encourage the ~stablishment of a technical advisory team to evaluate detailed plannfng in and near wildlife areas. A sample of the disciplines that might be included could be a biologist, botanist, planner, marine geologist~ and hydraulic/sedimentation engineer. (Added 4/23/73) E-2 . . ·. . . ' . • • 5. Planning for restoration and recovery of marshlands should be closely coordinated with all efforts to improve water quality and circulation in the South Bay. I I J. AIR QIJALITY Goals--Air Quality 1. Restoration of air quality to a healthful level. 2. Maintenance or improvement of climatic factors to protect the quality of life. Policies--A1r Quality 1. Since reduction of water area results in decreased air qua1ity. filling of existing Bay waters. salt ponds, wetlands, and marsh areas should not be allowe~ except for minimal filling for open space and recreation uses. 2. Filled areas should be appropriately landscaped in character with both the natural Baylands envirorvnent and the projected use of the filled area. 3. Noise as a public hazard in present metropolitan areas should be recognized as a problem. Large expanses of open space fret' from noise should be provided to aid in the alleviation of this problem. IV. GEOLOGY ANO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Goals--Geology and Structural Engineering A high standard of protection for 1 ife. property. and public invest- ments fo present and future urban development. · Policies--Geolooy and Structural Engfneerfn,,g_ l. Require that arsy developer fn the Baylands d~strate by the results of test boring and sitlllple testing fn depth that the subsurface condi- tions are ~atf sfactory for the proposed developnent. Test borings shou_ld be comensurate with the type of development proposed. 2. The potential activity of any suspected faults in the bedrock should be investigated and their possible influence on develop- ment evaluated fn the Baylands and other portions of Santa Clara County. Such a study must be conducted on a regional basis that would extend beyond the l)mfts of the Baylands and ther-efore would go beyO['ld the scope of investigations that an individual developer could be expected to ~onduct. E-3 (Added 4/23/73) • • 3. Any proposed d~velopment should be reviewed by a comretent geolog- ical and soils consultant retained by Palo Alto. V. RECREATION Goals--Recreatio11 1. Recreation activities and facilities in harmony with resource preservation. Policies--Recreation 1. The Bay and its open space margins, a major natural resource for open space and wildlife preserve, should have first priority. Recreation and other land uses should be weighed relative to these long tenn resource considerations with the natural resource taking precedence. 2. San Francisco Bay and its margins should be pr~tected and access to it increased in a manner that is in hannony with protection of that important and scarce resource. 3. Shoreline activity areas should generally be arranged according to distance from the shoreline givin£ greater priority to those that are resource oriented. 4. The use of dikes for hiking and bicycling should be encouraged with major regional recreational linkage utilizing inboard levees while retaining bayward levees for auxiliary paths and trails. 5. Ed•J~ation pro~rams should be encouraged so that a 1 arger proportion of the population can enjoy natural flora and fauna of Baylands as well as develop skill~ in boating, hiking, bicycling, etc. 6. Limited auxiliary facilities. su~h as bicycling, fishing, boat rentals, and food concessions should be pennitted where appropriate. VI. FLOOD CONTROL Goals--Fl ood Control Protection from flooding to a reasoiiabl e level for those areas now zoned for w han development. · Policies--Flood Control l. Any development with the exception of some small scale recreational development should have protection frcm the 1% chance flood (f.e.1 a 100-year flood that has a 11 chance of occurring in any given year). E-4 (Added 4/23/73) .· . . . . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. • Costs of f'ood control facilities should be applied proportionately to those areas which are benefited as well as those areas which additionally contributed to flood runoff. Land use planning in the Baylands should use floodable open.space land uses, where appropriate, to alleviate costs of flood control facilities and-to preserve open land and water surfaces. Multiple use co~cepts which would contribute to the perservation of open space and the provision of public recreational opportunities consistent with the goals of resource preservation should be applied to the planning and design of flood control facilities. The portion of the Bayla~ds below an elevation of 10 feet above mean sea level should be designated as a high flood ri5k with the objective of warTiing property owners of ~he flo~d threat and limiting future development in this ar~~. Use of waste water reclamation for ground water recharge should be encouraged as one way to reduce subsidence and its consequent increase of flood pot~ntial. VII. OREOGING Goals--Dredging l. Enhancement of Bay's water quality for a. Its long tenn role as a prime natural resource. b. Its natural and scenic beauty for man's recreatio~al use of the Bay and its shoreline. c. Protection of marine life and wildlife habitat. 2. Elimination of pressure to fill marshlands, wetlands, and salt ponds with dredging spoils. 3. Encouragement of alter11atives and adoption of design criterid which would reduce the need for dredging. 4. Encouragement of land and water uses which do not require continued dredging. E-5 (A~ed 4/23/73) • Pol;c;es--Oredging 1. In order to enhance the Bay's water quality for man's recreationa1 use of the Bay and its shorelinP.. protection of marine life, arid the well-being of the North County population downwind from the Bay, dredging should be minimized and restricted to those dredging proj- ects essential to health, ~afety, and welfare. 2. Proposals for dredging and channel deepening should include an inves- tigation to ascertain its possible impact on geologic stability in- cluding the increased pc.tenthl for ground failure on land due to liquefaction uf granular layers and total environmental impact • . , 3. An intensive effort should be exerted to find a long-tenn alternate solution to dredging as a maintenance operation for the Palo Alto . Yacht Harbor. VII I. SOLi D •!ASTE Goals--Solid Waste 1. Management of solid waste activities and planning directed at: a. R~clamation and reuse of these resources. b. High operational stllndards for the elimination of odors, dust, water pollution and h~alth hazards resulting fran solid waste disposal. c. Protection of the ground water system and all surface waters including San Francisco Bay through investigation and monitoring of solid waste disposal. d. Creation of additional usable lands for open space and _recrea.t ion. 2. Development of alte"'ut1ve methods and locations to present methods of solid waste disposal. Policies--Solid Waste l. Further filling of marshlands and other water areas should be prohibited. 2. Palo Alto should vigorously pursue alternative and/or improved methods of solid waste disposal. (Added 4/23/73) E-6 • IX. TRANSPORTATION Goals--Transportation 1. Use of the transportation network to include access to the Baylands while at the same time limiting actess to areas where the presence of large nunt>ers of people is detrimental to the environment. Policies--Transpcrtation . l. There should be no new major freeway or transbay access routes east of the Bayshore Freeway complex. 2. Water transportation for goods or people should continue to be explored for possible application, but no water transportation projects should be undertaken which will increase the turbidity of the South Bay or otherwise hann the water quality or natural ecology of the Bay or the Baylands. 3. Wherever possible, utility rights of way (powerlines, water, sewage, etc.) should be combined. 4. Hiking trails, bike"ays, and equestrian paths should be considered part of the overall circulation network. Use of paths anci trails for conmu- tation between ~ome and workplace should b~ encouraged for better health and less pollution. 5. Roadways and pa~king facilities should be subjected to total envir,n- mental impact analysis. . . E-7 (Added 4/2373) • APPENDIX F: MAP DEFINITIONS FOR THE OPEN SPAtE PLAN The following are the categories of open space shown on the Open Space Plan: Catege,,ry City Parks City or County Conscrvntion Lands Strearroide Open Space Boulevard Open Space School District Lands Open Space--Controlled Development Definitions Open space lands whose purpose is primarily active recreation and whose character is essentialJy urban, which have been planted with non-indigenous land- scaping, and which require concerted effort to main- tain the recreational facilities and landscaping in a usable fashion. Open spar.elands whose purpose is primarily-the pre- servation and enhancement of the present natural state of the lands and their flora and fauna, and in which only compatible recreation and educational activities a re a 11 owed • The corridor of riparian vegetation along a natural stream. The corridor may vary in width up to 200 feet. Hiking, biking, and riding trails may be developed. The publicly maintained area~ of landscaped green space along major streets and highways. The landscaped sites of the public schools within the sphere of-influence of the City of Palo Alto, and their recreational facilities. Land having all the characteristics of open space but upc;>n which some development can be allowed, providing that the open space amenities are retained. F-1 (Added 4/23/73) .. --• J:?( vl5~D • Se-€ ~es Y-1~8' •; I .. fl ... , l RESOLUTION ~.:. 164 RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO RECOMMENDING NUMEROUS AMENDMENTS TO THE OPEN SPACE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN WHEREAS, upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission of the city of Palo Alto, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto on April 17, 197~, did amend the General Plan of the City of Palo Alto in Resolution No. 4585 by addinq an Open Space Element to the General Plan; and WHEREAS, the Planning Conunission of the City of Palo Alto has further studied said Open Space Element since, April 17, 1972: and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds that various parts of the Open space Element have become obsolete and that changed con- ditions require additions and amendments to said Open Space Element: and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on numerous proposed additions and amendments to the Open Space Element of the General Plan on Feoruary 14, 1973, and March 14, 1973, pursuant to the provisions of Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 19.04.080, notice of the time and place of which~~; published and given in the manner provided by lawJ NOW, THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: SECT!ON 1. The Planning Commission reconunends that the Open Space Element of the General Plan, adopted by the City Council in Resolution No. 4585, -~ amended in part to read ~s indicated in the descriptive materi~ls, tru~ _copies of ·1hich are attached hereto: 1. Descriptive matter being page 19 through page 23, marked Exhibit "A" (replacing paqe 19 and paqe 20 and relating to the Baylanda and the Open Space Action Progrmr,s). -1- . ~, ' . .. . . . • • 2. Descriptive matter beinq paqes B-4, a-s, and B-7 (replacing paqes B-4, B-S, and B-7 and relatinq to the Baylands) and a map entitled "BAYLANOS PLANT ZONES," dated February 10, 1973, numbered paqe B-19 (adding a map designating plant zones for the Baylands) , marked Exhibit "B". 3. Descriptive matter being page E-1 through page E-1 (adding an appendix on detailed goals and policies ior the Baylands) and page F-1 (adding an appendix on map definitions for the Open space Plan), marked Exhibit "C". 4. A map entitled ·THE OPEN SPACE PLAN," which will b~ dated April 23, 1973, which will be placed at the end of the Open Space Element of the General Plan, and which will be ~arked Exhibit "D" (replacing the two maps entitled "OPEN SPACE LANDS: URBAN LANDS AND BAYLANOS" and "OPEN SPACE LANDS: FOOTHILLS," following the present page 20), a presentation map of which was approved with revisions by the ~lanning Cormtission on March 14, 1973. SECTION 2. The Planning Commission recommends that said Open Space Element of the General Plan of. the City of Palo Alto be endorsed to show that the maps and descriptive materials contained therein have been ~o amended by the City Counci.l of the City of Pale Alto. ADOPTED this 14th day of March, 1973, by the Pla...1ninCJ com.-nission of the City of Palo Alto by the following vote: AYES: Brenner, Cody, Gordon, Powerst S~~inberq. NOES: None. ABSENT: Klein, Rack. Chairman of the Piannlnq commission -2- • • The following is a revised Table of Contents . , . • T H E 0 P E N S P A C E E l E M E N T I. THE NEED II. THE OPEN SPACE SYSTEM t A FRAMEWORK FOR I DENT! FY ING TYPES OF OPEN SPACE AND THEIR USES III. OPEN SPACE GOALS IV. OPEN SPACE POLICIES IV A. BAYLANDS GOA!..S AND POLICIES V. OPEN SPACE PROGRAMS APPENDIX: A. CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE OPEN SPACE SYSTEM B. CURRENT INVENTORY OF OPEN SPACE LANDS AND USESt PROBLEMS AND FUTURE NEEDS C. BIBLIOGRAPHY 0. HAP SOURCES E. BAYLANDS DETAILED GOALS AND POLIC!ES F. MAP DEFINITIONS FOR THE OPEN SPACE PLAN .. LIST Q.l. MAPS Palo Alto and the Mid-Peninsula Sub-Region Natural Character: Urban Lands and Baylands Natural Character: Foothills Open Space Use: Urban Lands and Baylands Ope~ Space Use: Foothills • Lands with High Seismic Risk: Urban Lands and Baylands Lands with High Seismic Risk: Foothills Lands Subject to ~ire Hazard: Foothills Lands Associated ~ith Flooding: Urban Lands and Baylands Lands Associated with Flooding: Foothills Lands Subject to Soil Failure: Urban Lands and Baylands Lands Subject to Soil Failure: Foothills Baylands Plant ZonF.~ THE OPEN SPACE PLAN Follows Page - Frontispiece 10 10 15 15 23 23 ._ . .,_ A-10 A-30 A-30 8-18 B-18 B-18 Malo'-Pocket a-t; End of Book • THE FOLLOWING WllL BE ADDED FOil.OWING PAGE 18, REPLACING PAGES 19 AND 20. \ . EXHIBIT .. • .. • ·• t-01 DRAFT 12. Adopt plant zones shown on the map entitled BAYLAHDS PLANT ZONES. Adopt and maintain a master plant list of suitable plants for each zone based upon adaptability, wildlife utility, and aes- thetic compatibility to the natural baylands landscape. 13. Adopt a wildlife habitat -ecological preserve concept for the remaining natural areas in the ~alo Alto Baylands, to allow only compatible recreation uses. BAYLANDS GOALS AND POLICIES Palo Alto recognizes through the foll0wing primary goals that the South Bay and its adjacent lands are unique and irrc:,laceable r~source!'; .impor- tant to the total environment of the Bay region: 1. Preservation and enhancement of water areas: Palo Alto acknowledges the necessity of the resr~nsility for the preservation a~ enhance- ment of all water areas ---Bay, marshlands, wetlands. salt ponds, sloughs. and creeks --in order that they may: a. Preserve an irreplaceable resource (primarily nstural) which forms a large scale open space. b.. Preserve and enhance environmental air, water 11 visual and sound quality. c. Function as a moderator of the climate. d. Provide a living scientific and educational resource for all age groups. e. Enhance the fulfillment of open apace, conservation and recre- ational needs. f. J.1 tow for only those uses (public or private) which are found to be compatible with the foregoing objectives. 2. Vise use of dry land areas: Palo Alto recognizes the 1mportance of careful planning of the use of dry land areas in a manner: a. Compatible with and suppo-rtive to the above water area policy. b. Assured of a reasonable level of safety from flood arul/or geological risk for life and property. \ .. c. lelated visually and pbys~.ally to the Bay by giving greater priority to dominant open space uses near the water areas (for example, conservation, recreation and agriculture) over urban uses (for example, housing, industry, transportation, etc.). Detailed goals and policies ~re listed in Appendix E. 19 ... • e· V. OPEN SPACE ACTION PROGRAMS Foothills: It is the adopted policy of the City of Palo Alto to preserve the Foothills as open space. 1. The City has allocated monies for the purchase of open space lands in the foothills and is actively explor!ng how best to use these funds in accordance with the defined program. 2. .. The City has created an 110-S" (Opr.n Space) District as one -~~~s of preserving open space, and has applied the new zone to the Foothills. The zone does allow some development, for instance, residential development at one dwelling unit per 10 acres, but requires any development of 4 or more units to be clustered in order to DU.nimi~e road construction and slope and landscape disturbance and to retain as much open area as pos- sible. Any existing lot smaller than 10 acres is considered a legal buildinp, site if it was a legal building site under its previous zone. Foundation and soil conditions must be re- viewed by one or more gP.ologists or structural engineers, and the design and siting of the structures must be approved by the City's Architectural Reviev Board. l. The City has entered into Williamson Act contracts with owners to establish Agricultural Preserves on several Foothill proper- ties which total 177 acres as of March 1, 1973. Under the terms of these contracts, the lands preserved will remain in open space use, and their scenic, natu~al resource, wildlife habitat, and agricultural values will be retained. 4. In N~ve-.nber, 1972, a Midpeninsula Regional Park District was created which includes the City of Palo Alto. It is anticipated that approximately $1,500,000 wili be raised annually from local t~s to acquire open space lands in th~ District. The lands · above Foothills Park are among those being considered for early acquisition. 5. The City has received a gift of 79 acres of land in the Foot- hills at the intersection of Page Mill Road and Monte Bello Road. In addition, the City has purchased a 49-acre parcel just west of the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club. Possibilities for recreation and conservation uses of these lands will be deter- mined in 1973 and 1974. Future purchases and possible gifts will be encouraged to add to the expanding recreation and consenoation programs. 6. The almost 500-acre Black Momitain Ranch has been donated by George Morell, publisher of the Palo Alto Times, to Stanford University. The ranch transverses the City's Foothills frOlll north to south, about 1-1/2 miles southeast of the intersection of Page Mill Road and Monte Bello Road. and adjoins a 200-acre 20 .. ... .. -.... 7. parcel previously donated to Stanford for educational and rP- search purposes. 'Ii1c use of the land has not been encumbered, although it is Mr. Morell's stated vish to the University that these lands remain essentially open and in their natural wilder- ness state. It is the intent of the City to preserve as open ~pace: A. Coyote Hill B. Deer Gulch c. The hilly area between Deer Creek Road, Ara~tradero Road, Page ~..ill Road, and the Jur.~pero Serra Freeway. D. · The billy area between Page Mill Road, the proposed Foot- hill Expr~ssway, Alpine Road, and Junipera Serra Freeway. Baylands: The City owns must of the lands with open space potential within its jurisdiction in the Baylands and has dedicated it for park, conserva- tion, and other open space purpnses; 1. The City also owns the Faber Tract, a property in San Mateo County, some of which was once marsh and which is being returned to salt marsh in conformance with BCDC directives. The Faber Tract and the Laumeiste~ Tract, also in San Mateo County, which together comprise about 220 acres, have been ~esignated as Marshland Pre- serve, marshland being defined as those lands above mean sea level which are 'urrently subject to tidal action, and the levees adjoin- ing these lands. 2. Al1 of the marshlands in Palo Alto have been designated as Marshland Preserve. These include the :narshes at the mouth of Charleston Slough, and the Sand Point, Brok Island, Yacht Harbor, and Castle Island marshes as well as al.l the tid~ lands in Palo Alto since they are an integral part of the marshland ecology. -. --··-----·· ---------------------_,_ ........... --· ... -- Several plans and studies have been executed for the South Bay which affect Palo Alto. Among these are the San Francisco Bay Plan by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission; the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge proposal; Santa Clara County Shoreline Park Plan; and the Santa Clara Count; Planning Policy Committee Baylands Subcommittee Study. The City has re- evaluated the conflict between recreation and conservation uses in the Flood Basin, and has determined that flood control will be the primary purpose of the Flood Basin, and that preservation of wetland and ,-~ildlife habitat will be the secondary purpose. The Planning Commission, therefore, has designated the Flood Basin as Wetland Preserve, wetlands being defined as those lands which pre- viously received tidal ~ction and are still in a natural and un- developed state, and adjoieing levees. Educational programs. nature study, and recreation oriented to the Saylands will be en- co•iraged in the Flood Basin, as will the controlled and experi- 21 • • • . ,,.. :. ...-.---:-. ... .. -... . ..-...._ ---~---- • mental introduction of compatible salt-tolerant plents to provide food supply and shelter for wildlife and thus increase wildlife density and diversity. 4. The IT&T Property. a 154-acre par~el within the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County, has been prezoned to "A-C-D", Agricultural- Conservation, Site and Design Control, as an indication of the City's desire that the land remain undeveloped and in its present state insofar as practicable • 5. The City has the full cooperation of the Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water District in utilizing the Flood Basin as a wild- life habitat. If it is found necessary to excavate material from the floor of the basin to increase the runoff holding capacity, the District has said that it will coordinate these excavations with the City to facilitate the development of isolated island wildlife sanctuaries within the basin. The District will modify gates to allow hiking and cycling along the Flood Basin levee through the Charleston Slough area. The Dlstrict has also con- sented to work with the City in improvement of the levee system, to al.low salt-, drought-, and moiRture-tolerant plants to be planted on the levees to improve their appearance and to retard levee erosion. · -· 6. The City is e:"tpanding its Baylands Trails System to extend from one end of its Baylcaids to the other. Eventually, the trail sys- tem can continue on into Menlo Park and East Palo Alto on the northwest and Mountain View on the southeast, and will tie in to ul'ban . Palo Alto. The existing levees and P. G. and E.'s boardwalk under their transmission tower will be utilized in the trail system. 1. The City will use the Baylands ?lant Zone concept (see Appendix B. THE BAYLANDS) to landscape several of its own facilities, re- view the landscaping plans of the areas leased to tile County (-_he Airport aed the Yacht Harbor) , and r~l75J•P the landscaping ~!ans· of private developers ~.n the Baylands. The County plans t~ up- grade the road between the Duck Pond -Lagoon and the Yat!h~ ·aarbor, .after which the City will finish landscaping the Duck Pond ·and Lagoon area with natives and other salt-marsh-related plants. The City will develop parking, observation, aric picnic areas in conjunction with this vork. 8. The City has designated a smali unincorporated area in the Bay- lands lying between Palo Alto and Mountain View as Open Space Land. That portion which actually lies within the Flood Basin and on the adjoining levee is designated Wetland Preserve and that portion which lies across the course of Charleston Slough is designated Marshland Preserve • 22 I. h I' . ~ •: . : j~ .. - • • • ' ·~·:, • e c • • 9. Aro. area of approximately 150 acres cast of the IT&T property has been utilized or designated as a sanitary iauci fill area. Its future use has been designated for park, recreation, and conser- vation purposes. The current program of filling is expected to be completed by 1983. If and when alternative sites or methods of refuse disposal are found, the site will be put to recreational uses. -~---=--·--------· ·--·- Bicycle System: 1. The City had implemented the iasic Bicycle Network (the first phase) of its Bicycle Master ¥lan. After an evaluatipn of the network's utility and comprehensiveness as a commuting and recreational system, further expansion of the network will be dependent upon available funds and community desires. Trails and Paths: 1. 2. 3. The City has designated Streamsf.de Trails along Stevens, Los Trancos, and San Francisquito Creeks and will explore require- ments for recreational hiking and riding facilities. The City, acting in cooperation with adjoining cities and coun- ties, has designated the area along Skylin~ Boulevard as part of a Skyline Scenfc Recreati.:n Route, and uill develop recrea- tional hiking, biking, and ri~ing facilities through its juris- diction. £> ~~) l""h I °rJ<-·;!..~ See Open Space Action Programs, Baylands Program No. 6~for an explanation of the Baylands Trail System. ) Neighborhood Parks: 1. The City will develop small parks in the Downtown Neighborhood as soon as . is reasonable in consideration ot the current housing _situation. A site north of ~niversity Avenue has been purchased on the block boun.ded by Everett, Waverley, Hawthorne and Kipling. The site has not yet been fully developed since it would remove eleven low/moderate income dwelling •m:tts; however, several vacant parcels on the block have been temporarily developed as mini-parks. 2. It is the intent of the City to create a neighborhood park south of University Avenue in the downtown neighborhood, but the pur- chase of a site for it has been held in abeyance due to other higher priority needs such as the purchase of the Foothills and the maintenance of all low/moderate income housing units; and the completion of the University Avenue Neighborhood Study which will analyze alternative sites ~.recommend one of them. 3. It is the intent of the City to purchase land for small public parks, wherever possible and appropriate,.rin conjunction with sub-· sidized housing. -----·--.. . 23 "".".\. I I __ , ,, • \ • The following pages will replace pages B-4, B-5, and B-7, and a new page B-19 will be added. EXHIBIT f> .. . co ~ 'Pl "'C ... 0 :.: u ·~ • .. e 0. s 0 ... ~ • i s:. u 0 :z; • A. Stanford Golf Course: B. c. The Stanford Golf Course is located on the Caq>us at Junfpen> Serra Boulevard and San Francisquito Creek. The 18-hole course is not open to the public but serves the Stanford co111t1unity.· Academic expansion may force the course to be mo·v'ed, but it is University policy to main- tain a golf facility essentially in the same vicinity as the present one. It is an important cpen space for visual enjoyment. air quality and urban shaping (as part of the larger Stanford holdings). Searsville Lake and the Jaseer Ridge Bi61ogical Preserve: The Livingston and Blayney Stanford Report recorrmends that the Sears- ville Lake Reservoir be included in a Josper Ridge Biological Preserve to create a ls070 acre preserve. This land is in San Mateo County and its use would probably be rest~icted to prevent further ecological alteration. Presentlys Searsville lake is a recreational facility, one of the few lakes in the area whP~ it is possible to swim. Ending swilTIYling privileges here may suggest that a swinming lake be established somewhere in the City--perhaps in the Lower Foothills area. Felt Lake: Located between Alpine and Arastradaro Roads south of the Junjpero . Serra Freeway, Fe"Jt Lake is also a reservoir and is suggested to remain in open space uses by the Livingston and Blayney St~nford Report. It would primarily be a biological preserve as well as a water supply source. It i~ _currently not open to the public for recreational purposes and \1ill, in all probability, remain closed. THE BAYLANDS: Dedication of the Baylands for park purposes provides for public control and management over the ecologically valuabl~ but fragile bayfront, meadows, marshes and shoreline for the public welfare and allows 1ecreation and other -·uses. All of the remaining marshes and adjoining tidal flats in Palo Alto have now been designated as Marshland Preserve. These include the marshes at the mouth of Charleston Slough, and the Sand Point, Hook Island, Yacht Harbor> and Castle Island marshes. Some areas in the Baylands have been altered in the past for sewag~ treatment, a golf course, a refuse disposal site, flood control, an athletic st~dium, an airport, and a yacht harbor. A recent public awareness of the delicate, but vital, eL~ltgical iq>ortance of the Baylands and related mudflats and waters has led to re-examination of past policies and goals for the Baylands. Therefore, the current emphasis is upon retention and pre~ervati?n.o! the natural areas ~infng in the Baylands, and allowing recreat1on act1v1t1es only when they are t\,~atil~ with these higher priority conservation goals. Plant zones have been established for the ent;re Baylands area, as illustrated on the map on page 8-19 entitled BAYLAND'S PLANT ZONES, in order to maximize the aes thetf c 8-4 .. . ·. • ~ 8 and cultural compatibility of the various areas and uses to the natural baylands landscape and to each other. These follow a gradation from a zone allow.ng only indigenous marsh plants, to a second zone which allows other marsh-related and salt-tolerant plants, to a transition zone which includes primarily saline soil, moisture and drought tolerant natives and exotics on filled lands, to a fourth zone which encourages the use of salt-tolerant plants but allows ornamental, screening and shade plants to blend with the filled land and urban developments characteristic of this zone. A master plant list is maintained which indicates what plants will be culturdlly and aesthetic~lly appropriate to each zone. A~ Flood Basin: c. The 600-acre Flood Basin has been designated as a W~tland Preserve. Its primary use is as a flood control facility, but its use as a wetland and wildlife habitat sanctuary is of major importance. It is one of the few remnants left of rel~tively undisturbed wetland in the Bay Area. Recreation uses here must be compatible with these two major uses and may include hiking, nature walks, and retriever dog training in 1imited areas. The present plant comnunity pr~vides. a pennanent hab·itat and nesting area for several species of waterfowl, shore birds, and maninals; and wintering or resting grounds for many migratory waterfowl and shorebird species which complement the adjoining tidal marsh plant c011111unity. The Flood Basin will be enhanced as a wildlife preserve by selective dredgi~g to create island sanctuaries and mounds and by the introduction of C01T1>atible salt- tolerant plants to increase the habitat diversity and food supply and variety. This will allow greater use of the wetlands by each species and ·encourage other species to inhabit the basin .. Hook's Island and Sand Point Salt Marshes:· Hookts Island is an island of cordgrass salt marsh. It consists of approxi- mately 35 acres and is completely inundated by the tides. The Sand Point Marsh is the major ma~~h in Palo Altots Baylands, being roughly 120 acres. It is coq>osed of cordgrass, pickleweed and salt grass, successively, from lowest to highest elevations. It is important, ecologically, particularly for its food value, wildlife habitat and teoxygenating abilities. Two endangered species, the California Clapper Rail and the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse, as well as other rare and threatened spec1~, inhabit these marshes. City Owned Baylands in San Mateo County: Both the Faber and Laumeister Tracts which the City owns have been designated as Marshland Preserve. The 120-acre Lalll\ef ster Tract is an undisturbed marsh, while the 100-acre Faber Tract was once diked and used for grazing but is now open to tidal action,and the salt marsh is re-establishing itself. Municipal Golf Course: The Municipal Golf Course is lacated in the baylandJ. The 184 Jere course provid~s a significant open space and major recreational facility • There were 91,605 rounds of golf played on the course during 1970-71. This figure is down substantially from the total of 104,000 rounds played in 1968. Since then, two courses have opened, one in San Jose and one in B-5 . '•' I, ----··-·- !' ...c "O .. i .u c:: CD Ill Cl .. 0. 8 ,. cw CD eo c: Cl "fi 8 • 6. IT&T Property: The IT&T Property, an area ~f 154 acres, is presently an antenna fann and is entirely located within an unincorporated portion of the County completely surrounded by Palo Alto. The City has now prezoned t~.is land to 11 A-C_·D",Agrfcultural-Conservation, Sfte and Design Control, after thorough stuciy of its natural wetland condition, significance as wildlife habitat, and the costs of overcoming the various seismic, foundation bearing and flooding hazards of the property. :H. Yacht Harbor: I. The expansion of the Yacht Harbor as p~esently proposed will add 280 berths. Presently there are appro1imately 120 and with the expansion there wili be 400. The ability to both dredge and to provide the facili- ties expansion is larg~ly contingent upon the availability of a site for the dredgfn9s and the availability of County funds. Dredgi~~ is done within the Yacht Harbor lease lines and is currently .1eeded to maintai'l operation. Duck Pond and lagoon: An important area in the Baylands is the Ouck Pond,' a one-acre pond with related sanctuary zone. The Pond attracts migratory waterfowl, as well as indigenous waterfowl and shorebirds. Associated with it is a 13-acre lagoon. fonnerly a portion of a slough (named Mayfield Slough), which was the estuary of San Francisquito Creek. Previously closed to tidal action. the lagoon, which has stagnated, will now be open to tidal action as a salt marsh demonstration project with the goal of re-establishing the natural ecology of the slough. The duck pond and lagoon are heavily visited by residents throughout the year, but particularly in the winter months when hundreds of migratory waterfowl winter here. J. Baylands Athletic Center: The Baylands Athletic Center, one of the recreat~o~ facilities in the Baylands, is located near San Francisquito Creek, and is comprised of two ball fields. one for softball and one for baseball. The baseball field has pennanent grandstands and both fields are l19uted for night play. Other field and team sports can be played there also. A total of 14,531 vf sits were made to the Athletic Center during 1970-71. K. Charleston Slough: Adjacent to, and east of, the Palo Alto Flood Basin is the Charleston Slough. C°'1neL~ed by a corm10n levee, it is owned by Leslie Salt and provides an B-7 ___ , ·. •, , ~)· . . • .. I I ' I .... -. ·. , .. ... · '·, .... ~ .·" ... .. .... .. .. .. ·"' \ ··""· ' . .• . ... \ ··' •. .. " , .. . 'r ,.r .. ., .... ~ ., " .. . : '· .... ....... . .. ....... 1n ...... • -···· \. ·~ ... ..... ,. .. .... ~-· . ..... • -~ .. COMPR!HEN~\VE PL.AN -Aalo ,6s\1'o ~AYl-ANOS PL-ANT Z.ONSS %·10 l~U '• /• IMDICIN"t ,&..IH\'t OM..V 1MM•H0Ut • t.._'t ~fat~ ""NT" TAAN'trflOM ·t~ T "t•Lt1At4f ~Dtltw4f.flTM.. oaNAt11N TAJ. P\.H'Jt • .... I "-• ,• e ~· ./ ·'";;1.- , .. fl .. 1111 r,,. ~ • I ••••• • . ' The f olloving will be added as new Appendixes E and F. EXHIBIT C/t. I ~ r • APPENDIX E: BAYI:A@S J2.ETAILED GOALS AND POLICIES I. WATER QUALITY AND c~;CULATION Goals~Water Quality and Circulation 1. Achievement of Bay wate~ quality as approved by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board which includes water quality standards sufficiently high to permit water ~ontact sports, growth of edible shell fish. 2. Encouragement of the establishmant of a coordinated system for the treating and disposal of liquid wastes for those watersheds that drain into the South Bay. Policies~Water· Qua1ity and Circulation 1. All liquid waste dischar~es to the Bay which do not meet water quality standards should be eliminated and ultimately treated for reuse or exported. Reuse of eff1.·.ient is preferred rather than . ~ .. -. -. exportation of polluted waters to the central Bay or. the racific Ocean. 2. Filling of Bay waters, ~shes, and mud flats (or any other activi- ties which tend to reduce tidal flushing and circulation) should be prohibited. 3. Encourage a joint conference of local, state, and federal agencies and officials to determine ways in which the circulation in the South Bay can be improved. . 4. The poasible benefits of restoring former marshlands to marshes for the prevention of siltation in sloughs by tidal action scouring abould be investigated ior implementation. E-1 . ' : • • S. A program of salt marsh management should be quantitatively assessed for economic ben~!its to South Bay water quality (such as oxygenation of water by cord grass). 6. The existing refuse disposal.site should be periodically checked for possible toxic effects on water quality and maintained at acceptable operational standards. 1. In order to reduce that portion of the South Bay's sediment load received from d~velopment occurring upstream in the drain- age basins, the grading ordinance should be reviewed periodically and updated to insure that it offers maxim'-Ull protection from sedi- autation. II. ESTUARINE ECOLOGY AND WILDLIFE Goals~Estuarine Ecology and Wildlife 1. Protection for major parts of the Baylands: a. To protect unique and endangered wildlife by provision of feeding. resting, and breeding areas. b. To provide a living resource area for research and other educational activities. c. To provide an open space land use for the enjoyment of nature and ccmpatible recreation activities. d. To pres:arve a potentially valua~le food resource for man. e. To preserve an important part of the Baylands e~~logical system -which is important for all livlng species, including man hi:nself. Policies--Estuarine :Ecology and~!Jildlife 1. Action should be taken to preserve Baylanda mars~s and wetlands as permanent wildlife areas and to restore wherever possible those marshes which have been destroyed. 2. Public access to observation and/or fishing sites, consistent with the preservation of important wildlife habitat areas, should be p=ovided. 3. M 4 fcojects should not be authorized which have potentially damaaing consequences on estuarine ecology until the possible. illprcts have been evaluated by a panel of caapetent and impartial E-2 ll . . . . \ • • • experts. Such projects when authorized should be scheduled in development ~hases with public hearings prior to the ~uthor- ization of each phase of the project. bli h f c.._the ~sta s ment o a 4. In order to protect and enhance wildlite="2andlthe natural ecology of the South Bay, Palo Alto should encourag~~rt • technical advisory team t , '7 I he• to t:valuate deu:i i.ed planning in and near wildlife areas. A sample of the disci~lines that might be included could be a biologist, bo~anist, plann~r, marine geologist, and hydraulic/sedimentation engineer. S. Planning for restoration and recovery of marshlands should be closely coordinated with all efforts to improve water quality .and circulation in the South Bay. III. AIR QUALITY Goals--Air Quality • 1. Restoration of air quality to a healthful level. 2. Maintenance or improvement of climatic factors to protect the quality of life. Policies-~Air Qu!lity 1. Since reduction of water area results in decreased air quality, filling of existing Bay waters, salt ponds, wetlands, and marsh areas should not be allowed except for minimal filling for open space and recreation us~s • . 2. Filled areas should be-appropriately landscaped in character with both the natural Baylands environment and the projected use of the filled area. 3. Noise as a public hazard in present metropolitan areas should be recognized as a problem. Large expanses of open space free from noise should be provided to aid in the alleviation of th:ls problem. IV. GEOLOGY AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Goals--Geology and Structural Engineering A high standard of protection for life, property, and public invest- ments in present and futur~ urban development. Policies--Geology and Structural Engineering 1. ·ae~uire that any developer in the Baylands demonstrate by the results of test borint and sample testing in depth that the subsurface condi- tions are satisfactory for the proposed development. Test borings should be commensurate with the type of development proposed. E-3 . .. . . • • • • 2. The potential activity of any suspect~d faults in the bedrock should be investigated and their possible influence on develop- ment evaluated in the Bayland& anJ-ather portions of Santa Clara County. Such a study must be conducted on a regional basis that would extend beyond the limits of the Baylands and therefore woul& go beyond the scope of investigations thot an individual develope= could be expected to conduct. 3. Any proposed development should be reviewed by a competent geolog- ical and soils consultant retained by Palo Alto. V. RECREATION Goals~Recreation 1. Recreation activities and facilities in harmony with resource pres:?.rvation. Policies--Recreation 1. The Bay and its open space margins, a major natural resource for open space and wildlife yreserve, should have first priority. Recreation and other land uses should be weighed relative to these long term resource considerations with the nat..iral resource taking ptecedence. 2. San Francisco Bay and its margins should be protected and access to it increased in a .sanner that is in harmony with protection of that important and scarce resource. 3. Shoreline activity areas should generally te arranged according to distance from the shoreline giving greater priority to those that are resource oriented. 4. The use of dikes for hiking and bicycling should be encouraged with •major regional recreational linkage utilizing inboard levees while retaining bayward levees for auxiliary paths and trails. S. Education programs should be encouyaged so that a larger proportion of the population can enjoy natural flora and fauna of Baylands as well as develop skills in boating, hiking, bicycling, etc.· 6. Limited auxiliary facilities, such as bicycling, fishing, boat rentals, and food concesslons hould be permitted where appropriate. E-4 .. . . . • • 1i • • VI. FLOOD CONTROL · Goals--Fiood Cor,trol to a reasonable level Protection from flooding or those areas now zoned for urban develop- ment. Policies--Flood Control '· Any development with the exception of same small scale recreation.al development should have protection from the 1% chance flood (i.e., a 100-year flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year). ,. ~ Costs of flood control facilities should be applied proportionately . to those areas which are benefited as well as those areas which · additionally contributed to flood runoff. ~. Land use planning in .the Baylands should.use floodable open space land uses, where appropriate, to alleviate costs of flood control facilities and to preserve open land and water surfaces. 4. Multiple use concepts which would contribute to the preservation d. open space and the provision of public recreational oppor~unities consistent with the goalJ of resource preservation should be applied to the planning and design of flood control facilities. ~ -S. 'l'he portion of the Baylands below an elevation of 10 feet above mean sea level should be designated ao a high flood risk with the objective of warning property owners of tho flood threat and limiting future d~velopment in th~ area. ~. Use of waste water reclamation for around water recharge should be encouraged as one way to reduce aubsidenc:e and its consequent +a s increase of flood potential. · VII. DREDGING Goals--Dredging 1. Enhancement of B'ly's water quality for a) Its long term role as a prime natural resource, b) Its natural and scenic beauty for man's recreational use of the lay and its shoreline. c) Protection of marine life &tid. wildlife habitat. 2. Elimination of pressi!.re to fill marshland•. wetlands, and salt ponds with dredging spoils. 3. Fucouragement of alternatives and adoption of design criteria which would reduce the need for dredging. 4. Encouragement of land and water uses which do not require continued dredging. .. . . . ~ • • • • Policiea--Dredsing 1, In order to enhance the Bay's water quality for man's use of the Bay and its shoreline, protection of marine life and the well-beiug of the North County population downwind from the Bay, dredging should be minimized and restricted to those dredging projects essential to health, safety, and welfare. 2. Proposals for dredging and channel deepening should include an inves- tigation to ascertain its possible impact on geologic stability in- cluding the incr•?ased potential for grol'nd ·failure on land due to liquefaction of granular layers and total environmental impact. --~ . :· ' --. 3~ -An intensive effort should be exerted to find a long-term alternate solution to dredging as a maintenance operation for the Palo Alto .Yacht Harbor. VIII. SOLID WASTE Goals--Solid Waste . 1~ Managem.e~t of solid waste activities.and planning directed at: a. ReclamatioL and reuse of these resources. · b. Bish operational standards for the elimination of odors, dust; water pollution and health ~1azards resulting fr01n .· eolid waste disposal. c. P:otect the ground water system and all aurface waters including San Francisco Bay through investigation and monitoring of solil waste disposal. 2. Development of alternative methods and locations· to present ·methods of solid waste disposal. Policies~Solid Waste 1. Further filling of marshlands &J;Jd other water areas should be · prohibited. U,nould J Land/or improved) 2. Palo AltoTvlgorously pursue altern~tiv~tbcds of solid waste • 1 2 disposal. IX. TRANS!>ORTATION --Goals--Transportation 1. Use of the transportation network to include access to the Baylands while at the same time limitin§J 0 kimi~access to areas where the presence of large numbers of people 1a detrimental to the envir~ament. E-6 • ~ . ·' . ... . • • • Policies--Transportation t. There should be no new major freeway or transbay access routes eaat of the Bayshore Freeway complex • 2. Water transportation for goods or people should continue to be explored for possible application, but no water transportation projects should be u:idertaken which will increase ~he turbidity of the South Bay or other- wise harm ~he water quality or natural ecology of the Bay or the Baylands •. 3: Wherever possible, utility rights of way (powerlines, water, sewage, etc.) should be combined. 41". Hiking traiis, bikeways~ and equestrian paths should be considered part of the overall circulation networ~ --..f6.e of paths and trails for commutation between home and wor~lace should be encouraged for better heclth and less pollution. P' d ki f iliti should be subjected to total environ-~· Roadways ~n par ng ac es mental impact analysis. B-7 r .. .... -. ~· 1i-f8 DRAFl' . \' • APPENDIX F: MAP DEFINITIONS FOR THE OPEN SPACE PLAN -The followin~ are the categories of open space shown on the Open Space Plan: City Parks City or County Conservation Lan~s Streamside Open Space Boulevard Open Space School District Lands Open Space --Controlled ~velopment Definitions Open space lands whose perpose is primarily active recreation and whose character is essentially urban, which have been planted with non-indigenous land- scaping, and which require concerted effort to main- tain the recreational facilitiE:S and landscaping in a usable fashion. Open space lands whose purpose is primarily the pre- servation and enhancement of the present.natural state of the lands and their flora and fauna, and in which only compatible recreation and educational activities are allowed. The corridor of ripa~ian vegetatlon along a natural stream, The corridor may vary in width up to 200 feet. Hiking, biking, and riding trails may be developed. The publicly . maintained areas of landscaped green space along majc·: streets e.Ad highways. The landscaped sites of the public schools within the sphere of influence of the City of Palo Alto, and their recreational facilities. Land having all the characteristics of open space but upon which some development can be aµ.owed, providing that the open space amenities are retained. F-1 ~- .......-------------~-~----~~ ---. ~ i~Z_T_H_E_C-IT_Y_O_F_A_~_LO-A-Ll1_0 __ ----~----;i- a.. .w tU ; en :z w a.. 0 w :r: 1-~· ' . ~ .. -j ~ l ·1 .-1 ·I I - . • crrv PARKS • CITY OR COUNTY CONSER- VATION LAtJDS ~ STREAMSIDE OPEN SPACE • BOLl,LEVARD OPEN SPACE -,• ~ • SCHOOL DISTRICT LANDS . ,o E ,4CXXJ F DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING APRIL 23, 1973 i ···_w ·----------------------------------____.