HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 139-08TO:
FROM:
City of Palo Alto
C ty Manager’s Report
9
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING &
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE:
SUBJECT:
FEBRUARY 11, 2008 CMR:139:08
ADOPTION OF A: (1) MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR
1001 SAN ANTONIO AVENUE (CIARDELLA’S) AND (2) RESOLUTION
APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION
OF LIGHT INDUSTRIAL FOR 1001 SAN ANTONIO AVENUE; AND (3)
ORDINANCE REZONING APPROXIMATELY 1.8 ACRES OF
CALTRANS-OWNED LAND, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF THE TERMINUS OF TRANSPORT ROAD, FROM PUBLIC
FACILITIES DISTRICT (PF) TO GENERAL MANUFACTURING
DISTRICT (GM) FOR 1001 SAN ANTONIO AVENUE (CIARDELLA’S).
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission (P&TC) recommend the City Council:
1.Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (Attachment D) for 1001 San Antonio Avenue;
2.Adopt by Resolution a Comprehensive Plan designation of Light Industrial where no
Comprehensive Plan land use designation currently exists (Attachment A); and
3.Adopt an Ordinance (Attachment B) to rezone the 1.81-acre site from Public Facilities (PF)
to General Manufacturing (GM).
BACKGROUND:
In the fall of 2007, CalTrans began to lease the subject land to Ciardella’s, a local garden supply
center. On October 22, 2007, the Council received a staff report (CMR 396:07, Attachment C),
heard comments from the applicant regarding the rezoning and land use change, and continued
its review to a date uncertain, to allow the applicant to submit an architectural review application
facilitating a more complete environmental review. The applicant submitted the application and
staff prepared and circulated a revised environmental document. The Architectural Review
Board (ARB) conducted a public hearing on the proposed site improvements on December 20,
2007, and recommended approval to the Director of Plaiming and Community Environment.
The Director issued a conditional approval of the architectural review application based upon the
revised environmental document and ARB recommendation, pending action on the zone change.
CMR: 139:08 Page 1 of 3
The adjacent property owner at 4007-4009 Transport Road has participated in all public hearings
on this matter. Her focus has been on ensuring adequate conditions for her paper company
tenant, and she has requested that Caltrans lease a portion of the subject property to her for the
provision of parking spaces for her tenants. Staff and the applicant met with the adjacent
property owner and the revised plans submitted for architectural review address the neighbor’s
conCelTIS.
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
As noted in the previous staff report, the P&TC recommended that the City Council approve the
Mitigated Negative Declaration and the requested land use designation and zone change as
recommended by staff. The P&TC staff report and meeting minutes attached to the October 22,
2007 CMR can be found on the City’s website.
At its meeting on December 20, 2007, the ARB received staffs report (Attachment F) and
recommended unanimously that the Director approve the ARB application. At the conclusion of
the public review period on the revised environmental document, the ARB application was
conditionally approved by the Director on January 3, 2008, as reflected in the approval letter
(Attachment E) and based on ARB findings and approval conditions. The 14-day appeal period
of the Director’s ARB approval ended on January !7, 2008. No appeal was filed.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Changing the zoning of the proposed site will allow Ciardella’s to operate as a permitted use on
the site and remain a local Palo Alto enterprise, retaining sales tax generated by the business in
Palo Alto.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The proposed change in the Zoning Map is consistent with the zoning of adjacent lands that also
have frontage on Transport Road and San Antonio Avenue. The extension of the GM zoning
onto this property will enable the property owner (Caltrans) to lease state property to a long-
standing private business, subject to satisfaction of ARB approval conditions and mitigation
measures, and in compliance with the GM regulations. These require all uses to be conducted in
such a mariner as to preclude any nuisance, hazard, or commonly recognized offensive
conditions. The requested GM zoning is in accord ~vith the Light Industrial land use designation
proposed for the site as defined in the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (PACP). The site is within
the San Antonio Road industrial area referenced in the PACP’s land use definition of Light
Industrial, which, similar to the GM zone requirements, indicates that emission of fumes, noise,
smoke or other pollutants is strictly controlled and that floor area ratio is limited to .5:1.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The attached Mitigated Negative Declaration (Attachment D) was prepared for the rezoning,
land use designation, and architectural review applications, and circulated through the State
Clearinghouse for a 30 day public review period that ended on January 3, 2008. The Director, in
conditionally approving the ARB application, relied upon this document, which will now allow
Council to approve the rezoning and land use designation to establish Ciardella’s as a permitted
use. The environmental document addresses Ciardella’s use of the site and physical
CMR: 139:08 Page 2 of 3
improvements thereto, and the six mitigation measures were designed to mitigate potential on-
site and off-site impacts related to both the site improvements and business operations, with
particular attention to the impacts at 4007-4009 Transport Road.Mitigation measures are
designed to:
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Reduce wind-blown dust emissions during operations;
Minimize the free-fall of transferred materials and generation of construction dust;
Designate a contact person and provide signage to address operational complaints;
Require best management practices and performance standards to be met;
Allow only San Antonio egress, supported by signage and website information; and
Focus delivery hours from suppliers to early morning hours to the extent practicable.
These measures will be implemented upon plan check, construction inspection, and code
enforcement during ongoing operations.
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Director of Planning,and C~nity Environment
Emily Ha’~rlson ~’-
Assistant City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Amending Land Use Map
Attachment B: Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map
Attachment C: CMR 396:07 dated October 22, 2007
Attachment D: Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study dated November 30, 2007
Attachment E: ARB approval letter dated January 3, 2008
Attachment F: ARB staff report dated December 20, 2007
COURTESY COPIES:
Larry Ciardetla, President of Ciardella’s
Bob Budelli, Vice President of Ciardella’s
Nicolas P. Jellins, Esq.
Elizabeth Bridges, Esq.
Jim Bozionelos, CalTrans, Division of Right of Way
Peter Gilli, Deputy Zoning Administrator, City of Mountain View
CMR: 139:08 Page 3 of 3
NO7 Y]2 APPROVED ATTACHMEN
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO AMENDING THE LAND USE MAP OF THE PALO ALTO
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ASSIGN THE "LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL" LAND USE DESIGNATION TO 1.81 ACRES
OF LAND AT i001 SAN ANTONIO ROAD
WHEREAS, the Planning and Transportation Commission
("Commission"), after a duly noticed public hearing on
September 19, 2007, has recommended that the Land Use Map of the
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan be amended to assign the "Light
Industrial" land use designation to 1.81 acres of land at i001
San Antonio Road; and
WHEREAS, the Council has held a duly noticed public
hearing on the matter on February ii, 2008, and has reviewed the
Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the project and al!
other relevant information, including staff reports, and all
testimony, written and ora!, presented on the matter.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto
does hereby RESOLVE, as follows:
SECTION I. The Counci! finds that the public interest,
health and welfare of Palo Alto and the region require an
amendment to the Land Use Map of the Palo Alto Comprehensive
Plan as set forth in Section 2.
SECTION 2. The Council hereby amends the Land Use Map
of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan to designate 1.81 acres of
land at I001 San Antonio Road, "Light Industrial", as shown on
Attachment A attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference.
SECTION 3. This resolution shall be effective on the 31st
day after its adoption. This delayed effective date is intended
and shall be construed to provide a sufficient period of time
between adoption of the resolution and its effective date to allow
a complete and exclusive opportunity for the exercise of the
referendum power pursuant to the Charter of the City of Palo Alto
and the Constitution of the State of California. A referendum
petition filed after the effective date shall be rejected as
untimely.
SECTION 4.
use designation
environment.
080201 syn 0120262
The Council hereby finds that this new land
will have no significant effect on the
NOT YET APPROVED
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Assistant City Attorney
APPROVED:
Mayor
City Manager
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
080201 syn 0120262
2
YET APPROVED ATTACHMENT
ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
REZONING APPROXIMATELY 1.81 ACRES OF CALTRANS-
OWNED LAND, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWESTCORNER OF
CALTRANS RIGHT-OF-WAY AT SAN ANTONIO AVENUE AND
U.S. 101 (BAYSHORE FREEWAY) NORTH OF THE TERMINUS OF
TRANSPORT ROAD, FROM PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT (PF)
TO GENERAL MANUFACTURING DISTRICT (GM) FOR 1001 SAN
ANTONIO AVENUE (CIARDELLA’S)
The Council of the City of Palo Alt0 does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds as follows:
A. The Planning and Transportation Commission ("Commission"), after a duly
noticed public hearing on September 19, 2007, has recommended that the City Council of the
City of Palo Alto ("Council") rezone the 1.81 acres of land at 1001 San Antonio Avenue at the
southwest comer of the CalTrans tight-of-way at San Antonio Avenue and U.S. Highway 101
(Bayshore Freeway), north of Transport Road from "Public Facilities (PF)" to "General
Manufacturing (GM)";
B.The Council has received the facts presented at the public heating, including
public testimony and reports and recommendations from the director of planning and community
environment or other appropriate city staff;
D. The Council finds that a change in the Zoning Map from Public Facilities
(PF) to General Manufacturing (GM) is consistent with the zoning of adjacent lands also having
frontage on Transport Road and San Antonio Avenue and extension of the GM zoning will
enable the property owner (Caltrans) to lease State property to a long-standing private business
and thereby retain the business within City limits, subject to completion of architectural review
and compliance with the GM regulations, which require all uses to be conducted in such a
manner as to preclude any nuisance, hazard, or commonly recognized offensive conditions;
E.The Council finds that rezoning the parcel to General Manufacturing District
(GM) is in accord with the Light Industrial land use designation proposed for the site as defined
in the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (PACP), amended pursuant to the accompanying
resolution, in that the site is within the San Antonio Avenue industrial area referenced in the
PACP’s land use definition of Light Industrial, which, similar to the GM zone requirements,
indicates that emission of fumes, noise, smoke or other pollutants is strictly controlled and limits
the floor area ratio to .5:1.
F.The Council has held a duly noticed public hearing on the matter on
October 22, 2007, and has reviewed the Negative Declaration prepared for the project and all
other relevant information, including staff reports, and all testimony, written and oral, presented
on the matter.
080123 syn 0120263
NOT YET APPROVED
SECTION 2. The Council hereby amends the Zoning Map of the City of Palo Alto
to place 1001 San Antonio Avenue, 1.81 acres of land, within the "General Manufacturing
District (GM)."
SECTION 3. The Council hereby finds that this rezoning will have no significant
effect on the environment and approves the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be effective upon the thirty-first (31st) day after its
passage and adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:APPROVED:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Assistant City Attorney
Mayor
City Manager
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
080123 syn 0120263
2
CI
Thc City of
Palo Alto
ATTACHMENT A
1001
960
1001 San Antonio Avenue
This map is a product of the
City of Palo Alto GIS
Attachment C
City of Palo Alto
......City Manager’s Report
TO:
FROM:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING &
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
8
DATE:
SUBJECT:
OCTOBER 22, 2007 CMR: 396:07
ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION;
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION OF LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (NO
DESIGNATION CURRENTLY EXISTS); AND ADOPTION OF AN
ORDINANCE REZONING APPROXIMATELY 1.8 ACRES OF
CALTRANS-OWNED LAND, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF THE CALTRANS RIGHT-OF-WAY AT SAN ANTONIO
AVENUE AND U.S. 101 (BAYSHORE FREEWAY) NORTH OF THE
TERMINUS OF TRANSPORT ROAD, FROM PUBLIC FACILITES
DISTRIC (PF) TO GENERAL MANUFACTURING (GM) FOR 1001 SAN
ANTONIO ROAD (CIARDELLA’S)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission recommend the City Council:
1.Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (Attachment F);
2.Adopt by Resolution a Comprehensive Plan designation of Light Industrial where no
Comprehensive Plan land use designation currently exists (Attachment A); and
3.Rezone the 1.81-acre site from Public Facilities (PF) to General Manufacturing (GM) by
adopting the attached ordinance (Attachment B).
BACKGROUND:
The proposal is a request by Ciardella’s to rezone from the PF to the GM zone district the area
located at the north terminus of Transport Road, in the existing Caltrans right-of-way, known as
100! San Antonio Road. The rezoning would also require a Comprehensive Plan land use
designation change to Light Industrial. CalTrans has leased the subject land to Ciardella’s, a
local garden supply center, in anticipation of the zone change.
Previously, Ciardella’s was located at 2027 East Bayshore Road, land owned by the Santa Clara
Valley Water District and leased to Ciardella’s. Additional background information and
CMR: 396:07 Page 1 of 3
discussion is included in the attached Planning and Transportation Commission (P&TC) staff
report. The City’s pump station project implementation required Ciardella’s to move from their
previous location by September 2007. In order to assist the business and avoid downtime, staff
scheduled P&TC meetings in advance of receiving the application and the required Caltrans
correspondence, received September 9, 2007.
COMMISSION REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
On April 11, 2007, the P&TC initiated rezoning of the site and the amendment of the
Comprehensive Plan. On September 19, 2007, the P&TC reviewed the proposal. The P&TC
voted 6-0 (with Tuma not participating) to recommend that the City Council approve the
Mitigated Negative Declaration with amendments as stated during the P&TC meeting and the
requested land use designation and zone change as recommended by staff. The staff report and
minutes of the PTC meeting are attached (Attachments D and E).
The attorney for the adjacent property owner at 4007-4009 Transport Road stated her belief that
there had not been adequate environmental review. Her concerns focused on dust, traffic and
drainage impacts that could potentially affect her clients’ property. She indicated that a full
traffic study should be conducted and that neither CalTrans nor the City has adequately
addressed drainage on the site. Staff responded that the appropriate study was prepared and
adequate mitigation measures are provided.
The P&TC discussed with the applicant the extent of the work that has been done on the site and
the applicant’s current use of the site. Caltrans had been leasing the San Antonio site to a
contractor and had authorized grading and placement of base rock on the site. The applicant
stated that site work was done with the approval and oversight of CalTrans and that additional
work will be performed in response to the requirements of the City, and that the materials had
been moved to the site approximately two weeks prior to the meeting.
Subsequent to the hearing, code enforcement staff visited the site and ascertained that the
business had begun operating on the site contrary to staff’s direction to the applicant. A code
enforcement letter demanding cessation of all commercial activities was issued October 4, 2007
(Attachment C). Upon approval of the rezoning request, mitigation measures set forth in the
environmental document prepared for the rezoning (Attachment F) would be imposed upon the
applicant.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Changing the zoning of the proposed site will allow Ciardella’s to operate on the site and remain
a local Pato Alto enterprise, retaining sales tax generated by the business in Palo Alto.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The proposed change in the Zoning Map is consistent with the zoning of adjacent lands that also
have frontage on Transport Road and San Antonio Avenue. The extension of the GM zoning will
enable the property owner (Caltrans) to lease state property to a long-standing private business,
subject to completion of architectural review and compliance with the GM regulations, which
require all uses to be conducted in such a manner as to preclude any nuisance, hazard, or
commonly recognized offensive conditions. The GM zoning is in accord with the Light
CMR: 396:07
Page 2 of 3
Industrial land use designation proposed for the site as defined in the Palo Alto Comprehensive
Plan (PACP). The site is within the San Antonio Road industrial area referenced in the
Comprehensive Plan’s land use definition of Light Industrial, which, similar to the GM zone
requirements, indicates that emission of fumes, noise, smoke or other pollutants is strictly
controlled and limits the floor area ratio to 0.5:1 .
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The attached Mitigated Negative Declaration (Attachment F) was prepared for the rezoning and
land use designation, which is intended to allow Ciardella’s as a permitted use. Therefore, the
environmental document addresses some specific concerns related to Ciardella’s use of the site,
with mitigation measures that include a requirement for the applicant to complete the
architectural review process to ensure the site modifications meet City codes, standards and
required findings. The mitigation measures were designed to mitigate on-site and off-site
nuisances related to business operations.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Amending Land Use Map
Attachment B: Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map
Attachment C: Code Enforcement Letter
Attachment D: PTC Staff Report, September 19, 2007 with Table 1, map and applicant letter
Attachment E: PTC Meeting Minutes, September 19, 2007
Attachment F: Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study, September 26, 2007
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
~’S t e pl~"~n 6’ C o n n ell ~
Contract Planner .~
/-"’Steve Em~e
Director of Planning an~unity Enviro~ent
Emily H~ ~n
Assistant City Manager
COURTESY COPIES:
Larry CiardelIa, President of Ciardella’s
Bob Budelli, Vice President of Ciarde!la’s
Nicolas P. Jellins, Esq.
Elizabeth Bridges, Esq.
Jim Bozionelos, CalTrans, Division of Right of Way
Peter Gilli, Deputy Zoning Administrator, City of Mountain View
CMR: 396:07 Page 3 of 3
ATTACHMENT D
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM
City of Palo Alto
Department of Planning and Community Environment
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Request by Ciardella’s Garden Supply on behalf of Caltrans to establish Ciardella’s Garden Supply
Center on 1.98 acres of land via City approval of the following applications:: (1) A Rezoning of the site
from Public Facilities District (PF) to General Manufacturing District (GM); (2) A Comprehensive Plan
Amendment to apply a land use designation of Light Industrial (no designation currently exists); and
(3) Architectural Revie~v of site modifications.
PROJECT TITLE
Rezoning and Land Use Designation of 1001 San Antonio Avenue
Palo Alto, California
LEAD AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
City of Palo Alto
Department of Planning and Conmmnity Environment
250 Hamilton Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94303
CONTACT PERSON AND PHONE NUMBER
Amy French
Manager of Current Planning
City of Palo Alto
650-329-2552
PROJECT SPONSOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS
Ciardella’s Garden Supply on behalf of
State of California Department of Transportation
111 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
APPLICATION NUMBER
07-PLN-00276 and 07-PLN-00344
PROJECT LOCATION
Caltrans Property
1001 San Antonio Avenue
Palo Alto
The project site is Caltrans property located at 1001 San Antonio Avenue at the southwest corner
of the CalTrans right-of-way at San Antonio Avenue and U.S. Highway 101 (Bayshore
Freeway), north of Transport Road.
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 1
o GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION:
There is no existing General Plan land use designation for the site.
Light Industrial.
The proposed designation is
ZONING
The site is zoned Public Facilities, regulated by the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Chapter 18.32.
The proposed zoning, GM (General Manufacturing) is regulated by PAMC Chapter 18.20.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project is the rezoning from Public Facilities District (PF) to General Manufacturing District
(GM) for approximately 1.98 acres of land at 1001 San Antonio Avenue, and site modifications,
to establish Ciardella’s Garden Supply, considered a "general business service," on the site.
Additionally, the project includes approval of a resolution for a comprehensive plan land use
designation of Light Industrial for these lands, which currently have no designation. Physical
improvements associated with non-public use of the Caltrans site include the placement and or
relocation of bulk storage bins (approximately 36 bins formed of concrete ’°lego blocks"), dry
goods containers (approximately 3 containers), perimeter screening fences and boxed trees, a
trailer to serve as a "modular office and showroom", and areas for employee parking (10 spaces)
and customer parking (10 spaces including one handicapped space), a generator, areas for pavers
and stone pallets, and 15 parking spaces for tenants of the adjacent property at 4007 Transport
Road. Site grading and application of base rock previously installed under Caltrans’ oversight is
subject to meeting City standards for drainage and any related conditions of ARB approval. The
10’6" tall trailer is to have its floor at 2’9" above grade, for an overall height of 13’3" above
finished grade, and an accessible ramp is proposed on the northeast elevation. The driveway, at a
width of 30 feet, is designed to allow ingress from the one-way San Antonio Avenue and egress
ontoTransport Road, with a 110’ wide vehicle turnaround capacity provided on the site.
10.
11.
SURROUNDING LAND USES AND SETTING
The property is surrounded on two sides (north and northeast) by lands owned by the State of
California and in use as Highway 101 right of way areas, and on another two sides (west and
south) by San Antonio Road. To the east immediately adjacent to the project site is 4007-4009
Transport Street, developed with a commercial building.
OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES
o County of Santa Clara, Office of the County Clerk-Recorder
o State of California, Department of Transportation
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST AND DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
1)A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" ans~vers that are adequately
supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question.
[A "No Impact" ans~ver is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 2
that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e. g. the project falls
outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on
project-specific factors as well as general standards (e. g. the project will not expose sensitive
receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).]
All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site,
cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as wel! as direct, and construction as well as operational
impacts.
3)Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist
answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with
mitigation, or less than significant. Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is
substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially
Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.
4)"(Mitigated) Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies
where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant
Impact" to a "Less than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation
measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation
measures from Section 17, "Earlier Analysis," may be cross-referenced).
5)Earlier analysis may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an
effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063 (C)(3)
(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the
scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,
and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier
analysis.
c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures
Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the
earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.
6)Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for
potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or
outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the
statement is substantiated.
7)Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or
individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.
8)The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and
b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance.
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 3
DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS
The following Environmental Checklist was used to identify environmental impacts, which could occur
if the proposed project is implemented. The left-hand column in the checklist lists the source(s) for the
answer to each question. The sources cited are identified at the end of the checklist. Discussions of the
basis for each answer and a discussion of mitigation measures that are proposed to reduce potential
significant impacts are included.
a)
b)
AESTHETICS
Issues and Supporting Information
Resources
Would the project:
Substantially degrade the existing visual
character or quality of the site and its
surroundings?
Have a substantial adverse effect on a
public view or view corridor?
Substantially damage scenic resources,
including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within
a state scenic highway?
d)Violate existing Comprehensive Plan
policies regarding visual resources?
e)Create a new source of substantial light or
glare which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
Substantially shadow public open space
(other than public streets and adjacent
sidewalks) between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00
p.m. from September 21 to March 21?
Sources
1,2,6, 10
1,
2-Map L4
2-Map L4
1,2,6
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
X
X
X
No
Impact
X
X
X
DISCUSSION:
The requested approvals would allow Ciardella’s to operate a garden supply business on the site.
The plans will be reviewed by the City’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) on December 20, 2007.
With architectural review by the City staff and ARB, standard conditions of approval will ensure that
site modifications will not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site or its
surroundings, and the project will have a less than significant visual impact.
The project plans dated 11/26107 indicate the following visual improvements from existing conditions:
1) Existing, unattractive views of the site from Transport Road due to the placement of a 24’ x 60’
modular office on site will be mitigated by (a) the relocation of the modular office, and (b) the
provision of a double-screened, ten foot high fence that would run approximately 185 feet in
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 4
2)
3)
4)
total alongside the trailer parallel to the southeasterly edge of the site and bending to meet the
existing fence that connects to the vehicle gate at the driveway. The modular office is necessarily
a temporary structure, per CalTrans requirements. It is shown in plans as adjusted to align its
short side with the front wall of the building on the adjacent site at 4007-4009 Transport Road.
In addition to the 10 foot fence, seven, 36" box sized trees are proposed to be placed between the
modular office and the proposed 10 foot tall fence to provide additional screening for the tenants
of the building at 4007 Transport Road;
The existing, screened fence adjacent to San Antonio Avenue (the one-way "spur" road) and
vehicle gate at the southerly edge of the site will remain, as will the existing elm tree(s), and six
new 36" box trees will be placed along this frontage, alternating between cedar and redwood
species. This will improve views of the site from the spur road;
A new, six foot tall, screened perimeter fence is proposed along the north, southwesterly and
northeasterly edges of the site, and sixteen, 36" box trees will be placed along the north and
southwest edges of the site, alternating between cedar and redwood species. Existing trees
outside the perimeter edges of the site along the westerly, northerly and northeasterly edge of the
site will contribute to the screening efforts, and an existing elm tree within the business area is
proposed to be retained, which will provide additional visual benefit; and
A ~vall sconce is shown above each of the two doors, which are located on the front and rear
elevations of the trailer. The proposed illumination is 100 watt fluorescent flood light, for
security purposes. It is not anticipated that site lighting would create a significant impact, as
standard conditions of ARB approval require lighting fixtures to be downward directional to
prevent significant light pollution offsite.
Mitigation Measures: None required
B.AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
Would the project:
a)Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland,
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?
b)Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use, or a Williamson Act contract?
c)Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland, to non-agricultural use?
1,91
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than No
Significant Impact
Impact
X
X
X
DISCUSSION:
The site is not located in a "Prime Farmland", "Unique Farmland", or "Farmland of Statewide
Importance" area, as shown on the maps prepared for the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 5
of the California Resources Agency. The site is not zoned for agricultural use, and is not regulated by
the Williamson Act.
Mitigation Measures: None
C. AIR QUALITY
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
Would the project:
a)Conflict with or obstruct with implementation
of the applicable air quality plan (1982 Bay
Area Air Quality Plan & 2000 Clean Air Plan)?
b)Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air
quality violation indicated by the following:
i. Direct and/or indirect operational
emissions that exceed the Bay Area Air
Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
criteria air pollutants of 80 punds per day
and/or 15 tons per year for nitrogen oxides
(NO), reactive organic gases (ROG), and
fine particulate matter of less than 10
microns in diameter (PM10);
ii.Contribute to carbon monoxide (CO)
concentrations exceeding the State
Ambient Air Quality Standard of nine
parts per million (ppm) averaged over
eight hours or 20 ppm for one hour (as
demonstrated by CALINE4 modeling,
which would be performed when a) project
CO emissions exceed 550 pounds per day
or 100 tons per year; or b) project traffic
would impact intersections or roadway
links operating at Level of Service (LOS)
D, E or F or would cause LOS to decline to
D, E or F; or c) project would increase
traffic volumes on nearby roadways by
10% or more)?
c)Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard (including releasing emissions which
exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial levels
of toxic air contaminants?
i. Probability of contracting cancer for the
Maximally Exposed Individual (MEI)
exceeds 10 in one million
ii. Ground-level concentrations of non-
1,6
1,6
1,6
1,6
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
X
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 6
Issues and Supporting Information Resources
Would the project:
Sources
carcinogenic TACs would result in a
hazard index greater than one (1) for the
MEI
Create objectionable odors affecting a
substantial number of people?
Not implement all applicable construction
emission control measures recommended in the
Bay Area Ah" Quality Management District
CEQA Guidelines?
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
e)x
1,6
g)1, 6 X
Less Than No
Significant Impact
Impact
X
DISCUSSION:
The City of Pato Alto uses the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD)
thresholds of significance for air quality impacts.
Construction Impacts: The rezoning would allow for the use of the site for general business services.
Associated with this rezoning is the establishment of Ciardella’s Garden Supply, which would involve
grading and other activities which could cause localized dust related impacts resulting in increases in
particulate matter (PM~0). The creation of the garden supply center on the site would be subject to the
City’s standard conditions of approval related to dust control.
The following controls shall be implemented for the duration of project construction to minimize
dust related construction impacts:
o All active construction areas shall be watered at least twice daily.
~All trucks hauling soil, sand, and loose materials shall be covered or shall retain at least two
feet of freeboard.
All paved access roads, parking areas, and staging areas at the construction site shall be
swept and watered daily.
Submit a plan for the recovery/recycling of demolition waste and debris before the issuance
of a demolition permit.
Sweep streets daily if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent public streets:
Dust related impacts from construction are considered potentially significant but may be mitigated with
the application of the standard dust control measures listed above. Construction equipment would also
emit NOx and ROC. However, in order for emissions from construction equipment to be considered
significant, the project must involve the extensive use of construction equipment over a long period of
time. Based on the size of the proposed project, emissions of NO× and ROC are anticipated to be less
than significant.
Long Term Impacts: Long-term project emissions would stem from motor vehicles and from storage
and transport of materials associated with the use of the site by Ciardella’s as a garden supply center. As
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 7
discussed in the Transportation!Traffic section of this Initial Study, use of the site by Ciardetla’s is not
expected to result in a significant number of new vehicle trips. Long-term air-quality impacts from
traffic are expected to be less than significant.
Since all work on the site is to be temporary, in accordance with Caltrans requirements, the applicants
are not authorized to provide a solid wall or fence. The proposal includes placement of a double-screen,
10 foot tall fence, evergreen trees, removal of the drive aisle adjacent to the 4007 Transport Road
property and replacement with an approximately 30 foot buffer from Ciardella’s parking facilities, to
allow for any parking that may be desired by the tenants at 4007 Transport Road. In addition, the plans
indicate the storage of pallets for pavers and stone in the area where formerly compost bins had been
located near 4007 Transport Road. It is believed the proximity of the compost to 4007 Transport Road
had created dust issues for the paper business at that location. The compost bins are to be relocated far
from the paper business. The above provisions are designed to mitigate dust and odor issues for 4007
Transport Road to less than significant.
The remainder of the site’s perimeter is to receive six foot tall screening fences and evergreen trees. The
perimeter fences and tree plantings would be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board. It is
anticipated the screened fences would reduce the amount of wind blown dust emissions leaving the site,
along with the installation of sprinklers at the end of the storage bins to provide regular watering. This
~vould be a condition of ARB approval. Water service is available on the site. Impacts from dust
produced in association with stored and transported materials would be reduced to an insignificant level
(virtually no fugitive emissions) with proper watering. Ciardella’s currently minimize the free fall
distance of transferred materials and intends to continue this practice. Ciardella’s currently covers all
truck loads in an appropriate manner and removes soil from vehicles and equipment leaving the site and
intends to continue to do so. There is a gravel bed on the Caltrans site. Project plans include civil
engineering plans that provide a dust control note and indicate a rocked construction entrance 12 feet
wide by 50 feet long, and other erosion control measures including sandbags and a construction fence
with erosion prevention cover, which should also mitigate dust issues to less than significant.
Nevertheless, the mitigation measures #1, 2 and 3 below are attached to the project to ensure less than
significant impacts.
Mitigation Measures:
Mitigation Measure #1: In order to reduce wind blown dust emissions, the applicant shall (a) cover and
install wind breaks around and covers on dirt piles and other stockpiled particulate matter, (b) water
and/or employ soil stabilizers, (c) incorporate the use of non-toxic soil stabilizers according to
manufacturer’s specifications to all inactive areas of the site, including all unpaved roads and
employee/equipment parking areas. When water is used, a water spray system shall be installed,
moisture content in soil and other particulate stockpiles shall be high enough to eliminate PM-10
"fugitive" emissions (wind-blown dust that could otherwise escape into the surrounding air) and
concrete debris shall be kept damp on the surface.
Mitigation Measure #2: City standard conditions for minimization of dust during construction shall be
in effect for duration of the operations of Ciarde!la’s on the subject site. Truck loads of dirt, sand or
other loose material shall be covered as required, any transfer processes involving a free fall of soil or
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 8
other particulate matter shall be operated in such a manner as to minimize the free fall distance and
fugitive dust emissions, and active work areas (e.g. where soil handling is underway) shall be watered at
least twice daily and more frequently as needed to prevent generation of dust. If soil material is carried
out onto the public right of way, Ciardella’s will be required to address the problem.
Mitigation Measure #3: The applicant shall designate a person or persons responsible for Ciardella’s
dust control measures, and clearly post on the exterior wall or fence of the facilities a company
telephone number for citizens to call with dust, noise, or other operational complaints.
D.BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
Would the project:
a)Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, on
any species identified as a candidate, sensitive,
or special status species in loca! or regional
plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans,
policies, regulations, including federally
protected wetlands as def’med 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?
c) Interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established native resident or
migratory xvildlife corridors, or impede the use
of native wildlife nursery sites?
d)Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or as defined by the City of
Palo Alto’s Tree Preservation Ordinance
(Municipal Code Section 8.10)?
e) Conflict with any applicable Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
1,2-
MapN1
1,2-
MapN1
2-MapN 1
1,3,6, 8
1,2
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
X
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
DISCUSSION:
The project site includes several existing trees and the Elms and Cedars within the area to be used
for Ciardella’s are proposed to be retained and protected. It has not been found by Caltrans, in
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 9
conjunction with their environmental analysis of the site, that there is tree habitat on the land area
surrounding the project site for the candidate, sensitive, or special status species in the area. No
endangered, threatened, or rare animals, insects and plant species have been identified at this site by
Caltrans. The establishment of Ciardella’s on the site is not anticipated to have any adverse impact
on biological resources and will require no mitigation. Project plans include a landscape plan that
provides for protection of existing trees and strategic placement of new trees in boxes for screening
purposes. Per the standard approval conditions of architectural review approval, the project would
result in a less than significant impact to biological resources.
Mitigation Measures: None
E.CULTURAL RESOURCES
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
Would the project:
a)Directly or indirectly destroy a local cultural
resource that is recognized by City Council
resolution?
b)Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to 15064.5?
1,2-
MapL8
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
No
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X
c)Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique 1,2-
geologic feature?MapL8
d)Disturb any human remains, including those 1,2-
interred outside of formal cemeteries?MapL8
e)Adversely affect a historic resource listed or
eligible for listing on the National and/or
California Register, or listed on the City’s 1,2-
Historic Inventory?MapL7
f)Eliminate important examples of major periods 1
of California history or prehistory?
DISCUSSION:
The Comprehensive Plan indicates that the site is in a moderate archaeological resource sensitivity zone.
Most of the City area east of Interstate 280 is designated in this zone. Although existing and historic
development has altered the native landscape, the potential exists that now-buried Native American sites
could be uncovered in future planning area construction.
If archaeological materials are discovered the applicant would be required to perform additional testing
and produce an Archaeological Monitoring and Data recovery Plan (AMDRP) to be approved prior to
the start of construction.
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 10
Mitigation Measures: None
F.GEOLOGY, SOILS AND SEISMICITY
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
a)
Would the project:
Expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a kno~vn earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State Geologist for the area
or based on other substantial evidence of a
kno~vn fault? Refer to Division of Mines
and Geology Special Publication 42.
ii)Strong seismic ground shaking?
See below
2-MapN-
5,5,7
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
X
2-MapN-
7,5 X
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?2-MapN5,X
5
iv) Landslides?2-MapN5,
5 X
b)
1,5 X
c)1, 5 X
d)
2-MapN5,
5
2-MapN5,
5
1,5,6
1,5,6
e)
Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil’?
Result in substantial siltation?
Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project, and potentially result in
on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or
property?
Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative waste
water disposal systems where servers are not
available for the disposal of waste water?
Expose people or property to major geologic
hazards that cannot be mitigated through the
use of standard engineering design and seismic
safety techniques?
f)
g)
X
X
No
Impact
x
X
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 11
DISCUSSION:
The entire state of California is in a seismically active area. According to the Comprehensive Plan the
project site is not in an area that is subject to very strong ground shaking in the event of an earthquake or
in an area subject to expansive soils, surface rupture, liquefaction, or earthquake induced landslides.
Development of the site would be required to conform to all requirements in the Uniform Building
Code, which includes provisions to ensure that the design and construction of all buildings includes
provisions to resist damage from earthquakes to the extent feasible and acceptable. The potential onsite
exposure to geological hazards is anticipated to be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
Substantial or permanent changes to the site topography are not expected. Grading and storage of
materials on site has been authorized by Caltrans. Standard conditions of approval require submittal of a
final grading and drainage plan for the project for approval by the Public Works Department prior to the
issuance of any building permit. The application of standard grading, drainage, and erosion control
measures as a part of the approved grading and drainage plan is expected to avoid any grading-related
impacts.
The project will not involve the use of septic tanks or alternative waste~vater disposal systems.
Mitigation Measures:
None
G.HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources Potentially
Would the project:
a)Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routing transport, use,
or disposal of hazardous materials?
b)Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
c)Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous
or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or
waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
d) Construct a school on a property that is subject
to hazards from hazardous materials
contamination, emissions or accidental release?
d)Be located on a site which is included on a list
of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant
to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a
result, would it create a significant hazard to
1,6
1,6
1,6
l~2-
MapN9,
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 12
the public or the environment?
e)For a project located within an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, ~vithin two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project result in a
safety hazard for people residing or ~vorking in
the project area?
f)For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working the
project area?
g)Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency response
plan or emergency evacuation plan?
h)Expose people or structures to a significant risk
of loss, injury, or death involving wildland
fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to
urbanized areas or ~vhere residences are
intermixed ~vith wildlands?
i) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment from existing hazardous materials
contamination by exposing furore occupants or
users of the site to contamination in excess of
soil and ground water cleanup goals developed
for the site?
1,2
1,2
1,2-
MapN7
2-MapN7
1,6
X
X
X
X
X
DISCUSSION:
The proposed project will not involve the handling, transportation, use, disposal, or emission of
hazardous materials. The project site is not identified by either the California Environmental Protection
Agency or the California State Water Resources Control Board as a hazardous materials site. The project
is not expected to pose airport-related safety hazards. The proposed project will not interfere with either
emergency response or evacuation. The project site is not located in a designated fire hazard area.
Mitigation Measures:
None
a)
b)
H.HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
Would the project:
Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements?
Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net deficit
in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local
groundwater table level (e.g., the production
1,2,5
2-MapN2
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
NO
Impact
X
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 13
rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to
a level ~vhich would not support existing land
uses or planned uses for ~vhich permits have
been granted)?
c)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern
of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a
manner which would result in substantial
erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern
of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river, or
substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner ~vhich would result
in flooding on- or off-site?
e)Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
storm~vater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted
runoff?.
f)Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g)Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard
area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or
other flood hazard delineation map?
h)Place within a 100-year flood hazard area
structures which would impede or redirect
flood flows?
i)Expose people or structures to a significant risk
of loss, injury or death involve flooding,
including flooding as a result of the failure of a
levee or dam or being located within a 100-year
flood hazard area?
Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflo~v?
1,2,5,6
1,2,5,6
1,6
2-MapN6
2-MapN6
N8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
j) 2-MapN6,X
N8
k) Result in stream bank instability?
DISCUSSION:
The project plans include civil drawings providing for erosion control, appropriate re-grading and the
addition of drainage swales to ensure water will not sheet off the site onto the property at 4007 Transport
Road and to ensure water will be directed to storm drainage on the southerly edge of the site and the
drainage basin off site at the northwesterly edge of the Cattrans site. Though recent site improvements
were analyzed and authorized by Caltrans, who reviewed erosion control plans and measures to ensure
that during demolition, grading and construction, no storm water pollution could result, the City Public
Works Engineering staff have reviewed the plans for consistency with the City’s requirements and
standard conditions of architectural review approval would require the incorporation of Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for storm water pollution prevention in all construction operations, in
conformance with the Santa Clara Valley Non-Point Source Pollution Control Program, and submittal of
a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) in conjunction with building permit plans to address
potential water quality impacts. City development standards and standard conditions of project approval
would reduce potential negative impacts of the project to less than significant.
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 14
The project site is not located in an area of groundwater recharge, and will not deplete groundwater
supplies. The project site is located in a 100-year flood hazard area but would not inapede or redirect
flood flows. The project site is not in an area that is subject to seiche, tsunami, or mudflow.
Mitigation Measures:
Mitigation Measure #4: The project will incorporate BMPs, including specific performance standards
and if such standards are not met the City and Ciardella’s will reevaluate and impose additional
mitigation as needed to and as may be appropriate to ensure that performance criteria are met.
a)
b)
I.LAND USE AND PLANNING
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
Would tile project:
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Physically divide an established conmaunity?
Conflict with any applicable land use plan,
policy, or regulation of an agency xvith
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’?
Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan?
Substantially adversely change tile type or
intensity of existing or planned land use in the
area?
Be incompatible xvith adjacent land uses or with
the general character of the surrounding area,
including density and building height?
Conflict with established residential,
recreational, educational, religious, or scientific
uses of an area?
Convert prime farmland, unique farmland, or
farmland of statewide importance (farmland) to
non-agricultural use?
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
1,2 X
X
1,2,3,6
c)
1,2 X
d) 1,2,6 x
e) 1,2,3,6
X
f’) t,2,6
X
g) 1,2,6
X
No
Impact
DISCUSSION:
The proposed project is the rezoning and assignment of a land use designation to the subject property,
for the purpose of allowing Caltrans to lease the land to Ciarde!la’s Garden Supply as a General
Business Service, and the site modifications to enable Ciardella’s to officially open their business on the
site. Ciardella’s, under Caltrans’ authorization, has stored materials on the site. Once the site has been
successfully rezoned, Ciardella’s business may operate on the site. The provision ofoffsite parking for
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 15
the businesses at 4007 Transport Road will be subject to securing a Conditional Use Permit from the
City of Palo Alto.
Mitigation Measures:
None.
J.MINERAL RESOURCES
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state?
b)Result in the loss of availability of a locally-
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan
or other land use plan?
1,2
1,2
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
X
X
DISCUSSION:
The City of Palo Alto has been classified by the California Department of Conservation (DOC),
Division of Mines and Geology (DMG) as a Mineral Resource Zone 1 (MRZ-1). This designation
signifies that there are no aggegate resources in the area. The DMG has not classified the City for other
resources. There is no indication in the 2010 Comprehensive Plan that there are locally or regionally
valuable mineral resources within the City of Palo Alto.
Mitigation Measures:
None.
K.NOISE
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
a)
Would the project:
1,2
Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in the
local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
Exposure of persons to or generation of
excessive ground borne vibrations or ground
borne noise levels?
A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project?
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
X
b)X
1,6
c) X
1,6
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)Page 16
Mitigated N%ative Declaration
Issues and Supporting Information Resources
Would the project:
d)A substantial temporary or periodic increase in
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels existing without the project?
e)For a project located within an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
f)For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
g) Cause the average 24 hour noise level (Ldn) to
increase by 5.0 decibels (dB) or more in an
existing residential area, even if the Ldn would
remain below 60 dB?
h) Cause the Ldn to increase by 3.0 dB or more in
an existing residential area, thereby causing the
Ldn in the area to exceed 60 dB?
i) Cause an increase of 3.0 dB or more in an
existing residential area where the Ldn
currently exceeds 60 dB?
j) Result in indoor noise levels for residential
development to exceed an Ldn of 45 dB?
k) Result in instantaneous noise levels of greater
than 50 dB in bedrooms or 55 dB in other
rooms in areas with an exterior Ldn of 60 dB or
greater?
1) Generate construction noise exceeding the
daytime background Leq at sensitive receptors
by 10 dBA or more?
Sources
1,6
1,2
1,2
1,6
1,6
1,6
1,6
1,6
1,6
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DISCUSSION:
The project site is located in an area with an existing noise level of 75 Ldn adjacent to major roadways
and industrial sites. The sound level of the proposed generator is 65 dB at 23 feet from the site’s
southeasterly edge. The generator noise would be a less than significant impact. Construction and
business operation activities may result in temporary increases in local ambient noise levels. Typical
noise sources would include mechanical equipment associated with further grading and construction,
which would be short term in duration. Standard approval conditions would require the project to
comply with the City’s Noise Ordinance (PAMC Chapter 9.10), which restricts the timing and overall
noise levels associated with construction activity. Short-term construction that complies with the Noise
Ordinance would result in impacts that are expected to be less than significant. Long term noise may be
produced by trucks hauling materials on and off the site, associated with Ciardella’s Garden Supply
operations. The City’s standard conditions of approval will be applied to the project to ensure the
impacts will be reduced to a level of insignificance. The project site is not located within an airport land
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 17
use plan or within the vicinity of a private airstrip, nor adjacent to residential uses.
to a General Manufacturing Zone district.
Mitigation Measures:
None
The site is adjacent
L.POPULATION AND HOUSING
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources
Would the project:
a)Induce substantial population growth in an
area, either directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b)Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing else~vhere?
c)Displace substantialnumbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
d)Create a substantial imbalance betxveen
employed residents and jobs?
e) Cumulatively exceed regional or local
population projections?
1,2,6
1
1,2
1,2
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
X
X
X
x
X
DISCUSSION:
The rezoning could result in the use of the land for any of the permitted uses under the GM zoning,
subject to Caltrans approval of a lease. This small amount of site area adjacent to the freeway is not
conducive to residential use and will not induce population gowth. No mitigation is necessary.
Mitigation Measures:
None.
M.PUBLIC SERVICES
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources No Impact
a)
Would the project:
Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision
of new or physically altered governmental
facilities, need for new or physically altered
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 18
Issues and Supporting Information Resources
Would the project:
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:
Sources
1,2
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
X
Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2
X
X
X
x
DISCUSSION:
The proposed project would not impact fire service to the area and the site is not located in a high fire
hazard area. The conditions of approval for the Architectural Review application would contain
requirements to address all fire prevention measures. The site is located within the jurisdiction of the
Palo Alto Police Department. The facility would not by itself result in the need for additional police
officers, equipment, or facilities.
No significant demand for school services would result from the project, which is not expected to
generate any increase in Palo Alto’s residential population. No significant direct demand for additional
parks would result from the project, xvhich is not expected to generate any increase in Pa!o Alto’s
residential population.
Mitigation Measures:
None
N. RECREATION
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources No Impact
a)
Would the project:
Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional parks or
other recreational facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated?
1,6
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
X
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 19
Issues and Supporting Information Resources
b)
Would the project:
Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities which
might have an adverse physical effect on the
enviromnent?
Sources
1,6
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
X
DISCUSSION:
The proposed project would not have any significant impact on existing parks, nor include or require
construction of recreational facilities. No mitigation is required.
O.TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources No Impact
a)
b)
Would the project:
Cause an increase in traffic which is
substantial in relation to the existing traffic
load and capacity of the street system (i.e.,
result in a substantial increase in either the
number of vehicle trips, the volume to
capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at
intersections)?
Exceed, either individually or cumulatively,
a level of service standard established by the
county congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways?
Result in change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels
or a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks?
Substantially increase hazards due to a
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
Result in inadequate emergency access?
1,6,11
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
X
Less Than
Significant
Impact
X
1,6,11
c)
X
1
d)
X
1,6, 11
e) 1,2
X
f)Result in inadequate parking capacity?1,2,6, 11 X
g)Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or
programs supporting alternative X
transportation (e.g., pedestrian, transit &1,2,6, 11
bicycle facilities)?
h) Cause a local (City of Palo Alto) intersection 1,2,6, 11
to deteriorate below Level of Service (LOS)X
D and cause an increase in the average
stopped delay for the critical movements by
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)Page 20
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Issues and Supporting Information Resources
Would the project:
four seconds or more and the critical
volume/capacity ratio (V/C) value to increase
by 0.01 or more?
i)Cause a local intersection already operating at
LOS E or F to deteriorate in the average
stopped delay for the critical movements by
four seconds or more?
j)Cause a regional intersection to deteriorate
from an LOS E or better to LOS F or cause
critical movement delay at such an
intersection already operating at LOS F to
increase by four seconds or more and the
critical V/C value to increase by 0,01 or
more?
k)Cause a freeway segment to operate at LOS F
or contribute traffic in excess of 1% of
segment capacity to a freeway segment
already operating at LOS F?
1)Cause any change in traffic that would
increase the Traffic Infusion on Residential
Environment (TIRE) index by 0.1 or more?
m)Cause queuing impacts based on a
comparative analysis bet~veen the design
queue length and the available queue storage
capacity? Queuing impacts include, but are
not limited to, spillback queues at project
access locations; queues at turn lanes at
intersections that block through traffic;
queues at lane drops; queues at one
intersection that extend back to impact other
intersections, and spillback queues on ramps.
n) Impede the development or function of
planned pedestrian or bicycle facilities?
o) Impede the operation of a transit system as a
result of congestion?
p) Create an operational safety hazard?
Sources
1,2,6, 11
1,2,6, 11
1,2,6, 11
1,2,6, 11
1,2,6, 11
1,2,6, 11
1,2,6, 11
1,6, 11
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
DISCUSSION:
IV. Transportation!Traffic
Parking spaces are shown on the project plans dated 11/26/07. The plans include off-street parking
spaces for customers and employees of the proposed garden supply business, as well as spaces reserved
for the tenants of the adjoining property at 4007 Transport Road. The on-site and off-site circulation has
been evaluated by City transportation staff. While a cueing system is not proposed, the large area
provided for on-site circulation would allow for any necessary cueing on the site rather than on the
public right of way.
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 21
An average of 84 daily vehicle trips were associated with the Ciardella’s location on East Bayshore
Road. Staff has provided estimated trip generation for the project in the chart below. Through empirical
research, data have been collected that correlate to common land uses their propensity for producing
traffic. Thus, for the most common land uses there are standard trip generation rates that can be applied
to help predict future traffic increases that would result from a new development. The magnitude of the
traffic generation by the proposed project was estimated by applying to the size of the development the
applicable trip generation rates. These calculations, in the table below, are calculated on the basis of the
trip generation rates published in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) manual entitled Trip
Generation, seventh edition, 2003. The proposed project is a small commercial development on a
currently vacant lot. It would appear that the anticipated nine morning peak hour vehicle trips can be
accommodated via the 30 foot wide, two-way driveway. Customers are not anticipated to use bicycles
due to the nature of the business. However, any customer or any employees using bicycles as
transportation to the site will be able to safely store the bicycle on the site as would be required by
conditions of ARB approval.
The single driveway is proposed to be located so as not to allow incoming traffic to the project site from
the northbound lane of Transport Road, but to allow traffic to exit the project site onto southbound
Transport Road. Traffic from San Antonio Avenue (spur road) can enter the site without impact upon
Transport Road traffic, and can perform all turning maneuvers within the Ciardella’s project site to exit
onto Transport Road. A mitigation measure is provided to clarify the intent of the site’s vehicular egress.
There would be no significant traffic impacts resulting from the project due to its small size. The City
has not conducted an in-depth study of existing traffic and parking conditions on Transport Road and the
one-way San Antonio Avenue spur road. Neighbors report conditions are problematic on Transport
Road due to double parking of delivery vehicles on the street, and that there are instances of passenger
vehicles not associated with Ciardella’s driving the wrong way on the one-way spur road. The existing
traffic situation on Transport Road and San Antonio Avenue spur road will be evaluated by City
transportation and enforcement staff during the coming month(s) to encourage compliance with traffic
laws and to explore remedies that may be appropriate to address the existing conditions, including the
painting of curbs along Transport Road for limited time parking and/or loading. No mitigation measure
is currently required of the applicant to address existing conditions. Conditions of ARB approval for
Ciardella’s may include installation of specific, directional signage and curb painting as necessary prior
to the commencement of Ciardella’s operations.
The Ciardella’s morning deliveries are a practice of their business operation. The neighboring property
owner requests that the city require the applicant to schedule deliveries for the morning to the extent
practicable. A mitigation measure is provided below to address the concern.
Traffic Generation AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Land Use Rate~Daily Daily Peak-Hourly Peak-Hourly
Rate"~Trips Hour Trips Hour Trips
Rate"-Rate’-
Proposed Nursery 1 96.21 96 8.74 9 9.85 10
(Garden
Center)
1 Size expressed in acres
2 Trip rates based on ITE Trip Generation 7th Edition, 2004, Nursery (Garden Center) (817)
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)Page 22
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Mitigation Measures:
Mitigation Measure #5: Vehicle traffic entering the project site’s driveway shall use the one-way San
Antonio Avenue spur (bearing right at the split on San Antonio). Traffic exiting the project site shall
travel onto Transport Road. Ciardella’s shall place signage as needed on other streets and/or directions
to their location on their website that would indicate that trucks and other vehicles can only enter off of
the spur road.
Mitigation Measure #6: Deliveries from suppliers shall, to the extent practicable, occur in the early
morning hours when both traffic on Transport Road is at a minimum and the prevailing winds are not
directed to the immediately adjacent neighbors.
Po
Issues and Supporting Information Resources
UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Sources
Would the project:
a)Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of
the applicable Regional Water Quality
Control Board?
b)Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
c)Require or result in the construction of new
stoma water drainage facilities or expansion
of existing facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
effects?
d)Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project from existing entitlements
and resources, or are new or expanded
entitlements needed?
e)Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider ~vhich serves or may
serve the project that it has inadequate
capacity to serve the project’s projected
demand in addition to the provider’s existing
commitments?
f)Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the
project’s solid waste disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes
and regulations related to solid waste?
h) Result in a substantial physical deterioration
1,2
1,2, 11
1,2, 11
1,2, 11
1
1
1,5,11
Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 23
Issues and Supporting Information Resources
Would the project:
of a public facility due to increased use as a
result of the project?
Sources Potentially
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
X
DISCUSSION:
The proposed project would not significantly increase the demand on existing utilities and service
systems, or use resources in a wasteful or inefficient manner. Standard approval conditions of
Architectural Review will require the applicant to submit calculations by a registered civil engineer to
show that the on-site and off site water, sewer and fire systems are capable of serving the needs of the
garden supply business and adjacent properties during peak flow demands. Trash and recycling facilities
will be required as a standard condition of ARB approval in conjunction with the establishment of the
garden supply center to accommodate the expected waste and recycling streams that would be generated
by the expected uses on the site.
lVlitigation Measures:
None
Q.MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Issues and Supporting Information Resources Sources Potentially No Impact
Would the project:
a)Does the project have the potential to
degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or
~vildlife 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?
b)Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable"
means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past projects,
the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
c)Does the project have environmental effects
xvhich will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
1,2-Map
L4,6
1,2,6
1,5,6,
Significant
Issues
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
X
X
X
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 24
DISCUSSION:
The project would not have an impact on fish or wildlife habitat, nor would it impact cultural or historic
resources. The uses are appropriate for the site and the development would not result in an adverse
visual impact. There is nothing in the nature of the proposed development and property improvements
that would have a substantial adverse effect on human beings, or other life or environmenta! impacts.
SOURCE REFERENCES
1.Project Planner’s knowledge of the site and the proposed project
2.Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, 1998-2010
3.Palo Alto Municipal Code, Title 18 - Zoning Ordinance
4.Required compliance with the Uniform Building Code (UBC) Standards
5.California Department of Transportation Letter dated September 9, 2007
6.Project Plans submitted November 26, 2007
7.Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
8.Palo Alto Tree Technical Manual, Municipal Code Chapter 8.10.030, June 2001
9.Important Farmland in California Map, California Department of Conservation, Division of Land
Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Pro~am, 2004.
10. Agricultural Preserves Map, California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource
Protection, 2001
11. Palo Alto Development Review Committee comments
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 25
DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the
environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in
the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment,
and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or
"potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least
one effect: 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to
applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures
based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the
effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed
adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to
applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that
earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation
measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
X
Amy Frenc~
Planning Manager
November 30~ 2007
Date
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
Date
1001 San Antonio Avenue 07PLN-00276 and 07PLN-00344 (Ciardella’s)
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Page 26
City of Palo Alto
Department of Planning and Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue, 5~h Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2441 FAX (650) 329-2154
www. cityofpaloalto, org
Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration
A notice, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended (Public Resources
Code 21,000, et sec.) that the following project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
File Number
07PLN00276 and 07PLN00344
Project Name
Ciardella’s
Owner
State of California DOTransportation
Project Location
TAZ APN(s)Date
none 11/30/07
Project Type
Rezone, land use designation, architectural review
Applicant
Larry Ciardella and Bob Bodelli
Southwest corner of Caltrans property 1001 San Antonio Avenue, Palo Alto, north of Transport Road
Project Description
Request by Ciardella’s Garden Supply on behalf of Caltrans to establish Ciardella’s Garden Supply
Center on 1.98 acres of land via City approval of the following applications: (1) A Rezoning of the
site from Public Facilities District (PF) to General Manufacturing District (GM); (2) A
Comprehensive Plan Amendment to apply a land use designation of Light Industrial (no designation
currently exists); and (3) Architectural Review of site modifications.
Purpose of Notice
To elicit public and agency comments on the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Public Review Period: 30 days ! Begins: 11/30/07 (City), 12/3/07 (Count~’) I Ends: 1/2/08
Public comments regarding the correctness, completeness, or adequacy of this negative declaration are
invited and must be received on or before the end of the public review period. Such comments should be
based on specific environmental concerns. Written comments should be addressed to the Current Planning
Manager. Oral comments may be made at the hearing(s). A file containing additional information on this
project may be reviewed at the Planning Office under the file numbers appearing at the top of this form. For
additional information regarding this project and the Mitigated Negative Declaration, please contact Amy
French, Current Planning Manager at (650) 329-2336
The Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study may be viewed at the following locations:
(1) City of Palo Alto, Development Center at 285 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto
(2) City of Palo Alto, 5~’ floor of City Hall at 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto
(3) Caltrans
Responsible Agencies sent a copy of this document
CalTrans
Mitigation Measures included in the project to reduce potentially significant impacts to a less than
significant leveli
Mitigation Measure #1: In order to reduce wind blown dust emissions~ the applicant shall (a) cover and insta!l wind
breaks around and covers on dirt piles and other stockpiled particulate matter, (b) water and/or employ soil stabilizers,
(c) incorporate the use of non-toxic soil stabilizers according to manufacturer’s specifications to all inactive areas of the
site, including all unpaved roads and employee/equipment parking areas. When water is used, a water spray system
shall be installed, moisture content in soil and other particulate stockpiles shall be high enough to eliminate PM-IO
"fugitive" emissions (wind-blown dust that could otherwise escape into the surrounding air) and concrete debris shall be
kept damp on the surface.
Mitigation Measure #2: City standard conditions for minimization of dust during consmaction shall be in effect for
duration of the operations of Ciardella’s on the subject site. Truck loads of dirt, sand or other loose material shall be
covered as required, any transfer processes involving a free fall of soil or other particulate matter shall be operated in
such a manner as to minimize the free fall distance and fugitive dust emissions, and active work areas (e.g. where soil
handling is underway) shall be watered at least twice daily and more frequently as needed to prevent generation of dust.
If soil material is carried out onto the public right of way, Ciardella’s will be required to address the problem.
Mitigation Measure #3: The applicant shall designate a person or persons responsible for Ciardella’s dust control
measures, and clearly post on the exterior wall or fence of the facilities a company telephone number for citizens to call
with dust, noise, or other operational complaints.
Mitigation Measure #4: The project will incorporate BMPs, including specific performance standards and if such
standards are not met the City and Ciardella’s will reevaluate and impose additional rmtigation as needed to and as may
be appropriate to ensure that performance criteria are met.
Mitigation Measure #5: Vehicle traffic entering the project site’s driveway shall use the one-way San Antonio Avenue
spur (bearing right at the split on San Antonio). Traffic exiting the project site shall travel onto Transport Road.
Ciardella’s shall place signage as needed on other streets and/or directions to their location on their website that would
indicate that tanacks and other vehicles can only enter off of the spur road.
Mitigation Measure #6: Deliveries from suppliers shall, to the extent practicable, occur in the early morning hours
when both traffic on Transport Road is at a mimmum and the prevailing winds are not directed to the immediately
adjacent neighbors.
A reporting or monitoring program must be adopted for measures to mitigate significant impacts at the time
the Mitigated Negative Declaration is approved, in accord with the requirements of section 21081.6 of the
Public Resources Code.
Prepared by:
Approved by:
Signature
Signature
January 3, 2008
Mr. Larry Ciardella
Mr. Bob Budelli
P.O. Box 50310
Palo Alto, CA 94303
%K / o£ Pao-}
Department of Planning and
Community Environment
Attachment E
Subject:1001 San Antonio Avenue, ARB Approval, File 07PLN-00344
Dear Mr. Ciardella and Mr. Budelli:
On December 20, 2007, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) recommended approval of
the application referenced above and as described further below, and the Director of Planning
and Community Environment (Director) approved the ARB application on January 3, 2008,
which was also the close of the public review period on the Mitigated Negative Declaration
in accordance with the State Clearinghouse. Council review and action on the rezoning and
land use desiD~ation is scheduled for February 11, 2008. The ARB approval will become
effective 14 days from the postmark date of this letter, unless an appeal is filed in accordance
with Title 18 of the Palo Alto Municipa! Code.
The approval was based on the findings in Attachment A, and is subject to staff
recommended conditions of approval. In accordance with California Goven~nent Code
Section 66020, this is to provide you with notice of the amount of development fees and a
description of the dedications, reservations, or other exactions imposed by the City of Palo
Alto in connection svith the project, described as follows:
1001 San Antonio Avenue [07PLN-00344]: Request by Bob Budelli and Larry
Ciardella on behalf of the State of California for Minor Architectural Review of
improvements to a 1.81 acre area o f the Caltrans site that is accessible from
Transport Road, to serve as the new location for Ciardella’s Garden Supply
Center, subject to Council approval of a requested rezoning and land use
desig-nation to allow such use. Zone district: Public Facilities (PF) (proposed
change to GM).
The fees, dedications, reservations or other exactions imposed by the City in connection with
your development project are described in your conditions of approval and previously agreed
upon mitigation measures attached to this letter, including by reference the approved
development plans. Government Code Section 66020 provides that project applicant who
desires to protest the fees, dedications, reservations, or other exactions imposed on a
development project must initiate the protest at the time the development project is approved
or conditionally approved or within ninety (90) days after the date that fees, dedications,
reservations or exactions are imposed on the project. Any protest regarding the amount of
the development fees or the nature of the dedications, reservations or exactions imposed in
250 Hamilton Avenue
RO. Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650.329.2441
650.329.2154
connection with your project must be initiated not later than ninety (90) calendar days
following January 3, 2008. Additionally procedural requirements for protesting these
development fees, dedications, reservations and exactions are set forth in Government Code
Section 66020.
IF YOU FAIL TO INITIATE A PROTEST WITHIN THE 90-DAY PE~OD OR TO
FOLLOW THE PROTEST PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 66020, YOU WILL BE BARRED FROM CHALLENGING THE VALIDITY
OR REASONABLENESS OF THE FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, AND
EXACTIONS DESCRIBED _ABOVE.
If you have any questions regarding the amount of the development fees or the nature of the
dedications, reservations or exactions imposed in connection with your project, please call
me at (650) 3_9-2.~.~6.
Unless an appeal is filed, this project approval shall be effective for one year from January 3,
2008, within which time construction of the project shall have commenced. Application for
extension may be made prior to the expiration on January 3, 2009. The time period for a
project may be extended once for an additional year by the Director of Planning and shall be
open to appeal at that time. In the event the building permit is not secured for the project
within the time limits specified above, the Architectural Review Board approval shall expire
and be of no further force or effect.
Should you have any questions regarding this ARB action, please do not hesitate to call me
at (650) ~.9-2_~36.
Sincerely’,
Amy l=rgnch
Manager of Current Planning
Attachments:
A: ARB Findings
B: Conditions of Approval
C: Fee estimate
Nicholas Jellins, esq.
Elizabeth Bridges, esq.
Jim Bozioneles
ATTACHMENT A
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL
1001 San Antonio Avenue
07PLN-00000-00344
The design and architecture of the proposed improvements, as conditioned, complies with
the Findings for Architectural Review as required in Chapter 18.76 of the PAMC.
(1)The design is consistent and compatible with applicable elements of the City’s
Comprehensive Plan in that the site (currently lacking a land use designation) is to
be designated Light Industrial and the Comprehensive Plan Table (Attachment C)
indicates compliance with applicable policies;
(2)The design is compatible with the irrmaediate environment of the site in that the
percentage of building (1,440 square feet) on the site (78,943.6 square feet) will be
1% and the site’s perimeter will be screened with fences and boxed trees. Upon
Council approval of the requested rezoning of the site to General Manufacturing
(GM) to match the zoning of the adjacent district, the proposed garden supply
center would become a permitted use in the GM district, where other
manufacturing, warehousing and similar uses are common;
(3)The design is appropriate to the function of the project in that there is adequate
parking and turnaround area on the site, and the modular office will be located to
minimize views from off site.
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
Finding not applicable.
The design promotes harmonious transitions in scale and character from the
adjacent Caltrans land to the more developed GM District business area.
The design is compatible with approved improvements both on and off the site in
that screening is provided to buffer views of the site from 4007 Transport Road, the
one-way San Antonio Avenue (spur road) and the San Antonio Avenue approach to
Highway 101.
The planning and siting of the various functions and buildings on the site create an
internal sense of order and provide a desirable environment for occupants, visitors
and the general community in that the proposed design will allow Ciardella’s to
continue the garden supply center operations that are valued by the community;
The amount and arrangement of open space are appropriate to the design and the
function of the office and display trailer, in that the site is primarily open space with
circulation around bins of garden supplies, and parking for staff more remotely
from the trailer and customer parking closer to the trailer;
(9)Sufficient ancillary functions are provided to support the main functions of the
project in that the proposal includes the implementation of mitigation measures and
conditions of approval that will ensure smooth operations of the business;
(lO)Access to the property and circulation thereon are safe and convenient for
pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles in that, with sig-nage installed as conditioned,
motorists will enter and exit the site via San Antonio Avenue.;
(11)Natural features are appropriately preserved and integrated with the project in that
the existing trees are to be retained and protected.;
(12)The materials, textures, colors and details of construction and plant material are
appropriate expressions of the design and function in that all installations must
necessarily be temporary due to the nature of the applicant’s lease with Caltrans;
(13)The landscape design concept for the site, as shown by the relationship of plant
masses, open space, scale, plant forms and foliage textures and colors create a
desirable and functional environment in that the fences and boxed trees will provide
some screening of the site;
(14)Plant material is suitable and adaptable to the site, capable of being properly
maintained on the site, and is of a variety which xvould tend to be drought-resistant
and to reduce consumption of water in its installation and maintenance;
(15)The project exhibits green building and sustainable design that is energy efficient,
water conserving, durable and nontoxic, with high-quality spaces and high recycled
content materials. This new finding is applicable with respect to water conservation
and drainage. Due to the temporary nature of the lease, more permanent and
possibly greener solutions are not possible. If Caltrans were to grant a long term
lease to the applicant, additional green building and sustainable site design may be
considered.
(16)The design is consistent and compatible with the purpose of architectural review,
which is to:
(1)Promote orderly and harmonious development in the city;
(2)Enhance the desirability of residence or investment in the city;
(3)Encourage the attainment of the most desirable use of land and
improvements;
(4) Enhance the desirability of living conditions upon the immediate site or in
adjacent areas; and
(5)Promote visual environments which are of high aesthetic quality and variety
and which, at the same time, are considerate of each other.
The design is consistent for all of the reasons and findings enumerated above.
ATTACHMENT B
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
1001 San Antonio Avenue, File No. 07PLN-00344
Planning & Community Environment Department
Planning Division
The plans submitted to obtain all permits through the Building Inspections Division
shall be in substantial conformance with the plans and the project details/materials
received on November 30 and December 13, 2007, except as modified to
incorporate these conditions of approval. The driveway location shown on the
December 13, 2007 site plan shall be reflected in the other plan sheets submitted for
Building Permit(s).
o All conditions of approval shall be printed on the cover sheet of the plan set
submitted to obtain any permit through the Building Inspections Division.
°The Mitigation Measures from the hzitial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
shall be incorporated into the project:
Mitigation Measure #1: In order to reduce wind blown dust emissions, the
applicant shall (a) cover and install wind breaks around and covers on dirt piles
and other stockpiled particulate matter, (b) water and/or employ soil stabilizers,
(c) incorporate the use of non-toxic soil stabilizers according to manufacturer’s
specifications to all inactive areas of the site, including all unpaved roads and
employee/equipment parking areas. When water is used, a water spray system
shall be installed, moisture content in soil and other particulate stockpiles shall be
high enough to eliminate PM-10 "fugitive" emissions (wind-blown dust that could
otherwise escape into the surrounding air) and concrete debris shall be kept damp
on the surface.
Mitigation Measure #2: City standard conditions for minimization of dust during
construction shall be in effect for duration of the operations of Ciardella’s on the
subject site. Truck loads of dirt, sand or other loose material shall be covered as
required, any transfer processes involving a free fall of soil or other particulate
matter shall be operated in such a manner as to minimize the free fall distance and
fugitive dust emissions, and active work areas (e.g. where soil handling is
underway) shall be watered at least twice daily and more frequently as needed to
prevent generation of dust. If soil material is carried out onto the public right of
way, Ciardella’s will be required to address the problem.
Mitigation Measure #3: The applicant shall designate a person or persons
responsible for Ciardella’s dust control measures, and clearly post on the exterior
wall or fence of the facilities a company telephone number for citizens to call with
dust, noise, or other operational complaints.
Mitigation Measure #4: The proj ect will incorporate BMPs, including specific
performance standards and if such standards are not met the City and Ciardella’s
will reevaluate and impose additional mitigation as needed to and as may be
appropriate to ensure that performance criteria are met.
Mitigation Measure #5: Vehicle traffic entering the project site’s driveway shall
use the one-way San Antonio Avenue spur (bearing right at the split on San
Antonio). Traffic exiting the project site shall travel onto Transport Road.
Ciardella’s shall place signage as needed on other streets and/or directions to their
location on their website that would indicate that trucks and other vehicles can
only enter off of the spur road.
Mitigation Measure #6: Deliveries from suppliers shall, to the extent practicable,
occur in the early morning hours when both traffic on Transport Road is at a
minimum and the prevailing winds are not directed to the immediately adjacent
neighbors.
Lighting fixtures shall be downward directional to prevent significant light
pollution offsite.
Sprinklers shall be installed at the end of the storage bins to provide regular
watering of materials.
The construction and operations of Ciardella’s Garden Supply Center on the site
shall meet the regulations of City’s noise ordinance (Chapter 9.10 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code).
A separate ARB application shall be submitted for signage advertising the
business. Directional signage and business information (including the website for
the business) shall be strategically placed as necessary so that clients and
suppliers will understand that all access to the site is from San Antonio Avenue
and that exiting traffic must proceed from San Antonio Avenue onto Transport
Road (and not against one way traffic on San Antonio Avenue).
Transportation Division
8.The drive way shall use standard commercial returns per CPA Standard 123.
All parking for the business shall be provided on the site to meet the demand. No
on-street parking for the business will be allowed.
10.Bicycle parking shall be provided on the site per PAMC Chapter 18.52.
11.The applicant shall install a "no fight tum" sign (R-16) at the west end of the
driveway return.
Page 2
Building Division
PRIOR TO PERMIT APPLICATION:
12.A building permit shall be required for the installation of the proposed modular
office building.
13.The modular building shall be certified by the California Department of Housing
and Community Development (HCD) and shall have a placard affixed at the rear
exterior wall describing its use as a "B" occupancy group.
14.The plans submitted with the building permit application shall include a
foundation plan and structural calculations for the vertical and lateral support of
the modular building prepared by a CA licensed civil or structural engineer.
Foundation plan shall include a layout of the piers and holdowns including details
and specifications for the proposed HCD listed piers and holdowns devices.
15.The building permit drawings shall indicate location and contain specifications
and installation details of the proposed electrical generator.
16.The building permit drawings sha!l indicate method of discharge of the effluent
from required toilet facilities in the building or onsite or show connection to the
domestic sewer system.
17. The primary entrance to the building shall be accessible by a ramp.
Planning Arborist/Landscape Specialist
PRIOR TO PERMIT APPLICATION:
The approved plans submitted for building permit shal! include the buIIeted items:
18.In order to protect the existing tree near the "container dry goods area" please
incorporate the following into your landscape site plan:
~Apply a 4-inch layer of wood chips within 10 feet of the existing tree trunk.
Place three boulders 8’ from the existing tree - show on site plan and provide a
detail for building permit plan set.
I9.Add the following note on irrigation on sheet LA-1 :
Irrigation shall be bubbler head mounted on flexible tubing placed on top of the
root ball, t~vo per tree. Do not place irrigation within aeration tubes.
20.Add sheet T-1 "Tree Protection-it’s Part of the Plan" to the building set. (See
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org!environment/forms.html.), complete the Tree
Disclosure Statement and check Inspection(s) #1-5.
PRIOR TO FINAL
Page 3
21.Quality control measures shall include Landscape Architect approval of all trees
to conform to "Guideline Specifications for Nursery Tree Quality"
(http :/Avww.citvo fp aloalto.or~/enviromnent/forms.html), rejection of substandard
trees, and final inspection of boxed tree placement, irrigation system function and
related tree condition.
Applicant shall arrange for a final inspection of proj ect conditions by Planning
Department staff. Applicant shal! provide written verification that the Landscape
Architect has inspected a!l trees, shrubs, planting and irrigation and that they are
installed and functioning as specified in the approved plans.
POST CONSTRUCTION
Maintenance. All landscape and site elements shall be continuously maintained
consistent with this approval. Trees and vegetation shall be watered, fertilized,
and pruned according to and Best Management Practices-Pruning (ANSI A300-
2001). Any vegetation that dies shall be replaced or failed automatic irrigation
repaired by the current property owner within 30 days of discovery.
Fire Department
24.Site address to be prominently posted next to the driveway access to the property.
(2001CFC901)
25.Diesel generator shall be provided with secondary containment to prevent any
fuel leaks from contaminating soil and ~oundwater.(PAMC15.04.282)
26.Inspection required by Hazardous Materials staff to verify compliance.
Public Works Department
Engit~eering Division
27.STREET TREES: The applicant may be required to replace existing and/or add
new street trees in the public right-of-way along the property’s frontage per the
direction of Public Works’ arborist. Call the arborist at 650-496-5953 to arrange
a site visit so the staff can deternzine what street tree work, if any, will be required
for this project. The site plan submitted with the building permit plan set must
show the street tree work that the arborist has determined, including the tree
species, size, location, staking and irrigation requirements, or include a note that
Public Works’ arborist has determined no street tree work is required. The plan
must note that in order to do street tree work, the applicant must first obtain a
Permit for Street Tree g~ork in the Public Right-of- Way from Public Works’
arborist.
The following comments are provided to assist the applicant at the building permit phase.
You can obtain various plan set details or forms from Public Works at the City’s
Page 4
Development Center (285 Hamilton Avenue) or on Public Works’ website:
~vww.cityo fpalo alto.org/depts/pwd/fonns__permits.asp.
Include in plans submitted for a building permit:
28.FLOOD ZONE: The site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area.
Accordingly, any new structures, including a "manufactured home", must meet all
of the City’s and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)
requirements for construction within a flood zone. This is the definition in the
City’s Flood Hazard Regulations: .... Manufactured home" means a structure,
transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is
designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when it is attached to the
required utilities." Therefore, we consider the office trailer to be a "manufactured
home" and, as such, it must comply with the regulations, including: the finished
bottom floor must be above the base flood elevation (BFE); the cra~vl space (if
used) must have flood vents; all construction materials and equipment below the
BFE must be water-resistant; and the structure must be anchored. The generator
alongside the trailer must be elevated above the BFE. See Palo Alto Municipal
Code Section 16.52, Flood Hazard Regulations, and our website for more
information. The plans must show the BFE on all applicable elevations, sections
and details; must include a calculation of the required amount of flood vents; must
include the flood vents on the elevations and foundation plan; must note all
materials below the BFE as water-resistant; and must include the Elevation
Certi~cation Submittal Requirements for Construction in the Special Flood
Hazard Area form, which is available from Public Works at the Development
Center or on our website.
29.GRADING & DRAINAGE PLAN: The plan set must include a grading &
drainage plan prepared by a licensed professional that includes existing and
proposed spot elevations and drainage flow arrows to demonstrate proper
drainage of the site. Adjacent grades must slope away from the building a
minimum of 2%. Downspouts and splash-blocks should be shown on this plan, as
well as any site drainage features such as swales. Grading will not be allowed
that increases drainage onto, nor blocks existing drainage from, neighboring
properties. The conceptual grading and drainage plan submitted shows a
detention basin being constructed on adjacent property to serve the subject
property. The applicant must provide evidence that they have permission from
the adjacent property owner to do this work.
30.SWPPP: The proposed development will disturb more than one acre of land.
Accordingly, the applicant must apply for coverage under the State Water
Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) NPDES general permit for storm water
discharge associated with construction activity. A Notice of Intent (NOI) must be
filed for this project with the SWRCB in order to obtain coverage under the
permit. The General Permit requires the applicant to prepare and implement a
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The applicant is required to
submit two copies of the NOI and the draft SWPPP to the Public Works
Page 5
Department for review and approval prior to issuance of the building permit. The
SWPPP should include both permanent, post-development project design features
and temporary measures employed during construction to control storm water
pollution.
31.STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION: The City’s full-sized "Pollution
Prevention - It’s Part of the Plan" sheet must be included in the plan set. Copies
are available from Public Works at the Development Center or on our website.
32.STREET TREES: Show all street trees in the public right-of-way and City-
owned trees on adjacent property or note that there are none. Any removal,
relocation or planting of these trees; or excavation, trenching or pavement within
10 feet of these trees must be approved by Public Works’ arborist (phone: 650-
496-5953). This approval shall appear on the plans.
33.WORK IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY: The plans must clearly indicate any work
that is proposed in the public right-of-way, such as sidewalk replacement,
driveway approach, or utility laterals. The plans must include notes that the work
must be done per City standards and that the contractor(s) performing this work
must first obtain a Permit for Construction in the Public Street from Public Works
at the Development Center.
34.IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA: The project ~vitl be creating or replacing 500
square feet or more of impervious surface. Accordingly, the applicant shall
provide calculations of the existing and proposed impervious surface areas with
the building permit application. The Impervious Area Yf~orksheetfor Land
Developments form and instructions are available at the Development Center or
on our website.
35.C.3: This project appears to trigger the California Regional Water Quality
Control Board’s revised provision C.3 for storm water regulations (incorporated
into the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Section 16.11) that apply to land development
projects that create or replace 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface.
The applicant shall provide a calculation of the amount of impervious surface area
being created or replaced. I note that the site plan shows compacted base rock as
the finished site surface for much of the site. Public Works considers compacted
base rock to be impervious. If 10,000 square feet of impervious surface area is
created or replaced, then the City"s regulations require that the project incorporate
a set of permanent site design measures, source controls, and treatment controls
that serve to protect storm water quality. The applicant will be required to
identify, size, design and incorporate permanent storm water pollution prevention
measures (preferably landscape-based treatment controls such as bio-swales, filter
strips, and permeable pavers rather than mechanical devices that require !ong-
term maintenance) to treat the runoff from a specified "water quality storm" prior
to discharge to the municipal storm drain system. The applicant must designate a
party to maintain the control measures for the life of the improvements and must
enter into a maintenance agreement with the City. The City wil! inspect the
Page 6
treatment measures yearly and charge an inspection fee. There is currently a $750
C.3 plan check fee that will be collected upon submittal for a grading or building
permit.
36.The plans show swales to convey the water across the site and into the detention
basin. Detail B/C2 shows a bio-swale that may serve to treat the storm water, but
the other swales are not detailed and it appears that most of them are over the
surface of the compacted base-rock, which means they are probably not treating
the storm water. A detailed review of the C.3 calculations and plans will occur at
the grading and!or building permit phase, but it appears that the storm water is not
being treated onsite before it is released offsite.
Utilities Department
Water, Gas, IVastewater Division
37.The applicant shall submit a completed water-gas-wastewater service connection
application - load sheet for City of Palo Alto Utilities. The applicant must provide
all the information requested for utility selwice demands (water in fixture
units/g.p.m., gas in b.t.u.p.h, and sewer in fixture units/g.p.d.).
38.The applicant shall submit improvement plans for utility construction. The plans
must show the size and location of all underground utilities within the
development and the public right of way including meters, backflow preventers,
fire service requirements, sewer mains, sewer cleanouts, sewer lift stations and
any other required utilities.
39.The applicant must show on the site plan the existence of any water well, or
auxiliary water supply.
40.The applicant shall be responsible for installing and upgrading the existing utility
services and/or mains as necessary to handle anticipated peak loads. This
responsibility includes all costs associated with the desig-n and construction for
the installation/upgrade of the utility services and/or mains.
41.The applicant shall pay the capacity fees and connection fees associated with the
installation of the new utility service/s to be installed by the City of Palo Alto
Utilities. The approved relocation of services, meters, hydrants, or other facilities
will be performed at the cost of the person/entity requesting the relocation.
42.An approved reduce pressure principle assembly (RPPA backflow preventer
device) shall be installed for all existing and new water connections from Palo
Alto Utilities to comply with requirements of California administrative code, title
17, sections 7583 through 7605 inclusive. The RPPA shall be installed on the
owner’s property and directly behind the water meter. Show the location of the
RPPA on the plans. Inspection by the utilities cross connection inspector is
required for the supply pipe between the meter and the assembly.
Page 7
43.All utility installations shall be in accordance with the City of Palo Alto utility
standards for water, gas & wastewater.
44.The applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit from Caltrans for all utility
work in the Caltrans right-of-way. The applicant must provide a copy of the
permit to the WGW engineering section.
Public ~Vorks Recycling Division
45.The applicant shall meet the provision s of Palo Alto Mm~icipal Code
(PAMC) Chapter 5.20 regarding the storage of garbage and recycling.
Page 8
Attachment F
PLANNING DIVISION
STAFF REPORT
TO:ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
FROM:Amy French, Manager of Current
Planning
DEPARTMENT: Planning and
Community Environment
AGENDA DATE: December 20, 2007
SUBJECT:1001 San Antonio Avenue [07PLN-00344]: Request by Bob
Budelli and Larry Ciardella on behalf of the State of California for
Minor Architectural Review of improvements to a 1.81 acre area of
the Caltrans site that is accessible from Transport Road, to serve as
the new location for Ciardella’s Garden Supply Center, subject to
Council approval of a requested rezoning and land use designation
to allow such use. Environmental Assessment: A Mitigated
Negative Declaration has been prepared and the public review has
period commenced. Zone district: Public Facilities (PF) (proposed
change to GM).
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Board (ARB) recommend the Director
of Planning and Community Environment approve the proposed project based upon the
Architectural Review Findings (Attachment A), and Mitigated Negative Declaration
findings and subject to the conditions of approval (Attacl~nent B) attached to this report.
BACKGROUND:
The site is the area located at the north terminus of Transport Road, in the existing
Caltrans right-of-way, known as 1001 San Antonio Avenue. Caltrans has used the site as
a storage and construction mobilization yard. Caltrans had recently been leasing the San
Antonio site to a contractor working on state highway projects. CalTrans has now leased
the subject land (1.81 acres) on a yearly basis to Ciardella’s, a local garden supply center,
in anticipation of City approvals of entitlements. Previously, Ciardella’s was located at
2027 East Bayshore Road, land owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District and
leased to Ciardella’s. The City’s pump station project implementation required
Ciardella’s to move from their previous location by September 2007.
Ciardella’s requested a rezoning of a 1.81 acre site at 1001 San Antonio Avenue from the
PF to the GM zone district and a land use designation of Light Industrial. In order to
assist the business and avoid downtime, staff scheduled public hearings in advance of
receiving the rezoning application and Caltrans correspondence, which was received
September 9, 2007. The request was initiated at a public hearing on April 11, 2007 and
later recommended to the Council by the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
at the PTC meeting on September 19, 2007 (on a 6-0 vote).
Caltrans had authorized grading and placement of base rock on the site and this site work
was done with the approval and oversight of CalTrans. Ciardella’s began to move items
to the site several ~veeks prior to the PTC hearing, and the neighbors’ concerns, primarily
regarding dust, drainage and traffic, were heard by the PTC, and the original Mitigated
Negative Declaration was revised at the hearing. Subsequent to the PTC hearing, code
enforcement staff visited the site and ascertained that the business had begun operating on
the site and a letter was issued on October 4, 2007 to demand cessation of all commercial
activities.
On October 22, 2007, the City Council reviewed the request and continued their review to
a date uncertain, so that the applicant could submit additional information to staff and the
environmental document could be further revised to better address proposed physical
improvements on the site. Staff encouraged the applicant to submit for ARB review to
enable City staff to review these improvements for compliance with city regulations and
allow the opportunity for public input on the proposed site improvements prior to the
Council’s further review of the rezoning. The project plans have been reviewed by City
staff at two of the City’s Development Review Committee meeting.
The adjacent property owner at 4007-4009 Transport Road has been involved in
reviewing the project from an environmental review standpoint, and has received and
reviewed the plans, environmental document and draft conditions of approval. This
property owner has been focused on ensuring adequate conditions for her tenants, a paper
company. She has been exploring with Caltrans the leasing of a portion of the subject
property, in order to provide employee parking for the tenants in her building.
Staff met ~vith the applicant and the adjacent property owner and their legal
representation on November 19th. The applicant has been cooperative in revising plans in
the interim to address staff’s concerns regarding vehicular access, parking, perimeter
plantings, modular office, bin placement, office floor height, ramp access, and drainage.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Approval of the site modifications, in conjunction with the rezoning, would allow the
establishment of Ciardella’s, considered a "general business service," on the site. Site
grading and application of base rock were previously installed under Caltrans’ oversight.
Revised grading plans have been reviewed by the City’s Public Works staff and
implementation of conditions of approval will ensure the City’s standards will be met.
1001 San Antonio Avenue ARB report for 12/20/07 Page 2
Site Screening
Since all work on the site is to be temporary, in accordance with Caltrans requirements, the
applicants are not authorized to provide a solid wall or fence or plant permanent trees to
screen the property from offsite views. Existing trees outside the perimeter edges of the site
along the westerly, northerly and northeasterly edge of the site will contribute to the
screening efforts. There is a distance of approximately 30 feet between the northerly
property line of 4007 Transport and the closest parking facilities for Ciardella’s. The
proposal includes the placement, along the long edge of the trailer facing the paper company
at 4007 Transport Road, of a double-screened, 10 foot tall fence and evergreen trees that will
remain in boxes.
The remainder of the site’s perimeter is to receive six foot tall screening fences and
evergreen trees. The plans indicate the placement of 29 boxed trees in total. Existing
trees on the site are to be preserved, and specia! conditions of approval require protection
measures for the Elm tree near the containers for dry goods.
Storage bins and containers
The proposed improvements include the placement and or relocation of bulk storage bins
(approximately 36 bins formed of concrete "lego blocks"), dry goods containers
(approximately 3 containers), and areas for pavers and stone pallets. The plans indicate
the storage of pallets for pavers and stone in the area where formerly compost bins had
been located near 4007 Transport Road. It is believed the proximity of the compost to
4007 Transport Road had created dust issues for the paper business at that location.
Office, Generator and Lighting
The modular office trailer would provide areas for product display and office. The 10’6" tall
office trailer is to have its floor at 2’9" above grade, for an overall height of 13’3" above
grade and will meet the base flood elevation. An accessible ramp is proposed on the
northeast elevation. It is shown in plans as adjusted from its current location on the site to
align its short side with the front wall of the building on the adjacent site at 4007-4009
Transport Road. This new placement, along with the two boxed trees at the end of Transport
Road, ~vi!l help mitigate views down Transport of the site. The body color is beige, with
dark green doors and sage green window and door trim. A sample of paint colors will be
displayed at the ARB meeting.
A generator is proposed to be located adjacent to the easterly end of the office trailer, and
will be screened from offsite views. A wall sconce is shown above each of the two doors,
which are located on the front and rear elevations of the trailer. The proposed illumination is
100 watt fluorescent flood light, for security purposes. A condition of approval requires the
lighting fixtures to be downward directional to prevent significant light pollution offsite.
Drive,ray and Parking
The driveway, at a width of 30 feet, has been recently redesigned to allow both ingress
and egress to the one-way San Antonio Avenue. Exiting traffic would then proceed down
Transport Road. The most recent revision to the driveway location (see sheet SP-1) was
1001 San Antonio Avenue ARB report for 12/20/07 Page 3
submitted on December 13, 2007 to respond to transportation staff’s concern about traffic
enforcement related to the November 26, 2007 plans. The other site plan sheets have not
yet been corrected to match the driveway location reflected on sheet SP-1.
Adequate vehicle turnaround is to be provided on the site. Areas for employee parking
(10 spaces) and customer parking (10 spaces including one handicapped space) are
provided at the northerly corner of the site and near the office trailer. Conditions of
approval will ensure that all sheets of the plan set submitted for Building Permits reflect
the new driveway location and provide adequate turnaround area.
The plans indicate an area of approximately 3,500 square feet (.08 acre) that will
accommodate approximately 15 parking spaces for tenants of the adjacent property at
4007 Transport Road. The use of the parking spaces would be subject to the property
owner of 4007 Transport Road securing a lease from Caltrans and permits from the City
of Palo Alto.
SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES:
Size of Rezone Area vs. Ciardella’s Lease Area
The applicant’s project description letter (Attachment D), and therefore the November 30,
2007 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (Attachment E), reflect an area of 1.98
acres for the rezoning and proposed improvements. Plan Sheet C-2 indicates the area to
be leased from Caltrans is 1.81 acres. The .08 acre area "reserved" for the adjoining
property owner’s parking proposal, is included within the 1.81 acres to be used by
Ciardella’s.
Conformance to Adopted Plans and Policies and ARB Decision
This ARB application can only be approved by the Director of Plarming and Community
Environment in conjunction with the City Council’s favorable decision on the request for
rezoning and land use designation. The date for Council review is now set for February 11,
2008. It is anticipated that the Director would review comments on the Initial Study/Draft
Mitigated Negative Declaration submitted during the public review period, receive the
ARB’s recommendation on the site improvements, and render a conditional decision on the
ARB application, subject to completion of action on the rezoning and land use designation by
the City Council. The ARB appeal period of 14 days would allow any aggrieved person to
request a hearing before the City Council regarding the ARB decision.
Tables setting forth how the proposed rezoning and location of Ciardella’s Garden Supply
to the site is consistent with the policies of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, proposed
Light Industrial land use designation and GM Zoning District regulations are attached
(Attachment C). Findings for ARB Approval are set forth in Attachment A. Conditions
of Approval are set forth in Attachment B.
1001 San Antonio Avenue ARB report for 12/20/07 Page 4
Parking, Transportation and Traffic Items
As noted, parking spaces are to be provided on the site for customers and employees of the
proposed garden supply business, as well as the spaces set aside in "landscape reserve" for
the tenants of the adjoining property at 4007 Transport Road at such time as a lease and
permits are obtained.
The on-site and off-site circulation has been evaluated by City transportation staff. While a
queuing system is not proposed, the large area provided for on-site circulation would allow
for any necessary queuing on the site rather than on the public right of way. The most recent
plan (sheet SP-t) indicates ingress and egress to the one-way San Antonio Avenue. Traffic
from San Antonio Avenue (spur road) can enter the site without impact upon Transport Road
traffic, and can perform all turning maneuvers within the Ciardella’s project site. The single
driveway would allow traffic to exit the project site onto San Antonio Avenue and proceed
southbound on Transport Road. However, according to the applicant, some of the larger
trucks may need greater clearance than San Antonio Avenue, given the existing street
parking spaces on the opposite side of the Avenue. City transportation staffwill work with
the applicant to determine how far west the existing red curb paint at the corner of San
Antonio Avenue and Transport Road would need to be extended to allow for safe, large track
maneuvers onto and from San Antonio Avenue. Staff would initiate the extension of red
curb painting as determined to be necessary prior to the commencement of operations using
the new driveway location.
Neighbors report conditions are problematic on Transport Road due to double parking of
delivery vehicles on the street, and that there are instances of passenger vehicles not
associated with Ciardella’s driving the wrong way on the one-way spur road. As noted in
the initial study, the existing traffic situation on Transport Road and San Antonio Avenue
spur road will be evaluated by City transportation and enforcement staff during the
coming months to encourage compliance with traffic laws and to explore remedies that
may be appropriate to address the existing conditions, including the painting of curbs
along Transport Road for limited time parking and/or loading. Staffwi!l initiate a yellow
curb painting request to create a loading only portion of the frontage of 4007 Transport, at
such time as the employee spaces are in place on the Caltrans site and use is authorized
for the 4007 Transport Road tenants.
The conditions of ARB approval include the installation of specific, directional signage
and curb painting as necessary prior to the commencement of Ciardella’s operations, and
provision of bicycle parking on the site.
The Traffic Generation table that was provided in the most recent Initial Study addressed
a one acre site, noting 96 daily trips, 9 AM peak hour trips and 10 PM peak hour trips.
The Initial Study project description noted a 1.98 acre site, based upon the applicant’s
project description letter, as noted. The applicant’s plans indicate the Ciardella’s lease is
1.81 acres in size, but this includes the parking reserve area for 4007 Transport Road.
The resulting t .73 acre lease area for the garden supply center would result in an
estimated total of 166 daily trips, ! 6 peak AM trips and 17 peak AM trips. The Initial
1001 San Antonio Avenue ARB report for 12/20/07 Page 5
Study will be amended to reflect the 1.81acre area of the Ciardella’s lease with respect to
rezoning, and 1.73 acre area with respect to estimated trips. Due to the adjusted driveway
location, mitigation measures and ARB conditions of approval, the impact to traffic is
still considered to be less than significant.
Site Drainage
The project plans include civil drawings providing for erosion control, appropriate re-
grading and the addition of drainage swales to ensure water wilt not sheet off the site onto
the property at 4007 Transport Road and to ensure water will be directed to storm
drainage on the southerly edge of the site and the drainage basin off site at the
northwesterly edge of the Caltrans site. Though recent site improvements were analyzed
and authorized by Caltrans, who reviewed erosion control plans and measures to ensure
that during demolition, grading and construction, no storm water pollution could result,
the City Public Works Engineering staff have reviewed the plans for consistency with the
City’s requirements and have provided standard conditions of architectural review
approval to require the incorporation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for storm
water pollution prevention and submittal of a storm water pollution prevention plan
(SWPPP) in conjunction with building permit plans to address potential water quality
impacts.
Si~na~e
No plans for signage were included in the ARB plan set. A separate application may be
submitted for staff level architectural review of signage advertising the business.
However, as noted above, the ARB conditions of approval for this application require
installation of specific, directional signage prior to the commencement of Ciardella’s
operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The proposed project is subject to environmental review under provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration (Attachment E) was prepared and released on November 30, 2007, along
with a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration. The areas identified
for mitigation were aesthetics, air quality, hydrology/water quality, and
transportation/traffic.
The public review period began November 30, 2007 locally, and the document was
routed to the State Clearing House due to potential issues of statewide significance
(Caltrans land), so the end of the public review period is January 3, 2008. Staff proposes
that the project would not have a significant adverse impact on the environment, with the
implementation of mitigation measures. Comments on the document and!or measures
that result in clarification of the document and measures would not necessitate a
recirculation of the document. The mitigation measures have been noted as incorporated
into the ARB draft Conditions of Approval.
1001 San Antonio Avenue ARB report for 12/20/07 Page 6
ATTACHMENTS:
No
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Findings for Architectural Review
Recommended Conditions of Approval
Comprehensive Plan Policies and Zoning Compliance Tables
Applicant’s Project Description Letter dated November 1, 2007
Notice of Intent and Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
Email correspondence supporting Ciardella’s
Site Plan submitted 12/13/07
Project Plans (Board members only and in City files)
COURTESY COPIES:
Prepared by:
Manager Review:
Amy French, AICP, Manager of Current Plannin~
Curtis Williams, AICP, Assistant Director of Planning
1001 San Antonio Avenue ARB report for 12/20/07 Page 7
ATTACHMENT A
DRAFT FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL
! 001 San Antonio Avenue
07PLN-00000-00344
The design and architecture of the proposed improvements, as conditioned, complies with
the Findings for Architectural Review as required in Chapter 18.76 of the PAMC.
The design is consistent and compatible with applicable elements of the City’s
Comprehensive Plan in that the site (currently lacking a land use designation) is to
be designated Light Industrial and the Comprehensive Plan Table (Attachment C)
indicates compliance with applicable policies;
(2)The design is compatible with the immediate environment of the site in that the
percentage of building (1,440 square feet) on the site (78,943.6 square feet) will be
1% and the site’s perimeter will be screened with fences and boxed trees. Upon
Council approval of the requested rezoning of the site to General Manufacturing
(GM) to match the zoning of the adjacent district, the proposed garden supply
center would become a permitted use in the GM district, where other
manufacturing, warehousing and similar uses are common;
(3)The design is appropriate to the function of the project in that there is adequate
parking and turnaround area on the site, and the modular office will be located to
minimize views from off site.
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
Finding not applicable.
The design promotes harmonious transitions in scale and character from the
adjacent Caltrans land to the more developed GM District business area.
The design is compatible with approved improvements both on and off the site in
that screening is provided to buffer views of the site from 4007 Transport Road, the
one-way San Antonio Avenue (spur road) and the San Antonio Avenue approach to
Highway 101.
The planning and siting of the various functions and buildings on the site create an
internal sense of order and provide a desirable environment for occupants, visitors
and the general community in that the proposed design will allow Ciardella’s to
continue the garden supply center operations that are valued by the community;
The amount and arrangement of open space are appropriate to the design and the
function of the office and display trailer, in that the site is primarily open space with
circulation around bins of garden supplies, and parking for staff more remotely
from the trailer and customer parking closer to the trailer;
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
Sufficient ancillary functions are provided to support the main functions of the
project in that the proposal includes the implementation of mitigation measures and
conditions of approval that wilt ensure smooth operations of the business;
Access to the property and circulation thereon are safe and convenient for
pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles in that, with signage installed as conditioned,
motorists will enter and exit the site via San Antonio Avenue.;
Natural features are appropriately preserved and integated with the project in that
the existing trees are to be retained and protected.;
The materials, textures, colors and details of construction and plant material are
appropriate expressions of the design and function in that all installations must
necessarily be temporary due to the nature of the applicant’s lease with Caltrans;
The landscape design concept for the site, as shown by the relationship of plant
masses, open space, scale, plant forms and foliage textures and colors create a
desirable and functional environment in that the fences and boxed trees will provide
some screening of the site;
Plant material is suitable and adaptable to the site, capable of being properly
maintained on the site, and is of a variety which would tend to be drought-resistant
and to reduce consumption of water in its installation and maintenance;
The project exhibits ~een building and sustainable design that is energy efficient,
water conserving, durable and nontoxic, with high-quality spaces and high recycled
content materials. This new finding is applicable with respect to water conservation
and drainage. Due to the temporary nature of the lease, more permanent and
possibly greener solutions are not possible. If Caltrans were to grant a long term
lease to the applicant, additional geen building and sustainable site design may be
considered.
(16)The design is consistent and compatible with the purpose of architectural review,
which is to:
(1)Promote orderly and harmonious development in the city;
(2)Enhance the desirability of residence or investment in the city;
(3)Encourage the attainment of the most desirable use of land and
improvements;
(4) Enhance the desirability of living conditions upon the immediate site or in
adjacent areas; and
(5)Promote visual environments which are of high aesthetic quality and variety
and which, at the same time, are considerate of each other.
The design is consistent for all of the reasons and findings enumerated above.
ATTACHMENT C
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING COMPLIANCE
1001 San Antonio Avenue / File No. 07PLN-00344
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICY
Policy B-4: Nurture and support established
businesses as well as new businesses.
Policy B-5: Maintain distinct business districts
within Palo Alto as a means of retaining local
services and diversifying the City’s economic
base.
Policy B-33: Discourage actions that could
increase the cost of business space in the San
Antonio Road and East Bayshore areas.
Policy L-46: Maintain the East Bayshore and San
Antonio Road~ayshore Corridor areas as diverse
business and light industrial districts.
Policy L-75: Minimize the negative physical
impacts of parking lots. Locate parking behind
buildings or underground ~vherever possible.
Policy L-76: Require trees and other landscaping
within parking lots.
Policy L-28: Encourage development that
creatively integrates parking into the project by
providing for shared use of parking areas.
Policy T-19: Improve and add attractive, secure
bicycle parking at both public and private
facilities.
CONSISTENCY REVIEW
Ciardella’s is an established business and the City
has supported their relocation to this site after the
loss of their former site due to the implementation
of the approved pump station.
The San Antonio Road/Bayshore Corrider
employment district will be strengthened by the
addition of this new site for a business and
retaining this local service.
The siting of this business on Caltrans land will
not increase the cost of business space in the San
Antonio Road/Bayshore Corridor.
The proposal for a garden supply center will add
to the diversity of this employment district and
will be a permitted use upon Council approval of
the requested site rezoning to the GM district.
The Ciardella’s parking spaces are divided into
three areas, separated by bulk bin storage, trailer
and boxed trees. 13 of the spaces ~vill be located
behind the trailer as viewed from Transport Road.
Three of the parking spaces ~vill be !ocated behind
a storage bin wall, and the remainder will be
located farthest from San Antonio Avenue(s).
The boxed trees near the trailer would shade some
customer and employee parking spaces. The
employee parking adjacent to the bins will be
shaded by existing/proposed trees. The customer
spaces near the trailer ~vill be shaded by the trailer
for part of the day, but exposed to westerly sun.
The parking designed for use by tenants of 4007
Transport Road will be shaded by that building
and by the trailer and trees for much of the day.
The project sho~vs parking spaces on the 1.81 acre
lease area designed for use by the adjacent tenants
of 4007 Transport Road.
Per conditions of approval, bicycle parking spaces
will be provided on the site for use by employees
and customers.
1001 San Antonio Avenue Page 1
Policy L-22: Limit the amount of impervious
surface in new development ... to reduce urban
runoff into storm drains, creeks and San Francisco
Bay.
The site received base rock under Caltrans’
guidance prior to submittal of this application.
The site will be modified with swales to guide
stormwater to Transport Road and to the proposed
retention area also on Caltrans’ land.
Project’s Conformance with Zoning Code Regulations
Table 1: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.20 (GM DISTRICT)
Feature
Front Setback
Interior Side Yard
Rear Setback
Floor Area Ratio
Regulation
20’ fronting Bayshore
Highway (101)
0’
Proposed
95’ to trailer
>30’ to trailer
>250’ to trailer
.01:1Maximum
FAR 0.5:!
Site Coverage No requirement 1%Conforms
Building Height 50’13’-3"Conforms
Conformance
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
1001 San Antonio Avenue Page 2
associates
October 30, 2007
City of Palo Alto
Planning and Community Environment Department
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Re: Ciardella Garden Supply, 1001 San Antonio Ave
Planning Department:
After the Ciardella Garden Supply lease was terminated to make way for a flood
control pump station at 2728 East Bayshore Road in Palo Alto, this site owned by
Cal Trans was identified as the new home for the almost 50 year old business.
In well-documented point of fact, this business is the epitome of environmental
sustainability. The products that it sells provide an important means of recycling
nature’s bounty in this sub-urban environment. They take the natural products of
the earth and the by-products of our local economy and re-incorporate them into
our surroundings. They turn the GREEN WASTE stream into products that
usefully return to the environment. They make locally available garden products
used by generations of Palo Altoans to beautify this great City.
Scope of Work
Please note that as part of the lease package, Cal Trans prepared and graded the
site, applied the base rock and moved in the Trailer. Our work only included the
erecting of the "lego block bulk storage bins and additional fencing along with
the application of a screen along the fence.
The scope of work for this 1.98 acre site includes the following
¯Minor site grading (previously prepared by Cal Trans)
¯Application of base rock (previously prepared by Cal Trans)
¯Erecting concrete "lego block" bulk material storage bins
.Installation of Modular 24’X60’ Office and showroom (previously
prepared by Cal Trans)
Additional fencing with screen
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Urban Design
Ciardella Associates
957 Rose Avenue
PO Box 789
Menlo Park, CA 94025
License No. 2767
650 326 6100
Fax 650 323 6706
ca@ciardella-assoc.corn
Planning and Cormrmnity En;,iro,nx~ient Department
October 30, 2007
Page 2 of 2
Ciardellaassociates
Existing and Proposed Uses
o Existing use - Cal Trans’ contractor construction yard for projects in the
local area.
Proposed use - Retail garden supply which was in operation in Palo Alto
since 1959
Purpose of the proposed changes
o Relocation of business to new location
Materials, colors and construction methods
Materials used on the site are all natural materials including base rock,
concrete "lego blocks" utilizing recycled gravel and landscaping.
On behalf of Larry Ciardella and Bob Budelli, I would be pleased to answer any
questions you may have regarding this great new home for a long standing
business in Palo Alto
/R)x,’hard Ciardella~
y iardella Associates