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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 7643 City of Palo Alto (ID # 7643) City Council Staff Report Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 3/20/2017 City of Palo Alto Page 1 Summary Title: 1470 Monte Bello: Steven's Creek Nature Trail Bridge Project Title: 1470 Monte Bello Road [16PLN-00180]: Approval of a Site and Design Review to Allow the Replacement of an Existing 24-foot Long Wooden Bridge Across an Unnamed Tributary to Steven's Creek With a new 45 to 50-foot Long Steel Bridge and to Construct a new 45 to 50-foot Long Steel Bridge Across Steven's Creek. Environmental Assessment: The Lead Agency, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, Which was Adopted by the District on March 9, 2016. Open Space (OS) Zoning District From: City Manager Lead Department: Planning and Community Environment Recommendation Staff recommends that Council consider the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring Plan (MMP), which was previously adopted by the lead agency, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Attachment F), and approve the record of Land Use Action for Site and Design based on the findings and subject to conditions of approval set forth in Attachment B. Executive Summary The project applicant, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), filed an application on March 24, 2016 for Site and Design review for bridge construction activities at two creek crossings along the Steven’s Creek Nature Trail. The site is located in the Open Space (OS) zoning district, the purpose of which is to “protect and preserve open space land as a limited and valuable resource and to permit the reasonable use of open space land, while at the same time preserving and protecting its inherent open space characteristics.” A map of the proposed site is included as Attachment A. As outlined in Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 18.28.070 (b), the proposed project City of Palo Alto Page 2 qualifies as a Major Site and Design Review because it is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act and because there is more than ten cubic yards (cy) of excavation proposed. The proposed project also meets the criteria outlined in PAMC Section 18.28.070(b)(2), which describes when projects that are subject to Site and Design review requirements in the Open Space District may be forwarded directly from staff to the Council Consent Agenda. The applicant’s project description and plans are included in Attachments D and E respectively. Attachment B provides four objectives included in Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 18.30(G).060 for Site and Design Review approval for Council to review and apply toward the project. In addition to these Site and Design review objectives, PAMC Section 18.28.070(p) codifies twelve Open Space Development Review Criteria that are applicable to the project. These criteria are also included in Attachment B. Background The Steven’s Creek Nature Trail in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve connects the main trailhead off of Page Mill Road with Canyon Trail and Skid Road Trail. The Montebello Open Space District has identified two creek crossing locations along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail alignment in need of retrofitting. Site #1 is the location of an existing 24-foot-long wooden beam bridge over an unnamed tributary to Steven’s Creek. The trail in this area is multi-use but is sometimes closed to cyclists and equestrians in the winter. Channel incision and bank erosion underneath the bridge threaten its integrity, making it vulnerable to damage and/or failure during large storm events. The proposed project would replace the existing bridge with a longer, higher bridge that is farther upstream from the actively eroding creek banks. The proposed bridge at Site #1 would be 46 feet long, eight feet wide, and have 54 inch handrails for safety. The bridge would be constructed of corten steel beams with a redwood decking surface, similar to the existing bridge at this site, which would be removed. The existing bridge spans 24 feet and is approximately six feet wide. Site #2 is an existing at-grade ford across the main-stem of Steven’s Creek, upstream of the general vicinity of Site #1. Stevens Creek Nature Trail in this location is currently open only to pedestrians. The District proposes to construct a new bridge in this location to improve safety and avoid sensitive creek and riparian habitats. The proposed bridge at Site #2 will be 50 feet long, eight feet wide, and have 54 inch handrails for safety. The bridge will be constructed with the same material as the bridge at Site #1. Minor grading will be needed to toe the bridges into the trail on each end. Cuts are expected to be between 1 and 4 feet high with fill less than 3 feet deep. In addition minor grading will be required to realign the trail at each site with the new bridges and to allow access for City of Palo Alto Page 3 equipment. Small equipment, such as ATVS, motorized wheelbarrows, and similarly sized equipment capable of navigating the narrow trail will be used. MROSD conservatively estimates that less than 96 cy of grading would be required. Construction at each bridge is anticipated to take 20 to 30 days. The proposed project is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), acting as the lead agency, circulated an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration on January 27, 2016 and subsequently adopted the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan on March 9, 2016. A link to these documents is provided in Attachment F. Discussion The property is located in the Open Space district and is therefore subject to the Site Design and Review combining district regulations, as modified in PAMC Section 18.28.070. As outlined in PAMC Section 18.28.070 (b)(2), projects may be forward directly to council if they meet all of the following criteria: 1. The project is not a second dwelling unit 2. The project would comprise less than 1,000 square feet of floor area, less than 1,000 square feet of impervious cover, and less than 100 cubic yards of excavation and/or grading 3. The proposed floor area or impervious cover would not exceed 50% of the allowable for the site 4. The project and any prior projects within the prior five years would not cumulatively exceed these thresholds. The proposed project includes replacement of a bridge at Site #1 and construction of a new bridge at Site #2 along Steven’s Creek Nature Trail to improve safety and to reduce impacts to sensitive creek and riparian habitat. There is no second dwelling unit proposed, no floor area is being added, and the project does not include new impervious surface area. As described in the applicant’s project description, 96 cubic yards or less of excavation and/or grading would be required for construction of the proposed improvements. Therefore, the project is not required to obtain a recommendation from the Planning and Transportation Commission and the project was forwarded directly to council for decision. Summary of Key Issues Views, Neighborhood Setting, and Character The bridges are proposed at the base of hillsides and not on any hilltops. The proposed bridges would not be visible from any roadways or adjacent properties. The material proposed for the bridges is consistent with other bridges in the open space area, including the existing bridge that would be removed. The proposed project allows for the continued enjoyment of this open City of Palo Alto Page 4 space for various recreational uses, including hiking and biking. The project reduces impacts to sensitive habitat by keeping pedestrians out of the creek and also improves safety for trail users. Tree Protection One Pacific madrone (arbutus menziesii) would be removed to accommodate the new bridge at Site #1. This is not a protected species. Replanting of the madrone is required as a CEQA mitigation measure. Other than the removal of this tree, removal of vegetation would be minimized during construction and all temporarily disturbed areas would be revegetated following construction. Zoning Compliance A detailed review of the proposed project’s consistency with applicable zoning standards has been performed. A summary table is provided in Attachment C. As proposed, the project complies will all applicable codes. The proposed project is located approximately .5 miles from the nearest property line and does not increase the FAR, lot coverage, or impervious surface area. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Site and Design Findings, and Open Space The Comprehensive Plan contains Goals, Policies, and Programs for the Open Space areas of the City. Comprehensive Plan policies and goals that are consistent with the proposed project include the following policies from the Natural Element of the Comprehensive Plan:  Policy N-1: Manage existing public open space areas and encourage the management of private open space areas in a manner that meets habitat protection goals, public safety concerns, and low impact recreation needs.  Policy N-3: protect sensitive plant species resources from the impacts of development  Policy N-6: Through implementation of the Site and Design process and the Open Space zone district regulations, minimize impacts of any new development on views of hillsides, on the open space character, and on the natural ecology of the hillsides.  Goal N-2: Conservation of Creeks and riparian areas as open space amenities, Natural Habitat Areas, and Elements of Community Design.  Policy N-11: preserve the integrity of riparian corridors.  Policy N-12: preserve the habitat value of creek corridors through the preservation of native plants and the replacement of invasive, non-native plants with native plants. The proposed project would reduce impacts to riparian habitat by routing the Stevens Creek Nature Trail over the creek instead of through the creek at Site #2 and would improve safety by replacing the bridge at Site #1. No development would occur in areas visible from adjacent properties. Therefore, the proposed project is consistent with all of these policies that City of Palo Alto Page 5 encourage habitat protection, support public safety, and encourage minimizing impacts of new development on views of hillsides. Environmental Review The proposed project is subject to environmental review under provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to the CEQA, a Draft Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared. The circulation period began on January 27, 2016 and ended on February 27, 2016. It was adopted by the lead agency, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, on March 9, 2016. A link to the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring Program is included in Attachment F. Attachments: Attachment A: Location Map (PDF) Attachment B: Record of Land Use Action, Findings, and Conditions of Approval (DOCX) Attachment C: Zoning Compliance (DOCX) Attachment D: Project Request Letter (PDF) Attachment E: Project Plans (DOCX) Attachment F: Environmental Analysis Link (DOCX) 351-05-055 351-04-023 351-25-012 351-06-013 351-25-015 351-12-043 351-06-017 351-12-056 351-06-025 351-25-011 351-25-005 46.2' 99.7' 60.1' 84.1' 35.1' 149.3' 63.9' 226.5' 466.6'446.7' 77.3'18.1' 793.9' 49.5' 73.7' 139.8' 53.1' 112.7' 70.0' 126.7' 69.9' 69.3' 117.6' 31.3' 64.8' 44.4' 170.2' 35.8'11.2'47.7' 112.4' 54.1' 50.1' 130.1'150.3'104.1' 57.0' 61.4'33.9' 123.4' 42.3' 24.6' 103.4' 61.3' 28.7' 53.4' 77.9' 85.2' 130.7' 60.1' 54.8' 99.5' 56.1' 81.9' 43.4' 710.8' 1120.5' 152.3' 245.4' 447.7' 338.1' 144.3'120.2' 121.1' 96.9'147.2' 94.5' 120.9' 341.5' 124.2' 161.8' 285.7'17.8' 160.3' 672.5' 406.6' 401.5' 187.8' 651.5' 44.6'77.2' 191.8'138.8' 1331.1' 2304.6' 2383.8' 1230.3' 473.1' 105.8' 193.7' 90.8' 58.6'26.5'50.3'123.7' 41.8' 91.7' 45.4' 73.7' 141.7' 2.8' 90.9' 171.0' 140.0' 266.5' 834.9'459.9' 96.7' 186.9' 233.9' 278.4' 19.8'3.2' 171.7' 103.5' 179.3' 50.9' 103.7' 76.5' 34.6' 75.0' 123.6' 128.5'63.4'26.3'69.2' 96.5' 18.1'77.3' 446.7' 466.6' 226.5' 63.9'30.8'205.9'198.9'77.2'44.6' 430.6' 165.6'67.2' 401.5' 406.6' 672.5' 160.3' 739.4' 638.2' 316.8' 160.4' 108.9' 80.5' 188.1' 75.9' 83.8' 184.8' 283.8' 250.8' 79.2' 85.1' 152.5' 79.2' 113.5' 132.0' 128.0' 92.4' 151.8' 75.9' 79.2' 118.8' 125.4' 118.8' 114.2' 158.4' 189.4' 81.2' 59.4' 153.6' 115.2' 422.0' 781.2' 194.0' 428.7' 1566.4' 158.4' 37.6' 80.4'97.8' 305.4' 375.0' 1347.8' 319.8' 1118.0' 2323.1' 1318.3'2658.5'1359.9' 447.8' 10.9' 187.6' 155.1' 50.3'137.4'43.4' 116.7' 63.6'20.2' 91.4' 226.4' 172.3' 193.8' 286.4' 395.0'178.7'7.8' 302.6' 32.4' 106.0'84.7' 250.3' 163.4' 117.3' 227.7'39.9' 183.0' 2.3' 220.4' 33.6' 230.4' 43.4'81.9'56.1'99.5'54.8'60.1' 130.7' 85.2' 77.9' 53.4' 28.7'61.3' 103.4' 24.6' 42.3' 123.4' 33.9'61.4'57.0'104.1'150.3'130.1' 50.1'54.1' 112.4' 47.7'11.2'35.8' 170.2' 44.4' 64.8' 31.3' 117.6' 69.3' 69.9' 126.7' 70.0' 112.7' 53.1' 139.8' 73.7' 49.5' 793.9' 96.5' 69.2'26.3'63.4'128.5' 123.6' 75.0' 34.6' 76.5' 103.7' 50.9' 179.3' 103.5' 171.7' 3.2'74.3' 198.7' 86.1'1.0' 96.8' 52.2' 63.3' 84.5'28.2' 651.5' 430.6' 165.6'67.2' 187.8' 191.8' 198.9'205.9'30.8' 151.1' 138.8' 165.6' 37.1' 171.6' 17.4' 183.0' 39.9' 227.7' 117.3' 163.4' 113.8' 154.1' 106.0'84.7' 250.3' 113.8' 154.1' 32.4' 302.6' 157.8' 179.1'171.6' 37.1' 481.1' 420.9'170.0'87.7' 210.1' 187.5' 319.8' 1347.8' 375.0' 305.4' 97.8'80.4' 37.6' 158.4' 1566.4' 428.7' 516.8'481.1' 6.4' 1321.5' 41.5' 92.2' 240.8' 139.3' 175.6' 341.9' .2'5.2' 10.9' 187.6' 155.1' 50.3'137.4' 258.1' 278.4' 233.9' 186.9' 96.7' 459.9' 510.0' 881.1' 58.6' 90.8' 193.7' 105.8' 976.7'19.0' 28.2'84.5' 63.3' 52.2' 96.8' 1.0'86.1' 219.1' 138.5' 198.7' 447.8' 13.5' 116.7' 43.4' 932.7' 1269.0' 947.0'20.6' 1321.5' 74.3'19.8' 178.1' 219.1' .5'19.0' 138.5' 834.9'362.3'2.8' 141.7' 73.7' 45.4' 91.7' 41.8' 123.7'50.3'26.5' 881.1' 510.0' 947.0' 976.7' 3818.4' 1318.3' 2323.1' 225.7' 454.4' 109.3' 997.9' 300.5' 1241.1' 568.7' 410.4' 1084.6' 109.3' 366.2' 571.5' 362.3' 90.9' 171.0' 140.0' 473.1' 42.4' 1230.3' 217.0' 10.8' 312.1' 842.5' 575.8' 845.4' 145.4' 1359.6'2658.5' 845.4' 575.8' 842.5' 318.8' OS PC-3134 OS This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Special Setback Near Creek (SCVWD) Tree (TR) Zone Districts abc Zone District Notes Curb Edge abc Dimensions (AP) Water Feature Railroad abc Zone District Labels 0' 1302' 1470 Monte Bello Road CITY O F PALO A L TO I N C O R P O R ATE D C ALIFOR N IA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f A P RIL 16 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Alto chodgki, 2017-02-14 14:10:02 (\\cc-maps\gis$\gis\admin\Personal\chodgki.mdb) 1 ACTION NO. 2017-XX DRAFT RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION FOR 1470 MONTE BELLO DRIVE: SITE AND DESIGN REVIEW 16PLN-00180 At its meeting on March 20, 2017, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto approved the Site and Design Review application for replacement of an existing bridge and construction of a new bridge within the Monte Bello Open Space Nature Preserve in the Open Space Zoning District, making the following findings, determinations and declarations: SECTION 1. Background. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City Council”) finds, determines, and declares as follows: A. On May 24, 2016, Midpeninsula Open Space District applied for Site and Design review to allow for bridge construction activities at two creek crossings along the Steven’s Creek Nature Trail (“The Project”). B. The project site is comprised of one lot (APN No. 351-06-025) of approximately 827 acres. The site is located within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and is designated as SOS (Streamside Open Space). The project includes construction of two new multi-use trail bridges at watercourse crossings along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. The Stevens Creek Bridge would upgrade a wet-crossing while the Tributary Bridge would replace an existing undersized bridge. SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve, acting as the lead agency for the Project, has determined that the project is subject to environmental review under provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Guideline section 15070, Decision to Prepare a Mitigated Negative Declaration. An environmental analysis was prepared for the project and it has been determined that Although the project, as proposed, could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect on the environment in this case because mitigation measures have been added to the project. The Negative Declaration was made available for public review beginning January 27, 2016 through February 27, 2016. A link to the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration is contained in Attachment F. SECTION 3. Site and Design Review Findings. 1. The use will be constructed and operated in a manner that will be orderly, harmonious, and compatible with existing or potential uses of adjoining or nearby sites. The project is located within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, which is an approximately 3,426-acre open space preserve that benefits wildlife and is used for recreation. The preserve is dominated by open grasslands, woodlands, and creek corridors and includes several miles of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. The two bridge sites (Sites #1 and #2) are located along the Steven’s Creek Nature Trail, which includes scenic views of the Stevens Creek riparian 2 corridor. Along its length the trail offers users views of mixed hardwood-conifer forest and Stevens Creek, with occasional views of forested hillslopes and grassy ridgetops. Trail users would be temporarily diverted around construction activities such that construction activities would not be visible to trail users. Following construction, temporarily impacted areas would be restored to pre-project conditions and trail users would be able to access the trails in a similar manner to current conditions. The existing Site #1 bridge is a wooden beam bridge, about 24 feet long. Currently there is no bridge at Site #2. Although the bridge at site #2 introduces a new manmade visual element, construction of this bridge would reduce impacts to sensitive creek and riparian habitats. The new bridges would be constructed of corten steel beams with redwood decking, similar to other existing bridges within the area and would be in keeping with the open space, undeveloped, park character and use of the area. It would allow for the continued safe use of this trail. 2. The project is consistent with the goal of ensuring the desirability of investment, or the conduct of business, research, or educational activities, or other authorized occupations, in the same or adjacent areas. As described for compliance with Objective 1 above, the project is located within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and is not located adjacent to any investment areas, research facilities, businesses, or educational facilities. The bridge sites are surrounded by undeveloped areas that are preserved for wildlife and recreational use. The bridge sites are surrounded by undeveloped areas that are preserved for wildlife and recreational use. Therefore, the project would not interfere with the desirability of investment, or the conduct of business, research, or educational activities or other authorized occupations in the same or adjacent areas. 3. Sound principles of environmental design and ecological balance are observed in the project. As described above the proposed new bridges would be constructed of Corten steel beams with redwood wooden decking similar to other bridges within the area, including the existing bridge at site #1. The new bridges have been designed to be in line with the undeveloped character of the surrounding open space. All temporarily disturbed areas would be restored, grading and excavation has been minimized and cut and fill would be balanced on site. Therefore, construction of the bridges observes the ecological balance between the project and the environment. 4. The use will be in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. The project proposal complies with the policies of the Land Use and Community Design, and the Natural Environment elements of the Comprehensive Plan, including:  Policy N-1: Manage existing public open space areas and encourage the management of private open space areas in a manner that meets habitat protection goals, public safety concerns, and low impact recreation needs. 3  Policy N-3: protect sensitive plant species resources from the impacts of development  Policy N-6: Through implementation of the Site and Design process and the Open Space zone district regulations, minimize impacts of any new development on views of hillsides, on the open space character, and on the natural ecology of the hillsides.  Goal N-2: Conservation of Creeks and riparian areas as open space amenities, Natural Habitat Areas, and Elements of Community Design.  Policy N-11: preserve the integrity of riparian corridors.  Policy N-12: preserve the habitat value of creek corridors through the preservation of native plants and the replacement of invasive, non-native plants with native plants. The proposed project would improve site conditions for sensitive riparian resources, while maintaining public safety. The replacement bridge at Site #1 would be placed higher up the bank than the existing bridge, so it would be located further away from the creek and reduce the bridge’s susceptibility to damage from bank erosion. Installation of the bridge at site #2 would keep pedestrians outside of the creek, which would minimize disturbance to sensitive creek resources. Therefore, the project is consistent with these policies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan SECTION 4. Open Space Review Criteria The project proposal meets the following Open Space Review Criteria and the intent of the Comprehensive Plan regarding development in designated open space areas. 1. The development should not be visually intrusive from public roadways and public parklands. As much as possible, development should be sited so it is hidden from view. The proposed bridges would not be visible from public roadways and would allow for the continued use of the trail. 2. Development should be located away from hilltops and designed to not extend above the nearest ridgeline. The project is not located on a hilltop and does not extend above a ridgeline. 3. Site and structure design should take into consideration impacts on privacy and views of neighboring properties. The proposed project is located approximately .5 miles from the trailhead along Page Mill Road on an 827 acre site and would not be visible from neighboring properties. 4. Development should be clustered, or closely grouped, in relation to the area surrounding it to make it less conspicuous, minimize access roads, and reduce fragmentation of natural habitats. The project includes the construction of two small isolated trail bridges with small footprints and does not include any large scale development. The bridges are located deep within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and would only be visible to trail users along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. The bridges would not fragment any natural habitats. 4 5. Built forms and landscape forms should mimic the natural topography. Building lines should follow the lines of the terrain, and trees and bushes should appear natural from a distance. The proposed new bridges would be compatible with existing uses of the open space and would look similar to the existing bridge at Site #1. The bridges would conform to the existing site topography and generally follow existing topographical lines. Any replacement vegetation would be similar to the existing native vegetation on-site. 6. Existing trees with a circumference of 37.5 inches, measured 4.5 feet above the ground level, should be preserved and integrated into the site design. Existing vegetation should be retained as much as possible. One tree with a circumference of 37.5 inches, measured 4.5 feet above the ground level would be removed as part of the proposed project. An approximately 15 inch diameter at breast height Pacific madrone would be removed to accommodate the new bridge at site 1. No other alignment of the bridge is feasible given the location of the channel. Replanting of the madrone is part of the mitigation. Vegetation disturbance would be minimized during construction and temporarily disturbed areas would either be passively or actively revegetated following construction. 7. Cut is encouraged when it is necessary for geotechnical stability and to enable the development to blend into the natural topography. Fill is generally discouraged and should never be distributed within the driplines of existing trees. Locate development to minimize the need for grading. The project would require less than 30 cubic yards of cut to install the bridge abutments, which would provide the stability of the bridge. All cut would be used on- site to re-route segments of the existing trail near the bridges and to connect the new bridges with the trail. No additional fill would be imported to the site. 8. To reduce the need for cut and fill and to reduce potential runoff, large, flat expanses of impervious surfaces should be avoided. The project does not include construction of any impervious surfaces. The project would comply with this criterion. 9. Buildings should use natural materials and earthtone or subdued colors. No buildings are proposed. The bridges would be constructed with Cortin steel and redwood, similar to the material used for the existing bridge at Site #1 and other bridges within the area. These materials are generally brown, beige, or other similar subdued color. 10. Landscaping should be native species that require little or no irrigation. Immediately adjacent to structures, fire retardant plants should be used as a fire prevention technique. The project would minimize the areas impacted during construction. Following construction all areas proposed for temporary disturbance would restored to previous conditions with plants that require little to no irrigation. No other landscaping is proposed. 11. Exterior lighting should be low-intensity and shielded from view so it is not directly visible from of-site. No lighting is proposed. 5 12. Access roads should be of a rural rather than urban character. (Standard curb, gutter, and concrete sidewalk are usually inconsistent with the foothills environment). No access roads are proposed. Construction crews would access the site via existing maintained trails 13. For development in unincorporated areas, ground coverage should be in general conformance with Palo Alto's Open Space District regulations. The project is within the City limits and, as proposed and conditioned, meets the O-S (Open Space) District zoning regulations. SECTION 5. Site and Design Approvals Granted. Site and Design Approval is granted by the City Council under Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.82.070 for application 16PLN-00180, subject to the conditions of approval in Section 6 of the Record. SECTION 6. Conditions of Approval. Planning Division 1. The plans submitted for a Building Permit shall be in substantial conformance with plans last revised on July 25, 2016 and the materials board on file with the Planning Department, except as modified to incorporate the following conditions of approval and any additional conditions placed on the project by the Planning Commission or City Council. 2. BUILDING PERMIT. Apply for a building permit and meet any and all conditions of the Planning, Fire, Public Works, and Building Departments. 3. BUILDING PERMIT PLAN SET. The following conditions of approval shall be printed on the second sheet of the plan set submitted with the Building Permit application. Building Division 1. The bridge shall include barriers to limit vehicular traffic or be designed for those loads. 2. Design shall include any flood potential per CPA and FEMA requirements. 3. Safety rails shall be designed for minimum loads per the CBC. 4. The bridge and both approaches shall meet accessibility standards. 5. The review and approval of this project does not include any other items of construction other than those written in the ARB project review application included with the project plans and documents under this review. If the plans include items or elements of construction that are not included in the written description, it or they may not have been known to have 6 been a part of the intended review and have not, unless otherwise specifically called out in the approval, been reviewed. Public Works Urban Foresty 1. BUILDING OR GRADING PERMIT COVER LETTER. The following conditions shall be reflected in the building or grading permit package, accompanied by a cover letter/checklist of each. Indicate the sheet number and/or detail where the correction has been made and provide: 1) corresponding revision number and 2) bubble or highlight for easy reference. Responses such as “see plans” or “plans comply” are not acceptable. 2. OPEN SPACE DISTRIC CRITERIA. The following site specific criteria shall be incorporated into the plans and supersede or augment the Project Application and mitigation monitoring program. 3. Specifically, 2.0 (E)(6, 7 & 10) shall resolve statements that ‘replanting of the removed madrone is part of the mitigation’ but that the project ‘does not include any landscaping’, and revegetation that is absent in plans. 4. Mitigation monitoring program, the Bio sections that cover nesting and animal protection shall also recognize the City’s tree and vegetation protection for any vegetation over 4” diameter. Bio-2, Section 4.b.3-4, etc. requiring seeding shall reflect use of the modified Los Trancos Creek Hydroseed Mix. 5. For the purpose of revegetation or planting Plans shall show and designate all land areas to be graded, cut, filled, ripped, loosened, manipulated or compacted and should include the trail sections to be abandoned, created, staging area, etc. 6. SUDDEN OAK DEATH (Best Management Practices). County quarantine applies (Santa Clara, San Mateo). Implement BMP’s daily and in any project area, including staging, parking or logistic area. To deter the potential spread of sudden oak death disease in Palo Alto, the City requires that all contractor activities and delivery vehicles perform the work according to the county quarantine restrictions in the attached Sudden Oak Death Best Management Practices. Any bark injury to any native tree over 4# diameter shall be treated within 24 hours. Report of treatment shall be emailed to curt.dunn@cityofpaloalto.org. Violation is subject to penalty and/or prosecution. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/environment/default.asp 7. TREE REMOVAL & REVEGETATION. No tree replacement is proposed by the applicant due to inability to water at these locations. As an in-lieu commitment to offset the removal 7 of approximately eight trees, including a large pacific madrone (15” diameter, 37.5 circumference), the plans shall specify that all exposed soil areas will be treated with at least one application of approved Hydroseed mix to jump start native plant propagation and suppress invasive weeds. 8. Formalize the revegetation specifications as a commitment to reseed or replant all graded areas denoted as a plan note to include that any added areas that are graded or scarred during work until final inspection. 9. Revegetation specifications shall include seed mix makeup, application technique, acceptable seed cover protection, quality control, and inspection timing (3years per MND) and reporting (to whom at stakeholder agencies). 10. Unless modified, specific seed mix shall utilize the Los Trancos Creek Hydroseed Mix for this drainage (in use for a decade)—whether flat meadow seed or slope graded mix will be implemented. Specify on the building plans how material will be spread (i.e. truck, hose, or by hand) 11. Specifications shall include requirement to document compacted trail soil loosening technique to 6” depth with which tools. PLAN DETAILS. 12. Provide a tree & shrub disposition sheet showing all those to be removed. 13. Plans shall show and designate all land areas to be graded, cut, filled, ripped, loosened, or manipulated to verify graded soil volume. Any exposed soil area shall be revegetated. 14. PLAN CHANGES. Revisions and/or changes to plans before or during construction shall be reviewed and responded to by the (a) project site arborist, (name of certified arborist of record and phone #), or (b) Midpeninsula ROSD engineer with written letter of acceptance before submitting the revision to the Building Department for review by Planning, PW or Urban Forestry. 15. CONDITIONS. All Planning Department conditions of approval for the project shall be printed on the plans submitted for building permit. 16. TREE PROTECTION. Tree protection fencing is not required for this minor project. However, the owner and any contractor shall, as needed, protect and preserve all trees to remain on 8 the site, subject to code compliance action pursuant to PAMC 8.10.080 and Construction Requirements of the City Tree Technical Manual, Section 2.00. 17. TREE DAMAGE. Tree Damage, Injury Mitigation and Inspections apply to Contractor. Reporting, injury mitigation measures and arborist inspection schedule (1-5) apply pursuant to TTM, Section 2.20-2.30. Contractor shall be responsible for the repair or replacement of any publicly owned or protected trees that are damaged during the course of construction, pursuant to Title 8 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and city Tree Technical Manual, Section 2.25. 18. GENERAL. The following general tree preservation measures apply to all trees to be retained: No storage of material, topsoil, vehicles or equipment shall be permitted within the tree enclosure area. The ground under and around the tree canopy area shall not be altered. Trees to be retained shall be irrigated, aerated and maintained as necessary to ensure survival. PRIOR TO TRAIL USE OR FINAL INSPECTION 19. PLANNING INSPECTION. Prior to final sign off, contractor or owner shall contact the city planner (650-329-2441) to inspect and verify Special Conditions relating to the conditions for structures, fixtures, colors and site plan accessories. SECTION 8. Term of Approval. Site and Design Approval. In the event actual construction of the project is not commenced within two years of the date of council approval, the approval shall expire and be of no further force or effect, pursuant to Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.30(G).080. PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: APPROVED: _________________________ ____________________________ 9 City Clerk Director of Planning and Community Environment APPROVED AS TO FORM: ___________________________ Senior Asst. City Attorney PLANS AND DRAWINGS REFERENCED: Those plans prepared by Timothy C. Best, CEG titled “Stevens Creek Nature Trail Upgrade Project Monte Bello OSP”, consisting of 23 pages, dated July 5, 2016. ATTACHMENT B ZONING COMPARISON TABLE 1470 Monte Bello Road 16PLN-00180 Table 1a: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.28 (OS DISTRICT) OS Residential Development Standards Regulation Required Existing Proposed Minimum Site Area, Width and Depth Area: 10 acres Width: No standard Depth: No standard Area: 827 acres No change to existing Front Yard 200 feet (special setback on Page Mill) No change to existing Street Side Yard 200 feet (Special setback on Skyline Blvd.) No change to existing Rear Yard 30 feet No change to existing Interior Side Yard 30 feet N/A No change to existing Max. Building Height 50 feet N/A No building proposed; proposed bridges are approximately 6 feet above grade. Maximum Impervious Coverage 3.5%(1,261,357 sq. feet) for a 827 acre site N/A Max. Total Floor Area Ratio 3.5% (1,261,357 sq. feet) for a 827 acre site N/A N/A Native Vegetation Retained or Restored (for FAR bonus) ≥ 90% of site area 91.4% of site area memorandum date February 23, 2017 to Claire Hodgkins, City of Palo Alto from Matt Brunnings, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District subject Revised Letter of Application for the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects This Revised Letter of Application is provided in support of the City of Palo Alto’s Site & Design Review Submittal Requirements for the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects (Project). This Letter includes a complete project description and a description of how the project complies with the following objectives: A. To ensure construction and operation of the use in a manner that will be orderly, harmonious, and compatible with existing or potential uses of adjoining or nearby sites. B. To ensure the desirability of investment, or the conduct of business, research, or educational activities or other authorized occupations, in the same or adjacent areas. C. To ensure that sound principles of environmental design and ecological balance shall be observed. D. To ensure that the use will be in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. E. If the project is located in the Open Space (OS) zone district your letter should also address the 10 Open Space Development Criteria, adopted by the City Council on October 20, 1986. A copy of the development criteria can be obtained at the Planning Division counter. 1.0 Project Description 1.1 Project Background and Need The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) preserves nearly 62,000 acres of open space within 550 square miles of San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties. This open space forms a regional greenbelt that traverses the spine of the San Francisco peninsula south from Half Moon Bay to the Santa Cruz Mountains east of Silicon Valley. The District operates 26 open space preserves, 24 of which are open to the public. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Monte Bello OSP or “the Preserve”) is one of the District’s larger holdings, and protects 3,346 acres of rolling grasslands and riparian forests at the head of the Stevens Creek watershed above Palo Alto (Figure 1). 2 The Stevens Creek Nature Trail in Monte Bello OSP is a popular trail that connects the main parking area/trailhead off of Page Mill Road with Canyon Trail and Skid Road Trail (Figure 2). The trail closely follows the riparian canyon of upper Stevens Creek, and features interpretive signage for visitors. The portion of the trail between Canyon and Skid Road Trails is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians, while the portion between the trailhead and Skid Road Trail is only open to pedestrians. The District has identified two creek crossing locations along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail alignment in need of retrofitting. Site #1 is the location of an existing 24-foot-long wooden beam bridge over an unnamed tributary (for purposes of this document, “Tributary Creek”) to Stevens Creek, slightly upstream of its confluence with the mainstem of Stevens Creek. The trail in this area is multi-use, but can be closed to cyclists and equestrians in the winter during muddy conditions. Channel incision and bank erosion underneath the bridge threaten its integrity, making it vulnerable to damage and/or failure during large storm events. The District therefore plans to replace the existing bridge with a longer, higher bridge that is farther upstream from the actively eroding creek banks. Site #2 is an existing at-grade wet ford across the mainstem of Stevens Creek, upstream of the general vicinity of Site #1. Stevens Creek Nature Trail in this location is currently open only to pedestrians. The crossing is immediately downstream of where the creek makes a roughly 270-degree horseshoe turn, near an apparent bedrock constriction. The District plans to construct a new bridge in this location to improve safety and avoid sensitive creek and riparian habitats. The sensitive nature of local riparian habitats and the difficult nature of site accessibility require that the bridge design and construction at both sites balance minimal environmental disturbance with the practical persistence of the element being designed. 1.2 Proposed Project Site #1 Site Setting The existing bridge at Site #1 is a 24-foot-long wooden beam bridge constructed in the 1980s prior to the Loma Prieta earthquake. The bridge abutments appear to be sited on older debris flow deposits from the Tributary Creek canyon. The creek underneath the bridge is deeply incised more than 10 ft through these deposits resulting in steep, near vertical and unstable channel banks. Active stream bank erosion is undermining the existing bridge abutments. There is a small, 2-foot high retaining wall below the left channel bank, presumably installed to minimize stream bank erosion below the bridge abutment. This wall is degraded and only marginally effective. Stevens Creek Nature Trail in this location is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. The east approach (“near side” from Canyon Trail) descends at a steep (20%) gradient into the crossing making a sharp turn around a large tree before reaching the bridge. A portion of the trail at this location is supported on 3 ft of fill retained by a 3 foot high retaining wall. The tight turn likely acts to constrain access onto the bridge, particularly for equestrians. To the west of the bridge (the “far side” approach), the trail descends at a steep 15% to 20% grade into a low spot on a fluvial terrace along Stevens Creek. 3 Proposed Project The proposed project at Site #1 would replace the existing 24-foot-long wooden beam bridge with a 45 to 50-foot- long, over five ft wide bridge built of Corten steel beams (Figure 3). The bridge surface would be constructed of redwood decking similar to other District trail bridges, with 54 inch high handrails for safety. Bridge abutments would be poured-in-place spread footings or piers. A roughly 120 foot long segment of existing trail would be rerouted upslope to reduce trail grade. Existing bridge, footings and low retaining walls will be removed offsite. Disturbed soils will be stabilized as judged necessary at time of construction. Construction Staging & Access During construction at Site #1, Stevens Creek Nature Trail would be closed between Canyon Trail and the junction with Skid Road Trail. Construction materials for Site #1 would be staged at the junction of Canyon Trail and Stevens Creek Nature Trail, slightly less than a mile from the District gate at the head of Canyon Trail off Page Mill Road (Figure 2). Only flat areas to the east of Canyon Trail at the intersection would be used for materials staging, avoiding grassland habitats to the north and south of Stevens Creek Nature Trail. Vehicles would access this staging area from Page Mill Road via Canyon Trail. Construction personnel and materials such as bridge components, lumber, bags of concrete, tools, and water barrels would be transported from the staging area to Site #1 along Stevens Creek Nature Trail using ATVs, small Bobcat-sized tractors, motorized wheelbarrows, and similarly-sized equipment capable of navigating the narrow trail bench. In order for equipment to safely access Site #1, a small portion (approximately 60 ft) of Stevens Creek Nature Trail east of Site #1 would be widened by approximately 2-3 ft to gain a maximum 5-foot wide trail width. The bench cut would be widened through excavation upslope into the hillside; excavated soils would be re-used and stabilized locally. Work will require two truck trips per day from the field office to the staging areas and two ATV trips per day to the site (approximately 20 to 30 days). Additionally, two truckloads of concrete, two truckloads of beams, and two truckloads of decking and railing will be required for Site #1. The bridge would be assembled adjacent to the existing trail on the west side of the existing bridge, upslope of Stevens Creek. The bridge assembly area would be approximately 1,970 sq ft and is shown on the inset diagram Figure 3. No vegetation removal is anticipated in this area. Coir mat, or other similar material, will be placed temporarily on the ground in the assembly area and the bridge components will be assembled on top of this material. Construction Phasing Replacement of the bridge at Site #1 is anticipated to take 20 to 30 days to complete with three workers at the site each day. Construction equipment that will be used on-site includes a small excavator, generators, concrete mixers, chainsaws, and impact drivers. All work will be conducted using a small excavator and hand crews. The proposed project would be constructed in the following phases: 1. Biological surveys, education, and monitoring. Pre-construction surveys for rare plants, reptiles & amphibians, nesting birds, and special-status species would be implemented, and construction workers would be educated on proper procedures to protect sensitive habitats and wildlife. 2. Signage of temporary trail closures. Stevens Creek Nature Trail in between Canyon Trail and Skid Road Trail would be closed to all users for the duration of construction and signed appropriately. Signage 4 describing the closures would also be placed at the Monte Bello OSP parking lot off of Page Mill Road, and other major local trailheads. 3. Project site mobilization: Equipment and materials would be transported to the site via the methods described under “Construction Staging & Access”, above. 4. Widening of Stevens Creek Nature Trail to accommodate equipment. Approximately 60 ft of failing sections of Stevens Creek Nature Trail east of Site #1 would be widened to meet District trail standards and safely accommodate equipment such as ATVs, motorized wheelbarrows, SWECOs, and similar small construction vehicles. This would result in the excavation of approximately 9 cubic yd of soil. This soil would be stabilized on site and/or re-used where appropriate to re-route Stevens Creek Nature Trail near Site #1. Additionally, minor trail widening would occur along the Stevens Creek Natural Trail between Site #1 and Site #2. 5. Site preparation: Site preparation would include removal of vegetative debris and clearing of the bridge abutment areas and alignment. This would include removal of one 15 inch diameter at breast height (dbh) tree within the proposed bridge alignment. Invasive species in seed have the potential to spread due to construction and would be treated in compliance with the District’s Integrated Pest Management plan (IPM) and IPM Environmental Impact Report 6. Bridge removal and fill excavation. The existing wooden footbridge would be disassembled in pieces and removed from the site. Where feasible, bridge materials in acceptable condition could be re-used to improve other areas of Stevens Creek Nature Trail, or as construction materials for the trail re-route west of the bridge. Removal of the existing bridge may occur after construction of the new bridge, to facilitate access during construction. 7. Bridge foundation construction. The bridge foundations would be excavated by hand or using a small excavator. Concrete would be mixed on site. Forming materials would be removed following construction. 8. Assemble and install bridge. The new bridge would be installed per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Temporary scaffolding may be required to support bridge elements during construction. District crew may also “highline” bridge pieces into place using rope rigging temporarily attached to nearby trees. 9. Construct trail reroutes. Approximately 120 ft of Stevens Creek Nature Trail on the far (west) side of the bridge would be rerouted upslope to match grade with the new bridge. As part of this work, the former trail bed immediately west and downslope of the bridge would be decommissioned through the placement of fill obtained from excavation of the bridge footings and the construction of the upslope trail. Dead branches, logs, and other local forest materials would be placed on the old alignment to prevent access while the site is restored. 10. Install erosion control and native plants. All areas of disturbed soil would be stabilized with erosion control measures approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). See “Site Restoration” below for more details. 11. Site cleanup and demobilization. Equipment and materials would be removed from the site via Stevens Creek Nature Trail to the staging area near the intersection with Canyon Trail, and subsequently transported off the Monte Bello OSP property via Canyon Trail through the gate at Page Mill Road. 12. Trail re-opening. Stevens Creek Nature Trail between Canyon Trail and Skid Road Trail would be re- opened to multi-use trail uses. 5 Site #2 Site Setting Site #2 is an existing wet ford crossing with limited infrastructure (old steps and portions of retaining walls along the creek banks) associated with Stevens Creek Nature Trail. None of the existing features are proposed to be removed from the site; rather, construction activities would focus on the installation of a new bridge. Proposed Project The proposed project at Site #2 would replace the existing wet ford crossing with a 45- to 50-foot-long, over five- foot-wide bridge built of Corten steel beams (Figure 4). The bridge surface would be constructed of redwood decking similar to other District trail bridges, with 48-inch-high handrails for safety. Bridge abutments would be poured in place spread footings. Approximately 20 ft of existing trail on the east side of the bridge and 60 ft of existing trail on the west side of the bridge would be slightly re-routed to match the grade of the new bridge. Construction Staging & Access During construction at Site #2, Stevens Creek Nature Trail would be closed between its northern fork near the Monte Bello OSP parking lot and Skid Road Trail (Figure 5). Construction materials for Site #2 would be staged along the Skid Road Trail near the trail’s intersection with Skyline Blvd. Additionally, a small parking and staging area will be located near the intersection of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail and the Skid Road Trail. Some deep ruts along the Skid Road Trail between the staging area near Skyline Blvd. and the trail’s intersection with the Stevens Creek Nature Trail will be graded for vehicle access. Construction personnel and materials such as bridge components, bags of concrete, tools, and water barrels would be transported to Site #2 along the Skid Road Trail and Stevens Creek Natural Trail from the staging area near Skyline Blvd. using trucks, ATVs, small Bobcat- sized tractors, motorized wheelbarrows, and similarly-sized equipment capable of navigating the narrow trail bench. Signage would be placed at the Skid Road Trail trailhead to warn users of the potential to encounter construction equipment and materials along the portion of the trail in between Skyline Blvd. and Stevens Creek Nature Trail. The bridge would be assembled adjacent to the existing trail on the east side of the proposed bridge, south of the trail. The bridge assembly area would be approximately 630 sq ft and is shown in Figure 4. No vegetation removal is anticipated in this area. Coir mat, or other similar material, will be placed temporarily on the ground in the assembly area and the bridge components will be assembled on top of this material. Work will require two truck trips per day from the field office to the staging areas and two ATV trips per day to the site (approximately 20 to 30 days). Additionally, two truckloads of concrete, two truckloads of beams, and two truckloads of decking and railing will be required for Site #2. Construction Phasing Construction of the bridge at Site #2 is expected to take 20 to 30 days to complete with three workers at the site each day. Construction equipment that will be used on-site includes a small excavator, generators, concrete mixers, chainsaws, and impact drivers. All work will be conducted using a small excavator and hand crews. 6 The proposed project would be constructed in the following phases: 1. Biological surveys, education, and monitoring. Pre-construction surveys for rare plants, invasive species, reptiles & amphibians, nesting birds, and special-status species would be implemented, and construction workers would be educated on proper procedures to protect sensitive habitats and wildlife. 2. Signage of temporary trail closures. Stevens Creek Nature Trail in between the northern fork near the Monte Bello OSP parking lot and Skid Road Trail would be closed to all users for the duration of construction and signed appropriately. Signage describing the closures would also be placed at the Monte Bello OSP parking lot off of Page Mill Road, and other major local trailheads. 3. Project site mobilization: Equipment and materials would be transported to the site via the methods described under “Construction Staging & Access”, above. 4. Site preparation: Site preparation would include removal of vegetative debris and clearing of the bridge abutment areas and alignment. This would include removal of seven trees (one tree is six inches diameter at breast height [dbh], while the remaining six trees are less than six inches dbh) within the proposed bridge alignment. Invasive species in seed have the potential to spread due to construction and would be treated in compliance with the District’s IPM and IPM Environmental Impact Report. 5. Bridge foundation construction. The bridge foundations would be excavated by hand or using a small excavator. Concrete would be mixed on site. Forming materials would be removed following construction. 6. Assemble and install bridge. The new bridge would be installed per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Temporary scaffolding may be required to support bridge elements during construction. District crew may also “highline” bridge pieces into place using rope rigging temporarily attached to nearby trees. 7. Construct trail reroutes. Approximately 30 ft of the Stevens Nature Trail on both the west and east sides of the new bridge would be slightly re-routed to match grade with the new bridge. As part of this work, the former trail bed on both sides of the wet ford crossing would be passively decommissioned through the placement of dead branches, logs, and other local forest materials, as well as signage encouraging visitors to utilize the new trail alignment. 8. Install erosion control and native plants. All areas of disturbed soil would be stabilized with erosion control measures approved by CDFW and the RWQCB. See “Site Restoration” below for more details. 9. Site cleanup and demobilization. Equipment and materials would be removed from the site via Stevens Creek Nature Trail and Skid Road Trail to the staging area near the intersection of Skid Road Trail and Skyline Blvd. All equipment will be inspected for invasive species and cleaned when leaving the site. 10. Trail re-opening. Stevens Creek Nature Trail between the northern fork near the parking lot and Skid Road Trail would be re-opened to pedestrian traffic. 1.3 Site Restoration The volume of grading included in this proposed project (both sites) is estimated at 94 cubic yards. Grading and other earth-disturbing activities associated with the proposed project would be limited to the dry season (generally between April 15 and October 15). Assembly and installation of the bridges may occur after October 15. Construction would be supervised by experienced District staff and engineering consultants, and would incorporate erosion control techniques from the District’s Details and Specifications Guidelines. Best Management Practices (BMPs) approved by CDFW and RWQCB (and currently in use by the District) for the proper design and use of silt fencing would be implemented during project construction to minimize erosion at the project sites as necessary. Approaches that integrate completely biodegradable products such as fiber blankets, bio-blocks, and coir products would be used to stabilize disturbed soils as necessary, but most erosion control 7 work will use native materials available at the site, such as slash from site preparation. The biodegradable products would provide temporary erosion protection during the 3 to 5 years it would take for passively recruited vegetative cover to establish. The District may elect to supplement active recruitment of vegetation with direct seeding of native plants, particularly if volunteer assistance is available. 1.4 Public Access Both bridge sites are currently accessible to the public. Both Site #1 and Site #2 are located along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. Hiking, biking and equestrian use are allowed along the section of the Stevens Creek Natural Trail at Site #1, while only hiking is allowed along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail at Site #2. The public can access Site #1 starting at the public parking lot at Page Mill Road, then traveling southeast along the Canyon Trail, then traveling southwest along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail to the site. From Site #1, the public can continue traveling west along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail to access Site #2. During construction at Site #1 the Stevens Creek Nature Trail would be closed between Canyon Trail and the junction with Skid Road Trail. During construction at Site #2, Stevens Creek Nature Trail would be closed between its northern fork near the parking lot off of Page Mill Road and Skid Road Trail. Signage describing the closures would be placed at the parking lot off of Page Mill Road, and other major local trailheads. The public would be able to use other trails in the vicinity during construction. Following construction the trails would be opened up again to public access. 2.0 Compliance with City Objectives The proposed project would comply with the following City of Palo Alto objectives as described under each objective: A. To ensure construction and operation of the use in a manner that will be orderly, harmonious, and compatible with existing or potential uses of adjoining or nearby sites. The proposed project is located within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, which is an approximately 3,426- acre open space preserve that benefits wildlife and is used for recreation. The preserve is dominated by open grasslands, woodlands, and creek corridors and includes several miles of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. The two bridge sites (Sites #1 and #2) are located along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, a popular trail that includes scenic views of the Stevens Creek riparian corridor. Along its length the trail offers users views of mixed hardwood-conifer forest and Stevens Creek, with occasional views of forested hillslopes and grassy ridgetops. Trail users would be temporarily diverted around the project sites during construction (approximately 20 to 30 days at each site). The public would not be able to view construction activities because the trail would be closed during construction. Therefore, construction activities should not interfere with the public’s use of other trails or scenic views within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. Following construction, trail users would be able to access the trails in a similar manner to current conditions. Any temporarily impacted areas would either be passively or actively restored, so vegetation would be restored similar to pre-project conditions. The existing Site #1 bridge is a wooden beam bridge, about 24 feet long. Currently there is no bridge at Site #2. The new bridges would be constructed of Corten steel beams with redwood wooden decking. 8 An example of an installation of a similar bridge, of the same type and from the same manufacturer as the proposed new bridges, is shown in Figure 6. While the new bridges would introduce a new, man-made visual element to Site #2, and an altered visual character to Site #1, the new bridges would be in keeping with the open space, undeveloped, park character and use of the area. Therefore, while the new bridges would alter the visual character of the project sites, they would be orderly, harmonious, and compatible with existing or potential uses of adjoining or nearby sites. B. To ensure the desirability of investment, or the conduct of business, research, or educational activities or other authorized occupations, in the same or adjacent areas. As described for compliance with City Objective A above, the project is located within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and is not located adjacent to any investment areas, research facilities, businesses, or educational facilities. The bridge sites are surrounded by undeveloped areas that are preserved for wildlife and recreational use. Therefore, the project would not interfere with the desirability of investment, or the conduct of business, research, or educational activities or other authorized occupations in the same or adjacent areas. C. To ensure that sound principles of environmental design and ecological balance shall be observed. As described for compliance with City Objective A above, the proposed new bridges would be constructed of Corten steel beams with redwood wooden decking. An example of the bridge in a similar setting is shown in Figure 6. The new bridges would look similar to the wooden bridge that currently exists at Site #1. The new bridges have been designed to be in line with the undeveloped character of the surrounding open space. They would be balanced with the existing natural setting at the site. D. To ensure that the use will be in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. The proposed bridges would be used by pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians for recreational purposes along a designated trail within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. Goals, policies, and programs for open space areas are described in Chapter 5, Natural Environment, of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2007); several of these are listed below:  Policy N-1: Manage existing public open space areas and encourage the management of private open space areas in a manner that meets habitat protection goals, public safety concerns, and low impact recreation needs.  Policy N-3: Protect sensitive plant species resources from the impacts of development.  Policy N-6: Through implementation of the Site and Design process and the Open Space zone district regulations, minimize impacts of any new development on views of the hillsides, on the open space character, and the natural ecology of the hillsides.  Goal N-2: Conservation of Creeks and Riparian Areas as Open Space Amenities, Natural Habitat Areas, and Elements of Community Design.  Policy N-11: Preserve the integrity of riparian corridors.  Policy N-12: Preserve the habitat value of creek corridors through the preservation of native plants and the replacement of invasive, non-native plants with native plants. The proposed project would be in accord with the goals, policies, and programs described in the Palo Alto Comprehensive. The proposed project would improve site conditions for sensitive riparian resources, while maintaining public safety. The replacement bridge at Site #1 would be placed higher up the bank than the existing 9 bridge, so it would be located farther away from the creek and reduce the bridge’s susceptibility to damage from bank erosion. Installation of the bridge at Site #2 would keep pedestrians outside of the creek, which would minimize disturbance to sensitive creek resources. Vegetation within work areas would be temporarily disturbed during construction, but temporarily impacted areas would be either passively or actively revegetated with native vegetation following construction (see the response to question 41 in the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for additional information). An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared for the proposed project (ESA, 2016). The IS/MND includes several mitigation measures, that MROSD would implement, to minimize project impacts on sensitive plant and wildlife species and riparian areas, as well as air quality, water quality, cultural resources, hazards and hazardous materials, and geology, soils, and seismicity. E. If the project is located in the Open Space (OS) zone district your letter should also address the 10 Open Space Development Criteria, adopted by the City Council on October 20, 1986. A copy of the development criteria can be obtained at the Planning Division counter. The project would comply with the following 12 open space criteria included in City Municipal Code 18.28.070 as described under each criterion: (1) The development should not be visually intrusive from public roadways and public parklands. As much as possible, development should be sited so it is hidden from view. As described for compliance with City Objective A above, the new bridges would be compatible with the surrounding open space. The bridges would only be observed from trail users along on the Stevens Creek Nature Trail and would not be visible from any other areas in the open space or on public roadways. (2) Development should be located away from hilltops and designed to not extend above the nearest ridge line. The proposed bridges are located at the base of hillsides and are not located on hilltops. The project would comply with this criterion. (3) Site and structure design should take into consideration impacts on privacy and views of neighboring property. The proposed bridges sites are located within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and are not within view of any neighboring property. Therefore the new bridges would not impact the privacy or views of any neighboring property. (4) Development should be clustered, or closely grouped, in relation to the area surrounding it to make it less conspicuous, minimize access roads, and reduce fragmentation of natural habitats. The project includes the construction of two small isolated trail bridges with small footprints and does not include any large scale development. The bridges are located deep within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and would only be visible to trail users along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. The bridges would not fragment any natural habitats. 10 (5) Built forms and landscape forms should mimic the natural topography. Building lines should follow the lines of the terrain, and trees and bushes should appear natural from a distance. As described for compliance with City Objective A above, the proposed new bridges would be compatible with existing uses of the open space and would look similar to the existing bridge at Site #1. The bridges would conform to the existing site topography and generally follow existing topographical lines. Any replacement vegetation would be similar to the existing native vegetation on-site. (6) Existing trees with a circumference of 37.5 inches, measured 4.5 feet above the ground level, should be preserved and integrated into the site design. Existing vegetation should be retained as much as possible. One tree with a circumference of 37.5 inches, measured 4.5 feet above the ground level would be removed as part of the proposed project. An approximately 15 inch diameter at breast height Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) would be removed to accommodate the new bridge at Site 1. No other alignment of the bridge is feasible given the location of the channel. Replanting of the madrone is part of the mitigation. Vegetation disturbance would be minimized during construction and temporarily disturbed areas would either be passively or actively revegetated following construction. See the response to question 41 in the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for additional information on vegetation removal and restoration and tree replacement. (7) Cut is encouraged when it is necessary for geotechnical stability and to enable the development to blend into the natural topography. Fill is generally discouraged and should never be distributed within the driplines of existing trees. Locate development to minimize the need for grading. The project would require less than 30 cubic yards of cut to install the bridge abutments, which would provide the stability of the bridge. All cut would be used on-site to re-route segments of the existing trail near the bridges and to connect the new bridges with the trail. No additional fill would be imported to the site. (8) To reduce the need for cut and fill and to reduce potential runoff, large, flat expanses of impervious surfaces should be avoided. The proposed project would not include construction of any impervious surfaces. The project would comply with this criterion. (9) Buildings should use natural materials and earthtone or subdued colors. The bridges would be constructed of Corten steel beams with redwood decking. These materials are generally brown, beige, or other similar subdued color. (10) Landscaping should be native species that require little or no irrigation. Immediately adjacent to structures, fire retardant plants should be used as a fire prevention technique. The proposed project would not include any landscaping. Vegetation that is temporarily impact would either be passively or actively revegetated using native species that would require little to no irrigation. 11 (11) Exterior lighting should be low-intensity and shielded from view so it is not directly visible from off-site. The proposed bridges would not include any lighting. The project would comply with this criterion. (12) Access roads should be of a rural rather than urban character. (Standard curb, gutter, and concrete sidewalk are usually inconsistent with the foothills environment.) The proposed project would not construct any new access roads. Construction crews would access the site via existing maintained trails. The project would comply with this criterion. References Environmental Science Associates (ESA), 2016. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration. Prepared for Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. January 2016. 12 ATTACHMENT A Figures SOURCE: USGS Mindego Hill, Calif. 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle 0 0.3 0.6 Miles CupertinoMindego Hill Palo Alto Mountain View Santa ClaraCounty Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects . 130573.02 Figure 1Project Location Site #2: New Bridge Site #1:Replacement Bridge Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Note: Only portions ofMonte Bello OSP opento the public are shown. !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!! !!! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!! ! !! ! !!!!!!!!! ! ! !! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!!! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !!!!! !!!!!!! ! ! !!!! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !! !!!!!! !!!!! ! !!!!! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!!!!!! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! !! ! ! !!!!!!!! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!! !! ! !! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! SOURCE: USGS Mindego Hill, Calif. 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle 0 0.15 0.3 Miles Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects . 130573.02 Figure 2Site #1 Staging and Access Site #1: Bridge Replacement Site #2: New Bridge Creeks Access Routes Temporary Trail Closure Other Public Trails Hiking & Biking Hiking & Equestrian ! ! ! ! !Hiking Only Hiking, Biking, Equestrian SkylineBlvd. Page Mill Rd. NOSTAGING NOSTAGING STA G I N G see staging inset CanyonTrail SC Nature Trail S k i d Road T r a i l SC N at u r e Trail Monte Bello OSPparking lot Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects . 130573.02 Figure 3 Site #1 Design Map SOURCE: Tim Best, CEG Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects . 130573.02 Figure 4 Site #2 Design Map SOURCE: Tim Best, CEG ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! !!!!!!! ! ! ! !!!!! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !!! ! !!! ! !!!!! !! ! ! !! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !!!! !!!! ! !!! !!!!!!!!! !!! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! !!!!!! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !!!!!! ! !!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! !!! !!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !!!!!! !!!!!! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! !! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! !! ! !!! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! !!!!!!! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !! ! !! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! SOURCE: USGS Mindego Hill, Calif. 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle 0 0.1 0.2 Miles Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects . 130573.02 Figure 5Site #2 Staging and Access Site #1: Bridge Replacement Site #2: New Bridge Creeks Access Routes Temporary Trail Closure Other Public Trails Hiking & Biking Hiking & Equestrian ! ! ! ! !Hiking Only Hiking, Biking, Equestrian Staging Area SkylineBlvd. Page Mill Rd. Ca nyonTrail SC Nature Trail S k id Road T r a i l SC N at u r e Trail Skyline Ridge OSPparking lot Monte Bello OSPparking lot Staging Area Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Bridge Projects. 130573 Figure 6 Example of Bridge to be Constructed SOURCE: MROSD Attachment E Project Plans Hardcopies of project plans are provided to City Council members and libraries only. These plans are available to the public by visiting the Planning and Community Environmental Department on the 5th floor of City Hall at 250 Hamilton Avenue. Directions to review Project plans online: 1. Go to: https://paloalto.buildingeye.com/planning 2. Search for “1470 Monte Bello” and open record by clicking on the green dot 3. Review the record details and open the “more details” option 4. Use the “Records Info” drop down menu and select “Attachments” 5. Open the attachment named “Final Plans 1470 Monte Bello” Attachment F Environmental Analysis Directions to review Environmental Analysis online: 1. Go to: https://paloalto.buildingeye.com/planning 2. Search for “1470 Monte Bello” and open record by clicking on the green dot 3. Review the record details and open the “more details” option 4. Use the “Records Info” drop down menu and select “Attachments” 5. Open the attachment named “Final IS-MND MROSD” for the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 6. Open the attachment named “Final MMP” for the Final Mitigation Monitoring Plan