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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2403-2760CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, May 13, 2024 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM     Agenda Item     11.2501 Embarcadero Way [22PLN-00367]: Request for Council Approval of a Site and Design Application to Allow the Construction of a Local Advanced Water Purification System at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). A Design Enhancement Exception to Allow for a Taller Screening Wall is Also Requested. Environmental Assessment: Council Previously Adopted an Addendum to the 2015 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the City of Palo Alto Recycled Water Project. Zone District: PF (D) (Public Facility with Site and Design Combining District). City Council Staff Report From: City Manager Report Type: ACTION ITEMS Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: May 13, 2024 Report #:2403-2760 TITLE 2501 Embarcadero Way [22PLN-00367]: Request for Council Approval of a Site and Design Application to Allow the Construction of a Local Advanced Water Purification System at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). A Design Enhancement Exception to Allow for a Taller Screening Wall is Also Requested. Environmental Assessment: Council Previously Adopted an Addendum to the 2015 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the City of Palo Alto Recycled Water Project. Zone District: PF (D) (Public Facility with Site and Design Combining District). RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that Council take the following action(s): 1. Consider the previously adopted addendum to the City of Palo Alto Recycled Water Project EIR, provided in Attachment H. 2. Approve the draft Record of Land Use Action (RLUA) approving the request for Site and Design Review as well as the requested Design Enhancement Exception based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The application is a request for Site and Design Review for a proposed local advanced water purification system (AWPS). The project improves recycled water quality by reducing its average concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) through the blending of reverse osmosis permeate with tertiary-treated recycled water. The project also includes a request for a Design Enhancement Exception to allow for a solid wall to provide screening and to serve as a sound barrier. The project responds to Council’s expressed goal, as set forth in the Recycled Water Salinity Reduction Policy adopted in 2010, to reduce the TDS level of recycled water to 600 parts per million. It also responds to mitigation measure HYD-3d set forth in the corresponding Environmental Impact Report adopted in 2015, which requires the City to consider treatment options, such as reverse osmosis, to reduce the salinity of its recycled water and thus make its recycled water useable for irrigation of salt-sensitive species. In 2019, Council approved an agreement with Valley Water to further project design; these plans are presented to Council in this report for approval of this planning entitlement. A location map for the proposed AWPS is included in Attachment A. A detailed project description is provided in Attachment G. BACKGROUND Following adoption of the Recycled Water Salinity EIR, Council directed staff to coordinate with Valley Water and Mountain View to prepare a feasibility study and preliminary design report for a local advanced water purification system (AWPS), which was completed in 2017. The report was used as the basis for preparing preliminary plans for the proposed project. In 2019 the City Council approved an agreement with Valley Water to advance recycled water projects in the region; one of them is the Local AWPS. Staff proceeded with the design of the project in 2021. That design is reflected in the proposed project plans. Previous Council Actions In September 2015, the City of Palo Alto City Council certified an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Palo Alto Recycled Water Project (SCH #2011062037). The EIR included Mitigation Measure HYD-3d, which requires the City to consider treatment options, such as reverse osmosis, to reduce the salinity of its recycled water and thus making its recycled water useable for irrigation of salt-sensitive species. Since that time, staff has presented updates and components of this project to Council as follows: •April 4, 2016, staff provided Council with an update on the recycled water EIR and collaboration work with Valley Water and Mountain View to expand the program and reduce TDS (CMR #6691); •November 18, 2019, City Council approved Valley Water Agreement to move forward with the design of the Local AWPS. The EIR Addendum for the proposed AWPS was also adopted at this hearing (CMR #10627); •March 8, 2021, Council approved a design contract for the Local AWPS (CMR #11782); •September 12, 2022, City Council held a study session to hear an update on, and discuss, the proposed project (CMR # 14650); •On September 19, 2023, the project was discussed at the Finance Committee with a recommendation to move forward with a Council recommendation (CMR#2305-1404); and •October 16, 2023, Council approved Staff to move forward with loan agreement and directed Staff to secure financing and solicit bids for a construction contract (CMR #2308-1863). Parks and Recreation Commission Although Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) review of this project is not required, Public Works Water Quality consulted the PRC in early design phases to obtain their feedback. The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) held two study sessions on May 24, 2022 and December 13, 2022 to provide feedback on the project. PRC feedback focused on the landscaping component, path alignment and external screening. Commissioners were generally supportive of the proposed design at the December study session. Planning and Transportation Commission In accordance with the Site and Design Review process, this project was previously reviewed by the PTC. On February 28, 2024, the PTC recommended approval of the proposed project to Council (6-0; Templeton recused), making the following motion: Recommend approval of the project, including the design enhancement exception, to City Council based on the findings and subject to conditions and asking staff to: •Investigate utilizing 2,700 kelvin lighting versus the 4,000-kelvin lighting currently proposed; and •Consider 100% native planting The landscaping plan has been refined to reflect all native plantings except for the climbing vines for the wall, for which a native alternative was not available. Staff investigated reducing the lighting color temperature. Ultimately, the recommendations to reduce the color temperature of the proposed safety lighting was not incorporated, as detailed discussed further in the analysis section of this report. Architectural Review Board On November 2, 2023, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) held a hearing to provide feedback on the proposed project design. The project applicant addressed most of the ARB comments and returned to the ARB on April 4, 2024. A summary of design refinements to address ARB comments is included in the April 4, 2024 staff report. The ARB recommended approval of the proposed project with the following conditions: •The color temperature of the lighting be changed to 3,000 kelvins; •A screen be added to the northeast, northwest and southwest side of the building so that the bottom of the screen is no greater than 20 feet above finished floor; •Add a condition of approval related to requirements for motion sensors to reduce lighting on site and to set a maximum time limit for these motion sensors such that lights are only on at night as necessary for operational and safety needs; •Extend the sound wall to meet the existing chain link fence; •Explore the potential relocation of reverse osmosis permeate tank to move toward the new proposed structure and/or to move towards the future headworks building; and •That tree plantings be increased on the reverse osmosis permeate tank side of the soundwall. The applicant has explored these conditions and implemented them where feasible, as discussed further in the analysis. In particular, the proposed screening has been added, a condition of approval has been added for motion sensors, the sound wall has been extended, and additional trees are shown on the site plan. Relocation of the reverse osmosis permeate tank was explored, but ultimately the location was not revised. The recommended modifications to lighting color temperature were also not made. Those are discussed further below in the analysis. Project Description A complete project description is included in Attachment G. In summary, the project consists of several structures and components, including: •A reverse osmosis permeate storage tank. •a small prefabricated electric building; and •a pre-engineered open-air building. The circular storage tank would be 50 feet in diameter with a sidewall height of 30 feet and a capacity of 350,000 gallons. It would be erected on a reinforced concrete mat type foundation supported by deep pile foundation. The open-air building covers a membrane filtration system, chemical storage/feed system components, and other ancillary components essential to the purification system. The facility would have a building footprint of approximately 15,544 square feet. The open-air building will be constructed over a concrete deck in order to raise the equipment up out of the flood zone per FEMA requirements. The project will also include a blending station located in the basement of the RWQCP administration building and installation of yard piping inside the RWQCP. The project will be located on the northwest side of the RWQCP, abutting Embarcadero Road, partially outside the existing fence line but within the defined boundaries of the plant. The project also includes new landscaping, a new concrete screening wall, and revisions to the chain link fence surrounding the RWQCP to incorporate the area of the new AWPS (which would be inside the screening wall). Requested Entitlements, Findings and Purview The applicant requests the following discretionary application: •Site and Design Review: The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in PAMC 18.30(G). Site and Design applications are reviewed by the PTC and ARB, and recommendations are forward to the City Council for final action. Site and Design projects are evaluated against specific findings that include both the ARB findings (ARB purview) and Site and design findings (PTC purview). All findings must be made in the affirmative to approve the project. Failure to make any one of the findings requires project redesign or denial. Findings for Council to approve this site and design application are provided in Attachment B. •Design Enhancement Exception (DEE): The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in PAMC 18.76.050. DEE applications are reviewed by staff and/or the Architectural Review Board in accordance with PAMC 18.77.070 and recommendations are forwarded to the Director of Planning and Development Services for final action (or Council when other Council approvals are required). DEE projects are evaluated against specific findings. All findings must be made in the affirmative to approve the project. Failure to make any one of the findings requires project redesign or denial. Findings for approval of the proposed DEE are provided in Attachment B. ANALYSIS Staff has evaluated the proposed project and finds the project consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and other applicable goals and policies of the City. There were additional recommendations from the PTC and ARB to explore and/or implement with respect to modifications to lighting and relocation of the reverse osmosis tank that were not incorporated into the revised project design. In these instances, memorandums explaining the exploration process and why these were not ultimately incorporated into the design have been provided for Council’s consideration. Response to ARB and PTC Recommendations As discussed above, several of the recommendations from the ARB, PTC, as well as early feedback from the PRC were incorporated into the project design. These include the addition of trees, reduced removal of trees, revisions to the landscape design, and other improvements to the color and design of the structures. However, there were two recommendations that were not incorporated into the design related to lighting and relocation of the reverse osmosis tank. Color Temperature of Lighting Both the PTC and the ARB asked the Public Works Department’s RWQCP to explore reducing the color temperature of the lighting for the proposed facility. In earlier design iterations Public Works staff had reduced the color temperature from 5,000 kelvins, which is the Illumination Engineering Society’s recommendation for industrial facilities to 4,000 kelvins. The City’s consultant design engineer indicated that 4,000-kelvins was the warmest temperature recommended for this facility while still ensuring worker safety. The PTC and ARB asked for the color temperature to be further reduced to between 2700 and 3000 kelvins. The City consulted experts to determine whether the design could be revised to reflect these recommendations. Ultimately, the recommendations to reduce the temperature of the proposed safety lighting further were not incorporated into the design, consistent with the engineer’s recommendations, which had concluded that the proposed reduction to color temperature would not provide sufficient safety for workers. A summary of the reasoning and the engineer’s formal recommendation is included in Attachment D. Nevertheless, the City added several features to reduce lighting while maintaining worker safety: 1. All lighting is reduced to the minimum necessary, under the canopy and equipment area where workers need access to perform necessary operation and maintenance activities. 2. Light is shielded downward under the canopy to target the equipment area. The selected lighting provides a high level of light under the canopy but avoids light dispersion through shielding. As noted above, additional screening was added to better screen the lighting in addition to shielding views of the equipment from the public right- of-way. 3. The lighting color temperature was reduced from 5,000 kelvins to 4,000 kelvins 4. The design incorporates provisions for timers, motion sensors, and photocells. Staff recommends allowing the color temperature lighting be 4,000 kelvins due to concerns for worker safety and based on the other provisions provided that effectively reduce light spillover and reduce nighttime lighting. Relocation of the Reverse Osmosis Tank The memorandum in Attachment E explains the options that were explored for relocating the reverse osmosis tank to be further from Embarcadero Road and/or closer to the existing tank. Ultimately, the analysis determined that modifications would not be feasible because the project was designed to construct the reverse osmosis tank as far as feasible from the public right-of-way already while maintaining the necessary clearances for delivery and maintenance access. Consistent with this memorandum, staff would not recommend adding further conditions that require modifications to the location of the reverse osmosis tank. As noted above, modifications to improve tree planting in front of the reverse osmosis tank were made, consistent with the ARB’s recommendations. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans, and Guidelines The Comprehensive Plan includes Goals, Policies, and Programs that guide the physical form of the City. The Comprehensive Plan provides the basis for the City’s development regulations and is used by City staff to regulate building and development and make recommendations on projects. Further, ARB Finding No. 1 requires that the design be consistent and compatible with applicable elements of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the project site is major Institution/Special Facility which includes governmental and community service uses and lands that are publicly owned such as the subject property. The proposed AWPS within the area of the RWQCP boundaries is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Land Use. On balance, the project is consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, including Policy N-4.17 of the Natural Element, which states “Improve source control, treatment, and distribution of recycled water, including reducing the salinity of recycled water, to maximize its use.” Baylands Design Guidelines The project is located within the boundaries of the Baylands Nature Preserve. However, because it is within the RWQCP boundaries, it is not located on land that is dedicated as parkland. Nevertheless, the project is subject to the Baylands Design Guidelines. The project is consistent with the guidelines to the extent that they are applicable. Based on ARB feedback, the project was revised to improve consistency with the guidelines. In particular, the facility’s proposed red roof was modified to match the standard Sandy Grey color that is recommended in the design guidelines, to comply with the guideline’s “muted, natural colors” requirement. The plans show the general location of interactive signage, but the details of the signage will be reviewed separately from the current application. Any future signage will be required to comply with the Baylands Design Guidelines. Airport Influence Area The project is located within the Airport Influence Area. Specifically, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the Palo Alto Airport shows that the project area, and all of the RWQCP, is within the Turning Safety Zone. In the Turning Safety Zone, typically lower density uses are encouraged. Hazardous materials uses such as gas stations are discouraged. The project includes some hazardous materials in relatively small quantities for the treatment of water, similar to the existing RWQCP. These materials are not combustible and do not pose a concern within the Turning Safety Zone. The project does not conflict with any height restrictions in the plan. Further, as detailed in the EIR addendum in Attachment H, the RWQCP is considered an existing facility. Staff contacted County Airports on January 5, 2024 to confirm whether a hearing before the County Airport Land Use Commission was required for the proposed project. County staff responded on January 8, 2024 confirming that a hearing before the ALUC was not required for the proposed project, stating that only amendments to the General Plan, a Specific Plan or zoning or building regulations need to be referred to the ALUC, not individual development projects. Zoning Code Compliance The project is located within the Public Facilities (PF) Zone District as well as the Site and Design (D) Review combining district. The proposed facilities for the treatment of recycled water is considered a public facility and is an appropriate use within the PF zone district and especially within the boundaries of the existing Regional Water Quality Control Plant. Because the project includes a new building within the Site and Design Review Combining District, Site and Design review is required. A detailed review of the proposed project’s consistency with applicable zoning standards is provided in Attachment C. The project is consistent with the PF Zone District and D Combining District requirements or is otherwise requesting to deviate from the code in a manner that is consistent with the zoning ordinance. More specifically, a Design Enhancement Exception is requested to allow for an approximately 10-foot-tall wall where an 8-foot-tall wall is allowed in accordance with Chapter 16.24 of the code. Findings for the approval of both applications are included in the Draft RLUA in Attachment B. Tree Ordinance Compliance The proposed project includes the removal of 35 trees, 12 of which are protected due to their size. These trees are varying species of Eucalyptus, Myoporum laetum, and Casuarina glauca trees which are primarily non-native, invasive species. All of these are within the proposed project footprint. At the Parks and Recreation Commission’s request, the project was refined in its early design phases (prior to formal application submittal) to prioritize retention of some of the larger trees along the Embarcadero frontage. The project refinements retained eleven additional trees. However, five of those trees have since died/fallen in storms. The project includes planting 36 trees along the project frontage, along with other large and small shrubs, to provide an attractive landscape buffer between the pedestrian pathway and the RWQCP as well as between the pedestrian path and Embarcadero Road. Subdivision Map Compliance The existing property lines for the site do not follow the existing boundaries of the RWQCP. Therefore, under existing conditions, the new facility would be constructed over an existing property line. A certificate of compliance is required to revise the boundary between the two City parcels (APN 008-05-005; and APN 008-06-001). The new proposed boundary is shown in the project plans. Recordation of the certificate of compliance is required as a condition of approval prior to building permit issuance. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT Funding for the Local Salt Removal Facility is projected to come from several sources. Prior to allocation of the $63.6 million total project cost for the Preliminary Finance Plan, external funding sources were subtracted from the total to reduce the overall cost to each agency. External funding sources include the $16.3 million from the 2019 Agreement with Valley Water and a $12.9 million US Bureau of Reclamation grant, leaving a remaining funding requirement of $34.7 million which will be covered by Mountain View. Palo Alto currently has no plans to expand its existing recycled water system and Palo Alto does not currently have a customer base requesting this higher quality recycled water. Therefore, Palo Alto and Mountain View staff agreed that Mountain View would pay the remainder of the capital costs associated with this project. Mountain View staff recommended this project and Mountain View’s City Council approved it on June 27, 2023. On September 19, 2023 the finance committee recommended that Council approve the Financing Plan for the project and authorize staff to amend the Recycled Water Agreement with the City of Mountain View. Staff will return to Council for approval of an amendment with Mountain View. Council approved the financing plan on October 16, 2023. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Daily Post on May 1, 2024, which is 12 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred on April 30, 2024, which is 13 days in advance of the meeting. City Outreach and Coordination The City’s Public Works, Environmental Services Division has worked diligently on this project since Council’s adoption of the EIR for the Recycled Water Program. In addition to the study sessions with Council and the PRC, as noted above, they held the following meetings to obtain stakeholder feedback throughout the process. •Kickoff meeting for the feasibility study was held June 2016 with Mountain View and Valley Water. The City, in coordination with Valley Water and Mountain View, held workshops at 50% completion (September 2016), 80% completion (December 2016), and 95% completion (January 2017). •Preliminary Design workshop with Mountain View and Valley Water (October 2017) •Quarterly Joint Recycled Water Meetings with Palo Alto Council Members, Mountain View Council Members and Valley Water Board Members •Palo Alto hosted a community meeting on October 23, 2019 to inform the community and answer questions about the components of the funding Agreement between Palo Alto, Valley Water, and Mountain View, including partial funding for the AWPS/Local Plant. Members of the public approached staff during break-out sessions to get direct answers to questions. Most comments were focused on the Agreement terms and were overall supportive of the AWPS facility. With respect to Palo Alto itself, the open meetings on the budget process serve as the main vehicle for engaging the community on both new projects such as this and associated rate impacts. EIR Addendum was covered in this session. •There was a 30% design workshop in December 2021, a 60% design workshop in January 2022, and a 90% design workshop in November 2022. Valley Water and Mountain View staff attended these workshops •September 19, 2023 –There was a Finance Committee meeting to discuss the Local AWPS project. The Finance Committee approved and recommended moving forward. Public Comments At the PTC hearing on February 28, 2024, there was a comment from one member of the public who expressed concerns regarding lighting and its impacts on avian species as well as the color of the trees. The commented requested that the color temperature of the lighting be reduced to align more with the recommended color temperature recommended by Dark Sky International. At the ARB hearing on April 4, 2024, a representative of the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter identified concerns about the proposed project with respect to lighting. The same commenter, in coordination with the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, also submitted a letter in response to the proposed project (Attachment F). However, staff met with Midpeninsula Open Space to discuss the project on November 20, 2023. Midpeninsula Open Space provided the following key comments on the project: •Consider egrets and herons in your planning. These nesting birds tend to return to the same nests year after year so the loss of trees with these nests can be impactful beyond the direct impact during nesting season if their nests are present in the trees planned for removal. •Consider the trees being selected and whether any trees would serve as perching areas for raptors that may impact adjacent wetland areas. •Consider additional measures to better protect from spread of invasive species, especially species such as eucalyptus, when removing. Protect from plant pathogens (e.g. those that cause sudden oak tree death). •Make sure that the plant species being planted in the landscaping are appropriate for the environment in the Baylands The trees proposed for removal do not have any egret or heron nests that these species may return to. In clarifying the location of the proposed tree plantings, staff and Midpeninsula open space agreed that trees in this location would not pose a concern for raptor predation. Midpeninsula Open Space has agreed to send a list of standard best management practices to protect from the spread of invasive species that the City can review and incorporate as applicable into the building permit. The planting plan was designed to include native, low water use species appropriate for planting in the baylands. The planting plan is shown on sheet L-00- 200 and L-00-201 of the plans. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The subject project has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. In 2015 Council adopted an EIR for the City of Palo Alto Recycled Water Project. The EIR included mitigation Measure MM HYD-3d, which required the City to consider treatment options, such as reverse osmosis, to reduce the salinity of its recycled water and thus make its recycled water useable for irrigation of salt-sensitive species. On November 18, 2019, in taking discretionary actions to further pursue this project, Council adopted an EIR addendum that included more site-specific details associated with the proposed development. The adopted CEQA addendum is included in Attachment H. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Location Map Attachment B: Draft Record of Land Use Action Attachment C: Zoning Comparison Table Attachment D: Lighting Memorandum Attachment E: Reverse Osmosis Tank Relocation Memorandum Attachment F: Applicant’s Project Description Attachment G: Public Comment Attachment H: Project Plans and CEQA Addendum APPROVED BY: Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director Operations_Building Sedimentation_Tanks Paint_Storage Chlorination_Station Incineration_Building Offices-stores Chlorine_Contact_Tank Aeration_Tanks Secondary_Clarifiers Reclamation_StorageAdministration_Building Flocculator_Clarifier Water_Reclamation_Tank Water_Reclamation_Tank Rossi Aircraft_(Chevron)_ZP Aircraft Maint__Shoreline Avionics 78.8' 253.4' 51.5' 84.5' 228.5' 83.0' 91.5'98.6' 106.0' 140.5' 263.5' 68.5' 75.8' 292.5' 515.9'33.2'.2'564.0' 228.5' 291.1' 789.6' 515.9' 29.0' 206.0' 626.2' 168.2' 201.2' .2'33.2' 261.9' 160.1' 17.0' 253.2' 196.9' 234.7'195.5' 5.0' 206.5' 234.7' 22.2' 184.7' 9.6' 206.0' 5.0' 226.0' 2501 2478 2470 2468 2460 2450 2448 2438 2452 2454 2458 2462 2464 24762472 1840 820 1900 1903 2415 2417 2425 1905 90 EMBARCADERO ROAD EMBARCADERO WAY EMBARCADERO ROAD PC-3020 OLMD)(AD)Water Quality Control Plant This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Project Parcels '091'0 Attachment A:Location Map2501 Embarcadero Way CITY OF PALO ALTOINCORPORATED CALI FORNIA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f APRIL 1 6 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Alto chodgki, 2023-10-18 08:40:52 (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) 4 2 3 8 ACTION NO. 2024- RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION FOR 2501 EMBARCADERO WAY: SITE AND DESIGN REVIEW AND DESIGN ENHANCEMENT EXCEPTION (22PLN-00367) On __________2024, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto approved a Site and Design Review and Design Enhancement Exception (DEE) Application to Allow the Construction of a Local Advanced Water Purification System at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). The Proposed Project Includes the Construction and Operation of a Membrane Filtration Recycled Water Facility and a Permeate Storage Tank at the City’s RWQCP to Improve Recycled Water Quality and Increase its Use. The DEE Would Allow for a Taller Wall Within a Required Setback to Provide Screening and Reduce Noise. In approving the application, Council makes 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. The City of Palo Alto Water Quality Division requests approval of a development project that includes Site and Design Review and a Design Enhancement Exception to allow the Construction of a Local Advanced Water Purification System (AWPS) at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). (“The Project”). B. The project site area currently includes an approximately 10,000 sf area located across two parcels (APNs 008-05-005 and 008-06-001). The project is located within the boundaries of the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. The site is designated on the Comprehensive Plan land use map as Major Institution Special Facilities and is located within the Public Facility (PF) zone district, and Site and Design (D) Combining District. C. The Planning and Transportation Commission (Commission) reviewed and recommended approval of the Project on _________, 2024. The Commission’s recommendations are contained in Staff Report ID#______ and the attachments to it. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviewed and recommended approval of the Project on____________, 2024. The ARB’s recommendations are contained in Staff Report ID#____ and the attachments to it. D. On __________, 2024, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing, at which evidence was presented and all persons were afforded an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the Palo Alto Municipal Code and the Council’s Policies and Procedures. SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The City, 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. Council Previously Adopted an Addendum to the 2015 Environmental Impact Report for the City of Palo Alto Recycled Water Project Which Evaluated the Environmental 4 2 3 8 Impacts of the Proposed Project. It was determined that the current project (22PLN-00367) does not present the circumstances pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15162 to warrant the completion of a subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report, and therefore, an Addendum to the previously adopted EIR suffices. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15164 the addendum need not be circulated. However, the addendum shall be considered with the adopted EIR. The City Council considered the Addendum to the EIR at a public hearing on November 18, 2019. The Mitigation and Monitoring Report is attached as Exhibit 1 into the Record of Land Use. SECTION 3. Site and Design Review objectives. The design and architecture of the proposed improvements, as conditioned, comply with the Site and Design Objectives as required in Chapter 18.30.060(G) of the PAMC. A. 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 boundaries of the existing Regional Water Quality Control Plant and includes the necessary equipment and facilities to treat recycled water. The facilities are designed in a manner that is orderly, harmonious and compatible with the existing RWQCP and surrounding uses. The project would not conflict with the City’s airport operations across Embarcadero Road and is consistent with the Airport Land Use Plan. The colors and design of the facilities are consistent with the Baylands Design Guidelines, such as using muted colors. The new screening/sound wall protects surrounding uses for visual and noise impacts from the proposed facilities. The proposed vegetation planting will provide additional long-term visual screening. Light is directed downward, primarily below the canopy, and is expected to be no greater than street lighting. Therefore, the project is consistent with this objective. B. Objective (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. The project is a public facility, consistent with the land use designation and zoning, and provides treatment of recycled water to the city and surrounding communities. The project would not affect existing or potential future uses within the surrounding area including the plant operations, the adjacent airport, nearby office uses, and/or recreational use of the Baylands. The project is within the boundaries of the existing RWQCP. A component of the project includes repaving and re-landscaping the walking path leading out to the Baylands along Embarcadero Road. C. Objective (c): To ensure that sound principles of environmental design and ecological balance shall be observed. The project is consistent with the Baylands design guidelines in that it utilizes muted colors and the equipment/facilities are consistent with the height of the existing RWCQP buildings and equipment. Lighting is designed and conditioned to not shine onto the adjacent properties. The project will implement green building measures as required by the Palo Alto Municipal Code and, in itself, allows for the increased reuse of recycled water within the City of Palo Alto and surrounding communities. D. Objective (d): To ensure that the use will be in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. The project is consistent with the following Comprehensive Plan land use designation, goals, and 4 2 3 8 policies: Land Use Designation: Major Institution/Special Facility This land use designation includes governmental and community service uses and lands that are publicly owned such as the subject property. The proposed advanced water purification system within the area of the RWQCP boundaries is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Land Use. Natural Element Policy N-4.17: Improve source control, treatment, and distribution of recycled water, including reducing the salinity of recycled water, to maximize its use. This project is specifically intended to implement this policy in order to reduce the salinity of recycled water in order to maximize its use. Policy N-2.2: Use the UFMP, as periodically amended, to guide City decisions related to all elements of Palo Alto’s urban forest, from its understory habitat to canopy cover. Policy N-2.3: Enhance the ecological resilience of the urban forest by increasing and diversifying native species in the public right-of-way, protecting the health of soils and understory vegetation, encouraging property owners to do the same and discouraging the planting of invasive species. Program N2.7.3: Actively pursue funding for tree planting to increase canopy cover significantly across the city, avoid a net loss of canopy at the neighborhood level and attain canopy size targets in parks, open space, parking lots and City rights- of-way. The project includes removal of 35 trees that are primarily non-native, invasive species, and their replacement with 36 trees that are native as well as the addition of understory vegetation for landscape screening along the public ROW. Policy N-4.1: Maintain a safe, clean and reliable long-term supply of water for Palo Alto The project improves the reuse of recycled water, improving the City’s long-term supply of water for Palo Alto. Policy N-4.4: Manage water supply and water quality to reflect not only human use but also the water needed to sustain plant and animal life. The project improves the ability to use recycled water to sustain plant life by reducing the salinity so that the water is more suitable for commercial and public facility use, consistent with this policy. Policy N-6.12: Ensure compliance with the airport related land use compatibility standards for community noise environments, shown in Table N-1, by prohibiting incompatible land use development within the 60 dBA CNEL noise contours of the Palo Alto airport. The project is a compatible land use with the airport. Policy N-7.5: Encourage energy efficient lighting that protects dark skies and promotes energy The lighting for this project is shielded and directed downward, providing the minimum 4 2 3 8 conservation by minimizing light and glare from development while ensuring public health and safety. required lighting necessary for operation of this facility. The project does not include windows that would create glare. Land Use Element Policy L-1.2: Limit future urban development to currently developed lands within the urban service area. The boundary of the urban service area is otherwise known as the urban growth boundary. Retain undeveloped land west of Foothill Expressway and Junipero Serra as open space, with allowances made for very low- intensity development consistent with the open space character of the area. Retain undeveloped land northeast of Highway 101 as open space. The project includes development within the boundaries of the existing RWQCP consistent with this policy. Policy L-1.3: Infill development in the urban service area should be compatible with its surroundings and the overall scale and character of the city to ensure a compact, efficient development pattern. The project is compatible with its surroundings in that it’s similar in height to other buildings/equipment within the RWQCP and meets the applicable height restrictions within the Airport influence area. Policy L-1.6: Encourage land uses that address the needs of the community and manage change and development to benefit the community The need for improved recycled water has been previously identified by Council and in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The project addresses the need to improve recycled water quality to allow for increased reuse, benefiting the community. Policy L-6.2: Use the Zoning Ordinance, design review process, design guidelines and Coordinated Area Plans to ensure high quality residential and commercial design and architectural compatibility. The project utilizes the design review process to ensure high quality design and architectural compatibility. Policy L-10.2: Regulate land uses in the Airport Influence Area to ensure consistency with the Palo Alto Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Baylands Master Plan. The project complies with the Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Baylands design guidelines and Master Plan. SECTION 4. Architectural Review Findings. 1. The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides. This finding can be made in the affirmative because the project is consistent with applicable Comprehensive Plan goals and policies as summarized above in Section 3, Site and Design Findings. The requested DEE is allowed in accordance with Chapter 18.76.050 of the municipal code and the relevant findings can be made in the affirmative. The project is consistent with the Baylands Design Guidelines, as applicable to the proposed project, in that the project uses muted colors and the height of the new AWPS facility is consistent with the surrounding buildings at the RWQCP and would not be visible from the Baylands or otherwise create new obstructions to views of the Baylands. 4 2 3 8 2. The project has a unified and coherent design, that: a. creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community, b. preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant, c. is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district, d. provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations, e. enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas. The project is located within the boundaries of the RWQCP which is not accessible to visitors/the general community, as is appropriate for the proposed type facility. The project is designed in a manner that allows for maximum efficiency and future planned needs of the RWQCP. Although the project includes the removal of a number of trees, including protected trees, these trees are primarily non- native, invasive species. Replacement landscaping perimeter planting is proposed to provide long-term screening of the AWPS and existing RWQCP. The project complies with the contextual design criteria set forth in PAMC 18.24, which applies to most zone districts, including the Public Facility Zone District, as detailed below. The project is consistent with the mass and scale of the RWQCP facilities, which generally has 2 and 3-story equivalent buildings and equipment. There are no residential areas on or near the facility. The project is consistent with the following context-based design criteria: To create an attractive and safe public realm and sidewalk space for pedestrians and cyclists through the implementation of design, landscaping, and infrastructure. The project is a public facility located wholly within the boundaries of the existing RWQCP. Due to the nature of this facility as critical infrastructure, protective fencing is required along the boundaries of the facility. However, the project screening wall, which protects the facility, provides screening from equipment, and serves as a sound wall for the project, is designed to provide an attractive and safe public realm along the adjacent sidewalk, creating a desirable place to walk. Landscaping is also provided along the public ROW to provide screening and shade, enabling comfortable pedestrian passage. Therefore the project is consistent with this design criteria. To provide facilities and accommodations for pedestrians, vehicles, cyclists, and transit users to safely and efficiently access and circulate both within individual sites and in the site's surrounding context. The project is located within the existing RWQCP in a location that does not affect the current circulation within the plant. The system would be maintained by existing plant personnel; no additional parking is proposed for this self-operating system. The project maintains and improves the existing walking path along Embarcadero Road, and does not include any changes to the existing bicycle path or roadway. Therefore, the project is consistent with this design criteria. The project meets the required setbacks or seeks relief from the setbacks to comply with easement 1. Public Realm/Sidewalk Character (18.24.020) 2. Site Access (18.24.030) 4 2 3 8 requirements and to be consistent with the surrounding properties. Relief is sought for the “build- to-line” setback along Embarcadero Road and given the opportunities and constraints of the site, adherence to the requirement does not create a better project layout. Additionally, the project includes varied materials such as metal, stucco, glass with contrasting colors providing visual interest. The two-story building is horizontally oriented consistent with the Baylands design guidelines. To create a coherent and active interface between private development and the public realm that contributes to the sense of place and structure of the neighborhood and enhances the public's experience. Site design that responds to the orientation of adjacent uses and creates opportunities for landscaping and usable open space. The project includes setbacks from Embarcadero Road to allow a buffer between the roadway and pedestrian path, landscape screening between the pedestrian path and the screening wall, and further setbacks to the buildings. These setbacks and the provided screening create a separation between the public realm and RWQCP facilities as is appropriate for this type of use and consistent with this requirement. To create buildings that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area through the consideration of building scale, massing, and bulk. Massing should create a human-scale environment that is of high aesthetic quality and accommodates a variety of uses and design features. The project includes equipment for the purification of recycled water and is not intended to have a human-scale to the design that is inviting/interfacing with the public realm. However, the project meets this requirement by providing appropriate setbacks and screening from the public realm and providing high quality materials for the sound wall that will be visible from the pedestrian perspective. To create cohesive and well-crafted building façades with human-scaled details that incorporate textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. The proposed equipment is set back from the public ROW and is screened from view, as is appropriate for equipment versus a traditional building façade. The proposed colors of the canopy cover on the equipment and the reverse osmosis tank, which would be visible from public ROW, are compatible with the Baylands Design Guidelines and enhance the surrounding area. The screening wall will be the primary feature viewed by the public. The wall has been designed to provide variation through stepbacks as well as through color. Therefore, the project is consistent with this criterion. Private entries into ground floor residential units shall be designed to provide (1) human-scaled detailing; (2) enhanced pedestrian experience; (3) transition between public and private space; (4) spaces for residents to gather and spend time outdoors; (5) resident privacy 4. Building Massing (18.24.050) 3. Building Orientation and Setbacks (18.24.040) 5. Façade Design (18.24.060) 6. Residential Entries (18.24.070) 4 2 3 8 The project does not include a residential use; therefore this design criteria does not apply. To ensure that residents and visitors have access to usable open space and common facilities that provide recreational opportunities, promote a healthy environment, and enhance the experience of living in Palo Alto. The project maintains or otherwise improves the public ROW. The project is located within the RWQCP boundaries which is not accessible to the public and does not include open space or common facilities. Therefore, this criteria does not apply to the project. To promote the use of high quality, durable, sustainable, and attractive materials that exhibit a sense of permanence and contribute to the aesthetic quality of the development and to the urban design fabric of the community. The proposed materials for the buildings are pre-fabricated and include primarily non-reflective metal or steel, as is appropriate for a tank and equipment cover. Therefore, the project is consistent with this design criteria. To incorporate sustainability, green building, and environmental considerations into the project design and construction. Green building design aims for compatibility with the local environment: to protect, respect and benefit from it. In general, sustainable buildings are energy efficient, water conserving, durable and nontoxic, with high-quality spaces and high recycled content materials. The project provides increased opportunities for use of recycled water and therefore is inherently a project to increase sustainability initiatives set forth by the City. The project also provides low water use, native plantings for landscape screening areas, replacing primarily non-native, invasive species. 3. The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and appropriate construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. The project includes muted colors that complement the surroundings and are appropriate to the proposed equipment/use. The project proposes a high-quality screening/sound wall that provides variation in colors and depth as well as quality, native, landscaping that maintain the high-quality experience along Embarcadero Road for all modes of transportation. 4. The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and providing for elements that support the building’s necessary operations (e.g. convenient vehicle access to property and utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if applicable, etc.). The project is designed to maintain the same private access to the plant and maintains the existing pedestrian path connecting embarcadero Road out to the baylands. The AWPS would be operated by existing employees at the plant and no additional parking is proposed. 7. Open Space (18.24.080) 8. Materials (18.24.090) 9. Sustainability and Green Building Design (18.24.100) 4 2 3 8 5. The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is appropriate to the site’s functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained. Landscaping is provided along the perimeter of the site. The landscape palette uses drought tolerant, native species. 6. The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to energy efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning. The project itself is designed to improve the reuse of recycled water within the City of Palo Alto and neighboring jurisdictions, primarily Mountain View, and creates opportunities for future phase expansion to maximize recycled water use. The project provides lighting only to the degree necessary to provide for safe operation of the facility. Landscaping includes low-water use, native landscaping that is consistent with the Baylands. SECTION 5. Design Enhancement Exception Findings 1.There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property or site improvements involved that do not apply generally to property in the same zone. The applicant requests a Design Enhancement Exception to allow for a screening wall that varies from 9.5 to 10 feet tall, where an 8-foot fence/wall is allowed in accordance with 16.24.030 (security fences). The RWQCP is a public facility serving the region in a unique environment that provides important habitat and recreational opportunities. In this sense, the RWQCP is a unique land use that is inherently different from its neighbors and is of more critical importance for the services it provides. The proposed sound/screening wall will protect the quality of surrounding uses will allowing for the site to continue to serve the needs of the region. 2.The granting of the application will enhance the appearance of the site or structure, or improve the neighborhood character of the project and preserve an existing or proposed architectural style, in a manner which would not otherwise be accomplished through strict application of the minimum requirements of this title (Zoning) and the architectural review findings set forth in Section 18.76.020(d); and The proposed wall will preserve the appearance of the public area adjacent to the entrance to the Baylands by screening this public infrastructure equipment and ensuring that sound levels remain below the code requirement consistent with the findings set forth in Section 18.76.020(d). 3.The exception is related to a minor architectural feature or site improvement that will not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare or convenience. The granting of the Design Enhancement Exception is a minor increase of a perimeter wall and would not negatively affect public health, safety, general welfare, or convenience or be detrimental to the property or improvements in the vicinity. The proposed DEE would improve the aesthetics at this entrance to the Baylands by providing screening (in conjunction with landscaping) as well as 4 2 3 8 preserving the quiet for recreational users and surrounding uses. SECTION 6. Conditions of approval PLANNING DIVISION 1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS. Construction and development shall conform to the approved plans entitled, "City of Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant Advanced Water Purification System Architectural Review Submittal” stamped as received by the City on February 6, 2024, on file with the Planning Department, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California except as modified by these conditions of approval. 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. All Department conditions of approval for the project shall be printed on the plans submitted for building permit. 4. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS. All modifications to the approved project shall be submitted for review and approval prior to construction. If during the Building Permit review and construction phase, the project is modified by the applicant, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the Planning Division/project planner directly to obtain approval of the project modification. It is the applicant’s responsibility to highlight any proposed changes to the project and to bring it to the project planner’s attention. 5. LIGHTING. The owner or designee shall ensure that lighting is the minimum necessary and shielded downward to avoid light spillover as shown in the approved plan set. Motion sensor lighting shall be used and shall be set to turn off after a maximum 15-minute period except that a manual switch may be used to allow for lighting to stay on for a longer period, to the minimum extent necessary, for emergency maintenance purposes to ensure worker safety. 6. NOISE THRESHOLDS ON COMMERCIAL PROPERTY. In accordance with PAMC Section 9.10.040, No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine or device, or any combination of same, on commercial or industrial property, a noise level more than eight dB above the local ambient at any point outside of the property plane. 7.NOISE REPORT PRIOR TO INSPECTION. Where the acoustical analysis projected noise levels at or within 5 dB less than the Noise Ordinance limits, the applicant shall demonstrate the installed equipment complies with the anticipated noise levels and the Noise Ordinance prior to final Planning inspection approval. 8. MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM. To the extent applicable, the project shall comply with mitigation measures set forth in the 2015 EIR for the City of Palo Alto Recycled Water Project as identified in the EIR Addendum. 9. INDEMNITY. To the extent permitted by law, the Applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the applicant to attack, set aside or void, any permit or approval authorized hereby for the Project, 4 2 3 8 including (without limitation) reimbursing the City for its actual attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. The City may, in its sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its own choice. 10. FINAL INSPECTION. A Planning Division Final inspection will be required to determine substantial compliance with the approved plans prior to the scheduling of a Building Division final. Any revisions during the building process must be approved by Planning, including but not limited to; materials, landscaping and hard surface locations. Contact your Project Planner, Claire Raybould Claire.Raybould@cityofpaloalto.org to schedule this inspection. BUILDING DEPARTMENT 11.A building permit is required for this project. Submit all plans listed on sheet G-00-002. Include a soil report and supporting structural calculations for the new building and non-building elements (i.e., tank, pipes and their supports, equipment, etc.). Include all MEPs plans, grading and drainage, and complete construction documentation. PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 12. PUBLIC WORKS APPLICATIONS, FORMS, AND DOCUMENTS. Applicant shall be advised that most forms, applications, and informational documents related to Public Works Engineering conditions can be found at the following link: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public- Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and-Permits 13. STREETWORK PERMIT. The applicant shall obtain a Streetwork Permit from the Department of Public Works for all public improvements. 14. FLOOD ZONE. This project is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and shall comply with the requirements in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.52 15. ENCROACHMENT PERMIT: Prior to any work in the public right-of-way, the applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department for any work that encroaches onto the City right-of-way. 16. GRADING PERMIT. A Grading Permit may be required per PAMC Chapter 16.28. The permit application and all applicable documents (see Section H of application) shall be submitted to Public Works Engineering if required. 17. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE. Prior to issuance of any building permit for structures that extend across parcel boundaries, the applicant shall record a certificate of compliance to adjust to the parcel boundaries in a manner consistent with the approved plans. WATER QUALITY 18. Include the Storm Water Pollution Prevention plan sheet (Public Works) • http://bit.ly/PAStormWaterPollution 19. All Bay Area Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit requirements shall be followed. Refer to the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program C.3 Handbook (download here: http://scvurppp-w2k.com/c3_handbook.shtml) for details. 20. Stormwater quality protection: 4 2 3 8 o Temporary and permanent waste, compost and recycling containers shall be covered to prohibit fly-away trash and having rainwater enter the containers. o Drain downspouts to landscaping (outward from building as needed). o Offsite downgrade storm drain inlets shall also be identified on this plan set and protected. If City staff removes protection from an inlet in the ROW during a rain event, the contractor shall replace the inlet protection by the end of the following business day. ZERO WASTE 21. SALVAGE SURVEY. A Salvage Survey for reuse is not required. However, the highest source separation of any materials removed is still required. PUBLIC WORKS URBAN FORESTRY The following conditions and/or standard Municipal Code requirements are provided for supplemental guidance, recommendation and/or best practices. Any applicable items shall be addressed in any permit application such as a Building Permit, Excavation and Grading Permit, Certificate of Compliance, Street Work Permit, Encroachment Permit, etc. 22. TREE PROTECTION COMPLIANCE. The owner and contractor shall implement all protection and inspection schedule measures, design recommendations and construction scheduling as stated in the Sheet T-1 and is subject to code compliance action pursuant to PAMC 8.10.080. The required protective fencing shall remain in place until final landscaping and inspection of the project. 23. PLAN CHANGES. Revisions and/or changes to plans before or during construction shall be reviewed and responded to by the (a) project site arborist, or (b) landscape architect with written letter of acceptance before submitting the revision to the Development Services Department for review by Planning, PW or Urban Forestry. 24. TREE DAMAGE. Tree Damage, Injury Mitigation and Inspections apply to the Contractor. Reporting, injury mitigation measures and tree protection inspection schedule apply. 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. 25. URBAN FORESTRY 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. 26. EXCAVATION RESTRICTIONS APPLY. Any approved grading, digging or trenching beneath a tree canopy shall be performed using ‘air-spade’ method as a preference, with manual hand shovel as a backup. For utility trenching, including sewer line, roots exposed with diameter of 1.5 inches and greater shall remain intact and not be damaged. If directional boring method is used to tunnel beneath roots, then CPA Standard Detail #504 shall be printed on the final plans to be implemented by Contractor. 27. PLAN SET REQUIREMENTS. The final Plans submitted for a building permit shall include the following information and notes on relevant plan sheets: a. SHEET T-1, The building permit plan set will include the City’s full-sized, Sheet T-1 (Tree 4 2 3 8 Protection-it's Part of the Plan!), available on the Development Center website. A certified arborist shall complete and sign the Tree Disclosure Statement. b. TREE PROTECTION FENCING, The Plan Set (esp. site, demolition, grading & drainage, foundation, irrigation, tree disposition, utility sheets, etc.) must delineate/show the correct configuration of Type I, Type II or Type III fencing around each Protected Tree, using a bold dashed line enclosing the Tree Protection Zone (CPA Standard Detail #605). SECTION 7. Term of Approval. 1. 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 18.82.080. 2. Design Enhancement Exception. The time limits for any DEE shall be the same as the time limits for the accompanying design review approval. PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: _____________________________ City Manager __________________________ ______________________________ Assistant City Attorney Director of Planning and Development Services 2 1 5 3 ATTACHMENT C ZONING COMPARISON TABLE 2501 Embarcadero Way, 22PLN-00367 Table 1: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.28 (PF DISTRICT) Regulation Required Existing Proposed Minimum Site Area, width and depth None 44,566,185 (1023 ac)44,802,715 (~1023 ac)1 Minimum Front Yard (Embarcadero Road)(2) 20 feet More than 50 feet 24 feet Rear Yard 10 feet More than 115 feet Unclear (more than 100 ft) Interior Side Yard 10 feet More than 80 feet Varies; 96 to 118 ft Special Setback 24 feet – see Chapter 20.08 & zoning maps Not applicable Not applicable Max. Site Coverage 30% (24,691 sf)0.87% 0.89% Max. Total Floor Area Ratio 1:1 (44,566.185 sf).0082: 1.0 (366,108 sf).0091: 1.0 (406,378 sf) Max. Building Height 50 ft or 35 ft when located within 150 ft of residentially zoned property Unknown 38 feet (permeate tank) 32.5 feet (canopy) 15 feet (electrical building) Daylight Plane None Not Applicable Not Applicable Employee Showers 0 required for new square footage greater than 9,999 sf Unclear 0 (facilities will be unmanned and maintained by existing RWQCP staff) 1. The project plans do not reflect a proposal to change the parcels; however, in staff’s review it appears that a lot line adjustment may be necessary which ultimately would increase the square footage of the parcel on which the project is located. Table 2: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.52 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) for Public Facilities* Type Required Existing Proposed Vehicle Parking To be determined by Director Unclear 0 (facilities will be unmanned and maintained by existing RWQCP staff) Bicycle Parking To be determined by Director Unclear 0 Loading Space To be determined by Director 0 0   MEMORANDUM FROM:   James Allen; Public Works Department, Plant Manager  Tom Kapushinski; Public Works Department, Senior Engineer  Diego Martinez Garcia; Public Works Department, Engineer    TO:    Claire Raybould, Planning Department    PROJECT: Local Advanced Water Purification System    DATE: March 21, 2024   April 22, 2024 ‐ Revised    SUBJECT: Investigation of correlated color temperature (CCT) reduction at the Local Advanced  Water Purification System located inside the Regional Water Quality Control Plant  (RWQCP). REVISED        On February 28, 2024, the Planning and Transportation Commission held a regular meeting where the  Local Advanced Water Purification System (Project) was discussed. The Commission recommended  approval of a Site and Design Application to construct the Project at the Regional Water Quality Control  Plant (RWQCP or Plant). A commission member requested an investigation to use 2700K correlated  color temperature (CCT) lighting instead of the designed 4000K CCT lighting.    Background  Staff evaluated color temperature with the designer (Black & Veatch), a third‐party specialty consultant  (TJC and Associates), and independently at the staff level. The consultant’s technical memorandum  advising on color temperature for this facility is attached (Appendix A).  The RWQCP is an essential  industrial facility providing wastewater treatment services. Onsite workers perform duties day and  night.  Numerous workers provide services during night hours including operators, mechanics,  electricians, laboratory staff, technologists, engineers, contractors, chemical delivery drivers, and so  forth. All workers need to perform work safely during the night hours. The new facility under  consideration has areas that need proper lighting due to continuous operation and maintenance needs  (e.g., around highly hazardous chemicals, rotating machinery, and power distribution equipment).    Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)  Compared to warm colors, higher color temperature lighting details natural color and work  environments more accurately. The proposed lighting gives Plant staff a more realistic view during night  hours. High color temperature will provide better visibility and ultimately create a safer working  environment by reducing the risk of accidents and injury. The higher color temperature lighting supports  employee safety, consistent with the City’s Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and industry standards.    A third‐party electrical engineering firm and the designer recommended using a minimum CCT of 4000K  following manufacturer Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) guidelines. Color temperatures between  4000K to 5000K benefit industrial facilities. This range provides brighter, natural‐looking light, improves  visibility, enables worker awareness, promotes alertness, enhances focus, and increases productivity.  Studies1,2 show that white light stimulates wakefulness and heightened cognitive function by  suppressing melatonin levels, keeping workers awake and alert. Conversely, warm lighting induces  fatigue resulting in reduced efficiency and performance1, 2 making them undesirable for industrial  facilities. Warm light emits a less bright, yellow‐orange light that can hinder worksite visibility.     Local AWPS Lighting Design  The AWPS provides illumination that is safe and functional for onsite staff as well as being designed to  reduce illumination impacts on nearby areas. The design promotes alertness, high productivity, and  visual discernment of details. The Project is equipped with onsite control panels, pumps, valves, and  electrical gear that need continual attention. Additionally, multiple hazardous chemicals are required to  keep filtration and reverse osmosis membranes running under optimal conditions.    Addressing light pollution is a growing issue. The RWQCP is sensitive to its proximity to the natural  resources of the Baylands. The AWPS design keeps lighting focused within the project area and out of  the Baylands. Using the DarkSky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society guidelines, the  AWPS lighting design incorporates four of the five lighting principles for responsible outdoor lighting,  including:    1) Useful – All light should have a clear purpose.     The lighting design only includes external fixtures under the canopy and equipment area where  workers need access to perform routine operations and maintenance duties 24/7.     2) Targeted – Direct light so it falls only where needed.     The canopy ceiling lighting fixtures provide illumination targeted to the equipment area. The  selected lighting fixtures provide a higher delivered footcandles in the work area, thereby  avoiding light dispersion. On the north corner of the Project, there are pendant type lights  installed in the roof structure with minor spill out towards the Project boundary. To further  minimize light dispersion from the canopy, the Project includes an architectural aluminum panel  to be installed in the upper canopy (Figure 1).     3) Low Level – Illumination design is code‐based for an industrial facility like the RWQCP.    4) Controlled – Use light only when it is needed.     The design incorporates provisions for timers, motion sensors, and photocells.        1 Ju, J., Chen, D. and Lin, Y. (2012). Effects of correlated color temperature on spatial brightness perception. Color Res. Appl., 37: 450-454. https://doi.org/10.1002/col.20711 2 Huang, R.-H., Lee, L., Chiu, Y.-A. and Sun, Y. (2015). Effects of correlated color temperature on focused and sustained attention under white LED desk lighting. Color Res. Appl., 40: 281-286. https://doi.org/10.1002/col.21885                Figure 1. Architectural aluminum panel for increased screening and to prevent light dispersion    Local AWPS Lighting Study  During the AWPS design, the designer conducted lighting calculations3 to determine point‐by‐point  illuminance on any workplace or surface utilizing lighting fixture families and surface geometry present  on the model. After receiving Architectural Review Board feedback, the design team updated the model  to include a larger area outside the main canopy area. The results (see Appendix B) indicate a maximum  illuminance of 21.7 foot‐candles outside the canopy area with an average of 1.3 foot‐candles. Areas near  the boundary wall and the boundary with Embarcadero Road and contiguous properties show  illuminances near zero foot‐candles. The model also simulated illuminance as a function of height. The  results indicate that there will be low illuminance in the north wall near the corner of the canopy at  between 1.0 and 2.0 foot‐candles with a maximum of 2.7 foot‐candles. For instance, the average  illuminance inside the canopy would be 15.7 foot‐candles.     Conclusion  The RWQCP promotes a safe, well‐lit work environment; lighting is selected and used to enhance  concentration, productivity, and alertness. An independent electrical engineering firm and the design  engineer were consulted, and their recommendation is to use a minimum CCT of 4000K following  manufacturer Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) guidelines. Color temperatures ranging from 4000K  to 5000K offer numerous safety benefits in industrial facilities, including brightness, natural‐looking  light, improved visibility in low‐light settings, and better worker awareness The AWPS design provides  lighting that is safe and minimizes offsite impacts. The AWPS lighting design incorporates four out of five  DarkSky Association lighting principles for responsible outdoor use, which includes using the minimum  light needed to safely perform tasks and avoiding light dispersion. Lighting software was used to confirm  proper lighting onsite and offsite. Areas near the boundary wall and the boundary with Embarcadero  Road and contiguous properties show illuminance levels near zero foot‐candles.    3 Black & Veatch uses ElumTools software  Appendix A - Professional Opinion Memorandum Concerning Correlated Color Temperature Reduction in Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants 124016 - Palo Alto Lighting TM.docx 03/21/24 Page 1 of 3 Technical Memorandum To: Diego Martinez Garcia, City of Palo Alto From: Andrew Calma and Eileen Nakamura, P.E., TJC and Associates Rick Chan, P.E., Carollo Engineers, Inc. Project Name: City of Palo Alto On-Call Engineering Services Task Order No. 6 Investigation of Correlated Color Temperature Reduction Project Number: 124016 Subject: Professional Opinion Concerning Correlated Color Temperature Reduction in Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants File to: 124016 - 6.02 Date: March 21, 2024 This memo provides our professional opinion regarding how essential facilities such as treatment plants can address correlated color temperature reduction and minimize light pollution. 1. Correlated Color Temperature Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) is a measure of the color appearance of a light source and is measured in degrees Kelvin. It is a gauge of how yellow or blue the color of the light emitted from a lighting fixture appears. Selection of lighting fixture CCT depends on the environment or application. A lower (warm) CCT includes hues of yellow or amber light colors, while a higher CCT appears as hues more associated with daylight or bright white light colors. The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommendations for industrial facilities lighting can be found in ANSI/IES RP-7-21. In Chapter 3, the IES recommends using LED light sources having a higher CCT, with typical values ranging from 4000K to 5000K. Lighting manufacturers also recommend using LEDs with daylight light color temperatures ranging from 4000K to 5000K. Sometimes, a CCT higher than 5000K is used for task lighting and distribution centers to help increase productivity and energize individuals. Lastly, according to studies from the National Library of Medicine, warm color temperatures may help increase melatonin production and lights with high color temperatures help suppress melatonin production, promotes focus, and maintain alertness. In contrast, for restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality-type establishments, the IES and lighting manufacturers recommend using LEDs with warm color temperatures ranging from 2200K-3500K, to create a friendly and relaxed ambiance. Warm color temperatures at 3000K and below (with hues of orange, amber, and yellow) are commonly used in hotel rooms. 124016 - Palo Alto Lighting TM.docx 03/21/24 Page 2 of 3 2. Light at Night Light at Night is a collaboration between DarkSky International (formerly known as International Dark-Sky Association) and the IES to address the issue of light pollution or light spills that negatively affect the environment and human condition. The requirements for light pollution reduction for industrial facilities can be found in the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Section 5.106.8. This Section documents the allowable backlight, uplight, and glare ratings as determined by the State of California. To comply with the light pollution reduction requirements of CALGreen, the measures that are applied to outdoor lighting include: • Selecting a wedge-shaped lighting fixture having reduced uplight. • Choosing a fixture with “sharp-cutoff” photometrics for a more downward light aim and associated glare reduction. • Installing accessories such as “light shields” to reduce light spills, glare, and backlight. 3. Professional Opinion on CCT Selection Our experience at industrial establishments, including water and wastewater facilities, commonly use a CCT of 4000K minimum following manufacturer and IES recommendations. Lighting design criteria for industrial lighting generally emphasize safety and visibility. The measure used to ensure a safe working environment is to select lighting fixtures with high CCT’s to enhance visibility of potential hazards and provide clear egress and exit paths to minimize accidents and injuries. Similarly, a brighter appearing space is generally more pleasant to perform tasks that require focused visual effort, thereby enhancing productivity. Reducing lighting fixture CCT to values lower than 4000K in industrial facilities would increase the risk of accidents and injuries and would not be compliant with IES recommendations. 4. Professional Opinion for Light Pollution Reduction To comply with light pollution reduction requirements, industry standard practices rely on a number of design schemes. House shields are typically installed in outdoor lighting fixtures to reduce light spills and are commonly used on pole-mounted fixtures. For lighting fixtures mounted on exterior walls, a wedge-shaped lighting fixture is commonly installed to focus light downward and not outward. Lastly, fixture photometrics that complement the physical placement of the fixtures (e.g., sharp cutoff characteristics) can maximize the lighting at the intended area while limiting light spills outside that area. 5. References and Resources 5.1 References 2022 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11 – Chapter 5, Section 5.106.8 Light Pollution Reduction. Accessed March 18, 2024. Accessed at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/CALGreen 124016 - Palo Alto Lighting TM.docx 03/21/24 Page 3 of 3 Correlated color temperature and light intensity: Complementary features in non- visual light field. Accessed March 18, 2024. Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8274909/ Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball players. Accessed March 18, 2024. Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3499892/ Effect of exposure duration and light spectra on nighttime melatonin suppression in adolescents and adults. Accessed March 18, 2024. Accessed March 18, 2024. Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6561500/ The inner clock-Blue light sets the human rhythm. Accessed March 18, 2024. Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7065627/ 5.2 Resources 2022 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11 (CALGreen) ANSI/IES RP-7-21 Recommended Practice: Lighting Industrial Facilities https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Appendix B - AWPS ELUM General Lighting Calculation for Outside Area 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 55 5 5 5 5 5 3 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 6 6 66 55 5 5 3 3 3 3 3 33 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 41E11E11E 11E11E1 1E 1 1E 1 1E 11E11E1 1E 1 1E 1 1E 11E11E1 5 5 1 1E 1 1E 1 11E11E 1 1E 1 1E 1E 1E11E11E 51E 5 5 NORTH WALL NORTH-EAST WALL SOUTH-WEST WALL NO R T H -W E S T W A L L 7 7 7 7 7 ASSUMPTION: WALL HEIGHT -50'-0" ABOVE FGL CEILING HEIGHT -50'-0" ABOVE FGL PENDANT MOUNT AT 21'-0" ABOVE FINISHED FLOOR (TYP OF 20) RO AREA PENDANT MOUNT AT 24'-0" ABOVE FINISHED FLOOR (TYP OF 30) MF AREA NORTH-EAST WALL NORTH WALL NORTH-WEST WALL SOUTH-WEST WALL 1/2 D1 1 0 0 0 OF FIL E : 0 1 2 4(SCALE BAR IS 4" AT FULL SCALE) PROJECT NO.: DESIGNED: DETAILED: CHECKED: APPROVED: DATE: 3 PL O T T E D : Black & Veatch Corporation Walnut Creek, California REVISIONS AND RECORD OF ISSUE C: \ U s e r s \ p a t 7 9 1 4 2 \ O n e D r i v e - B l a c k & V e a t c h \ D e s k t o p \ C h a r a n P a t i l ( D o n t D e l e t e ) \ O f f i c e W o r k \ 1 ) W o r k i n g P r o j e c t s \ P a l o A l t o P r o j e c t \ P a l o A l t o O u t s i d e A r e a E l u m C a l c u l a t i o n \ P a l o A l t o d e t a c h e d _ M o d e l ( F l o o r & W a l l C a l c u l a t i o n ) . r v t 11/ 2 8 / 2 0 2 3 4 : 2 8 : 5 0 P M 100% SUBMITTAL 215E-EC-101 CITY OF PALO ALTO RWQCP ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM AWPS ELUM GENERAL LIGHTING CALCULATION OUTSIDE AREA ELECTRICAL AWPS 408520 HK CP CRM PV 05/2023 1" = 20'-0" PALO AWPS OUTSIDE AREA LIGHTING CALCULATION 1" = 20' 10'0 20'40'20' GENERAL NOTES 1.SEE DRAWINGS E-00-001 AND E-00-002 FOR ELECTRICAL LEGEND, ABBREVIATION AND NOTES. KEYPLAN NO SCALE ElumTools General Use Illuminance Results Calculation Points Name Average Maximum Minimum Space: Specified Lighting Load/Area OUTSIDE AREA 1.3 fc 21.7 fc 0.0 fc INSIDE AREA 15.7 fc 38.4 fc 0.0 fc SOUTH-WEST WALL 0.4 fc 0.6 fc 0.1 fc NORTH-WEST WALL 0.2 fc 0.5 fc 0.0 fc NORTH WALL 0.6 fc 2.7 fc 0.0 fc NORTH-EAST WALL 0.0 fc 0.0 fc 0.0 fc 1 04/22 60% DESIGN SUBMITTAL 2 09/22 90% DESIGN SUBMITTAL NO SCALE NORTH WALL NO SCALE NORTH-EAST WALL NO SCALE NORTH-WEST WALL NO SCALE SOUTH-WEST WALL Lighting Fixture Schedule Family Fixture Type Photometric File Name Lamp Count Luminaire Input Watts Luminaire Lumens Total Light Loss Factor Mounting Height PVML (Pendant / Ceiling Mount)1 PVML-11-UNV1-S891.ies 24 91 W 10676 lm 0.85 21'-0" PVML (Pendant Mount Emergency) 1E PVML-11-UNV1-S891.ies 26 91 W 10676 lm 0.85 21'-0" PVML (Pendant / Ceiling Mount)2 PVML-3-UNV1-S891.ies 4 27 W 2756 lm 0.85 7'-10" PVML (Stantion Mount)3 PVML-3-R3-UNV1.ies 12 26 W 2726 lm 0.85 7'-6" PVML (Stantion Mount)4 PVML-7-R3-UNV1.ies 3 59 W 6285 lm 0.85 7'-6" Street_Light-LED-Lithonia-DSX1-MA 5 DSX1_LED_30C_700_40K_T3M_MVOLT_MA.ies 26 68 W 7345 lm 0.85 10'-0" PVML (Wall Mount)6 PVML-3-R3-UNV1.ies 4 26 W 2726 lm 0.85 7'-6" WSQ-LED 7 WSQ LED P1 SR3 40K MVOLT.ies 5 20 W 2244 lm 0.85 8" Grand total: 104 104 3D VIEW SEE PLAN SEE PLAN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD SUBMITTAL ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD SUBMITTAL 100% SUBMITTAL NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD SUBMITTAL   MEMORANDUM FROM: Diego Martinez Garcia, Engineer TO: City of Palo Alto Planning Department Architectural Review Board Members Cc – Tom Kapushinski, Senior Engineer PROJECT: Local Advanced Water Purification System DATE: April 19, 2024 SUBJECT: Relocation of Reverse Osmosis Permeate Tank A hearing with the City’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) to recommend a Site and Design Application was held on April 4, 2024 for action on 2501 Embarcadero Way (22PLN-00367) to allow construction of a Local Advanced Water Purification System (Project) at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP or Plant). The Project was approved and the motion included six Conditions of Approval. Condition or Approval #5 asked staff to “Explore the potential relocation of the reverse osmosis permeate tank to move toward the new proposed structure and/or to move towards the future headworks building”. The purpose of this memo is to provide a summary of this investigation. Relocation of permeate tank towards the future headworks building Engineering staff reviewed the design plans and existing/future facilities. Staff concluded that is not feasible to move the permeate tank towards the future Headworks building for the following reasons: a) The existing old chlorine contact tank will remain onsite for a few years until the new Headworks building is designed and constructed. Plant staff needs access around the old chlorine contact tank to drive trucks and equipment around it. There is an existing paved access area (18 ft wide) around the old chlorine contact tank that needs to be maintained. The proposed location for the permeate tank is such that the existing clearance is maintained. Additionally, the permeate tank manufacturers recommended maintaining 10 ft of clearance around for maintenance purposes (Figure 1). b) The future Headworks facility is currently in advanced planning. As such, the level of detail about the building’s footprint and needs is still to be determined. Existing influent wastewater pipes run through the site and space is needed for excavation of new pipes while maintaining existing ones in operation. Staff needs to preserve the old chlorine contact tank footprint for Headworks project needs as other Plant’s facilities are contiguous to the site. c) The proposed Local AWPS design includes a utility corridor between the RO Permeate tank and the Old Chlorine tank. These utilities include the tertiary-treated recycled water line (feed water for the process), the final product water (permeate), the reverse osmosis concentrate line and current utilities that need to be relocated (Plant process water lines, Renzel Marsh line). Enough clearance is needed for these utilities in the existing space between tanks. Figure 1. RO Permeate Tank and Old Chlorine Contact Tank spacing needs Relocation of permeate tank towards the new proposed structure Engineering staff reviewed the design plans and future AWPS main structure. Staff concluded that is not feasible to move the permeate tank towards the new proposed AWPS structure for the following reasons: a) The AWPS requires the use of various chemicals and truck deliveries will occur on a frequent basis. The design engineer utilized a turning simulation software to assess the ingress/egress of a typical chemical truck on site. Due to existing site constraints and structures, the trucks will be required to back-up in the area between the permeate storage tank and the AWPS main structure. Figure 2 shows required space needs of a truck. Figure 2. Chemical Delivery Truck Access b) During initial plan reviews, the City of Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD) indicated that in case of an emergency, their vehicles should be able to access the AWPS facility from all the sides. They evaluated the available clearance between the permeate tank and the AWPS structure and requested to maintain that clearance for their trucks and equipment.     Local Advanced Water Purification System ARB Major Submittal Prepared by City of Palo Alto September 2022   2                                                                                        MEMORANDUM FROM: Diego Martinez Garcia, Associate Engineer, City of Palo Alto Tom Kapushinski, Senior Engineer, City of Palo Alto TO: Architectural Review Board/ City of Palo Alto PROJECT: Local Advanced Water Purification System (AWPS) DATE: September 2022 SUBJECT: Project Written Description This project description summary is prepared for the City of Palo Alto (City) Architectural Review Board (ARB) site and design review of the Local Advanced Water Purification System (AWPS, proposed project) at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP), Palo Alto, California. The proposed project will include the construction and operation of a membrane filtration recycled water facility and a permeate storage tank at the City’s RWQCP. Introduction and Background of the Project   The City of Palo Alto owns and operates the RWQCP, which is an advanced treatment facility that provides wastewater treatment for the cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Stanford and East Palo Alto Sanitary District. Currently, the RWQCP treats an average of 17 million gallons per day (MGD), much of the treated effluent is discharged into the Lower South Bay. The RWQCP produces and distributes approximately 230 million gallons per year of tertiary-treated recycled water to the City of Mountain View, several City-owned facilities and a commercial truck fill standpipe at the RWQCP. Following public concerns regarding the irrigation of redwood trees and other salt-sensitive species with recycled water, the City prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) focused on water quality issues and salinity impacts. On January 25, 2010, Council approved the Recycled Water Salinity Reduction Policy including a goal of reducing the recycled water total dissolved solids level to 600 parts per million. In 2017, Valley Water, Palo Alto, and Mountain View finalized a feasibility study and the preliminary design report for a local Advanced Water Purification System (Project). Currently, the Project is in design and construction is expected to begin in 2023.   3    The Project will improve the recycled water quality by reducing its average concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) from 800 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 450 +- 50 mg/L through the blending of reverse osmosis permeate with tertiary-treated recycled water. Highly treated water produced by the Project would benefit landscapes currently irrigated with recycled water in Palo Alto, enable Palo Alto to expand its non-potable distribution system, and provide a first step toward small-scale potable water production for direct or indirect potable reuse in Palo Alto. Scope of Work   The Project will consist of the following elements: membrane filtration (microfiltration or ultrafiltration), reverse osmosis, chemical storage/feed systems, a permeate storage tank and ancillary components. The Project will be located outside the current fence on the northwest side of the RWQCP. The new facility will be a one-story concrete deck approximately 116 ft by 134 ft in area and will house membrane filtration, the reverse osmosis system, a majority of the chemical feed system, and other ancillary components. The facility would have a building footprint of approximately 15,544 square feet. The concrete deck foundation will consist of 258 piles for the main deck with a pile tip elevation of -30 ft. The Project includes an electrical building located on the western side of the main structure. For this building, an additional concrete deck 80 ft by 20 ft will be installed. The foundation of this smaller deck will consist of 48 piles with a pile tip elevation of - 30 ft. The main structure will be partially covered by a roof. The roof dimensions are 112 ft by 66 ft with a height of 32 ft. The Project also includes a reverse osmosis permeate tank that will be located northeast of the main structure and west of the former chlorine contact tank. The storage tank will be a 50 ft diameter circular tank with a nominal sidewall height of 30 ft. The storage tank capacity will be 350,000 gals. The tank will be erected on a reinforced concrete mat type foundation supported by deep pile foundation as designed by the tank supplier and installed by the Contractor The Project will also include a blending station located in the basement of the RWQCP Administration Building and installation of yard piping inside the RWQCP. Existing and Proposed Uses   The local AWPS will be located on currently undeveloped land in the western portion of the RWQCP area. The site includes a soil bed filter that removes odors from the Influent Pumping Station. The soil bed filter will be removed, and an odor control system will be installed next to the Influent Pumping Station. Several water and wastewater mains are in the site. The main structure was designed to consider an East Palo Alto Sanitary District easement. The Project includes the relocation of one 8-inch sewer line located onsite. The proposed local AWPS will be part of the RWQCP Recycled Water production system. Tertiary-treated recycled water will be conveyed from the current Chlorine Contact Tank into the membrane filtration. Reverse osmosis permeate will be pumped to a permeate storage tank. Permeate will be mixed with tertiary-treated recycled water and then sent to the recycled water system. The facility will not be permanently occupied and will have space for one operator to access as needed for routine operations and maintenance.   4    Purpose of the Proposed Changes   The purpose of the changes to the site is to construct an AWPS to improve the recycled water quality by reducing its average concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) from 800 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 450 +- 50 mg/L through the blending of reverse osmosis permeate with tertiary-treated recycled water. Design Intent   The basis of design for the Project is to meet a maximum, instantaneous permeate production capacity of 1.125 MGD during the current first phase, expandable to 2.25 MGD in a future second phase. The Project is being designed to accommodate the future expansion with minimal civil/mechanical/electrical work by adding equipment to housekeeping pads. To account for future sea level rise in accordiance with the City of Palo Alto Sea Level Rise Policy, the finished grade elveation will be raised at the location of the Project. The top of concrete of the main Project structure will be set at 11.5 ft. To make up for the remainder of the required elevevation to keep rotating mechanical, electrical and instrumentation out of the flood plain and future sea level elevation, equipment will be placed on equipment pads as required to an elevation of 13.5 ft. The top of the new chemical containment wall will be at 13.5 ft. The main structure will sit approximately 3 to 4 feet higher than the surrounding terrain. The on- site grading is being designed to maintain a 2% or less slope in building access areas and 4% or less slope in operational maneuvering areas. Electrical, potable water and fire services supply will be independent from the existing RWQCP services and new connections will be needed from City of Palo Alto Utilities. The proposed architectural design addresses the City’s desire for a facility that blends into the surrounding environment but at the same time provides treatment for recycled water in an efficient way. The Project emphasizes functional and operation requirements needed for a facility such as the RWQCP, but also takes into consideration the existing pedestrian walkway and landscaping outside the RWQCP. The Project is being designed to address public views from outside the RWQCP perimeter by maintaining screening as much as possible given the severe space limitations on-site. Buildings, screen fencing/walls and canopies at the Project site will use materials, colors and design standards consistent with existing facilities. The following strategies have been implemented to define the inward facing and outward facing architectural solutions: a) Optimize the comfort and safety of the working environment beyond the minimum space requirements to achieve practical and functional solutions b) Use practical architectural forms, features, materials, finishes and colors to blend into the environment and be consistent with the existing RWQCP structures and in scale with surrounding area c) Utilize building materials that promote durability, longevity and ease of maintenance d) Consider material availability and sourcing to keep project costs and schedules in check   5    Materials, Colors and Construction Methods   The Project building, canopy, fencing/walls and materials are selected to meet the RWQCP operational and safety requirements outlined in the project, governing CEQA documents, design criteria, and compliance with building codes and standards. Building forms, materials and colors are selected to meet Palo Alto Baylands Master Plan and the RWQCP CEQA document requirements for screening in Embarcadero Road, the adjacent business park and the pedestrian path. Canopy – The canopy will be over the microfiltration and reverse osmosis equipment, compressors, cartridge filters and blowers. The canopy will be approximately 66 ft wide, 116 ft long with a clearance of 25 ft and a maximum height of 32 ft. The canopy will be a pre- engineered metal building with purlin supports and a standing seam roof. The roof color will be colonial red, and the purlins will be painted cool zinc gray. Electrical building – The electrical building will be a pre-fabricated building that houses motor control centers (MCCs) and variable frequency drives (VFDs) as well as a small control room for SCADA equipment. The building is located west of the main structure and is 80 ft long by 20 ft wide with a height of 12.5 ft. The building is a prefabricated unit painted ANSI 70 Gray #5049. RO Permeate Tank – A 50 ft diameter tank, 30 ft tall tank made of glass-lined bolted steel painted forest green. The color was selected based on the manufacturer’s catalogue and provides continuity with the existing and new tree canopy around the RWQCP   6    Chainlink security fence – An 8 feet high galvanized steel chain-link to meet RWQCP security specifications. Additionally, perimeter fencing solutions are developed to meet the project criteria of aesthetically screening the local AWPS from exterior public view. Concrete soundwall – To reduce sound coming from the pumping equipment inside the facility, a 10 feet high, precast concrete wall with precast concrete pilasters will be installed in certain sections of the perimeter. The wall’s exterior surface will have a wood plank texture with a horizontal board staggered pattern. The wall will be stained and will be coated with an anti- graffiti sealer. Colors and materials were selected to blend into the adjacent landscape plant screening material. Asphalt pedestrian path – A 5 feet wide asphalt pedestrian path with wood headerboard Construction Methods The Project will be constructed over a period of 18 months beginning in 2023 and continuing through 2024. Project construction will consist of soil bed filter removal, tree removal, sewer line relocation, excavation, pile installation, building construction, equipment installation, startup and testing. In parallel, pile excavation and site preparation for the permeate storage tank will take place. On the exterior, the perimeter wall foundation will be excavated and constructed. The Project will include new landscaping and tree replacement onsite. Inside the RWQCP, yard piping excavation, installation and fill will occur as well as work in the chemical storage tanks and basement of the Administration Building. Construction access will be from Embarcadero Way. The Project will be designed to be constructed without interruption to the current treatment operations, except during special circumstances such as piping and utility tie-ins. Landscaping Plan   The landscape design follows the requirements of the Palo Alto Baylands Master Plan and the requirements for the RWQCP to install and maintain landscaping around the facility to provide visual screening for visitors to the surrounding Baylands. The landscape solution is designed to:  Blend into the existing site and the existing Baylands planting layout and palette,   7    creating an aesthetically pleasing facility.  Take advantage of existing healthy mature screening, transition to denser shrubs along the fenceline and move to smaller shrubs and native grasses towards the road.  Combine perimeter fencing solutions and layered plant materials to screen the Project and ancillary structures  Maintain safety and site security. The planting design considers the right balance of plant material and path alignment to provide vehicles, cyclists and pedestrian traffic adequate visibility to each other and safe sight distance.  Provide a plant palette that will be low-maintenance, low water use, visually interesting in foliage color, texture and blooms, and locally adapted to the climate. Lighting Design Criteria   Lightning levels will be provided following the recommended levels suggested by the Illumination Engineering Society (IES) handbook. Lighting fixtures types are to be suitable for the environments where installed and will be installed in a serviceable and accessible location for routine maintenance. Light sources for the entire project will be LED. Indoor location will be provided with lighting fixtures than ensure all passages and exits remain illuminated in the event of power failure. Under the canopy ceiling mounted and pendant mounted fixtures will be installed. For outdoor locations but inside the RWQCP, pole mounted fixtures will be installed with heights as required to maintain lightning illumination levels in the area similar to other structures at the RWQCP. Pole heights and locations are considered to address maintenance issues for the City to replace or repair fixtures. The project does not include any modification to the lightning located outside the perimeter wall along Embarcadero Road. Egress and emergency lighting systems are provided in conformance with NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). LED type exit signs will be placed inside the facilities as well. SAN MATEO, SANTA CLARA & SAN BENITO COUNTIES April 3 2024 To: Palo Alto Architectural Review Board By email to: arb@CityofPaloAlto.org CC: claire.raybould@cityofpaloalto.org Re: Lighting at 2501 Embarcadero Way - Local Advanced Water Purification System Dear Chair Baltay and commissioners, The Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter are organizations united by our shared commitment to the protection of the environment, nature, and open space, and we represent thousands of members in the City of Palo Alto. We have been advocating for a reduction of light pollution in the region, and have engaged with the City of Palo Alto in promoting human and environmental health through reducing, and preventing the proliferation of artificial light at night. Recognizing that the proposed project, a local advanced water purification system, provides important infrastructure, we remain concerned with the lighting plan for the proposed water treatment plant at 2501 Embarcadero in the Baylands area of Palo Alto1. The State of the World's Migratory Species report, a first-of-its-kind assessment by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS, an environmental treaty of the United Nations) – paints a stark picture. One in five migratory species listed by the CMS is at risk of extinction and almost half (44%) are decreasing in numbers2. Birds are especially vulnerable since most species migrate at night3. 1 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/architectural- review-board/2024/arb-4.04-2501-embarcadero.pdf 2 - 1 in 5 migratory species are at risk of extinction, says a new UN report. World Economic Forum Feb 21, 2024 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/migratory-species-decline-extinction-un-report/ See also, https://www.cms.int/en/publication/state-worlds-migratory-species-report 3 Burt et. Al. 2022. The effects of light pollution on migratory animal behavior. 2022. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Special Issue: Animal behaviour in a changing world. https://lightsoutheartland.org/images/articles/Burt TREE 2023EcolandEvolrevlighteffectsonmigration2023.pdf Lights with lower color temperatures (typically below 3000K) are better for wildlife because they have less impact on the natural behaviors and activities of nocturnal animals4. Nocturnal animals such as birds, bats, and insects rely on natural light cues to navigate and carry out essential functions such as feeding, breeding, and migration. Artificial light sources with higher color temperatures (typically above 3000K) can interfere with these natural cues, disrupting the animals' circadian rhythms and affecting their behavior. For example, high-color-temperature lights can attract insects, which in turn attract birds, bats and other animals that feed on them, leading to changes in insect populations and affecting the ecosystem. Additionally, high-color-temperature lights can cause birds to become disoriented during migration5, leading to collisions with buildings and other structures. Lights with lower color temperatures are less disruptive to wildlife because they produce light that is closer in color to natural moonlight and starlight. This can help minimize the impact of artificial light on nocturnal animals and allow them to carry out their natural behaviors without interference6. The Staff Report for the ARB meeting of April 4th refers to the DarkSky International "Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting''7 (PDF p. 31). However, we believe that the Staff Report is inconsistent with Principle Five (Correlated Color Temperature, CCT). The Staff Report provides, “Warm‐colored – Industry standard recommendation is around 5000K to promote safety and alertness.” However, 5000K is not “warm-colored” and contradicts the DarkSky International guidance on that point. Safety considerations are important, but when CCTs values higher than 3000 are used, DarkSky International would recommend additional actions to reduce the impact of this lighting. The point about higher CCT values for worker alertness (same page) doesn’t take into account the body of scientific research indicating that exposing workers to blue-rich white light at night is associated with health problems8. In our conversation with experts, it was recommended that Palo Alto use 3000K. Should the City use 4000K white LED lighting, the intensity of the light should be reduced by 50% to achieve the same visual response 4 - Effects of LED Lighting on Terrestrial Wildlife. 2023. State of California Department of Transportation Technical Report. Prepared by Travis Longcore, Ph.D., UCLA. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/final- reports/ca23-3696-finalreport.pdf - US Department of Fish and Wildlife. Threats to Birds: Collisions - Nighttime Lighting Protecting our Night Skies for Birds. https://www.fws.gov/story/threats-birds-collisions-nighttime-lighting 5L.S.A. Huson 2021. Spatiotemporal effects of artificial lighting on migratory birds https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/24449/1/bBIO 2021 HusonLSA.pdf 6 Effects of LED Lighting on Terrestrial Wildlife https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/final- reports/ca23-3696-finalreport.pd and 7 https://darksky.org/resources/guides-and-how-tos/lighting-principles/ 8 For example: More exposure to artificial, bright, outdoor night-time light linked to higher stroke risk. 2024 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240325172425.htm, American Heart Association. More exposure to artificial, bright, outdoor night-time light is linked to higher stroke risk." from observers using the spaces at night. That is because the eye is more sensitive to blue light at lower intensities, so an observer would otherwise perceive scenes to be brighter compared to, e.g., 2700K lighting even if the quantity of light were the same9. Furthermore, higher-CCT lighting yields more ‘discomfort glare’ than lower-CCT lighting10. That can be fatiguing to people exposed to it for long periods of time. We believe that the City should use a CCT of no more than 3000 Kelvin, and limit the duration and intensity of artificial light at night. Lights should be off when no one is around (a switch, or motion sensors can do this effectively). The intensity of the lighting should be set appropriately (DarkSky Principle #3), taking into account that perception varies according to light color. Thank you, Matthew Dodder Executive Director Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society James Eggers Chapter Director Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter 9 Schlesselman B, et al. 2015. Melanopically enhanced metameric white lightings make a simulated sports field appear brighter allowing a trade-off between photopic intensity and melanopic content. In Proceedings of the Illuminating Engineering Society Annual Conference. 10 Huang W, Yang Y, Luo MR. Discomfort glare caused by white LEDs having different spectral power distributions. Lighting Research & Technology. 2018;50(6):921-936. doi:10.1177/1477153517704996; Zhu, X., Det al. (2013). Perception study of discomfort glare from LED road lighting. Light and Engineering, 21(2), 61-68.) Attachment H Project Plans Project plans are available to the public online. Hardcopies of the plans have been provided to Commissioners. Environmental Review Council previously adopted an Addendum to the 2015 Environmental Impact Report which evaluated the specific details of the proposed AWPS project. The Addendum is available on the project webpage. A memorandum to the addendum, updating the information as it relates to trees, is also provided. The revised information related to tree removal and replacement does not change the conclusions of the analysis. Directions to review Project plans online: 1. Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects 2. Scroll down to find “2501 Embarcadero Way” and click the address link 3. On this project specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and other important information Direct Link to Project Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current- Planning/Projects/2501-Embarcadero-Way