Reso PC16-23 PC 0116 Reso CEQA - Sandpiper

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Section 4.0—Environmental Setting and Discussion of Impacts 4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4.1 Existinu Setting The project site is located within an urbanized residential area. The site is comprised of buildings, pavement, a synthetic turf sports field, and landscaping. Redwood Shores Lagoon is located adjacent to a portion of the western site boundary, and Steinberger Slough is located approximately 500 feet cast of the project site. 11 12 There are no other waterways, wetlands, or sensitive habitat located on or near the project site_ Habitats in developed areas are extremely low in species diversity. Species using developed habitat are predominately urban -adapted birds and animals, such as doves, squirrels, and domestic cats. Rare, threatened, endangered and sensitive plants, animals and natural communities are not expected or likely to occur on the project site. This conclusion is based upon the fact that the site does not contain suitable habitat for any of these species (e.g., marsh, wetland, riparian or serpentine soils). 4.4.1.1 Applicable Plans, Policies, and Regulations City of Redwood City Tree Preservation Ordinance Chapter 35 of the Redwood City Municipal Code defines tree preservation and management regulations for the City. The Redwood City Tree Preservation Ordinance protects specified trees in the City and establishes standards for removal, maintenance, and planting trees. The Tree Preservation Ordinance states, "it is unlawful for anyone to cut, move or remove or cause to cut, move or remove any `tree' unless such person first obtains a permit from the Director of Parks and Recreation to do so in a manner prescribed by him for such removal." A "tree" is defined as: (a) Any woody plant characterized by having a single trunk of a circumference of thirty eight (3 8) inches or more, measured at any point between six (6) inches to thirty six (3 6) inches above ground level, or (b) Any woody plant characterized by having a single trunk which has been found by the Park and Recreation Corninission to have significance to the community, which plant is designated a "Heritage Tree." 4.4.1.2 Trees There are numerous trees and shrubs on and in the vicinity of the project site. There are a total of 45 trees located within or immediately adjacent to the areas of the proposed improvements. � t A lagoon is a partly -enclosed area of seawater. 1' A slough is a stagnant area of water connected to a larger body of water such as a marsh, inlet, bayou, or backwater. Steinberger Slough is an inlet connected to the San Francisco Bay. City of Redwood City 29 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Sandpiper Elementary School Facilities Expansion November 2016