AgdaPkt 2017-04-03 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 Issues: Summary of Impacts Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? X c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? X d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? ("Glare" is defined in this EIR as the reflection of harsh bright light sufficient to cause physical discomfort or loss in visual performance and visibility.) X e) Cast shadow that substantially impairs the beneficial use, important values, or livability of any shadow-sensitive use, including public parks, plazas or open space areas; buildings using passive solar heat collection or solar collectors; historic resources with a shadow-sensitive character-defining feature; or shadow-sensitive portions of residential parcels? X Conclusion: Regarding aesthetics, the proposed project would not result in any new significant environmental impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant impacts (CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 [a]). All impacts are adequately evaluated in the certified Downtown Precise Plan program EIR. The proposed project is also consistent with the Downtown Precise Plan (CEQA Guidelines Section 15183). Documentation: a. The Downtown Precise Plan program EIR (pp. 6 -26 and 6-27) concluded that no scenic vistas or view corridors would be substantially obstructed or degraded by future development that occurs in accordance with the DTPP. The impact of the DTPP was considered to be less than significant, and no mitigations were required. The proposed project is in compliance with all applicable DTPP standards and , as a result, no additional aesthetic impacts are anticipated. b. The only designated scenic highway in Redwood City is Interstate 280, located approximately 3 miles west of the DTPP area. The DTPP area and project site are not visible from Interstate 280, and the Downtown Precise Plan program EIR (pp. 6-26 and 6-27) concluded that no scenic vistas or view corridors would be substantially obstructed or degraded by future development that occurs in accordance with the DTPP. The impact of the DTPP was considered to be less than significant, and no mitigations were required. The proposed project is in compliance with all applicable DTPP standards (mandatory) and guidelines (not mandatory) except for four guidelines, which deviations the City Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) reviewed and offered recommendations. (see [c] below). No additional aesthetic impacts are anticipated. c. The Downtown Precise Plan program EIR (pp. 6-27 and 6-28) concluded that the development occurring in conformance with the DTPP would result in a more discernible and distinctive Downtown form, would improve height and scale relationships at sensitive transitions to adjacent low-rise neighborhoods, and would enhance the overall historic character of the area. The impact of the DTPP was considered to be less than significant, and no mitigations were required. The proposed project is in compliance with all a pplicable DTPP standards and guidelines except for four guidelines, which are recommended but not mandatory.2 The AAC reviewed the project 2 As the Downtown Precise Plan states at page 25: “Whereas conformance with the Standards is mandatory, conformance with the Guidelines is preferred and/or recommended. Such provisions are indicated by use of the heading “Guidelines.” In various cases, the Guidelines provide a choice of treatments that will achieve the desired effect, and any one may be selected. Although direct conformance with the Guidelines is the surest route to swift approval, developers are permitted to propose 8.A. - Page 142