Reso PC17-07 0032 PC Reso Approving CEQA - 860 Charter St

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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. SEPTEMBER 2016 ROCKETSHIP REDWOOD CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROJECT INITIAL STUDY/ MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION P:\RWC1401B Rocketship School\PRODUCTS\IS-MND\Public\Rocketship Public Review 09-29-16.docx (09/29/16) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 23 Road designated by the County of San Mateo General Plan.11 Therefore, the proposed project would not affect scenic resources within view of a State or local scenic highway. c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? (Less-Than-Significant Impact) Development of the proposed project would change the visual character of the project site through conversion of the existing light industrial use to a school use. Specifically, the proposed project would include exterior modifications to the existing building façade, including the installation of new signage and landscaping. The existing height of the building would not increase over existing conditions. The existing surface parking lot would also be redeveloped with new driveways, play areas, and landscaping. Trees and shrubs would be planted around the play areas and around the perimeter of the site, including along the Charter Street and Bay Road street frontages, to provide privacy screening and shade for the play areas. Approximately 12 new trees would be planted, and all trees would be a minimum of 24-inch box size. The proposed project would alter the visual character of the site through the installation of new landscaping and renovations to the existing building. However, the proposed project would not substantially degrade the visual quality or character of the site and its surroundings and would represent an improvement compared to existing conditions. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant. d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? (Less-Than-Significant Impact) The project site is located in an industrial area and exterior lighting in the area consists of on- and off- site security lighting, as well as surrounding street lighting. The proposed project would introduce new sources of light and glare to the area in the form of new windows and exterior lighting. However, new sources of light and glare associated with the project would not be substantial in the context of existing lighting sources. In addition, daytime glare would not be substantial because new windows would be required to have low-reflectivity glass and none of the modifications to the exterior building façade would consist of highly reflective materials. In addition, the City’s development review process would include an evaluation of proposed new lighting. The development review process and compliance with the Building Code and Title 24 standards would ensure that light and glare impacts from the proposed project would be less than significant. 11 San Mateo, County of, 1986. General Plan, Table 4.6, Designated State and County Scenic Roads. November. ATTY/RESO.0032/PC RESO APPROVING CEQA - 860 CHARTER ST. EXHIBIT A REV: 06-15-17 PR Page 31 of 124