AgdaPkt 2007-02-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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98 Page 3 local determinations of significance. Under the "Aesthetics" section of the Checklist, which is where shadows would logically be discussed, the effect of projects on shading or shadows is not identified as an environmental topic to consider. The Checklist does identify light and glare as a topic to consider, but does not identify shading or shadows. Shading and shadows are not identified in any other part of the Checklist. In addition to the CEQA Checklist, lead agencies have the ability to adopt their own significance thresholds to address unique conditions and policies within the jurisdiction. Examples of local significance thresholds include Level of Service policies for traffic impacts, sound or decibel limits for noise impacts, and service provision standards for public services such as police, fire, libraries, and parks. Redwood City has not adopted any thresholds of significance related to shadow effects, nor does the City routinely require shadow studies for development projects. The City generally, absent unique conditions, does not consider shadows to represent a significant environmental impact. The City did conduct shadow and wind studies for Courthouse Square. The intended use of this space in the "heart of the heart" of the City is for a wide-range of programmed and spontaneous activities that engage the community in civic life and the enjoyment of this unique City park area. The shadow study ensured that there would be both sunny and shady places for people to linger in the Square. The City's investment in Courthouse Square, as well as Theatre Way, has resulted in open areas with more solar access than any typical downtown right-of-way. The high level of investment in these types of spaces, which encourage broad public use, are in essence a form of mitigation anticipating increased development intensity within the Downtown area. The City gave the Square special attention and review to make sure it served as the open space for all of downtown, recognizing that there are shadows elsewhere throughout an urban downtown setting. The Draft EIR (page 7-21) clearly identifies that the "proposed Precise Plan would facilitate the construction of new 5- to 12~story buildings that could cast substantial shadows on adjacent commercial, office, and public areas during part of the year." Staff concurs with this conclusion. All buildings create some form of shadow, regardless of where they are located, in the Downtown or elsewhere. Shadows exist now and will into the future, and are considered a part of the urban environment. Most urban developments will have some shadowing effects on nearby properties. However, given the CEQA listing of physical changes cited above, there is no substantial evidence that shadows which are cast on commercial or residential buildings will cause a substantial physical adverse change to that property, nor has such evidence been put forth by the appellant. With regard to building heights, the Draft Downtown Precise Plan proposes a change in the maximum allowable building height on Fuller Street, which backs up to Brewster, from 7 stories under current zoning to 8 stories, and a change in maximum height at the 601 Brewster property from 7 stories to 5 stories (see Figure 2.2.3 Height Zones Map from the Draft Downtown Precise Plan, included with this staff report as Attachment 2). The Draft Plan also proposes a 3-story streetwall along the three blocks of Brewster between Arguello and Winslow. The purpose of this transitional or "stepback" approach to height along this stretch of Brewster (which is also proposed along Maple Street between 3