Reso23-02 0009 PC Reso Adopt CEQA

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Findings and Statements Required by the California Environmental Quality Act Focused General Plan Update 6 Final Environmental Impact Report January 2023 Impact AES-3: Implementation of the proposed Project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings. The proposed Project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views as individual projects within the Planning Area would be subject to the City’s underlying zoning, development, and architectural standards and would predominantly result in in-fill development in locations where similar existing uses occur. The infill nature of development and existing architectural standards will limit visual change while preserving the characteristics of the neighborhoods in which the projects will be located. Potential development sites are generally focused in the eastern portion of the Planning Area and higher density development, typically consisting of larger buildings with more mass, are focused away from the southern and western hillside areas from which viewpoints of important scenic resources are provided. Future development would comply with the General Plan’s adopted goal, policies, and implementation programs intended to preserve scenic beauty and maintain community aesthetics. This impact would be less than significant. (Draft EIR, pp. 4.1-9 to 4.1-10) Impact AES-4: Implementation of the proposed Project would not create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. The proposed Project would not substantially increase the number of lighting sources currently within the Planning Area as the Planning Area is already developed and existing lighting is typical for urbanized areas during nighttime hours. With respect to glare, while future, individual development project components would include windows and other glass features and may include exterior metallic elements and trims, these elements would be consistent with existing development in the Planning Area with implementation of the City’s architectural review process. Lighting and building materials and designs for future development would be subject to review and approval by the City prior to approving building permits to ensure that new sources of lighting are compatible with design objectives, performance standards, and code requirements. This impact would be less than significant. (Draft EIR, pp. 4.1-10 to 4.1-11) Impact AES-5: Implementation of the proposed Project would not result in deviation from the Downtown Precise Plan (DTPP) building height, setback and stepback regulations designed to minimize shadow impacts (particularly on public parks, plazas and open areas in the downtown), to preserve access to natural light and air, and preserve historic character within the DTPP area. The proposed Project would not substantially impact access to natural light and air or impact historic character within the DTPP area. Future development under the Project occurring within the DTPP area would be required to comply with DTPP standards and regulations, including preparation of site-specific shadow simulations, which would ensure that impacts on light-sensitive uses and spaces, such as shadow-sensitive Downtown public open space areas or solar sensitive portions of residential parcels outside but adjacent to the DTPP area, would not be substantially adversely affected by new development. This impact would be less than significant. (Draft EIR, p. 4.1-11) 4.2. Agriculture and Forestry Resources Impact AG-1: Implementation of the proposed Project would not result in conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as