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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Agd Pkt 2014-11-19 (3)To: From: TOWN OF TIBURON 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 Mayor and Members of the Town Council Community Development Department Town Council Meeting November 19, 2014 Agenda Item: P14 —/ Subject: General Plan Circulation Element Amendments: Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Proposed Amendments to the Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Incorporating "Complete Streets" Policies and Concepts, and Consider Adoption of a Negative Declaration for the Amendments Reviewed By: V74CGIXMIZ11IR1111 In September 2008, the California Complete Streets Act became law, codified as Government Code sections 65302(b)(2)(A) and (B). The Act requires that: (A) Commencing on January 1, 2011, upon any substantial revision of the circulation element, the legislative body shall modify the circulation element to plan for a balanced, multi -modal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of the streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel in a manner that is suitable to the rural, suburban, or urban context of the general plan. (B) For purposes of this paragraph, "users of streets, roads, and highways" means bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation, and seniors. The Town's current General Plan circulation element was adopted in 2005 and is currently undergoing a comprehensive update, which will include compliance with the Complete Streets Act. However, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has restricted future eligibility for certain federal transportation monies (One Bay Area Grant [OBAG] funds) to communities that have achieved the following by January 31, 2015: 1) A Housing Element certified by the State Department of Housing & Community Development as "in compliance" with state statutes; and 2) A Circulation Element that contains adequate "Complete Streets" policies and concepts. In short, MTC is requiring complete streets policies in circulation elements earlier than state law requires if a municipality wishes to remain eligible for OBAG funds. The Town has received OBAG monies in the past and hopes to continue securing these roadway funds during each cycle. TOWN of Tm IRON PACE 1 OF 3 Town CQnncil Mecting November 19, 2014 With respect to meeting the MTC eligibility criteria, the Town adopted its updated Housing Element in August and it was certified as "in compliance" with state law on September 5, 2014. The Town's comprehensive Circulation Element update is progressing but will not be completed prior to January 31, 2015. In order to preserve the Town's eligibility for the next round of OBAG funding, the Town is moving to immediately incorporate Complete Streets policies and concepts into in Circulation Element to meet the January 31, 2015 MTC deadline. The proposed amendments would be of limited duration and would be superseded once the comprehensive Circulation Element update is adopted, probably by mid -2015. ANALYSIS The circulation element is one of the seven elements that by state law must be included in a community's General Plan, along with land use, housing, safety, open space, conservation, and noise elements. The circulation element is a "policy" document that sets forth a community's vision for its circulation systems through establishment of goals, policies, programs, standards, and classifications. Traditionally, circulation elements have focused on street networks dominated by motor vehicles, as this is the primary mode of transportation in most communities, including Tiburon. Inclusion of Complete Streets principles into a circulation element requires a change to the overall "vision" for circulation in the community as well as the inclusion of goals, discussion, policies and implementing programs specific to Complete Streets. The proposed Circulation Element (with Complete Streets additions shown in yellow highlights) is attached as Exhibit 2. These additions include a "vision" section (p. 5 -1); new goals C -K through C -N and the addition of "headings" to the existing goals to achieve consistency in format (pp. 5 -5 through 5 -7); a description of Complete Streets (p. 5 -21); new policies C -45 through C- 52 (pp. 5 -22 and 5 -23); and new implementing programs C -q and C -r (p. 5 -23). Town staff is confident that the Complete Streets principles as proposed will satisfy MTC requirements for the 2015 OBAG funding cycle. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW An Initial Study/Draft Negative Declaration (IS/DND) was prepared for this project and released for public comment on October 8. It is attached to this report as Exhibit 3, The public review period ended at 5:30 PM on October 29, 2014, and no letters or communications were received regarding the initial study /draft negative declaration during the comment period. The initial study indicates that the amendments would not result in any potentially significant environmental impacts. Firstly, the potential for environmental impacts is limited by the "policy - oriented" nature of the circulation element. Secondly, the generality of the Complete Street components being added in terms of specific physical improvements limits their potential to create impacts in the absence of actual known projects. Any such projects (once identified) would be subject to environmental review as required by CEQA. Thirdly, none of the actual physical improvements listed in the Circulation Element is being amended. utIRON ila,,c' N 3 Town Council Meeting November 19, 2014 Staff concludes that there is no substantial evidence in the record to support a fair argument that the Circulation Element amendments would result in a potentially significant impact on the environment. REVIEW BY THE PARKS, OPEN SPACE & TRAILS COMMISSION The proposed complete streets- related sections were reviewed by the Parks, Open Space & Trails (POST) Commission at a public meeting on September 16, 2014, while acting in that body's capacity as the Town's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The POST Commission recommended adoption of the Complete Streets policies and concepts as proposed. REVIEW BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 22, 2014 and adopted Resolution 2014 -14 recommending adoption of the amendments to the Town Council. There was no public comment. The Resolution and minutes are attached as Exhibits 4 and 5. PUBLIC COMMENT As of the writing of this report, no correspondence has been received from the public on the proposed Circulation Element amendments. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Town Council: 1) Receive the oral staff report and ask questions of staff; 2) Hold a public hearing and take testimony from interested persons; 3) Discuss and make comments on the document; 4) Adopt the Resolution (Exhibit 1) adopting the Negative Declaration and the Circulation Element amendments. EXHIBITS Draft Resolution. Proposed Circulation Element incorporating Complete Streets principles (proposed amendments are shown in yellow highlights), dated October 2014. Initial Study/Draft Negative Declaration document dated October 2014. Planning Commission Resolution 2014 -14. Minutes of Planning Commission meeting of October 22, 2014. NOTE: The Proposed Circulation Element Amendments and the Initial Study/Draft Negative Declaration are also available on -line at www.townoftiburon.ore from a link in the Resident News portion of the website. Prepared by: Scott Anderson, Director of Community Development TOWN OF TIBORON Page 3 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. XX -2014 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF TIBURON ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE TIBURON GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENT INCORPORATING "COMPLETE STREETS" CONCEPTS WHEREAS, the Town of Tiburon has initiated amendments to its General Plan Circulation Element for the purposes of compliance with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008 and to maintain eligibility for the next cycle of One Bay Area Grant federal roadway monies administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; and WHEREAS, a draft of the proposed Circulation Elements amendments was released for public review on October 8, 2014; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study and Draft Negative Declaration have been prepared for the project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act; and WHEREAS, the Tiburon Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission, in its role as the Town's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, has reviewed and recommended adoption of the complete streets sections for the Circulation Element; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly- noticed public hearing, considered the environmental document and the proposed amendments and has recommended adoption of the amendments as proposed by adopting Resolution No. 2014 -14 on October 22, 2014; and WHEREAS, a notice of the public hearing on the Circulation Element amendments was published in the The ARK newspaper and other noticing was provided as required by law and custom; and WHEREAS, the Town Council held a duly noticed and advertised public hearing on November 19, 2014, at which it considered any testimony received from the public as well as the recommendations of the Planning Commission and the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission; and WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that an initial study of environmental impact was prepared for the circulation element amendments and a draft negative declaration released for public comment on October 8, 2014. The comment period closed on October 29, 2014. The Town Council finds that, based on the record, no substantial evidence to support a fair argument that a significant adverse impact would result from the circulation element amendments has been presented; and Tiburon Town Council Resolution No. XX -2014 Adopted-1-12014 EXHIBIT NO.-. WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that the circulation element amendments would be consistent with and would further the objectives of the other elements of the Tiburon General Plan; and WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that the Circulation Element as amended would comply with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon does hereby adopt the Negative Declaration for the Circulation Element amendments and authorizes Town staff to file a Notice of Determination with the County Clerk of the County of Marin. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon does hereby adopt the Circulation Element amendments dated October 2014, directing staff to incorporate any revisions made by the Town Council at the November 19, 2014 hearing, and prepare and publish a final Town of Tiburon Circulation Element (Revised November 20141 adopted and dated November 19, 2014. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon held on , 2014, by the following vote: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALICE FREDERICKS, MAYOR TOWN OF TIBURON ATTEST: DIANE CRANE IACOPI, TOWN CLERK Tiburon Town Council Resolution No. XX -2014 Adopted-1-12014 . L) I AA k- I U-(l "e� ,� yellow, 5 - EIR£ULATION ELEMENT The Tiburon Peninsula has both unique circulation constraints and unique circulation opportunities. The constraints are largely a function of the relative isolation from being a peninsula dominated by steep hillsides. The unique opportunities are provided by the navigable waters which surround the peninsula. 5.0 VISION Town goals and policies should be guided by its overall vision for the transportation system. This vision can contain an overall statement of purpose as well as principles that support the Circulation Element's critical features, such as complete streets. The following statement provides the vision for this element: "The Town of Tiburon envisions a transportation system that supports the Town's goals for safe and healthy transportation, sustainability, a sense of small-town community character, a high - quality of life for residents, and economic vibrancy of the downtown area, which will continue to grow as a draw for visitors and residents. The Town furthermore envisions that that its streets and pathways will form a comprehensive and integrated transportation network promoting safe, equitable, and convenient travel for all users while preserving flexibility, recognizing community context, and using the latest and best design guidelines and standards. This entails the integration of Complete Streets into street designs that are comfortable and convenient for the breadth of travel choices while creating more vital places in fitting with desired community character. Complete Streets are routinely planned, designed, operated, and maintained with the consideration of the needs and safety of all travelers along and across the entire public right of way. Streets will meet the needs of all ages and abilities who are walking, bicycling, using transit, traveling with mobility aids, driving vehicles, and driving commercial freight." TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -1 �Cko�e✓ �O(� BYMIBITNO. 5.1 THE EXISTING COMMUTE Table 5.1 -1 Means of Transportation to Work, Town of Tiburon, 2000 Table 5.1 -1 shows that most (63 %) Tiburon residents drive alone to work. This percentage is comparable with the percentage in Marin County (65.5 %) and the Bay Area (68.1 %). Tiburon residents also utilize carpools and the ferry for a significant number of work trips. A relatively high percentage of Tiburon workers also work at home. 5.2 PLANNED CIRCULATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS The table below provides a list of circulation improvements which are anticipated for the Planning Area. These projects are concepts and are not currently fully designed or funded. Prior to construction, plans and environmental review for these projects will be completed. Table 5.2 -1 Planned Circulation Improvements Pr 'ect Name Town of ToWu Marin Bay A Trestle Glen Bikeway 2005 A Tiburon Blvd. /Trestle Glen Blvd. intersection improvements Mode Tiburon Tiburon Blvd. /Stewart Drive intersection improvements County Area Tiburon Blvd. /Cecilia Way merge/acceleration lane Number Tiburon Percent Percent B Sources: A - Torun of Tiburon Draft 5 -Year Capital Improvement Program (2004) B - Metropolitan Transportation Commission: 2001 Regional Transportation Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area percent Drove alone 2,634 63.0% 65.5% 68.1% Worked at 518 12.4% 8.8% 4.1% home Carpooled 430 10.3% 10.7% 12.9% Ferry 352 8.4% 2.6% 0.2% Walked 92 2.2% 3.0% 3.3% Bus 76 1.8% 7.3% 5.3% Motorcycle 33 0.8% 0.3% 0.4% Bicycle 16 0.4% 1.0% 1.1 % Other Means 92 0.7% 0.6% 0.7% Source: Census 2000 Summary File 3 - Sample Data percentage of Tiburon workers also work at home. 5.2 PLANNED CIRCULATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS The table below provides a list of circulation improvements which are anticipated for the Planning Area. These projects are concepts and are not currently fully designed or funded. Prior to construction, plans and environmental review for these projects will be completed. Table 5.2 -1 Planned Circulation Improvements Pr 'ect Name Date Source Tiburon Blvd. /Reed Ranch Road merge /acceleration lane 2005 A Trestle Glen Bikeway 2005 A Tiburon Blvd. /Trestle Glen Blvd. intersection improvements 2006 A Tiburon Blvd. /Stewart Drive intersection improvements 2007 A Tiburon Blvd. /Cecilia Way merge/acceleration lane 2007 A U.S. 101 /Tiburon Blvd. Interchange Improvements, 2010 B Sources: A - Torun of Tiburon Draft 5 -Year Capital Improvement Program (2004) B - Metropolitan Transportation Commission: 2001 Regional Transportation Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area The Town has also received grant funding for the construction of a pedestrian path which connects the Richardson Bay Lineal Park with TIBURON2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town ofTiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -2 • Paradise Drive. The Town will continue to apply for grant funding for the construction of a Class II bikeway on Trestle Glen Boulevard. 5.3 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES AND PLANS There are several regional agencies which have an impact on traffic and transportation issues. Below is a review of those agencies as well as recent planning initiatives which they have taken to improve transportation regionally. Metropolitan Transportation Commission The majority of federal, state, and local financing available for transportation projects is allocated at the regional level by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the transportation planning, coordinating, and financing agency for the Bay Area. The current regional transportation plan, known as Transportation 2030, was adopted by MTC on February 23, 2005. Transportation 2030 specifies a detailed set of investments and strategies throughout the region from 2005 through 2030 to maintain, manage, and improve the surface transportation system. The plan specifies how anticipated federal, State, and local transportation funds will be spent in the Bay Area through 2030. Most of this "committed funding" will go toward protecting the region's existing transportation infrastructure. The Golden Gate Bridge seismic retrofit project, the Golden Gate Bridge moveable median barrier projects, improvements to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, and acquisition and upgrade of Sonoma - Marin Rail station sites are projects with committed funding. Interchange improvements at U.S. Highway 101 and Tiburon Boulevard, which is intended to be partially funded with developers' fees, are included in the list of priority projects in Marin County. Transportation Authority of Marin The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is a 12- member board comprised of representatives from the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City or Town Council of each local government in Marin County. Congestion Management Program The TAM is required to prepare, update, and monitor a Congestion Management Program (CMP) which does the following: TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -3 • Identifies a network of transportation facilities, and design level of service standards for highways and roadways, and monitor congestion levels periodically. • Establishes performance measures to evaluate current and future multi-modal system performance for the movement of people and goods. • Identifies and encourages alternatives to the single occupant vehicle through the use of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) techniques. • Develops a process to determine the impacts of local development decisions on the regional transportation network, facilitating integration of decisions about land development, transportation investment and air quality. • Develops a computer travel model and database to be used for estimating future transportation needs and impacts. • Develops and updates a seven year capital improvement program to promote the goals of the CMP. The 2003 Marin County Congestion Management Program was adopted in January 2004. Roads in the Planning Area which are part of the CMP network are Tiburon Boulevard and U.S. Highway 101. The TAM is required by state law to biannually determine whether the County and its cities and towns conform to the requirements of the CMP. For a In November 2004, Marin County voters approved Measure A, the Traffic Relief and Better Transportation Act. Measure A is expected to generate $331.6 million over 20 years, and the money would be used to implement the Vision Plan through the Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan. The goals of the Expenditure Plan is to improve mobility and reduce local congestion for everyone who lives or works in Marie County by providing a variety of high quality transportation options designed to meet local needs. local jurisdiction to conform to the CMP, the following requirements must be met: • Maintaining the highway LOS standards. • Participating in a program to analyze the impact of land -use decisions, including the estimate of the costs associated with mitigating these impacts. • Participating in adoption and implementation of a deficiency plan when highway and roadway LOS standards are not maintained on portions of the designated system. TIBURON2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -4 Nonconformance with the CMP could result in the loss of an increment of gasoline tax subvention funds and not having projects programmed in the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP). No Marin County jurisdiction, including Tiburon, is considered out of conformance with the CMP in 2005. Transportation Vision for Marin County In addition to the CMP, in 2003, the TAM produced Moving Forward, A 25- Year Transportation Vision for Marin County, the purpose of which "is to act as a blueprint that will guide development of a detailed implementation or expenditure plan that establishes priorities against a framework of financial opportunities and constraints." Moving Forward provides a framework for an integrated multi-modal transportation system that would reduce congestion by increasing transportation choices for all people in Marin County. Among the benefits highlighted for Tiburon include congestion relief at the Tiburon Boulevard /U.S. Highway 101 interchange, expanded ferry service to San Francisco, and late night subsidized taxi service. Water Transit Authority The Water Transit Authority (WTA) was formed in October 1999 and charged with creating a plan for new and expanded water transit services and related ground transportation terminal access services. It was further mandated that the WTA study ridership demand, cost - effectiveness and expanded water transit's environmental impact. In the Final Implementation & Operations Plan, approved in July 2003, the WTA recommends new ferry service to several new cities, including Richmond, Berkeley, and Redwood City, and to enhance the service already provided to those cities which currently have service, including Tiburon and San Francisco. 5.4 CIRCULATION GOALS C -A: Roadway System. To maintain and improve the roadway system to a measurable standard of effectiveness and safety to accommodate circulation between activity centers within the Planning Area and to and from U.S. Highway 101. TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -5 C -B: Safe and Convenient Movement. To provide safe and convenient movement of local residents and visitors to their places of employment, shopping and recreation in the San Francisco Bay Area. C -C: Design Considerations. To maintain all existing, as well as to design all future, residential streets with consideration of a combination of residents safety, cost of maintenance, and protection of residential quality of life. C -D: Emergency Vehicles. To provide an adequate means of circulation for emergency vehicles. C -E: Bike - Pedestrian Improvements. To improve the circulation system for pedestrians and bicyclists, including safety enhancements. C -F: Congestion. To minimize traffic congestion. C -G: Integrated System. To promote an integrated transportation system, including the preservation and enhancement of transit, in order that residents and visitors can efficiently and conveniently transfer and connect between different transportation modes. C -H: Paradise Drive. To cooperatively plan for the maintenance and improvement of Paradise Drive. C -I: Parking. To provide adequate parking throughout the Planning Area. C -J: Non -Auto Travel. To provide facilities and incentives to encourage non -auto travel throughout the Planning Area. C -K. Complete Streets. The Town and other agencies with jurisdiction over roadways within Town limits shall plan, design, operate and maintain all streets and roadways to accommodate and promote safe and convenient travel for all users - pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and persons of all abilities, as well as freight and motor vehicle drivers. TIBURON2020 September 1005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -6 C -L: Comprehensive Transportation System. Provide a multimodal transportation system that supports the vision, goals, and objectives of the Town and is effectively planned, funded, operated, and maintained. C -M: Multimodal System. Increase multimodal accessibility throughout the Tiburon Planning Area with an emphasis on improved walking, bicycling, and transit modes. C -N: Context- Sensitive Roadways. Create a context - sensitive street and roadway system that provides safe access to all users between activity centers within the Planning Area and to destinations across the San Francisco Bay Area, including places of employment, shopping and recreation. As such, the Town shall strive to balance the needs for personal travel, goods movement, parking, social activities, business activities, and revenue generation, when planning, operating, maintaining, and expanding the roadway network. 5.5 ROADWAY SYSTEM DESIGN & TRAFFIC STANDARDS There are approximately 60 miles of roads and streets in the Planning Area. These facilities range from U.S. Highway 101, which serves as the primary route between San Francisco and Marin and Sonoma counties, to local streets which serve individual homes in neighborhoods. Diagram 5.5 -1 shows the street system for the Planning Area. Following are definitions for the components of the street system, taken from the 2003 State of California General Plan Guidelines. Freeway: A highway serving high -speed traffic with no crossings interrupting the flow of traffic (i.e., no crossing at grade). Streets and Highways Code Sec. 23.5, in part, states that "Freeway means a highway in respect to which the owners of abutting lands have no right or easement of access to or from their abutting lands or in respect to which such owners have only limited or restricted right or easement of access." Arterial: A street carrying the traffic of local and collector streets to and from freeways and other major streets, with controlled intersections and generally providing direct access to properties. TIBURON2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -7 Collector: A street for traffic moving between arterial and local streets, generally providing direct access to properties. Local: A street providing direct access to properties and designed to discourage through- traffic. Below, Table 5.5 -1 provides the functional designations for roads within the Tiburon Planning Area. Table 5.5 -1 Roadway Designations, Tiburon Planning Area Type Function Examples Traffic traffic - controlled intersections in one green phase. Lanes Freeway Connects regional activity centers U.S. 101 > 4 Major Connects major local activity centers; Tiburon Blvd., from 4 Arterial also connects arterials with freeways U.S. 101 to Trestle Glen LOS E is the lowest grade possible without stop -and -go conditions. At signalized Minor Connect major arterial with collector Tiburon Blvd., from 2-4 Arterial and local streets. Trestle Glen to Main St; Trestle Glen Blvd. Collector Collects traffic from local streets and Blackfield Dr., Reed 2 channels it to arterial streets. Ranch Rd., Lyford Dr., Stewart Dr. Local Serve adjacent residential and Gilmartin Dr., Cecilia 2 commercial property. Way, Main St., Mountain View Dr., Mt. Tiburon Rd., Juno Rd. Level of Service Standards Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative assessment of perceived traffic conditions. LOS generally reflects driving conditions such as travel time and speed, freedom to maneuver, and traffic interruptions. Table 5.5 -2 provides a qualitative description of LOS. Table 5.5 -2: Qualitative Description of Level of Service LOS Driver's Perception A/B LOS A/B is characterized by light congestion. Drivers are still able to pass through traffic - controlled intersections in one green phase. LOS C represents moderate traffic congestion. Average vehicle speeds continue to C be near the driver's desired speed for two and four lane roads. Occasionally, drivers do not clear the intersection on the first green phase. LOS D is characterized by congestion with average vehicle speeds decreasing below D the driver's desired level for two and four lane roads. Multiple cars must wait through more than one green phase at a traffic signal. LOS E is the lowest grade possible without stop -and -go conditions. At signalized E intersections, long vehicle queues can form waiting to be served by the signals green phase. TIBURON2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -8 LOS I Driver's Perception LOS F represents stop -and -go conditions for two and four lane roads. Drivers at F signalized intersections may wait several green phases prior to being served. Roadway System & Traffic Standards Policies C -1: Land use decisions shall take into consideration potential traffic and circulation impacts. C -2: All new projects shall be required to pay a pro rata share of needed traffic improvements in accordance with the burden created by such new projects. C -3: The traffic mitigation fees shall be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that the fees continue to provide funds for increasing street capacity to accommodate additional traffic generated by new projects. C -4: In connection with the ridgeline policies of the Open Space & Conservation Element, the Town shall ensure that no new streets, driveways, or utilities are installed along or over the Tiburon Ridge or Significant Ridgelines except for the use of emergency services, or where no other access is viable. C -5: For signalized intersections in the Tiburon Planning Area, the average peak hour level of service (LOS) shall not deteriorate below LOS C, with the exception of intersections located near the U.S. 101 interchange, as depicted in Diagram 5.5 -1, which shall not deteriorate below LOS D. C -6: At such time as unsignalized intersections meet signal warrants, the Town shall approach Caltrans to approve and /or provide signalization. C -7: The Town shall comply with the Transportation Authority of Mariri s Congestion Management Plan (CMP), including adopting and monitoring the level of service (LOS) of the CMP network. As of 2004, the LOS standards are LOS E for U.S. Highway 101 during the P.M. peak hour and LOS D for Tiburon Boulevard during the P.M. peak hour. C -8: In conjunction with Land Use policy LU -18, the Town shall encourage overhead utility lines to be placed underground TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -9 along Tiburon Boulevard, Paradise Drive, and Trestle Glen Boulevard, working with the County of Marin where applicable. C -9: The Town strongly discourages gated subdivisions. This policy is not intended to prevent single - family homeowners from installing gates. C -10: Street lights shall be installed only at intersections or where required for safety purposes. Light sources shall be of a warm, subdued nature and should be down- lights and /or properly shielded. Tiburon Boulevard Policies Tiburon Boulevard is the primary access for Tiburon, connecting the U.S. 101 freeway to Downtown Tiburon. C -11: Tiburon Boulevard between Trestle Glen Boulevard and Mar West Street should retain its existing rural highway character. C -12: The Town should discourage parking lots which have substantial frontage on Tiburon Boulevard. To the extent feasible, all parking lots should be screened by buffers or berms. C -13: Tiburon Boulevard between Rock Hill Drive and San Rafael Avenue should remain free from parking on the water side to enhance and preserve views and the experience of a waterfront drive. C -14: Water views for pedestrians and drivers shall not be obscured. Overgrown planting shall be trimmed to frame, rather than block, views for pedestrians and drivers to the maximum extent feasible. C -15: To provide a more attractive entrance to Downtown, the informal parking area on Tiburon Boulevard near Lyford Drive should be beautified while maintaining as much parking as possible. TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -10 Paradise Drive Policies Paradise Drive runs along the northeast facing side of the Tiburon peninsula and connects the Town of Corte Madera to Downtown Tiburon. C -16: The Town shall work with the County of Marin and LAFCO to secure safe and reliable access for all users to and from the northeastern side of the Tiburon Peninsula along Paradise Drive. C -17: Scenic views from Paradise Drive shall be preserved wherever possible. C -18: Where appropriate, scenic overlooks should be established along Paradise Drive. C -19: New driveways and roadways intersecting Paradise Drive shall be kept to the minimum number possible and be situated in safe locations. To meet this objective, to the extent feasible, multiple residences shall be served by a single access from Paradise Drive. C -20: Turn -outs and widened shoulders on Paradise Drive should be created where possible to protect the health and safety of its users. Implementing Programs for Roadway System & Traffic Standards C -a: The Town shall maintain its traffic model and traffic monitoring program, which periodically measures intersection levels of service, evaluates the impact of new projects on the roadway network, and re- evaluates appropriate traffic mitigation fee amounts. 1 C -b: The Towns traffic model shall be used to periodically review the Towns traffic mitigation fees to September 2005 (Revised 2014) 5. Circulation Element Page 5 -11 ensure that they are based on current information and that they are adequately capturing the impacts of new projects on the roadways in the Planning Area. The Town shall update its traffic mitigation fees as necessary. C -c: The Town shall re- evaluate its list of needed circulation approximately every five (5) years. C -d: The Town shall work with the County of Marin and LAFCO to formulate a long -term plan for maintaining and improving Paradise Drive. 'aradise Drive, a narrow and winding road that rovides access to the northeast part of the 'eninsula, is an expensive road to maintain and nprove. C -e: The Town shall work with the County of Marin and LAFCO to identify and implement a financing strategy for maintenance and improvement of Paradise Drive. C F The Town shall lobby funding agencies such as Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Transportation Authority of Marin to ensure that funding for critical local roads, including Paradise Drive. C -g: The Town shall use the designation of Paradise Drive as part of the Bay Trail as a tool in applying for improvement funding for the road. C -h: The Town of Tiburon Traffic Safety Committee shall maintain a list of desired traffic safety improvements for implementation over time. 5.6 BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS About 2.6% of Tiburon residents commute to work by cycling or walking. This is a smaller percentage than Marin County (4.0 %) and the Bay Area (4.4 %). Tiburon is a popular destination for recreational walkers and bikers, however. The Marin County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted in June 2000, includes bicycle and pedestrian counts for different locations throughout the County. Table 5.6 -1 shows the counts for areas within the Planning Area. 77BURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -12 Table 5.6 -1 Mid -Day Bicycle and Pedestrian Counts, 1999 BICYCLE COUNTS PEDESTRIAN COUNTS Location, period 1- hrcount Location 1 -hr count Multi-Use Path, 106 Main Street, weekend 770 weekend Main Street, weekend 43 Multi-Use Path, 54 weekday Multi-Use Path, 32 Multi-Use Path, 50 weekday weekend Paradise Drive, 33 Paradise Drive, 8 weeken I I weekend Note: Counts, except for Paradise Drive, conducted at the same one hour period in September 1999. Source: Marin Counhj Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, June 2000 Tiburon Glen Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report, May 2003 Existing Facilities Bicycle routes are categorized into three classes, I, II, or III. Class I bikeways serve the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians. The Multi- Use Path from Blackie's Pasture to Mar West St. /Cove Road is a Class I facility. Class II bikeways consist of established lanes within the paved area which serve the preferential use of bicycles. Tiburon has a Class II facility which runs along Tiburon Boulevard from Mar West Street to Main Street and on Paradise Drive from Main Street to Mar West Street. Class III bikeways are shared with other vehicles, with no bike lanes. Diagram 5.6 -1 shows the existing and proposed bicycle routes in the Planning Area. Pedestrians use a variety of facilities, from streets, to the Multi-Use Path, to trails designed primarily for recreational purposes. Sidewalks exist on some arterial and collector streets, but most local streets in Tiburon do not have sidewalks. The Town also has a well- established network of lanes and paths, particularly in Old Tiburon near Downtown, which provide alternate access between homes and Downtown businesses and transportation services. In areas with older, substandard roads, these lanes and paths provide safe connections for pedestrians between and within neighborhoods. These lanes and paths range from formal lanes that are the property of the Town to informal paths which are privately held and serve only a few homes. Most of the lanes and paths are open to public use. TIBURON2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -13 Bay Trail The Bay Trail is a planned recreational corridor that, when complete, will circle San Francisco and San Pablo Bays with a continuous 400 -mile network of biking and hiking trails. To date, approximately 210 miles of the trail have been completed. Within the Planning Area, the Bay Trail roughly consists of Greenwood Beach Road, the Richardson Bay Lineal Park, Tiburon Boulevard, and Paradise Drive. Trestle Glen Boulevard provides a connection from Tiburon Boulevard to Paradise Drive, and there are other trails, such as those found on Ring Mountain, which connect to the Bay Trail. Bicycles and Pedestrians Policies C -21: The Town supports the replacement of pedestrian traffic signals with Countdown Pedestrian Signals, which inform pedestrians of the number of seconds remaining to cross safely. C -22: The pedestrian paths and bicycle trails in Tiburon should connect with other paths and trails where practical. C -23: Bicycle facilities, including bike racks, shall be included as part of new public and commercial projects, particularly in Downtown Tiburon. C -24: Pedestrian routes, particularly for school children, shall be established for all neighborhoods. C -25: In developing capital improvement budgets, the Town shall use the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as a guide for prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian improvements. C -26: The Town supports the completion and maintenance of the Bay Trail and shall seek funding for that purpose. The Town aims to increase the number of bike lanes in the Town. This lane is on Paradise Drive along Shoreline Park. TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 544 C -27: The Town shall monitor the Multi-Use Path and consider periodic improvements which would enhance the safety of its users. Implementing Programs for Bicycles and Pedestrians C -i. The Town shall review the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan periodically, and revise the list of improvements and actions called for in the Plan when implementation of adopted improvements has occurred, and /or when conditions warrant. C j. The Town will work cooperatively with ABAG and neighboring jurisdictions to improve the Bay Trail around the Tiburon Peninsula. 5.7 ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION MODES Buses A significantly smaller percentage of Tiburon residents (1.8 %) rely on the bus to commute to work than do residents of Marin County (7.3 %) and the Bay Area (5.3 %). However, bus service is important to Tiburon because buses are used by ferry commuters to connect from their homes to the Ferry Plaza, and because a number of employees, who work in Tiburon but live outside of the community, rely on buses as their only means of transportation. Bus service is provided in Marin County, including the Planning Area, by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District (GGBHTD). The routes which serve the Planning Area are shown on Diagram 5.6 -1. Ferries Tiburon has the highest percentage (8.4 %) of ferry commuters among Bay Area cities with ferry service. Table 5.7 -1 Ferry Riders as Pct. of Commuters City Number of Percent of Ferry Total Commuters Commuters Tiburon 352 8.4 % TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -15 Larkspur 467 7.0% Sausalito 333 6.6% Alameda 855 2.3% Vallejo 614 1.2% Oakland 197 0.1% San Francisco 187 0.0% Source: Census 2000 Summary File 3 - Sample Data Blue & Gold Fleet provides four morning commute trips from Tiburon to the Ferry Building and four evening trips from the Ferry Building to Tiburon. In addition, Blue & Gold Fleet services a reverse commute with two morning trips from the Ferry Building to Tiburon and three evening trips from Tiburon to the Ferry Building. Unlike other Bay Area commuter ferry routes, the Tiburon - Ferry Building route does not receive public subsidy. Including commuters, the Blue & Gold Fleet has approximately 850 daily riders on its service from the Tiburon Ferry Plaza to the San Francisco Ferry Building. Blue & Gold also provides service between Tiburon and Pier 41 in San Francisco and serves as a cross Bay connection for bicylists. Blue & Gold offers seven trips daily on this route, which also serves Sausalito. Ferries are also the primary means for getting from Tiburon to Angel Island State Park. Ferry service to Angel Island is provided by the privately owned Angel Island - Tiburon Ferry Company. During the high season from May to September, the Angel Island Ferry makes four round trips daily on weekdays and makes hourly trips on weekends. The Angel Island Ferry provides less frequent service during the rest of the year. Diagram 5.6 -1 shows ferry service routes. Other Alternative Transportation Paratransit The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires all public transit systems that provide fixed route bus service to also provide paratransit service for people with disabilities who cannot use the fixed route bus service. Paratransit alternatives usually consist of vans and small buses. In Marin County, paratransit services are operated by the Marin Senior Coordinating Council (MSCC) through a contract with Whistlestop Wheels. The Marin County Transit District and the Golden Gate Whistlestop Wheels provides TIBURON 2020 paratransit services throughout 4) Town of Tiburon Marin County. nt General Plan rage.)-16 Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, help fund the paratransit services. Census 2000 data reveals that Tiburon is experiencing a rapid increase of seniors, with five of the fastest growing age cohorts being 85 and over, 75 to 84, and 55 to 59. Seniors represent a great demand for paratransit services. Programs for Schoolchildren In January 2001 the Town of Tiburon joined the Reed Union School District (RUSD) and St. Hilary School in forming the Tiburon Peninsula Traffic Committee, which aimed to increase carpooling, walking, and biking to schools and to improve traffic flow around school neighborhoods. From that process, the Town approved a traffic safety improvement plan for areas around the schools. The improvements, including the installation of sidewalks funded by Safe Routes to Schools grants, are underway and ongoing. Early in each school year, the Town's Police Department has officers at the school sites to monitor and educate parents and students about traffic and pedestrian safety. The RUSD, a separate government agency, also has goals for reducing congestion around the schools. The District and the PTAs sponsor "walk - to- school" or "walls 'n roll" days to encourage children to walk, skate, or bike to school, and to organize carpools. Tiburon's Police Department takes an active role in educating young students about bicycle and pedestrian safety. Town of Tiburon General Plan Alternative Transportation Modes Policies C -28: The Town shall encourage the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District to service commutes in the morning and evening with buses which would otherwise deadhead (return to yard empty) on Tiburon Boulevard. C -29: Bus stops shall be located to avoid interference with turning and passing vehicles. Bus September 2005 (Revised 2014) 5. Circulation Element Page 5 -17 shelters shall be coordinated with Golden Gate Transit and shall require design review approval. Covered bus shelters are preferred. Benches and paved loading pads shall be provided at all bus stops. C -30: The Town supports the installation and maintenance of attractive, covered, unobtrusively lighted seating areas at all bus stops along Tiburon Boulevard and will work with the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District to provide them. C -31: The Town shall work with the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District and the Marin County Transit District to maintain adequate levels of service for buses in the Planning Area. C -32: New development along transit routes, particularly in Downtown, shall include appropriate provisions for bus stops, including covered waiting areas. C -33: The location of new transit facilities shall emphasize safety and accessibility for the rider so as to encourage transit ridership. C -34: The Town shall help ensure that ferry service remains a viable commuter and recreational travel option. This may include helping to coordinate between Golden Gate Transit bus service and ferry providers and monitoring efforts of the Water Transit Authority to take advantage of opportunities to improve local ferry service. Bus shelters provide additional comfort for bus passengers, making the bus a more viable transportation option. C -35: In conjunction with the creation of affordable housing in Downtown, the Town shall explore the possibilities for subsidizing work- related ferry trips to San Francisco for residents of affordable units. TIBURON2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -18 C -36: The Town shall support the provision of paratransit services for those riders that cannot utilize fixed route bus service. i a C -37: Senior housing projects shall provide for convenient, accessible paratransit loading and unloading. Commuters arrive hone from San Francisco's C -38: The Town supports Ferry Building on Blue & Gold's Zelinsky. alternatives to the use of single -child autos to pick -up and drop -off at local schools. C -39: The Town shall encourage employers to work together to identify programs which provide incentives for using alternative transportation modes. Implementing Programs for Alternative Transportation Modes C -k: Encourage the provision of adequate transit facilities in cooperation with other agencies and operators. C -1: The Town shall make available schedules for buses, ferries, and any transit agencies that connect with those modes. C -m: The Town shall continue to work with the Reed Union School District and St. Hilary School to promote alternative transportation programs to reduce traffic congestion around schools. C -n: The Town shall promote and publicize the RIDES program to employers and employees as a resource for exploring ways to reduce traffic and parking congestion. TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -19 5.8 PARKING There is a perception that parking in Downtown Tiburon is inadequate to serve the uses that are located there. Parking Policies C -40: The Town shall encourage and allow reciprocal parking facilities for those businesses located near one another with different peak hour operating demands. C -41: Adequate parking and loading should be provided for all new uses and expansion of existing uses in Downtown Tiburon in accordance with the standards of the Zoning Ordinance. C -42: The Town should consider the acquisition of Town -owned and operated downtown parking facilities. As described earlier, many agencies are responsible for transportation programming and funding. It is critical that the Town of Tiburon coordinate and cooperate with these agencies. Interagency Coordination Policies C -43: The Town will engage in good faith, participatory planning with the Transportation Authority of Marin and other agencies to work toward alleviating congestion in the U.S. Highway 101 Corridor. C -44: The Town shall maintain a good working relationship with Caltrans to ensure that improvements proposed by Caltrans are sensitive to the Tiburon community and to facilitate expeditious consideration of Town requests for improvements. Implementing Programs for Interagency Coordination C -0: Coordinate with Marin County for the adoption of complementary roadway improvement and mitigation fee programs for roads and intersections located in unincorporated sections of the Tiburon Planning Area. TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 20M) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -20 C -p: Maintain an active role in the Transportation Authority of Marin and /or U.S. Highway 101 Corridor planning program with the purpose of ensuring that improvements enhance inter- city movement. 5.9.5 COMPLETE STREETS What are Complete Streets? Complete Streets are routinely planned, designed, operated and maintained with consideration of the needs and safety of all travelers along and across the entire public right of way. This includes people of all ages and abilities who are walking; driving vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles or buses; bicycling; using transit, traveling with mobility aids; or shipping freight. Every street and its environs are different, such that physical manifestation of this principle will change based on the local context. However, providing for all users is a core tenet of Complete Streets. The Complete Streets movement fundamentally redefines what a street is expected to do, what goals a transportation agency is going to meet, and how a community will spend its transportation money. The Complete Streets approach breaks down the traditional separation between highways, transit, biking, and walking, and instead focuses on the desired outcomes of a transportation system that supports safe use of the roadway for everyone. Complete Streets policies formalize a community's intent to plan, design, operate, and maintain streets so they are safe and accessible for all users of all ages and abilities. Policies direct decision - makers to consistently fund, plan, design, and construct community streets to accommodate all anticipated users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, motorists and freight vehicles. There are many types of Complete Streets —it is not necessary that every street has sidewalks, bike lanes and transit. On streets with low traffic volumes, such as those in Tiburon's hilly residential neighborhoods, a Complete Street may be a shared space with traffic calming that ensures walking and bicycling is safe, even without marked bike lanes or sidewalks. On busier thoroughfares such as Tiburon Boulevard, separated walking and biking facilities are more appropriate. There is no one - size - fits -all solution, and the design of every street must take into account local land use, traffic volumes, and the role of the street in the overall multimodal network. TIBURON2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -21 Complete Streets Policies C -45: Accommodate all users by ensuring that where feasible and appropriate, all new roadway projects and any reconstruction projects designate sufficient travel space for all users including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, and motorists except where pedestrians and bicyclists are prohibited by law from using a given facility. C-46: The Town shall provide pedestrian- and bicycle - friendly streets by ensuring that all street construction projects support pedestrian travel. Improvements may include sidewalks, narrow lanes, target speeds less than 35 miles per hour, street trees, high - visibility pedestrian crossings, and bikeways. C-47: The Town shall identify and fill gaps in Complete Streets. The Town shall identify streets that can be made more "complete" through a reduction in the width of travel lanes, with consideration for emergency vehicle operations. The Town shall consider including new bikeways, sidewalks, and on- street parking on these streets by re- arranging and/or re- allocating how the available space within the public right of way is utilized. All new street configurations shall provide for adequate emergency vehicle operation. C -48: The Town shall preserve and manage rights -of -way consistent with the goal to provide Complete Streets and the Town's goals for preserving residential quality of life and aesthetics. C -49: The Town shall strive to achieve an integrated, multimodal transportation system that improves the attractiveness of walking, bicycling, and riding transit. This would increase TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -22 travel choices and aid in achieving a more balanced transportation system, thereby reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. C -50: The Town shall facilitate multimodal access along appropriate corridors, to major facilities and destinations such as Blackie's Pasture, schools, and Downtown Tiburon. C -51: The Town shall evaluate and strive to address community, environmental, and town -wide economic development goals when adding or modifying public rights -of -way. C -52: Land use decisions shall take into consideration potential multimodal access and automobile traffic impacts. Implementing Programs for Complete Streets C -q: Implement the complete streets goals and policies set forth in this Element by utilizing Resolution No. 42 -2012 (or successors thereto). C -r: Refer complete streets related projects as appropriate to the Parks, Open Space & Trails Commission (acting as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) for its review and recommendations. 5.10 PROPOSED CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS The Circulation Improvements identified below are intended to be applied broadly and liberally. While the improvements are intended to address known problems in the transportation network, they are not intended to be literally binding. Improvements similar and /or equivalent to those listed below may be substituted to achieve the desired capacity improvements. Incorporated Town of Tiburon • Tiburon Boulevard/Reed Ranch Road Add a merge/ acceleration lane for traffic turning left from Reed Ranch Road onto Tiburon Boulevard. • Tiburon Boulevard/Trestle Glen Boulevard TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -23 Add a second westbound Tiburon Boulevard through lane and extend it back from Trestle Glen Boulevard as far east toward Stewart Drive as practicable. • Tiburon Boulevard/Stezoart Drive Consider applying to Caltrans for installation of a traffic signal at Stewart Drive even if the intersection does not meet signal warrants. This is a safety improvement, not a capacity improvement. • Tiburon Boulevard/Gilmartin Drive Consider adding a merge/ acceleration lane for traffic turning left from Gilmartin Drive onto Tiburon Boulevard, and /or a dedicated right turn only lane from southbound Gilmartin Drive to westbound Tiburon Boulevard. • Tiburon Boulevard/Mar West Street Signalize the Mar West Street /Tiburon Boulevard intersection when signal warrants are met. Unincorporated Planning Area • U.S. Southbound Off- Ramp/East Blithedale Avenue Add a second southbound lane to the U.S. 101 Southbound Off - Ramp and re- stripe the turn lanes at the Southbound U.S. 101 Off - Ramp /E. Blithedale Avenue intersection to provide two left turn lanes and two right turn lanes (per Caltrans' Project Study Report scheduled improvement). • Tiburon Boulevard/Redz000d Highway Frontage Road 1) Add a third northbound Frontage Road lane, resulting in one left turn lane, a combined left /through lane, and one right turn lane -or- 2) Add a third westbound Tiburon Boulevard through lane - or- 3) Add a third northbound Frontage Road lane and a third westbound Tiburon Boulevard through lane • Tiburon Boulevard/Cecilia Way Add a merge/ acceleration lane for traffic turning left from Cecilia Way onto Tiburon Boulevard. TIBURON 2020 September 2005 (Revised 2014) Town of Tiburon 5. Circulation Element General Plan Page 5 -24 Initial Study Forthe The Town of Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments Town of Tiburon OCTOBER 2014 PREPARED BY Town of Tiburon Community Development Department EIT NO. TABLE OF CONTENTS NEGATIVE DECLARATION (DRAFT)... .............................................................................................. 2 A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................... ..............................3 B. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... ..............................9 C. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ......................................... .............................10 Aesthetics.................................................................................................. .............................10 Agriculture.............................................................................................. ............................... I 1 AirQuality ................................................................................................. .............................12 BiologicalResources ................................................................................. .............................14 Cultural Resources .................................................................................... .............................15 Geologyand Soils ...................................................................................... .............................16 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ....................................................................... .............................18 Hazards...................................................................................................... .............................19 Hydrology and Water Quality .................................................................... .............................21 LandUse and Planning ............................................................................. .............................23 MineralResources ..................................................................................... .............................24 Noise......................................................................................................... .............................25 Populationand Housing ............................................................................ .............................26 PublicServices .......................................................................................... .............................27 Recreation.................................................................................................. .............................28 Transportation / Traffic ............................................................................... .............................29 Utilitiesand Service Systems .................................................................... .............................30 Mandatory Findings of Significance .......................................................... .............................32 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Project Location and Vicinity Map ................................................................ ..............................7 Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 NEGATIVE DECLARATION (DRAFT) TO: Office of Planning and Research 1400 Tenth Street, Room 121 Sacramento, CA 95814 County Clerk, Marin County 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 234 San Rafael, CA 94903 FROM: Town of Tiburon Community Development Department 1505 Tiburon Blvd. Tiburon, CA 94920 Project Title: Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments Proponent: Town of Tiburon Project Location: Tiburon, CA 94920 Project Description: The project is the incorporation of Complete Streets concepts and policies into the Town of Tiburon Circulation Element, in compliance with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008. The additions to the Circulation Element include a vision statement based on Complete Streets principles, a section describing the Complete Streets concept, and goals, policies, and programs regarding Complete Streets. Finding: Signature: Based on the attached Initial Study, it has been determined that the proposed project would not result in a significant, adverse environmental effect. Scott Anderson Director of Community Development Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 Date Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2©14 A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1. Project Title: Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments to incorporate Complete Streets goals and policies 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Scott Anderson, Director of Community Development (415) 435 -7392 4. Project Location: Tiburon, CA (Town -wide) 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 6. Person Preparing the Submission/Initial Study Checklist Scott Anderson Director of Community Development, Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 Phone: (415) 435 -7392 Fax: (415) 435-2438 Email: sandersonna.townoftiburon.or¢ 7. Project Number: GPA 2014 -02 8. Assessor Parcel No. Town -wide project. 9. Type of Approval Sought: Adoption of amendments to General Plan Circulation Element for the Town of Tiburon. 10. Size of Subject Property: Town -wide project. 11. Present and Previous Use of Site or Structures: Not applicable. 12. General Plan Designation: Not applicable. 13. Zoning: Not applicable. 14. Description of Project: The project is the incorporation of Complete Streets concepts and policies into the Town of Tiburon Circulation Element, in compliance with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008. The additions to the Circulation Element include a vision statement based on Complete Streets principles, a section describing the Complete Streets concept, and goals, policies, Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 3 and programs regarding Complete Streets. The proposed additions to the Circulation Element are set forth in full below. Complete Streets vision, goals, discussion section, policies and programs that would be added to the existing Town of Tiburon Circulation Element are as follows: VISION Town goals and policies should be guided by its overall vision for the transportation system. This vision can contain an overall statement of purpose as well as principles that support the Circulation Element's critical features, such as complete streets. The following statement provides the vision for this element: The Town of Tiburon envisions a transportation system that supports the Town's goals for safe and healthy transportation, sustainability, a sense of small-town community character, a high -quality of life for residents, and economic vibrancy of the downtown area, which will continue to grow as a draw for visitors and residents. The Town furthermore envisions that that its streets and pathways will form a comprehensive and integrated transportation network promoting safe, equitable, and convenient travel for all users while preserving flexibility, recognizing community context, and using the latest and best design guidelines and standards. This entails the integration of Complete Streets into street designs that are comfortable and convenient for the breadth of travel choices while creating more vital places in fitting with desired community character. Complete Streets are routinely planned, designed, operated, and maintained with the consideration of the needs and safety of all travelers along and across the entire public right of way. Streets will meet the needs of all ages and abilities who are walking, bicycling, using transit, traveling with mobility aids, driving vehicles, and driving commercial freight. GOALS C -K: Complete Streets. The Town and other agencies with jurisdiction over roadways within Town limits shall plan, design, operate and maintain all streets and roadways to accommodate and promote safe and convenient travel for all users - pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and persons of all abilities, as well as freight and motor vehicle drivers. C -L: Comprehensive Transportation System. Provide a multimodal transportation system that supports the vision, goals, and objectives of the Town and is effectively planned, funded, operated, and maintained. C -M: Multimodal System. Increase multimodal accessibility throughout the Tiburon Planning Area with an emphasis on improved walking, bicycling, and transit modes. C -N: Context - Sensitive Roadways. Create a context - sensitive street and roadway system that provides safe access to all users between activity centers within the Planning Area and to destinations across the San Francisco Bay Area, including places of employment, shopping and recreation. As such, the Town shall strive to Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 4 balance the needs for personal travel, goods movement, parking, social activities, business activities, and revenue generation, when planning, operating, maintaining, and expanding the roadway network. 5.9.5 COMPLETE STREETS What are Complete Streets? Complete Streets are routinely planned, designed, operated and maintained with consideration of the needs and safety of all travelers along and across the entire public right of way. This includes people of all ages and abilities who are walking; driving vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles or buses; bicycling; using transit, traveling with mobility aids; or shipping freight. Every street and its environs are different, such that physical manifestation of this principle will change based on the local context. However, providing for all users is a core tenet of Complete Streets. The Complete Streets movement fundamentally redefines what a street is expected to do, what goals a transportation agency is going to meet, and how a community will spend its transportation money. The Complete Streets approach breaks down the traditional separation between highways, transit, biking, and walking, and instead focuses on the desired outcomes of a transportation system that supports safe use of the roadway for everyone. Complete Streets policies formalize a community's intent to plan, design, operate, and maintain streets so they are safe and accessible for all users of all ages and abilities. Policies direct decision- makers to consistently fund, plan, design, and construct community streets to accommodate all anticipated users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, motorists and freight vehicles. There are many types of Complete Streets —it is not necessary that every street has sidewalks, bike lanes and transit. On streets with low traffic volumes, such as those in Tiburon's hilly residential neighborhoods, a Complete Street may be a shared space with traffic calming that ensures walking and bicycling is safe, even without marked bike lanes or sidewalks. On busier thoroughfares such as Tiburon Boulevard, separated walking and biking facilities are more appropriate. There is no one - size -fits -all solution, and the design of every street must take into account local land use, traffic volumes, and the role of the street in the overall multimodal network. Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 Complete Streets Policies C -45: Accommodate all users by ensuring that where feasible and appropriate, all new roadway projects and any reconstruction projects designate sufficient travel space for all users including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, and motorists except where pedestrians and bicyclists are prohibited by law from using a given facility. C-46: The Town shall provide pedestrian- and bicycle - friendly streets by ensuring that all street construction projects support pedestrian travel. Improvements may include sidewalks, narrow lanes, target speeds less than 35 miles per hour, street trees, high- visibility pedestrian crossings, and bikeways. C-47: The Town shall identify and fill gaps in Complete Streets. The Town shall identify streets that can be made more "complete" through a reduction in the width of travel lanes, with consideration for emergency vehicle operations. The Town shall consider including new bikeways, sidewalks, and on -street parking on these streets by re- arranging and /or re- allocating how the available space within the public right of way is utilized. All new street configurations shall provide for adequate emergency vehicle operation. C-48. The Town shall preserve and manage rights -of -way consistent with the goal to provide Complete Streets and the Towns goals for preserving residential quality of life and aesthetics. C -49: The Town shall strive to achieve an integrated, multimodal transportation system that improves the attractiveness of walking, bicycling, and riding transit. This would increase travel choices and aid in achieving a more balanced transportation system, thereby reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. C -50: The Town shall facilitate multimodal access along appropriate corridors, to major facilities destinations such as Blackie's Pasture, schools, and Downtown Tiburon. C -51: The Town shall evaluate and strive to address community, environmental, and town -wide economic development goals when adding or modifying public rights -of -way. C -52: Land use decisions shall take into consideration potential multimodal access and automobile traffic impacts. Implementing Programs for Complete Streets C -q: Implement the complete streets goals and policies set forth in this Element by utilizing Resolution No. 42 -2012. Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments — Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 C -r: Refer all complete streets related projects to the Parks, Open Space & Trails Commission (acting as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) for its review and recommendations. 15. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: Uses in the unincorporated areas surrounding the Town of Tiburon town boundaries. 16. Other agencies or utility providers whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement.): None. There are no responsible or trustee agencies for this project pursuant to CEQA. Project Location and Vicinity Map - Figure 1 neumn �rMrARIN ANII..� P ..IN. ARA IVmD 05 1 15 YMbe TU-M Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments— Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a `Potentially Significant Impact' as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. ❑ Aesthetics ❑ Biological Resources ❑ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ❑ Land Use/Planning ❑ Population/Housing ❑ Transportation /Traffic DETERMINATION: ❑ Agriculture and Forestry ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Hazards and Hazardous ❑ Materials ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Public Services ❑ Utilities /Service Systems On the basis of this initial evaluation: ❑ Air Quality ❑ Geology /Soils ❑ Hydrology /Water Quality ❑ Noise ❑ Recreation ❑ Mandatory Findings of Significance ® I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact' or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at lest one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. ❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an EARLIER EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. Scott Anderson Date Director of Community Development Town of Tiburon Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 8 B. REFERENCES The following is a list of references used in the preparation of this document. Each of the topics addressed - in Section C, Evaluation of Environmental Impacts, includes a list of references by number. The numbers for the reference sources correspond with the sources that are listed below by number. I . Town of Tiburon General Plan and its certified Environmental Impact Report 2. Town of Tiburon Zoning Ordinance 3. Draft Amendments to Tiburon Circulation Element, October 2014 4. Mann Housing Workbook 5. Hazardous waste list website: httn: / /www.dtsc.ca.gov /database /Calsites /Cortese List.clm. 6. State Planning and Zoning Law 7. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 8. Composite Flood Hazard Areas - HUD National Flood Insurance Program 9. Field Inspection 10. Experience with other projects of this size and nature H. Aerial Photography 12. Marin Countywide Plan 13. Bay Area Air Pollution Control District 14. California Natural Areas Coordinating Council Maps 15, U.S. Census 16. ABAG Projections 17. BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines Assessing the Air Quality Impacts of Projects and Plans 18. Department of Fish & Game 19. US Army Corps of Engineers 20. USGS Data Contribution 21. Town of Tiburon Climate Action Plan 22. California Natural Diversity Database 23. State/Federal Environmental Standards (a) Ambient Air Quality Standards (b) Noise Levels for Construction Equipment 24. Federal Environmental Standards (a) Water Quality Standards - 40 CFR 120 (b) Low -Noise Emission Standards - 40 CFR 203 (c) General Effluent Guidelines & Standards - 40 CFR 401 (d) National Primary & Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards - 40 CFR 50 25. Town of Tiburon Storm Drain Master Plan, 2008 26. Transportation Authority of Marin, Congestion Management Plan Update, October 2013 Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 9 C. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Note: For each topic listed below, a reference source was used to complete the Environmental Checklist. The reference sources are listed by number in Section B of this document. 1. Aesthetics Would the project have: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic ❑ ❑ ® ❑ vista? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10) b) Substantially damage scenic resources, ❑ ❑ ® ❑ including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10) c) Substantially degrade the existing visual ❑ ❑ ® ❑ character or quality of the site and its surroundings? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10) d) Create a new source of substantial light or ❑ ❑ ® ❑ glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10) Discussion: A substantial adverse effect to visual resources could result in situations where a project introduces physical features that are not characteristic of current development, obstructs an identified public scenic vista, or has a substantial change to the natural landscape. The adoption of the vision statement, goals, discussion section, policies and programs proposed in the Circulation Element amendments are high -level policy matters that do not approve any actual projects on the ground. The crux of the proposed amendments is to encourage a multi-modal approach to the Town's circulation system and provide safe access to all users, regardless of age or ability. The policies could result in improvement of roadway shoulders and right -of -way areas as necessary to accommodate users. Such projects are unknown and Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 10 unidentified at this time. Any such projects would be subject to compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act on a project -level basis. Based on the above, the proposed amendments would have a less than significant impact on aesthetics and visual resources. 2. Agriculture and Forestry Resources: Would the project: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, ❑ El L1 or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non - agricultural use? (Sources: 1, 2, 3,12) b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural ❑ ❑ El use, or a Williamson Act contract? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 12) c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause El El rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(8)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 12) Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 l l d) Result in the loss of forestland or conversion Would the project: Potentially Less Than of forestland to non - forest use? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, ❑ ❑ ❑ Significant 10,12) Impact Impact with Mitigation e) Involve other changes in the existing ❑ ❑ ❑ Incorporated environment that, due to their location or nature, a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of could result in conversion of Farmland, to non- the applicable air quality plan? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, ❑ ❑ agricultural use? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 12) 10, 12, 13, 17) Discussion: There is no land within the Town of Tiburon that is shown as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance on the Marin County Important Farmland map produced by the State Department of Conversation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. There would be no impact. The proposed Circulation Element amendments do not change any boundaries or the potential for agricultural activities. There are no proposals contained in the proposed amendments to convert Prime Farmland or any farmland of unique or State -wide importance. In addition, there is no activity proposed on forest land or land or timber property zoned Timberland Production. There are also no proposals that would conflict with existing agricultural zoning or a Williamson Act contract, or result in the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non - agricultural use, or conversion or loss of forest land. Based on the above, the proposed amendments would result in no impacts to agricultural or forest resources. 3. Air Quality Would the project: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, ❑ ❑ ❑ 10, 12, 13, 17) b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute ❑ ❑ ® ❑ substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10, 12, 13, 17) c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net ❑ ❑ ® ❑ increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments — Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 12 project region is non - attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10, 12, 13, 17) d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial ❑ ❑ ® ❑ pollutant concentrations? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10, 12, 13,17) e) Create objectionable odors affecting a ❑ ❑ ❑ substantial number of people? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17) Discussion: The proposed amendments would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the Bay Area Clean Air Plan (BAAQMD, 2000). The project site (Town of Tiburon) is within the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) is the regional government agency that monitors and regulates air pollution within the air basin. Three pollutants are known to exceed the state and federal standards in the Town: ozone, particulates (PMl0), and carbon monoxide. Both ozone and PM10 are considered regional pollutants, because their concentrations are not determined by proximity to individual sources, but show a relative uniformity over a region. Carbon monoxide is considered a local pollutant, because elevated concentrations are usually only found near the source (e.g., congested intersections). The proposed Circulation Element amendments will not generate more vehicle trips as compared with the existing Circulation Element or create more vehicle trips than permitted under the Town's current zoning or general plan. The multi-modal emphasis of the proposed policies is likely to reduce vehicle trips. The amendments would therefore not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation, nor would they result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in "non- attainment" under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard. The amendments would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations or create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. Based on the above, the proposed amendments would result in no impact or less than significant impact to air quality, and would likely have a beneficial impact on air quality. Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 13 4. Biological Resources Significant Significant Less Than Significant Less Than Significant No Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporated Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either ❑ ❑ ❑ directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10, 18, 22) b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any ❑ ❑ ❑ riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10, 18,22) c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally ❑ ❑ ❑ protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 18, 22) d) Interfere substantially with the movement of ❑ ❑ ❑ any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10, 18, 22) Discussion: Depending on the location, any future urban development (including new streets and street widening or other street or right -of -way modifications) in the Town has the potential to affect important biological resources by disturbing or eliminating areas of remaining natural communities. This could include (a) a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments — Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 14 candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (b) a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service, (c) a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or (d) interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. However, the proposed Circulation Element amendments would not modify the location or amount of developable land in the Town or its Planning Area. All development projects undertaken in Tiburon would be consistent with the General Plan and current zoning, would be consistent with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance, would not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan, and would require compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Biological impacts would not be intensified as a result of adoption of these policy - related amendments. Based on the above, the proposed amendments would result in no impact to biological resources. 5. Cultural Resources Would the project: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the ❑ ❑ ❑ significance of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10) b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the ❑ ❑ ❑ significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12) c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique ❑ ❑ ❑ paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10) d) Disturb any human remains, including those ❑ ❑ ❑ interred outside of formal cemeteries? (Sources: Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 15 1, 2, 3, 10) Discussion Depending on the location, any future new streets or street improvement projects in the Town have the potential (however remote) to (a) cause a substantial adverse change h1 the significance of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, (b) cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Guidelines Section 15064, (c) directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature, or (d) disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemetery. However, the amendments propose no specific projects in any location and are very general in nature. The current General Plan and zoning, Town development standards, and project review processes are intended to protect any impact to cultural resources at the time that an actual project location is identified. The proposed amendments call for no specific road construction or widening for which potential environmental impacts could be identified at this time at any particular locale. Site- specific environmental review of potential impacts would occur once a physical project is identified. Based on the above, the proposed amendments would result in no impact to cultural resources that could reasonably be identified at this time. 6. Geology And Soils Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporated i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist - Priolo ❑ ❑ ❑ Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 20) ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? (Sources: 1, ❑ ❑ ❑ 2, 3, 20) Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments— Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 16 iii) Seismic- related ground failure, including ❑ ❑ ❑ liquefaction? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 20) iv) Landslides? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 20) ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of ❑ ❑ ❑ topsoil? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 20) c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is ❑ ❑ ❑ unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 20) d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in ❑ ❑ ❑ California Building Code, creating substantial risks to life or property? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 20) e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting ❑ ❑ ❑ the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 20) Discussion: There are no Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones within the Town of Tiburon and the town is not neat any known active faults. The nearest known active faults are the San Andreas fault, about 8 miles to the southwest, and the Hayward fault, about 8 miles to the northeast. Therefore, the potential for fault surface rupture (as opposed to ground shaking) within the Town limits is low. There would be no impact. Most lowland areas with relatively level ground surface are not prone to landslides. Other forms of slope instability, such as the formation of slumps, translational slides, or earth flows, are also unlikely to occur except along stream banks and terrace margins. The highland areas are more susceptible to slope instability. The strong ground motion that occurs during earthquakes is capable of inducing landslides and debris flow (mudslides). These types of failure generally occur where unstable slope conditions already exist. The Town has in place hillside development regulations and geologic review procedures to address these hazards. Hillside areas with landslide potential are of particular concern, and slope stability requires appropriate treatment of vegetative cover during and after development. The proposed amendments are policy - related and their adoption has no potential to result in impacts regarding geologically hazardous land. Existing Town regulations and policies cover slope stability, landslides, earthquake faults, seismic shaking requirements, requirements for sewerage, and expansive soils. Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments— Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 17 Depending on the location, any future urban development in the Town has the potential to expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death. This could include (a) rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground shaking, and seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction, (b) result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil, (c) be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse, (d) be located on expansive soil, as defined in the California Building Code (CBC), creating substantial risks to life or property, or (e) have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water. No development is being proposed as a result of these policy amendments that is not currently permitted by the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Any new construction likely to require compliance with the Complete Street policies being considered for adoption would be required to meet CBC requirements, comply with CEQA on a project- specific basis, and comply with all development regulations of the Town of Tiburon. Based on the above, the proposed amendments would result in no impact on geology and soils. 7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Would the project: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either ❑ ❑ ❑ directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10, 13, 17, 21) b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or ❑ ❑ ❑ regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 10, 13, 17,21) Discussion: On June 2, 2010, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's (BAAQMD) Board of Directors unanimously adopted new CEQA thresholds of significance. The thresholds of significance are included in the Air District's updated CEQA Guidelines. The updated CEQA Guidelines address recent changes in air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter (PM) from the State of California and the U.S. EPA. The new health- protective air quality standards are in response to growing scientific evidence that exposure to ozone, fine particles and air toxics have greater health effects than previously estimated. In addition, the Air District's new greenhouse gas thresholds were developed to ensure that the Bay Area meets the State's plan to address climate change. The CEQA Guidelines also address exposure to toxic air contaminants, which is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, asthma, reduced birth weight and mortality. Although air quality in the Bay Area has improved over the last thirty years, fine PM and other Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 18 air toxic contaminants released by transportation and industrial activities threaten the health of local residents. The updated CEQA Guidelines seek to better protect the health and well -being of Bay Area residents. As noted above, the proposed Circulation Element amendments are likely to reduce vehicle trips by providing for a more multi-modal transportation system. The policy amendments would therefore not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment over current projections. They will also not conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. No BAAQMD threshold of significance would be reached. The Town has adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that establishes strategies to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions known to contribute to climate change, to conserve energy and other natural resources, and to prepare the community for the expected effects of global warming. The CAP includes specific goals and objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including policies, programs, and actions that facilitate the efforts of residents and businesses to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the CAP address uses that (a) generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. The CAP establishes priorities in four key GHG emissions categories for adapting to the local physical changes in the environment that are already being felt as a result of global climate change, and that are expected to intensify in the coming years. Specific strategies address ways to reduce trips and vehicular travel (local shopping, support for safe routes to schools, etc.). Changes in the Circulation Element aimed at promoting multi -modal circulation systems would likely result in a reduction of vehicle trips and a reduction in greenhouse gas emission over existing baseline conditions. Since the project has no potential to result in the creation of more development, or development in locations different than those allowed in the current General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, the proposed amendments would result in no impact or less than significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. 8. Hazards And Hazardous Materials Would the project: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the ❑ ❑ ❑ environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? (Sources: 1, 2, 3, 5, 13) b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the ❑ ❑ ❑ environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Amendments —Town of Tiburon, CA October 2014 19 RESOLUTION 2014 -14 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF TIBURON RECOMMENDING TO THE TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT OF THE TIBURON GENERAL PLAN INCORPORATING COMPLETE STREETS PRINCIPLES WHEREAS, the Town of Tiburon has initiated amendments to its General Plan Circulation Element for the purposes of compliance with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008 and to maintain eligibility for the next cycle of One Bay Area Grant federal roadway monies administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; and WHEREAS, a draft of the proposed Circulation Elements amendments was released for public review on October 8, 2014; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study and Draft Negative Declaration have been prepared for the project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, and the Planning Commission has considered said document and any comments received thereupon in making its recommendation to the Town Council; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing on the Circulation Element amendments was published in the The ARK and Marin Independent Journal newspapers and other noticing was provided as required by law and custom; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hold a duly noticed and advertised public hearing on October 22, 2014, at which it considered any testimony received from the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the Town of Tiburon does hereby recommend that the Town Council adopt the Circulation Element amendments regarding Complete Streets principles dated October 2014, attached hereto as Exhibit "A ". PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the Town of Tiburon held on October 22, 2014, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Corcoran, Kulik, Welner, Williams NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Weller Tiburon Planning Commission Resolution No. 201414 10/2212014 IJXHIBIT NO.-+ ON WZfNER., CHAIR Tiburon Planning Commission ATTEST: SCOTT ANDERSON, SECRETARY Tiburon Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014 -14 1012212014 Vice Chair Kulik said he remembers last year's review and recognized no complaints from the neighborhood and finds that the congregation is in substantial compliance with its CUP. Commissioner Williams agreed and recognized the substantial evidence of compliance based on the staff report. She commended representatives in being able to follow the many requirements and supported the request. Commissioner Corcoran said it appears that the project has been requiring less attention at each subsequent review and there has been less and less neighbor concern. He thinks it is timely that the application has been submitted. In light of the past year, he finds that the Kol Shofar is in substantial compliance with the CUP. Chair Welner concurred with Commissioners and said the evidence points to overwhelming compliance with the CUP. ACTION: It was M/S (Williams /Corcoran) that the Planning Commission finds that Kol Shofar is in substantial compliance with its CUP. Motion carried: 4 -0. 3. GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENTS: Review Proposed Amendments to the Tiburon General Plan Circulation Element Incorporating "Complete Streets" Principles; Consider the Initial Study/Draft Negative Declaration, and Make a Recommendation to the Town Council Regarding Adoption Director of Community Development Anderson gave the staff report and said in 2008 the California Complete Streets Act became law and it required that in the next comprehensive update of the circulation element for a city or county, there needed to be "complete streets" principles and policies contained in that element. The Complete Streets Act requires that all users of streets, roads and highways (including bicyclists, children with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation and seniors) be considered, with the idea of making streets safe and convenient for all users. Typically circulation elements have focused on automobile traffic and communities are now required to take a broader look at their elements with respect to user groups and travel modes. Mr. Anderson noted that the Town had adopted a new circulation element a few years prior to passage of the Complete Streets Act, and while a comprehensive update of the element is underway, it will not be ready for adoption until roughly mid -2015. Unfortunately, MTC decided it wanted to tie eligibility for certain roadway maintenance grant monies to having Complete Streets policies in the General Plan Circulation Element. Staff is therefore grafting the Complete Streets policies that have been developed for the comprehensive circulation element update onto the Town's existing circulation element as a stop -gap measure so the Town will meet the MTC eligibility criteria by the January 15, 2015 deadline. Before the Commission is a short-term measure to fold those Complete Streets policies and principles into the current element. The Complete Streets elements include a vision section, as well as several new goals, a discussion section on what constitutes a Complete Street, several TIBURON DRAFT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - OCTOBER 22, 2014 - MINUTES NO. 1050 PAGE 4 Zl'I_�IT NO new policies and a couple of implementing programs. Mr. Anderson stated the policies and programs will look virtually identical to what will be brought forward to the Commission in the comprehensive circulation element next year, and staff is confident that these interim policies will meet the eligibility requirements of MTC for the 2015 funding cycle. Staff also prepared an Initial Study and draft Negative Declaration for this project. The amendments are policy- oriented and do not contain any specific construction projects; future projects would be subject to CEQA review at such time as they are known. No comments were received on the environmental document and the role of the Commission is to consider the environmental document in making its recommendation to the Town Council. Staff's recommendation is to hold the public hearing, take any comments, discuss any changes the Commission may wish to make and recommend adoption to the Council by adopting the resolution included in the packet. Vice Chair Kulik asked what amount of funding would be lost as a result of taking no action. Mr. Anderson said while staff cannot guarantee what funding MTC might grant the Town, but that several tens of thousands of dollars are usually involved. Vice Chair Kulik asked what are the practical implications of the goals in the element, and Mr. Anderson replied that most streets in Tiburon are not amenable to the types of things the goals envision. They are residential streets with little or no room to provide sidewalks and bike lanes. In a sense, this helps the Town focus its energies on those streets that could use these types of improvements, such as collector streets and arterial streets. Over time, more and more of these types of improvements will be folded into design of roadway improvements when the Town undertakes a major overlay or reconstruction of a street. Commissioner Corcoran referred to Program C -r on page 5 -23 which states "Refer all Complete Streets related projects to the POST Commission." He asked what are the implications are of this, as it seems to be a rather broad statement. Mr. Anderson said such referrals have been required by law for a couple of years and the Town has been doing periodically. He also noted that the entire Complete Streets policy section was referred to the POST Commission in September. As an example of a POST referral, Anderson stated that on the next POST Commission agenda there is an item for improvements being proposed at Blackfield Drive that would help with some of the pedestrian/bicycle /vehicular congestion that occurs around school pickup and drop -off times. The POST recommendation will proceed to the Town Council prior to any approval. Commissioner Corcoran asked about the trigger for projects going to the POST Commission when individual homeowners propose an improvement. Mr. Anderson said these types of projects are typically not referred to the POST Commission. At the time the actual drawings for roadway improvements are moving through the process, if the Town would be funding or constructing them, this is the time when they would be referred to the POST Commission. He commented that improvements and widening of Paradise Drive, required as part of the Alta Robles project approval, would eventually be referred to POST but the design of the TIBURON DRAFT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - OCTOBER 22, 2014 -MINUTES NO. 1050 PAGE 5 improvements is not precisely known at this time and the referral would take place at an appropriate future time. Chair Welner opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the public hearing was closed. Chair Welner said he appreciates staff bringing the matter to the Commission prior to the statutory deadlines, and said most changes are ultimately required by statute and appear to reflect good public policy. He agreed that the CEQA analysis makes sense and is inclined to support staff's recommendation. Commissioner Corcoran said he believes the modifications are reasonable and pointed out a typographical error on C -50 on page 5 -23; "The Town shall facilitate multi -modal access along appropriate corridors to major facilities and destinations such as Blackie's Pasture." Commissioner Williams concurred with Chair Welner's comments and supported recommending approval. She understands it as a measure of limited duration with an opportunity to review a more comprehensive circulation element in the future, and she supported the resolution. She also said she was inspired by the vision statement and echoed Chair Welner's comment about these being good policies. Vice Chair Kulik stated the amendments recognize the fact that every town is different, and given Tiburon's topography and existing street system, it is not reasonable to expect sidewalks on every street. He was pleased that the provisions allowed for these reasonable limitations and supported approval of the resolution. ACTION: It was M/S (Kulik/Williams) to recommend adoption of the Negative Declaration and the Circulation Element amendments to the Town Council by adopting the Resolution as set forth as Exhibit 1. Motion carried: 4 -0. 4. 110 MAIN STREET: Conditional Use Permit to Extend the Hours for Beer and Wind Sales for a Restaurant in a Village Commercial Zone; File #11405; Zelinsky Properties, Owner; Crystal and Renzo Azzarello, Applicants; Assessor's Parcel No. 059- 102 -20 Continued to November 12, 2014 Mr. Watrous noted that Commissioners Kulik and Weller will not be present for the meeting of November 12, 2014 and he asked and confirmed that the remaining three Commissioners will be present. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of September 24, 2014 Commissioner Williams requested the following correction: • Page 4, third paragraph, "She said that the applicant had taken into account all types of noises that can arise and all conceivable decibel ranges." Vice Chair Kulik requested the following correction: TIBURON DRAFT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -OCTOBER 22,2014- MINUTES NO. 1050 PAGE 6