3 department of development services tim snellings ... · wild grape (vitis californica), and santa...

3 Department of Development Services Tim Snellings, Director Pete Calarco, Assistant Director

7 County Center Drive T: 530.552.3700 Oroville, California 95965 F: 530.538.7785

BUTTE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND NOTICE OF

PUBLIC HEARING FOR TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP TSM17-0001

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Butte County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider an application for Tentative Subdivision Map TSM17-0001 (Nels Leen) on July 26, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter, in the Butte County Board of Supervisors’ Room, County Administration Center, 25 County Center Drive, Oroville, California as follows:

Project Information:

Project: Tentative Subdivision Map TSM17-0001 APN: 039-370-019 & 039-090-061

Location: The project site is located at 1232 Stanley Avenue, on the south side of Stanley Avenue, ¼ mile east from Dayton Road, south of the City of Chico.

Proposal: The applicant is requesting approval of a Clustered Tentative Subdivision Map (TSM) to divide an approximately 18.5 acre property (two parcels) into 22 parcels (21 residential lots and one open space lot) ranging in size from 0.19 acres to 12.02 acres. The 21 clustered residential lots range in size from 0.19 acres to 0.75 acres. The proposed open space parcel, Lot A, is approximately 12.02 aces). Lots will be served by a new cul-de-sac, off of Stanley Avenue, with full urban improvements including curb, gutter, sidewalk and drainage disposal. The project proposes a community waste water system, with individual septic systems and a community wastewater area. Each parcel will be provided with domestic water service via the extension of the California Water Service Company network along Stanley Avenue. The project proposes a 300 foot residential dwelling setback from the agriculturally zoned parcels to the south. Pursuant to Butte County Code §24-56.1 (Residential Setback from Orchards and Vineyards), Development Services in consultation with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has recommended a residential dwelling setback from adjacent active orchard (APN 039-370-102) of either of 50 feet or 25 feet with an approved vegetation screen along the eastern property lines of parcels 13-18 and from the northern property line of parcel 11.

In compliance with CEQA, this notice discloses that there are no listed toxic sites present on site. A search of the state and federal agency databases for hazardous materials sites within one-mile of the project site was performed and the project site is within one-mile of an identified clean-up site. Diamond Match Factory, a State Response clean-up site, is located approximately 0.85 miles to the northeast of the project site.

The Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and reference documents for these projects are on file for public review and comment starting Tuesday, June 26, 2018 through Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at the Butte County Planning Division, 7 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA. The IS/MND is also available for review on the County website at http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/CEQA.aspx. All persons are invited to review the documents. Comments may be submitted to the Planning Division in writing at the above address at any time prior to the hearing or orally at the meeting listed above, or as may be continued to a later date. If you challenge the above application in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to the public hearing.

For information call or send an email to Mark Michelena, Senior Planner, Butte County Development Services Department, Planning Division at (530) 552-3683 or [email protected].

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in the hearing, please contact us at (530) 552-3663. Notification at least 72 hours prior to the hearing will enable staff to make reasonable arrangements.

BUTTE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION TIM SNELLINGS, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

buttecounty.net/dds

Project Name: Nels Leen Tentative Subdivision Map, File # TSM17-0001

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

DEPARTMENT

BUTTE COUNTY

INITIAL STUDY AND

PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP (CLUSTERED)

TSM17-0001 (Leen)


■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■

■ Initial Study – TSM17-0001 (Leen) ■ Page 2 of 76 ■

COUNTY OF BUTTE

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

FOR

TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP TSM 17-0001 (Leen)

1.0 PROJECT INFORMATION

A. Applicant/Owner: Nels Leen (Applicant/Owner)

B. Staff Contact: Mark Michelena, Senior Planner; (530) 552-3683, [email protected]

C. Project Name: TSM17-0001; Leen Tentative Subdivision Map (Clustered)

D. Project Location: The project site is located at 1232 Stanley Avenue, on the south side of Stanley Avenue, ¼ mile

east from Dayton Road, south of the city of Chico. Township 21 North, Range 1 East, Section 19 of the Chico

USGS 7.5’ Quadrangle.

E. Type of Application: Tentative Subdivision Map (Clustered Development pursuant to Chapter 24, Article III,

Division 8, of Butte County Code)

F. Assessor Parcel Numbers: 039-090-061 and 039-370-019

G. Project Site Size: 18.5± acres

H. Current Zoning: VLDR (Very Low Density Residential – (1 unit/acre density)

I. General Plan Designation: VLDR (Very Low Density Residential)

J. Environmental Setting:

The project site encompasses approximately 18.5 acres of a largely unimproved, disturbed, vacant property

located on Stanley Avenue, 0.25 miles east of Dayton Road, and approximately 0.60 miles south of the City of

Chico city limits. (Figure 1) An existing single-family residence is present within APN 039-370-019, additional

secondary structures include a carport, two garages, and a well. The single-family residence and additional

structures will remain as Parcel 19 of the Tentative Subdivision Map (Figure 2). Additionally, irrigation

infrastructure that served former agricultural practices on-site, including a well and sprinkler heads, can be found

within the project boundaries.

Site topography is flat, with elevations ranging from 177 feet above mean sea level (msl) in the southwestern

corner of the property to 182 feet above msl in the southeastern corner of the property. The property is bordered

by residential development (one with an active agricultural use (orchard)) to the north and east, on the south by

Comanche Creek which separates the property from a 146-acre orchard, zoned A-40 (Agriculture – 40-acre

minimum), and a mobile home park and residential development on the west.

The project site is situated in the VLDR – 1.0 (Very Low Density Residential – one-acre minimum zone district), west

of the Chico west of the Chico Area Greenline. This zone allows for the appropriate development of single- family

homes and related uses in residential neighborhoods of the county. Standards for the VLDR zone are intended to

preserve and protect the character of existing neighborhoods and ensure that new residential developments provide

appropriate transition from rural to more developed areas. Permitted residential uses in the VLDR zone include a

single-family home, small residential care home, second unit and accessory structures. The VLDR zone also

conditionally permits non-residential uses compatible with a rural residential setting, including public and quasi-

public uses, golf courses, park and recreational facilities, personal services, medical offices and clinics, and

animal services. Animal grazing, crop cultivation, private stable, on-site agricultural products sales are

permitted uses in the VLDR zone. The minimum permitted parcel size in the VLDR zone is 1 acre.

Soils on the project site consists of Chico loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. This unit is found on low fan terraces

and derived from mixed rocks. It is well drained with a very high depth to restrictive feature (more than 80

inches). The soil is commonly used for growing almonds, walnuts, row crops, and development.

mailto:[email protected]




The Butte County General Plan identifies this property to be located in the Agricultural Land vegetative

community type. Agricultural lands in the county include orchard crops such as almond and walnut, rice, and a

variety of row crops. Wildlife species that may use agricultural land include a variety of avian species, as well

as, raccoon (Procyon lotor), coyote (Canis latrans), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana).

Vegetation within the site is primarily ruderal annual species, with the exception of a few trees within the site

and the riparian vegetation found along Comanche Creek. Ruderal species present include milk thistle (Silybum

marianum), Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), sunflower (Helianthus sp.), pokeberry (Phytolacca americana),

and Brassica sp. Trees present on-site include European olive (Olea europaea), persimmon (Diospyros sp.), and

English walnut (Juglans regia). Three large valley oaks (Quercus lobata) can be found at the southern boundary

of APN 039-370-068 which is directly adjacent to APN 039-090-061.

Riparian species found along Comanche Creek are typical of riparian areas within the northern Sacramento

Valley. Dominant canopy species include valley oak, western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Oregon ash

(Fraxinus latifolia), and Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii). Commonly encountered sub-canopy species

include black walnut (Juglans hindsii) and cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera). Ground cover species within the

riparian corridor included Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), English ivy (Hedera helix), California

wild grape (Vitis californica), and Santa Barbara sedge (Carex barbarae). Additionally, Blue elderberry

(Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) was encountered within the riparian vegetation along Comanche Creek. Blue

elderberry is the sole host plant for the federally threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle.

The project site is not listed on the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Hazardous

Waste and Substances Site List (Cortese List) and is not located near any sites or sites known or suspected to

contain hazardous materials. A State Response clean-up site is located approximately 1.5 miles to the northeast

of the project site. This clean-up site caused the contamination of groundwater with trichloroethylene (TCE).

This contaminated groundwater plume, referred to as the Victor 20th Street Plume, extends under the Stanley

Park neighborhood which includes the project site. Due to the high concentration of TCE the Stanley Park

neighborhood has been connected to the California Water Service (Calwater) domestic water supply.

K. Surrounding Land Uses:

The area surrounding the project site primarily includes single family residential development zoned VLDR

with up to 1 dwelling unit per acre. The land south of the project area is a 146-acre walnut orchard zoned AG-

40.

Direction General Plan Designation Zoning Existing Land Use(s)

North Very Low Density Residential VLDR – 1.0 Single-Family Residential/

Agriculture

South Agricultural AG-40 Agriculture (Orchard)

East Very Low Density Residential VLDR – 1.0 Single Family Residential

West Very Low Density Residential VLDR – 1.0 Single Family Residential

L. Project Description:

The applicant is requesting approval of a Clustered Development Tentative Subdivision Map (TSM) to divide an

approximately 18.5- acre property into 22 parcels (21 residential lots and one open space lot) ranging in size from

0.19 acres to 12.02 acres. The 21 clustered residential lots range in size from 0.19 to 0.75 acres and a and the open

space lot is shown as Lot A (12.02 acres). Lots will be served by a new on-site cul-de-sac, off of Stanley Avenue,

with full urban improvements including curb, gutter, sidewalk and drainage disposal. The proposed cul-de-sac will

be 36 feet wide with additional easements on each side of the road for utilities. The total length of the road is

approximately 800 feet and will include a 50-foot radius cul-de-sac at its terminus. The residence and secondary

structures present in APN 039-370-019 will remain in place and become part of Parcel 19 of the TSM.

The project proposes a community wastewater system with a septic tank effluent pump (STEP) system where

individual septic tanks are equipped with an effluent pump to a common dose tank via a common pressure main. The

pressure line and service connection (shutoff valve, check valve and valve box) will be installed for a lot at the time

of other utilities and subdivision improvements. The wastewater disposal area will be located on the open space parcel

(Lot A). The community wastewater system will be managed by a County Service Area (CSA) with all necessary

legal entitlements and financial assurances in place as per County and Butte Local Agency Formation Commission

(LAFCo) requirements. Each parcel will be provided with domestic water service via the extension of the California

Water Service Company network along Stanley Avenue.




The southern portion of the project site abuts an Agricultural Zone. The proposed project identifies a 300-foot

residential setback from the southern property line. Pursuant to the requirements of Butte County Code §24-56.1

(Residential Setback from Orchards and Vineyards), the Department of Development Services in conjunction with

the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is recommending a residential dwelling setback from adjacent active

orchard (APN 039-370-102) of 50 feet, or 25 feet with approved vegetation screen along the eastern property lines

of Parcels 13-18 and from the northern property line of Parcel 11.

Uses located within the riparian area along Comanche Creek, will be consistent with Butte County Code Chapter

24, Article III, Division 16, Riparian Areas.

M. Public Agency Approvals:

Tentative Subdivision Approval (County of Butte)

Construction Improvement Plans (County of Butte)

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (Prior to Development, County of Butte)

Community Wastewater System (Regional Water Quality Control Board)

Formation of County Service Area (County of Butte, Butte LAFCo)




2.0 POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS CHECKLIST SETTING

Environmental Factors Potentially Affected:

Project impacts to the environmental factors checked below could be potentially significant; however, with the

incorporation of mitigation measures, project related impacts are reduced to a “less than significant” level (CEQA

Guidelines 15382).

Aesthetics

Agriculture & Forestry

Resources

Air Quality

Biological Resources

Cultural Resources

Geology /Soils

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Hazards & Hazardous Materials

Hydrology / Water Quality

Land Use / Planning

Mineral Resources

Noise

Population / Housing

Public Services

Recreation

Transportation/Traffic

Tribal Cultural Resources

Utilities / Service Systems

Mandatory Findings of Significance




Evaluation of Environmental Impacts:

1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the

information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is

adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like

the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained

where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive

receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).

2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well

as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.

3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then, the checklist answers must

indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant.

"Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If

there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.

4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of

mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact."

The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than

significant level (mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be cross- referenced).

5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been

adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion

should identify the following:

a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.

b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and

adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects

were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.

c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,"

describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent

to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.

6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts

(e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where

appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.

7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted

should be cited in the discussion.

8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should

normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever

format is selected.

9) The explanation of each issue should identify:

a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and

b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance




4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

4.1 Aesthetic/Visual Resources:

Would the proposal: Potentially

Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?

b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including,

but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and

historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or

quality of the site and its surroundings?

d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare

which would adversely affect day or nighttime views

in the area?

Setting:

The project area is characterized as residential and agricultural lands within the rural valley region of Butte County,

approximately 0.65 miles south of the City of Chico city limits, and approximately 2.65 miles west of State Route 99

(SR 99). Surrounding land uses are primarily residential but include agricultural uses (walnut and almond orchards)

on lots ranging from approximately 0.29 acres up to 146 acres.

The topography of the site is relatively flat to gently sloping with elevations ranging from 177 to 182 feet above mean

sea level (msl). The most prominent man-made structures on-site include a single-family residence and associated

structures, well pumps, and electrical utilities running to the pump. The prominent natural feature on-site is the riparian

area bordering Comanche Creek which stretches for approximately 1,990 feet along the southern boundary of the

project area. The riparian corridor is consistent with other riparian areas found within the northern Sacramento Valley

of California.

The Butte County General Plan Figures COS-7, COS-8, and COS-9 display identified scenic resources within Butte

County. The scenic resources depicted in COS-7 include the land based scenic resources (Table Mountain, Butte Creek

Canyon, Feather Falls Scenic Area, and the Sacramento River Wildlife Refuge) and water based scenic resources

(Lake Oroville, Lake Wyandotte, Thermalito Afterbay, and Philbrook Reservoir).

There are no officially designated State Scenic highways within Butte County, however, State Route 70 (SR 70) north

of the intersection of State Route 149 (SR 149) is considered an eligible State Scenic Highway. As seen in Figure

COS-8 in the Butte County General Plan the County has designated SR 70 through the Feather River Canyon and a

portion of State Route 32 (SR 32) north of Forest Ranch as County Scenic Highways.

Scenic Highway Overlay Zones are identified in Figure COS-9 of the General Plan, the zones extend 350 linear feet

laterally from the centerline of each of the scenic routes identified. The Scenic Highway Overlay Zones can be found

on portions of SR 32 north of Chico, the Skyway, southern portions of State Route 191 (SR 191) and Pentz Road,

portions of SR 70 north of the SR 149 intersection, portions of State Route 162 (SR 162), and portions along

Forbestown Road and Lumpkin Road.

Based on the information presented in the Butte County General Plan, the project area is not located within, or in the

vicinity of any identified scenic resources.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. Future development of the proposed parcels includes single family residential units,

potential secondary units, and accessory structures, which would be consistent with the established visual

character of the surrounding area. Due to the clustering of the residential units and the overall low-density of the

project (1.13 lots/acre), the placement of additional residences will not significantly interfere with the views of a

scenic vista from adjacent residences or public right-of-ways. Therefore, the proposed project would not

significantly affect a scenic vista nor have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect.




b.) Less than significant impact. No scenic resources have been identified to be on the project site, or in the

surrounding area. Additionally, the project site is not located adjacent to a state-designated or county- designated

scenic highway. As a result, proposed improvements would not result in the damage or degradation to any scenic

features on or near the project site. Subsequent development of the resultant parcels is anticipated to be consistent

with the character of the project site and surrounding area.

c.) Less than significant impact. Future development of the parcels would include single-family residences,

potential second units, and accessory structures. The type of housing and the parcel sizes proposed would be

consistent with the character and quality of the site or surrounding area.

d.) Less than significant impact. Outdoor lighting for safety and security could potentially be added to future

structures on the resultant parcels. Future development of these parcels would be consistent with the residential

character already established in the surrounding areas. At the time of development, outdoor lighting in residential

zones would be subject to Article III, Division 4, Section 24-67 of Butte County Zoning Code, which requires that

all outdoor lighting in residential areas be located, adequately shielded, and directed such that no direct light falls

outside the property perimeter, or into the public right-of-way. With the adherence to outdoor lighting regulations

at the time of development, the proposed project would not create new sources of substantial lighting or glare that

would generate a significant impact.

Mitigation Measure: None required.

4.2 Agriculture Resources:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, 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?

b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,

or a Williamson Act Contract?

c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning

of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code

section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public

Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned

Timberland Production (as defined by Government

Code section 51104(g))?

d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of

forest land to non-forest use?

e. Involve other changes in the existing environment

which, due to their location or nature, could result in

conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or

conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

Setting:

The project site is developed with a single-family residence and associated structures, septic system, well pumps, and

electrical utilities running to the pump. The site is designated Very Low Density Residential (VLDR) by the Butte

County General Plan and is zoned VLDR – 1.0. The VLDR zone is primarily for single-family residences on lots with

a minimum parcel size of one acre. However, the applicant has submitted an application for a clustered development

subdivision pursuant to Chapter 24, Article III, Division 8 of Butte County Code which allows parcel sizes less than

one acre in size, but greater than 7,500 square feet. The VLDR zone allows for limited agricultural uses. Land zoned

Agriculture 40 acre minimum (AG-40) is located immediately south of the project area. The project area has been

historically used as orchard land.




Important Farmland

To characterize the environmental baseline for agricultural resources, Important Farmland Maps produced by the

California Department of Conservation’s Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) were reviewed.

Important Farmland Maps show categories of Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland,

Farmland of Local Importance (if adopted by the county), Grazing Land, Urban and Built-up Land, Other Land, and

Water. Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance map categories are based on qualifying soil types, as

determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well as

current land use. These map categories are defined by the Department of Conservation’s FMMP as follows:

Prime Farmland: Land which has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for the

production of crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high

yields of crops when treated and managed, including water management, according to current farming methods.

Farmland of Statewide Importance: Land that is similar to Prime Farmland but with minor shortcomings, such

as greater slopes or less ability to hold and store moisture.

Unique Farmland: Land of lesser quality soils used for the production of specific high economic value crops. It

has the special combination of soil quality, location, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce

sustained high quality or high yields of a specific crop when treated and managed according to current farming

methods. It is usually irrigated, but may include non-irrigated orchards or vineyards as found in some climatic

zones in California. Examples of crops include oranges, olives, avocados, rice, grapes, and cut flowers.

Farmland of Local Importance: Land of importance to the local agricultural economy, as determined by each

county’s board of supervisors and local advisory committees. Examples include dairies, dryland farming,

aquaculture, and uncultivated areas with soils qualifying for Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide

Importance. Butte County has not adopted a definition of Farmland of Local Importance.

Grazing Land: Land on which the existing vegetation, whether grown naturally or through management, is

suitable for grazing or browsing of livestock.

Urban and Built-up Land: Land used for residential, industrial, commercial, construction, institutional, public

administrative purpose, railroad yards, cemeteries, airports, golf courses, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment

plants, water control structures, and other development purposes. Highways, railroads, and other transportation

facilities are also included in this category.

Other Land: Land not included in any other mapping category. Common examples include low density rural

developments; brush, timber, wetland, and riparian areas not suitable for livestock grazing; confined livestock,

poultry or aquaculture facilities; strip mines, borrow pits; and water bodies smaller than forty acres. Vacant and

nonagricultural land surrounded on all sides by urban development and greater than 40 acres is mapped as Other

Land.

Water: Water areas with an extent of at least 40 acres.

Williamson Act

The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, commonly known as the Williamson Act, was established based on

numerous State legislative findings regarding the importance of agricultural lands in an urbanizing society. Policies

emanating from those findings include those that discourage premature and unnecessary conversion of agricultural land

to urban uses and discourage discontinuous urban development patterns, which unnecessarily increase the costs of

community services to community residents. The Williamson Act authorizes each County to establish an agricultural

preserve. Land that is within the agricultural preserve is eligible to be placed under a contract between the property

owner and County that would restrict the use of the land to agriculture in exchange for a tax assessment that is not based

on the yearly production yield. The contracts have a 9-year term that is automatically renewed each year, unless the

property owner or county requests a non-renewal or the contract is cancelled. The project site is not encumbered by a

Williamson Act Contract, however, land south of Comanche Creek is currently held under a Williamson Act contract.

Butte County Code Section 24-81 (Agricultural Buffers)

Chapter 24, Article III, Division 7 of the Butte County Zoning Ordinance establishes a 300-foot buffer between lands

zoned agriculture and new residential development. This ordinance applies to parcels where residential structures are to

be developed in the following areas of the county: (1) all lands zoned Agriculture; (2) in other zones within 300 feet of

the boundary of Agriculture zones; (3) areas inside and within 300 feet of sphere of influence boundaries for incorporated

cities, where the boundary abuts parcels zoned Agriculture; and, (4) areas within 300 feet of a Williamson Act Contract.




Exceptions to the 300-foot agricultural buffer setback requirement may be requested by the project applicant through an

Unusual Circumstances Review application process (BCC §24-84).

Butte County Resolution #08-166, as amended (Agricultural Buffer Guidelines)

The Butte County Zoning Ordinance (Section 24-81 et seq.) requires a 300-foot buffer between agricultural and non-

agricultural uses on agriculturally zoned lands. To implement this requirement, and to provide guidance regarding

requests for a determination of unusual circumstances to modify the 300-foot agricultural buffer requirement, Butte

County has adopted Agricultural/Residential Buffer Implementation Guidelines (Board of Supervisors Resolution 08-

166). The buffer must physically separate agricultural and residential dwellings to help minimize potential conflicts.

The County may make a determination of unusual circumstances based on criteria outlined in the Guidelines, in which

case the buffer may take other forms or be of a lesser distance. The proposed project identifies a 300-foot residential

setback from the southern property line.

Butte County Right to Farm Ordinance

Chapter 35 of the Butte County Code, also referred to as the Butte County Right to Farm Ordinance (Ord. No. 4092, 02-

24-15), serves as a notification to owners, purchasers, residents, and users of property adjacent to agricultural operations

of potential issues at the agriculture-urban interface. The Right to Farm Ordinance declares that properly conducted

agricultural operations on agricultural land are not subject to nuisance claims, assuming the operation was not already

on record as a nuisance when the operation began. Information about the Right to Farm Ordinance is provided by the

County to residents with an annual tax bill and when an application is submitted for development on or adjacent to

agricultural land. The Right to Farm Ordinance serves as a protection for agricultural uses that are located in

nonagricultural General Plan land use designations and zoning districts.

Butte County Code (BCC) §24-56.1 - Residential Setback from Orchards and Vineyards

On January 12, 2016, the Butte County Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to the Butte County General Plan

and Zoning Ordinance to establish a setback requirement for new residential dwelling development adjacent to existing

orchards and vineyards located in residential zones. Butte County Code (BCC) §24-56.1 provides as follows:

24-56.1 Residential Setback from Orchards and Vineyards

A setback is established for residential development from existing orchards and vineyards that are located in residential

zones in order to reduce interference and conflict with preexisting agricultural operations, while providing for the

development potential allowed by residential zones. The residential setback from orchards and vineyards is subject to

the following requirements (Refer to Article 17. Agricultural Buffers, for agricultural buffer setbacks required where a

developing residentially zoned parcel is adjacent to a parcel zoned Agriculture):

A. A setback between a new residence and an existing active orchard or vineyard shall be established as far away from

the orchard or vineyard as practicable, taking into account adjacent agricultural uses and practices, provided it

does not limit the allowed residential density permitted by the residential zone, and in no case, is less than 25 feet.

B. Any proposed land division adjacent to an existing active orchard or vineyard use shall apply for a Residential

Setback Recommendation with the Development Services Department in accordance with this section. The

Residential Setback Recommendation shall be reviewed by the Agricultural Commissioner, in consultation with

Development Services to determine an appropriate setback width (pursuant to Subsection A.). The Residential

Setback Recommendation shall become part of the application and reviewed by the hearing body. Public noticing

shall include reference to the Residential Setback Recommendation and the residential setback’s recommended

width.

C. All building permits for residential development adjacent to existing orchards or vineyards shall be reviewed for

compliance with the required residential setback. If no residential setback is shown on an applicable recorded

parcel map or subdivision map, a review by the Zoning Administrator at a noticed public hearing shall be

conducted to determine the appropriate setback pursuant to Subsection A.

D. The residential setback shall be imposed from the property line (s) on the developing parcel and shown on the

recorded parcel map or subdivision map or building permit site plan.

E. The setback shall not apply to residential development adjacent to row crops or greenhouses and wholesale

nurseries primarily engaged in growing crops, plants, vines or trees and their seeds.




F. The setback shall not apply to backyard gardens and fruit and nut trees accessory to a residential use.

G. The setback shall not apply to accessory structures as defined under Section 24‐156 (Accessory Uses and

Structures) excepting guest houses, which must comply with the setback.

H. The setback shall not apply to orchard or vineyard uses that start operations after a building permit is approved

(this does not apply to an existing orchard or vineyard that is removed and replaced).

I. If the orchard or vineyard use is discontinued (i.e., the land is developed with residential uses) the setback shall no

longer be applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of Butte County Code §24-56.1 (Residential Setback from Orchards and Vineyards), the

Department of Development Services in conjunction with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is recommending a

residential dwelling setback from the adjacent orchard located on the property at 1768 Walnut Tree Lane (APN 039-370-

102) of 50 feet, or 25 feet with approved vegetation screen along the eastern property lines of Parcels 13-18 and from the

northern property line of Parcel 11.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. The majority of the project site is designated as Prime Farmland by the California

Department of Conservation’s Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP). Areas surrounding the project

site include Urban and Built-up Land to the north and west; and, Prime Farmland to the south and west. While the

project site is designated as Important Farmland in the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, the subject

property and surrounding properties were re-designated to Very Low Density Residential (VLDR) during the 2030

General Plan update process. The Butte County General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report (GPEIR) analyzed

the potential impacts of development of important farmlands that were designated for non-agricultural uses and adopted a

Statement of Overriding Considerations for the environmental impacts of the new land designations for the project site

and 1,240 acres of farmland surrounding Chico “ranging from Foothill Residential and Rural Residential to Medium

High density residential (890 acres)” which includes the project area (Page 4.2-9 of the GPEIR). The GPEIR

acknowledged that these actions would convert prime farmland to non-agricultural use and the Board of Supervisors

adopted environmental findings and the Statement of Overriding Considerations for this significant environmental

effect.

b.) No impact. The project site is zoned for primarily residential uses, the VLDR zone allows for limited agricultural

uses, including crop cultivation. The proposed project would not result in a change to the current zoning designation

of the property, and the project site would continue to allow for limited agricultural uses. The project site is not

restricted by a Williamson Act contract. The nearest property with a Williamson Act contract lies to the south of the

project area on the other side of Comanche Creek.

c.) No impact. The project site is not located in a timber resource zoning category such as Timber Mountain (TM),

Timber Production (TPZ), or Resource Conservation (RC). The project site is also not classified as forest land,

pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 12220(g), because the project site cannot support 10 percent

native tree cover. Therefore, the proposed project would not conflict with, or cause the rezoning of, a timber

resource zoning designation.

d.) No impact. The project site is not classified as forest land, and therefore, the proposed project would not result in

loss or conversion of forest land to a non-forest use.

e.) Less than significant impact. The project site is identified as containing lands classified as Prime Farmland and

Urban and Built-up by the California Department of Conservation’s FMMP. Surrounding areas are classified as

Urban and Built-up Land and Prime Farmland. As described above, the GPEIR includes a programmatic analysis

of agricultural land being converted to non-agricultural uses. It also includes a programmatic analysis of “other

changes in the environment, which due to their location, or nature, could result in the conversion of farmlands of

concern under CEQA to non-agricultural use.” The GPEIR recognizes that re-designation of land by the General

Plan land use map “could result in incompatible land uses next to farm uses or ranches, creating circumstances that

impair the productivity of agricultural operations, and could eventually lead farmers to take their land out of

production” (GPEIR, page 4.2-15).

The project site and land to the north, west and east are zoned for residential uses. Land located to the south, across

Comanche Creek, is zoned Agriculture. Due to the close proximity of Agricultural-zoned land, the premature

conversion of farmlands could potentially occur from the increase in residential dwellings developed on the project

site. This close proximity may cause potential conflicts from incompatibility, causing restrictions on farming




operations, restrictions on pesticide usage, increase risk of theft and vandalism, complaints, introduction of pests,

litter, and pets.

Future development on the proposed parcels may include the construction of a single-family residence. Residential

development would be subject to the County’s Agricultural Buffer Policy, Policy AG-P5.3 from the Butte County

General Plan and Article 17 of the Zoning Ordinance, which requires buffers between existing agricultural land and

new residential development by applying a 300-foot buffer. The proposed project identifies a 300-foot residential

setback from the southern property line.

Residential development would also be subject to the requirements of General Plan Policy AG-P5.3.2 which

requires a setback between a new residence and an active existing orchard or vineyard that locates the residence

as far away from the orchard or vineyard as practicable, provided it does not limit the density permitted by the

residential zone, and in no case less than 25 feet. Pursuant to the requirements of Butte County Code §24-56.1

(Residential Setback from Orchards and Vineyards), the Department of Development Services in conjunction with the

Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is recommending a residential dwelling setback from adjacent active orchard

(APN 039-370-102) of 50 feet, or 25 feet with approved vegetation screen along the eastern property lines of Parcels

13-18 and from the northern property line of Parcel 11

Mitigation Measure: None Required.

4.3 Air Quality:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the

applicable air quality plan?

b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute

substantially to an existing or projected air quality

violation?

c. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any

criteria pollutant for which the 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)?

d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant

concentrations?

e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial

number of people?

Setting:

The proposed project is located within the Northern Sacramento Valley Air Basin (NSVAB). Summer conditions

in the NSVAB are typically characterized by high temperatures and low humidity, with temperatures averaging

from approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. During the summer

months, the prevailing winds are typically from the south. Winter conditions are characterized by occasional rainstorms interspersed with stagnant and sometimes foggy weather. The daytime average temperature is in the low

50soF and nighttime temperatures average in the upper 30soF. During winter, winds predominate from the south, but north winds frequently occur. Rainfall occurs mainly from late October to early May, with an average of 17.2 inches

per year, but this amount can vary significantly each year.

Dispersion of local pollutant emissions are predominately affected by the prevailing wind patterns and inversions

that often occur in the NSVAB. Within the NSVAB, two types of inversions can occur. During the summer months,

sinking air forms a “lid” over the region and confines pollution to a shallow layer near the ground, which can

contribute to photochemical smog problems. During winter nights, air near the ground cools while the air aloft

remains warm, which can cause poor dispersion of ground level pollutant emissions (Butte County General Plan

EIR; BCAQMD, 2014).




Current Ambient Air Quality

Federal and state standards have been established for six criteria pollutants, including ozone (O3), carbon monoxide

(CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulates less than 10 microns and 2.5 microns in diameter

(PM10 and PM2.5), and lead (Pb). The Butte County Air Quality Management District (BCAQMD) is the primary

agency responsible for assuring that the federal and state ambient air quality standards are attained and maintained

in Butte County. The BCAQMD operates a network of ambient air monitoring stations throughout Butte County. Depending on whether the standards for a particular criteria air pollutant has been met or exceeded, the local air basin

is classified as being in “attainment” or “nonattainment.” Based on the most recent monitoring data, Butte County

is a nonattainment area for both state and federal ozone standards, the state and federal PM2.5 standards, and the

state PM10 standards. Butte County is in attainment for the state and federal standards for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen

dioxide, and carbon monoxide (BCAQMD, 2014).

Table 4.3-1 Butte County - State and Federal Ambient Air Quality Attainment Status

POLLUTANT STATE DESIGNATION FEDERAL DESIGNATION

1-hour ozone Nonattainment -

8-hour ozone Nonattainment Nonattainment

Carbon monoxide Attainment Attainment

Nitrogen Dioxide Attainment Attainment

Sulfur Dioxide Attainment Attainment

24-Hour PM 10 Nonattainment Attainment

24-Hour PM 2.5 No Standard Nonattainment

Annual PM 10 Attainment No Standard

Annual PM 2.5 Nonattainment Attainment

Source: Butte County AQMD, 2014

Air Quality Planning

The California Clean Air Act requires air districts to prepare a plan for air quality improvement for criteria pollutants for

which the District is in nonattainment. The BCAQMD’s Air Quality Attainment Plan was first adopted in 1991 and

updated in 1994, 1997, 2000 and 2003. In 2006, the District collaborated with other air pollution control districts in the

NSVAB to prepare a joint Air Quality Attainment Plan. That joint plan has been updated in 2006, 2009 and 2012 as the

Northern Sacramento Valley Planning Area Triennial Air Quality Attainment Plan. The attainment plan is the basis for

an air district’s functional strategy to meet federal and state ambient air quality standards.

The BCAQMD, in its role of insuring projects are properly evaluated for consistency with ambient air quality standards

and the Northern Sacramento Valley Planning Area Triennial Air Quality Attainment Plan, have prepared guidelines to

assist applicants and lead agencies in evaluating potential air quality and greenhouse impacts that may occur with a

proposed project. Established with these guidelines are screening criteria to determine whether or not additional modeling

for criteria air pollutants is necessary for a project. The screening criteria listed in Table 4.3-2 were created using

CalEEMod version 2013.2.2 for the given land use types. To determine whether or not a proposed project meets the

screening criteria, the size and metric for the land use type (units or square footage) should be compared with that of the

proposed project. If a project meets the applicable screening criteria, then further quantification of criteria air pollutants

is not necessary, and it may be assumed that the project would have a less than significant impact for criteria air pollutants.

If a project exceeds the size provided by the screening criteria for a given land use type then additional modeling and

quantification of criteria air pollutants should be performed (BCAQMD, 2014).




Table 4.3-2 Screening Criteria for Criteria Air Pollutants

LAND USE TYPE MAXIMUM SCREENING LEVELS FOR PROJECTS

Single Family Unit Residential 30 units

Multi-Family (Low Rise) Residential 75 units

Commercial 15,000 square feet

Educational 24,000 square feet

Industrial 59,000 square feet

Recreational 5,500 square feet

Retail 11,000 square feet

Source: Butte County AQMD, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 2014

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. A project is deemed inconsistent with air quality plans if it would result in population

and/or employment growth that exceeds growth estimates included in the applicable air quality plan, which, in turn,

would generate emission not accounted for in the applicable air quality plan emissions budget. Therefore, proposed

projects need to be evaluated to determine whether they would generate population and employment growth and, if

so, whether that growth would exceed the growth rates included in the relevant air plans.

The proposed project could result in minor population growth in the County with build-out of the resultant parcels.

The proposed development density is consistent with the established zoning, and population growth to the area has

already been anticipated for under Butte County General Plan 2030. Additionally, the total number of single-family

residential units generated by the project is below the maximum screening criteria established in Table 4.3-2.

Therefore, the project is not anticipated to cause significant impacts to regional air quality, or otherwise conflict with

the basin’s air quality management plan, provided that best management practices for the control of fugitive dust

during construction activities are employed.

b.) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The proposed project has the potential to impact air

quality primarily in two ways: (1) the project would generate mobile source emissions associated with future development on the resultant parcels, and (2) fugitive dust (particulate/PM10) and construction exhaust emissions

would be generated during site preparation and the construction activities associated with proposed road improvements and future development on the resultant parcels. Mobile source emissions are produced from motor

vehicles, and include tailpipe and evaporative emissions. Energy use associated with development may be caused

by heating and cooling systems, lighting, applicant, water use and wastewater. No development is proposed with this project; however, future development of the resultant parcels has the potential to generate these direct and

indirect emissions. Emissions generated during at build-out of the resultant parcels are not expected to be

substantial, and would not significantly violate existing air quality standards, because only a limited amount development would occur over the project site. The limited amount of development to occur with the proposed

project was compared to the screening criteria of Table 4.3-2, and deemed to have a less than significant impact to the environment.

Construction-related emissions are generally created throughout the course of project implementation and parcel

development, and would originate from construction equipment exhaust, employee vehicle exhaust, dust from

grading the land, exposed soil eroded by wind, and ROGs from architectural coating and asphalt paving.

Construction-related emissions would vary substantially depending on the level of activity, length of the

construction period, specific construction operations, types of equipment, number of personnel, wind and

precipitation conditions, and soil moisture content. Despite this variability in project site conditions, there are a

number of feasible control measures that can be reasonably implemented to meaningfully reduce construction-

related emissions to a less than significant level. These measures as well as other common air pollution control

measures are recommended in Appendix C of BCAQMD’s CEQA Handbook (2014), and are to be implemented as

Mitigation Measure #1, listed below.

c.) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. Based on the information provided in section b.),

above, the proposed project would not result in the violation of any air quality standards or contribute substantially

to an existing or projected air quality violation, except for potential fugitive dust emissions during construction activities.




Fugitive dust emissions generated during construction has the potential to contribute cumulatively to the region’s non-

attainment of PM10 and PM2.5 emissions. Implementation of Mitigation Measure #1 would reduce potential cumulative fugitive dust emission impacts to a less than significant level.

d.) Less than significant impact. Residences are located within ¼-mile of the project site. Construction activities

would generate emissions of criteria pollutants, including suspended and inhalable particulate matter and equipment

exhaust emissions. These emissions could expose nearby sensitive receptors to pollutants concentrations.

Implementation of Mitigation Measure #1 would reduce impacts of construction-related fugitive dust emissions.

Additionally, because impacts related to equipment exhaust emissions would not exceed the significance thresholds

recommended by BCAPMD, and because construction activities of future residential development tend to be short

in duration, impacts to sensitive receptors would be less than significant.

e.) Less than significant impact. Future permitted uses on the resultant parcels would not create objectionable odors.

However, future construction activities could include objectionable odors from tailpipe diesel emissions and from

solvents in adhesives, paints, caulking materials, and new asphalt. Since odor impacts would be temporary and

limited to the area adjacent to the construction operations, and because the project site is located in a rural area of

the county, odors would not impact a substantial number of people for an extended period of time.

Mitigation Measure #1 (Construction Air Emissions)

Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet

that states: “The following best practice measures to reduce impacts to air quality shall be incorporated by the project

applicant, subject property owners, or third-party contractors during construction activities on the project site. These

measures are intended to reduce criteria air pollutants that may originate from the site during the course of land clearing and

other construction operations.

Diesel PM Exhaust from Construction Equipment and Commercial On-Road Vehicles Greater than 10,000 Pounds

All on- and off-road equipment shall not idle for more than five minutes. Signs shall be posted in the designated

queuing areas and/or job sites to remind drivers and operators of the five-minute idling limit.

Idling, staging and queuing of diesel equipment within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors is prohibited.

All construction equipment shall be maintained in proper tune according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Equipment must be checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper condition before the

start of work.

Install diesel particulate filters or implement other CARB-verified diesel emission control strategies.

Shall not operate a diesel-fueled auxiliary power system (APS) to power a heater, air conditioner, or any ancillary

equipment on that vehicle during sleeping or resting in a sleeper berth for greater than 5 minutes at any location

when within 100 feet of a restricted areas.

To the extent feasible, truck trips shall be scheduled during non-peak hours to reduce peak hour emissions.

Operational TAC Emissions

All mobile and stationary Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) sources shall comply with applicable Airborne Toxic

Control Measures (ATCMs) promulgated by the CARB throughout the life of the project (see

http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/atcm/atcm.htm).

Stationary sources shall comply with applicable District rules and regulations.

Fugitive Dust

Construction activities can generate fugitive dust that can be a nuisance to local residents and businesses near a

construction site. Dust complaints could result in a violation of the District’s “Nuisance” and “Fugitive Dust” Rules 200

and 205, respectively. The following is a list of measures that may be required throughout the duration of the

construction activities:

Reduce the amount of the disturbed area where possible.

Use of water trucks or sprinkler systems in sufficient quantities to prevent airborne dust from leaving the site. An

adequate water supply source must be identified. Increased watering frequency would be required whenever wind

speeds exceed 15 mph. Reclaimed (non-potable) water should be used whenever possible.

All dirt stockpile areas should be sprayed daily as needed, covered, or a District approved alternative method will

be used.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/atcm/atcm.htm)




Permanent dust control measures identified in the approved project revegetation and landscape plans should be

implemented as soon as possible following completion of any soil disturbing activities.

Exposed ground areas that will be reworked at dates greater than one month after initial grading should be sown with

a fast-germinating non-invasive grass seed and watered until vegetation is established.

All disturbed soil areas not subject to re-vegetation should be stabilized using approved chemical soil binders, jute

netting, or other methods approved in advance by the Butte County Air Quality Management District.

All roadways, driveways, sidewalks, etc. to be paved should be completed as soon as possible. In addition, building

pads should be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used.

Vehicle speed for all construction vehicles shall not exceed 15 mph on any unpaved surface at the construction site.

All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered or should maintain at least two feet of

freeboard (minimum vertical distance between top of load and top of trailer) in accordance with local regulations.

Install wheel washers where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto streets, or wash off trucks and equipment

leaving the site.

Sweep streets at the end of each day if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent paved roads. Water sweepers with

reclaimed water should be used where feasible.

Post a sign in prominent location visible to the public with the telephone numbers of the contractor and the Butte

County Air Quality Management District - (530) 332-9400 for any questions or concerns about dust from the

project.”

All fugitive dust mitigation measures required should be shown on grading and building plans. In addition, the contractor

or builder should designate a person or persons to monitor the dust control program and to order increased watering, as

necessary, to prevent transport of dust offsite. Their duties shall include holidays and weekend period when work may

not be in progress. The name and telephone number of such persons shall be provided to the District prior to land use

clearance for map recordation and finished grading of the area.

Please note that violations of District Regulations are enforceable under the provisions of California Health and Safety

Code Section 42400, which provides for civil or criminal penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.

Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the

final map or on an additional map sheet. This note shall also be placed on all building and site development plans.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.

Monitoring: The Butte County Department of Development Services and the Public Works Department shall ensure

that the note is placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the final map or on an

additional map sheet. Building inspectors shall spot check and shall ensure compliance on-site. Butte County Air

Pollution Control District inspectors shall respond to nuisance complaints.

4.4 Biological Resources:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

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?

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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?




c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally

protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 or the

Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh,

vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal,

filling, hydrological interruption, or other means)?

d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any

native resident or migratory fish and wildlife species

or with established native resident or migratory

wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife

nursery sites?

e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances

protecting biological resources such as a tree

preservation policy ordinance?

f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat

Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation

Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat

conservation plan?

Setting:

The project site is located in the valley region, situated south of the City of Chico. The Butte County General Plan

Figure COS-2, identifies this property as Urban and Agricultural Land. A previous orchard operation was removed

and much of the project site is now disturbed vacant land. Plant species present within these vacant areas are ruderal

annual species including milk thistle (Silybum marianum), Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), sunflower (Helianthus

sp.), pokeberry (Phytolacca americana), and Brassica sp.

Comanche Creek is found along the southern border of the project area, it is surrounded by a riparian corridor

containing a canopy of valley oak (Quercus lobata), Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), western sycamore (Platanus

racemosa), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), and interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni). Commonly

encountered sub-canopy species include black walnut (Juglans hindsii) and cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera). Ground

cover species within the riparian corridor included Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), English ivy (Hedera

helix), California wild grape (Vitis californica), and Santa Barbara sedge (Carex barbarae). Additionally, blue

elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) was encountered within the riparian vegetation along Comanche Creek.

Blue elderberry is the sole host plant for the federally threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle.

Urban and Agricultural Land

Urban and agricultural lands generally provide areas of low value for wildlife, however, exceptions do occur. Rice

fields can provide relatively high-value habitat for a variety of species especially migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

Rice fields are also used by the federally listed giant garter snake, which will use rice fields for foraging and cover

during its active season.

Riparian Woodland

Riparian woodland habitats occur in the Central Valley and are generally associated with low velocity flows, flood

plains and gentle topography. Riparian communities are disproportionately important as they make up a relatively

small area within the landscape but support higher species diversity than other habitat types in California. They are

structurally diverse and provide food, water, migration and dispersal corridors, and escape, nesting, and thermal cover

for a wide variety of species including many special-status species. Dominant canopy species include cottonwood,

western sycamore, and valley oak. Common sub-canopy species include box elder, Oregon ash, and white alder.

Typical understory species include wild rose (Rosa californica), California grape, Himalayan blackberry, California

blackberry (Rubus ursinus), blue elderberry, poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), and various willow species

(Salix spp.). Common herbaceous species include sedges, rushes, mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and stinging nettle

(Urtica dioicia).

A number of wildlife species can be found within riparian woodlands including black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus

columbianus), coyote (Canis latrans), American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), western fence lizard (Sceloporus

occidentalis), southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata), Sierran treefrog (Psuedacris sierra), spotted towhee

(Pipilo maculatus), red shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), and Bewick’s wren

(Thryomanes bewickii). In addition to these species that permanently reside in riparian woodlands, a number of species

of neotropical migrants are found in this community from spring through fall.




Biological Survey

The purpose of the biological survey was to document any endangered, threatened, sensitive and rare species, and their

critical habitats that occur in the biological survey area (BSA). Biological surveys were conducted on October 4, 2016

by NorthStar biologist Matt Rogers. There are no critical habitat designations within or adjacent to the project site.

NorthStar conducted a general biological survey in the BSA to evaluate site conditions and the potential for special-

status species occurrence within the project area. Species encountered during the survey are included as Appendix A.

Information on potential special-status species occurrence was gathered from three primary references including the

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Conservation database, California

Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) accessed via RareFind 5,

and the California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) Online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants v8-02. The results

of the evaluation identified special-status species with potential to occur in the BSA, and/or special-status species that

could be impacted outside of the BSA by project actions. A complete list of all sensitive natural communities and

special-status species with a potential for occurrence at the project site is presented below. Recommendations to avoid

or minimize impacts, and mitigation measures for special-status species and their habitats are incorporated into

mitigation measures herein.

Aquatic Habitat

Riverine

Comanche Creek

Comanche Creek is present along the southern boundary of the project area. Comanche Creek is a low gradient stream

originating approximately four miles east of the City of Chico at the Parrot-Phelan Diversion on Butte Creek. It conveys

water to agricultural uses approximately west of the City of Chico, flow through the site is in an east to west direction.

Historically, Comanche Creek was an intermittent creek, but since the construction of the Parrot-Phelan Diversion the

creek holds water perennially. In addition to the agricultural conveyance, Comanche Creek also collects stormwater from

the Chico urban area and moves it west of Chico. Comanche Creek within the project area has a well-developed riparian

canopy containing valley oak, western sycamore, and Fremont cottonwood.

Special-Status Species

Many species of plants and animals within the State of California have low populations, limited distributions, or both. Such

species may be considered “rare” and are vulnerable to extirpation as the state’s human population grows and the habitats

these species occupy are converted to agricultural and urban uses. A sizable number of native species and animals have been

formally designated as threatened or endangered under State and Federal endangered species legislation. Others have been

designated as “Candidates” for such listing and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) have designated

others as “Species of Special Concern”. The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) has developed its own lists of native

plants considered rare, threatened or endangered. Collectively, these plants and animals are referred to as “special status

species.”

Various direct and indirect impacts to biological resources may result from the small amount of development enabled by the

project, including the loss and/or alteration of existing undeveloped open space that may serve as habitat. Increased vehicle

trips to and from the project site can result in wildlife mortality and disruption of movement patterns within and through the

project vicinity. Disturbances such as predation by pets (e.g., cats and dogs) and human residents may also occur at the

human/open space interface, while conversion of land from lower to higher density residential use can lead to a predominance

of various urban-adapted wildlife species (e.g., coyotes, raccoons, ravens and blackbirds) that have been observed to displace

more sensitive species.

California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15065 requires a mandatory finding of significance for projects that

have the potential to substantially degrade or reduce the habitat of a threatened or endangered species, and to fully disclose

and mitigate impacts to special status resources. For the purposes of this Initial Study, the California Environmental Quality

Act (Sections 21083 and 21087, Public Resources Code) defines mitigation as measure(s) that:

Avoids the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.

Minimizes impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation.

Rectifies the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the impacted environment.

Reduces or eliminates the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the

project.




Compensates for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments.

To assess the potential for special-status botanical and wildlife species within and in the vicinity of the project site,

NorthStar consulted special-status species lists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), CDFW’s California

Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Table 4.4-1 includes all the

special-status species analyzed for their potential of occurrence within the BSA:

Table 4.4-1: Special-status species and habitats identified by USFWS, CDFW and CNPS as potentially occurring within

the BSA.

Common Name

(Scientific Name)

Status

Fed/State/

CNPS

Associated

Habitats

Potential for

Occurrence

SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES

Coastal and Valley

Freshwater Marsh

_/SNC/_

Occurs near river mouths, oxbows, and other

areas in the floodplain, and along margins of

lakes and springs, where water is quiet and

permanently flooded by freshwater.

Dominated by perennial, emergent monocots

4-5 meters tall.

None: Not present within the

BSA

Great Valley Cottonwood

Riparian Forest

_/SNC/_

Perennial creeks and rivers in the Central

Valley.

Moderate: Suitable riverine

habitat is present within the

BSA, but the riparian habitat

present is more consistent

with Mixed Riparian Forest

and Valley Oak Riparian

Forest.

Great Valley Mixed Riparian

Forest

_/SNC/_

A tall, dense, winter-deciduous, broadleafed

riparian forest. The tree canopy is usually

fairly well closed and moderately to densely

stocked with several species including Acer

negundo, Juglans hindsii, Platanus racemosa,

Populus fremontii, and Salix spp.

Known: Present within the

BSA.

Great Valley Valley Oak

Riparian Forest

_/SNC/_

Occurs on the deep alluvial soils of higher

floodplain terraces in association with river

systems. Can also be found in other upland

communities.

Known: Present within the

BSA.

Great Valley Willow Scrub

_/SNC/_

Pioneer riparian community found on

depositional areas near the edge of

intermittent and perennial creeks and rivers.

Low: Very few depositional

areas along Comanche Creek

as the creek through the area

is fairly incised and

channeled.

Northern Basalt Flow Vernal

Pool

_/SNC/_ Associated with low- to mid-elevation

seasonally flooded depressions on

impermeable soils.

None: Does not occur within

the BSA.

Northern Claypan Vernal

Pool

_/SNC/_

Seasonally flooded depressions on

impermeable soils with low microrelief and

overall cover.

None: Does not occur within

the BSA.

Northern Hardpan Vernal

Pool

/SNC/_


impermeable soils or rock.

None. Does not occur within

the BSA

Northern Volcanic Mud Flow

Vernal Pool

/SNC/_


impermeable soils or rock.

None. Does not occur within

the BSA




PLANTS

Adobe Lily

(Fritillaria pluriflora)

/ /1B

Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and

foothill grassland. (Feb-Apr)

None: Chaparral, cismontane

woodland, and valley

grassland habitat is not

present within the BSA.

Adobe Navarretia (Navarretia nigelliformis ssp.

nigelliformis)

/ /4.2 Valley and foothill grasslands, vernal pools,

vernally mesic areas with clay soils. (April-

June)

None: No suitable vernal pool

habitat occurs within the

BSA.

Ahart’s Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum var.

ahartii)

/ /1B Serpentinite soils, openings, and slopes in

chaparral and cismontane woodland. (Jun-

Sep)

None: No suitable chaparral

and serpentinite habitat

occurs within the BSA.

Ahart’s Paronychia

(Paronychia ahartii)

/ /1B

Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill

grassland, and vernal pools. (Mar-Jun)



BSA.

Bidwell’s Knotweed

(Polygonum bidwelliae)

/ /4.3

Thin, rocky volcanic soils in chaparral,

cismontane woodlands, and foothill and

valley grasslands.

None: No suitable rocky

volcanic soils are found

within the BSA.

Big-scale Balsam Root

(Balsamorhiza macrolepis var.

macrolepis)

/ /1B Cismontane woodlands and chaparral. Valley

and Foothill grasslands. Sometimes

serpentinite. (Mar-June)

None: No suitable habitat is


Brassy Bryum

(Bryum chryseum)

/ /4.3

Chaparral openings, cismontane woodlands,

valley and foothill grasslands.

None: No suitable chaparral,

cismontane woodland, or

grassland habitats are present

within the BSA.

Brazilian Watermeal

(Wolffia brasiliensis)

/ / 2 Marshes and swamps (shallow

freshwater). (Apr-Dec)

None: No suitable marsh or

swamp like habitat is present

within the BSA.

Brownish Beaked-Rush

(Rhynchospora capitellata)

/ / 2

Lower montane coniferous forest, meadows

and seeps, marshes and swamps, upper

montane coniferous forest (mesic), 455-2000

meters. (Jul-Aug)

None: No suitable montane

coniferous forest present

within the BSA.

Butte County Calycadenia

(Calycadenia oppositifolia) / /4.2

Chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower

montane coniferous forest, meadows and

seeps, valley and foothill grassland. (Apr-Jul)

None: No suitable mesic

habitat present in the BSA.

Butte County Checkerbloom

(Sidalcea robusta)

/ /1B Chaparral and cismontane woodland. (Apr-

Jun)


or cismontane woodland

habitat present in the BSA.

Butte County Fritillary

(Fritillaria eastwoodiae)

/ /3 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, openings in

lower montane coniferous forests, sometimes

serpentinite. (Mar-Jun)


or cismontane woodland


Butte County Golden Clover

(Trifolium jokerstii)

/ /1B Valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools.

(Mar-May)


habitat present within the

BSA.

Butte County Meadowfoam

(Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica)

FE/SE/1B Valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools.

(Mar-May)



BSA.

Butte County Morning-glory

(Calystegia atriplicifolia ssp. buttensis)

/ /4

Chaparral and rocky lower montane

coniferous forest, sometimes roadsides. (May-

Jul)


or lower montane coniferous

forest habitat present within

the BSA.




California Beaked-rush

(Rhynchospora californica)

/ /1B Bogs and fens, lower montane coniferous

forest, meadows and seeps, and marshes and

swamps. (May-Jul)



BSA.

California Satintail

(Imperata brevifolia)

/ /2B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, Mojavean desert

scrub, meadows and seeps (often alkali), and

mesic riparian scrub, 0-500 meters. (Sep-

May)

Low: No suitable chaparral,

or scrub habitat is present in

the BSA. Riparian habitat

present.

Depauperate Milk-vetch

(Astragalus pauperculus)

/ /4.3 Valley grassland, foothill woodland (March-

June)

None: No suitable grassland


BSA.

Dissected-leaved Toothwort (Cardamine pachystigma var.

dissectifolia)

/ /1B

Chaparral and lower montane coniferous

forests, usually serpentinite and rocky. (Feb-

May)


or lower montane coniferous

forest habitat present within

the BSA.

Ferris’s Milk-vetch

(Astralagus tener var. ferrisiae)

/ /1B

Meadows and seeps, valley and foothill

grassland. (Apr-May)

None: Known only from six

extant occurrences.

Flagella-like Atractylocarpus

(Campylopodiella stenocarpa)

/ / 2

Cismontane woodland, 100-500 meters. None: No suitable

cismontane woodland habitat

is present within the BSA.

Greene’s Tuctoria

(Tuctoria greenei)

FE/ /1B

Vernal pools. (May-Jul/Sept) None: No suitable vernal pool


BSA.

Hairy Orcutt Grass

(Orcuttia pilosa)

FE/SE/1B

Deep vernal pools. (May-Sept) None: No suitable deep

vernal pool habitat is present

within the BSA.

Hogwallow starfish

(Hesperevax caulescens)

/ /4.2 Shallow vernal pools, mesic valley and

foothill grasslands. (March-June)


or mesic grassland habitat


Hoover’s Spurge

(Chamaesyce hooveri)

FT/ /1B

Vernal pools. (Jul-Sep/Oct) None: No suitable vernal pool


BSA.

Humboldt Lily

(Lilium humboldtii ssp. humboldtii)

/ /4.2 Chaparral openings and yellow pine forest.

(May-July)



BSA.

Marsh Claytonia

(Claytonia palustris)

/ /4.3 Meadows, seeps, marshes, swamps, upper

montane coniferous forests. (May-Oct)


coniferous forest habitat is


Mexican Mosquito Fern

(Azolla microphylla)

/ /4.2 Marshes, swamps, ponds, and slow moving

water. (Aug)

None: No suitable slow

moving water present within

the BSA.

Parry’s Rough Tarplant

(Centromadia parryi ssp. rudis)

/ /4.2 Valley and foothill grasslands, vernal pools,

vernal seeps. (May-Oct)



BSA.

Pink Creamsacs

(Castilleja rubicundula ssp.

rubicundula)

/ /1B

Chaparral, cismontane woodland, meadows

and seeps, valley and foothill grassland

(serpentine). (Apr-Jun)

None: No suitable chaparral,

cismontane woodland,

meadow, seep, or grassland


BSA.

Recurved Larkspur

(Delphinium recurvatum)

/ /1B Chenopod scrub, cismontane woodland,

valley and foothill grassland (alkaline). (Mar-

Jun)

None: No suitable alkaline


BSA.




Red Bluff Dwarf Rush (Juncus leiospermus var.

leiospermus)

/ /1B

Chaparral, cismontane woodland, meadows

and seeps, valley and foothill grassland and

vernal pools/vernally mesic habitats. (Mar-

May)



BSA.

Round-leaved Filarree

(California macrophylla)

/ /1B

Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill

grassland (clay). (Mar-May)



BSA.

Shield-bracted Monkey

Flower

(Mimulus glaucescens)

/ /4.3

Chaparral, cismontane woodlands, lower

montane coniferous forests, valley and

foothill grasslands, serpentinite seeps. (Feb-

Sept)

None: No suitable

cismontane woodland, lower

montane coniferous forest, or

grassland habitat is present

within the BSA.




Silky Cryptantha

(Cryptantha crinita)

/ /1B

Cismontane woodland, lower montane

coniferous forest, riparian forest and

woodland, gravelly streambeds in valley and

foothill grassland. (Apr-May)

Low: Riparian forest present

however, no suitable gravelly

streambed is present within

the BSA.

Slender-leaved Pondweed (Stuckenia filiformis ssp.

alpina)

/ /2 Marshes and swamps (assorted shallow

freshwater). (May-July)

Low: Shallow freshwater

present within the BSA

Tehama Navarretia

(Navarretia heterandra)

/ /4.3 Mesic valley and foothill grasslands, vernal

pools. (April-June)



BSA.

Veiny Monardella

(Monardella venosa)

/ /1B Cismontane woodlands. Valley and foothill

grasslands in heavy clay soils. (May-July)


habitat with heavy clay soils


Watershield

(Brasenia schreberi)

/ /2

Freshwater marshes and swamps. (Jun-Sep) None: No suitable marsh or

swamp habitat present within

the BSA.

White-stemmed Clarkia (Clarkia gracilis ssp.

albicaulis)

/ /1B Chaparral and cismontane woodland

(sometimes serpentine). (May-Jul)



BSA.

Woolly meadowfoam (Limnanthes floccosa

ssp. floccosa)

/ /4.2 Edge of vernal pools at elevations of 375 to

400 meters. (Mar-Apr)



BSA.

Woolly Rose-mallow (Hibiscus lasiocarpos var.

occidentalis)

/ /1B

Marshes and swamps (freshwater). (Jun-Sep) None: No suitable marsh or

swamp habitat present within

the BSA.

INVERTEBRATES

Antioch Dunes Anthicid

Beetle

(Anthicus antiochensis)

/ /

Interior sand dunes and sand bars. None: No suitable sandy


BSA.

California Linderiella

(Linderiella occidentalis)

/ / Vernal pools, swales, and ephemeral

freshwater habitat.



BSA.

Conservancy Fairy Shrimp

(Branchinecta conservatio)

FE/ / Moderately turbid, deep, cool-water vernal

pool



BSA.

Sacramento Anthicid Beetle

(Anthicus sacramento)

/ /

Interior sand dunes and sand bars; has also

been found in dredge spoil heaps. Known

occurances along the Sacramento and San

Joaquin rivers from Shasta to San Joaquin

counties and at one site along the Feather

River at Nicolaus.

None: No suitable sand dune

or sand bar habitat present

within the BSA.

Valley Elderberry Longhorn

Beetle

(Desmocerus californicus

dimorphus)

FT/ /

Blue elderberry shrubs usually associated

with riparian areas.

High: Blue elderberry shrubs

found within the riparian area

adjacent to Comanche Creek.

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp

(Branchinecta lynchi)

FT/ / Vernal pools, swales, and ephemeral

freshwater habitat.



BSA.

Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp

(Lepidurus packardi)

FE/ / Vernal pools, swales, and ephemeral

freshwater habitat.



BSA.

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

California Red-legged Frog

(Rana draytonii) FT/ /

Inhabits quiet pools of streams, marshes, and

occasionally ponds.

None: Presumed extirpated

from the valley.




Coast Horned Lizard

(Phrynosoma blainvilli)

/SSC/

Occurs in openings in valley foothill

hardwood, coniferous, riparian habitats, pine-

cypress, juniper, and annual grassland habitats

with sandy soils and presence of ants.

Low: Riparian forest present

within the BSA, however

nearest occurrence is over 15

miles from the BSA.

Foothill Yellow-legged Frog

(Rana boylii)

/SSC/ Partly-shaded, shallow streams and riffles

with cobble-sized substrate for egg-laying.

Low: Shallow stream present

within the BSA, but substrate

is not cobble.

Giant Garter Snake

(Thamnophis gigas)

FT/ST/

Agricultural wetlands and other wetlands such

as irrigation and drainage canals, low gradient

streams, marshes, ponds, sloughs, small lakes,

and their associated uplands.

Low: Little to no emergent

vegetation present within the

portion of Comanche Creek

within the BSA for foraging

and escape cover. Few

basking locations as the

riparian canopy is very well

developed providing an

abundance of shade.

Additionally, the riparian

habitat provides suitable

habitat for a variety of

predators.

Northwestern Pond Turtle

(Actinemys marmorata)

marmorata)

/CSC/ Associated with permanent ponds, lakes,

streams, and irrigation ditches or permanent

pools along intermittent streams.

Moderate: Permanent water is


Western Spadefoot

(Spea hammondii)

_/CSC/_ Grassland and woodland and vernal pools

without aquatic predators for breeding.

None: No suitable vernal

pools for breeding present

within the BSA.

FISH

Central Valley Spring-Run

Chinook Salmon

(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

FT/ST/

Sacramento River and tributaries.

None: No suitable riverine


BSA. Fish screen at Parrot-

Phalen Diversion excludes

juvenile salmonids from

Comanche Creek.

Central Valley Steelhead

(Oncorhynchus mykiss)

FT/ /

Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and their

tributaries.

None: No suitable riverine


BSA. Fish screen at Parrot-

Phelan excludes steelhead

from Butte Creek entering

Commanche Creek.

Delta Smelt

(Hypomesus transpacificus)

FT/ST/

Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary

None: No suitable estuary

habitat within the BSA. Not

known to occur that far north

on the Sacramento River




MAMMALS

American Badger

(Taxidae taxus)

/SSC/_ Grasslands, savannahs, and mountain

meadows with friable soils.



BSA.

Pallid Bat

(Antrozous pallidus)

/SSC/

Arid and semi-arid habitats; roosts in rock

crevices, caves, and mine shafts.

Low: Marginal roosting

habitat provided by

cottonwoods along

Comanche Creek.

Western Mastiff Bat

(Eumops perotis californicus)

/SSC/

Common species of low elevations in

California. Crevices in steep cliff faces or

in the roof eaves of buildings of two or

more stories (needs vertical faces to take

flight).

Low: No suitable roosting


BSA, may forage in the area.

Western Red Bat

(Lasiurus blossevillii)

/SSC/

Roosting habitat includes forest and broadleaf

woodlands from sea level to coniferous forest.

Feeds over grasslands, shrublands, open

woodlands, and croplands. Known to occur

from Shasta County to the Mexican border –

often in riparian habitats.

Moderate: Suitable riparian

roosting habitat present along

Comanche Creek.

BIRDS

Bald Eagle

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

/SE/

Lakes, rivers, estuaries, reservoirs and some

coastal habitats.

Low: Sub-marginal habitat

present. No large nest

structures were observed

during biological surveys of

the BSA.

Bank Swallow

(Riparia riparia)

/ST/ Nests in steep riverbank cliffs, gravel pits, and

highway cuts.

None: No suitable steep

nesting habitat present within

the BSA.

Burrowing Owl

(Athene cunicularia)

/SSC/ Nests in burrows in the ground, often in old

ground squirrel burrows or badger, within

open dry grassland and desert habitat.

None: No suitable burrow


BSA.

California Black Rail

(Laterallus jamaicensis

coturniculus)

/ST/

Yearlong resident of saline, brackish, and

fresh emergent wetlands in the San Francisco

Bay Area, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta,

coastal Southern California, the Salton Sea

and lower Colorado River area.

None: No suitable marsh


BSA.

Least Bell’s Vireo

(Vireo bellii pusillus)

FE/SE/

Riparian forests, woodlands, scrubs.

Low: Riparian habitat present

within the BSA. Closest

recent occurrence in the Yolo

Bypass near Davis California.

Loggerhead Shrike

(Lanius ludovicianus)

MBTA/

SSC/

Open habitats with sparse shrubs and trees,

other suitable perches, bare ground, and low

or sparse herbaceous cover

Low: Marginally suitable


BSA.

Osprey

(Pandion haliaetus)

MBTA/

WL/

Wetland, open water. Low: Marginal nesting


BSA.

Peregrine Falcon

(Falco peregrinus anatum)

/ /

Woodland, forest and costal habitats

including riparian and wetland areas.

Requires bodies of water in open areas with

cliffs and canyons nearby.

None: No suitable cliff or

canyon habitat near the BSA.

Swainson’s Hawk

(Buteo swainsoni)

MBTA/ST

/

Nests in isolated trees or riparian woodlands

adjacent to suitable foraging habitat including

grasslands or suitable grain or alfalfa fields,

or livestock pastures.

Moderate: Potentially suitable

nesting trees occur within the

BSA.




Tri-colored Blackbird

(Agelaius tricolor)

/SSC/

Nests in dense blackberry, cattail, tules,

willow, or wild rose within emergent

wetlands throughout the Central valley and

foothills surrounding the valley.

Low: Marginal habitat


Western Yellow-billed

Cuckoo

(Coccyzus americanus

occidentalis)

FT/SE/

Structured dense riparian forest, generally

willows.

Low: Riparian habitat within

the BSA is marginally

suitable for this species.

Yellow Warbler

(Setophaga petechia)

/SSC/

Very partial to riparian woodlands of the

lowlands and foothill canyons.

Low: Potentially suitable

nesting habitat present within

the BSA however, the species

is nearly extirpated as a

breeder from the Central

Valley.

Migratory Birds and Raptors

MBTA

Nest and forage in a variety of habitats

including hardwood woodlands, coniferous

forests, meadows, grasslands and riparian.

Known: Species protected by

the MBTA were observed

during the biological survey

of the BSA.

CODE Designations

FE=Federally-listed Endangered

FT=Federally-listed Threatened FC=Federal Candidate Species

MTBA=protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act SE=State-listed Endangered

ST=State-listed Threatened

SSC=CDFW Species of Special Concern

FP=CDFW Fully Protected Species

SNC=CDFW Sensitive Natural Community WL=CDFW Watch List

CNPS 1A=Plants presumed extinct in California CNPS 1B= Rare or Endangered in California or elsewhere

CNPS 2=Rare or Endangered in California, common elsewhere CNPS 4=Plants of limited distribution

*Potential for occurrence: for plants it is considered the potential to occur during the survey period; for birds and bats it is considered the potential to breed,

forage, roost, over-winter, or stop-over in the project area during migration. Any bird or bat species could fly over the project area, but this is not considered a

potential for occurrence. The categories for the potential for occurrence include:

None: The species or natural community is known not to occur, and has no potential to occur in the project area based on sufficient surveys, the lack of

suitable habitat, and/or the project area is well outside of the known distribution of the species. Low: Potential habitat in the project area is marginal, but the species is known to occur in the vicinity of the project area; or suitable habitat is present, but the

species is not known to occur in the vicinity of the project area.

Moderate: Suitable habitat is present in the project area and the species is known to occur in the vicinity of the project area. High: Habitat in the project area is highly suitable for the species and there are reliable records close to the project area, but the species was not observed.

Known: Species was detected in the project area or a recent reliable record exists for the project area.

The following special-status species were determined to have at least a moderate potential of occurrence within

the BSA. Figure 3 depicts all the special-status species occurrences within a 5-mile radius of the project site.

Sensitive Natural Communities

Sensitive natural communities are important, as their degradation and destruction may threaten the community

type and the associated populations of dependent plants and wildlife species. The designated sensitive natural

communities found within the BSA include Great Valley Mixed Riparian Forest and Valley Oak Riparian

Forest. Both of these sensitive natural communities are found adjacent to Comanche Creek. Great Valley

Cottonwood Riparian Forests would have moderate potential to occur within the BSA as suitable

geomorphological characteristics are present to support the species found in this habitat type.

Riparian

Riparian communities are among the most important habitats for wildlife in California because of their high

floristic and structural diversity, food abundance, and water availability.

Butte County Code §24-76 et seq. (Riparian Areas)

This article establishes standards for riparian areas to:

A. Reduce the risk to property owners and the public from erosion and flooding;

B. Protect and enhance the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of water resources in the county;

C. Minimize pollutants entering water bodies from urban and stormwater runoff, and

D. Preserve riparian vegetation and protect wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors along natural drainage way.




24-77-Applicability

A. The standards in this article apply to all riparian areas within the county, in addition to the permitting

requirements set forth under Article II, Zoning Districts, Land Uses, and Development Standards. As

shown in Figure 24-77-1 (Riparian Areas), riparian areas are defined as areas between the banks and

fifty (50) feet in width measured from the top bank of any intermittent or perennial stream or river

landward. Excluded from this definition are stock ponds and other stock watering facilities, culverted

sections of creeks, and engineered systems developed by a public agency for collection of storm or

flood waters, or systems other than natural creeks designed to deliver irrigation or water supplies.

24-78-Use Regulations

A. Permitted Activities. The following activities are permitted as-of-right in riparian areas, subject to

applicable performance standards below:

1. Livestock grazing and agricultural practices in the Agriculture, Foothill Residential, Foothill

Country Residential, Rural Residential, Rural Country Residential, Timber Mountain, and

Timber Production zones;

2. Native landscaping;

3. Figure 24-77-1 Riparian Areas

4. Fencing that does not interfere with the flow of flood waters or wildlife migration corridors,

consistent with Article III, Division 3 (Walls and Fences);

5. Roads used primarily for the maintenance of a property;

6. Utilities, including the installation, operation and maintenance of water pumps;

7. Storm drains into riparian areas and creeks;

8. Trails and passive recreational activities not involving the establishment of any structures;

9. Construction and maintenance of County-owned culverts, rip-rap, and other drainage facilities; and

10. Construction and maintenance of County-owned bridges.

B. Conditionally Permitted Uses

1. Uses, structures, and activities permitted in the applicable zone are permitted within riparian

areas only with approval of a Minor Use Permit.

2. To approve a Minor Use Permit for riparian area development, the Zoning Administrator shall

make all of the following findings in addition to the findings in Article V, Division 5

(Conditional Use and Minor Use Permits):

i. The proposed use, structure, or encroachment cannot be feasibly located outside the

riparian area because such location would have a more adverse effect on the stream

environment.

ii. Measures are included that provide adequate protection of wildlife habitat, water

quality and in-stream habitat, and capacity for flood management.

24-79-Performance Standards

A. Construction. Construction is prohibited in riparian areas unless the necessary permits have been

obtained from other responsible governmental agencies and plans have been approved by the Director

of Public Works and the Zoning Administrator.

B. Grading or Alterations to Riparian Vegetation. Grading, alteration of the natural contours of the land,

or cutting, or alteration of natural vegetation that protects a riparian habitat is prohibited within riparian

areas except when such action is:




1. Necessary to protect public health and safety

2. Associated with an approved creek restoration and enhancement project intended to improve the

health and environmental integrity of the waterway.

3. Associated with an approved conditional use permit, minor use permit, tentative parcel or subdivision

map, or mining permit.

C. Streambed Alteration. Filling, grading, excavating, or obstructing streambeds in prohibited except in the

following circumstances:

1. Placement of County-approved storm drain and irrigation outflow structures shall be designed so as to

eliminate or minimize increases in the rate and amount of storm or irrigation water discharge;

2. Placement of public and non-public utility lines;

3. Construction of bridges and their connecting roadways;

4. Maintenance activities necessary to protect public health and safety; and

5. Creek restoration and improvement projects.

6. Development associated with an approved conditional use permit, minor use permit, tentative parcel or

subdivision map, or mining permit.

24-80-Coordination with other regulatory agencies.

All required permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the

California State Water Resources Control Board, the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, or other applicable agencies,

including any permit required under an approved Habitat Conservation Plan, shall be obtained prior to, concurrently with,

or as a condition of, the approval of any County permits for development within riparian area. Evidence of approval or

pending approval of any such permit shall be submitted to the County, including all appropriate supporting materials,

environmental documentation, and studies.

Special-Status Botanical Species occurring in the BSA

No special-status plant species were determined to have suitable habitat within the assessment area. Many of the special-

status plant species in the region are associated with habitat or soil types that do not occur within the BSA. Habitats that

are absent from the BSA that generally support special-status plant species in the area include vernal pools, cis-montane

woodlands, grasslands, serpentine soils, and alkaline soils. Special-status plant species considered for occurrence within

the BSA are listed in Table 1.

Endangered, Threatened and Special Status Wildlife

The habitat evaluation and general biological surveys were conducted on October 4, 2016 by NorthStar biologist Matt

Rogers. The following special-status wildlife species were determined to have at least a moderate potential of occurrence

within the BSA: valley elderberry longhorn beetle, northwestern pond turtle, western red bat, Swainson’s hawk, and a

wide variety of migratory birds and raptors protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).

Invertebrates

Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

The valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB) (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) is listed as Threatened under the

Federal ESA and critical habitat has been designated by the USFWS. The beetle is endemic to riparian systems along the

margins of rivers and streams, and in adjacent grassy savannas in California’s Central Valley. The VELB occurs in the

Central Valley of California below 3,000 feet. It is distributed primarily within riparian habitats from Shasta County to

Kern County. Valley elderberry longhorn beetle feed and reproduce exclusively on two species of elderberry, blue

elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and red elderberry (S. racemosa). The adult female beetles deposit eggs in the bark crevices

of living plants. Larvae bore into the pith (plant tissue in the center of the stem) of larger elderberry stems upon hatching,

where most the animal’s life-span occurs. Following pupation in the spring, the adult beetle emerges, creating a hole in

the bark of the stem or branch. Adults feed on foliage and are present from March through early June. Because the adult

stage is short lived, survey techniques focus on the presence of emergence holes for evidence of VELB. Emergence holes

have been observed in shoots or branches with diameters as small as 0.5 inches (13 mm) but are more common in older,

larger branches. Besides exhibiting a preference for “stressed” elderberry shrubs, VELB prefer shrubs with stems of a

certain size class. Exit holes have been found more frequently in trunks or branches that are 5 to 20 cm (2-8 in) in diameter,

or at least 1.0 inch or greater at ground height (USFWS 1999) and less than one meter off the ground (Collinge et al. 2001).

Research also shows that exit holes more consistently occur in clusters or stands of elderberry shrubs surrounded by

associate riparian vegetation, rather than in isolated shrubs (Collinge et al. 2001). Exit holes are circular to slightly oval

and are usually 7-10 mm in diameter. VELB are the only insect species known to inhabit live elderberry shrubs and/or

make exit holes of a similar size and shape in the Central Valley (Barr 1991).




The riparian corridor present adjacent to Comanche Creek contains blue elderberry, the host plant for valley elderberry

longhorn beetle. The blue elderberry shrubs present on the site contain many stems of a preferable size class for the

species. Due to the presence of 23 blue elderberry shrubs containing large diameter stems there is a high potential for

occurrence of valley elderberry longhorn beetle within the BSA. Figure 4 depicts the location of all 23 blue elderberry

shrubs relative to the parcels of the TSM.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Northwestern Pond Turtle

The northwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) can be found throughout California and is the only abundant native

turtle in California. They are associated with permanent or nearly permanent water in a wide variety of habitats at

elevations ranging from near sea level to 4,700 feet. They require basking sites including partially submerged logs, rocks,

mats of floating vegetation, or open mud banks. The northwestern pond turtle hibernates in colder areas underwater on

muddy bottoms. Nesting sites are typically constructed along the banks of permanent water in soils at least 10 cm deep

and must have high internal humidity for eggs to develop and hatch (Jennings and Hayes 1994).

Comanche Creek is a source of permanent water that may provide suitable aquatic habitat for the species. Additionally,

upland habitat surrounding the creek may be suitable for nesting. The nearest occurrence for the species is approximately

1.8 miles to the east adjacent to Comanche Creek. Due to the presence of suitable aquatic and nesting habitat within the

BSA and a known occurrence within two miles, there is a moderate potential for northwestern pond turtle to occur

within the BSA.

Mammals

Western Red Bat

The western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) is a California Species of Special Concern, found from Shasta County to the

Mexican border, west of the Sierra Nevada/Cascade crest and deserts. Winter range includes western lowlands and coastal

habitats south of San Francisco. The western red bat roosts primarily in trees within forests and woodlands in edge

habitats from sea level to mixed conifer forests (Williams and Findley 1979). However, the western red bat may have an

association with riparian habitats with dense stands of cottonwood and sycamore, and orchards (Bolster 1998). Family

groups are known to roost together, forming nursing colonies. They forage in open areas and feed on a variety of insects

including moths, crickets, beetles, and cicadas (Shump and Shump 1982). Migrations typically occur in the spring from

March to May and in the autumn from September to October. The western red bat has been seen at temperatures as low

as 44ºF, however, in these cold climates the bat spends winter in hibernation (LaVal and LaVal 1979).

The riparian habitat present along Comanche Creek provides potentially suitable roosting habitat for this species as they

roost primarily in tree foliage. Additionally, the open vacant portions of the project area provide suitable foraging habitat.

Due to the presence of suitable roosting habitat along Comanche Creek and suitable foraging habitat within the BSA,

there is a moderate potential for western red bat to occur within the BSA.

Birds

Swainson’s Hawk

The Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swansoni) is listed as Threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). It

is a long-distance migrant with nesting grounds in western North America. Swainson’s hawks arrive in the Central Valley

between March and early April to establish breeding territories. Breeding occurs from late March to late August, peaking

in late May through July (Fitzner 1980).

Swainson’s hawks nest in isolated trees, small groves, or large woodlands, adjacent to open grasslands or agricultural

fields. This species typically nests near riparian areas; however, it has been known to nest in urban areas as well. Nest

locations are usually in close proximity to suitable foraging habitats, which include grasslands, irrigated pastures, alfalfa

and other hay crops, and low-growing row crops. Swainson’s hawks primarily prey upon small rodents such as ground

squirrels (Spermophilis spp.), pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.), voles (Microtus spp.), but insects, reptiles, and birds may

be consumed as well (Snyder and Wiley 1976; Fitzner 1980; Estep 1989). Swainson’s hawks leave their breeding grounds

to return to their wintering grounds in late August or early September (Bloom and DeWater 1994). The largest threats to

Swainson’s hawks’ are loss of habitat and secondary poisoning from insecticides on their wintering grounds (Woodbridge

et al. 1995a).




The mature riparian corridor present along Comanche Creek provides suitable nesting habitat for Swainson’s hawk.

Additionally, large trees adjacent to and within the vicinity of the BSA provide suitable nesting habitat for the species.

Due to the presence of suitable nesting habitat within the BSA, there is moderate potential for Swainson’s hawks to

occur within the BSA.

Migratory Birds and Raptors

Migratory birds are protected in varying degrees under California Fish and Game Code, Section 3503.5, the MBTA, and

CEQA. The project site currently provides suitable nesting and/or foraging habitat for a variety of these species that may

nest on the ground, in low vegetation, and within riparian areas present within the BSA.

Species protected by the MBTA are known to occur within the BSA as they were observed on the site during biological

surveys conducted in October of 2016.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact with mitigations incorporated. The proposed project site contains habitats that have

the potential to support special-status species by the CDFW and USFWS. Future development and construction

activities on the project site may cause direct or indirect significant impacts to these special- status species, or result

in modification of habitat that is known to support these species. Implementation of mitigation measures listed

below will reduce the potential impacts to less than significant.

The establishment of an approximate 150’ Agriculture buffer area adjacent to Comanche Creek will restrict

development on the resultant parcels abutting Comanche Creek. This buffer is discussed in Section 4.2 Agricultural

Resources. This buffer restricts construction of primary residences within 150 feet of the southern boundary of the

property line, but allows for secondary structures to be constructed within the buffer. The buffer area with its

restrictions will be delineated on the final map. Necessary actions for protection of special status species, in addition

to the protection of riparian habitat, are outlined as follows:

To protect the riparian habitat and special-status species present along Comanche Creek a 50 foot building setback

from the top of the bank or outer edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is greater, per Butte County Code §24-

76 to 24-80 et seq, will be depicted on the Subdivision Map or an additional map sheet.

Relative to VELB, to avoid all impacts to the species construction activities cannot take place within 20 feet of any

blue elderberry shrubs. Elderberry shrubs are located adjacent to Parcels 6, 7, and 9-14 these locations will be clearly

identified on the Tentative Subdivision Map and construction plans. Further details are provided in Mitigation

Measure #2 and #3, and would reduce impacts to VELB to less than significant levels. Additionally, the

establishment of the 50-foot building setback from the top of the bank or edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is

greater, would ensure impacts to VELB would be less than significant.

If a northwestern pond turtle is observed in the project area during construction activities, the contractor will

temporarily halt construction until the turtle has moved itself to a safe location outside of the construction limits. If

construction is to occur during the nesting season (late June-July), a pre-construction survey will be conducted by a

qualified biologist to locate any pond turtles or their nests. Further details are provided in Mitigation Measure #4,

and would reduce impacts to northwestern pond turtle to less than significant.

Regarding western red bat, prior to the start of construction, a survey for roosting bats or maternity roosts shall be

performed by a qualified biologist. Details are provided in Mitigation Measure #5, and would reduce impacts to

western red bat to less than significant.

Nesting birds are protected under the MBTA (16 USC 703) and the CFGC (3503). Any ground disturbance or

vegetation removal within the BSA should be conducted during the non-breeding season (September 1- February

28). If construction activities occur during the avian breeding season (March 1 – August 31) then a migratory bird

and raptor survey will be conducted by a qualified biologist to identify any active nests (i.e. nests that contain eggs

or hatchlings). Further details are provided in Mitigation Measure #6, and would reduce impacts to migratory birds

and raptors protected by the MTBA and CFGC to less than significant levels.

Relative to Swainson’s hawk, any ground disturbance or vegetation removal within should be conducted during the

non-breeding season (September 16 through February 28). If construction activities occur during the breeding

season (March 1-September 15) then a pre-construction raptor survey will be conducted by a qualified biologist to

identify any active Swainson’s hawk nests within and in the vicinity of the BSA. Further details of Swainson’s hawk

mitigation are provided in Mitigation Measure #7, and would reduce potential impacts to Swainson’s hawk to a

less than significant level.




b.) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The project site contains riparian habitat adjacent to

Comanche Creek. This riparian habitat is well developed with large canopy species including valley oak, western

sycamore, Fremont cottonwood, and Oregon ash. Adherence to the Butte County Code §24-76 to 24-80 et seq.

regarding standards for development within riparian areas and establishing a 50-foot building setback from the top

of the bank or out edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is greater, would ensure that impacts to the riparian

areas adjacent to Comanche Creek would be less than significant. Details of the setback are provided in Mitigation

Measure #8. Additionally, the riparian habitat surrounding Comanche Creek would likely be considered

jurisdictional by CDFW under CFGC Section 1602. Avoidance of these areas will also ensure that the project will

not result in the conversion of oak woodlands as provided by Public Resources Code Section 21083.4

c.) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The project site contains state and federally protected

waters of the United States, consisting of Comanche Creek. Development on the project site that requires grading,

trenching and the placement of fill in areas where jurisdictional wetlands and other waters of the United States may

cause significant impacts to wetland features. Implementation of Mitigation Measure #7 would address potential

impacts to jurisdictional features; reducing impacts to a less than significant level.

d.) Less than significant impact. Wildlife movement corridors are routes frequently utilized by wildlife that provide

shelter and sufficient food supplies to support wildlife species during migration. Movement corridors generally

consist of riparian, woodlands, or forested habitats that span contiguous acres of undisturbed habitat. Wildlife

movement corridors are an important element of resident species home ranges, including deer and coyote.

The project site is not located within the Butte County migratory deer corridors. The riparian corridor along

Comanche Creek likely serves as a migration and dispersal corridor for a number of species. The existing developed

components of the project area (i.e. house and associated structures) could preclude use of the area as a migratory

wildlife corridor for large mammals. However, the site may facilitate home range and dispersal movement of resident

wildlife species, including birds, small mammals and other wildlife. Subsequent development of the resultant

parcels would not restrict regional wildlife movement or wildlife migration patterns primarily due to the larger size

of the parcels and building setbacks from the riparian corridor along Comanche Creek.

e.) Less than significant impact. Biological resources on the project site were evaluated by NorthStar. Future development

on the property would avoid sensitive resources with the establishment of buffer areas. Avoidance of biological

resources is consistent with local policies and ordinances created to protect these resources.

f.) No impact. The Butte Regional Conservation Plan (BRCP) is a joint Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)/National

Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) that is currently being prepared for the western half of the Butte County.

The project site is located within the proposed plan area of the BRCP. After the BRCP is adopted, individual

projects that occur in the BRCP planning area would need to be coordinated with the Butte County Association of

Governments to ensure that the project does not conflict with the BRCP. As the plan has not been adopted, the

proposed project will not conflict, nor interfere with, the attainment of the goals of the proposed plan.

Mitigation Measure #2 (Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle)


that states: “Prior to construction activities in any areas within potential valley elderberry longhorn beetle habitat, a

qualified biologist shall flag, fence, or by other highly visible means identify buffer zones at least 20 feet wide

surrounding the drip line of blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) with at least one stem with a diameter at

ground level of one inch or greater. The visibly defined buffer zones shall be maintained throughout the duration of

construction.”

Plan Requirements: The above-referenced mitigation shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded

concurrently with the final map or on an additional map sheet.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to prior to construction activities, and throughout all grading

and construction periods.


that the note is placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the final map or on an additional

map sheet. Department of Development Services shall ensure the condition is met at the time of development and during

construction activities.




Mitigation Measure #3 (Temporary Fencing)


that states: “Prior to construction activities, the project proponent shall use exclusionary fencing to mark the boundaries

of elderberry shrubs plus a 20-foot buffer, that are to be avoided. The project proponent shall also mark the boundaries

of riparian vegetation, which are to be avoided, plus a 50-foot buffer. The exclusionary fencing shall be maintained in

place throughout construction.”





Monitoring: The Butte County Department of Development Services and the Public Works Department shall ensure that

the note is placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map

sheet. Department of Development Services shall ensure the condition is met at the time of development and during


Mitigation Measure #4 (Northwestern Pond Turtle)


that states: “If a northwestern pond turtle is observed in the project area during construction activities, the contractor will

temporarily halt construction until the turtle has moved itself to a safe location outside the construction limits. If


qualified biologist to locate any northwestern pond turtles or their nests. This survey will be conducted within 500 feet

of Comanche Creek no more than two days prior to the start of construction. If a pond turtle nest is located, the biologist

will flag the site and determine whether construction activities can avoid affecting the nest. If the nest cannot be avoided,

a no-disturbance buffer zone will be established around the nest in coordination with CDFW. The no- disturbance buffer

will remain in place until the young have left the nest.”









Mitigation Measure #5 (Western Red Bat)


that states: “Prior to the start of construction activities, a survey for roosting bats or maternity roosts shall be conducted by

a qualified biologist. The survey shall be performed within seven days prior to the initiation of construction adjacent to

areas of appropriate roosting habitat. Accessible areas shall be surveyed during the appropriate time of day to maximize

detectability of the species. The survey shall include the areas within 250 feet of the work area. If an active roost is

found, no disturbance buffers will be established around the roost. The buffer will be 100 feet for a roost and 250 feet

for a maternity roost, the limits of the work area will be clearly marked and a qualified biologist will be retained to

monitor construction activities within the vicinity of the roost or maternity roost. If buffer reductions are requested and

approved by CDFW, a monthly report shall be submitted to CDFW with information regarding monitoring results and

reports will be submitted for the duration of construction activities within buffer areas.”












Mitigation Measure #6 (Migratory Birds/Nesting Raptors)


that states: “If construction activities on resultant parcels occurs during the nesting season for birds protected under the

Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Department Fish & Game Code (approximately March 1 – August 31), the

project proponent shall retain a qualified biologist to perform preconstruction surveys for nesting bird species. Surveys

to identify active bird nests shall be conducted within and 250 feet around the footprint of proposed construction. At

least one survey shall be conducted no more than 7 days prior to the initiation of construction activities. If ground

disturbance or vegetation removal stops during the construction period for more than 15 days, another survey shall be

conducted within 7 days prior to the continuation of construction activities. In the event that nesting raptors or birds

protected by CDFC and MBTA are found in or within the footprint of proposed construction, the project proponent shall:

1. Locate and map the location of the nest site;

2. Establish a 250 feet no-disturbance buffer around all active nests; in the event bald eagles are found nesting in

the survey area, a 1,000 foot no disturbance buffer shall be established;

3. Within 2 working days of the survey, prepare a report and submit to the County. The report will include the

results of survey, location(s) of nests, and location of no disturbance buffers;

4. On-going weekly surveys shall be conducted to ensure that the no disturbance buffer is maintained;

5. Construction can resume when a qualified biologist has confirmed that the nest is no longer active.”



Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to prior to construction activities, including road construction, and

throughout all grading and construction periods.





Mitigation Measure #7 (Swainson’s Hawk)


that states: “Any ground disturbance or vegetation removal within the project area should be conducted during the non-

breeding season (September 16 through February 28). If construction activities occur during the breeding season (March

1-September 15) then a pre-construction raptor survey will be conducted by a qualified biologist to identify any active

Swainson’s hawk nests within and in the vicinity of the BSA. The pre-construction survey will take place in accessible

areas within a 0.5-mile radius of the area where construction activities would occur. The required survey radius may be

reduced on a case-by-case basis if approved by CDFW, but in no case will be less than 500 feet. At least one survey

will be conducted no more than one week prior to the initiation of construction. If no active nests are located, no further

measures are necessary to avoid impacts to Swainson’s hawk nests. If active nests are identified, the following measures

will be implemented:

1. A no-disturbance buffer zone will be established around the nest. The width of the buffer will be determined by a

qualified biologist in coordination with CDFW. Determination of the required width will consider the distance

of the nest from construction activities, existing level of disturbance, etc.

2. A qualified biologist will monitor active nests within 500 feet (or the width of the buffer zone) of construction

activities. The first monitoring event will coincide with the initial implementation of construction activities and

monitoring will continue at least once a week until the young have fledged. If the biologist determines that

construction is disturbing the birds and nest failure is possible, CDFW will be notified immediately. Measures

to avoid nest failure will be implemented in coordination with CDFW and may include halting some or all

construction activities until the young have fledged. For monitored nest sites, a monitoring report will be submitted

to CDFW within two weeks after termination of monitoring activities.

Plan Requirements: The above referenced mitigation shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded

concurrently with the final map or an additional map sheet.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to prior to construction activities.





that the note is placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional



Mitigation Measure #8 (Riparian Habitat)


that states: “Prior to recordation of the Tentative Subdivision Map, a 50-foot building setback shall be established from

the top of the bank of Comanche Creek or the outer edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is greater. The riparian

vegetation and the building setback area shall be delineated on a separate document recorded concurrently with the

Tentative Subdivision Map. No disturbance related to the development and use of residences, or allowed uses, within

the buffer area is allowed except those that comply with Butte County Code §24-76 to 24-80 et seq. If future construction

activities on the resultant parcels would affect the identified riparian vegetation, the project proponent shall obtain a

Streambed Alteration Agreement from the CDFW, pursuant to Section 1602 of the CFGC.”

Plan Requirements: A 50-foot building setback area shall be established around riparian woodlands on the project site

and delineated on a separate document recorded concurrently with the Tentative Subdivision Map, together with the

mitigation measure.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to prior to Tentative Subdivision Map recording and prior to

construction activities, and throughout all grading and construction periods.





4.5 Cultural Resources:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance

of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?

b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of

an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5?

c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological

resource or site or unique geologic feature?

d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred

outside of formal cemeteries?

Setting:

Cultural resources include prehistoric and historic period archaeological sites; historical features, such as rock walls,

water ditches and flumes, and cemeteries; and architectural features. Cultural resources consist of any human-made

site, object (i.e., artifact), or feature that defines and illuminates our past. Often such sites are found in foothill areas,

areas with high bluffs, rock outcroppings, areas overlooking deer migratory corridors, or near bodies of water. Since

the project area is located next to a body of water (Comanche Creek), there is the chance that cultural resources could

be located on site. Additionally, the property is within an area of high sensitivity for the presence of prehistorical

cultural resources.

A record search for existing archeological sites and surveys on the project site, and within one-quarter mile, was

conducted through the Northeast Information Center (NEIC) of the California Historical Resources Information

System on September 7, 2016. Additionally, an intensive pedestrian survey was conducted within the entire project

area by Ms. Mary Bailey of Golden Hills Consulting.

The record search did not have any listing of any historic properties eligible for either the State or Federal Registers

of Historic Places within the project area or the one-quarter mile search radius. Additionally, there are no recorded

cultural resources listed with the NEIC within the project area or one-quarter mile radius. However, two prehistoric




sites have been recorded within two miles of the project site including the Patrick Rancheria, a Mechoopda village

site, and a habitation site with flaked and ground stone plus fire cracked rock. Additionally, there are nine historic

resources within a 1.5-mile radius of the project including The Junction, Chico Soda Works, an agricultural school

dairy residence and blacksmith shop, Chico MGP Generator Building, Calwater’s water tower and tank, Joe’s Bar,

the Wright-Patrick House, and a refuse deposit.

The pedestrian survey conducted on September 26, 2016 involved walking transects spaced approximately 10-15

meters throughout the site. The ground surface was largely obscured due to the presence of recently mowed vegetation,

small areas were boot-scuffed approximately every 30-50 meters along each transect to examine the ground surface.

Areas of exposed dirt including gopher mounds and back-filled percolation test pits were closely examined. Two small

manos (hand stones) were discovered in fairly close proximity to each other. The manos are considered lithic isolates

and are not considered eligible for either the National or California Register of Historic Places. No other artifacts were

discovered within the project site.

Impact Discussion:

a-d.) Less than significant impact with mitigations incorporated. Historic use of the project site for agriculture has

resulted in ground-disturbing activities that likely destroyed cultural resources that may have been located on the

surface. According to Ms. Mary Bailey, the type of isolate (manos), and their locations being in close proximity

to each other are highly suspicious of possible subsurface resources. Future grading and other soil disturbing

activities resulting from the development of the project site have the potential to uncover historic or prehistoric

cultural resources located below the surface. Due to the high sensitivity for prehistorical resources to be

present within the project site, and discovery of two manos (hand stones) the following mitigation measures are

recommended to prevent impacts to the resources that may be uncovered during development activities on the

project site.

Mitigation Measure #9 (Cultural Resources)


that states: “Prior to any ground disturbance the developer shall arrange to have a qualified archaeologist conduct a

minimum of four shovel pit tests within the boundaries of Parcels 1-6, 17, 18 and the access road to the south property

line of Parcels 6 & 17. The Mechoopda Tribe shall be notified of the time and date of the shovel pit testing to provide

the opportunity to monitor excavation. Soil from the shovel test pits shall be screened through standard quarter inch

mesh (hardware cloth). The results of the shovel pit tests will be reported to County Planning staff by the qualified

archaeologist. If no subsurface evidence of prehistoric cultural resources is located, no additional mitigation is necessary

under this measure. Should any prehistoric cultural resources be located, additional consultation with the Mechoopda

Tribe, to determine the appropriate steps for recordation and recovery, shall occur before any construction related ground

disturbance.”

Plan Requirements: This note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the

final map or on an additional map sheet and shall be shown on all site development and building plans.

Timing: This measure shall be implemented during all site preparation and construction activities.

Monitoring: The Department of Development Services and/or Public Works Department shall ensure the note is placed

on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet. Should cultural

resources be discovered, the landowner shall notify the Planning Division and a professional archaeologist. The Planning

Division shall coordinate with the developer and appropriate authorities to avoid damage to cultural resources and

determine appropriate action.



that states: “Prior to development on the resultant parcels, subsurface investigations shall take place. The property owner

shall retain a qualified archaeologist to conduct the subsurface investigation. The investigation will consist of up to two

shovel test pits per parcel. Soil from the shovel test pits will be screened through standard one-quarter inch mesh

(hardware cloth). The Mechoopda Tribe will be notified to provide the opportunity to monitor excavation of the shovel

test pits. Should any prehistoric cultural resources be located, the qualified archaeologist and the Mechoopda Tribe will

determine the appropriate steps for recordation and recovery, prior to further ground disturbance. If no subsurface

evidence of prehistoric cultural resources is located, no additional mitigation is necessary.”










Division shall coordinate with the developer and appropriate authorities to ensure subsurface investigations are

performed prior to development on resultant parcels.



that states: “Should site development activities reveal the presence of prehistoric cultural resources (freshwater shells,

beads, bone tool remnants, lithic materials, tools or grinding rocks, etc.) or historic cultural resources (structural remains,

refuse deposits, bottle dumps, etc.) the supervising contractor shall cease all work within the area of the find and notify

County Planning staff. A qualified archaeologist shall be retained by the property owner to evaluate the significance of

the find. Further, the Mechoopda Tribe will be notified to provide the opportunity to monitor evaluation of the find. Site

work shall not resume until the qualified archaeologist conducts sufficient research, testing and analysis of the

archaeological evidence to make a determination that the resource is either not cultural in origin or determine the

appropriate steps for recordation and recovery, including recommendations for total data recovery, Tribal Monitoring,

deposition protocol, or avoidance, if applicable. All measures deemed appropriate by County Planning staff shall be

implemented pursuant to the terms of the qualified archaeologists report.”




Monitoring: The Department of Development Services and/or Public Works Department shall ensure the note is

placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet.

Should cultural resources be discovered, the landowner shall notify the Planning Division and a professional

archaeologist. The Planning Division shall coordinate with the developer and appropriate authorities to avoid damage

to cultural resources and determine appropriate action.



that states: “If human remains are discovered, all work must immediately cease, and the local coroner shall be

contacted. Procedures for the discovery of human remains will be followed in accordance with provisions of the State

Health and Safety Code, Sections 7052 and 7050.5 and the State Public Resources Code Sections 5097.9 to 5097.99.

If the coroner determines that the remains are those of a Native American, the coroner shall contact the Native

American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and subsequent procedures shall be followed, according to State Public

Resources Sections 5097.9 to 5097.99, regarding the notification of the Native American Most Likely Descendant.

The preceding requirements shall be incorporated into construction contracts and plans to ensure contractor knowledge

and responsibility for proper implementation.”




Monitoring: The Department of Development Services and/or Public Works Department shall ensure the note is

placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet.

Should cultural resources be discovered, the landowner shall notify the Planning Division and a professional

archaeologist. The Planning Division shall coordinate with the developer and appropriate authorities to avoid damage

to cultural resources and determine appropriate action. State law requires the reporting of any human remains.




4.6 Geologic Processes:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial

adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or

death involving:

1. 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.

2. Strong seismic ground shaking?

3. Seismic-related ground failure, including

liquefaction?

4. Landslides?

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 Table 18-1-

B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating

substantial risks to life or property?

e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use

of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal

system where sewers are not available for the disposal

or waste water?

Setting:

The Seismic and Geologic Hazards section of the Butte County General Plan indicates that all of Butte County is in

Moderate Earthquake Intensity Zone VIII. The project site is not within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake fault zone or an

aftershock zone. The only known active fault within Butte County is the Cleveland Hill fault, located approximately 25.2

miles southeast of the project site, where activity on August 1, 1975 resulted in the Oroville earthquake. The 1975 Oroville

earthquake registered a Richter magnitude of 5.7 and resulted in approximately 2.2 miles of ground rupture along the

western flank of Cleveland Hill.

Geologic Hazards

Expansive Soils

Expansive soils possess a “shrink-swell” behavior. Shrink-swell is the cyclic change in volume (expansion and

contraction) that occurs in fine-grained clay sediments from the process of wetting and drying. Structural damage may

occur over a long period of time, usually the result of inadequate soil and foundation engineering or the placement of

structures directly on expansive soils. The Health and Safety Element Figure HS-6 of the Butte County General Plan

identifies the project site as having a “Low” potential of expansive soils.

Soil Erosion

Erosion is the wearing away of soil and rock by processes such as wind and precipitation runoff. Soils containing high

amounts of silt or clay can be easily erodible, while sandy soils are less susceptible. Excessive soil erosion can eventually

lead to damage of building foundations and roadways. Typically, soil erosion potential is reduced once the soil is graded




and covered with gravel, concrete, structures, asphalt, or a vegetative cover. The Health and Safety Element Figure HS-

5 of the Butte County General Plan identifies the project site as having a “Slight” potential for soil erosion.

Landslides

A landslide is the sliding of a mass of loosened rock and/or soil down a hillside or slope. Some of the natural causes of this

instability are earthquakes, weak soils, erosion, heavy rainfall and fire. Human activities such as poor grading that

undercuts steep slopes or overloads them will fill; excessive irrigation and removal of vegetation can also contribute to

landslides. Most landslides in Butte County occur on slopes greater than 15 percent, and most new landslides occur in

areas that have experience previous landslides. The areas of highest landslide potential are in the mountainous central area

of the county where well-developed soils overlay impervious bedrock on steep slopes. The remaining areas of Butte County

has moderate to low landslide potential. The areas of lowest landslide potential are the flat lands of the Sacramento Valley.

The Health and Safety Element Figure HS-4 of the Butte County General Plan identifies the project site as having “Low”

to “No” landslide potential.

Seismic Hazards

Surface Fault Rupture

Seismically induced ground rupture is defined as the physical displacement of surface deposits in response to movement on

the fault place. The magnitude, sense, and nature of fault rupture can vary for different faults or event along different strands

of the same fault. Ground rupture is considered more likely along active faults. The Cleveland Hills fault (located

approximately 25.2 miles southeast of the project site) is the only fault located within Butte County that has been identified

as an active fault pursuant to the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Act. This fault was responsible for the 1975 Oroville

earthquake, which had a Richter magnitude of 5.7 and produced surface displacement along approximately 2.2 miles of the

fault. Other active and potentially active faults are located in the region. However, because there are no known active faults

underlying or adjacent to the project site, the likelihood of surface fault rupture is very low and would not be a design

consideration.

Ground Shaking

Ground shaking at the project site could occur due to earthquakes on the regions active faults. However, ground motions

attenuate with distance from the causative fault, as well as the local geologic and soil conditions. The Seismic Hazards

Mapping Program of the California Geological Survey categorizes all of Butte County as a “seismic hazard zone” since the

entire County is subject to earthquakes of Modified Mercalli Intensity scale VIII. The Oroville earthquake of 1975 is the

only earthquake of this intensity recorded in Butte County. This earthquake resulted in structural damage, partial destruction

of some buildings, fires and numerous injuries. Though, it is accepted that earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or 6.5 are possible

anywhere in Butte County, the county is generally considered to be an area of low seismic activity.

Liquefaction

Liquefaction is a phenomenon whereby unconsolidated and/or near saturated soils lose cohesion and are converted to a fluid

state as a result of sever vibratory motion. The relatively rapid loss of soil shear strength during strong earthquake shaking

results in the temporary fluid-like behavior of the soil. Soil liquefaction causes ground failure that can damage roads,

pipelines, underground cables, and building with shallow foundations. Liquefaction can occur in areas characterized by water-

saturated, cohesionless, granular materials at depths less than 50 feet. Due to the relatively low potential for strong ground

motions and a general lack of significant deposits of saturated loose soils, such as alluvium, the liquefaction potential, if any,

can be addressed in the design of future structures during the building permit review process.

Seiches

A seiche is a periodic oscillation of a body of water such as a reservoir, river, lake, harbor, or bay resulting from seismic

shaking or other causes such as landslides into a body of water. The period of the oscillation varies depending on the side of

the body of water and may be several minutes to several hours. Depending on the magnitude of the oscillations, seiches can

cause considerable damage to dams, levees and shoreline facilities. Seiches have not been recorded in any of the reservoirs

in Butte County that are within the jurisdiction of the California Division of Dam Safety. However, the potential for seiches

does exist in Butte County, either from landslides or from stronger earthquakes that have been experienced in historical times.

Impact Discussion:

a1.) Less than significant impact. The site is not located in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake fault zone, there are no known

active faults underlying, or adjacent to, the project site. The Cleveland Hill fault is located over 25.2 miles southeast

of the project site. Because the nearest active fault is located a considerable distance from the project site, the

likelihood of a surface rupture at the project site is very low, and would not be a design consideration.




a2.) Less than significant impact. Ground shaking at the project site could occur due to the earthquake potential of the

regions active faults. However, active faults are relatively distant from the project site. As a result, ground shaking

due to seismic events is expected to have low intensities at the project site. Future residential development on the

resultant parcels would be subject to the California Building Code (CBC). The CBC would provide minimum

standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating the controlling the design,

construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of buildings and structures within

Butte County. Among the provisions of the CBC are building design criteria for earthquake conditions in Butte

County. Adherence to the CBC during building construction would ensure that potential impacts are less than

significant.

a3.) Less than significant impact. The project site is identified as being located within an area considered “Generally

Moderate” in respect to liquefaction potential. The California Building Code (CBC) regulates the construction of

structures, which may be constructed with approval of the proposed project. Adherence to CBC standards at the

time of development of the resultant parcels would ensure that any impacts from an unstable geologic unit or soil

are less than significant.

a4.) Less than significant impact. The project area is primarily level with 0-2% slopes. As a result, the landslide potential

for the project site and surrounding area is very low. Though the potential for landslides are generally low, shallow

slope failures can occur in virtually any sloping terrain during construction activities. Avoidance of potentially

sensitive slopes and/or implementation of appropriate engineering and construction measures at the time of

development would avoid or reduce potential impacts of landslides to a less than significant level.

b.) Less than significant impact. Surface soil erosion and loss of topsoil has the potential to occur from disturbances

associated with future construction-related activities. Construction activities could also result in soil compaction and

wind erosion effects that could adversely affect soils and reduce the revegetation potential at the construction site

and staging areas.

During construction-related activities, specific erosion control and surface water protection methods for each

construction activity would be implemented on the project site. The type and number of measures implemented

would be based upon location-specific attributes (i.e., slope, soil type, weather conditions). These control and

protection measures, or BMPs, are standard in the construction industry and are commonly used to minimize soil

erosion and water quality degradation.

Additionally, future construction activities would be subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

(NPDES) General Construction Activities Storm Water permit program because one acre or more of land would be

disturbed. Construction activities that result in a land disturbance of less than one acre, but which are part of a larger

common plan of development, also require a permit. This program requires implementation of erosion control

measures during and immediately after construction that are designed to avoid significant erosion during the

construction period. In addition, the project operation would be subject to State Water Resources Control Board

requirements for the preparation and implementation of a project specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

(SWPPP) to control pollution in stormwater runoff from the project site, including excessive erosion and

sedimentation. The SWPPP, must be obtained prior to any soil disturbance activities. Implementation of standard

erosion control BMP’s during future construction-related activities, together with adherence to State requirements

regarding grading activities, would ensure that potential erosion impacts are less than significant.

c.) Less than significant impact. Destabilization of natural or constructed slopes could occur as a result of future

construction activities. Excavations, grading, and fill operations associated with providing access to the resultant

parcels and during development could alter existing slope profiles making them unstable as a result of over-

excavation of slope material, steepening of the slope, or increased loading. Standard engineering design features

and construction procedures would be implemented to maintain stable slopes and excavations during construction,

reducing impacts of unstable slopes to a less than significant level.

d.) Less than significant impact. Figure HS-6 of the General Plan Health and Safety Element indicates the proposed

project site has a low expansive soil potential. Expansive soils can cause structural damage particularly when

concrete structures are in direct contact with the soils. Appropriate design features to address expansive soils may

include excavation of potentially problematic soils during construction and replacement with engineered backfill,

ground-treatment processes, direction of surface water and drainage away from foundation soils, and the use of deep

foundations such as piers or piles. Implementation of these standard engineering methods would ensure that impacts

associated with expansive soils would remain less than significant.




e.) Less than significant impact. The project proposes a community wastewater system, a septic tank effluent pump (STEP)

system where an individual septic tank equipped with an effluent pump to a common dose tank via a common pressure

main. The pressure line and service connection (shutoff valve, check valve and valve box) will be installed for a lot at the

time of other utilities and subdivision improvements. The wastewater disposal area will be located on the open space

parcel (Lot A).

The applicant completed a pre-application review with Butte County Department of Environmental Health, in

accordance with Chapter 19 of Butte County Code (On-Site Wastewater Systems). As part of the review, an initial

septic location on the resultant parcels were evaluated and determined to have adequate soil conditions to allow for

future development of an on-site wastewater system. Future development requiring wastewater disposal is required to

receive an On-Site Wastewater System Construction Permit from Butte County Environmental Health Division.

Application for a Construction Permit will include detailed plans of the proposed wastewater system, prepared by a

Certified Installer or Certified Designer, which will demonstrate compliance with County regulations and the County’s

On-Site Wastewater Manual, and to ensure a safe, sanitary, and environmentally sound wastewater system.


4.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or

indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the

environment?

b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation

adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of

greenhouse gases?

Setting:

Global climate change is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans along with other

significant changes in climate (such as precipitation or wind) that last for an extended period of time. The term “global climate

change” is often used interchangeably with the term “global warming,” but “global climate change” is preferred to “global

warming” because it helps convey that there are other changes in addition to rising temperatures. Global surface temperatures

have risen by 0.74°C ± 0.18°C over the last 100 years (1906 to 2005). The rate of warming over the last 50 years is almost

double that over the last 100 years.1 The prevailing scientific opinion on climate change is that most of the warming observed

over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities. The increased amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse

gases (GHGs) are the primary causes of the human-induced component of warming. GHGs are released by the burning of fossil

fuels, land clearing, agriculture, and other activities, and lead to an increase in the greenhouse effect.2

GHGs are present in the atmosphere naturally, are released by natural sources, or are formed from secondary reactions taking

place in the atmosphere. The following are the gases that are widely seen as the principal contributors to human-induced global

climate change:3

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Methane (CH4)

Nitrous oxide (N2O)

1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2007. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of

Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC. 2 The temperature on Earth is regulated by a system commonly known as the "greenhouse effect.” Just as the glass in a greenhouse

allows heat from sunlight in and reduces the amount of heat that escapes, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous

oxide in the atmosphere keep the Earth at a relatively even temperature. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would be a frozen

globe; thus, although an excess of greenhouse gas results in global warming, the naturally occurring greenhouse effect is necessary

to keep our planet at a comfortable temperature. 3 The greenhouse gases listed are consistent with the definition in Assembly Bill (AB) 32 (Government Code §38505)

.




Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

The earth’s atmosphere naturally contains a number of gases, including (but not limited to) carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are collectively referred to as greenhouse gases (GHGs). GHG emissions are

generally numerically depicted (when applicable) as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). CO2e represents CO2 plus the

additional warming potential from CH4 and N2O. The common unit of measurement for carbon dioxide equivalents is in

metric tons (MTCO2e).

These gases trap some amount of solar radiation and the earth’s own radiation, preventing it from passing through earth’s atmosphere and into space. GHG are vital to life on earth; without them, earth would be an icy planet. For example, CO2

is an element that is essential to the cycle of life. In general, CH4 and N2O have 21 and 310 times the warming potential of CO2, respectively. Human-made emissions of GHG occur through the combustion of fuels, as well as a variety of other sources.

Over the last 200 years, human activities have caused substantial quantities of GHGs to be released into the atmosphere.

These extra emissions are increasing GHG concentrations in the atmosphere and enhancing the natural greenhouse effect,

which is believed to be causing global warming, while manmade GHGs include naturally-occurring GHGs such as CO2,

methane, and N2O, some gases, such as HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 are completely new to the atmosphere.

Section 15064.4 of the CEQA Guidelines sets forth guidance for determining the significance of Impacts from Greenhouse

Gas Emissions. The guidelines allow impacts from a particular project to be described quantitatively or qualitatively and

direct that impacts should be evaluated in consideration of existing environmental setting, applicable thresholds of

significance, and compliance with regulations and requirements adopted to implement the mitigation of greenhouse gas

emissions.

Section 15064 (h)(3)of the CEQA Guidelines specifies that a project’s contribution to a cumulative effect may be found ‘not cumulatively considerable’ if the project will comply with the requirements in a previously approved plan or mitigation program, including plans or regulations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Butte County has not adopted a plan or mitigation program for the reduction of greenhouse gases as of the publication of this study. Likewise, it has not adopted thresholds of significance for evaluating greenhouse gas emissions. This section evaluates greenhouse gas emissions relative to the existing environmental setting and compliance with air quality regulations relative to automobile emissions, the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed project.

Increasing GHG concentrations are believed to be warming the planet. As the average temperature of the earth increase,

weather may be affected, including changes in precipitation patterns, accumulation of snow pack, and intensity and

duration of spring snowmelt. Climate zones may change, affecting the ecology and biological resources of a region. There

may also be changes in fire hazards due to the changes in precipitation and climate zones.

While scientists have established a connection between increasing GHG concentrations and increasing average

temperatures, important scientific questions remain about how much warming would occur, how fast it would occur, and

how the warming would affect the rest of the climate system. At this point, scientific efforts are unable to quantify the

degree to which human activity impacts climate change. The phenomenon is worldwide, yet it is expected that there would

be substantial regional and local variability in climate changes. It is not possible with today’s science to determine the

effects of global climate change in a specific locale, or whether the effect of one aspect of climate change may be

counteracted by another aspect of climate change, or exacerbated by it.

Section 15183.5(b) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations states that a GHG Reduction Plan, or a Climate Action

Plan, may be used for tiering and streamlining the analysis of GHG emissions in subsequent CEQA project evaluation

provided that the CAP does the following:

A. Quantify greenhouse gas emissions, both existing and projected over a specified time period,

resulting from activities within a defined geographic area;

B. Establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution to greenhouse gas

emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable;

C. Identify and analyze the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of

actions anticipated within the geographic area;

D. Specify measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence

demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified

emissions level;




E. Establish a mechanism to monitor the plan’s progress toward achieving the level and to require

amendment if the plan is not achieving specified levels; and

F. Be adopted in a public process following environmental review.

A 2006 baseline GHG emission inventory was prepared for unincorporated Butte County. The inventory identified the

sources and the amount of GHG emissions produced in the county. Within Butte County, the leading contributors of GHG

emissions are agriculture (43%), transportation (29%), and residential energy (17%).

A Climate Action Plan (CAP) was adopted by Butte County on February 25, 2014. The CAP provides a framework for the

County to reduce GHG emissions while simplifying the review process for new development. Measures and actions

identified in the CAP lay the groundwork to achieve the adopted General Plan goals related to climate change, including

reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

In an effort to implement the measures of the CAP, a development checklist was created to evaluate a new projects

consistency with the CAP, and to identify which GHG emission reduction measures would be implemented with project

approval. The CAP development checklist identified three reduction measures applicable to the proposed project. These

measures include expansion of renewable energy systems for new residential development by prewiring future development

for photovoltaic systems; reduction of construction equipment idling time; and, installation of electric vehicle charging outlets

in the garage or the exterior of the home (See Attachment A).

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The proposed project is a minor subdivision that would

contribute to the existing greenhouse gas inventory for Butte County through the creation of 21 parcels for future

residential development. Eventual residential development would generate direct emissions through the

consumption of electricity, natural gas, and propane, as well as from fuel usage for landscaping equipment.

Development would also generate additional vehicle trips to and from the residence. Additionally, construction

activities of future development would also create greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the use of heavy

equipment.

To reduce the anticipated increase in of GHG emissions that would ultimately be created by the proposed project,

GHG reduction measures from the Butte County Climate Action Plan were identified through CAP development

checklist review. Implementation of the following mitigation measure would ensure the project’s consistency with

the CAP and that impacts from GHG emissions are less than significant.

b.) Less than significant impact. The Butte County General Plan and Butte County Climate Action Plan establish

numerous policies relative to greenhouse gases. The proposed subdivision would not generate greenhouse gas

emissions; however, future development of the resultant parcels would increase GHG emissions, although on a

limited scale. Due to the limited development potential of the project site, the anticipated increase in emissions

would not conflict with the applicable with policies adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions.

Mitigation Measure #13 (Greenhouse Gas Emissions)

Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the final map or on an additional map

sheet that states: “To the extent feasible, the developer shall implement the following measures at the time of development

to offset the anticipated contribution of greenhouse gas emissions from residential development:

Support expansion of renewable energy systems

o Prewire all new residential development to support photovoltaic system installation.

Support efficiency in vehicles and landscaping equipment

o Install electrical vehicle outlets on external walls or in garages in all new residential development.

Improve fuel efficiency of equipment during construction-related activities

o Minimize idling time either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the time of idling to no

more than 3 minutes.

o Use clean or alternative fuel equipment”

Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the

final map or on an additional map sheet. This note shall also be placed on all building and site development plans.




Timing: Shall be implemented prior to issuance of building permits for residential development. Construction-related

measures shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.



map sheet. The Planning Division will ensure that future residential development includes the applicable measures

during Building Permit review. Building inspectors shall spot check and shall ensure compliance on-site.

4.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the

environmental through the routine transport use, or

disposal of hazardous materials?

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 environment?

c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely

hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-

quarter mile of an existing or proposed schools?

d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of

hazardous materials sites complied pursuant to

Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,

would it create a significant hazard to the public or the

environment?

e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or,

where such a plan has not been adopted, within two

miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the

project result in a safety hazard for people residing or

working in the project area?

f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,

would the project result in a safety hazard for people

residing or working in the project area?

g. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an

adopted emergency response plan or emergency

evacuation plan?

h. Expose people or structures to a significant risk or loss,

injury or death involving wildland fires, including

where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or

where residences are intermixed with wildlands?

Settings

Hazardous Materials

Under Government Code Section 65962.5, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) maintains a list

of hazardous substance sites. The list, often referred to as the “Cortese list”, includes CALSITE hazardous materials sites,

sites with leaking underground storage tanks, and landfills with evidence of groundwater contamination. A search of the state

and federal agency databases for hazardous materials sites within one-mile of the project site was performed and the project

site is within one-mile of an identified clean-up site (envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov). Diamond Match Factory, a State Response

clean-up site, is located approximately 0.85 miles to the northeast of the project site.

A groundwater plume contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) is found beneath the project area. Victor Industries,

formerly located at 365 East 20th Street in the City of Chico approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the project site used TCE as




a degreaser/solvent in the process of manufacturing aluminum tubes. Solvent disposal practices (dumping on the ground)

resulted in the contamination of the soil and the subsequent groundwater contamination plume that stretches from East 20th

Street to beneath the Stanley Park neighborhood. Private wells in the area were contaminated and after several phases of

investigation the Stanley Park neighborhood was connected to the California Water Service (Calwater) domestic water

service in the mid 1990’s. In September of 2016 the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) reviewed and

concurred with the activities outlined in the 2016 Final Groundwater Characterization Workplan Amendment for the Victor

Industries site. The objectives of the workplan are to further characterize the lateral extent of the TCE contaminated

groundwater within monitoring zone D, which will include the installation of three monitoring wells, aquifer testing and

groundwater sampling in monitoring zones B and C, and characterization of microbial species in the groundwater.

Airports

Air transportation in Butte County is served by a number of private and public airfields and heliports serving general

aviation and agricultural users. There are four major aviation facilities in Butte County that serve the general public,

Chico Municipal Airport, Ranchaero Airport, Oroville Municipal Airport, and Paradise Skypark. Ranchaero Airport is

the nearest general aviation airport to the project site. The airport is located approximately 1.6 miles northwest of the

project site, portions of the project are located with the Zone D compatibility zone for the airport.

Wildland Fire Conditions

The combination of highly flammable fuel, long dry summers and steep slopes creates a natural hazard of wildland fires in

many areas of Butte County. Wildland fires can result in death, injury, economic losses, and a large public investment in

firefighting efforts. Woodland and other natural vegetation can also be destroyed during wildfires, resulting in the loss of

timber, wildlife habitat, scenic quality, and recreation. Areas in the county that are particularly susceptible to wildland fires

largely contain dense vegetation and steep slopes, which aide in the spread of fire. These areas have been designated as Fire

Hazard Severity Zones by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), and generally include the foothill

and mountainous regions of Butte County.

Fire protection services for unincorporated Butte County are generally provided by the Butte County Fire Department

(BCFD) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), with CalFire having fiscal responsibility for

preventing and suppressing wildfires. The project area falls into the service area of Butte Unit-Battalion 4 of BCFD.

According to the Health and Safety Element of the Butte County General Plan, the project site is not located in a Fire Hazard

Severity Zone and is located within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) for fire protection.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. Future construction activities associated with the development of the proposed project

could involve the uses of potentially hazardous materials including gasoline, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, solvents,

oils, etc. would be used to maintain vehicles and motorized equipment during construction- related activities.

However, all potentially hazardous materials would be contained, stored, and used in accordance with manufactures’

specifications and handled in compliance with all standards and regulations. It is not anticipated that large quantities

of hazardous materials would be permanently stored or used within the project area. It is likely after construction of

the project small quantities of publically available hazardous materials (e.g. paint, herbicides, and maintenance

supplies) may be used routinely for residential maintenance and cleaning. However, these materials would not be

used in sufficient strength or quantity to create a substantial risk of fire or explosion, or otherwise pose a substantial

risk to environmental or human health.

b.) Less than significant impact. It’s not anticipated that construction or operation of future residential development

would create a significant hazard to the environment or to the public due to the accidental release of hazardous

materials into the environment. Accidental release of hazardous materials routinely used during construction

activities are addressed in section a.), above.

c.) No impact. No existing or proposed schools have been identified within one-quarter mile of the project site.

d.) No impact. A review of regulatory agency databases, which included lists of hazardous materials sites compiled

pursuant to California Government Code Section 65962.5, did not identify contamination site as being located

within, or in the vicinity of, the project site.




e.) Less than significant impact. Ranchaero Airport, a public use airport, is located approximately 1.6 miles

northwest of the project site. Portions of the project site fall within the airports influence area boundary,

specifically, within Zone D of the Ranchaero Airport Land Use Compatibility Map. Zone D is an area included

in the vicinity of the airport that is overflown less frequently or at a higher altitude by arriving or departing

aircraft. Additionally, the length of the runway at Ranchaero Airport limits its use to single-engine airplanes and

helicopters. As a result, no safety hazards associated with airport operations are anticipated to affect people

working or residing within the project site.

f.) No impact. No private airports have been identified to be located within the vicinity of the project site. As a result,

no safety hazards associated with airport operations are anticipated to affect people working or residing within the

project site.

g.) Less than significant impact. The proposed project does not include any actions that physically interfere with

any emergency response or emergency evacuation plans. Development of the resultant parcels would add a small

amount of trips onto the area roadways; however, area roadways and intersections would continue to operate at an

acceptable level of service. If future construction activities require work to be performed in the roadway,

appropriate traffic control plans would be prepared in conjunction with a Butte County Encroachment Permit.

h.) No impact. The project site is not located in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a State Responsibility Area. As a

result, existing and subsequent development on the resultant parcels, as well as its residents, would not be exposed

to a significant wildland fire risk. The nearest Butte County/CDF staffed fire station is Station #44 located at

2334 Fair Street in the City of Chico approximately 1.45 miles to the northeast of the project area.


4.9 Hydrology and Water Quality:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Documen

t

a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge

requirements?

b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere

substantially with groundwater recharge such that there

would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of

the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production

rate of preexisting nearby wells would drop to a level

which would not support existing land uses or planned

uses for which permits have been granted)?

c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site

or area, including through the alteration of the course of

a stream or river, in a manner which would result in

substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?

d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the

site or area, including through the alteration of the course

of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or

amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result

in flooding on- or off-site?

e. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed

the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage

systems or provide substantial additional sources of

polluted runoff?

f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?




g. Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as

mapped by Federal Flood Hazard Boundary, Flood

Insurance Rate Map, or other flood hazard delineation

map?

h. Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures

which would impede or redirect flood flows?

i. Expose people or structures to a significant risk or loss,

injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as

a result of the failure of a levee or dam?

j. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?

Setting:

Surface Water

Butte County has been subject to flooding from various rivers and creeks, particularly from the northeast. The County has

completed an assessment of flooding hazards as part of the Butte County Flood Mitigation Plan. The following areas are

the principal flood hazards in the project vicinity. Butte Creek, Little Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek Diversion, Mud

Creek, Sycamore Creek, Comanche Creek, Rock Creek, and Keefer Slough.

Comanche Creek is present along the southern boundary of the project area. Comanche Creek originates as an irrigation

diversion for M&T Ranch at the Parrot-Phelan Diversion along Butte Creek approximately four miles east of the City of

Chico. The creek flows in a westerly direction along the southern portion of the City of Chico, approximately paralleling

Little Chico Creek. Historically, Comanche Creek was an intermittent stream draining the Doe Mill Ridge until the

construction of the irrigation diversion. Comanche Creek receives water from the irrigation diversion as well as storm water

run-off from the City of Chico urban areas, the creek holds water year-round as its primary use is agricultural water

conveyance to M&T Ranch west of Chico.

Flooding

Flooding events can result in damage to structures, injury or loss of human and animal life, exposure of waterborne diseases,

and damage to infrastructure. In addition, standing floodwater can destroy agricultural crops, undermine infrastructure and

structural foundations, and contaminate groundwater. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible

for mapping areas subject to flooding during a 100-year flood event (i.e., 1 percent chance of occurring in a given year).

FEMA also provides guidance on floodplain management and manages the National Flood Insurance Program, which

provides insurance to communities that participate in the program, and works with State and local agencies to develop

floodplain management policies and mitigation measures. Federal flood insurance is required for any structure within a

Special Flood Hazard Zone (Zone A, AE, AO, and AH), for any property that has a federally insured loan.

According to floodplain mapping of the project area, the project site is located within unshaded Zone X, and Zones A, AE,

and AO. The X Zone is defined by FEMA as areas of minimal flood hazard from the principal source of flood in the area

and determined to be outside of the 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain. Zones A, AE, and AO are determined to be areas

subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual chance flood. Base flood elevations are not determined for Zone A,

determined for Zone AE, and flood depths within Zone AO are 1 to 3 feet, usually in the form of sheet flow.

Inundation Zone

Dam failure is generally a result of structural instability caused by improper design or construction, instability resulting from

seismic shaking, or overtopping and erosion of the dam. Larger dams that are higher than 25 feet or with storage capacities

over 50 acre-feet of water are regulated by the California Dam Safety Act, which is implemented by the California

Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (DSD).

The project site is not identified as being located in the inundation zone for any dams regulated by the California Dam Safety

Act.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. Future development associated with the proposed project would require grading,

excavation and general site preparation activities that could result in erosion of soils on-site and sedimentation during

storm or high wind events. Erosion of onsite soils would temporarily impact surface water quality and water quality




within nearby waterways. Downstream impacts from erosion include increased turbidity and suspended sediment

concentrations. Eroded soils also contain nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients, that when deposited in water bodies,

can trigger algal blooms that reduce water clarity, deplete oxygen, and create odors. Eroded sediments may blanket

fauna, and the increased cloudiness from suspended sediments may also reduce photosynthesis that produces food supply

and natural aquatic habitat (Butte County General Plan 2030).

As discussed in Section 4.6 – Geologic Processes, the physical characteristics of the soil at the project site indicate that

susceptibility to erosion is slight. During construction-related activities, specific erosion control and surface water

protection methods for each construction activity would be implemented on the project site. The type and number of

measures implemented would be based upon location-specific attributes (i.e., slope, soil type, weather conditions). These

control and protection measures, or Best Management Practices (BMPs), are standard in the construction industry and

are commonly used to minimize soil erosion and water quality degradation. Additionally, future construction activities

may be subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction Activities Storm

Water permit program if one acre or more of land is disturbed. Construction activities that result in a land disturbance

of less than one acre, but which are part of a larger common plan of development, also require a permit. This program

requires implementation of erosion control measures during and immediately after construction that are designed to

avoid significant erosion during the construction period. Project operations that are under a NPDES permit would also

be subject to State Water Resources Control Board requirements for the preparation and implementation of a Storm

Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to control pollution in stormwater runoff from the project site. A condition of

approval reflecting the requirement of the applicant to obtain a NPDES permit, prior to grading activities, will be included

with project approval.

Groundwater Quality

Future development on the resultant parcels also has the potential to contribute pollutants to area groundwater. Nitrate

contamination of groundwater is one of the most widespread pollutants and may impact area residents who utilize

groundwater as their main source of drinking water. High concentrations of nitrate in groundwater are primarily caused

by human activities, including fertilizer application (synthetic and manure), animal operations, industrial sources

(wastewater treatment and food processing facilities), and septic system. Nitrate contamination poses a health risk to

many rural areas where drinking water is obtained from wells that are often shallow and vulnerable to contamination.

The California Department of Public Health set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 45 milligrams per liter

(mg/L) for nitrates in drinking water. Levels of nitrate that exceed safe drinking water standards can interfere with the

ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body producing a condition called methemoglobinemia.

The groups with the greatest risk of becoming ill through ingesting nitrate are infants under 6 months and pregnant

women. Groups with the lowest risk of becoming ill are healthy children and adults (CDPH).

The project proposes a community wastewater system, a septic tank effluent pump (STEP) system where an individual

septic tank equipped with an effluent pump to a common dose tank via a common pressure main. The pressure line and

service connection (shutoff valve, check valve and valve box) will be installed for a lot at the time of other utilities and

subdivision improvements. The wastewater disposal area will be located on the open space parcel (Lot A).

The applicant completed a pre-application review with Butte County Department of Environmental Health, in

accordance with Chapter 19 of Butte County Code (On-Site Wastewater Systems). Their review identified the parcels

are mostly flat open land with single dwelling residences along Stanley Avenue. Soil profiles were conducted by

Certified Designer Northstar Engineering on April 28, 2016, with staff from this office present during the site evaluation.

Soils were evaluated in the areas proposed for leach field area and replacement.

In summary, the soil profile holes indicated soil class to be sandy clay loam with a 0.6 gallons per day application rate

and no signs of ground water present. The project proposes a community wastewater system, a septic tank effluent pump

(STEP) system where an individual septic tank equip with an effluent pump to a common dose tank via a common

pressure main. The pressure line and service connection (shutoff valve, check valve, and valve box) will be installed for

every lot at the time of other utilities and subdivision improvements. The community wastewater system will be

managed by a CSA with all necessary legal entitlements and financial assurances in place as per County requirements.

Using the combination of soils classification along with the designer's suggestion, it is agreed with Northstar

Engineering's findings that, per BCC Chapter 19-10 C., the Minimal Usable Wastewater Area (MUWA) and

replacement for the subdivision is 66,000 square feet and that this requirement is met. A new STEP system will require

a permit issued by BCEH along with continual review of the construction permit to meet all required setbacks.

b.) Less than significant impact. Domestic water to existing and planned uses on the resultant parcels would be

provided via an extension of the Calwater service line to the Stanley Park neighborhood.




General Plan 2030 and the associated Environmental Impact Report included several actions and policies to address

groundwater supplies and sustain groundwater resources. Butte County also has adopted the Butte County

Integrated Water Resources Plan and Butte County Groundwater Management Plan, and has performed an analysis

of long-term water usage and supplies with the 2001 Butte County Water Inventory and Analysis. The findings

contained in these reports, together with the application of these existing policies and plans, led Butte County to

conclude that the growth anticipated with General Plan 2030 would have a less than significant impact to

groundwater supplies.

The proposed project has the potential to result in a net increase in impervious surfaces on the project site from the

development of new residences or other structures. Future development would result in only a minor increase in

impervious surfaces from the construction of concrete foundations, access road surfacing, hardscaping, and cul-de-

sac and street improvements. Thus, the proposed project would not cause a measureable reduction in surface

infiltration or a decrease in deep percolation to the underlying aquifers.

c.) Less than significant impact. Ground disturbance during construction activities associated with the build-out of

the resultant parcels may alter existing drainage pathways, expose surface soils to become more susceptible to

erosive forces (i.e., overland flow) and/or generate enough increased runoff through removal/clearing of existing

vegetation to increase surface erosion. As discussed in section a.), above, implementation of erosion control

measures or BMPs during construction activities would minimize soil erosion and water quality degradation.

d.) Less than significant impact. Construction activities associated with build-out of the resultant parcels would not

alter drainage patterns such that they would cause on- or off-site flooding. Some vegetation removal and soil

disturbance would occur during clearing of the site, resulting in the potential for increased stormwater runoff.

However, implementation of BMPs would minimize the potential for surface runoff and reduce the potential for

flooding.

The minor increase in impervious surface area from build-out of the resultant parcels is not anticipated to be enough

to alter existing drainage patterns or cause off-site flooding. While some increase in stormwater runoff may be

expected due to the reduced absorption rate created from new impervious surfaces on the site, such as structures,

driveways, and hardscape (walkways, patios), future development would be reviewed by the Butte County Public

Works Department to ensure any potential drainage concerns are addressed, and to ensure no net increase in

stormwater runoff leaves the project site.

e.) Less than significant impact. When precipitation falls onto the ground surface, it naturally infiltrates into the

ground, and when the ground is saturated, it runs off as surface flow. Stormwater in Butte County is currently

conveyed through a system of ditches, culverts and underground storm sewers to regional waterways. Stormwater

that falls on impervious surfaces such as roads, driveways and parking lots picks up residual pollution such as oil,

sediment, and trash. These materials are then washed into waterways and pollute the rivers and reservoirs of

Butte County and other downstream receiving waters. In addition, stormwater runs off impervious surfaces at

a faster rate than off soil or natural surfaces. Increase rates stormwater runoff can result in hydromodification of

downstream waterways through eroded streambanks and deeply cut creek channels (Butte County General Plan

2030).

The proposed project is likely to generate a minor increase in runoff from the future development of the resultant

parcels, such as with the construction of new residences or access roads. These improvements are relatively small

and conveyed through a system of ditches and culverts to area waterways.

General Plan 2030 Water Resource Element contains policies that address stormwater runoff capacity. Policy W-

P1.4 encourages Low Impact Development, which minimizes impervious areas, minimizes runoff and pollution,

and incorporates best management practices. Policy W-P5.3 allows and encourages pervious pavements. Policy W-

P5.5 requires that stormwater collection systems be installed concurrently with construction of new roadways to

maximize efficiency and minimize disturbance due to construction activity. Policy HS-P3.2 requires that applicants

for new development provide plans detailing existing drainage conditions and specifying how runoff will be

detained or retained on-site and/or conveyed to the nearest drainage facility, without increasing the peak flow runoff

to said channel or facility. Policy HS-P3.3 requires that all development include stormwater control measures and

site design features that prevent any increase in the peak flow runoff to existing drainage facilities.

As a condition of approval to the project, the applicant shall submit drainage plans and calculations to the County

Public Works Department. Engineering plans will detail existing drainage conditions and specify how stormwater

runoff will be either detained or retained onsite and/or conveyed to the nearest natural drainage channel or publicly-

maintained facility. Engineering calculations will show there is no increase in peak flow runoff leaving the property.




All improvements associated with the proposed project will be made in accordance with the Butte County

Improvement Standards. Implementation of these conditions of approval, together with the application of existing

County and State regulations and policies would ensure that the anticipated minor increase in runoff would not

exceed the capacity of any existing stormwater drainage systems or substantially increase polluted runoff.

f.) Less than significant impact. The proposed project would not result in potential surface water pollution beyond

the issues discussed in section a.), above. Therefore, the proposed project would not otherwise degrade water quality

beyond the issues previously addressed.

g.) Less than significant impact. According to the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, Flood Insurance Rate

Map for the site, most of the project site is located within unshaded Zone X. The unshaded Zone X is defined by

FEMA as areas of minimal flood hazard from the principal source of flood in the area and determined to be outside

of the 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain. The area directly adjacent to Comanche Creek and an area within the

southwestern portion of the project area fall within Zones A, AE and AO. Zones A and AE are within and immediately

surrounding the channel of Comanche Creek while Zone AO is present outside of the channel in the southwest

portion of the project area. All the zones are determined to be areas subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual

chance flood. Base flood elevations have not been determined for Zone A but are determined for Zones AE and

AO. The flood depths within Zone AO are 1 to 3 feet, usually in the form of sheet flow. As a result, proposed

improvements and future development on the resultant parcels would be subject to the County’s Flood Hazard

Prevention Ordinance. Chapter 26, Article IV of the Butte County Code requires the Department of Development

Services to review all applications for new construction or subdivisions within flood hazard areas, and requires that

the lowest floor of any new construction or substantial improvements within Flood Zones A, AE, and AH, be

elevated 1-foot or more above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Applications must also show that development

within the floodplain will not raise the existing BFE in a manner that adversely affects any neighboring property.

Implementation of these requirements at the time of development would ensure potential flood impacts are less than

significant.

h.) Less than significant impact. See discussion 4.19(g) – Hydrology and Water Quality.

i.) Less than significant impact. See discussion 4.19(g) – Hydrology and Water Quality The project site is not in an

inundation zone for any dams regulated by the California Dam Safety Act.

j.) No impact. Although located within a seismically-active region, the project site is not located in an area that would

be impacted by a seiche, tsunami, or mudflows.


4.10 Land Use:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

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a. Physically divide an established community?

b. Conflict with an applicable land use plan, policy, or

regulations of an agency with jurisdiction over the

project (including, but not limited to, the general

plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning

ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or

mitigating an environmental effect?

c. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation

plan or natural community conservation plan?

Setting:

Butte County General Plan

The General Plan represents the basic community values, ideals and aspirations with respect to land use, development,

transportation, public services, and conservation policy that will govern Butte County through 2030. The land use

element of the general plan designates the land use of areas within the county, and includes a description of the




characteristics and intensity of each land use category. The land use designation for the project site is Very Low Density

Residential.

Butte County Zoning Ordinance

The Zoning Ordinance implements the goals and policies of the Butte County General Plan by regulating the uses of the

land and structures within the County. The zoning designation of the project site and their intended use are as follows:

Very Low Density Residential (VLDR 1.0)

The purpose of the Very Low Density Residential (VLDR) zone is to allow for single-family homes and related uses in

residential neighborhoods within the county. Standards for the VLDR zone are intended to preserve and protect the character

of existing neighborhoods and ensure that future rural residential development provide an appropriate transition from rural

to more developed areas. Permitted residential uses in the VLDR zone include a single-family home, small residential care

home, secondary units, animal grazing, on-site agricultural product sales, and private stables. The VLDR zone also

conditionally permits non-residential uses compatible with a residential setting, including public and quasi-public uses,

golf courses, park and recreational facilities, personal services, animal-keeping, and medical offices and clinics. The

minimum permitted parcel size in the VLDR zone is one acre. The VLDR zone implements the Very Low Density

Residential land use designation in the General Plan.

Clustered Development (Chapter 24, Article III, Division 8 of Butte County Code)

The purpose of clustered development is to facilitate the retention of natural resources, open space (a minimum of 40

percent of the total project site must be dedicated as permanent open space to qualify as a Clustered Development), and

wildlife habitat; avoid hazardous areas; and further implement the goals and policies of the General Plan. Specific

objectives of these provisions are to:

A. Provide an incentive to create quality residential developments, particularly where special conditions exist that

prevent the attainment of the maximum permitted density of a property that could otherwise be attained through

conventional subdivision design;

B. Require the preservation of environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., wetlands and special-status species habitat),

productive agricultural and timber lands, and important cultural and scenic resources;

C. Facilitate innovative development concepts that achieve greater consistency with the Butte County General Plan;

D. Provide permanent open space for a variety of natural resource purposes;

E. Preclude additional development that may conflict with neighborhood quality of life;

F. Provide increased open space which may include active and passive recreation features that reduce demand for

public park land; and

G. Reduce infrastructure requirements by reducing the length of streets and water and sewer lines and by potentially

reducing street width requirements.

Clustered development is allowed as an alternative to conventional subdivision design in a number of residential zones in

Butte County, including the VLDR zone. Clustered Development subdivisions are subject to all of the requirements of the

State Subdivision Map Act and the Butte County Subdivision Ordinance (Chapter 20 of Butte County Code). A Conditional

Use Permit, Planned Development, or rezoning application is not required to utilize the clustered development provisions.

Impact Discussion:

a.) No impact. The project site is generally considered a part of the Stanley Avenue area of unincorporated West

Chico. The proposed project will not physically divide an established community, instead it will build out identified

residentially zoned properties, consistent with the General Plan zoning designations and will be generally consistent

with average parcel size (0.9 acres) in the surrounding Very Low Density Zone.

b.) Less than significant impact. The proposed project would subdivide the approximately18.5 acre property (two

parcels) into 21 residential lots and one (1) open space lot. The project is proposed as a Clustered Development

subdivision.

Clustered Development

Clustered development is allowed by the Butte County General Plan and Zoning Ordinance as an alternative to

conventional subdivision design in the many zones, including VLDR. Clustered development projects may be

proposed for parcels that could be subdivided based on the minimum parcel size specified in the applicable zone.




As part of the process, the applicant met with the County to propose a clustered development project. They provided

a tentative map that identified the residential lots, access road and the open space lot, which included the community

wastewater area. The pre-application meeting discussed the proposed density of the project, which included 21

residential lots. Clustered development projects require a minimum of 40% of the parcel to be dedicated as open

space. It also allows for additional density based on the percentage of the project area dedicated as open space.

This project proposes 64.9% (12.02 acres/18.5 acres) of open space, which allows a maximum density increase of

15 percent. Based on the 18.5 acre parcel size, the 15 percent density increase would allow a total of 21 residential

lots (18.5 x 1.15).

The minimum lot size allowed in a clustered development project is 7,500 square feet. The final map will also

include a note that identifies that the parcels cannot be further divided. The proposed project competed a pre-

application review with the Butte County Environmental Health Division for wastewater and domestic water. The

pre-application review determined there is adequate area for the community wastewater system. The project will

be served by California Water Service.

Areas within a 100-year flood zone are required to be avoided and reserved as permanent open space (BCC §24-90

(A.)(1.)). The proposed residential development and community wastewater areas are outside identified flood

zones. The portions within the flood zone are located within the open space area. The open space area is restricted

to the types of uses allowed as spelled out in Butte County Zone Code §24-90 G.

Compatibility with Offsite Uses

The project could create land use compatibility issues offsite which are governed by goals, policies and actions in

Butte County General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance.

Goal LU-13 - Plan for growth and protect agriculture in the Chico area through the Chico Area Greenline.

Policy 13.4 – Allow residential land uses on the Agricultural Side of the Chico Greenline only within those areas

designated for Very Low Density Residential and Rural Residential use on the Official Chico Area Greenline Map

shown in Figure LU-7.

The project site, and surrounding parcels to the north, west and east are zoned VLDR. The project is proposing a

clustered development project in order to create a 300 foot residential setback from adjacent agriculturally

designated land to the south.

Goal AG-5 - Reduce conflicts between urban and agricultural uses and between habitat mitigation banking and

agricultural uses.

Policy Ag-P5.3.2 - The Zoning Ordinance shall require a setback between a new residence and an existing active

orchard or vineyard that locates the residence as far away from the orchard or vineyard as practicable, taking into

account adjacent agricultural uses and practices, provided it does not limit the density permitted by the residential

zone, and in no case is less than 25 feet. Pursuant to the requirements of Butte County Code §24-56.1 (Residential

Setback from Orchards and Vineyards), the Department of Development Services in conjunction with the Agricultural

Commissioner’s Office is recommending a residential dwelling setback from adjacent active orchard (APN 039-370-

102) of 50 feet, or 25 feet with approved vegetation screen along the eastern property lines of parcels 13-18 and from

the northern property line of parcel 11.

Policy AG-P5.3.3 - The Zoning Ordinance shall require that a buffer be established pursuant to Policy AG- P5.3

on property proposed for residential development requiring discretionary approval in order to protect existing

Williamson Act contracts (i.e. those contracts that are in effect at the time of adoption of this policy) from

incompatible use conflicts. The desired standard shall be 300 feet, but may be adjusted to address unusual

circumstances.

As discussed above, General Plan Policy AG-P5.3.2 is implemented BCC §24-56.1 - Residential Setback from

Orchards and Vineyards. Pursuant to the requirements of Butte County Code §24-56.1 (Residential Setback from

Orchards and Vineyards), the Department of Development Services in conjunction with the Agricultural

Commissioner’s Office is recommending a residential dwelling setback from adjacent orchard to the north (APN

039-390-085) of 50 feet, or 25 feet with approved vegetation screen.

Policy 5.3.3 is implemented by Article 17 Agricultural Buffers of the Zoning Ordinance. A 300 - foot agricultural

buffer setback to residences from lands in the Williamson Act to the south will be maintained by the proposed

project.




c.) No impact. The Butte Regional Conservation Plan (BRCP) is a joint Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)/National

Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) that is currently being prepared for the western half of the Butte County.

The project site is located within the proposed plan area of the BRCP and within the Plan’s proposed Urban Permit

Area for the Chico area. However, as the plan has not been adopted, the proposed project will not conflict, nor

interfere with, the attainment of the goals of the proposed plan.


4.11 Mineral Resources:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

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a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral

resource that would be of value to the region and the

residents of the state?

b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important

mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local

general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?

Setting

Mining activities in Butte County focus on sand and gravel extraction, though other mineral resources have been extracted

within the County. The majority of the County’s sand and gravel deposits occur along the Sacramento River and within a

band running north to south down the center of the County. Gravel mining is most active in the central “gravel belt” which

is the transitional region where sediments washed down from the Sierra Nevada into the Sacramento Valley’s slower

moving rivers were deposited. These deposits are mined for sand and gravel to be used in combination with Portland

cement or asphalt compounds for road construction, and for silica. The County’s designated mineral resource zones are

identified by GPEIR Figure 4.6-5.

Impact Discussion:

a.) No impact. There are no known economically viable sources of rock materials in the immediate vicinity of the project

site. No mining operations have occurred on the project site or surrounding area and the project would not preclude

future extraction of available mineral resources. Mineral resource extraction is not proposed with this project.

b.) No impact. The project site is not located in an area currently used for, or known to have, locally-important

mineral resources.


4.12 Noise:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

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a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in

excess of standards established in the local general plan

or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other

agencies?

b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive

ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels?

c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise

levels in the project vicinity above levels existing

without the project?




d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in

ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above

levels existing without the project?

e. For a project located within an airport land use plan

or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within

two miles of a public airport or public use airport,

would the project expose people residing or working

in the project area to excessive noise levels?

f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,

would the project expose people residing or working

in the project area to excessive noise levels?

Setting:

The proposed project site is located in an area characterized by single-family residences in very low densities where

low noise levels can be expected with the exception of noise from agricultural practices occurring in the vicinity. The

nearest significant noise generator to the project site is likely the agricultural operation occurring south of Comanche

Creek. Dayton Road also is likely to contribute to noise in the area. Sensitive receptors are located in proximity to the

proposed project area.

Table HS-2 of the Butte County General Plan identifies the maximum allowable noise exposure to a variety of land

uses from transportation sources, including from roadways, rail and airports. In the case of transportation noise sources,

exterior noise level standards for residential outdoor activity areas are 60 dB (Ldn/CNEL). However, where it is not

possible to reduce noise in an outdoor activity area to 60 dB Ldn /CNEL or less using a practical application of the best-

available noise-reduction measures, an exterior noise level of up to 65 dB may be allowed, the maximum allowable

interior noise level standards for residential uses is 45 dB Ldn/CNEL, which is designed for sleep and speech protection.

Table HS-3 identifies the maximum allowable noise exposure from non-transportation sources for urban and non- urban

areas. The typical structural attenuation of a residence from an exterior noise is 15 dBA when windows facing the noise

source are open. When windows in good condition are closed, the noise attenuation factor is around 20 dBA for an older

structure and 25 dBA for a newer dwelling.

The Butte County Noise Control Ordinance provides the County with a means of assessing complaints of alleged noise

violations and to address noise level violations from stationary sources. The ordinance includes a list of activities that are

exempt from the provisions of the ordinance. Construction-related noise within 1,000 feet of residential uses are included

among the exempted activities, provided construction activities do not take place at the following times:




From sunset to sunrise on weekends and non-holidays;

Fridays commencing at 6:00 pm through and including 8:00 am on Saturday;

Before 8:00 am on holidays; and

Saturday commencing at 6:00 pm through and including 10:00 am on Sunday; and

Sunday after 6:00 pm.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. Noise levels contributed by the proposed project would include construction noise

during future build-out of the resultant parcels, occupancy of the single-family residences, and potentially from

activities allowed by the zone. Construction noises associated with development of the resultant parcel would

primarily be from the use of heavy equipment, generators, and power tools. Typical operational noises contributed

by residential uses include landscaping equipment, automobile traffic, power tools, domestic animals, heating and

cooling systems, and audio equipment. Most of the noise generated by these activities would be intermittent and

separated from noise sensitive receptors; and therefore, is unlikely to exceed County standards. Additionally,

construction-related noise from on-site development would be temporary and intermittent, and would not result in

long-term noise impacts. Compliance with Butte County Code provisions regarding construction noise would ensure

construction activities occur during hours exempt from County noise standards, making potential impacts less than

significant.

b.) Less than significant impact. The use of blasting and/or pile drivers during construction activities would not be

included as part of the proposed project. The proposed project would involve temporary sources of groundborne

vibration and groundborne noise during construction from the operation of heavy equipment. Operation of heavy

equipment would generate localized groundborne vibration and groundborne noise that could be perceptible at

residences or other sensitive uses in the immediate vicinity of the construction site. However, since the duration

of impact would be infrequent and would occur during less sensitive daytime hours (i.e., between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00

p.m.), the impact from construction-related groundborne vibration and groundborne noise would be less than

significant.

c.) Less than significant impact. The primary contributors to the existing noise environment surrounding the project

site include motor vehicle traffic along area roadways, residential uses, agricultural operations, and naturally

occurring sources. The only permanent noise source that would be introduced to the existing noise environment

by the proposed project would be typical noise levels contributed by single-family residential land uses including

automobiles, landscaping equipment, power tools, domestic animals, heating and cooling systems, and audio

equipment. It is anticipated that these introduced sources of noise would likely result in increases to the ambient

noise levels within the project site and vicinity. However, due to the low ambient noise presently in the surrounding

environment, and the density of the proposed parcels and surrounding area, a potential increase in ambient noise

levels would not be substantial.

d.) Less than significant impact. The only temporary or periodic noise sources that would be introduced to the

existing noise environment by the proposed project would be noises associated with construction activities.

During the construction period, noise levels generated by project construction would vary depending on the

particular type, number, and duration of use of the various types of construction equipment. Though noises

generated by heavy equipment would periodically generate noise levels in excess of exterior noise standards

identified in the General Plan, given the minimal development anticipated to build-out the resultant parcels, the

infrequent use of heavy equipment during construction, and that construction activities would occur during less

sensitive daytime hours, temporary noise impacts are not considered significant.

e.) No impact. The Chico Municipal Airport is located approximately 5.75 miles north from the project site, and is

situated outside the Airport Land Use Compatibility Zones for the airport. At this distance, the project site is located

outside the 55 dB CNEL noise level established for the airport. As a result, operational noises from the airport would

not affect residents located on the project site. Ranchaero Airport is located approximately 1.6 miles to the northwest

of the project site. The proposed project is within the airport’s compatibility Zone D which is an area included in

the vicinity of the airport that is overflown less frequently or at a higher altitude by arriving or departing aircraft.

The project site is located outside the 55 dB CNEL noise level established for the airport. As a result, noise impacts

associated with the airport operations are not anticipated to affect people working or residing within the project

site.

f.) Less than significant impact. No private airports have been identified to be located within the vicinity of the project

site. As a result, noise impacts associated with private airstrip operations are not anticipated to affect people

working or residing within the project site.





4.13 Population and Housing:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

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a. Induce substantial population growth in an area, either

directly (for example, by proposing new homes and

businesses) or indirectly (for example, through

extension of roads or other infrastructure)?

b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,

necessitating the construction of replacement housing

elsewhere?

c. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating

the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

Setting:

The population for Butte County was estimated to be 225,411 in 2015, approximately 220,024 in 2010 and 203,446 in

2000, resulting in a total population growth of 21,965 during this 15-year period (US Census). The annual average

population growth rate in the county during the 2000-2015 time period was approximately 0.65 percent. The total

housing units in Butte County was approximately 98,035 in July of 2015.

The proposed project would result in the creation of 20 additional residential parcels that could potentially be developed

with a single-family residence and potentially a second unit as allowed in the VLDR zone. According to the United

States Census Bureau, the average household size of an owner-occupied housing unit for Butte County is 2.43. Based

on the average household size within the county, and the potential number of housing units that could be constructed

within the project site, the proposed project could add approximately 48 new residents to the local population.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. Subdivision of the project site could facilitate the potential addition of 20 single-

family residential units, which would directly result in growth in available housing and, if occupied, to the local

population. However, housing and population growth with this project are consistent with planned future land uses

and would be minor in scale. Construction activities associated with development of the residential units would

not result in any direct or indirect growth-inducing impacts to the county because construction activities would be

temporary, and construction workers would likely be drawn from the local and regional work force. Growth in the

project area resulting from the project is planned, and is consistent with the applicable planning policies and zoning

ordinance.

b.) No impact. The project site currently includes one single-family residential unit. The proposed project would not

require the existing unit to be removed or relocated from the project site. Therefore, the project would not result

in the displacement of substantial numbers of people or housing.

c.) No impact. The proposed project would not cause the displacement of the local population.





4.14 Public Services:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

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a. Would the project result in substantial adverse

physical impacts associated with the provision of

or need for new or physically altered

governmental facilities, the construction of which

could cause significant environmental impacts, in

order to maintain acceptable service ratios,

response times, or other performance objectives

for any of the public services:

1. Fire protection?

2. Police Protection?

3. Schools?

4. Parks?

5. Other public services?

Setting

The General Plan reflects Butte County’s commitment to provide needed public services, infrastructure and facilities that

are accessible to and benefit all county residents. Applicants pay adopted fee(s) at the time of building permit to pay a

proportionate share of fire, police, school, parks, and other governmental services.

Fire Protection

The Butte County Fire Department (BCFD) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE)

provide fire and emergency services to the entire unincorporated county population, protecting over 1,600 square miles, with

the exceptions of the Cities of Chico and Oroville, the Town of Paradise and the El Medio Fire Protection District. Services

include the following; fire control for structural, vegetation, vehicular and other unwanted fires, emergency medical services

and rescue response, hazardous materials response, flood control assistance, public safety education, vegetation management,

and fire law enforcement/arson investigation.

Sheriff Services

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement, criminal investigation, and crime prevention in the

unincorporated areas of Butte County.

Schools/Public Education

The County Office of Education, Butte Community College, California State University, Chico and local school districts

provide public education in Butte County. The local school districts provide elementary and secondary education to the

municipalities and unincorporated areas of the county, while the Office of Education offers special education programs and

other related services to the individual districts within the county. Butte Community College is a two-year junior college and

California State University, Chico is a four-year university. School districts can be found on Figure PUB-1 of the General

Plan.

Parks

A wide variety of recreational facilities are found in Butte County, offering a variety of recreational opportunities to

residents and visitors. Federal, State, and local recreation lands are depicted in Figure PUB-2 of the General Plan.




Solid Waste

The Butte County Public Works Department assumed the daily operational responsibility of the Neal Road Landfill Facility

in 2003. The Neal Road Landfill is permitted to accept municipal solid waste, inert industrial waste, demolition materials,

and special wastes containing non-friable asbestos and septage. Current projections suggest the landfill has the operational

capacity to last through 2034.

General Governmental Services

Butte County provides a wide variety of mandated services to resident of both incorporated and unincorporated areas with the

county. Services include behavioral health services, public health services, supportive services, social services, veterans’

services, among many more.

Impact Discussion:

a1.) Less than significant impact. Butte County Code requires the payment of fire protection impact fees to help offset

the impacts that new residential development has on the fire protection services. Fire protection impact fees would

be paid at the time of building permit issuance for a dwelling unit.

a2.) Less than significant impact. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement service to the site.

Implementation of the proposed project could increase service calls if additional residential structures are built.

Increased development in unincorporated areas of Butte County impacts the ability of the Sheriff's Department to

adequately provide services to outlying areas. Although police protection services may need to be increased as a

result of the project, it is anticipated that project implementation would not require any new law enforcement

facilities or the alteration of existing facilities to maintain acceptable performance objectives. Increased demand

for law enforcement facilities (sub-stations, jail etc.) would be partially offset through project-related impact fees

collected at the issuance of building permits.

a3.) Less than significant impact. Residential development at the site would result in an incremental demand for school

facilities in the area. The project site is located in the Chico Unified School District. The statewide average student

yield factors are 0.7 students per dwelling unit for a Unified School District (California Department of General

Services). Development of the proposed project could generate a student population increase of approximately 14

students for the Chico Unified School District. A development impact fee for school facilities will be assessed at

the time of residential development on the resultant parcels to offset any potential impact to area school facilities.

The fee amount will be determined and calculated as of the date of application for the building permits. While

school districts maintain that these fees do not fully mitigate the impacts of the project, the County is precluded

from imposing additional fees or mitigation by state legislation.

a4.) Less than significant impact. See discussion 4.15 – Recreation.

a5.) Less than significant impact. The project would result in added need for County services, such as law enforcement,

fire protection, general services, libraries, and roads. Butte County collects various types of development impact

fees to offset the cost and impacts associated with new residential units. These fees vary depending on the dwelling

type, and are collected at the time of development.


4.15 Recreation:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

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a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood and

regional parks or other recreational facilities such

that substantial physical deterioration of the facility

would occur or be accelerated?




b. Include recreational facilities or require the

construction or expansion of recreational facilities

which might have an adverse physical effect on the

environment?

Setting

The project site is located within the Chico Area Recreation District (CARD). The district covers an area of 255 square

miles, and includes the City of Chico, as well as unincorporated area in Butte County. The district operates and maintains

approximately 93 acres of developed parkland including Community Park, Hooker Oak Park, DeGarmo Park, and a variety of

additional facilities. The nearest park facility is the Comanche Creek Greenway in Chico, located approximately 1.2 miles

east of the project site.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. Increase in the demand for recreational facilities is typically associated with substantial

increases in population. As discussed in Section 4.13 - Population and Housing, the proposed project will generate

minimal growth in the local population when residential units are constructed on the resultant parcels. In addition to

CARD facilities, the proposed project may result in a less than significant increase in use of City of Chico parks and

recreational facilities including Bidwell Park. Because housing and population growth in the project area would be

minor, approximately 48 new residents, the project would not result in a substantial increase in demand for recreational

facilities or adversely affect Butte County park/population standards. The collection of impact fees as part of residential

development helps offset the increase in usage of parks and other recreational facilities caused by the project.

b.) No impact. The proposed project does not include plans for additional recreational facilities nor would it require

expansion of existing recreational facilities. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in any adverse

physical effects on the environment from construction or expansion of recreational facilities.


4.16 Transportation/Traffic:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

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t

a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy

establishing measures of effectiveness for the

performance of the circulation system, taking into

account all modes of transportation including mass

transit and non-motorized travel and relevant

components of the circulation system, including but

not limited to intersections, streets, highways and

freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass

transit?

b. Conflict with an applicable congestion management

program, including, but not limited to level of

service standards and travel demand measures, or

other standards established by the county congestion

management agency for designated roads or

highways?

c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including

either an increase in traffic levels or a change in

location that results in substantial safety risks?

d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature

(e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or

incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?

e. Result in inadequate emergency access?




f. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs

regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian

facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or

safety of such facilities

Setting:

Access to the project site is provided by Stanley Avenue, a County-maintained, two-lane local road that extends from

Dayton Road to Diamond Avenue. The road is approximately 16 feet wide with an asphalt surface. No paved shoulders

or roadside drainage swales are located on either side of the roadway near the project site. The average daily vehicle

trips along the road are likely minimal, and the road has a stable traffic flow.

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. The proposed project has the potential to introduce 20 single-family residences, as

well as accessory uses to the planned residences, which would generate long-term changes in traffic volumes.

Vehicle traffic for a single-family residence is estimated to be 9.43 vehicle trips per day during weekdays (Institute

of Transportation Engineers, 9th edition). While the development of the proposed project would generate

approximately 198 daily trips, these trips would be spread out over the course of the day and be distributed throughout

the local roadway network.

A Traffic Impact Study was completed to assess the potential impacts on local roadways and intersections

associated with development of the proposed project. The Traffic Impact Study described existing traffic

conditions, quantify traffic volumes generated by the proposed project, identify potential impacts on all modes of

travel, document findings, and make recommendations to mitigate impacts, if any are found.

Table 4.16.1: Estimated Trip Generation for the proposed project.

Land Use/Units

Daily AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour

Trips Trips In Out Trips In Out

Single Family Homes/ 21 units

198

16

3

8

21

9

6

With the addition of project traffic, the Dayton Road/Stanley Avenue intersection is projected to operate at

acceptable level of service conditions (LOS “B” or better) under “Existing Plus Project” conditions during both the

AM and PM peak hours. Additionally, Stanley Lane and the Stanley Lane/Street A project intersection will operate

at acceptable level of service conditions (LOS “A”) under “Existing Plus Project” conditions. No notable traffic

operation impacts are anticipated with the project.

Construction activities associated with the future development of the resultant parcels has the potential to generate

short-term changes to traffic volumes on the project area road network. Daily vehicle trips would be generated with

the arrival and departure of construction workers. Heavy truck trips would be required for hauling equipment and

materials to and from the construction site. Any future construction activities would be small-scale and of short-

duration. As a result, the proposed project would not cause long-term degradation in, or create substantial impacts

to, the operating conditions or level of service on any of the roadways in the project area.

Stanley Avenue has a relatively narrow paved width (16 feet at the narrowest but typically 17 to 18 feet) which is

less than the 20 foot minimum roadway width recommended in A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and

Streets (2004) published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

and narrower than Butte County standards for new County roadways.

Because the scope of the proposed project is relatively minor and would not result in construction of a substantial

number of residential units, the increase in traffic levels would not create substantial impacts to operating conditions

of the area road network. To provide a safe and efficient roadway with increased traffic, the applicant will provide

a proportionate cost sharing contribution for widening of the pavement section on Stanley Avenue to a 20 foot width

from Dayton Road to the project entry point. If the applicant is required to physically construct widening

improvements in a dollar amount equal to the proportionate share, in lieu of paying the fee, the traffic study

recommended that the widening begin at Dayton Road and move east to the extent possible with the fee amount.

The greatest widening benefit will be realized where traffic volumes are the highest, which is closest to Dayton

Road.




b.) Less than significant impact. See discussion 4.16(a) - Transportation/Traffic.

c.) No impact. No public commercial use airports have been identified to be located within the vicinity of the project site.

Ranchaero Airport, is located approximately 1.6 miles to the northwest of the proposed project site, serves a combination

of recreational, flight training, agricultural, and limited business functions. The proposed project is located within

compatibility zone D for Ranchaero Airport, however, compatibility zone D is an area included in the vicinity of the

airport that is overflown less frequently or at a higher altitude by arriving or departing aircraft. Compatibility zone D

does not have any restrictions to lot sizes or density. Additionally, the length of the runway at Ranchaero Airport

limits its use to single-engine airplanes and helicopters. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in a change

in air traffic patterns, including increase air traffic levels or safety hazards.

d.) Less than significant impact. The proposed project would not change the configuration (alignment) of area roadways,

and would not introduce types of vehicles that are not already traveling on area roads. However, construction of access

roads or driveways to the resultant parcels may require encroachment improvements to the frontage road. Future

encroachments to a county roadway would be designed and constructed in accordance with a Butte County Public Works

Encroachment Permit, which would ensure that any potential safety and compatibility issues are addressed.

e.) Less than significant impact. Resultant parcels would access Stanley Avenue via a County-maintained road to be

constructed with approval of the proposed project. Maintenance costs of the new road would be covered by the

formation of a Permanent Road Division Area of Benefit. The proposed new road would be designed and constructed

to meet all applicable State and local development standards, ensuring that access is adequate to provide emergency ingress

and egress.

f.) Less than significant impact. No existing or proposed bicycle or pedestrian facilities are located on, or in the vicinity

of, the project site. Future development on the resultant parcels would have minor long-term impacts on alternative

transportation facilities due to the limited population growth to the project area. Construction activities associated

with future development may generate short-term disruption to area roadways from an anticipated increase in traffic

levels that may affect alternative transportation uses. However, construction activities associated with the proposed

project would be temporary, and in compliance with a Butte County Encroachment Permit, which would require

traffic control implementation, if needed.


4.17 Tribal Cultural Resources:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register

of Historical Resources, or in a local register of

historical resources as defined in Public Resources

Code section 5020.1(k) or

b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its

discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be

significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c)

of Public Resources Code section 5024.1. In apply the

criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of the Public

Resources Code section 5024.1, the lead agency shall

consider the significance of the resource to a California

Native American tribe.

Setting:

Butte County contains a rich diversity of archaeological, prehistoric and historical resources. The General Plan 2030 EIR

observes that the “archaeological sensitivity of Butte County is generally considered high, particularly in areas near water

sources or on terraces along water courses” (Butte County General Plan EIR, 2010, p. 4.5-7).




A substantial adverse change upon a historically significant resource would be one wherein the resource is demolished or

materially altered so that it no longer conveys its historic or cultural significance in such a way that justifies its inclusion

in the California Register of Historical Resources or such a local register (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, subd. (b)(2)).

Cultural resources include prehistoric and historic period archaeological sites; historical features, such as rock walls,

water ditches and flumes, and cemeteries; and architectural features. Cultural resources consist of any human-made

site, object (i.e., artifact), or feature that defines and illuminates our past. Often such sites are found in foothill areas,

areas with high bluffs, rock outcroppings, areas overlooking deer migratory corridors, or near bodies of water.

A record search for existing archeological sites and surveys on the project site, and within one-quarter mile, was

conducted through the Northeast Information Center (NEIC) of the California Historical Resources Information

System on September 7, 2016. Additionally, an intensive pedestrian survey was conducted within the entire project

area by Ms. Mary Bailey of Golden Hills Consulting.

The record search did not have any listing of any historic properties eligible for either the State or Federal Registers

of Historic Places within the project area or the one-quarter mile search radius. Additionally, there are no recorded

cultural resources listed with the NEIC within the project area or one-quarter mile radius. However, two prehistoric

sites have been recorded within two miles of the project site including the Patrick Rancheria, a Mechoopda village

site, and a habitation site with flaked and ground stone plus fire cracked rock. Additionally, there are nine historic

resources within a 1.5-mile radius of the project including The Junction, Chico Soda Works, an agricultural school

dairy residence and blacksmith shop, Chico MGP Generator Building, Calwater’s water tower and tank, Joe’s Bar,

the Wright-Patrick House, and a refuse deposit.

The pedestrian survey conducted on September 26, 2016 involved walking transects spaced approximately 10-15

meters throughout the site. The ground surface was largely obscured due to the presence of recently mowed vegetation,

small areas were boot-scuffed approximately every 30-50 meters along each transect to examine the ground surface.

Areas of exposed dirt including gopher mounds and back-filled percolation test pits were closely examined. Two small

manos (hand stones) were discovered in fairly close proximity to each other. The manos are considered lithic isolates

and are not considered eligible for either the National or California Register of Historic Places. No other artifacts were

discovered within the project site.

Impact Discussion:

a-b.) Less than significant impact with mitigations incorporated. As part of the processing of the project

application, County staff initiated a Tribal Consultation Request with tribes that have requested Formal

notification of proposed projects within their geographic area of traditional and cultural affiliation per AB 52

Notification Request, Public Resources Code Section 21080.3(b). The County received two responses, one

from the Enterprise Rancheria indicating that the project site was not in the aboriginal territory of the Estom

Yumeka Maidu and a second response from the Mechoopda Indian Rancheria indicating that the Tribe did not

have current records of significance for the project site. In addition, as part of the preparation of the CRI, a

sacred lands file request and Native American Consultation was conducted. Consultation letters were sent to

seven tribes on October 17, 2016 with follow-up emails and phone calls; two responses were received with no

concerns. No other cultural resources were identified within the project site or immediate. See mitigation

measures #9-12 in Section 4.5 (a-d) – Cultural Resources.

4.18 Utilities and Service Systems:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Document

a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the

applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?

b. Require or result in the construction of new water or

wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of

existing facilities, the construction of which could

cause significant environmental effects?

c. Require or result in the construction of new storm

water drainage facilities or expansion of existing

facilities, the construction of which could cause

significant environmental effects?




d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve

the project from existing entitlements and

resources, or are new or expanded entitlements

needed?

e. Result in a determination by the wastewater

treatment provider which serves or may serve the

project that it has adequate capacity to serve the

project’s projected demand in addition to the

provider’s existing commitments?

f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted

capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste

disposal needs?

g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes, and

regulations related to solid waste?

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact. The project proposes a community wastewater system, a septic tank effluent pump

(STEP) system where an individual septic tank equipped with an effluent pump to a common dose tank via a common

pressure main. The pressure line and service connection (shutoff valve, check valve and valve box) will be installed for

a lot at the time of other utilities and subdivision improvements. The wastewater disposal area will be located on the

open space parcel (Lot A).

b.) Less than significant impact. See discussion 4.17(a) – Utilities and Service Systems.

c.) Less than significant impact. The project site is located outside planned drainage areas, and no existing on- site

storm water drainage facilities are located on the project site. All resultant parcels are at least one acre in size, which

provides sufficient areas on the property to detain storm water runoff on the resultant parcels. Future development

and improvements on the resultant parcels would be reviewed by Butte County Public Works, and appropriate on-

site storm drainage facilities would be constructed that will ensure that no net increase in peak flow runoff above

pre-development levels leaves the property. Any future storm runoff facilities would be construction to the

County’s improvement standards, which will ensure that impacts created with the creation of new facilities, or

expansion of existing facilities, would not cause significant adverse effects to the environment.

d.) Less than significant impact. Domestic water to existing and planned uses on the resultant parcels would be

provided an extension of the Cal Water’s water distribution network located along Stanley Avenue. Cal Water

has the operational capacity to serve the proposed project and existing groundwater supplies are anticipated to be

available to the serve the proposed project, and no additional or expanded entitlements are required.

e.) No impact. See discussion 4.17(a) – Utilities and Service Systems.

f.) Less than significant impact. Future development of the resultant parcels would result in a minor increase in the

stream of waste being deposited in the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility. The California Integrated Waste

Management Board estimates that a typical residential household generates 10.12 pounds of solid waste per day

(4.4 pounds per person per day x average household size). The Neal Road Facility has a maximum permitted

throughput of 1,500 tons per day, and an estimated current daily average throughout of 500 tons per day.

Therefore, the facility would have adequate capacity to accommodate solid waste generated by the project.

g.) Less than significant impact. See discussion 4.17(f) – Utilities and Service Systems.





4.19 Mandatory Findings of Significance:


Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant

with

Mitigation

Incorporated

Less Than

Significant

Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under

Previous

Documen

t

a. Have the potential to substantially degrade the

quality of the environment, substantially reduce the

habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or

wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining

levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal

community, reduce the number or restrict the range

of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate

important examples of the major periods of

California history or prehistory?

b. Have impacts that are individually limited, but

cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively

considerable” means that the incremental effects of a

project are considerable when viewed in connection

with the effects of past projects, the effects of other

current projects and the effects of probable future

projects)?

c. Does the project have environmental effects which

will cause substantial adverse effects on human

beings, either directly or indirectly?

Impact Discussion:

a.) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. With the implementation of mitigation measures

included in this Initial Study, the proposed project would not degrade the quality of the environment; result in an

adverse impact on fish, wildlife, or plant species including special status species, or prehistoric or historic cultural

resources. Prehistoric or historic cultural resources would not be adversely affected because no archeological or

historic resources are known to exist in the project area and project implementation includes following appropriate

procedures for avoiding or preserving artifacts or human remains should they be uncovered during project

excavation.

b.) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. This project has the potential to contribute impacts that

are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable with respect to Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural

Resources, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Cumulative impacts to these areas would be mitigated due to the

inclusion of the Mitigation Measures listed below, as itemized under Section 5 – Mitigation Measures and

Monitoring Requirements.

Past, current, and probable future projects in the vicinity of the project site were reviewed to determine if any

additional cumulative impacts may occur with the approval of this project. A two-mile radius was used in

determining cumulative impacts. No additional cumulative impacts were discovered.

c.) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. There have been no impacts discovered through the

review of this application demonstrating that there would be substantial adverse effects on human beings either

directly or indirectly. However, the proposed project has the potential to cause both temporary and future impacts to

the area by project-related impacts relating to air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, and greenhouse

gas emissions. With implementation of mitigation measures included in this Initial Study, these impacts would be

effectively mitigated to a less than significant level.




5.0 Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Requirements

Mitigation Measure #1 (Construction Air Emissions)

Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet that

states: “The following best practice measures to reduce impacts to air quality shall be incorporated by the project applicant,

subject property owners, or third-party contractors during construction activities on the project site. These measures are

intended to reduce criteria air pollutants that may originate from the site during the course of land clearing and other

construction operations.

Diesel PM Exhaust from Construction Equipment and Commercial On-Road Vehicles Greater than 10,000 Pounds

All on- and off-road equipment shall not idle for more than five minutes. Signs shall be posted in the designated

queuing areas and/or job sites to remind drivers and operators of the five-minute idling limit.

Idling, staging and queuing of diesel equipment within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors is prohibited.

All construction equipment shall be maintained in proper tune according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Equipment must be checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper condition before the start

of work.

Install diesel particulate filters or implement other CARB-verified diesel emission control strategies.

Shall not operate a diesel-fueled auxiliary power system (APS) to power a heater, air conditioner, or any ancillary

equipment on that vehicle during sleeping or resting in a sleeper berth for greater than 5 minutes at any location

when within 100 feet of a restricted areas.

To the extent feasible, truck trips shall be scheduled during non-peak hours to reduce perk hour emissions.

Operational TAC Emissions

All mobile and stationary Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) sources shall comply with applicable Airborne Toxic

Control Measures (ATCMs) promulgated by the CARB throughout the life of the project (see

http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/atcm/atcm.htm).

Stationary sources shall comply with applicable District rules and regulations.

Fugitive Dust

Construction activities can generate fugitive dust that can be a nuisance to local residents and businesses near a

construction site. Dust complaints could result in a violation of the District’s “Nuisance” and “Fugitive Dust” Rules 200

and 205, respectively. The following is a list of measures that may be required throughout the duration of the construction

activities:

Reduce the amount of the disturbed area where possible.

Use of water trucks or sprinkler systems in sufficient quantities to prevent airborne dust from leaving the site. An

adequate water supply source must be identified. Increased watering frequency would be required whenever wind

speeds exceed 15 mph. Reclaimed (non-potable) water should be used whenever possible.

All dirt stockpile areas should be sprayed daily as needed, covered, or a District approved alternative method will

be used.

Permanent dust control measures identified in the approved project revegetation and landscape plans should be

implemented as soon as possible following completion of any soil disturbing activities.

Exposed ground areas that will be reworked at dates greater than one month after initial grading should be sown with

a fast-germinating non-invasive grass seed and watered until vegetation is established.

All disturbed soil areas not subject to re-vegetation should be stabilized using approved chemical soil binders, jute

netting, or other methods approved in advance by the Butte County Air Quality Management District.

All roadways, driveways, sidewalks, etc. to be paved should be completed as soon as possible. In addition, building

pads should be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used.

Vehicle speed for all construction vehicles shall not exceed 15 mph on any unpaved surface at the construction site.

All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered or should maintain at least two feet of

freeboard (minimum vertical distance between top of load and top of trailer) in accordance with local regulations.

Install wheel washers where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto streets, or wash off trucks and equipment

leaving the site.

Sweep streets at the end of each day if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent paved roads. Water sweepers with

reclaimed water should be used where feasible.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/atcm/atcm.htm)




Post a sign in prominent location visible to the public with the telephone numbers of the contractor and the Butte

County Air Quality Management District - (530) 332-9400 for any questions or concerns about dust from the

project.”

All fugitive dust mitigation measures required should be shown on grading and building plans. In addition, the contractor

or builder should designate a person or persons to monitor the dust control program and to order increased watering, as

necessary, to prevent transport of dust offsite. Their duties shall include holidays and weekend period when work may

not be in progress. The name and telephone number of such persons shall be provided to the District prior to land use

clearance for map recordation and finished grading of the area.

Please note that violations of District Regulations are enforceable under the provisions of California Health and Safety

Code Section 42400, which provides for civil or criminal penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.

Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the final

map or on an additional map sheet. This note shall also be placed on all building and site development plans.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.



map sheet. Building inspectors shall spot check and shall ensure compliance on-site. Butte County Air Pollution Control

District inspectors shall respond to nuisance complaints.

Mitigation Measure #2 (Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle)


states: “Prior to construction activities in any areas within potential valley elderberry longhorn beetle habitat, a qualified

biologist shall flag, fence, or by other highly visible means identify buffer zones at least 20 feet wide surrounding the

drip line of blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) with at least one stem with a diameter at ground level of one

inch or greater. The visibly defined buffer zones shall be maintained throughout the duration of construction.”



Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to prior to construction activities, and throughout all grading and

construction periods.





Mitigation Measure #3 (Temporary Fencing)


states: “Prior to construction activities, the project proponent shall use exclusionary fencing to mark the boundaries of

elderberry shrubs plus a 20-foot buffer, that are to be avoided. The project proponent shall also mark the boundaries of

riparian vegetation, which are to be avoided, plus a 50-foot buffer. The exclusionary fencing shall be maintained in place

throughout construction.”












Mitigation Measure #4 (Northwestern Pond Turtle)


states: “If a northwestern pond turtle is observed in the project area during construction activities, the contractor will

temporarily halt construction until the turtle has moved itself to a safe location outside the construction limits. If


qualified biologist to locate any northwestern pond turtles or their nests. This survey will be conducted within 500 feet

of Comanche Creek no more than two days prior to the start of construction. If a pond turtle nest is located, the biologist

will flag the site and determine whether construction activities can avoid affecting the nest. If the nest cannot be avoided,

a no-disturbance buffer zone will be established around the nest in coordination with CDFW. The no- disturbance buffer

will remain in place until the young have left the nest.”









Mitigation Measure #5 (Western Red Bat)


states: “Prior to the start of construction activities, a survey for roosting bats or maternity roosts shall be conducted by a

qualified biologist. The survey shall be performed within seven days prior to the initiation of construction adjacent to areas

of appropriate roosting habitat. Accessible areas shall be surveyed during the appropriate time of day to maximize

detectability of the species. The survey shall include the areas within 250 feet of the work area. If an active roost is found,

no disturbance buffers will be established around the roost. The buffer will be 100 feet for a roost and 250 feet for a

maternity roost, the limits of the work area will be clearly marked and a qualified biologist will be retained to monitor

construction activities within the vicinity of the roost or maternity roost. If buffer reductions are requested and approved

by CDFW, a monthly report shall be submitted to CDFW with information regarding monitoring results and reports will

be submitted for the duration of construction activities within buffer areas.”









Mitigation Measure #6 (Migratory Birds/Nesting Raptors)


states: “If construction activities on resultant parcels occurs during the nesting season for birds protected under the

Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Department Fish & Game Code (approximately March 1 – August 31), the

project proponent shall retain a qualified biologist to perform preconstruction surveys for nesting bird species. Surveys

to identify active bird nests shall be conducted within and 250 feet around the footprint of proposed construction.

At least one survey shall be conducted no more than 7 days prior to the initiation of construction activities. If ground

disturbance or vegetation removal stops during the construction period for more than 15 days, another survey shall be

conducted within 7 days prior to the continuation of construction activities. In the event that nesting raptors or birds

protected by CDFC and MBTA are found in or within the footprint of proposed construction, the project proponent shall:

1. Locate and map the location of the nest site;




2. Establish a 250 feet no-disturbance buffer around all active nests; in the event bald eagles are found nesting in the

survey area, a 1,000 foot no disturbance buffer shall be established;

3. Within 2 working days of the survey, prepare a report and submit to the County. The report will include the results

of survey, location(s) of nests, and location of no disturbance buffers;

4. On-going weekly surveys shall be conducted to ensure that the no disturbance buffer is maintained; and

5. Construction can resume when a qualified biologist has confirmed that the nest is no longer active.”



Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to prior to construction activities, including road construction, and

throughout all grading and construction periods.





Mitigation Measure #7 (Swainson’s Hawk)


states: “Any ground disturbance or vegetation removal within the project area should be conducted during the non-

breeding season (September 16 through February 28). If construction activities occur during the breeding season (March

1-September 15) then a pre-construction raptor survey will be conducted by a qualified biologist to identify any active

Swainson’s hawk nests within and in the vicinity of the BSA. The pre-construction survey will take place in accessible

areas within a 0.5-mile radius of the area where construction activities would occur. The required survey radius may be

reduced on a case-by-case basis if approved by CDFW, but in no case will be less than 500 feet. At least one survey will

be conducted no more than one week prior to the initiation of construction. If no active nests are located, no further

measures are necessary to avoid impacts to Swainson’s hawk nests. If active nests are identified, the following measures

will be implemented:

1. A no-disturbance buffer zone will be established around the nest. The width of the buffer will be determined by a

qualified biologist in coordination with CDFW. Determination of the required width will consider the distance of

the nest from construction activities, existing level of disturbance, etc.

2. A qualified biologist will monitor active nests within 500 feet (or the width of the buffer zone) of construction activities.

The first monitoring event will coincide with the initial implementation of construction activities and monitoring

will continue at least once a week until the young have fledged. If the biologist determines that construction is

disturbing the birds and nest failure is possible, CDFW will be notified immediately. Measures to avoid nest failure

will be implemented in coordination with CDFW and may include halting some or all construction activities until the

young have fledged. For monitored nest sites, a monitoring report will be submitted to CDFW within two weeks after

termination of monitoring activities.”

Plan Requirements: The above referenced mitigation shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded

concurrently with the final map or an additional map sheet.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to prior to construction activities.





Mitigation Measure #8 (Riparian Habitat)


states: “Prior to recordation of the Tentative Subdivision Map, a 50-foot building setback shall be established from the

top of the bank of Comanche Creek or the outer edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is greater. The riparian

vegetation and the building setback area shall be delineated on a separate document recorded concurrently with the

Tentative Subdivision Map. No disturbance related to the development and use of residences, or allowed uses, within

the buffer area is allowed except those that comply with Butte County Code §24-76 to 24-80 et seq. If future construction

activities on the resultant parcels would affect the identified riparian vegetation, the project proponent shall obtain a

Streambed Alteration Agreement from the CDFW, pursuant to Section 1602 of the CFGC.”




Plan Requirements: A 50-foot building setback area shall be established around riparian woodlands on the project site

and delineated on a separate document recorded concurrently with the final map, together with the mitigation measure.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to prior to Tentative Subdivision Map recording and prior to

construction activities, and throughout all grading and construction periods.



sheet. The Department of Development Services shall ensure the condition is met at the time of development and during




states: “Prior to any ground disturbance the developer shall arrange to have a qualified archaeologist conduct a minimum

of four shovel pit tests within the boundaries of Parcels 2 and 3. The Mechoopda Tribe shall be notified of the time and

date of the shovel pit testing to provide the opportunity to monitor excavation. Soil from the shovel test pits shall be

screened through standard quarter inch mesh (hardware cloth). The results of the shovel pit tests will be reported to

County Planning staff by the qualified archaeologist. If no subsurface evidence of prehistoric cultural resources is located,

no additional mitigation is necessary under this measure. Should any prehistoric cultural resources be located, additional

consultation with the Mechoopda Tribe, to determine the appropriate steps for recordation and recovery, shall occur

before any construction related ground disturbance.”











states: “Prior to development on the resultant parcels, subsurface investigations shall take place. The property owner

shall retain a qualified archaeologist to conduct the subsurface investigation. The investigation will consist of up to two

shovel test pits per parcel. Soil from the shovel test pits will be screened through standard one-quarter inch mesh

(hardware cloth). The Mechoopda Tribe will be notified to provide the opportunity to monitor excavation of the shovel

test pits. Should any prehistoric cultural resources be located, the qualified archaeologist and the Mechoopda Tribe will

determine the appropriate steps for recordation and recovery, prior to further ground disturbance. If no subsurface

evidence of prehistoric cultural resources is located, no additional mitigation is necessary.”


map or on an additional map sheet and shall be shown on all site development and building plans.





Division shall coordinate with the developer and appropriate authorities to ensure subsurface investigations are performed

prior to development on resultant parcels.



states: “Should site development activities reveal the presence of prehistoric cultural resources (freshwater shells, beads,

bone tool remnants, lithic materials, tools or grinding rocks, etc.) or historic cultural resources (structural remains, refuse

deposits, bottle dumps, etc.) the supervising contractor shall cease all work within the area of the find and notify County

Planning staff. A qualified archaeologist shall be retained by the property owner to evaluate the significance of the find.

Further, the Mechoopda Tribe will be notified to provide the opportunity to monitor evaluation of the find. Site work shall

not resume until the qualified archaeologist conducts sufficient research, testing and analysis of the archaeological




evidence to make a determination that the resource is either not cultural in origin or determine the appropriate steps for

recordation and recovery, including recommendations for total data recovery, Tribal monitoring, deposition protocol, or

avoidance, if applicable. All measures deemed appropriate by County Planning staff shall be implemented pursuant to

the terms of the qualified archaeologists report.”











states: “If human remains are discovered, all work must immediately cease, and the local coroner must be contacted.

Procedures for the discovery of human remains will be followed in accordance with provisions of the State Health and

Safety Code, Sections 7052 and 7050.5 and the State Public Resources Code Sections 5097.9 to 5097.99. If the coroner

determines that the remains are those of a Native American, the coroner shall contact the Native American Heritage

Commission (NAHC) and subsequent procedures shall be followed, according to State Public Resources Sections 5097.9

to 5097.99, regarding the notification of the Native American Most Likely Descendant. The preceding requirements shall

be incorporated into construction contracts and plans to ensure contractor knowledge and responsibility for proper

implementation.”








determine appropriate action. State law requires the reporting of any human remains.

Mitigation Measure #13 (Greenhouse Gas Emissions)

Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the final map or on an additional map

sheet that states: “To the extent feasible, the developer shall implement the following measures at the time of development

to offset the anticipated contribution of greenhouse gas emissions from residential development:

Support expansion of renewable energy systems

o Prewire all new residential development to support photovoltaic system installation.

Support efficiency in vehicles and landscaping equipment

o Install electrical vehicle outlets on external walls or in garages in all new residential development.

Improve fuel efficiency of equipment during construction-related activities

o Minimize idling time either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the time of idling to no

more than 3 minutes.

o Use clean or alternative fuel equipment”

Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the final

map or on an additional map sheet. This note shall also be placed on all building and site development plans.

Timing: Shall be implemented prior to issuance of building permits for residential development. Construction-related

measures shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.






sheet. The Planning Division will ensure that future residential development includes the applicable measures during

Building Permit review. Building inspectors shall spot check and shall ensure compliance on-site.




6.0 Environmental Reference Material

1. Baldwin, B.G., D.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilkens, editors. 2012. The

Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.

2. Barr, C.B. 1991. The distribution, habitat, and status of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle Desmocerus

californicus dimorphus. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sacramento, CA.

3. Bloom, P.H., and D. VanDeWater. 1994. Swainson’s hawk. In: C.G. Thelander and M. Crabtree, editors. Life on

the Edge: A Guide to California’s Endangered Natural Resources. Wildlife. BioSystems Books, Santa Cruz, CA.

pp. 150-155.

4. Butte County Association of Governments. Butte Regional Conservation Plan, Formal Public Draft Draft. Accessed November 3, 2016. (available at http://www.buttehcp.com/BRCP-Documents/Formal-Public-Draft-

BRCP/index.html)

5. Butte County. Butte County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Butte County Airport Land Use

Commission. November 15, 2017.

6. Butte County. Butte County Climate Action Plan. February 25, 2014.

7. Butte County. Butte County General Plan 2030 Draft Environmental Impact Report.

8. Butte County. Butte County General Plan 2030 Final Environmental Impact Report. April 8, 2010. Available at

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-08-30_FEIR/default.asp.

9. Butte County. Butte County General Plan 2030. October 26, 2010.

10. Butte County. Butte County General Plan 2030 Setting and Trends Report Public Draft. August 2, 2007.

Available at http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/SettingandTrends/default.asp.

11. Butte County. Butte County Code of Ordinances. Accessed October 2016. Available at

https://www.municode.com/library/ca/butte_county/codes/code_of_ordinances/

12. Butte County. Butte County Department of Development Services GIS Data. October 2016.

13. Butte County Air Quality Management District. CEQA Air Quality Handbook – Guidelines for Assessing Air

Quality and Greenhouse Gas Impacts for Projects Subject to CEQA Review. October 23, 2014.

14. California Department of Conservation. Fault-Activity Map of California.Map. Accessed October 2016.

Available at maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/fam/

15. California Department of Conservation. California Important Farmland Finder. Accessed October 2016.

Available at maps. Conservation.ca.gov/ciff/ciff.html

16. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Biogeographic Data Branch. California Natural Diversity Database

RareFind v.5.1.1. Accessed October 2016. Available at https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data?CNDDB/Maps-and-

Data

17. California Department of Toxic Substance Control. 2009. Envirostor Database. Accessed June 2018.

http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public.

18. California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Program. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants online edition

v8-02. Accessed October 2016. Available at www.rareplants.cnps.org/advanced.html#

19. Collinge, S.K., M. Holyoak, C.B. Barr, and J.T. Marty. 2001. Riparian habitat fragmentation and population

persistence of the threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle in central California. Biological Conservation

100:103-113.

20. Estep, J.A. 1989. Biology, movements, and habitat relationships of the Swainson’s Hawk in the Central Valley of

California. 1986-87. California Department of Fish and Game, Nongame Bird and Mammal Sec. Report, pp 52.

21. Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Accessed October 2016. Map

#06007C0505E, effective 1/6/2011. Available at https://msc.fema.gov/portal

22. Fiztner, R.E. 1980. Behavioral ecology of the Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) in southeastern Washington.

Pacific Northwest Lab. PLN-2754.

23. Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California

http://www.buttehcp.com/BRCP-Documents/Formal-Public-Draft-

https://www.buttecounty.net/Portals/10/Docs/ALUC/BCALUCP_11-15-17/Butte_County_Airport_Land_Use_Compatibility_Plan_2017-11-15.pdf

http://www.buttecap.net/component/edocman/butte-county-climate-action-plan-adopted-march-25-2014/download

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-04-08_Draft_EIR/ButteCountyGP_PublicReview_EIR.pdf

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-08-30_FEIR/Butte_FEIR.pdf

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-08-30_FEIR/default.asp

https://www.buttecounty.net/Portals/10/Planning/General%20Plan/ButteCountyGeneralPlan_053117_reduced.pdf

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/SettingandTrends/default.asp

https://library.municode.com/ca/butte_county/codes/code_of_ordinances

http://www.municode.com/library/ca/butte_county/codes/code_of_ordinances/

http://bcaqmd.org/wp-content/uploads/CEQA-Handbook-Appendices-2014.pdf

http://bcaqmd.org/wp-content/uploads/CEQA-Handbook-Appendices-2014.pdf

http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public

http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/advanced.html




Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA.

24. Traffic Impact Study for Leen Subdivision. Traffic Works. February 20, 2018

25. Institute of Transportation Engineers. Trip Generation Manual, 9th Edition. 2012.

26. Jennings, M.R. and M.P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California.

California Department of Fish and Game. Rancho Cordova, CA.

27. La Val, R.K., and M.L. La Val. 1979. Notes on behavior, and abundance of the red bat Lasiurus borealis.

Journal of Mammalogy 60:209-212.

28. Mayer, K.E., and W.F. Laudenslayer. 1988. A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California. California Department of

Forestry and Fire Protection. Sacramento, CA.

29. Shump, K.A., and A.U. Shump. 1982. Laiurus borealis. Mammal Species No. 183 pp 6.

30. Snyder, N.F.R., and J.W. Wiley. 1976 Sexual Size Dimorphism in Hawks and Owls of North America.

Ornitholgical Monograph No. 20.

31. Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Second edition. Houghton Mifflin Co.

Boston, Massachusetts.

32. U.S. Census Bureau. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population – 2012 Population Estimates for Butte

County, California. March 5, 2013.

33. U.S. Census Bureau. Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics – 2010. Butte County,

California. March 5, 2013.

34. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Soil Survey of Butte Area,

California, Parts of Butte and Plumas Counties.

35. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey. Accessed October

2016. Available at websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm

36. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Information for Planning and Conservation Online System. Accessed October

2016. Available at http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac

37. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. Conservation Guidelines for the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle. July

9. Available at http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/Survey-Protocols-

Guidelines/Documents/velb_conservation.pdf

38. Woodbridge, B.K, K. Finley, and T.S. Seager. 1995. An investigation of the Swainson’s hawk in Argentina.

Journal of Raptor Research 29(3):202-204.

http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac

http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/Survey-Protocols-

Appendix A Species Observed in the project area by NorthStar Biologists.

Plants

Scientific Name Common Name

Acer negundo Box elder

Aristolochia californica California pipevine

Baccharis pilularis Coyote Brush

Brassica sp. Mustard species

Carex barbarae Santa Barbara sedge

Centaurea solstitialis Yellow star thistle

Citrullus lanatus Watermelon

Croton setiger Turkey mullein

Diospyros sp. Persimmon

Elymus caput-medusae Medusa head

Fraxinus latifolia Oregon ash

Gallium aparine Cleavers

Hedera helix Common ivy

Helianthus sp. Sunflower species

Juglans hindsii California black walnut

Juglans regia English walnut

Morus sp. Mulberry

Olea europaea European olive

Phytolacca Americana American Pokeberry

Platanus racemosa Western sycamore

Populus fremontii Fremont cottonwood

Prunus cerasifera Cherry plum

Prunus dulcis Almond

Quercus lobata Valley oak

Quercus wislizeni Interior live oak

Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry

Salix lasiolepis Arroyo willow

Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea Blue elderberry

Silybum marianum Milk thistle

Sorghum halepense Johnsongrass

Toxicodendron diversilobium Poison oak

Urtica dioica Stinging nettle

Vitis californica California grape

Wildlife

Scientific Name Common Name

Aphelocoma californica Western scrub-jay

Baeolophus inornatus Oak titmouse

Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar waxwing

Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk

Cardellina pusilla Wilson’s warbler

Cathartes aura Turkey vulture

Colaptes auratus Northern flicker

Callipepla californica California quail

Calypte anna Anna’s hummingbird

Cathartes aura Turkey vulture

Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow

Geothlypis trichas Common yellowthroat

Haemorhous mexicanus House finch

Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed junco

Megaceryle alcyon Belted kingfisher

Melanerpes formicivorus Acorn woodpecker

Melazone crissalis California towhee

Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln’s sparrow

Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff swallow

Pica nuttalli Yellow-billed magpie

Picoides nuttallii Nuttall’s woodpecker

Picoides pubescens Downy woodpecker

Pipilo maculates Spotted towhee

Piranga ludoviciana Western tanager

Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit

Pseudacris sierra Sierran treefrog

Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned kinglet

Sayornis migricans Black phoebe

Sceloporus occidentalis Western fence lizard

Sciurus griseus Western gray squirrel

Setophaga coronata Yellow-rumped warbler

Sialia Mexicana Western bluebird

Sitta carolinensis White-breasted nuthatch

Spinus psaltria Lesser goldfinch

Spinus tristis American goldfinch

Sturnus vulgaris European Starling

Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow

Turdus migratorius American Robin

Zenaida macroura Mourning dove

Zonotrichia atricapilla Golden-crowned sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys White-crowned sparrow

TRAFFIC WORKS, LLC 2240 St. George Ln, Suite 1, Chico, CA 95926

530.897.0199 www.Traffic-Works.com

TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY for

Leen Subdivision

February 20, 2018

PREPARED FOR:

Nels Leen & Associates

PREPARED BY:

DRAFT

Traffic Impact Study Leen Subdivision

February 20, 2018

Page 1 of 13

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED QUICKLY

Why did you perform this study?

This Traffic Impact Study evaluates the potential traffic impacts associated with the proposed Leen

Subdivision project. This study of potential transportation impacts was undertaken for community

planning and CEQA review purposes and to determine what traffic controls or other mitigations may be

needed to reduce potential impacts, if any are identified.

What does the project consist of?

The proposed project is a 21 unit single‐family detached housing subdivision. The site is located on the

south side of Stanley Avenue east of the Dayton Road / Stanley Avenue intersection in Butte County, CA.

How much traffic will the project generate?

The Leen Subdivision project is anticipated to generate 198 Daily trips, 16 AM peak hour trips, and 21 PM

peak hour trips.

Are there any traffic impacts?

With the addition of project traffic, the Dayton Road/Stanley Avenue intersection is projected to operate

at acceptable level of service conditions (LOS “B” or better) under “Existing Plus Project” conditions during

both the AM and PM peak hours. Additionally, Stanley Lane and the Stanley Lane/Street A project

intersection will operate at acceptable level of service conditions (LOS “A”) under “Existing Plus Project”

conditions. No notable traffic operation impacts are anticipated with the project.

Are any improvements recommended?

Stanley Avenue has a relatively narrow paved width (16 feet at the narrowest but typically 17 to 18 feet)

which is less than the 20 foot minimum roadway width recommended in A Policy on Geometric Design of

Highways and Streets (2004) published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation

Officials (AASHTO) and narrower than Butte County standards for new County roadways.

To provide a safe and efficient roadway with increased traffic, the applicant will provide a proportionate

cost sharing contribution for widening of the pavement section on Stanley Avenue to a 20 foot width from

Dayton Road to the project entry point. If the County requests the applicant to physically construct

widening improvements in an dollar amount equal to the proportionate share, in lieu of paying the fee, it

is our recommendation that the widen begin at Dayton Road and move east to the extent possible with

the fee amount. The greatest widening benefit will be realized where traffic volumes are the highest,

which is closest to Dayton Road.

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February 20, 2018

Page 2 of 13

LIST OF FIGURES

1. Study Area

2. Site Plan

3. Existing Traffic Volumes, Lane Configurations, and Controls

4. Project Trips

5. Existing Plus Project Traffic Volumes, Lane Configurations, and Controls

LIST OF APPENDICES

A. Traffic Volume Data

B. Existing Conditions LOS Calculations

C. Existing Plus Project Conditions LOS Calculations


February 20, 2018

Page 3 of 13

INTRODUCTION

This report presents the findings of a Traffic Impact Study completed to assess the potential impacts on

local roadways and intersections associated with development of the Leen Subdivision project. This Traffic

Impact Study has been prepared to describe existing traffic conditions, quantify traffic volumes generated

by the proposed project, identify potential impacts on all modes of travel, document findings, and make

recommendations to mitigate impacts, if any are found.

Study Area and Evaluated Scenarios

The project is generally located on Stanley Avenue east of the Dayton Road / Stanley Avenue intersection

in Butte County, CA. The following intersections and roadway segment were analyzed based on scoping

discussions and correspondence with Butte County staff:

Dayton Road / Stanley Avenue

Stanley Avenue / Street A (project access)

Stanley Avenue roadway segment – Dayton Road to the project site

The locations of these intersections and the study roadway segment are shown on Figure 1 and the project

site plan is provided in Figure 2.

This study includes analysis of both the weekday AM and PM peak hours as these are the periods of time

in which peak traffic conditions are anticipated to occur. The evaluated development scenarios are:

Existing Conditions (no project)

Existing Plus Project Conditions

Analysis Methodology

Level of service (LOS) is a term commonly used by transportation practitioners to measure and describe

the operational characteristics of intersections, roadway segments, and other facilities. This term equates

seconds of delay per vehicle at intersections to letter grades “A” through “F” with “A” representing

optimum conditions and “F” representing breakdown or over capacity flows.

The LOS for a Two‐Way STOP Control (TWSC) intersection is defined by the worst movement delay. Signal

and All‐Way STOP Control (AWSC) LOS is reported for the overall intersection. The complete methodology

is established in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), 2010, published by the Transportation Research

Board. Table 1 presents the delay thresholds for each level of service grade at un‐signalized and signalized

intersections.

Level of service calculations were performed for the study intersections using the Vistro 5.0 software

package with analysis and results reported in accordance with the 2010 HCM methodology.

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segments


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Table 1: Level of Service Definition for Intersections

Level of Service

Brief Description

Un‐signalized Intersections

(average delay/vehicle in seconds)

Signalized Intersections

(average delay/vehicle in seconds)

A Free flow conditions. < 10 < 10

B Stable conditions with some affect from other vehicles.

10 to 15 10 to 20

C Stable conditions with significant affect from other vehicles.

15 to 25 20 to 35

D High density traffic conditions still with stable flow.

25 to 35 35 to 55

E At or near capacity flows. 35 to 50 55 to 80

F Over capacity conditions. > 50 > 80 Source: Highway Capacity Manual (2010), Chapters 16 and 17

The criteria for evaluating roadway LOS is outlined in the Butte County General Plan 2030. For the roadway

segment LOS calculations, roadway capacity is determined by facility type, as shown in Table 2, and

roadway volume based on peak hour segment volume. Roadway LOS was determined by comparing the

observed and projected peak hour bi‐directional roadway volumes to the volumes shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Level of Service Criteria for Roadway Segments

Facility Type Peak Hour LOS Capacity Threshold

A B C D E

Minor 2‐lane Hwy 90 200 680 1,410 ≤1,740

Major 2‐lane Hwy/Exp 120 290 790 1,600 ≤2,050

4‐lane, Multi‐lane Hwy/Exp 1,070 1,760 2,530 3,280 ≤3,650

2‐lane Major Arterial ‐‐ ‐‐ 970 1,760 ≤1,870

4‐lane Major Arterial, Undivided ‐‐ ‐‐ 1,750 2,740 ≤2,890

4‐lane Major Arterial, Divided ‐‐ ‐‐ 1,920 3,540 ≤3,740

6‐lane Arterial, Divided ‐‐ ‐‐ 2,710 5,320 ≤5,600

3‐lane Arterial, One‐way Rd ‐‐ ‐‐ 1310 2,060 ≤2,170

2‐lane Freeway 1,110 2,010 2,880 3,570 ≤4,010

2‐lane Freeway + Aux Lane 1,410 2,550 3,640 4,490 ≤5,035

3‐lane Freeway 1,700 3,080 4,400 5,410 ≤6,060

3‐lane Freeway + Aux Lane 2,010 3,640 5,180 6,350 ≤7,100

4‐lane Freeway 2,320 4,200 5,950 7,280 ≤8,140

Major 2‐lane Collector ‐‐ ‐‐ 550 1,180 ≤1,520 * Source: Highway Capacity Manual 2000. Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.

*Retrieved from Butte County General Plan 2030. Table CIR-2, pg. 181.


February 20, 2018

Page 5 of 13

Level of Service Policy

Butte County established county‐wide level of service criteria standards and thresholds in the Butte

County General Plan 2030. Circulation Policy CIR‐P6.1 is most applicable to this project location.

Therefore, the trigger requiring traffic mitigation is crossing the threshold between LOS “C” and LOS “D”.

EXISTING TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES

Roadway Facilities

A brief description of the key roadways in the study area is provided below.

Dayton Road within the project area is a two‐lane roadway running generally north‐south with one lane

in each direction. It is classified as a “Major Roadway” according to the Butte County General Plan 2030

(Figure CIR‐1). The City of Chico General Plan classifies Dayton Road as a “Major Arterial”. The posted

speed limit is 45 miles per hour (mph) within the study area.

Stanley Avenue is an east‐west local roadway. The typical roadway width is 17.5 feet between Dayton

Road and the project site with the narrowest measured width at 16 feet. It is classified as a “Local Road”

in the Butte County General Plan 2030. The posted speed limit is 25 mph.

Alternative Travel Mode Facilities

No sidewalks or bicycle lanes are present on any of the roadways in the study area. There are

approximately three to five foot wide paved shoulders on both sides of Dayton Road in the study area.

Currently there are no fixed route public transit services (B‐Line) available within the project area.

The project location is semi‐rural and therefore very few walking or biking trips are currently made from

the existing neighborhood to the City of Chico urbanized area primarily due to the travel distance and

secondarily because the connecting facilities have limited pedestrian or bicycle facilities.


February 20, 2018

Page 6 of 13

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Existing Traffic Volumes

Existing traffic volumes were determined by collecting new turning movement counts during the AM and

PM peak periods at the Dayton Road / Stanley Avenue intersection and 24‐hour roadway traffic volumes

on Stanley Avenue on an average mid‐week day in January 2018 with local schools and Chico State

University in regular session. Existing intersection lane configurations, controls, and peak hour traffic

volumes are shown in Figure 3, attached, and 24‐hour roadway segment volumes are shown graphically

in Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1. Hourly Roadway Volumes on Stanley Avenue

As shown in Exhibit 1, the AM and PM peak hour traffic volumes on Stanley Avenue are 36 and 46 vehicles,

respectively. In total, there were 424 vehicles counted on Stanley Avenue during the mid‐week 24 hour

period. Complete 24‐hour roadway count data with volume, classification, and speed information is

provided in Appendix A.

AM Peak Hour, 36

PM Peak Hour, 46

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

# of Veh

icles

Time

Westbound Volume Eastbound Volume Total Volume


February 20, 2018

Page 7 of 13

Existing Roadway Level of Service

Roadway Level of Service was determined by comparing existing peak hour bi‐directional roadway

segment volumes to the thresholds shown in Table 2. The Stanley Avenue roadway segment Level of

Service is shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Existing Conditions Roadway Level of Service Summary

Segment Classification Scenario Peak Hour Volume # of Lanes LOS

Stanley Ave 2‐Lane Local Road Existing 46 2 A

As shown in Table 4, the Stanley Avenue roadway segment is operating at acceptable LOS “A” conditions

during the peak hour. The peak hour volume on Stanley Avenue is extremely low and is approximately

1/10th of the volume needed to reach the LOS “C” threshold in Table 2. The roadway has significant surplus

capacity.

Existing Intersection Level of Service Analysis

Intersection Level of service calculations were performed using the existing traffic volumes, lane

configurations, and traffic controls. The results are presented in Table 4 and the calculation sheets are

provided in Appendix B, attached.

Table 4: Existing Conditions Intersection Level of Service Summary

Intersection Control Existing AM Existing PM

Delay1 LOS Delay1 LOS

Dayton Road / Stanley Ave Side‐Street

STOP

Westbound Approach A 9.9 B 11.33

Southbound Left A 7.62 A 8.25 Notes: 1. Delay is reported in seconds per vehicle for the overall intersection for signalized intersections, and for the worst

approaches/movements for side‐street stop controlled intersections.

As shown in Table 4, the existing study intersection currently operates at acceptable levels of service (LOS

“B” or better).

Intersection Sight Distance

An intersection sight distance evaluation was performed for the side‐street (westbound) approach of the

Dayton Road / Stanley Avenue intersection. No significant issues were identified as the sight distances

were deemed to be essentially unlimited from the appropriate location 14 feet back from the edge of

travel way in accordance with nationally accepted sight distance measurement criteria (A Policy on

Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (2004) published by the American Association of State Highway

and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)).

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It is important to note that further vegetation growth adjacent to the sight lines looking in both directions

(north and south) could impact the current available sight distance in the future. Butte County and

adjacent property owners, as appropriate, should remove the vegetation potentially affecting sight lines

on a regular basis to insure adequate intersection sight distance is maintained. No design feature or

geometric changes are needed at the Dayton Road/Stanley Avenue intersection.

PROPOSED PROJECT

Project Description

The project site is located on two existing contiguous parcels with direct access to the south side of Stanley

Avenue approximately 1,500 feet east of Dayton Road. The proposed project consists of 21 residential

lots and Lot A which is to be preserved as Open Space pursuant to the Clustered Development Ordinance.

Parking

The project will provide on‐site parking in accordance with Butte County development standards.

Trip Generation

Trip generation rates for the proposed project were obtained from the Trip Generation Manual, 10th

Edition, published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). Table 5 provides the Daily, AM Peak

Hour, and PM Peak Hour trip generation calculations for the proposed project.

Table 5: Trip Generation Estimates

Land Use (#) Size Daily A.M. Peak P.M. Peak

Total Entry Exit Total Entry Exit

Single‐Family Detached Housing (210)

21 Dwelling Units

198 16 4 12 21 13 8

Notes: ITE 10th Ed. Trip Generation Rates For Single‐Family Detached Housing (Per Dwelling) – Daily: 9.44, AM: 0.74, PM: 0.99

As shown in Table 5, applying the ITE Trip Generation Manual trip rates, the proposed project is

anticipated to generate 198 total daily trips, 16 total AM peak hour trips, and 21 total PM peak hour trips.

Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) Estimation

With adoption of and implementation of California Senate Bill 743, Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) is an

important consideration and a key metric of vehicular travel contributions to Green House Gas (GHG)

emissions and energy consumption. VMT is typically expressed in miles per day and can simplistically be

calculated by multiplying the number of daily project generated trips by the anticipated trip length. The

average trip length and percentage of each type of home based trip in Butte County was obtained from

the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod). Table 6 shows each home based trip type and the

associated average trip length in Butte County.


February 20, 2018

Page 9 of 13

Table 6. Project Vehicle Miles Travelled

Res H‐W Trip Length (miles)

Res H‐S Trip Length (miles)

Res H‐O Trip Length (miles)

Res H‐W Trip %

Res H‐S Trip %

Res H‐O Trip %

Average Trip Length (miles)

Total VMTper day

(198 Trips)

12.54 7.22 7.22 35 17 48 9.08 1,798

As shown in Table 6, the project is estimated to cause an increase in VMT of 1,798 miles per day. This is

likely a very conservative estimate since the project is located closer to the core urban area than the Butte

County average travel distances. Butte County currently does not have any specific thresholds or

significance criteria related to VMT, but does have general goals of reducing VMT and GHG emissions.

Project Access

One access point is proposed for the project, located on Stanley Avenue, as shown on Figure 2. The access

point is proposed as a full access intersection allowing for all possible movements with side‐street stop

control (STOP sign on Street A). We understand secondary access is not required per Butte County

standards based on the relatively small number of proposed homes and the proposed street design.

Field review of the access location indicated no notable issues for intersection sight distance. Adjacent

parcels have large trees and other shrubs along Stanley Avenue but they are not anticipated to impact

intersection sight distance at this time. As is common in most locations, vegetation along Stanley Avenue

may have to be trimmed and properly maintained over time to maintain appropriate sight lines.

Trip Distribution and Assignment

Traffic generated by the project was distributed to the road network based on the location of the project

and for consistency with existing local traffic patterns. The following trip distribution percentages were

used for distributing the project traffic:

75% travelling to/from the north via Dayton Road

25% travelling to/from the south via Dayton Road

100% of the project generated trips were assigned to/from the west on Stanley Avenue from the project

site. A time travel comparison was conducted to compare the difference in travel time drivers would

experience if they travelled either east or west from the site ultimately to Dayton Road. The travel time

east through the neighborhood, using Diamond Avenue and McIntosh Avenue, was found to be twice that

of simply using Stanley Avenue to Dayton Road. No notable number of drivers would choose a route that

is twice as time consuming to reach the same destination. Review of the roadway network indicates that

project traffic would not use Marian Avenue as there would be no benefit in doing so. It is clear that all

project traffic should be assumed to choose the most direct route of Stanley Avenue to/from the west to

Dayton Road.


February 20, 2018

Page 10 of 13

The Existing Plus Project intersection lane configurations and the project trip assignment are shown on

Figure 4, attached.

EXISTING PLUS PROJECT CONDITIONS

Existing Plus Project Roadway Level of Service

Roadway Level of Service was calculated by comparing existing plus project peak hour bi‐directional

roadway segment volumes to the thresholds shown in Table 2. The Stanley Avenue roadway segment

Level of Service is shown in Table 7.

Table 7: Existing Plus Project Conditions Roadway Level of Service Summary

Segment Classification Scenario Peak Hour Volume # of Lanes LOS

Stanley Ave 2‐Lane Local Road Existing

Plus Project 67 2 A

As shown in Table 7, the Stanley Avenue roadway segment is anticipated to operate at acceptable level

of service (LOS “A”) conditions during the peak hour. The proposed project only adds 21 peak hour trips

on Stanley Avenue and the roadway peak hour volume is still extremely low. The anticipated average daily

traffic volume (ADT) under Existing Plus Project conditions is 622 vehicles per day.

Existing Plus Project Intersection Level of Service Analysis

Existing Plus Project traffic volumes were developed by adding the project generated trips (Figure 4) to

the existing traffic volumes (Figure 3) and are shown on Figure 5, attached. Existing Plus Project condition

Peak Hour Factors (PHF) and lane configurations were assumed to remain the same as existing conditions.

Table 8 presents the level of service analysis summary for the “Existing Plus Project” scenario. Detailed

calculation sheets are provided in Appendix C, attached.

Table 8: Existing Plus Project Conditions Intersection Level of Service Summary

Intersection Control Existing + Project AM Existing + Project PM

Delay1 LOS Delay1 LOS

Dayton Road / Stanley Ave Side‐Street

STOP

Westbound Approach B 10.00 B 11.75

Southbound Left A 7.63 A 8.30

Stanley Ave / Street A Side‐Street

STOP

Northbound Approach A 8.77 A 8.78

Westbound Left A 7.23 A 7.30 Notes: 1. Delay is reported in seconds per vehicle for the overall intersection for signalized intersections, and for the worst

approaches/movements for side‐street stop controlled intersections.

With the addition of project traffic, both study intersections are projected to operate at acceptable level

of service (LOS “B” or better) conditions during both the AM and PM peak hours. The proposed project

would, on average, increase delay by less than one second per vehicle during the peak hours.


February 20, 2018

Page 11 of 13

ROADWAY WIDTH

Stanley Avenue has a relatively narrow paved width (16 feet at the narrowest but typically 17 to 18 feet)

which is less than the 20 foot roadway width recommended in A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways

and Streets (2004) published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

(AASHTO). The existing roadway is also narrower than Butte County standards for new construction

within the County.

Table 9 shows the recommended minimum width of traveled way, by roadway volume, for rural cross‐

sections as set forth by AASHTO.

Table 8. Minimum Width of Traveled Way (AASHTO Exhibit 5‐5)

Minimum width of traveled way (ft) for specified design volume (veh/day)

Design Speed (mph)

under 400

400 to 1500

1500 to 2000

over 2000

15 18 20 20 22

20 18 20 22 24

25 18 20 22 24

30 18 20 22 24

40 18 20 22 24

45 20 22 22 24

50 20 22 22 24

55 22 22 24 24

60 22 22 24 24

Width of graded shoulder on each side of the road (ft)

All Speeds 2 5 6 8

As highlighted in Table 9, the minimum width of traveled way (paved width) on Stanley Avenue should be

20 feet. This value is the same with or without the project since the existing daily traffic volume is greater

than 400 vehicles per day.

From the parcel lines shown in the Butte County Online GIS program, there should be available right‐of‐

way to widen Stanley Avenue to meet AASHTO recommendations. This improvement may, however,

restrict the informal parking that currently occurs on the shoulders along Stanley Avenue. The residential

lots fronting Stanley Avenue are generally large with space to park more than two vehicles off‐street,

therefore prohibiting parking along the widened roadway should not cause any significant parking

impacts.

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February 20, 2018

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To provide a safe and efficient roadway with increased traffic, the applicant will provide a proportionate

cost sharing contribution for widening of the pavement section on Stanley Avenue to a 20 foot width from

Dayton Road to the project entry point. If the County requests the applicant to physically construct

widening improvements in an dollar amount equal to the proportionate share, in lieu of paying the fee, it

is our recommendation that the widen begin at Dayton Road and move east to the extent possible with

the fee amount. The greatest widening benefit will be realized where traffic volumes are the highest,

which is closest to Dayton Road.

With proportionate cost sharing for the widening, or by constructing equal value widening improvements,

the project will offset/mitigate its impacts of increased traffic related to the width of Stanley Avenue.

The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) states that “Center line markings

should be placed on all rural arterials and collectors that have a traveled way of 18 feet or more in width

and an ADT of 3,000 vehicles per day or greater. Center line markings should also be placed on other

traveled ways where an engineering study indicates such a need.” The ADT on Stanley Avenue is well

under 3,000 vehicles per day (622 ADT with the project) and we did not identify any special circumstances

(horizontal or vertical curves, unusual conditions, etc.), therefore centerline striping is not justified at this

time.

CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

The following is a list of our key findings and recommendations:

Proposed Project: The project is a 21 unit single‐family detached housing subdivision. The project site is

generally located on the south side of Stanley Avenue about 1,500 feet east of the Dayton Road / Stanley

Avenue intersection in Butte County, CA.

Project Trips: The Leen Subdivision project is anticipated to generate 198 Daily trips, 16 AM peak hour

trips, and 21 PM peak hour trips.

Project Access: One access point is proposed for the project, located on Stanley Avenue, as shown on

Figure 2. The access point is proposed as a full access intersection allowing for all possible movements

with side‐street stop control.

Existing Level of Service: All study intersections and roadway segments currently operate at acceptable

level of service conditions (LOS “B” or better) during the AM and PM peak hours.

Existing Plus Project Level of Service: With the addition of project traffic, all study intersections and

roadway segments are projected to continue operating at acceptable LOS conditions (LOS “B” or better)

under the “Existing Plus Project” conditions during both the AM and PM peak hours. The project would

have no notable operational impacts on local intersections or roadway segments.

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February 20, 2018

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Summary of Proposed Improvements: To provide a safe and efficient roadway cross‐section on Stanley

Avenue with increased traffic, the applicant will provide a proportionate cost sharing contribution for

widening of the pavement section to a 20 foot width from Dayton Road to the project entry point. If the

County requests the applicant to physically construct widening improvements in an dollar amount equal

to the proportionate share, in lieu of paying the fee, it is our recommendation that the widen begin at

Dayton Road and move east to the extent possible with the fee amount. The greatest widening benefit

will be realized where traffic volumes are the highest, which is closest to Dayton Road.

With proportionate cost sharing for the widening, or by constructing equal value widening improvements,

the project will offset/mitigate its impacts of increased traffic related to the width of Stanley Avenue.

Figure 1

Study AreaTraffic Impact Study

NO SCALE

Leen Subdivision

Study LocationsDayton Rd / Stanley Ave1Stanley Ave / Street A2

1Stanley Ave

Dayt

on R

d

Project Site

Stre

et A

Traffic Volume Count Location

2

PAR

CE

L 1

8,91

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C(0

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Figure 3

Existing Traffic Volumes, Lane Configurations, and ControlsTraffic Impact Study

NO SCALE

Leen Subdivision

1

Dayton Rd / Stanley Ave

25 (10)8 (2)

174

(167

)5

(14)

0 (7)177 (353)

Stanley Ave

Dayt

on R

d

AM Peak Hour Volume (PM Peak Hour Volume)

1

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Stre

et A

2

Figure 4

Project TripsTraffic Impact Study

NO SCALE

Leen Subdivision


Stanley Ave

Dayt

on R

d

1


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0)

1 (3)

2

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1

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Figure 5

Existing Plus Project Traffic Volumes, Lane Configurations, and ControlsTraffic Impact Study

NO SCALE

Leen Subdivision

Appendix A

Traffic Volume Data

Printed: 02/01/2018 at 09:18

TrafficViewer Pro v1.6.4.124

PicoCount 2500 V2.30 (s/n# 13060337)

Daily Vehicle Volume Report

Location:

Unit ID:

Study Date:

Stanley Ave

TW #5

Tuesday, 01/30/2018 / Wednesday, 01/31/2018

Comments:

WestboundVolume

EastboundVolume

TotalVolume

16:00 - 16:59

17:00 - 17:59

18:00 - 18:59

19:00 - 19:59

20:00 - 20:59

21:00 - 21:59

22:00 - 22:59

23:00 - 23:59

00:00 - 00:59

01:00 - 01:59

02:00 - 02:59

03:00 - 03:59

04:00 - 04:59

05:00 - 05:59

06:00 - 06:59

07:00 - 07:59

08:00 - 08:59

09:00 - 09:59

10:00 - 10:59

11:00 - 11:59

12:00 - 12:59

13:00 - 13:59

14:00 - 14:59

15:00 - 15:59

Totals

AM Peak Time

AM Peak Volume

PM Peak Time

PM Peak Volume

24 22 46

15 19 34

11 18 29

9 22 31

6 12 18

1 7 8

1 2 3

1 4 5

1 0 1

3 0 3

0 0 0

0 1 1

1 0 1

2 2 4

4 1 5

6 5 11

27 9 36

20 8 28

13 7 20

11 9 20

15 15 30

16 14 30

15 10 25

18 17 35

220 204 424

08:02 - 09:01 10:36 - 11:35 08:02 - 09:01

30 11 39

16:03 - 17:02 18:29 - 19:28 16:00 - 16:59

25 29 46

Page 1Counter_Data_File_Stanley_Ave.tvp

Printed: 02/01/2018 at 09:18


PicoCount 2500 V2.30 (s/n# 13060337)

Daily Total Classes Report

Location:

Unit ID:

Study Date:

Stanley Ave

TW #5


Comments:

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 Total

16:00 - 16:59

17:00 - 17:59

18:00 - 18:59

19:00 - 19:59

20:00 - 20:59

21:00 - 21:59

22:00 - 22:59

23:00 - 23:59

00:00 - 00:59

01:00 - 01:59

02:00 - 02:59

03:00 - 03:59

04:00 - 04:59

05:00 - 05:59

06:00 - 06:59

07:00 - 07:59

08:00 - 08:59

09:00 - 09:59

10:00 - 10:59

11:00 - 11:59

12:00 - 12:59

13:00 - 13:59

14:00 - 14:59

15:00 - 15:59

Totals

Percent of Total

Percent of AM

Percent of PM

0 23 15 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46

0 26 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34

0 21 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29

0 23 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31

0 14 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18

0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8

0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

0 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

0 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11

0 25 5 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36

0 17 7 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28

0 12 2 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20

0 11 5 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20

0 24 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30

0 18 5 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30

0 11 6 0 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25

0 21 9 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35

0 279 83 0 60 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 424

0.0 65.8 19.6 0.0 14.2 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100

0.0 66.9 17.7 0.0 15.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100

0.0 65.3 20.4 0.0 13.6 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100

#1#2#3#4#5

Motorcycles - 2 AxlesPassenger Cars - 2 AxlesPickup Trucks, Vans - 2 AxlesBusesSingle Unit - 2 Axles, 6 Tires

#6#7#8#9

#10

Single Unit Truck - 3 AxlesSingle Unit - 4 AxlesSingle Unit - 4 Axles or LessDouble Unit - 5 AxlesDouble Unit - 6 Axles or More

#11#12#13

Multi-Unit - 5 Axles or LessMulti-Unit - 6 AxlesMulti-Unit - 7 Axles or More

Classification Scheme: FHWA (ID: 1)

Truck Summary:

Total Trucks: 62 % Trucks: 14.6 AM % Trucks: 15.4 PM % Trucks: 14.3



PicoCount 2500 V2.30 (s/n# 13060337)

Daily Total Speeds (MPH)

Posted Speed: 25

Printed: 02/01/2018 at 09:18

Location:

Unit ID:

Study Date:

Stanley Ave

TW #5


Comments:

5-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-99 Total

16:00 - 16:59

17:00 - 17:59

18:00 - 18:59

19:00 - 19:59

20:00 - 20:59

21:00 - 21:59

22:00 - 22:59

23:00 - 23:59

00:00 - 00:59

01:00 - 01:59

02:00 - 02:59

03:00 - 03:59

04:00 - 04:59

05:00 - 05:59

06:00 - 06:59

07:00 - 07:59

08:00 - 08:59

09:00 - 09:59

10:00 - 10:59

11:00 - 11:59

12:00 - 12:59

13:00 - 13:59

14:00 - 14:59

15:00 - 15:59

Totals

Percent of Total

Percent of AM

Percent of PM

6 5 12 11 8 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46

4 8 9 7 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34

6 1 7 12 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29

3 8 7 10 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31

1 2 5 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18

0 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8

0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

0 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

0 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

0 4 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11

0 4 9 17 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36

4 0 6 10 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28

2 1 3 8 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20

3 3 4 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20

3 4 15 6 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30

2 1 11 11 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30

2 0 13 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25

2 3 6 15 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35

38 48 122 138 55 19 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 424

9.0 11.3 28.8 32.5 13.0 4.5 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100

6.9 12.3 22.3 38.5 15.4 3.8 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100

9.9 10.9 31.6 29.9 11.9 4.8 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100

Standard Deviation:

Mean Speed:

7.1 MPH

24.6 MPH

Median Speed: 25.1 MPH

Modal Speed: 27.5 MPH

Ten Mile Pace: 20 to 29 MPH

Percent in Ten Mile Pace: 61.3%

85th Percentile: 31.3 MPH





Appendix B

Existing Conditions LOS Calculations

Existing AM LOS

Leen Subdivision TIA

Version 5.00-00

Generated with

0.015Volume to Capacity (v/c):

BLevel Of Service:

11.2Delay (sec / veh):

15 minutesAnalysis Period:

HCM 6th EditionAnalysis Method:

Two-way stopControl Type:

Intersection 1: Dayton Rd / Stanley Ave

Intersection Level Of Service Report

NoNoNoCrosswalk

0.000.000.00Grade [%]

25.0035.0035.00Speed [mph]

100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00Pocket Length [ft]

000000No. of Lanes in Pocket

8.008.0012.0012.0012.0012.00Lane Width [ft]

RightLeftThruLeftRightThruTurning Movement

Lane Configuration

WestboundSouthboundNorthboundApproach

Stanley AveDayton RdDayton RdName

Intersection Setup

000Pedestrian Volume [ped/h]

27919150194Total Analysis Volume [veh/h]

72481049Total 15-Minute Volume [veh/h]

1.00001.00001.00001.00001.00001.0000Other Adjustment Factor

0.91100.91100.91100.91100.91100.9110Peak Hour Factor

25817450177Total Hourly Volume [veh/h]

000000Other Volume [veh/h]

000000Existing Site Adjustment Volume [veh/h]

000000Pass-by Trips [veh/h]

000000Diverted Trips [veh/h]

000000Site-Generated Trips [veh/h]

000000In-Process Volume [veh/h]

1.001.001.001.001.001.00Growth Rate

2.002.002.002.002.002.00Heavy Vehicles Percentage [%]

1.00001.00001.00001.00001.00001.0000Base Volume Adjustment Factor

25817450177Base Volume Input [veh/h]


Volumes

Existing AM LOS


Version 5.00-00

Generated with

BIntersection LOS

0.93d_I, Intersection Delay [s/veh]

AAAApproach LOS

9.900.190.00d_A, Approach Delay [s/veh]

3.673.6712.3812.380.000.0095th-Percentile Queue Length [ft]

0.150.150.500.500.000.0095th-Percentile Queue Length [veh]

ABAAAAMovement LOS

9.4811.160.007.620.000.00d_M, Delay for Movement [s/veh]

0.030.010.000.000.000.00V/C, Movement V/C Ratio

Movement, Approach, & Intersection Results

000Number of Storage Spaces in Median

NoTwo-Stage Gap Acceptance

000Storage Area [veh]

NoFlared Lane

StopFreeFreePriority Scheme

Intersection Settings

Existing PM


Version 5.00-00

Generated with


BLevel Of Service:







NoNoNoCrosswalk

0.000.000.00Grade [%]

25.0035.0035.00Speed [mph]

100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00Pocket Length [ft]


8.008.0012.0012.0012.0012.00Lane Width [ft]


Lane Configuration



Intersection Setup





0.82700.82700.82700.82700.82700.8270Peak Hour Factor








1.001.001.001.001.001.00Growth Rate





Volumes

Existing PM


Version 5.00-00

Generated with

BIntersection LOS


BAAApproach LOS




BBAAAAMovement LOS







NoFlared Lane



Appendix C

Existing Plus Project Conditions LOS Calculations

Existing Plus Project AM LOS


Version 5.00-00

Generated with


BLevel Of Service:







NoNoNoCrosswalk

0.000.000.00Grade [%]

25.0035.0035.00Speed [mph]

100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00Pocket Length [ft]


8.008.0012.0012.0012.0012.00Lane Width [ft]


Lane Configuration



Intersection Setup





0.91100.91100.91100.91100.91100.9110Peak Hour Factor








1.001.001.001.001.001.00Growth Rate





Volumes



Version 5.00-00

Generated with

BIntersection LOS


BAAApproach LOS




ABAAAAMovement LOS







NoFlared Lane





Version 5.00-00

Generated with


ALevel Of Service:





Intersection 2: Stanley Ave / Street A


NoNoNoCrosswalk

0.000.000.00Grade [%]

25.0025.0025.00Speed [mph]

100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00Pocket Length [ft]


8.008.008.008.0018.0018.00Lane Width [ft]

ThruLeftRightThruRightLeftTurning Movement

Lane Configuration

WestboundEastboundNorthboundApproach

Stanley AveStanley AveStreet AName

Intersection Setup





0.91100.91100.91100.91100.91100.9110Peak Hour Factor








1.001.001.001.001.001.00Growth Rate





Volumes



Version 5.00-00

Generated with

AIntersection LOS


AAAApproach LOS




AAAAAAMovement LOS







NoFlared Lane

FreeFreeStopPriority Scheme


Existing Plus Project PM LOS


Version 5.00-00

Generated with


BLevel Of Service:







NoNoNoCrosswalk

0.000.000.00Grade [%]

25.0035.0035.00Speed [mph]

100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00Pocket Length [ft]


8.008.0012.0012.0012.0012.00Lane Width [ft]


Lane Configuration



Intersection Setup





0.82700.82700.82700.82700.82700.8270Peak Hour Factor








1.001.001.001.001.001.00Growth Rate





Volumes



Version 5.00-00

Generated with

BIntersection LOS


BAAApproach LOS




BBAAAAMovement LOS







NoFlared Lane





Version 5.00-00

Generated with


ALevel Of Service:





Intersection 2: Stanley Ave / Street A


NoNoNoCrosswalk

0.000.000.00Grade [%]

25.0025.0025.00Speed [mph]

100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00Pocket Length [ft]


8.008.008.008.0018.0018.00Lane Width [ft]

ThruLeftRightThruRightLeftTurning Movement

Lane Configuration

WestboundEastboundNorthboundApproach


Intersection Setup





0.82700.82700.82700.82700.82700.8270Peak Hour Factor








1.001.001.001.001.001.00Growth Rate





Volumes



Version 5.00-00

Generated with

AIntersection LOS


AAAApproach LOS




AAAAAAMovement LOS







NoFlared Lane

FreeFreeStopPriority Scheme
