butte county planning commission agenda report … · fish and game that the project is exempt from...

Butte County Department of Development Services

February 25, 2016 Agenda Report – Sanford Manor Subdivision TSM13-0001 of 17

BUTTE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

AGENDA REPORT – February 25, 2016

Applicant:

Owner:

Mark & Cindy Sanford

Mark & Cindy Sanford

Location: The project site is located on

the east side of Guynn

Avenue, approximately

2,300 feet (0.57 miles) south

of Bell Road, at 2802 Guynn

Avenue in the

unincorporated portion of Chico.

File #: TSM13-0001 Supervisor

District: 3

Request: A Tentative Subdivision Map to

divide a 10-acre property into

ten one-acre parcels, at 2802

Guynn Avenue, Chico. Lots

will be served by public roads,

Guynn Avenue and the

proposed cul-de-sac.

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 orchards of

100 feet, or 60 feet with

approved vegetation screen,

from the northwest property line

and 50 feet from the southwest

property.

Parcel Size: 10 acres

Planner: Mark Michelena

Senior Planner

Attachments

A: Resolution with attached

conditions

B: Vicinity Map and General

Plan/Zoning Map

C: Initial Study/Mitigated

Negative Declaration.

D: Agricultural Setbacks

E: Tentative Subdivision Map

G.P.: VLDR (Very Low Density

Residential)

Zoning: VLDR (1-acre minimum)

Zone Date: December 10, 2012

APN: 042-020-020

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The project proposes to divide a 10-acre parcel, in the VLDR (Very Low Density Residential - 1-

acre minimum) zone and VLDR (Very Low Density Residential) General Plan designation, into 10

one acre parcels, on the east side of Guynn Avenue. The proposed parcels would each be able to

develop a single-family residence. All parcels will be served by individual septic system and

community water (California Water Service Company).

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

orchards of 100 feet, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, from the northwest property line

and 50 feet from the southwest property.

Staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt the Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative

Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approving the

Tentative Subdivision Map, subject to findings and conditions.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project proposes to divide a 10-acre parcel, in the VLDR (Very Low Density Residential -

1-acre minimum) zone and VLDR (Very Low Density Residentia) General Plan designation,

into 10 one acre parcels, on the east side of Guynn Avenue.

All parcels will be served by individual septic system and community water (California

Water Service Company.

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 orchards of 100 feet, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, from the

northwest property line and 50 feet from the southwest property.

SITE CHARACTERISTICS:

The project site developed with two residential dwellings and a shop. The remainder of the lot

is a remnant walnut orchard.

Elevation on the site ranges from 165 to 170 feet above sea level.

The site is bounded by Guynn Avenue to the east, rural residential and agricultural uses on the

north and northeast, agricultural uses to the west, south and rural residential to the east.

There are no waterways or drainage ways on the project site.

According to floodplain mapping of the project area, portions of the project site are located

within the X zone (Unshaded).

The site is not within an airport overflight zone.

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ANALYSIS:

The sizes of the proposed parcels are consistent with the VLDR (Very Low Density

Residential, 1-acre minimum) zone.

The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB Version 5, December 2015) showed no

occurrences of any special status species or habitats on the project site or in the immediate

project area (2.0 mile radius).

Consistency of Project with General Plan Goals and Policy:

Goal AG-5 - Reduce conflicts between urban and agricultural uses and between habitat

mitigation banking and agricultural uses.

Policy Ag-P5.3.3 - 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. This setback shall be imposed on the parcel developing with

residences and shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator in consultation with the

Agricultural Commissioner as to width. The subject shall be subject to a public hearing.1

Policy AG-P5.3.3 is implemented by BCC §24-56.1 - Residential Setback from Orchards and

Vineyards. The proposed project was reviewed by the Department of Development Services,

in consultation with the Agricultural Commissioner’s office, and it was determined that a

100-foot residential dwelling setback, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, from the

northwest property line and a 50-foot residential dwelling setback from the southwest

property line.

Policy LU-P4.1 - The integrity and stability of existing residential neighborhoods shall be

promoted and preserved.

The project area consists of single family residential and an agricultural uses within the Very

Low Density Residential (VLDR) zone. The adjacent residential zone support densities of 1+

acre and may also include limited agricultural uses. The proposed project includes the creation

of one acre parcels within the VLDR zone, resulting in a project that is compatible with the

surrounding residential neighborhood.

Policy LU-P13.8 – Accommodate future urban and suburban growth that occurs in the Chico

area of Butte County on lands situated in the Urban Side of the Chico Greenline.

The project site is located in the Bell-Muir area, west of Chico, on the urban side of the

Chico Greenline. The proposed project is consistent with the existing zoning (VLDR – 1-

acre minimum).

Policy W-P2.5 – The expansion of public water systems to areas identified for future

development on the General Plan land use map is encouraged.

The project is extending public water (California Water Service) from the intersection of

Henshaw Avenue and Guynn Avenue to the project site.

3



Policy - W-P4.6 - New development projects shall adopt best management practices for water

use efficiency and demonstrate specific water conservation measures.

Future development would be subject to California Green Building Standards Code, which

contains specific measures for water conservation of residential development.

Policy – W-P3.3 - The County shall protect groundwater recharge and groundwater quality

when considering new development projects.

Policy – W-P5.2 - New development project shall identify and adequately mitigate their

water quality impacts from stormwater runoff.

Future development would result in only a minor increase in impervious surfaces from the

construction of concrete foundations and access roads. Thus, the proposed project would

not cause a measureable reduction in surface infiltration or a decrease in deep percolation

to the underlying aquifers. At the time of development, proposed improvements will be

evaluated to ensure that stormwater runoff is appropriately retained on-site to adequately

allow for groundwater recharge and improved water quality.

Policy – COS-P5.2 - Developers shall implement best available mitigation measures to reduce

air pollution emissions associated with the construction and operation of development projects.

The project includes an air quality mitigation measure that contains best management

practices in the suppression of dust and other air pollution emissions during construction

activities.

Policy – COS-P15.1 – Areas found during construction to contain significant historic or

prehistoric archaeological artifacts shall be examined by a qualified consulting archaeologist or

historian for appropriate protection and preservation. Historic or prehistoric artifacts found

during construction shall be examined by a qualified consulting archaeologist or historian to

determine their significance and develop appropriate protection and preservation measures.

Policy – COS-P51.2 – Any archaeological or paleontological resources on a development

project site shall be either preserved in their sites or adequately documented as a condition of the

removal. When a development project has sufficient flexibility, avoidance and preservation of

the resource shall be the primary mitigation measure.

Policy – COS-P16.4 - If human remains are located during any ground disturbing activity,

work shall stop until the County Coroner has been contacted and, if the human remains are

determined to be of Native American origin, the NAHC and most likely descendant have been

consulted.

Mitigation measures have been included that address the recovery of cultural resources, and

identification of human remains, should any be discovered through future grading activities

on the resultant parcels.

BUTTE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER AGENCIES REVIEW

Comments/conditions received from Butte County Departments and other Agencies were

reviewed and incorporated into the project analysis and proposed project conditions.

4



ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW/CEQA ISSUES

In compliance with Section 15073(a), the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration

(IS/MND), application, and reference documents for this project were placed on file for public

review and comment for a thirty day period starting January 26, 2016 through February 24, 2016.

Notices regarding the 30-day review period were mailed to landowners near the project site, and

a notice was placed in the Chico Enterprise Record.

The initial study prepared for this project determined there may be potential environmental

impacts to the following areas:

Air Quality (dust control during site development activities);

Biological Resources (oak tree mitigation);

Cultural Resources (disturbance of archaeological resources); and

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

The initial study, which is attached to this agenda report, recommended four mitigation measures

to reduce environmental impacts to a less than significant level. The collection of fees pursuant

to Fish and Game Code Section 711.4 is required, prior to filing a Notice of Determination for

the project, unless the project proponent provides verification from the California Department of

Fish and Game that the project is exempt from the fee requirement. If a required fee is not paid

for a project, the project will not be operative, vested or final and any local permits issued for the

project will be invalid (Section 711.4 (c) (3)).

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Staff received one phone call from a resident at the north end of Guynn Avenue. Their concerns

included additional traffic and water use. I informed her that future residential development will

be connected to a public water supply. I explained to her that while he project will create an

increase in vehicle traffic in the area, the existing use of the roadways are below the acceptable

level of surface and that not all traffic trips generated will go north on Guynn Avenue towards

Bell Road.

5



RESOLUTION PC16-___

A RESOLUTION OF THE BUTTE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVING

TENTATIVE SUBDIVSION MAP TSM13-0001

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has considered Tentative Subdivision Map

TSM13-0001 for Mark & Cindy Sanford, in accordance with Chapter 20; Subdivisions, of the

Butte County Code on Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 040-020-020; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has considered an initial study and mitigated

negative declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act; and

WHEREAS, said map was referred to various affected public and private agencies,

County departments, and referral agencies for review and comments; and

WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was held on February 25, 2016; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has considered public comments and a report

from the Planning Division:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission:

I. Adopts a mitigated negative declaration with the following findings:

A. The Initial Study was completed in compliance with the California Environmental

Quality Act. Said Study identified significant environmental effects and included

mitigation measures that would mitigate such effects below significant levels;

B. The Planning Commission has considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration,

together with comments received during the review process.

C. On the basis of the whole record before the Planning Commission, including the

Initial Study and any comments received, there is no substantial evidence that the

Tentative Parcel Map for Ron and Rebecca Prater, Planning Division File No.

TPM07-0009, with conditions and mitigations here attached, would have a

significant effect on the environment. The custodian of the record is the Land

Development Division of the Public Works Department. The location of the

record is 7 County Center Drive, Oroville CA 95965.

D. The Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment and

analysis of the County, which is the Lead Agency.

II. Finds that collection of fees pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 711.4 is required,

prior to filing a Notice of Determination for the project, unless the project proponent

provides verification from the California Department of Fish and Game that the project is

exempt from the fee requirement. If a required fee is not paid for a project, the project

will not be operative, vested or final and any local permits issued for the project will be

invalid (Section 711.4 (c)(3)).

6



III. Approves Tentative Subdivision Map TSM13-0001 for Mark and Cindy Sanford, subject

to the conditions found in Exhibit “A” and the following findings:

A. The proposed map is consistent with the Very Low Density Residential 1-acre

minimum zone and with the Very Low Density Residential General Plan land use

designation.

B. The proposed map is consistent with the following Butte County General Plan

Goals and Policies:

Goal AG-5 - Reduce conflicts between urban and agricultural uses and between

habitat mitigation banking and agricultural uses.

Policy AG-P5.3.3 - 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. This setback shall be

imposed on the parcel developing with residences and shall be reviewed by the

Zoning Administrator in consultation with the Agricultural Commissioner as to

width. The subject shall be subject to a public hearing.

Policy AG-P5.3.3 is implemented by BCC §24-56.1 - Residential Setback from

Orchards and Vineyards. The proposed project was reviewed by the Department

of Development Services, in consultation with the Agricultural Commissioner’s

office, and it was determined that a 100-foot residential dwelling setback, or 60

feet with approved vegetation screen, from the northwest property line and a 50-

foot residential dwelling setback from the southwest property line.

Policy LU-P4.1 - The integrity and stability of existing residential neighborhoods

shall be promoted and preserved.

The project area consists of single family residential and an agricultural uses within

the Very Low Density Residential (VLDR) zone. The adjacent residential zone

support densities of 1+ acre and may also include limited agricultural uses. The

proposed project includes the creation of one acre parcels within the VLDR zone,

resulting in a project that is compatible with the surrounding residential

neighborhood.

Policy LU-P13.8 – Accommodate future urban and suburban growth that occurs

in the Chico area of Butte County on lands situated in the Urban Side of the Chico

Greenline.

The project site is located in the Bell-Muir area, west of Chico, on the urban side

of the Chico Greenline. The proposed project is consistent with the existing

zoning (VLDR – 1-acre minimum).

Policy W-P2.5 – The expansion of public water systems to areas identified for

future development on the General Plan land use map is encouraged.

The project is extending public water (California Water Service) from the

intersection of Henshaw Avenue and Guynn Avenue to the project site.

7



Policy - W-P4.6 - New development projects shall adopt best management practices

for water use efficiency and demonstrate specific water conservation measures.

Future development would be subject to California Green Building Standards Code,

which contains specific measures for water conservation of residential development.

Policy – W-P3.3 - The County shall protect groundwater recharge and groundwater

quality when considering new development projects.

Policy – W-P5.2 - New development project shall identify and adequately

mitigate their water quality impacts from stormwater runoff.

Future development would result in only a minor increase in impervious surfaces

from the construction of concrete foundations and access roads. Thus, the

proposed project would not cause a measureable reduction in surface infiltration

or a decrease in deep percolation to the underlying aquifers. At the time of

development, proposed improvements will be evaluated to ensure that stormwater

runoff is appropriately retained on-site to adequately allow for groundwater

recharge and improved water quality.

Policy – COS-P5.2 - Developers shall implement best available mitigation

measures to reduce air pollution emissions associated with the construction and

operation of development projects.

The project includes an air quality mitigation measure that contains best

management practices in the suppression of dust and other air pollution

emissions during construction activities.

Policy – COS-P15.1 – Areas found during construction to contain significant

historic or prehistoric archaeological artifacts shall be examined by a qualified

consulting archaeologist or historian for appropriate protection and preservation.

Historic or prehistoric artifacts found during construction shall be examined by a

qualified consulting archaeologist or historian to determine their significance and

develop appropriate protection and preservation measures.

Policy – COS-P51.2 – Any archaeological or paleontological resources on a

development project site shall be either preserved in their sites or adequately

documented as a condition of the removal. When a development project has

sufficient flexibility, avoidance and preservation of the resource shall be the primary

mitigation measure.

Policy – COS-P16.4 - If human remains are located during any ground disturbing

activity, work shall stop until the County Coroner has been contacted and, if the

human remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the NAHC and

most likely descendant have been consulted.

Mitigation measures have been included that address the recovery of cultural

resources, and identification of human remains, should any be discovered through

future grading activities on the resultant parcels.

8



C. The design and improvements of the proposed parcel map are consistent with

County standards and policies provided all conditions of project approval are

complied with.

D. The project site is physically suitable for the use and density of the proposed

development.

E. The design and improvements of the project will not conflict with easements

acquired by the public at large for access through or use of property within the

proposed parcel map provided the attached conditions are met.

F. The project site is not located within an earthquake fault zone.

G. Approval of this project will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and

welfare provided the required conditions and mitigation measures are complied

with.

H. The future residents of the project site would not be exposed to any increased

significant impacts related to agricultural practices.

I The roads in the project area have the capacity to handle the increase in vehicular

traffic generated by the project.

DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of February, 2016, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

______________________________

Mary Kennedy, Chair

Planning Commission

County of Butte, State of California

ATTEST:

____________________________

Kim McMillan, Secretary

Planning Commission

County of Butte, State of California

9



EXHIBIT A

Tentative Subdivison Map for Mark & Cindy Sanford (Sanford Manor) on APN 040-020-

020, File # TSM13-0001: An application for a Tentative Subdivision Map to divide a 10-acre

property into ten one-acre parcels, at 2802 Guynn Avenue, Chico. Lots will be served by public

roads, Guynn Avenue and the proposed cul-de-sac. 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 orchards of 100 feet, or 60 feet

with approved vegetation screen, from the northwest property line and 50 feet from the southwest

property.

I. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:

Planning Division

1. Mitigation Measure #1:

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

on an additional map sheet that states: “Dust generated by the development activities

shall be kept to a minimum and retained on-site. Follow the air quality control measures

listed below:

Control Dust

a. During clearing, grading, earth moving, excavation, or transportation of cut or fill

materials, water trucks or sprinkler systems are to be used to prevent dust from

leaving the site and to create a crust after each day’s activities cease.

b. During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas

of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a

minimum, this would include wetting down such areas in the later morning and after work is completed for the day and whenever wind exceeds 15 miles per hour.

c. Soil stockpiled for more than two days shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with

soil binders to prevent dust generation.

d. On-site construction vehicles shall be limited to a speed of 15 mph on unpaved roads.

e. Haul vehicles transporting soil into or out of the property shall be covered.

f. Existing roads and streets adjacent to the project shall be cleaned at least once per day

if dirt or mud from the project site has been tracked onto these roadways, unless

conditions warrant a greater frequency.

g. Other measures may be required as determined appropriate by the BCAQMD or Department of Public Works in order to control dust.

Post Contact Information

h. Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact

regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action

within 24 hours. The telephone number of the Butte County Air Quality Management

District shall be visible to ensure compliance with BCAQMD Rule 200 & 205 (Nuisance and Fugitive Dust Emissions).

10



Other Construction Practices

i. Maintain all construction equipment in proper tune according to manufacturer’s specification.

j. Where feasible, give preference to utilizing the following equipment:

Electric equipment

Substitute gasoline-powered for diesel-powered equipment

Alternatively fueled construction equipment on site such as compressed natural

gas (CNG), liquid natural gas (LNG), propane, or biodiesel.

Equipment that has Caterpillar pre-chamber diesel engines, as practical.

Diesel construction equipment meeting the CARB’s 1996 or newer certification standard for off-road heavy-duty diesel engines.

k. Construction workers shall park in designated parking area(s) to help reduce dust

emissions.”

Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be

recorded concurrently with the 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 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.



on an additional map sheet that states: “Prior to any development activity on proposed

lot 10 or the issuance of any permit or approval removing or encroaching upon oak trees

(this generally includes the canopy drip-line of trees within the area of ground

disturbance and trees subject to changes in hydrologic regime) an Oak Tree Mitigation

Plan prepared by a certified arborist, registered professional forester, botanist or

landscape architect shall be submitted for review and approval by the Director of

Development Services or his/her designee that includes:

1) A survey showing the location of oak trees 5 inches or more in diameter at

breast height, as defined by PRC §21083.4(a);

2) The removal of all oak trees 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height shall

be mitigated. It shall be mitigated by one or more of the following: replanting

and maintaining oak trees, establishing conservation easements, contributing

funds for off-site oak woodlands conservation, and/or other mitigation

measures developed by Butte County. Replanting of oak seedlings shall be

grown from acorns collected from a suitable seed zone and elevation and be

planted at a 3 to 1 ratio. It is recommended that the source of the seedlings be

11



secured a year from the proposed planting date. Replanted oak trees shall be

maintained for a period of seven years after they are planted. If any of the

replanted oak trees die or become diseased, they shall be replaced and

maintained for seven years after the new oak trees are planted;

3) A replanting schedule and diagram for trees removed or encroached upon by

permit activities consistent with PRC §21083.4(b)(2), applicable mitigation

measures, and Butte County Ordinance, if any, shall be submitted to and

approved by the Director of Development Services or his/her

designee. Replanted trees shall be planted in areas deemed appropriate by the

Plan, considering future lot development, interference with foundations,

fencing, roadways, driveways, and utilities. Trees planted shall be protected

from livestock and other animals.

4) Oak Tree protection measures for trees to be retained within the project site

shall be included in construction specifications. Each oak tree to be preserved

shall be surrounded by a tree zone identified by the drip line of the tree. An

orange plastic fence or other suitable type of fence shall be used to identify the

tree zone during construction activities. No vegetation removal, soil

disturbance, or other development activities shall occur within the tree zone in

order to protect root systems and minimize compaction of the soil, unless

authorized by Oak Tree Mitigation Plan; and

5) Conservation easements or funds for off-site oak woodlands conservation

shall be proposed to and approved by the Director of Development Services or

his/her designee.”

Plan Requirements: No vegetation removal, grading, road construction, or other

earthwork shall be permitted until the tree plan is submitted and approved.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be satisfied prior to any development

activity or the issuance of any grading, building, septic, or well permit, or the approval of

any improvement plans on the parcels.

Monitoring: At the time of septic, well, or building permit application, the Development

Services Department will reference this requirement on any grading, building, septic, or

well permit site plans and verify that an Oak Tree Mitigation Plan has been submitted to

and approved by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee. Butte County

building inspectors shall ensure compliance on-site.


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: “Should grading activities reveal the

presence or prehistoric or historic cultural resources (i.e. artifact concentrations,

including arrowheads and other stone tools or chipping debris, cans glass, etc.; structural

remains; human skeletal remains) work within 50 feet of the find shall immediately cease

until a qualified professional archaeologist can be consulted to evaluate the find and

implement appropriate mitigation procedures. Should human skeletal remains be

encountered, State law requires immediate notification of the County Coroner. Should

12



the County Coroner determine that the remains are in an archaeological context, the

Native American Heritage Commission in Sacramento shall be notified immediately,

pursuant to State Law, to arrange for Native American participation in determining the

disposition of such remains.” The provisions of this note shall be followed during

construction of all subdivision improvements, including land clearing, road construction,

utility installation, and building site development.

Plan Requirements: This note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be

recorded concurrently with the 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. State law requires the reporting of any human remains.



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 minute.

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 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.

13



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. 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.

5. Place a note on the Final Map or additional map sheet stating: “Residential dwelling

setbacks from adjacent active orchards shall be 100 feet, or 60 feet with approved vegetation

screen, along the northwest property line on Lots 1, 5 and 6 and 50 feet from the southwest

property line on Lots 1, 2, 3 and 10. If the existing agricultural use (orchards) have been

removed permanently, the residential dwelling setback shall be consistent with the zoning.”

6. Prior to or concurrently with the recordation of the Final Map, record a Declaration

Acknowledging Right To Farm (Agricultural Statement of Acknowledgement).

7. 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: “A Declaration Acknowledgement Right

to Farm (Agricultural Statement of Acknowledgement) has been recorded on the

parcels.”

Public Works

8. All access rights shall be reserved by deed per County Ordinance, offered for dedication,

and depicted on the Final Map. Place the following note on the Final Map: “approved

road name is a non-exclusive easement for ingress, egress, road and public services

purposes, to be reserved in deeds and is hereby offered for dedication to the County of

Butte.”

9. Prior to recordation of the Final Map, deed to Butte County in fee simple 30 feet of right-

of-way from the centerline of Guynn Avenue along the entire property frontage. The

right-of-way shall be sufficient for the installation of Improvement Standard No. S-5 at

all street intersections.

10. Prior to recordation of the Final Map, provide street name signs per requirements of the

Department of Public Works. Street names shall be reviewed by the County Address

Coordinator and one name for each new street shall be recommended to the Board of

Supervisors for approval prior to recordation of the Final Map. A minimum of five

alternate names for each new street shall be submitted.

11. Prior to final road inspection, install all necessary traffic safety signs including stop signs.

12. Prior to recordation of the Final Map, obtain an encroachment permit and improve all

new and existing driveway approaches to publicly maintained roads as specified in the

County Improvement Standards and the terms of the encroachment permit.

13. Provide a cul-de-sac or building free turn around area designed and constructed as

specified in the county improvement standards. The final map shall show the cul-de-sac

or building free turn around area.

14



14. Prior to recordation of the final map, construct or provide a performance, labor and

material bond for construction of interior street in conformance with county improvement

standard RS-3B, including rolled curb, gutter, 3″ AC, 12″ AB, prime coat, fog seal and

95% relative compaction. Submit design to the Land Development Division for approval

prior to construction. “R” value determination and other data may be required to support

the section design. Form a zone of benefit or other approved maintenance entity within

the county’s permanent road division for operation and maintenance of interior streets

and storm drain facilities.

15. Prior to recordation of the parcel map, construct or provide a performance, labor and

material bond for construction of street frontage improvements on Guynn Avenue.

Construct a ½+ 12’ street section along the entire parcel frontage in conformance with

county improvement standard RS-3B, including rolled curb, gutter, 3″ AC, 12″ AB,

prime coat, fog seal and 95 % relative compaction. Submit design to the Land

Development Division for approval prior to construction. “R” value determination and

other data may be required to support the section design.

16. Street lighting shall be provided in accordance with Butte County requirements, accepted

design criteria, and recommendations of Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Where the

County has determined that it is not detrimental to health and safety, the developer may

choose to only install electrical outlets for streetlights. If streetlights are to be installed,

the annual energy costs shall be funded through a county service area (CSA), zone of

benefit within a permanent road division (PRD), or other entity as approved by the public

works director. The developer must complete the formation of the CSA, zone of benefit

within a PRD, or other approved entity prior to recordation of the final map. The

formation process will require the developer to fund the service until the beginning of the

first fiscal year in which service charges can be collected and to agree to an annual

maximum service charge to ensure continued operation of the facilities.

17. Prior to recordation of the final map, drainage plans and calculations shall be submitted

to and approved by the Department of Public Works. Engineering plans shall detail

existing drainage conditions and specify how storm water runoff will be either detained

or retained onsite and/ or conveyed to the nearest natural drainage channel or publicly

maintained facility. Engineering calculations shall show there is no increase in peak flow

runoff leaving the property. If storm drainage facilities serve new public roads, the

developer must complete the formation of a county service area (CSA), zone of benefit

within a permanent road division (PRD), or other Department of Public Works approved

entity prior to recordation of the final map. The formation process will require the

developer to fund the service until the beginning of the first fiscal year in which service

charges can be collected and agree to an annual maximum service charge to ensure

continued operation of the facilities.

18. Prior to final improvement inspection by the Department of Public Works, all new drain

inlets shall be labeled with the county approved drain marker per county standard S-40.

Improvement plans shall show and/or note the requirements for labeling inlets pursuant to

county standard S-40.

15



19. Prior to recordation of the final map, pay drainage impact fees per Article XI, Chapter 3

of Butte County Code.

20. Prior to final improvement inspection by the Department of Public Works, all new drain

inlets shall be labeled with the county approved drain marker per county standard S-40.

Improvement plans shall show and/or note the requirements for labeling inlets pursuant to

county standard S-40.

21. Prior to grading, a construction storm water permit will be required by the State Water

Resources Control Board if the project results in a disturbance (including clearing,

excavation, filling, and grading) of one or more acres. The permit must be obtained from

the State Water Resources Control Board prior to construction. If a construction storm

water permit is required, place a note on an additional map sheet that states: “The

development of this final map required a construction storm water permit. 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. Development of individual

lots may require an additional permit(s).”

22. Show all easements of record on the Parcel Map.

23. Prior to or concurrently with the recordation of the Parcel Map, pay in full any and all

delinquent, current and estimated taxes and assessments as specified in Article 8 of

Chapter 4 of Division 2 of Title 7, of the California Government Code commencing with

Section 66492.

24. Pay the recording fees in effect at the time the final map and related documents are

recorded.

25. Prior to recordation of the final map, pay all applicable assessments established by

affected assessment districts, in full.

26. Prior to recordation of the Final Map, a preliminary soils report prepared by a registered

design professional and based upon adequate testing shall be submitted to the Department

of Public Works Land Development Division and Department of Development Services

Building Division for review and approval.

Butte County Fire/California Department of Forestry

27. Construction, installation or development of buildings and/or roads, driveways, gates and

bridges on parcels/lots shall comply with current Butte County Improvement Standards.

28. Prior to construction, a pressurized community water system for fire protection is

required. Bonding may be allowed with the approval of the County Fire Chief. Average

required hydrant spacing is 500 feet (reduce by 100 feet on dead-end streets and roads),

hydrant size 6 inches, and residual fire flow of 1000 GPM. Fire hydrant identification,

road reflectors or post reflectors acceptable to the County Fire Chief shall be installed or

bonded, prior to Parcel or Final map recordation. Submit plans to the Fire Department for

review and approval prior to construction.

16



29. Prior to building construction, provide an all weather access of at least 10 feet wide and

vertical clearance of 15 feet that will allow for ingress and egress and accommodate a

40,000-pound fire apparatus to within 150 feet of any point on all structures.

30. Pressurized community water system must be installed and operational prior to

combustible building materials arriving on site.

Environmental Health Division

31. Place a note on the Final Map or additional map sheet stating: “Reports that may have

been conditions of approval on the tentative map and a list of current requirements for

building sites are on file and available for review in the Butte County Department of

Development Services and Butte County Environmental Health Division files.”

Processing Fees

32. Prior to recordation of the Parcel Map, pay any outstanding project-related processing

fees.

II. NOTATION

A. Minor changes may be approved administratively by the Directors of Development

Services, Environmental Health, or Public Works upon receipt of a substantiated written

request by the applicant, or their respective designee. Prior to such approval, verification

shall be made by each Department or Division that the modification is consistent with the

application, fees paid and environmental determination as conditionally approved.

Changes deemed to be major or significant in nature shall require a formal application for

amendment.

17

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W E

ast Ave

Holly Ave

Henshaw Ave

W L

indo

Ave

Alamo Ave

Cussick Ave

W S

hasta Ave

W 12th Ave

Denali Dr

Fern Ave

W Lass

en Ave

Moyer Way

Jones Ave

Churchill

Dr

W 11th Ave

Trenta Dr

Ruskin St

Ritchie C

irCrater L

ake D

r

Willow

Bend Dr

Ciulla Ln

Cade C

t

Aloha Ln

Abbey Dr

Royce Ln

Mill Creek D

r

Ilahee Ln

Carlene Pl

Indi

go L

n

Guynn Ave

Laird Dr

Pur

cell

Ln

Hastings S

t

Bradford Ct

Sheltering O

ak C

t

Ra

sh L

n

Tiffany Way

Yale

Way

Rebecca C

t

Lester Ct

Ew

ing Dr

Chantel Way

Carpers Ct

Calecita W

ay

Autumn G

old Dr

Roxbury C

t

Shadygrove Ct

Elkw

ood Ct

Bell Estates Dr

Sund

own W

est Ln (u

ndevelope

d)

San Antonio Dr

Dallas Ct

Tandy C

t

Stratfo

rd Way

Cromwell Dr

Surrey Ln

Marshall Ct

Waverly C

t

Camelot C

t

Crimso

n Ct

Langel Ct

La Force C

t

Grafton P

ark Dr

Dead End C

t

Brookvine Cir

Montego Way

Mesa Verde C

t

Stonebridge D

r

Santiago C

t

Jord

ans

Pl

Countryside Ln

Breanna Ln

Bay Ave

Almond G

rove

Ct

Herlax C

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La Bonita

Ct

Butterfly Ln

Cam

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Graceland C

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Pear

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Ct

Magee W

ay

μ 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.40.05

Miles

SanfordTSM13-0001

APN 042-020-020

City ofChico

Vicinity Map

Project Site

18

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W E

ast A

ve

Henshaw Ave

Alamo Ave

Jones Ave

Aloha Ln

Cussick Ave

Ciulla Ln

Willow

Bend Dr

Guynn Ave

Rebecca C

t

Chantel Way

Carpers Ct

Sheltering Oak Ct

Roxbury C

t

W S

hasta AveShadygrove C

t

Elkwood C

t

Bell Estates Dr

Chandese Ln

Hastings S

t

Jord

ans

Pl

Bay Ave

Indi

go L

nCrim

son C

t

Penstemon W

ay

Butterfly Ln

Applicant/Owner: Mark & Cindy Sanford Zoning: VLDR (Very Low Density Residential)

Request: Tentative Subdivision Map APN: 042-020-020 File#: TSM13-0001

Supervisor District #3

Butte County Zoning

:530 0 530 1,060 1,590 2,120265

Feet

Legend

Zoning 2030

Zone

City of Chico

G-C

MDR

MHDR

VLDR

VLDR-2.5

19

The following minor modifications (shown as underlined for new language and strike-through as deleted language) were made after the document was circulated to the State Clearinghouse: 1. Page 2, Section L, Second Paragraph:

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 orchards of 100 feet, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, feet from the northwest property line and 50 feet from the southwest property.

2. Page 9, Second to last paragraph:

The Department of Development Services in conjunction with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is recommending a residential dwelling setback from adjacent active orchards of 100 feet, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, feet from the northwest property line and 50 feet from the southwest property. If the project is approved, the Residential Setback Recommendation will be required to be shown on the recorded subdivision map.

3. Page 10, last paragraph:

As discussed above, the proposed project was reviewed with the Agricultural Commissioner’s office and it was determined that a 100-foot residential dwelling setback, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, from northwest property line and 50-foot residential dwelling setback from the southwest property line.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

BUTTE COUNTY

INITIAL STUDY AND

PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP TSM13-0001 (Sanford)

20

Project Name: Sanford Tentative Subdivision Map, File # TSM13-0001

■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■ ■ Initial Study – Sanford TSM13-0001 ■ Page 1 of 44 ■

COUNTY OF BUTTE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR

TSM13-0001 (SANFORD) 1.0 PROJECT INFORMATION A. Owner/Representative: Mark & Cindy Sanford/Keith Doglio, Rolls, Anderson & Rolls B. Staff Contact: Mark Michelena, (530) 538-7376, [email protected]

C. Project Name: Sanford

D. Project Location: The project site is located on the east side of Guynn Avenue, approximately feet (0.57 miles) south of Bell Road, at 2802 Guynn Avenue in the unincorporated portion of Chico.

E. Type of Application(s): Tentative Subdivision Map

F. Assessor’s Parcel Number: 042-020-020

G. Project Site Size: 10 acres

H. Zoning: VLDR (Very Low Density Residential, 1-acre minimum parcels)

I. General Plan Designation: Very Low Density Residential

J. Environmental Setting: The project site area is characterized as rural residential and agricultural uses situated in the rural valley region of Butte County, approximately west of Chico, and approximately 0.4 miles northeast from State Highway 32. Surrounding uses include rural residential and agriculture (orchards and row crops) on lots ranging from 0.44 acres up to 10 acres.

The topography of the project area is gentle and flat, with elevations ranging from 165 to 170 feet above sea level. Vegetation in the area consists primarily of annual grasslands and orchards. The most prominent human-made features are the rural residences, accessory structures, roads, utility lines, as well as the urban and suburban landscapes surrounding Chico.

The project site is undeveloped. Historic agriculture use of the project site has resulted in habitat fragmentation, degradation of natural hydrology, and the introduction of non-native species, which have diminished the habitat value of the vegetative communities on the project site. Vegetation on the site is primarily grassland, with a couple oak trees and bushes in the southwest corner and a couple scattered shrubs and trees on the eastern portion of the project parcel.

The final landcover types present on the site from the Draft Butte Regional Conservation Plan are ‘Orchard/Vineyard’ The project site fronts on Guynn Avenue, a public road, and is within the Bell-Muir area which contains both agricultural and rural residential land uses.

The project is also located on the urban side of the Chico Area Greenline and within the City of Chico’s planned Sphere of Influence (planned sphere). The planned sphere has been adopted by the City of Chico, but not yet approved by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)..

K. Surrounding Land Uses: Land uses adjacent to the subject parcel are an orchard to the northwest,. There was an orchard to the southwest, but it was removed. The parcel to the south and southwest is owned by the Chico Unified School District and used for row crops. Other surrounding parcels are either vacant or have residential uses. Surrounding lots range from 1 acre to 13 acres.

Direction General Plan Designation Zoning Existing Land Use(s) North Very Low Density Residential VLDR Agricultural (Orchards)/Residential South Very Low Density Residential City of Chico Agriculture (Row Crops)/Residential East Very Low Density Residential VLDR Residential/Agriculture (Orchard) West Very Low Density Residential VLDR Agricultural (Orchards)/Residential

21



3.0 POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS CHECKLIST SETTING A. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected: The environmental factors checked below could be potentially affected by this project; however, with the incorporation of mitigation measures, potentially significant project related impacts are reduce to a “less than significant” level (CEQA Guidelines 15382).

[ ] 4.1 Aesthetics [ ] 4.2 Agriculture Resources [X] 4.3 Air Quality [X] 4.4 Biological Resources [X] 4.5 Cultural Resources [ ] 4.6 Geological Processes [X] 4.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions [ ] 4.8 Hazards/Hazardous Material [ ] 4.9 Hydrology/Water Quality [ ] 4.10 Land Use [ ] 4.11 Mineral Resources [ ] 4.12 Noise [ ] 4.13 Housing [ ] 4.14 Public Services [ ] 4.15 Recreation [ ] 4.16 Transportation/Traffic [ ] 4.17 Utilities/Service Systems [ ] 4.18 Mandatory Findings of Significance

23



Figure 1 – Project Vicinity Map

24



Figure 2 – Proposed Tentative Subdivision Map

25



4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

4.1 AESTHETIC/VISUAL RESOURCES:

Would the proposal:

Potentially Significant

Impact

Less Than Significant

with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but

not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

X

c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? X

d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?

X

Setting:

The project site area is characterized as rural residential and agricultural lands situated in the rural valley region of Butte County, approximately west of Chico, and approximately 0.4 miles northeast from State Highway 32. Surrounding uses include rural residential and agriculture (orchards) on lots ranging from 0.44 acres up to 10 acres.

The topography of the project area is gentle and flat, with elevations ranging from 160 to 175 feet above sea level. Natural vegetation in the area consists of annual grasslands and orchards. The most prominent human-made features are the rural residences, accessory structures, roads, utility lines, as well as the urban and suburban landscapes surrounding Chico.

The Butte County General Plan depicts identified scenic resources in Butte County, including land-based and water-based scenic resources (Figure COS-7), County scenic highways (Figure COS-8), and Scenic Highway Zones (Figure COS-9). Based on the information provided in the General Plan, the project site is not located within, or in the vicinity of, identified scenic resources.

Impact Discussion:

a) Less Than Significant Impact. Future development of the proposed parcels includes single-family residential units, which would be consistent with the established visual character and planned future use of the surrounding area. Due to the low-density of the project, placement of additional residences will not significantly interfere with the views of scenic vistas from adjacent residences and public right-of-ways. Therefore, the 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. No improvements are proposed that could result in the damage or degradation of existing features on or near the project site. Subsequent development of the resultant parcels is anticipated to be consistent with the rural character of the project site and surrounding area. Additionally, the project site is not located along a designated State or County scenic highway.

c) Less Than Significant Impact. Future development of the resultant parcels would consist of single-family residences. The type of housing and the one-acre parcel sizes proposed would be consistent with the rural character and quality of the project site and surrounding area.

d) Less Than Significant Impact. Outdoor lighting for safety and security could potentially be added to existing and future structures on the resultant parcels. However, the proposed low density development would minimize ordinary nighttime lighting impacts to adjacent areas. Additionally, Article 14 of Butte County Code requires that all outdoor lighting in residential areas be located, adequately shielded, and directed such that no direct light falls outside

26



the property perimeter, or into the public right-of-way. As a result, 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:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


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?

X

b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act Contract? X

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))?

X

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

forest land to non-forest use? X

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?

X

Setting:

The project site is vacant land situated in the Very Low Density Residential – one-acre minimum (VLDR – 1.0) zone district. The Land Use Element Map of the Butte County General Plan designates the project site as Very Low Density Residential (VLDR). This land use designation is primarily for single-family homes on lots sizes with a minimum parcel size of 1 acre. The VLDR zone also allows for limited agricultural uses including crop cultivation, animal grazing, private stables, animal services, as well as roadside stands for the sale of agricultural products grown on the property.

Impact Discussion:

Adoption of the Butte County General Plan and Land Use Map designated the site VLDR – 1.0, and adoption of the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map zoned the site VLDR for residential development. These actions for the Bell Muir area and throughout the County were evaluated in the Butte County General Plan Environmental Impact Report (GPEIR - SCH# 2008092062). CEQA findings for the redesignation of the Bell Muir area to VLDR were made at the time the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance were adopted, based on the policies contained in the GPEIR and the requirements contained in the zoning. In other words, a programmatic evaluation was performed at that time, based on general information available. Additional environmental review is required for subsequent mapping and development, like the proposed TSM, to evaluate whether future projects comply with key policies and/or have other site specific characteristics which were not considered as part of the GPER override.

The project site fronts on Guynn Avenue, a public road, and is within the Bell-Muir area which contains both agricultural and rural residential land uses. Land uses in the vicinity of the project are dominated by residences at rural densities, undeveloped parcels, orchards and row crops. The property is not currently used for cultivated crop

27



production or livestock grazing. The final landcover type on the site from the draft Butte Regional Conservation Plan is ‘Orchard/Vineyard’. The project site is not under a Williamson Act contract to help preserve agricultural lands nor are any of the parcels surrounding the project site under a Williamson Act contract.

Surrounding parcels are all designated and zoned VLDR. Land uses adjacent to the subject parcel is an orchard to the north, northwest and southwest, row crops to the southeast, rural residences to the northeast and east, and vacant parcel to east and southwest. Existing lots adjacent to the subject property range from 1 acre to 13 acres.

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.

The project site is identified by the Department of Conservation as containing lands classified as Grazing Land. Areas surrounding the project site include Prime Farmland to the north, south and east, and Grazing Land to the west and east. Just further south and east is Urban and Built-up Land (City of Chico).

The GPEIR considered the impacts resulting from the build-out of the General Plan, including conversion of approximately 4,700 acres of Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and Unique Farmland to non-agricultural uses, including the Prime Farmland adjacent to the subject property. The Butte County Board of Supervisors determined that goals, policies, actions, and regulations of the General Plan would reduce and partially

28



offset the conversion of farmland into non-agricultural uses, but found that there are no feasible mitigation measures that the County could adopt to reduce the impact to be less than significant. To the extent that this adverse impact will not be substantially lessened or eliminated, the County found that specific economic, social, and other benefits identified in the Statement of Overriding Considerations supported the approval of the General Plan.

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 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.

The Department of Development Services in conjunction with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is recommending a residential dwelling setback from adjacent active orchards of 100 feet, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, feet from the northwest property line and 50 feet from the southwest property. If the project is approved, the Residential Setback Recommendation will be required to be shown on the recorded subdivision map.

a) No Impact. The project site is not designated as Important Farmland in the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in the conversion of Important Farmland to a non-agricultural use. The subject and surrounding properties were re-designated (OFC to VLDR) rezoned (A-5 to VLDR)

29


■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■

■ Initial Study – Sanford TSM13-0001 ■ Page 10 of 44 ■

during the GP2030 process. The GPEIR overrode 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 this property (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 a statement of overriding considerations for this significant environmental effect.

b) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site is zoned primarily for residential uses. The VLDR zone also allows for agricultural uses including crop cultivation, animal grazing, private stables, and other, limited, agricultural-type uses. 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. Neither the project site, nor surround parcels, are restricted by a Williamson Act contract.

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 considered forest land and therefore, the proposed project would not result in loss or conversion of forest land to a non-forest use.

e) Less Thank Significant Impact. State-designated Important Farmlands are located north, south and west of the project site. The GPEIR includes a programmatic analysis of agricultural land being converted to non-agricultural uses (GPEIR, page 4.2-9), as described above. It also contains a programmatic analysis of “other changes in the existing 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 GP land use map (including the VLDR designation on the subject parcel) “could result in incompatible land uses next to farm uses or ranches, creating circumstances that impair the productivity of agricultural operation, and could eventually lead farmers to take their land out of production (GPEIR, page 4.2-15).”

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 AG-5 - Reduce conflicts between urban and agricultural uses and between habitat mitigation banking and agricultural uses.

Policy Ag-P5.3.3 - 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. This setback shall be imposed on the parcel developing with residences and shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator in consultation with the Agricultural Commissioner as to width. The subject shall be subject to a public hearing.

As discussed above, the proposed project was reviewed with the Agricultural Commissioner’s office and it was determined that a 100-foot residential dwelling setback, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, from northwest property line and 50-foot residential dwelling setback from the southwest property line.


4.3 AIR QUALITY:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? X

30




Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?

X

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)?

X

d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? X

e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? X

Setting:

The proposed project is located in the Northern Sacramento Valley Air Basin (NSVAB). The NSVAB is bounded on the north by the Cascade Range, on the south by the Greater Sacramento Air Region and San Joaquin Valley Air Basin, on the east by the Sierra Nevada, and on the west by the Coast Range. High temperatures and low humidity, with prevailing winds from the south, characterize summer conditions. Occasional rainstorms, interspersed with stagnant and sometimes foggy weather, characterize winter conditions. Southern winds continue to predominate during the winter. Two types of inversion occur in the NSVAB: 1) during the summer sinking air forms a lid over the region contributing to photochemical smog and 2) air cools next to the ground while air aloft remains warm causing poor dispersion of ground level pollutant emissions.

The region’s air pollution management is guided by the Basin’s 2003 Air Quality Attainment Plan and includes a number of feasible control measures. Butte County, under the auspices of the Butte County Air Quality Management District (BCAQMD), has adopted some, but not all, of these measures.

The NSVAB is subject to federal, state, and local regulations. The NSVAB is designated nonattainment for PM10, (particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter), PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter) and ozone (ROG and NOX), by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The CARB prepares and submits to the EPA a State Implementation Plan explaining how the state will attain compliance with Federal clean air standards. The NSVAB adopted an updated Air Quality Attainment Plan in 2004 as its component of the State Implementation Plan. Among other policies, the Air Quality Attainment Plan called for the preparation and implementation of Indirect Source Review Guidelines (Guidelines). The intent of the Guidelines is to facilitate incorporation of features and mitigations early in the planning process, rather than later during the formal environmental review process when it may be too late or too expensive to incorporate the District’s recommended mitigation measures.

The BCAQMD also released the CEQA Air Quality Handbook: Guidelines for Assessing Air Quality Impacts and Greenhouse Gas Impacts for projects subject to CEQA Review (CEQA Handbook), which was approved October 23, 2014. The document establishes thresholds of significance for projects based on project size and/or projected emissions. The thresholds were analyzed for conformance with CEQA Guidelines §15382. The districts four categories of evaluation are:

1. Comparison of calculated project emissions to the Districts emission thresholds; 2. Consistency with the most recent Air Quality Attainment Plan (AQAP) for Butte County; 3. Comparison of predicted ambient pollutant concentrations resulting from the project to State and Federal

health standards, where applicable; and 4. The evaluation of special conditions which apply to certain projects, such as public exposure to toxic air

contaminants.

31




Table ES-2, below, lists the thresholds of significant for critical pollutants of concern, and the environmental document type, as determined by the CEQA Air Quality Handbook provided by the BCAQMD.

32




Impact Discussion:

a) Less Than Significant Impact. Table 4-1 (Screening Criteria for Critical Pollutants) lists the established thresholds based on land use, including single-family unit residential.. The threshold for a single family residential project is for project greater than 30 units. This project has the potential for 10 new residential units, resulting in a “Level A” threshold of significance. Best practices and mitigation measures to reduce project air quality and greenhouse gas emissions, and the District’s rules and regulations that are potentially applicable to discretionary projects, are provided in Appendix C of the CEQA Handbook. Due to the limited development potential of the proposed project, the project will not conflict with or obstruct the air quality plan.

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 residential development on the resultant parcels, and (2) fugitive dust (particulate/PM10) and construction exhaust emissions produced during construction activities of residential development on the resultant parcels.

Mobile source emissions are from motor vehicle include tailpipe and evaporative emissions. Emissions generated from on-road vehicles are expected; however, because the project would generate a limited amount of vehicle onto area roadways, potential impacts are less than significant.

Construction emissions generated throughout the course of project implementation 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, experience has shown that there are a number of feasible control measures that can be reasonably implemented to significantly reduce fugitive dust emissions from construction activities. To ensure implementation of effective and comprehensive control measures for fugitive dust emission to reduce potential air quality impacts from construction activities to a less than significant level, Mitigation Measure #1, listed below, is recommended.

The primary construction exhaust emissions generated by diesel-powered heavy equipment during construction activities include Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). When these emissions interact with sunlight in the atmosphere, they tend to break-down forming ozone or photochemical smog, and are known as ozone precursor emissions. The proposed project is expected to generate additional NOx and VOCs during construction activities. However, adherence to CARB rules for off-road vehicle emission control would ensure that the emissions generated by construction activities would be less than significant.

c) Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation Incorporated. Based on the information provided in section b), above, occupancy of the resultant parcels would not result in the violation of any air quality standards or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation. However, fugitive dust emissions generated during construction activities 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 With Mitigation Incorporated. Homes 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. Because impacts related to equipment exhaust emissions would not exceed the significance thresholds recommended by BCAPMD, and because construction activities for residential development tend to be short in duration, impacts to sensitive receptors would be less than significant.

e) Less Than Significant Impact. Future residential 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.

33




Mitigation Measure #1: Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet that states: “Dust generated by the development activities shall be kept to a minimum and retained on-site. Follow the air quality control measures listed below:

Control Dust a. During clearing, grading, earth moving, excavation, or transportation of cut or fill materials, water trucks or

sprinkler systems are to be used to prevent dust from leaving the site and to create a crust after each day’s activities cease.

b. During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this would include wetting down such areas in the later morning and after work is completed for the day and whenever wind exceeds 15 miles per hour.

c. Soil stockpiled for more than two days shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust generation.

d. On-site construction vehicles shall be limited to a speed of 15 mph on unpaved roads. e. Haul vehicles transporting soil into or out of the property shall be covered. f. Existing roads and streets adjacent to the project shall be cleaned at least once per day if dirt or mud from the

project site has been tracked onto these roadways, unless conditions warrant a greater frequency. g. Other measures may be required as determined appropriate by the BCAQMD or Department of Public Works in

order to control dust.

Post Contact Information h. Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact regarding dust complaints. This

person shall respond and take corrective action within 24 hours. The telephone number of the Butte County Air Quality Management District shall be visible to ensure compliance with BCAQMD Rule 200 & 205 (Nuisance and Fugitive Dust Emissions).

Other Construction Practices i. Maintain all construction equipment in proper tune according to manufacturer’s specification. j. Where feasible, give preference to utilizing the following equipment:

Electric equipment Substitute gasoline-powered for diesel-powered equipment Alternatively fueled construction equipment on site such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural

gas (LNG), propane, or biodiesel. Equipment that has Caterpillar pre-chamber diesel engines, as practical. Diesel construction equipment meeting the CARB’s 1996 or newer certification standard for off-road heavy-

duty diesel engines. k. Construction workers shall park in designated parking area(s) to help reduce dust emissions.”

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

34




4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


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?

X

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?

X

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)?

X

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?

X

e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources such as a tree preservation policy ordinance?

X

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?

X

g. A reduction in the numbers, a restriction in the range, or an impact to the critical habitat of any unique, rare, threatened, or endangered species of animals?

X

h. A reduction in the diversity or numbers of animals onsite (including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish or invertebrates)?

X

i. A deterioration of existing fish or wildlife habitat (for foraging, breeding, roosting, nesting, etc.)? X

j. Introduction of barriers to movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species? X

k. Introduction of any factors (light, fencing, noise, human presence and/or domestic animals) which could hinder the normal activities of wildlife?

X

Setting

The project site is situated in a valley area within an agricultural and rural area in the northern Sacramento Valley, west of the City of Chico. Both the Butte County General Plan, and from land cover data provided by the Butte County Association of Governments, in preparation of the upcoming Butte County Regional Conservation Plan identify this property as Agriculture (Orchard/Vineyard).

35




Agriculture

The agricultural natural community is comprised of several land cover types including orchards and vineyards, rice, irrigated cropland, irrigated pasture, and non-native woodland. Agriculture occurs where the soils and topography are most suitable for production, which are generally the flat and well-drained areas located in the valley region of the County. Conversion of lands to an agricultural use has resulted in the removal of most of the historical native habitat. Agriculture natural community areas generally don’t support the wildlife compared with most native habitats; however, these areas continue to support abundant wildlife and provide essential breeding, foraging and roosting habitat for many resident and migrant wildlife species.

Jurisdictional Waters of the United States, including Wetlands

Waters of the United States (U.S.), including wetlands, are broadly defined to include navigable waterways, and tributaries of navigable waterways, and adjacent wetlands. Although definitions vary to some degree, wetlands are generally considered to be areas that are periodically or permanently inundated by surface water or groundwater, supporting vegetation adapted to life in saturated soil. Jurisdictional wetlands are vegetated areas that meet specific vegetation, soil, and hydrologic criteria defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The USACE holds sole authority to determine the jurisdictional status of waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Jurisdictional wetlands and Waters of the U.S. include, but are not limited to, perennial and intermittent creeks and drainages, lakes, seeps, and springs; emergent marshes; riparian wetlands; and seasonal wetlands. Wetland and waters of the U.S. provide critical habitat components, such as nest sites and reliable source of water for a wide variety of wildlife species.

No aquatic features on the project site were identified. No formal delineation of jurisdictional waters was performed for the project site; and any potential aquatic features of the project site are not expected to meet USACE jurisdictional criteria due to the limited inputs of water, and the project’s site distance from area waterways designated as Waters of the United States.

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.

36




The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) was reviewed to determine if any special-status species have the potential to occur on the project site or in the vicinity. Table 4.4-1 lists the regulatory status and habitat requirements for each special-status species identified within a two-mile radius of the project site.

Vegetation on site mostly includes a walnut orchard. There are also ornamental shrubs, redwood trees and grasses. The project site is located in an area that had been used for agricultural for many years. There are still small orchards in the surrounding area. Over time, the area has developed into a mix of rural residential and smaller agriculture uses. The uses on the project site and surrounding area have for the most part have altered the native vegetation.

The County as part of the General Plan update designated this and the surrounding parcels as Very Low Density Residential.

Impact Discussion:

a) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site contains habitats that have the potential to support plant and invertebrates, considered as candidate, sensitive or special status species by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. However, historic use of the project site has resulted in habitat fragmentation, degradation of natural hydrology, and the introduction of non-native species, which have diminished the habitat value of the vegetative communities on the project site, and its ability to support special-status species. As a result, the limited amount of development potential enabled by the proposed project would not significantly degrade or reduce the existing habitat values on the project site that would cause significant impacts to sensitive species.

b) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The project site is not identified as containing riparian habitat. The project site contains a couple oak trees of various sizes. Oak woodlands are considered a sensitive habitat in California where development and population growth have increased the impacts of human activities on natural resources. Oak woodland contributes to air quality, erosion control, and the aesthetic quality of the landscape. It also provides habitat for over 300 wildlife species and serves as a corridor between wildlife populations. Although there has been a significant reduction in oak habitat in California, no species of oaks are listed as rare, threatened, or endangered and are not protected by local ordinance.

The California Public Resources Code §21083.4 requires that Counties identify whether a project has the potential to result in a conversion of oak woodlands that will have a significant effect on the environment. If it is determined that a project does have the potential to result in the conversion oak woodlands, then the County shall require oak woodland mitigation. Also, oaks are protected by the Forest Practice Act on timberlands. Efforts must be made to ensure that projects protect native oak trees, since development is decreasing their numbers to the point that they may become endangered in the future. The couple oak trees would not be classified as oak woodland, but the loss of the trees would be an impact. In order to protect existing oak trees, Mitigation Measure #2 is recommended to ensure that oaks present on the property are protected from development activity to the extent possible.

c) No Impact. No aquatic features, including wetlands, have been identified within, or in the vicinity of the project site.

d) Less Than Significant Impact. No major migratory routes have been designated through the project site. The site may facilitate home range and dispersal movement of resident wildlife species, but does not serve as a designated wildlife movement corridor. Subsequent development of the resultant parcels would not restrict regional wildlife movement or wildlife migration patterns primarily due to the large size of the parcels and minimal development potential.

37




e) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. See discussion 4.4(b) – Biological 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, and is scheduled to be completed in 2016. The project site is located within the proposed plan area of the BRCP. 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. Regardless, the small scale of this project would not be expected to have significant impacts upon sensitive biological resources that would require mitigation under the future habitat conservation plan.

g) Less Than Significant Impact. See discussion 4.4(a) – Biological Resources. Due to the limited development potential of the proposed project, as well as the minor amount of disturbance associated with the placement of a new development, less than significant impacts to critical habitats on the project site are anticipated.

h) Less than significant impact. See discussion 4.4(a) – Biological Resources.

i) No Impact. The project site does not contain native waterways containing substantial fish and wildlife habitat. The potential development of the resultant parcels are not expected to result in a significant deterioration of existing fish or wildlife habitat or introduce barriers to movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species because of its small scale.

j) Less Than Significant Impact. Introduction of fencing, noise, human presence and/or domestic animals is not expected to hinder the normal activities of wildlife living in and passing through the project site due to the relative low density of the resulting project parcels and the proximate low-density and undeveloped open space in the vicinity of the project.

k) Less Than Significant Impact. This project could result in the development of residential units that would introduce additional factors such as lighting, noise, human presence and domestic animals. The project site, and the surrounding area, already includes these factors in a low-density setting. The proposed project is consistent with the land use and density established for this area, and the addition of new single-family residences are not anticipated to significantly hinder normal activities of wildlife.

Mitigation Measure #2: Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet that states: “Prior to any development activity on proposed lot 10 or the issuance of any permit or approval removing or encroaching upon oak trees (this generally includes the canopy drip-line of trees within the area of ground disturbance and trees subject to changes in hydrologic regime) an Oak Tree Mitigation Plan prepared by a certified arborist, registered professional forester, botanist or landscape architect shall be submitted for review and approval by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee that includes:

1) A survey showing the location of oak trees 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height, as defined by PRC §21083.4(a);

2) The removal of all oak trees 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height shall be mitigated. It shall be mitigated by one or more of the following: replanting and maintaining oak trees, establishing conservation easements, contributing funds for off-site oak woodlands conservation, and/or other mitigation measures developed by Butte County. Replanting of oak seedlings shall be grown from acorns collected from a suitable seed zone and elevation and be planted at a 3 to 1 ratio. It is recommended that the source of the seedlings be secured a year from the proposed planting date. Replanted oak trees shall be maintained for a period of seven years after they are planted. If any of the replanted oak trees die or become diseased, they shall be replaced and maintained for seven years after the new oak trees are planted;

3) A replanting schedule and diagram for trees removed or encroached upon by permit activities consistent with PRC §21083.4(b)(2), applicable mitigation measures, and Butte County Ordinance, if any, shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee. Replanted trees shall be planted in areas deemed appropriate by the Plan, considering future lot development, interference with foundations, fencing, roadways, driveways, and utilities. Trees planted shall be protected from livestock and other animals.

4) Oak Tree protection measures for trees to be retained within the project site shall be included in construction specifications. Each oak tree to be preserved shall be surrounded by a tree zone

38




identified by the drip line of the tree. An orange plastic fence or other suitable type of fence shall be used to identify the tree zone during construction activities. No vegetation removal, soil disturbance, or other development activities shall occur within the tree zone in order to protect root systems and minimize compaction of the soil, unless authorized by Oak Tree Mitigation Plan; and

5) Conservation easements or funds for off-site oak woodlands conservation shall be proposed to and approved by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee.”

Plan Requirements: No vegetation removal, grading, road construction, or other earthwork shall be permitted until the tree plan is submitted and approved.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be satisfied prior to any development activity or the issuance of any grading, building, septic, or well permit, or the approval of any improvement plans on the parcels.

Monitoring: At the time of septic, well, or building permit application, the Development Services Department will reference this requirement on any grading, building, septic, or well permit site plans and verify that an Oak Tree Mitigation Plan has been submitted to and approved by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee. Butte County building inspectors shall ensure compliance on-site.

4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


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? X

b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? X

c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? X

d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? X

Impact Discussion:

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. Although this area is not located within one of these areas, there is still the chance that cultural resources could be located on site.

A record search for existing archeological sites and surveys on the project site, and within one mile, was conducted through the Northeast Information Center of the California Historical Resources Information System in July 2014. The search did not reveal the existence of any prehistoric or historic resources on the project site. But, it was noted that there is one prehistoric site located within one-mile of the project site. The identified prehistoric site consisted of human bones, graves, mortars, and pestles that may have been utilized by the Konkow Maidu populations, which were known to be located in the region.

a) b) c) & d) Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation Incorporated. Historic use of the project site for agriculture has resulted in ground-disturbing activities that likely destroyed any cultural resources that may have been located on the surface. Future grading and other soil disturbance activities resulting from the development of the project site has the potential to uncover historic or prehistoric cultural resources located below the surface. To prevent

39




impacts to the resources that may be uncovered during development activities on the project site, Mitigation Measure #3, below, is recommended. Mitigation Measure #3: Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the Parcel Map or on an additional map sheet that states: “Should grading activities reveal the presence of prehistoric or historic cultural resources (i.e. artifact concentrations, including arrowheads and other stone tools or chipping debris, cans glass, etc.; structural remains; human skeletal remains) work within 50 feet of the find shall immediately cease until a qualified professional archaeologist can be consulted to evaluate the find and implement appropriate mitigation procedures. Should human skeletal remains be encountered, State law requires immediate notification of the County Coroner ((530) 538-6579). Should the County Coroner determine that the remains are in an archaeological context, the Native American Heritage Commission in Sacramento shall be notified immediately, pursuant to State Law, to arrange for Native American participation in determining the disposition of such remains.” The provisions of this note shall be followed during construction of all subdivision improvements, including land clearing, road construction, utility installation, and building site development.

Plan Requirements: This note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the 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. State law requires the reporting of any human remains.

4.6 GEOLOGIC PROCESSES:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


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?

X

X X

X

b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? X 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?

X

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?

X

40




Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

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?

X

Impact Discussion:

The Seismic Safety Element of the Butte County General Plan indicates that all of Butte County is in Moderate Earthquake Intensity Zone VIII. The site is not within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake fault zone but is within an aftershock epicenter region (Butte County GIS Epicenter Regions theme). The only known active fault in Butte County is the Cleveland Hill fault zone, located approximately 29.1 miles southeast of the project site, where activity on August 1, 1975 resulted in the Oroville earthquake. This earthquake had a Richter magnitude of 5.7 and resulted in approximately 2.2 miles of ground rupture along the western flank of Cleveland Hill. In the northwest corner of Butte County near Chico there are a series of short, north-northwest trending faults similar to the Cleveland Hill fault. These faults appear to be an extension of the Bear Mountain Fault or Foothills Shear Zone. Minor seismic activity has occurred in the area of these short faults; however, other geologic evidence indicates these faults are not active (Health and Safety Element, Butte County General Plan 2010). An inferred fault is located approximately 10.8 miles to the east of the project site. None of these faults have experienced any known movement during historical times. No impacts are anticipated since no rupture of a known earthquake fault exists in the project area.

Like most of central California, the site can be expected to be subjected to seismic ground shaking at some future time. Accordingly, all buildings and other improvements would be designed and installed in accordance with California Building Code requirements.

a1) Less. Than Significant Impact. The site is not within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake fault zone and is not within an aftershock epicenter region (Butte County GIS Epicenter Regions theme). As mentioned above, the only known active fault in Butte County is the Cleveland Hill fault zone, located approximately 29.1 miles to the southeast of the project site, where activity on August 1, 1975, resulted in the Oroville earthquake. This earthquake had a Richter magnitude of 5.7 and resulted in approximately 2.2 miles of ground rupture along the western flank of Cleveland Hill.

a2) Less Than Significant Impact. Like most of central California, the site can be expected to be subjected to seismic ground shaking at some future time. Accordingly, all buildings and other improvements would be designed and installed in accordance with Uniform Building Code requirements. As the project appears to be located such that the probability of significant groundshaking is low, and because the project does not propose the addition of significant structures that would be at risk to seismic activity, potential geologic impacts would be less than significant. Furthermore, any structures that are built during the course of the project would be designed and installed in accordance with Uniform Building Code standards for the appropriate Seismic Hazard Zone. a3) Less Than Significant Impact. Liquefaction is a phenomenon where loose, saturated, granular soils lose their inherent shear strength due to excess water pressure that builds up during repeated movement from seismic activity. Factors that contribute to the potential for liquefaction include a low relative density of granular materials, a shallow groundwater table, and a long duration and high acceleration of seismic shaking. Liquefaction usually results in horizontal and vertical movements from lateral spreading of liquefied materials and post-earthquake settlement of liquefied materials. Liquefaction potential is greatest where the groundwater level is shallow, and submerged loose, fine sands occur within a depth of approximately 50 feet or less. The Butte County Health and Safety Element’s Liquefaction Potential Map indicates that the site has a generally moderate potential for liquefaction.

a4) Less Than Significant Impact. The Subsidence and Landslide Potential Map of the Health and Safety Element of the Butte County General Plan (Figure HS-4 of the General Plan) indicates that there is a low to no potential for landslides in this area. The potential for landslides on the project site is considered remote due to the lack of slope on the project site and on the surrounding parcels.

41




b) Less than Significant Impact. There is slight potential for soil erosion on the project site according to Figure HS-5, Erosion Potential Map of the Health and Safety Element of the County General Plan. The site is generally level, also reducing the likelihood of erosion.

c) No Impact. The project is not located on an unstable geologic unit or soil and will not cause instability that would result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse.

d) Less Than Significant Impact. Figure HS-3 of the General Plan Health and Safety Element indicates that the project site has a low expansive soil potential. The Butte County Building Division may require soil tests prior to issuance of a building permit to determine if the soils on the site have an expansive potential.

e) Less Than Signification Impact. The project proposes to use individual septic systems for wastewater disposal. The applicant completed a pre-application review with Butte County Department of Environmental Health it was determined the use of individual septic systems would not have a signification impact.

Mitigation Measure: None required

4.7 GREEENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


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?

X

b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation

adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of

greenhouse gases?

X

Setting:

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.

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.

42




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 subdivision that would contribute to the existing greenhouse gas inventory for Butte County through the creation of parcels for future residential development. 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) No 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 #4: Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the 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:

43





o Prewire all new residential development to support photovoltaic system installation.


o Install electrical vehicle outlets on external walls or in garages in all new residential development.


o Minimize idling time either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the time of idling to no more than 3 minute.



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.

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. 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:

Would the proposal: Potentially Significant

Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


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?

X

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?

X

c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed schools?

X

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?

X

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?

X

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?

X

44




Would the proposal: Potentially Significant

Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

g. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?

X

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?

X

Impact Discussion:

a) Less Than Significant Impact. Construction activities associated with the development of the proposed project would involve the use of potentially hazardous materials, including paints, cleaning materials, vehicle fuels, oils, and transmission fluids. However, all potentially hazardous materials would be contained, stored, and used in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and handled in compliance with applicable standards and regulations. It is not anticipated that large quantities of hazardous materials would be permanently stored or used within the project site. However, if large quantities are stored at the project site, the owner would be required to obtain a Hazardous Materials Business Plan. It is more likely that only small quantities of publicly-available hazardous materials (e.g., paint, maintenance supplies) may be routinely used within the project site 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 human or environmental health.

b) Less Than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed project would result in the development of up to 10 dwelling units. It is not anticipated that large quantities of hazardous materials would be permanently stored or used within the project site. Similarly, the project would not emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous materials. Small quantities of publicly-available hazardous materials (e.g., paint, maintenance supplies) would be routinely used within the project site 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 human or environmental health. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not create a permanent significant hazard to the public or environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.

c) No Impact. No existing or proposed elementary schools have been identified within one-quarter mile of the project site. The nearest school is Emma Wilson Elementary School, which is located on West 8th Avenue, approximately 1.74 miles from 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 any sites at or adjacent to the project site that have used, stored, disposed of, or released hazardous materials. The project does not involve the use of hazardous materials and would not create any hazardous materials.

e) No Impact. No public use airports have been identified to be located within two miles of the project site. The closest public use airport is Ranchaero Airport, which is located approximately 2.3 miles to the south. The closest commercial airport, Chico Municipal Airport, is located approximately 3.3 miles to the east. The proposed project is located outside the compatibility zones for the area airports, and therefore, would not result in noise impacts to people residing on the project site.

f) No Impact. No known private airstrips have been identified within two miles 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.

45




h) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site is not located in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or in a State Responsibility Area. It is in a Local Responsibility Area. As a result, subsequent development on the resultant parcels would not expose structures or residents on the project site to a significant wildland fire risk. As an added protection, Butte County Fire Department/CalFire requires construction of an all-weather access road at the time of development. The road will be at least 10 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet to allow for ingress and egress of a 40,000-pound fire apparatus to within 150 feet of all structures on the resultant parcels.


4.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? X

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)?

X

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?

X

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?

X

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?

X

f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? X 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?

X

h. Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? X

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?

X

j. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X

Setting:

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

46




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). According to floodplain mapping of the project area, the project site is located within the X zone. The X zone (Unshaded) 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.

Impact Discussion:

a) Less Than Significant Impact. Wastewater disposal for the proposed project would be provided by private, on- site septic systems. The Butte County Environmental Health Division reviewed the soil profiles provided by Rolls, Anderson and Rolls Engineering, which the soil profiles consistently revealed sandy loam and loam soils to depths greater than 72 inches below grade. The findings yield a determined wastewater application rate of 0.8 gallons/day/square foot and a Minimal Usable Wastewater Area (MUWA) Soil Group E. Soil Group E requires a MUWA of 12,000 square foot per residence utilizing gravity dispersal for wastewater. This requirement is determined to have been satisfied. There was also no evidence of high seasonal groundwater. At the time of development, proposed development would be evaluated, and compliance with wastewater disposal standards would be insured.

Potential water pollutants may be generated during construction activities associated with build-out of the resultant parcels, which may include sediment and petroleum based fuels and lubricants. Construction activities have the potential to temporarily increase the sediment load of stormwater runoff from construction areas (i.e., disturbing soil at work area, the staging area, access road, etc.). Excess sediment in surface drainage pathways can alter and degrade the aquatic habitat in nearby surface water channels. In addition, if construction equipment or workers inadvertently release pollutants such as hydraulic fluid or petroleum to the surface water, these materials could be entrained by stormwater and discharged into surface water features causing water quality degradation.

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 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.

b) Less Than Significant Impact. Domestic water services to future residences on the resultant parcels would be provided by California Water Service. New development requiring a domestic water supply would increase groundwater extraction; however, sufficient groundwater resources are available in the project area to serve potential development at the site.

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. Future residential structures would result in only a minor increase in impervious surfaces from the construction of concrete foundations and access road surfacing. 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 so as to make surface soils 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. Vegetation removal, mostly natural grasses, and soil disturbance would occur during clearing of the building site and access road, 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.

47




Butte County Public Works Department is requiring as a condition of approval a plan to address permanent solution for drainage. The drainage plans shall be required to detail existing drainage conditions and shall specify how drainage waters shall be detained or retained onsite and/or conveyed to the nearest natural or publicly maintained drainage channel or facility.

e) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is likely to generate a minor increase in runoff from the development of residences and access roads. Even so, the anticipated minor increase in runoff would likely be negligible in terms of the capacity of any existing stormwater drainage systems.

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) & h) No Impact. 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). According to floodplain mapping of the project area, portions of the project site are located within the X zone (Unshaded). The applicable flood zone is defined by FEMA as follows:

X: 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.

i) No Impact. No reservoirs or dams exist within the project area that, if catastrophic failure occurs, would affect the project site. There are no levees which that would create flooding impacts to the project site.

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:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

a. Physically divide an established community? X 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?

X

c. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? X

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. It is located in unincorporated Butte County, on the urban side of the Chico Area Greenline and within the City of Chico planned Sphere of Influence.

48




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 designations of the project site and their intended use are as follows:

Very Low Density Residential (VLDR)

The purpose of the 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 to ensure that new residential neighborhoods provide an appropriate transition from rural to more developed areas. Permitted residential uses in the VLDR zones include single-family homes, residential care homes, and second units. 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, on-site agricultural product sales, and medical offices and clinics. The minimum permitted parcel size in the VLDR zone is 1 acre. The VLDR zone implements the Very Low Density Residential land use designation in the General Plan.

City of Chico planned Sphere of Influence

The project site is currently located within unincorporated Butte County. The project is also located on the urban side of the Chico Area Greenline and within the City of Chico planned Sphere of Influence (planned sphere). The planned sphere has been adopted by the City of Chico, but not yet approved by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). Inclusion in the planned sphere indicates the city’s intention to annex the Bell Muir Area area into city jurisdiction in the foreseeable future. The Bell-Muir area has been designated SPA-1, a special planning area in the Chico General Plan. The City’s General Plan provides a conceptual land use plan which foresees Low Density Residential LDR (2.1 to 7 dwelling units per acre) for the area. See the following link for discussion of the Bell Muir Special Planning Area in the Chico General Plan, Appendix C.

http://www.chico.ca.us/document_library/general_plan/documents/AppendixC_SpecialPlanningAreas.pdf

Impact Discussion:

a) No Impact. The project site is located in a rural area of Butte County that includes residential uses, agriculture and undeveloped parcels of various sizes. As a result, the proposed project will not physically divide an established community.

b) Less Than Significant Impact. Each parcel gross acreage meets the minimum lot size required by the VLDR zoning designation of one acre in size. The proposed project does not include an amendment to the existing land use designation, or a change to the existing residential land use occurring on the project site. The proposed project would subdivide the property into 10 lots for development of 10 residential dwellings and accessory structures.

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 AG-5 - Reduce conflicts between urban and agricultural uses and between habitat mitigation banking and agricultural uses.

Policy Ag-P5.3.3 - 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. This setback shall be imposed on the parcel developing with residences and shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator in consultation with the Agricultural Commissioner as to width. The subject shall be subject to a public hearing.1

As discussed above, Policy AG-P5.3.3 is implemented by BCC §24-56.1 - Residential Setback from Orchards and Vineyards. The proposed project was reviewed by the Department of Development Services, in consultation with the Agricultural Commissioner’s office, and it was determined that a 100-foot residential dwelling setback, or 60 feet with approved vegetation screen, from the northwest property line and a 50-foot residential dwelling setback from the southwest property line.

49

http://www.chico.ca.us/document_library/general_plan/documents/AppendixC_SpecialPlanningAreas.pdf




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. 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:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

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?

X

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?

X

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. However, future development on the resultant parcels would use mineral resources in the construction of structures and access roads. The amount of resources used for the anticipated development on the resultant parcels is minor and would not result in the loss of its availability.

b) No Impact. The project site is not located in an area currently used for, or known to have, locally-important mineral resources.


1. Agricultural Policy 5.3.3 was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on January 16, 2016 and becomes effective 30 days after the adoption.

50




4.12 NOISE:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

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?

X

b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels? X

c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?

X

d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?

X

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?

X

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?

X

Setting:

The Health and Safety Element of the Butte County General Plan identifies land use compatibility standards for exterior community noise for a variety of sensitive land uses. For residential land uses, a maximum exterior noise level of 60 Ldn/CNEL decibel level is generally identified as being an acceptable noise environment requiring no special noise insulation or noise abatement features. For an interior noise level standard, the maximum decibel level is 45 Ldn/CNEL.

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. The ordinance sets forth exterior and interior noise level standards that are applicable to sensitive areas within Butte County, including residential uses. Among the noise generating activates subject to the noise ordinance are noise sources associated with construction. Though construction-related noises are subject to the noise standards of the county, these activities would be exempt if operations occur between 7:00 a.m. to sunset on any day except Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday, or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday; and, provided machinery is fitted with correctly functioning sound suppression equipment.

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 and from occupancy of the single-family residence. Construction noises associated with development of the resultant parcel would primarily be from the use of heavy equipment. Typical noises contributed by a single-family dwelling include landscaping equipment, automobiles, power tools, domestic animals, heating and cooling systems and audio equipment. Construction and residential occupancy noises could be perceptible to surrounding residences and other sensitive uses, but are not anticipated to result in generation of noises in excess of noise standards established in the Butte County General Plan due to the low density of the project site and the surrounding area, and because construction noises are temporary and would occur during typical daytime hours.

51




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 brief 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 sounds emanating from residential uses, vehicle traffic along area roadways, adjacent agricultural operations and from the railroad. The only permanent noise sources 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 landscaping equipment, automobiles, power tools, domestic animals, heating and cooling systems and audio equipment. It’s anticipated that these introduced sources of noise would likely result in the ambient noise levels within the project site and surrounding area to increase. However, due to the low ambient noises presently in the surrounding environment, and the low density of the proposed parcels and surrounding area, the anticipated increase in ambient noise levels occur 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. Construction of residential structures would require a variety of equipment. 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 likely generate noise levels in excess of exterior noise standards identified in the General Plan, given the small size of the proposed project, and that construction activities would occur during less sensitive daytime hours, temporary noise impacts are not considered significant.

e) No Impact. No public use airports have been identified to be located within two miles of the project site. The proposed project is located outside the compatibility zones for the area airports, and therefore, would not result in noise impacts to people residing on the project site.

f) No Impact. No known private airstrips have been identified within the vicinity of the project site. As a result, no noise impacts associated with the airport operations are anticipated to affect people working or residing within the project site.


4.13 POPULATION AND HOUSING:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

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?

X

b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

X

c. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? X

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Setting:

The population for Butte County was estimated to be 220,024 in 2010 and 203,446 in 2000, resulting in a total population growth of 16,578 during this 10-year period (US Census). The annual average population growth rate in the county during this period was 0.79 percent. Total housing units in Butte County was approximately 95,835 in 2010, with approximately 8.6 percent of these housing units considered vacant.

The proposed project would result in the creation of ten parcels that could potentially be developed with a single-family residence and accessory structures. 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 on the parcel, the proposed project could add 24 to 25 new residents to the local population.

Impact Discussion:

a) Less Than Significant Impact. Subdividing of the project site could facilitate the potential addition of 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 would not be significant due to the limited amount, and would not indirectly induce growth by creating new opportunities for local industry or commerce. 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 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. See discussion 4.13(a) – Population and Housing. The project site is undeveloped.

c) No Impact. See discussion 4.13(a) – Population and Housing. The proposed project would not cause the displacement of the local population.


4.14 PUBLIC SERVICES:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

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? X 2. Police Protection? X 3. Schools? X 4. Parks? X 5. Other public services? X

Impact Discussion:

a1) Less Than Significant Impact. See discussion 4.8 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials for further detail. See discussion 4.8 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials. 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.

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a2) Less Than Significant Impact. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement service to the project area. Implementation of the proposed project would increase the police service calls to the vicinity beyond existing conditions. This would be a direct result of the development of single-family residences and the resultant increase in population. The cumulative impacts of increased development in rural areas impacts the ability of the Sheriff's Department to adequately provide police services to outlying areas. The project’s increase in demand for police services would be offset through project related impact fees, which are collected at the time of building permit issuance.

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. 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 statewide average student yield factors (“student generation rate”) are as follows:

Statewide Average Student Yield Factors Elementary School District 0.5 students per dwelling unit High School District 0.2 students per dwelling unit Unified School District 0.7 students per dwelling unit California Department of General Services (http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/opsc/pdf-forms/sab_50-01.pdf)

Development of the proposed project could generate a student population increase of approximately 14 students (0.7 students per unit x 20 units) for the Chico Unified School District. 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. The project would result in the potential development of up to 10 residential dwellings, which would not create significant impacts to area parks and facilities. See discussion 4.15 – Recreation for more detail.

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:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

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?

X

b. Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

X

Setting

The project site is located in the Chico Recreation and Park District (CRPD). The CRPD covers an area of approximately 208 square miles, and includes the City of Chico, as well as the unincorporated community of Nord. The district operates and maintains approximately 214 acres of developed parkland and facilities to serve a population of approximately 104,367

54




residents. This translates into a level of service of 1.85 acres of parklands for every 1,000 residents. The total park facilities operated by the district do not include Bidwell Park and parks operated by State and Federal agencies. No park facilities are located in the vicinity of the project site; however, it’s anticipated that future residents of the project site would likely use facilities located in the City of Chico, as well as nearby State-operated facilities, to meet their recreational needs. The nearest community recreational facilities to the project site is DeGarmo Park, which is located approximately 2.7 miles north on Esplanade. DeGarmo Park is owned and operated by the District, and includes picnic and barbeque areas, playground, three baseball fields and large grass field. The nearest neighborhood park, Oak Way, is located approximately 1.6 miles south of the project site. The City of Chico has a proposed park (Henshaw) approximately 0.4 miles to the southeast.

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 may generate growth in the local population, if residential units are constructed on the resultant parcels. Because housing and population growth in the project area would be minor, the project would not result in a substantial increase in demand for recreational facilities or adversely affect Butte County park/population standards.

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:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

a. Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)?

X

b. Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways?

X

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?

X

d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?

X

e. Result in inadequate emergency access? X f. Result in inadequate parking capacity? X g. Conflict with accepted policies, plans or programs

supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?

X

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Setting:

Roadway Network

Regional and local access to the project site is provided by W. East Avenue (City/County), Nord Avenue (County), Bell Road (County), Henshaw Avenue (City/County) and Guynn Avenue (City/County).

W. East Avenue is a Select Arterial City and County-maintained roadway. It provides East-West access between State Highway 32 and east Chico. The road varies in lanes from two to four lanes. In the project area it is four lanes.

Nord Avenue is a local road, County-maintained roadway. It provides a North-South access between Bell Road and W. East Avenue. The road is approximately 20 feet in width, with an asphalt surface. Dirt shoulders are located on both sides of the road.

Bell Road is an urban collector, County-maintained roadway. It provides East-West access between Cussick Avenue and Hamilton-Nord-Cana Highway. The road is approximately 20 to 24 feet in width, with an asphalt surface. Paved shoulders widths of one-foot are located on both sides of the road.

Henshaw Avenue is an urban collector, City and County-maintained roadway. It provides East-West access between Esplanade and Nord Avenue. The road is approximately 20 to 24 feet in width, with an asphalt surface. Paved shoulders widths of one-foot are located on both sides of the road.

Guynn Avenue is a local road, City and County-maintained roadway. It provides a North-South access between Bell Road and W. East Avenue. The road is approximately 20 to 24 feet in width, with an asphalt surface. A combination of both asphalt and dirt shoulders are located on both sides of the road.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

Bicycle facilities include bike paths (Class I), bike lanes (Class II), and bike routes (Class III).

Class I Bike paths provide a completely separated facility designed for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians within minimal cross flows by motorists. Caltrans standards call for Class I two-way bike paths to have 8 feet of pavement width with 2 foot wide graded shoulders on either side, for a total right-of-way width of 12 feet. Designated one-way bike paths are allowed 5 feet of minimum pavement width. Class I bike paths must also be at least 5 feet from the edge of a paved roadway, 8 feet from an obstruction, and meet specified minimum horizontal and vertical curve requirements for the speeds anticipated.

Class II Bike lanes provides restricted on-street right-of-way designated for the exclusive or semi-exclusive use of bicycles with through travel by motor vehicles or pedestrians prohibited, but with vehicle parking and crossflows by pedestrians and motorists permitted. Caltrans standards generally require a minimum 4 foot bike lane with 6-inch white strip separating the roadway from the bike lane. Where raised curbs without permitted parking or designated marked parking exists, a minimum 5 foot bike lane adjacent to the traffic lane is required. Where parking is permitted, but unmarked, the 6-inch white stripe separating the traffic lane from the bike lane must be a minimum of 12 feet from the raised curb.

Class III Bike routes provides a preferred shared route with motorists on the street, or to a more restricted extent, with pedestrians on sidewalks where designated by signs or permanent markings. The main purpose of designated bike routes is to provide continuity to the bikeway network by connecting discontinuous segments of Class I and II bikeways and may also be used to direct bicyclists to a route of higher degree of service or use. Roadways designated as Class III bike routes should have sufficient width to accommodate motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Other than a street sign, there are no special markings required for a Class III bike route.

Pedestrian facilities include sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and paved shoulders adjacent to rural roads. The County of Butte’s Development Standards typically require proposed residential and commercial developments located in the County’s urban areas to construct curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements within the County roadways fronting development. Residential developments located within the Chico Urban Area that have lot sizes greater than one acre come under a separate rural standard that presently does not require curb, gutter, and sidewalks to be constructed. Elsewhere sidewalks are presently constructed to County Public Works Standards with a four-foot wide sidewalk in residential areas and a five-foot wide sidewalk within commercial areas (Butte County Bicycle Plan, 2011).

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There are no designated pedestrian or bicycle transportation facilities located near the project site, nor are such facilities proposed for the project area. Given the lack of existing facilities, pedestrian and bicycle traffic generally will use the unpaved and paved roadway shoulders, or the paved travel lanes.

Impact Discussion:

a) & b) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project has the potential to introduce ten (10) new single-family dwellings that would generate minimal long-term changes in traffic volumes. Vehicle traffic for a single-family residence is estimated to be approximately 10 vehicle trips per day (ITE, 1997). Because the scope of the proposed project is relatively minor and would not result in construction of a substantial amount of residential units, the increase in traffic levels would not create substantial impacts to operating conditions of the area road network.

Construction activities associated with the construction of a future development on each parcel has the potential to generate short-term changes to traffic volumes on the area road network. Daily vehicle trips would be generated with the arrival and departure of construction workers. Construction activities associated with a single-family residence 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.

c) No Impact. The closest public use airports are Ranchaero and Chico Municipal Airport. Ranchaero is located approximately 2.1 miles to the south and Chico Municipal is located approximately 3.2 miles to the northeast. The proposed project is located outside the compatibility zones for the airports, and therefore, 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. The proposed cul-de-sac and future private encroachments to the county roadway would be designed 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. The proposed project will require improvements to Guynn Avenue and a new cul-de-sac to County standards. +24+24 Butte County Code 20-133 allows for a cul-de-sac length of 1,320 feet for parcels zoned 1 to 5 acres.. The cul-dac-sac length, determined per BCC 20-133 is approximately 420 feet. From the intersection of Guynn Avenue, the cul-de-sac is approximately 745 feet. Future road and encroachment improvements would be reviewed by the Butte County Public Works Department and Butte County Fire Protection Department/California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to ensure that any potential safety concerns are addressed.

f) No Impact. The project parcels are large enough to meet the required 2 off-street parking spaces. There will also be additional on-street parking available on the proposed cul-de-sac and the project frontage on Guynn Avenue.

g) Less Than Significant Impact. Future residential development on the resultant parcels would have minor long-term impact on demand for alternative transportation facilities due to the limited population growth to the project area. Construction activities associated with future residential and access road development may generate short-term disruption to area roadways from an anticipated increase in traffic levels. 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 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS:

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? X

57




Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

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?

X

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?

X

d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed?

X

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?

X

f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs?

X

g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes, and regulations related to solid waste? X

Impact Discussion:

a) & b) Less Than Significant Impact. Wastewater disposal for the proposed project would be provided by private, on-site septic systems. The Butte County Environmental Health Division has performed a preliminary review of the proposed project, and has indicated that future placement of an on-site septic system for the proposed parcel would be possible. At the time of development, the proposed development would be evaluated, and compliance with wastewater disposal standards would be insured. Therefore, the project would not have an impact on any wastewater treatment facilities because septic systems would be utilized.

c) Less Than Significant Impact. No existing on-site storm water drainage facilities are located on the project site, and none would be anticipated with the future development of the resultant parcels due to the large parcel sizes that would readily allow storm water to infiltrate into the ground before leaving the site. The project is required to construct a cul-de-sac to access the internal parcels. Prior to recordation of the final map, drainage plans and calculations shall be submitted to and approved by the Department of Public Works. Engineering plans shall detail existing drainage conditions and specify how storm water runoff will be either detained or retained onsite and/ or conveyed to the nearest natural drainage channel or publicly maintained facility. Engineering calculations shall show there is no increase in peak flow runoff leaving the property.

d) Less Than Significant Impact. Domestic water services to future residences on the resultant parcels will be served by a community water system (California Water Service Company). Cal Water has identified it has sufficient water supply to serve the ten parcels.

e) No Impact. Wastewater disposal for the proposed project would be provided by private, on-site septic systems. The Butte County Environmental Health Division has performed a preliminary review of the proposed project, and has indicated that future placement of an on-site septic system for the proposed parcel would be possible. At the time of development, the proposed development would be evaluated, and compliance with wastewater disposal standards would be insured. Therefore, the project would not have an impact on any wastewater treatment facilities because septic systems would be utilized.

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f) & g) 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 Landfill. The California Integrated Waste Management Board estimates that a typical residential household generate 10 to 12 pounds of waste per day (1.8 to 2.2 tons per year). According to the Butte County Public Works Department, the Neal Road Landfill is expected to reach maximum holding capacity by the year 2018, and is currently seeking a permit to expand the landfill so that it can accommodate solid waste to the year 2034. Based on this information, and because the proposed project would comply with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations as they relate to solid waste, adequate permitted landfill capacity exists to accommodate the proposed project.


4.18 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE (SECTION 15065):

Would the proposal:


Impact


with Mitigation

Incorporated


Impact

No

Impact

Reviewed

Under Previous

Document

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?

X

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)?

X

c. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?

X

The project has the potential to contribute impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable with respect to Initial Study Checklist Items 4.3 – Air Quality; 4.4 – Biological Resources and 4.5 – Cultural Resources and 4.7 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Cumulative impacts to these areas would be mitigated due to the inclusion of Mitigation Measures #1 through #4 as itemized under Section 5 – Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Requirements.

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 Mitigation Measures # 1 through #4, as itemized under Section 5 – Mitigation Measures and Monitoring

59




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. There are four other parcel maps proposed in the Bell-Muir area that would add to the cumulative impacts. Each project will be analyzed and include mitigations that will reduce their impacts to a less than significant impact.

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 and cultural resources. 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: Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet that states: “Dust generated by the development activities shall be kept to a minimum and retained on-site. Follow the air quality control measures listed below:

Control Dust a. During clearing, grading, earth moving, excavation, or transportation of cut or fill materials, water trucks or

sprinkler systems are to be used to prevent dust from leaving the site and to create a crust after each day’s activities cease.

b. During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this would include wetting down such areas in the later morning and after work is completed for the day and whenever wind exceeds 15 miles per hour.

c. Soil stockpiled for more than two days shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust generation.

d. On-site construction vehicles shall be limited to a speed of 15 mph on unpaved roads. e. Haul vehicles transporting soil into or out of the property shall be covered. f. Existing roads and streets adjacent to the project shall be cleaned at least once per day if dirt or mud from the

project site has been tracked onto these roadways, unless conditions warrant a greater frequency. g. Other measures may be required as determined appropriate by the BCAQMD or Department of Public Works in

order to control dust.

Post Contact Information h. Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact regarding dust complaints. This

person shall respond and take corrective action within 24 hours. The telephone number of the Butte County Air Quality Management District shall be visible to ensure compliance with BCAQMD Rule 200 & 205 (Nuisance and Fugitive Dust Emissions).

Other Construction Practices i. Maintain all construction equipment in proper tune according to manufacturer’s specification. j. Where feasible, give preference to utilizing the following equipment:

Electric equipment Substitute gasoline-powered for diesel-powered equipment Alternatively fueled construction equipment on site such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural

gas (LNG), propane, or biodiesel. Equipment that has Caterpillar pre-chamber diesel engines, as practical. Diesel construction equipment meeting the CARB’s 1996 or newer certification standard for off-road heavy-

duty diesel engines. k. Construction workers shall park in designated parking area(s) to help reduce dust emissions.”


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

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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. 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: Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the map or on an additional map sheet that states: “Prior to any development activity on proposed lot 10 or the issuance of any permit or approval removing or encroaching upon oak trees (this generally includes the canopy drip-line of trees within the area of ground disturbance and trees subject to changes in hydrologic regime) an Oak Tree Mitigation Plan prepared by a certified arborist, registered professional forester, botanist or landscape architect shall be submitted for review and approval by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee that includes:

1) A survey showing the location of oak trees 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height, as defined by PRC §21083.4(a);

2) The removal of all oak trees 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height shall be mitigated. It shall be mitigated by one or more of the following: replanting and maintaining oak trees, establishing conservation easements, contributing funds for off-site oak woodlands conservation, and/or other mitigation measures developed by Butte County. Replanting of oak seedlings shall be grown from acorns collected from a suitable seed zone and elevation and be planted at a 3 to 1 ratio. It is recommended that the source of the seedlings be secured a year from the proposed planting date. Replanted oak trees shall be maintained for a period of seven years after they are planted. If any of the replanted oak trees die or become diseased, they shall be replaced and maintained for seven years after the new oak trees are planted;

3) A replanting schedule and diagram for trees removed or encroached upon by permit activities consistent with PRC §21083.4(b)(2), applicable mitigation measures, and Butte County Ordinance, if any, shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee. Replanted trees shall be planted in areas deemed appropriate by the Plan, considering future lot development, interference with foundations, fencing, roadways, driveways, and utilities. Trees planted shall be protected from livestock and other animals.

4) Oak Tree protection measures for trees to be retained within the project site shall be included in construction specifications. Each oak tree to be preserved shall be surrounded by a tree zone identified by the drip line of the tree. An orange plastic fence or other suitable type of fence shall be used to identify the tree zone during construction activities. No vegetation removal, soil disturbance, or other development activities shall occur within the tree zone in order to protect root systems and minimize compaction of the soil, unless authorized by Oak Tree Mitigation Plan; and

5) Conservation easements or funds for off-site oak woodlands conservation shall be proposed to and approved by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee.”

Plan Requirements: No vegetation removal, grading, road construction, or other earthwork shall be permitted until the tree plan is submitted and approved.

Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be satisfied prior to any development activity or the issuance of any grading, building, septic, or well permit, or the approval of any improvement plans on the parcels.

Monitoring: At the time of septic, well, or building permit application, the Development Services Department will reference this requirement on any grading, building, septic, or well permit site plans and verify that an Oak Tree Mitigation Plan has been submitted to and approved by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee. Butte County building inspectors shall ensure compliance on-site. Mitigation Measure #3: Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the Parcel Map or on an additional map sheet that states: “Should grading activities reveal the presence of prehistoric or historic cultural resources (i.e. artifact concentrations, including arrowheads and other stone tools or chipping debris, cans glass, etc.; structural remains; human skeletal remains) work within 50 feet of the find shall immediately cease until a qualified professional archaeologist can be consulted to evaluate the find and implement appropriate mitigation procedures. Should human

61




skeletal remains be encountered, State law requires immediate notification of the County Coroner ((530) 538-6579). Should the County Coroner determine that the remains are in an archaeological context, the Native American Heritage Commission in Sacramento shall be notified immediately, pursuant to State Law, to arrange for Native American participation in determining the disposition of such remains.” The provisions of this note shall be followed during construction of all subdivision improvements, including land clearing, road construction, utility installation, and building site development.

Plan Requirements: This note shall be placed on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the 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. State law requires the reporting of any human remains. Mitigation Measure #4: Place a note on a separate document which is to be recorded concurrently with the 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:


o Prewire all new residential development to support photovoltaic system installation.


o Install electrical vehicle outlets on external walls or in garages in all new residential development.


o Minimize idling time either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the time of idling to no more than 3 minute.



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.

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. 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.

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6.0 Environmental Reference Material 1. Butte County Association of Governments. Butte Regional Conservation Plan, First Administrative Draft.

Accessed May 7 2013. (available at http://www.buttehcp.com/BRCP-Documents/1st-Admin-Draft-BRCP/index.html)

2. Butte County Association of Governments. Butte Regional Transit (B-Line). 2008. Bus Basics. Available at www.blinetransit.com/. Accessed on May 7, 2013.

3. Butte County 2030 General Plan. Environmental Impact Report. Oroville, CA. April 8, 2010. (Available at http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-08-30_FEIR/default.asp.)

4. Butte County General Plan 2030. Oroville, CA. October 26, 2010. (available at http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-10-26_GP2030/Butte_County_General_Plan.pdf)

5. Butte County 2030 General Plan. Settings and Trends Report. Public Draft. Oroville, CA. August 2, 2007. (Available at http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/SettingandTrends/default.asp.)

6. Butte County. Housing Element of the Butte County General Plan (2010-2030). 2010.

7. Butte County Noise Control Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4053). Adopted on March 26, 2013. (Available at http://www.buttecounty.net/Development%20Services/PLANNING%20DIVISION/Noise%20Ordinance.aspx)

8. Butte County Zoning Ordinance. Adopted on November 6, 2012. (Available at http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/

9. Butte County. Resolution 10-150. Resolution of the board of supervisors of the County of Butte, state of California, making findings of fact in support of Butte County General Plan 2030 and its associated environmental impact report, rejecting alternatives, adopting a mitigation monitoring and reporting plan, and adopting a statement of overriding considerations. Adopted October 26, 2010.

10. Butte County. Section III, Seismic and Geologic Hazards, Health and Safety Element of the Butte County General Plan (2010-2030). 2010.

11. Butte County Planning Department. Butte County GIS Data. January 2015.

12. Butte County Public Works Department. 2011 Butte County Bicycle Plan. June 14, 2011.

13. Butte County Air Quality Management District. Guidelines for Assessing Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Impacts for Projects Subject to CEQA Review. October 2014.

14. California Air Resources Board. “ARB approves tripling of early action measures required under AB 32”. News Release 07-46. http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr102507.htm. October 25, 2007.

15. California Air Resources Board. Climate Change Scoping Plan: a framework for change. December 2008.

16. California Air Resources Board. Expanded List of Early Action Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in California Recommended for Board Consideration. October 2007.

17. California Department of Conservation. Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones in California. Altquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act with Index to Earthquake Fault Zone Maps. Special Publication 42. Interim Revision. 2007.

18. California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection. A Guide to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. 2004.

19. Department of Toxic Substance Control. 2009. Envirostor Database. Accessed on January 14, 2015. http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public.

20. U.S. Census Bureau. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population – 2012 Population Estimates for Butte County, California. March 5, 2013.

21. U.S. Census Bureau. Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics – 2010. Butte County, California. March 5, 2013.

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http://www.buttehcp.com/BRCP-Documents/1st-Admin-Draft-BRCP/index.html



http://www.blinetransit.com/

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-08-30_FEIR/default.asp

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-08-30_FEIR/default.asp

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-10-26_GP2030/Butte_County_General_Plan.pdf

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/SettingandTrends/default.asp

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/SettingandTrends/default.asp

http://www.buttecounty.net/Development%20Services/PLANNING%20DIVISION/Noise%20Ordinance.aspx

http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/

http://bcaqmd.shasta.com/wp-content/uploads/CEQA-Handbook-Appendices-2014.pdf

http://bcaqmd.shasta.com/wp-content/uploads/CEQA-Handbook-Appendices-2014.pdf

http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public



7.0 CONSULTED AGENCIES:

[X] Environmental Health [X] Public Works [ ] Building Manager[X] BCAG [ ] County Counsel [ ] LAFCo [X] Assessor [ ] Development Services [ ] Chico Unified School District [X] Air Quality Management District [ ] City of Chico [ ] Sheriff [ ] City of Gridley [ ] City of Oroville [ ] Town of Paradise [X] CA Department of Forestry [ ] Caltrans (Traffic) [ ] CA Central Reg. Water Quality [ ] Department of Conservation [X] CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife [ ] Highway Patrol [ ] Army Corps of Engineers [X] U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service [X] Agricultural Commissioner [ ] Butte Co. Farm Bureau [X] Chico Unified School Dist. [ ] Chico Recreation & Park Dist. [ ] Pacific Bell [ ] California Water Company [ ] LOAPUD [ ] PG&E [ ] [ ]

8.0 PROJECT SPONSOR(S) INCORPORATION OF MITIGATION INTO PROPOSED PROJECT:

I/We have reviewed the Initial Study for the Mark & Cindy Sanford Tentative Subdivision Map (TSM13-0001; APN 042-020-020) application and particularly the mitigation measures identified herein. I/We hereby modify the applications on file with the Butte County Planning Department to include and incorporate all mitigations set forth in this Initial Study.

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