Atwater City Council
July 13, 2026

In accordance with SB 707, this meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person and virtual attendance. Attend this meeting remotely using Zoom. https://zoom.us/j/7701740377?pwd=pAMEixiIzMrhc6NZR2PbxmQedPslbw.1&omn=97945627534 To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial +1 (669) 900-6833 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 770 174 0377. To provide public comment by phone, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Mayor. o Livestream online at www.atwater.org (Please be advised that there is a broadcasting delay).
o Submit a written public comment prior to the meeting: Public comments submitted to [email protected] by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official minutes but will not be read out loud during the meeting.

Assistance will be provided to those requiring accommodations for disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Persons requesting accommodation, and those requesting to give or receive live bilingual translation during a meeting, should contact the City in advance of the meeting, and as soon as possible, at (209) 357-6241.

Under SB 707, the City will reasonably assist members of the public who wish to bring their own translator or translation device to participate in a public meeting. Although the City is not required by law to provide translation services as a courtesy, and when staffing permits, the City may have a Spanish language translator available to assist members of the public. The City cannot guarantee the accuracy of any translation service it provides.

CITY OF ATWATER
City Council
AGENDA
Council Chambers
750 Bellevue Road
Atwater, California
July 13, 2026

City Council Agenda for Meeting of July 13, 2026 Page 2 REGULAR SESSION: (Council Chambers)
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 PM

INVOCATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL: (City Council)
Ambriz ____, Cale ____, Raymond ____, Rochester ____, Nelson _____ SUBSEQUENT NEED ITEMS: (The City Clerk shall announce any requests for items requiring immediate action subsequent to the posting of the agenda. Subsequent need items require a two-thirds vote of the members of the City Council present at the meeting.)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS POSTED OR AS AMENDED: (This is the time for the City Council to remove items from the agenda or to change the order of the agenda.)

PRESENTATIONS
• Recognition of Geneva Olalia - FY 2026/27 Budget Cover Contest Winner • Recognition of City of Atwater Community Academy Participants • Castle Air Museum Pavilion Project Presentation (Jeff Stopper)

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
At this time any person may comment on any item which is not on the agenda. You may state your name and address for the record; however, it is not required. Action will not be taken on an item that is not on the agenda. If it requires action, it will be referred to staff and/or placed on a future agenda. Please limit comments to a maximum of three (3) minutes.

CONSENT CALENDAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Background information has been provided on all matters listed under the Consent Calendar, and these items are considered to be routine. All items under the Consent Calendar are normally approved by one motion. If a Councilmember requests separate discussion on any item, that item will be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.

WARRANTS

1. a.) June 25, 2026
b.) July 2, 2026
Staff's Recommendation: Receive and file reports as listed.

City Council Agenda for Meeting of July 13, 2026 Page 3 ORDINANCES (WAIVING SECOND READING AND ADOPTION):

2. Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21- 0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan)
Staff's Recommendation:

Waiving the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002- 132-024 and 002-132-025.

OTHER ACTIONABLE ITEMS:

3. Notice of Completion of Overlaying Various Streets Throughout the City Project (Public Works Director Vinson)
Staff's Recommendation: Accept work done under the contract for Overlaying Various Streets Throughout the City Project, City Project 26-04; and authorize and direct City Manager to sign a Notice of Completion and have it recorded on behalf of the City;

4. Notice of Completion of Castle Sewer Interceptor
Rehabilitation/Replacement Project (Public Works Director Vinson) Staff's Recommendation: Accept work done under the contract for the Castle Sewer Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project, City Project 19-09; and authorize and direct City Manager to sign a Notice of Completion and have it recorded on behalf of the City;

5. Approving Specifications and Authorizing and Calling for Bids for the East Broadway Overlay Project (Public Works Director Vinson) Staff's Recommendation: Approval of specifications and authorizing advertising and calling for bids for East Broadway Overlay Project, Project No. 26-01, Bid Call Number 737-26
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***

PUBLIC HEARINGS

6. Confirming and Amending the Engineer’s Reports and Ordering the Continued Maintenance of the City of Atwater Lighting and Drainage and Landscape Maintenance Assessment Districts and Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026/27 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan)
Staff's Recommendation: Opening the Public Hearing and taking any testimony given:

Close the Public Hearing and consider comments from the public; and Adopt Resolution No. 3638-26 Confirming and amending the

City Council Agenda for Meeting of July 13, 2026 Page 4 Engineer’s Reports and Ordering the Continued Maintenance of the City of Atwater Lighting and Drainage and Landscape Assessment Maintenance Districts and Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026/27; or
Motion to approve staff's recommendation as presented.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FROM STAFF:

7. Review and Discussion of the Draft Residential Traffic Calming Policy (Interim City Manager Martin)
Staff's Recommendation: That the City Council review and discuss the Draft Residential Traffic Calming Policy and provide direction to staff regarding any desired revisions to the draft policy.

8. Fire Department Update (CAL Fire Battalion Chief Randol)

9. Police Department Quarterly Update (Police Chief McEachin)

10. Community Development Department Quarterly Update (Community Development Department Director Hanson Lan)

CITY COUNCIL REPORTS/UPDATES
• Mayor Pro Tem Cale, District 1
• City Council Member Rochester, District 2
• City Council Member Ambriz, District 3
• City Council Member Raymond, District 4
• Mayor Nelson

CLOSED SESSION
• Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):

Number of cases (1)
• Public Employment (pursuant to Government Code Section 54957): Title:

City Manager
MAYOR OR CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION:

ADJOURNMENT

City Council Agenda for Meeting of July 13, 2026 Page 5 CERTIFICATION:

I, Kory J. Billings, City Clerk of the City of Atwater, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing agenda was posted at City Hall a minimum of 72 hours prior to the meeting. _______________________________
KORY J. BILLINGS

CITY CLERK
SB 343 NOTICE
In accordance with California Government Code Section 54957.5, any writing or document that is a public record, relates to an open session agenda item and is distributed less than 72 hours prior to a regular meeting will be made available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk during normal business hours at 1160 Fifth Street, Atwater, California.

If, however, the document or writing is not distributed until the regular meeting to which it relates, then the document or writing will be made available to the public at the location of the meeting, as listed on this agenda at 750 Bellevue Road, Atwater, California.

In compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, upon request, the agenda can be provided in an alternative format to accommodate special needs. If you require special accommodations to participate in a City Council, Commission or Committee meeting due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk’s Office a minimum of three (3) business days in advance of the meeting at (209) 357-6241. You may also send the request by email to [email protected] .

Unless otherwise noted, City Council actions include a determination that they are not a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and therefore, that CEQA does not apply to such actions.

LEVINE ACT PUBLIC PARTY/APPLICANT DISCLOSURE OBLIGATIONS:

Applicants, parties, and their agents who have made campaign contributions totaling more than $250 (aggregated) to a Councilmember over the past 12 months, must publicly disclose that fact for the official record of that agenda item. Disclosures must include the amount of the campaign contribution aggregated, and the name(s) of the campaign contributor(s) and Councilmember(s). The disclosure may be made either in writing to the City Clerk prior to the agenda item consideration, or by verbal disclosure at the time of the agenda item consideration.

The foregoing statements do not constitute legal advice, nor a recitation of all legal requirements and obligations of parties/applicants and their agents. Parties and agents are urged to consult with their own legal counsel regarding the requirements of the law.

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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Date
Warrant Summary June 25, 2026
Prepared By: Joseph Murillo, Accounting Technician
Accounts Payable Warrant
Description Amount
6/19/26 - 6/24/26 Prewrittens (Checks Processed Between Warrants) $ 6/25/2026
Total
Warrant $ 276,302.84
$ 276,302.84
Date
Additional Warrants
Description Amount
Total $
Date
Payroll
Description Amount
6/11/2026 Net Payroll $ 14,552.09
6/24/2026 Federal Taxes $ 3,322.68
6/24/2026 State Taxes $ 261.55
Total $ 18,136.32
Grand Total: $ 294,439.16
c
Mark Borba, City Treasurer

Accounts Payable
Checks for Approval
User:

Printed:
jmurillo
6/25/2026 - 3:46 PM
City of
Atwater
Cc;mmtnrit* !'ride C'it H'id,r
TO Bellevue Road, / later CA 963Q1
Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 0 06/24/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 243.72 0 06/24/2026 0001 General Fund State Income Tax Withheld PAYROLL TAXES-STATE 261.55 0 06/24/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare - Employee PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 1,042.10 0 06/24/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 8.08 0 06/24/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare - Employee PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 243.72 0 06/24/2026 0001 General Fund Federal Income Tax Withheld PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 708.42 0 06/24/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 1,042.10 0 06/24/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 34.54 Check Total: 3,584.23
Report Total: 3,584.23
AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:46 PM) Page 1

Accounts Payable
Checks for Approval
User:

Printed:
jmurillo
6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM
A
City of
twater
C'ormunity Pride City- Wid
T50 Bellevue Road. AftuatE r EGA 9 01
Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Events CHASE 36.02 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Professional Services CHASE 198.54 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings CHASE 70.00 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CHASE 206.00 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CHASE 324.02 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CHASE 16.97 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Training CHASE 484.84
0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Events CHASE 440.00 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Training CHASE 945.25
0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CHASE 460.89 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings CHASE 75.00 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings CHASE 592.48 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 105.94 0 06/25/2026 7030 Information Technology Fund Memberships & Subscriptions CHASE 496.00 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 107.81 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 143.66 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Small Tools CHASE 54.08 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Small Tools CHASE -1.10 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Memberships & Subscriptions CHASE 2,640.00 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 116.16 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Events CHASE 8.26 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 150.00 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 162.02 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 91.23 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 127.53 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 175.00 0 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CHASE 104.48 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Training CHASE 200.00
0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CHASE 46.53 0 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Training CHASE 153.45
0 06/25/2026 7010 Employee Benefits Fund Health Insurance, Retirees MIDAMERICA ADMINISTRATIVE & RETIREMI 54,872.90 Check Total: 63,603.96
AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM) Page 1

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 31159 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Training ABRAHAM AGUILAR 107.83 Check Total: 107.83
31160 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Office Supplies ALLIED WEST PRINTING 183.97 Check Total: 183.97
31161 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Communications AT&T 219.35 Check Total: 219.35
31162 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Communications AT&T CALNET 544.97 31162 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Communications AT&T CALNET 351.98 31162 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Communications AT&T CALNET 615.33 31162 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Communications AT&T CALNET 65.13 31162 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Communications AT&T CALNET 178.04 Check Total: 1,755.45
31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC 54.28 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC 289.08 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC 29.06 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC 8.60 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC -22.00 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC 421.58 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC -44.00 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC -29.06 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC 50.01 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Small Tools AUTOZONE INC 10.70 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC 411.26 31163 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance AUTOZONE INC 190.24 Check Total: 1,369.75
31164 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ASHLIEGH BAIN 158.29 Check Total: 158.29
31165 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ARLILLA BUENO 76.74 Check Total: 76.74
31166 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ROSA CABALLERO 221.74 Check Total: 221.74
31167 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable CALIFORNIA RENTAL PROPERTIES II L.P. 143.21 AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM) Page 2
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Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Check Total: 143.21
31168 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable CASTLE ASSETS LLC 70.34 Check Total: 70.34
31169 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Race Communication Fiber Proj CCME INC 21,980.14 31169 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Race Communication Fiber Proj CCME INC 23,396.45 Check Total: 45,376.59
31170 06/25/2026 1017 RSTP-Regional Surf Transp Prog Restripe-Various Streets CHRISP COMPANY 48,365.00 31170 06/25/2026 1017 RSTP-Regional Surf Transp Prog Project Retention CHRISP COMPANY -2,418.25 Check Total: 45,946.75
31171 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Training JOSH CORCHADO 203.83 Check Total: 203.83
31172 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Inspection Fees CSG CONSULTANTS, INC. 8,892.00 31172 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services CSG CONSULTANTS, INC. 8,520.00 Check Total: 17,412.00
31173 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Training TYLER DAVIS 67.83 Check Total: 67.83
31174 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense ENTENMANN-ROVIN CO. 414.88 Check Total: 414.88
31175 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense EWING IRRIGATION PRODUCTS INC. 153.32 Check Total: 153.32
31176 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable RANDALL FLEMING 183.00 Check Total: 183.00
31177 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Castle Park Deposits ABRAHAM GARCIA 200.00 Check Total: 200.00
31178 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ROSEMARIE HERRERA 1.91 31178 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ROSEMARIE HERRERA 2.29 31178 06/25/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ROSEMARIE HERRERA 1.62 AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM) Page 3
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_
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Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Check Total: 5.82
31179 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Accounts Payable STACI HUBER 2.00 31179 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable STACI HUBER 45.81 31179 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable STACI HUBER 24.65 31179 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable STACI HUBER 38.16 Check Total: 110.62
31180 06/25/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Professional Services JLB TRAFFIC ENGINEERING, INC 6,294.89 31180 06/25/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Professional Services JLB TRAFFIC ENGINEERING, INC 1,671.95 Check Total: 7,966.84
31181 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable NATHINA JORDAN 215.87 Check Total: 215.87
31182 06/25/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable NATALIA LANE 27.57 31182 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable NATALIA LANE 128.83 31182 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable NATALIA LANE 38.94 Check Total: 195.34
31183 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ALBERT MARCON 169.51 31183 06/25/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ALBERT MARCON 120.00 31183 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable ALBERT MARCON 141.22 Check Total: 430.73
31184 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services MERCED COUNTY 15,707.46 Check Total: 15,707.46
31185 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance MERCED TRUCK & TRAILER INC. 4.94 Check Total: 4.94
31186 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Office Supplies MIMEO PRINTING 91.35 Check Total: 91.35
31187 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable LETISHA MIRANDA 52.37 Check Total: 52.37
31188 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable KOR MOUA 160.48 —
,
i
AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM) Page 4

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Check Total: 160.48
31189 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance MUNICIPAL MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT 57.59 Check Total: 57.59
31190 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Deposits NV COMMUNICATION 559.00 31190 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Water Service Charges NV COMMUNICATION -53.63 Check Total: 505.37
31191 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Utilities PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 243.43 31191 06/25/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Utilities PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 117.29 Check Total: 360.72
31192 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable VICTOR PARRA 175.31 Check Total: 175.31
31193 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable RICHARD PERAINO 18.33 31193 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable RICHARD PERAINO 198.27 31193 06/25/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable RICHARD PERAINO 12.48 Check Total: 229.08
31194 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable JOSE PEREZ MADRIZ 170.82 Check Total: 170.82
31195 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Planning Deposits PRECISION CIVIL ENGINEERING, INC. 805.00 31195 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Planning Deposits PRECISION CIVIL ENGINEERING, INC. 2,589.75 Check Total: 3,394.75
31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services QUAD KNOPF 697.70 31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services QUAD KNOPF 9,854.90 31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services QUAD KNOPF 3,733.10 31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services QUAD KNOPF 11,588.80 31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Race Communication Fiber Proj QUAD KNOPF 7,711.30 31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services QUAD KNOPF 7,325.10 31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services QUAD KNOPF 318.00 31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services QUAD KNOPF 187.60 31196 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services QUAD KNOPF 15,033.60 Check Total: 56,450.10
AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM) Page 5
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Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 31197 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Community Center Deposits XIOMARA RAMOS 350.00 Check Total: 350.00
31198 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services RSG INC 50.00 Check Total: 50.00
31199 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable THOMAS SAHAKIAN 187.36 31199 06/25/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable THOMAS SAHAKIAN 3.24 31199 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable THOMAS SAHAKIAN 4.58 Check Total: 195.18
31200 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable RUPINDER SANGHERA 40.75 Check Total: 40.75
31201 06/25/2026 1080 PLHA-Perm Local Housing Alloc Professional Services SELF-HELP ENTERPRISES 35.92 31201 06/25/2026 1078 HOME Grant Fund General Administration SELF-HELP ENTERPRISES 1,046.82 Check Total: 1,082.74
31202 06/25/2026 7030 Information Technology Fund Professional Services SPRINGBROOK HOLDING COMPANY LLC 900.00 31202 06/25/2026 7030 Information Technology Fund Professional Services SPRINGBROOK HOLDING COMPANY LLC 5,800.00 31202 06/25/2026 7030 Information Technology Fund Professional Services SPRINGBROOK HOLDING COMPANY LLC 250.00 Check Total: 6,950.00
31203 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable CHRISTOPHER SWANSON 107.21 Check Total: 107.21
31204 06/25/2026 0004 Public Safety Trans & Use Tax Professional Services THE SIGN GUYS 2,608.20 Check Total: 2,608.20
31205 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable SANDRA TO VAR 66.58 Check Total: 66.58
31206 06/25/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable RUBEN VARGAS VALENCIA 45.41 31206 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable RUBEN VARGAS VALENCIA 234.05 31206 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable RUBEN VARGAS VALENCIA 64.14 Check Total: 343.60
AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM) Page 6
'
_,

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Report Total: 275,948.65
AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM) Page 7

Accounts Payable
Checks for Approval
User:

Printed:
jmurillo
6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM
cy A1ater
t ,c mm.riiy Pride Ciiy Wide
T£O B ih vIME' Rtt , a1er CA 9F3Q1
Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 31207 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Utilities VERIZON WIRELESS 80.11 31207 06/25/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Special Departmental Expense VERIZON WIRELESS 40.01 31207 06/25/2026 0001 General Fund Communications VERIZON WIRELESS 38.36 31207 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Utilities VERIZON WIRELESS 40.01 31207 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Special Departmental Expense VERIZON WIRELESS 38.01 31207 06/25/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Communications VERIZON WIRELESS 38.82 31207 06/25/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Communications VERIZON WIRELESS 78.87 Check Total: 354.19
Report Total: 354.19
AP-Checks for Approval (6/25/2026 - 3:43 PM) Page 1

Warrant Summary July 2, 2026
Prepared By: Joseph Murillo, Accounting Technician
Accounts Payable Warrant
Date Description Amount
6/26/26 - 7/1/26 Prewrittens (Checks Processed Between Warrants) $ 926.15 7/2/2026 Warrant $ 650,759.72
Total $ 651,685.87
Additional Warrants
Date Description Amount
6/30/2026 Aflac $ 193.50
6/30/2026 AFSCME District Council 57 $ 1,079.82
6/30/2026 Atwater Police Officers Association $ 2,838.70 6/30/2026 CALPERS Employee 457 Plan $ 602.00
6/30/2026 EPARS Employee 457 Plan (PNC Bank) $ 1,700.00 6/30/2026 PERS Retirement 6/4/26 - 6/17/26 $ 64,292.34
6/30/2026 State Disbursement - Child Support 6/17/26 Payroll $ 363.69 6/30/2026 UNUM Voluntary Life Insurance July 2026 Premium $ 141.68 Total $ 71,211.73
Payroll
Date Description Amount
6/25/2026 Net Payroll $ 202,121.48
6/30/2026 Federal Taxes $ 63,252.38
6/30/2026 State Taxes $ 8,396.10
Total $ 273,769.96
Grand Total: $ 996,667.56
Mark Borba, City Treasurer

Accounts Payable
Checks for Approval
User: jmurillo
Printed: 7/2/2026 - 9:09 AM
city of
Atwatea
C°cammrnirlt Yryde City {fide
hO Belfeuue RAC, fwltniatet CA $ 3O1
Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Benefits PERS-RETIREMENT 557.32 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Federal Income Tax Withheld PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 21,317.46 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Life Insurance Payable UNUM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 70.84 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare - Employee PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 16,925.71 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Deferred Compensation CALPERS 75.00 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Aflac Premiums AFLAC PLANS 96.75 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Deduction PERS-RETIREMENT 11,492.67 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare - Employee PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 3,958.46 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare - Employee PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 8.52 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 11.31 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Benefits PERS-RETIREMENT 7,659.68 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Deduction PERS-RETIREMENT 715.64 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Benefits PERS-RETIREMENT 10,022.52 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Police Union Dues ATWATER POLICE OFFICERS ASSN. 2,838.70 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 3.23 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Garnishments STATE DISBURSEMENT UNIT 363.69 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Deferred Compensation PNC BANK 1,300.00 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Benefits PERS-RETIREMENT 10,294.08 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Deduction PERS-RETIREMENT 2,124.96 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund State Income Tax Withheld PAYROLL TAXES-STATE 8,396.10 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Benefits PERS-RETIREMENT 17,715.67 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 3,958.46 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Deferred Compensation PNC BANK 400.00 0 06/30/2026 OOO1 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 13.82 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 16,925.71 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 8.52 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 48.36 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Benefits PERS-RETIREMENT 0.01 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Life Insurance Payable UNUM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 70.84 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Deferred Compensation CALPERS 527.00 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Miscellaneous Union Dues AFSCME DISTRICT COUNCIL 57 1,079.82 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Aflac Premiums AFLAC PLANS 96.75 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare-Employer PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 36.41 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Fica/Medicare - Employee PAYROLL TAXES-FEDERAL 36.41 AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 9:09 AM) Page 1

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Benefits PERS-RETIREMENT 382.85 0 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Pers Benefits PERS-RETIREMENT 3,326.94 Check Total: 142,860.21
31208 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Garnishments FRANCHISE TAX BOARD 100.00 Check Total: 100.00
31209 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Garnishments MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 559.76 Check Total: 559.76
31210 06/30/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Accounts Payable VICTOR COVARRUBIAS 109.62 Check Total: 109.62
31211 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Coed Summer Softball CITY OF ATWATER 10.46 31211 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Various Classes CITY OF ATWATER 17.64 31211 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CITY OF ATWATER 20.23 31211 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CITY OF ATWATER 17.71 31211 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CITY OF ATWATER 13.04 31211 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Community Center Expense CITY OF ATWATER 22.68 Check Total: 101.76
31212 06/30/2026 0001 General Fund Training JOSH CORCHADO 55.01 Check Total: 55.01
Report Total: 143,786.36
AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 9:09 AM) Page 2

Accounts Payable
Checks for Approval
User: jmurillo
Printed: 7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM
Ct ► of
Atwater
L ' rrstrrrurtitvPritI4 t. alf
0 Beflev~te Rte . / Mta1er" CA 5Q1
Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 31213 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Professional Services ABS DIRECT INC 755.13 31213 07/02/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Office Supplies ABS DIRECT INC 2,066.67 31213 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Professional Services ABS DIRECT INC 755.14 31213 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Office Supplies ABS DIRECT INC 2,066.66 31213 07/02/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Professional Services ABS DIRECT INC 755.14 31213 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Office Supplies ABS DIRECT INC 2,066.67 Check Total: 8,465.41
31214 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services ALLWAYS TOWING LLC 300.00 31214 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services ALLWAYS TOWING LLC 300.00 Check Total: 600.00
31215 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC 50.56 Check Total: 50.56
31216 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Castle Park Deposits DANNY AMBRIZ 200.00 Check Total: 200.00
31217 07/02/2026 0004 Public Safety Trans & Use Tax Professional Services ATWATER TINT 2,120.00 Check Total: 2,120.00
31218 07/02/2026 6001 Water Fund Capital Replacement Canal Creek Utility Crossing BLACK WATER CONSULTING ENGINEERING, 70,802.54 31218 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Canal Creek Utility Crossing BLACK WATER CONSULTING ENGINEERING, 70,802.54 Check Total: 141,605.08
31219 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense BOOT BARN 152.24 31219 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense BOOT BARN 130.49 31219 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense BOOT BARN 200.00 31219 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Uniform & Clothing Expense BOOT BARN 185.91 31219 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense BOOT BARN 200.00 AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM) Page 1
—

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Check Total: 868.64
31220 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Special Departmental Expense BRADY INDUSTRIES -43.44 31220 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance BRADY INDUSTRIES 88.41 31220 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Special Departmental Expense BRADY INDUSTRIES 4.71 Check Total: 49.68
31221 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Special Departmental Expense CAL FARM SERVICES 149.88 31221 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CAL FARM SERVICES 62.48 31221 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance CAL FARM SERVICES 128.20 31221 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Small Tools CAL FARM SERVICES 641.74 31221 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CAL FARM SERVICES 43.75 31221 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CAL FARM SERVICES 265.00 31221 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services CAL FARM SERVICES 89.60 31221 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CAL FARM SERVICES 158.54 Check Total: 1,539.19
31222 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense CALIFORNIA TURF EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY IN 456.47 Check Total: 456.47
31223 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Race Communication Fiber Proj CCME INC 4,649.28 Check Total: 4,649.28
31224 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Special Departmental Expense CINTAS CORP 29.69 31224 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense CINTAS CORP 32.89 31224 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense CINTAS CORP 9.49 31224 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense CINTAS CORP 30.00 31224 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense CINTAS CORP 86.41 31224 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense CINTAS CORP 87.06 31224 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Uniform & Clothing Expense CINTAS CORP 36.59 Check Total: 312.13
31225 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Utilities COMCAST 13.19 Check Total: 13.19
31226 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services DATA TICKET INC 591.99 Check Total: 591.99
31227 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Various Classes MARY ANN DAVIS 364.00 •'
AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM) Page 2

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Check Total: 364.00
31228 07/02/2026 1018 SB 1-Road Maint & Rehab RMRA Pavement Markings DISPENSING TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2,706.80 Check Total: 2,706.80
31229 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense ELITE UNIFORMS 470.83 31229 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Uniform & Clothing Expense ELITE UNIFORMS 34.64 Check Total: 505.47
31230 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Special Departmental Expense FERGUSON WATERWORKS 679.61 Check Total: 679.61
31231 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION 2,364.00 Check Total: 2,364.00
31232 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Small Tools GRAINGER 496.38 31232 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Special Departmental Expense GRAINGER 1,638.65 31232 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense GRAINGER 43.42 Check Total: 2,178.45
31233 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Community Center Deposits INES GUTIERREZ 350.00 Check Total: 350.00
31234 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Professional Services HOFFMAN SECURITY 592.00 31234 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Professional Services HOFFMAN SECURITY 594.75 31234 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Professional Services HOFFMAN SECURITY 915.00 Check Total: 2,101.75
31235 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Special Departmental Expense HORIZON DISTRIBUTORS INC 23.86 Check Total: 23.86
31236 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Professional Services INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS LLC 725.00 Check Total: 725.00
31237 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Special Departmental Expense JAM SERVICES INC 190.31 31237 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Special Departmental Expense JAM SERVICES INC 11,223.00 Check Total: 11,413.31
AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM) Page 3

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 31238 07/02/2026 5037 Atwater South LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 1,084.00 31238 07/02/2026 5046 Applegate Ranch Lndscp Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 431.85 31238 07/02/2026 5031 Stone Creek LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 980.00 31238 07/02/2026 5040 Mello Ranch 2 LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 593.00 31238 07/02/2026 5029 Camellia Meadows LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 289.00 31238 07/02/2026 5027 Juniper Meadows LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 139.00 31238 07/02/2026 5014 Pajaro Dunes LMA Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 231.00 31238 07/02/2026 5044 Aspenwood Lndscp Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 395.00 31238 07/02/2026 5010 Price Annexation LMA Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 3,898.00 31238 07/02/2026 5024 Mello Ranch LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 382.00 31238 07/02/2026 5035 Bell Crossing LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 116.00 31238 07/02/2026 5033 America West LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 117.00 31238 07/02/2026 5054 Simon Annexation LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 237.00 31238 07/02/2026 5012 Sandlewood Square LMA Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 377.00 31238 07/02/2026 5016 Redwood Estates LMA Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 233.00 31238 07/02/2026 5022 Silva Ranch LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 512.00 31238 07/02/2026 5042 Meadow View LNDSCP Professional Services JOE'S LANDSCAPING & CONCRETE 356.00 Check Total: 10,370.85
31239 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance KEYES TRUCK CENTER 44.15 Check Total: 44.15
31240 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Memberships & Subscriptions LAFCO 10,088.30 Check Total: 10,088.30
31241 07/02/2026 0010 Measure V Regional Fund Bellevue Road Realignment MARK THOMAS & COMPANY, INC 35,789.47 Check Total: 35,789.47
31242 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Special Departmental Expense MC REGIONAL WASTE MGMT. AUTH. 42.47 Check Total: 42.47
31243 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings MCAG 40.00 31243 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings MCAG 40.00 31243 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings MCAG 40.00 31243 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings MCAG 40.00 31243 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings MCAG 40.00 31243 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Travel/Conferences/Meetings MCAG 40.00 Check Total: 240.00
31244 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Professional Services MCCAMPBELL ANALYTICAL INC 2,808.00 AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM) Page 4
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Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Check Total: 2,808.00
31245 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Coed Volleyball MERCED AREA SPORTS OFFICIALS, INC 690.00 31245 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Men's Summer Softball MERCED AREA SPORTS OFFICIALS, INC 560.00 Check Total: 1,250.00 J
31246 07/02/2026 5026 Juniper Meadows LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 37.68 31246 07/02/2026 5043 Aspenwood LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 265.82 31246 07/02/2026 5045 Applegate Ranch LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 389.96 31246 07/02/2026 5039 Mello Ranch 2 LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 715.19 31246 07/02/2026 5024 Mello Ranch LNDSCP Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 61.44 31246 07/02/2026 5041 Meadow View LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 626.21 31246 07/02/2026 5030 Stone Creek LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 339.19 31246 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 6,070.45 31246 07/02/2026 5046 Applegate Ranch Lndscp Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 20.48 31246 07/02/2026 5036 Atwater South LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 464.98 31246 07/02/2026 5032 America West LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 167.00 31246 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 34,768.14 31246 07/02/2026 5023 Mello Ranch LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 526.81 31246 07/02/2026 5010 Price Annexation LMA Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 117.02 31246 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 734.24 31246 07/02/2026 5009 Price Annexation LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 225.95 31246 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 1,067.69 31246 07/02/2026 5035 Bell Crossing LNDSCP Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 20.48 31246 07/02/2026 5031 Stone Creek LNDSCP Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 20.48 31246 07/02/2026 5028 Camellia Meadows LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 75.32 31246 07/02/2026 5025 Camellia Estates LD Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT 75.32 31246 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Utilities MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT ,1,192.34 Check Total: 47,982.19
31247 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance MERCED TRUCK & TRAILER INC. 395.62 31247 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance MERCED TRUCK & TRAILER INC. -27.74 Check Total: 367.88 '
31248 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Professional Services MIDSTATE AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT COMP/ 765.00 Check Total: 765.00
31249 07/02/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund AB 939 Support Fee MID-VALLEY DISPOSAL LLC -8,921.48 31249 07/02/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Solid Waste Collectn/Disposal MID-VALLEY DISPOSAL LLC 298,934.51 31249 07/02/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund AB 939 Support Fee MID-VALLEY DISPOSAL LLC -8,968.04 31249 07/02/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Refuse Service Charge MID-VALLEY DISPOSAL LLC -19,097.13 AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM) Page 5

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount 31249 07/02/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Contract Admin Fee MID-VALLEY DISPOSAL LLC -20,925.42 31249 07/02/2026 6020 Sanitation Enterprise Fund Contract Admin Fee MID-VALLEY DISPOSAL LLC -20,816.79 Check Total: 220,205.65
31250 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Youth Volleyball MERANDA MOORE 85.00 Check Total: 85.00
31251 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Special Departmental Expense MUNIQUIP, LLC 4,771.47 Check Total: 4,771.47
31252 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Utilities PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 110.49 31252 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Utilities PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 53,682.45 31252 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Utilities PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 108.95 31252 07/02/2026 6010 Sewer Enterprise Fund Utilities PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 97.53 31252 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Utilities PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 397.75 31252 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Utilities PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 3,605.05 Check Total: 58,002.22
31253 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense PACIFIC STORAGE COMPANY 292.10 Check Total: 292.10
31254 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Professional Services PUMP PROS INC 720.00 31254 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Special Departmental Expense PUMP PROS INC 4,991.41 31254 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Professional Services PUMP PROS INC 12,497.70 31254 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Special Departmental Expense PUMP PROS 1NC 4,920.81 31254 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Professional Services PUMP PROS INC 5,397.76 Check Total: 28,527.68
31255 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Community Center Rental XIOMARA RAMOS 195.00 Check Total: 195.00
31256 07/02/2026 1041 General Plan Update Fund Professional Services RINCON CONSULTANTS INC 18,005.50 Check Total: 18,005.50
31257 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Special Departmental Expense SAFE-T-LITE 1,887.39 Check Total: 1,887.39
31258 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Community Center Deposits FRANCES SCHMIDT 350.00 -
AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM) Page 6

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Check Total: 350.00
31259 07/02/2026 1078 HOME Grant Fund General Administration SELF-HELP ENTERPRISES 1,517.38 31259 07/02/2026 1080 PLHA-Perm Local Housing Alloc Professional Services SELF-HELP ENTERPRISES 947.23 Check Total: 2,464.61
31260 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance SUNBELT RENTALS INC 51.36 Check Total: 51.36
31261 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Professional Services TEREX USA LLC 1,110.00 31261 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance TEREX USA LLC 105.20 Check Total: 1,215.20
31262 07/02/2026 0004 Public Safety Trans & Use Tax Professional Services THE SIGN GUYS 107.06 Check Total: 107.06
31263 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Professional Services TLC POSTAL CENTER 314.83 Check Total: 314.83
31264 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Professional Services TWO BROTHERS CATHODIC SERVICES 1,157.69 Check Total: 1,157.69
31265 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Operations & Maintenance VAN DE POL 17,185.91 Check Total: 17,185.91
31266 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Training ROBERT VARGAS 41.44 Check Total: 41.44
31267 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Maint. Buildings & Grounds WARD ENTERPRISES 168.45 Check Total: 168.45
31268 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Special Departmental Expense WINTON HARDWARE 19.57 31268 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Small Tools WINTON HARDWARE 829.65 31268 07/02/2026 0001 General Fund Youth Flag Football WINTON HARDWARE 25.84 31268 07/02/2026 7000 Internal Service Fund Special Departmental Expense WINTON HARDWARE 3.20 31268 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Special Departmental Expense WINTON HARDWARE 24.10 31268 07/02/2026 6000 Water Enterprise Fund Special Departmental Expense WINTON HARDWARE 62.61 31268 07/02/2026 1011 Gas Tax/Street Improvement Special Departmental Expense WINTON HARDWARE 84.01 —
-
-
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_
AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM) Page 7

Check Number Check Date Fund Account Name Vendor Name Void Amount Check Total:

Report Total:
1,048.98 _ .
650,759.72
AP-Checks for Approval (7/2/2026 - 8:59 AM) Page 8

AGENDA REPORT

MEETING
DATE:

July 13, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jonnie Hanson Lan, Community Development Director

PREPARED
BY:

Lisa Baladad, Executive Assistant
SUBJECT: Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132- 025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan)

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION
Waiving the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025.

I. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:

This is the second reading of the Ordinance. The first reading was completed at the Regular City Council meeting of June 22, 2026.

This item was reviewed at the Planning Commission of May 20, 2026. At the Planning Commission Meeting, Resolution PC No. 0277-25 was adopted recommending approval of an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Castle Family Health Center project and approval of Zone Change (ZC) No. 25-21-0200, General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 25-21-0300, Lot Merger (LM) No. 25-21-0400, Architectural Review (AR) No. 25-21-0500.

Neenan Company, LLP (Applicant) proposes development of the Castle Family Health Centers project on four (4) parcels identified as Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 002-132-021, 002-132-022, 002-132-024, and 002-132-025, totaling approximately

1.63 acres, generally located at the southwest corner of Third Street and Ivy Avenue, at 1775 Third Street.

The project site is located within the jurisdiction of the City of Atwater, County of Merced, California and has been used for intermittent clinic purposes by a private

CITY COUNCIL
Mike Nelson
John Cale Brian Raymond
Danny Ambriz Kalisa Rochester

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 2

medical group. The site is currently developed with an existing 6,400-square-foot building, 77 parking spaces and landscaping along Third Street and the southern property boundary. The existing biotic conditions and resources of the site can be defined primarily as ruderal and herbaceous vegetation with heavy alteration due to the development and ongoing intermittent clinic operations. Existing trees and shrubs are located along the perimeter of the site and around the existing building and parking lot.

Surrounding Uses: The project site is surrounded by single-family residences to the north, health care center, single-family residences, and a park to the south, singlefamily residences, a park, and a library to the east, and a school, church, and singlefamily residences to the west. The proposed use of a medical clinic would be compatible with the uses described within the surrounding areas (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Site Location

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 3

Currently, the project site has split zoning and split planned land uses. Two of the parcels are zoned and planned for office/institutional use, and two of the parcels are zoned and planned for residential use. In order to allow for office development on the site, the parcels to be used for parking need to be rezoned to allow for non-residential uses. Thus, the project applicant requests GPA 25-21-0300 to change the land use designation for two (2) of the four (4) project parcels, identified as APNs 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 from Low Density Residential to Institutional (See Figure 2). The

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 4

project also requests ZC 25-21-0200 to change the zoning district for two (2) parcels, identified as APNs 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 from R-1 Low Density Residential to C-O Commercial Office to establish consistency with the proposed land use designation (See Figure 2). According to Table 2-10 of the General Plan, the proposed Institutional land use designation is consistent with the proposed C-O Zone district.

The project also requests LM 25-21-0400 to merge four (4) parcels, identified as APNs 002-132-021, 002-132-022, 002-132-024, and 002-132-025 into one parcel, totaling approximately 1.63 acres. The lot merger is proposed to establish a single development site for the Project, including the proposed building, parking, circulation, and related site improvements.

Finally, the project requests AR 25-21-0500 to facilitate the development of the proposed project. Pursuant to Section 17.34-080 of the Atwater Municipal Code, site plan (Site Plan Review) and design review (Architectural Review) are required of all proposed uses and development in the C-O zone district. As discussed above, the project would modify the existing medical facility site, resulting in approximately 14,800 square feet of building area (approximately 21% lot coverage), 83 parking spaces, 56,300 square feet of impervious surface area (parking lot, walkways, buildings), 27 exam rooms, and other site modifications including pedestrian pathways, bike parking, landscaping, trash enclosure, and a secure outdoor staff area. The related Site Plan Review SPR 25-21-0100 was approved by the Planning Department on April 17, 2026 with conditions of approval.

The project required the preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration which was completed by Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. in April of 2026. The City submitted the project for public review to the Office of Planning and Research on April 17, 2026. The comment period for the Mitigated Negative Declaration closed on May 7, 2026.

Figure 2. Project Area

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 5

Figure 3. Existing Land Use Map

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 6

Land Use Designation: The project requests GPA 25-21-0300 to amend the General Plan land use designation of two (2) parcels out of the four (4) parcels, identified as APNs 002-132-024 and 002-132-025, from Low Density Residential to Institutional. As described in the City of Atwater General Plan, the Institutional land use designation is intended to accommodate public and quasi-public facilities, including medical and health-related services. The proposed amendment is consistent with the existing and proposed use of the site as a community-serving medical clinic (Figure 3).

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 7

The proposed amendment would support continued operation and expansion of an existing healthcare facility in an already developed urban area and is consistent with the overall intent of the General Plan to support institutional services, orderly development, and community-serving land uses. The project would expand access to healthcare services within the City and would not introduce land uses that are incompatible with the surrounding urban development pattern.

Figure 4: Existing Zoning

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 8

Zoning: The Project requests ZC 25-21-0200 to change the zoning designation of APNs 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 from R-1 Low Density Residential to C-O Commercial Office. The proposed C-O zone district is consistent with the proposed Institutional General Plan land use designation and is appropriate for the continued operation and expansion of the existing medical clinic (Figure 4).

The Commercial Office zone district is intended to accommodate office and serviceoriented uses, including medical office uses, and is compatible with the proposed clinic expansion. Approval of the requested zone change would establish consistency between the land use designation and zoning classification across the Project site.

Lot Merger
The Project requests LM 25-21-0400 to merge four (4) existing parcels into one parcel totaling approximately 1.63 acres. The proposed Lot Merger would eliminate internal parcel lines and create one unified development site for the existing and proposed clinic improvements.

Consolidation of the four parcels into one legal parcel is appropriate and necessary to facilitate orderly site planning, improve circulation and access, and ensure that future site improvements function as one cohesive medical campus. The proposed Lot Merger would improve long-term site functionality and eliminate constraints associated with fragmented parcel configuration.

Architectural Review
The Project requests AR 25-21-0500 to facilitate site improvements associated with expansion of the existing medical clinic. The proposed site design represents a logical expansion of the existing medical facility and improves the function and appearance of the site through upgraded circulation, expanded patient capacity, improved pedestrian access, and enhanced site amenities. The proposed building design, landscaping, and site layout are consistent with the surrounding institutional and urban context and support continued operation of a community-serving medical use. The proposed architectural design is compatible with the existing structure and surrounding development. Project improvements are summarized in the table below.

Existing Addition Project Total

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 9

Building Area (sf.) 6,400 square feet 8,400 square
feet
14,800 square
feet
Parking Spaces (#) 77 (1 to be
removed)
7 83
Impervious Surface
Area (sf.)
45,000 square
feet
56,300 square
feet
56,300 square
feet
Exam Rooms 12 15 27
II. FISCAL IMPACTS:

The proposed project is not anticipated to result in significant adverse fiscal impacts to the City. The project consists of expansion of an existing medical clinic within an already developed urban area and is located within City limits where public infrastructure and municipal services are already available.

The Project would be subject to applicable fees, as required by the City of Atwater. Any increased demand for public services or infrastructure would be incremental and is not anticipated to result in substantial additional fiscal burden to the City beyond normal service obligations.

III. LEGAL REVIEW:

This item has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.

IV. EXISTING POLICY:

Pursuant to Section 17.34.080 of the Atwater Municipal Code, all uses within the C-O zone district require site plan approval and design review. This requirement was satisfied through approval of Site Plan Review (SPR) 25-21-0100 by the Planning Department on April 17, 2026 and through the Architectural Review being considered as part of this project review.

V. ALTERNATIVES:

N/A
VI. INTERDEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:

An interdepartmental routing sheet was sent to all required departments and affected agencies for review, and their comments and conditions have been incorporated.

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 10

VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

The public hearing was adequately noticed and advertised for the regularly scheduled Planning Commission hearing. Two members of the public provided comments at the Planning Commission Meeting.

The public hearing was adequately noticed and advertised for the regularly scheduled City Council hearing. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments on this item prior to City Council action.

VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) was prepared for this project under Section 15073, and its findings were made public and available for a 20-day public comment period beginning on April 17, 2026. The public comment period closed on May 7, 2026. The City’s intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was made known under Section 15070.

Furthermore, no new change in the surrounding area has occurred that would contribute to findings that would be considered significant or represent a major change to the environment.

IX. STEPS FOLLOWING APPROVAL:

It is recommended that the City Council adopt the Resolution and waive the first reading of the Ordinance.

Submitted by:

Jonnie Hanson Lan, Community Development Director
Attachments:

1. Ordinance No. CS 1082

Agenda Report - Adoption of Ordinance No. CS 1082 Approving Zone Change No. 25-21-0200, an Amendment to The Official Zoning Map to Rezone Two Parcels Identified as APN's 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 (Community Development Director Hanson Lan) Page 11

2. Elevations Renderings

3. Operational Statement

4. Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND)

5. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP)

ORDINANCE NO. CS 1082

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF ATWATER APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE

OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF ATWATER

TO REZONE TWO PARCELS IDENTIFIED AS
ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS 002-132-024
AND 002-132-025, TOTALING APPROXIMATELY 0.56
ACRES FROM R-1 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO C-O

COMMERCIAL OFFICE, FOR THE CASTLE FAMILY
HEALTH CENTER ("ATWATER
CLINIC") PROJECT, LOCATED AT 1775 THIRD
STREET, ATWATER (REZ 25-21-0200).

WHEREAS, at a duly noticed public hearing held on June 22, 2026, the City Council of the City of Atwater considered Zone Change No. 25-21-0200 for property located at 1775 Third Street, Atwater (002-132-024, and 002-132-025); and WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed and considered the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the Castle Family Health Center ("Atwater Clinic") Project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration determined that all potentially significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed project would be reduced to a lessthan-significant level through implementation of mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, following a duly noticed public hearing held on May 20,2026, adopted Resolution No. 0277-25 recommending approval of the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration, General Plan Amendment No. 25-21-0300, and Zone Change No. 25-21-0200
WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment No. 25-21-0300 was approved by the City Council and amended the General Plan land use designation from Low Density Residential to Institutional, thereby establishing consistency between the General Plan land use designation and the proposed Commercial Office zoning district; and

CITY COUNCIL
OF THE

CITY OF ATWATER

Ordinance No. CS 1082 Page 2
WHEREAS, Zone Change No. 25-21-0200 proposes to rezone approximately 0.56 acres identified as APNs 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 from R-1 (Low Density Residential) to C-O (Commercial Office); and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed Zone Change is consistent with the goals and policies of the City of Atwater General Plan and is compatible with the surrounding development pattern; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed Zone Change will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare and is in the best interests of the City of Atwater.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATWATER DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

1. Recitals. The City Council hereby finds that all the facts set forth in the recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein.

2. CEQA Findings. The City Council finds that the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the project was completed in compliance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines and reflects the independent judgment of the City of Atwater.

The City Council further finds that the proposed mitigation measures reduce all potentially significant environmental impacts to a less-than-significant level and that there is no substantial evidence in the record indicating that the project will result in significant unavoidable environmental impacts.

3. General Plan Amendment and Zone Change Findings. The City Council finds that GPA No. 25-21-0300 and REZ No. 25-21-0200 are consistent with the goals and policies of the City of Atwater General Plan and will establish consistency between the General Plan land use designation and zoning district.

The proposed Institutional land use designation is intended to accommodate public and quasi-public facilities, including medical and related service uses, and is appropriate for the continued expansion of the existing medical facility. The proposed Commercial Office zoning district is consistent with the purpose of the OfficeCommercial zoning district under Atwater Municipal Code Section 17.34.010, which is intended to provide areas for medical and professional offices and related uses.

The proposed project is also consistent with Goal LU-2 and Policy LU-2.2 of the General Plan, which encourage non-residential development that contributes positively to the community’s image and promotes human-scale design. Through the entitlement and architectural review process, the project will be required to comply with applicable development standards and design guidelines, including pedestrian pathways, landscaping improvements, bicycle parking, and enhanced site circulation improvements.

4. The Public Health, Safety, and Welfare Findings. The City Council finds that the proposed project, including GPA No. 25-21-0300, REZ No. 25-21-0200, will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare of the City or surrounding neighborhood. The project includes site improvements such as landscaping,

Ordinance No. CS 1082 Page 3
pedestrian circulation, bicycle parking, and parking lot improvements that will enhance the functionality and appearance of the existing medical facility. The proposed zoning districts are identified as compatible zoning districts for the proposed land use designations as shown in the General Plan. Future development proposed on the project site would be subject to compliance with the applicable standards and requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, standards which were adopted by the City to ensure preservation and promotion of public health, safety and welfare of the city and to facilitate growth and expansion of the city in a precise and orderly manner. Further, the project has been reviewed by the various City departments and evaluated for conformity with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Through compliance with applicable development standards, environmental mitigation measures, and conditions of approval, the project as proposed is consistent with the purpose of the Zoning Ordinance.

5. Approval of Rezone. Based upon the foregoing findings and the entire administrative record, the City Council hereby approves GPA No. 25-21-0300 to amend approximately 0.56 acres of Low Density Residential land use designation to Institutional land use designation; approve Zone Change No. 25-21-0200 to rezone approximately 0.56 acres from a Low Density Residential zoning district to a Commercial Office zoning district; associated with the expansion of the existing medical facility located on the southwest corner of Third Street and Ivy Avenue at 1775 Third Street, Atwater, California.

6. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

7. Certification. This ordinance shall be published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 36933.

8. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its passage.

The foregoing ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City of Atwater City Council on June 22nd, 2026.

The foregoing Ordinance shall be considered for second reading and adoption at a subsequent meeting of the City Council held on July 13th, 2026.

Ordinance No. CS 1082 Page 4
INTRODUCED: June 22nd, 2026
ADOPTED:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

APPROVED:
___________________________
MICHAEL G. NELSON, MAYOR

ATTEST:
______________________________
KORY J. BILLINGS, CITY CLERK

Ordinance No. CS 1082

ATTACHMENT 3: ELEVATIONS/ RENDERINGS
NEENAN
ARCHISTRUCTION" January 14, 2026
1:(\ Castle Family
')Of Health Centers
NEENAN
ARCH ISTRUCTION' January 14, 2026
1:(\ Castle Family
')Of Health Centers

ATTACHMENT 4: OPERATIONAL STATEMENT
Operational Plan for Castle Family Health
Centers Inc.

Overview & Objectives
Mission: To provide high quality, accessible, and comprehensive primary and preventive care, along with ancillary services, to the Atwater, Winton, and surrounding communities.

Current Programs and Services Offered
Castle Family Health Centers Inc. (CFHC) has established a comprehensive medical model of accessible primary care and ancillary services. CFHC currently serves 33,039 patients in Merced County. The organization offers a wide range of services, summarized below:
• Primary Care: Routine checkups, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
• Pediatrics: Well-child visits, immunizations, and developmental screenings. • Women's Health: Prenatal care, family planning, and gynecological services. • Behavioral Health: Mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and psychiatric care.
• Dental Services: Cleanings, exams, fillings, and extractions. • Vision Services: Eye exams and prescription glasses.
• Pharmacy: On-site contracted pharmacies offering discounted medications. • Lab & Radiology Diagnostic Services: Blood tests, X-rays, Mammography, Ultrasound, and other diagnostics.
• Health Education & Outreach: Nutrition counseling, wellness programs, and community health initiatives.
• Urgent Care: Designed to treat non-life-threatening medical issues quickly and conveniently.

Organizational Structure
Governance:
• Board of Directors
• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Director of Operations
• Chief Medical Officer
• Human Resources Officer
Management Team:
• Operations Specialists
• Health Educator
• Front Office Supervisor
• Clinical Supervisor
• Business Office Supervisor
• Laboratory Supervisor
• Radiology Supervisor
• Dental Supervisor
• Behavioral Health Supervisor
• Optical Supervisor
• Material Management Supervisor
• Maintenance Supervisor
Clinical Staff:
• Physicians
• Specialty Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physicians' Assistants

• Dentists
• Optometrists
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers
• Registered Nurses
• LVNs
• Medical Assistants/RDAs
• Community Health Workers
• Registered Dietician
Supporting Staff:
• Receptionists
• BilUng and Coding Staff
• IT Support Staff
• Accounting Staff
• Maintenance Staff
• Purchasing Staff
Daily Operations
• Castle Site: 3605 Hospital Road, Atwater, CA 95301
• Monday- Friday: 8 am to 8 pm
• Saturday: 1 O am to 6 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm
• Winton Site: 6029 N. Winton Way, Winton, CA 95388
• Monday- Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
• Bloss Site: 1251 Grove Ave, Atwater, CA 95301
• Monday- Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
• Atwater Site: 1775 Third Street, Atwater, CA 95301
• Monday- Thursday: 8 am to 6 pm

Expansion Project
Castle Family Health Centers acquired a medical facility from a private medical group in Atwater. The facility required extensive remodeling to align with primary care center standards. Despite renovations, it does not meet OSHPD building requirements, resulting in limited service hours and its designation as an intermittent clinic.

To better serve the community and linked patients, Castle's leadership and board determined that a future clinic expansion is required. A new medical center will be built on the existing property at 1775 3rd Street in Atwater. The proposed project will add 8,400 square feet and five new primary care providers, facilitating the linkage of 6,000 to 8,000 patients to the new center. This expansion will strengthen infrastructure and operational capacity, supporting sustained delivery of member-centered care and improved data management for targeted and equitable services to Medi-Cal populations over the long term.

Facility Description
Upon completion of the project, the newly developed facility will significantly expand access to comprehensive health and wellness services for the target populations. The project includes minor renovations to an existing medical center and the addition of a 8,400 square foot new medical center.

Existing Fixed Facility (Atwater Clinic) & New CUnic Expansion: The Atwater clinic campus, once completed, will total 14,800 square feet-an increase from the original 6,400 square feet. The expanded space will include:
• Reception and Waiting Area: Designed to accommodate increased patient flow with comfortable seating and accessible check-in kiosks. • 15 Exam Rooms in new project/12 Exam Rooms in existing building: Equipped for primary care, behavioral health consultations, and chronic disease management. • Laboratory and Testing Area: Enables basic diagnostic testing and lab sample collection.
• Administrative Offices: Houses health center supervisors, case management, and outreach staff.
• Break Room and Support Areas: Includes staff lounge, storage, and sanitation facilities.
• Reception and Intake Area: For on-site registration and triage.

• Point-otiJ.Care Testing Station: Allows for rapid diagnostic tests including blood glucose, lead, A 1-C, cholesterol, and COVID-19 testing. • Telehealth CapabiUtie : Enables real-time virtual consultations with specialists at the main facility.
• X-Ray Imaging Area: Equipped with state-of-the-art imaging equipment (in existing facility)
Once completed, the facility will offer 14,800 square feet of space providing primary care, specialty care, and other support services.

As a result of this capital project, Castle will significantly enhance and expand its ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality, and accessible healthcare services to underserved populations. The project will directly support the following programs and services:
• Primary Medical Care: Expansion of exam rooms and clinical space will increase capacity for primary care services, including preventive care, chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), immunizations, and wellness visits.

This will reduce wait times and improve care continuity for patients. • Women's Health and Prenatal Care: Dedicated space will allow for expanded OB/GYN services, including prenatal care, family planning, cancer screenings, and postpartum support, addressing critical gaps in maternal health services. • Pediatrics and Adolescent Health: Enhanced pediatric capacity will support child wellness exams, immunizations, developmental screenings, and behavioral health support tailored to youth and adolescents.
• Enabling Services and Care Coordination: Additional administrative and support space will allow expansion of enabling services, such as care coordination, case management, health education, eligibility assistance, and interpretation services.

These services are essential for reducing social and economic barriers to care.

ATTACHMENT 4: Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (15/MND) 2026050034 - https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2026050034

Castle Family Health Center (“Atwater Clinic”) (Atwater, CA) RSO 0277-25, SP 25-21-0100, REZ 25-21-0200, GPA 25-21-0300, LM 25-21- 0400, and AR 25-21-0500
Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
April 2026
City of Atwater
1350 Broadway Avenue
Atwater, CA 95301

INITIAL STUDY / MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
April 2026
CITY OF ATWATER – Castle Family Health Center | 2
Table of Contents
1 MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION.................................................................................................. 7

1.1 Project Name ................................................................................................................................ 7

1.2 Project Location ............................................................................................................................ 7

1.3 Project Description ....................................................................................................................... 7

1.4 Mailing Address and Phone Number of Contact Person............................................................... 8

1.5 Findings......................................................................................................................................... 8

1.6 Mitigation Measures included in the Project to Avoid Potentially Significant Effects................... 8 2 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................. 10

2.1 Regulatory Information............................................................................................................... 10

2.2 Document Format....................................................................................................................... 10 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM.................................................................................................. 12

3.1 Project Title................................................................................................................................. 12

3.2 Lead Agency Name and Address................................................................................................. 12

3.3 Contact Person and Phone Number ........................................................................................... 12

3.4 Study Prepared By....................................................................................................................... 12

3.5 Project Location .......................................................................................................................... 12

3.6 Latitude and Longitude ............................................................................................................... 12

3.7 General Plan Designation............................................................................................................ 15

3.8 Zoning ......................................................................................................................................... 15

3.9 Description of Project ................................................................................................................. 18

3.10 Project Setting and Surrounding Land Uses................................................................................ 18

3.10.1 Existing Site Conditions....................................................................................................... 18

3.10.2 Existing Roadways and Access ............................................................................................ 19

3.10.3 Surrounding Land Uses....................................................................................................... 19

3.11 Site Preparation .......................................................................................................................... 19

3.12 Project Construction and Phasing............................................................................................... 19

3.13 Project Components................................................................................................................... 19

3.13.1 Site Layout and Elevations .................................................................................................. 20

3.13.2 Site Circulation and Parking ................................................................................................ 20

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3.13.3 Open Space and Landscaping ............................................................................................. 20

3.13.4 Public Services and Utilities................................................................................................. 20

3.14 Required Project Approvals ........................................................................................................ 25

3.15 Technical Studies ........................................................................................................................ 25

3.16 Consultation with California Native American Tribes.................................................................. 25 4 DETERMINATION................................................................................................................................ 27

4.1 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ............................................................................... 27

4.2 Determination............................................................................................................................. 27 5 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .................................................................................... 29

5.1 AESTHETICS................................................................................................................................. 29

5.1.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 29

5.1.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 31

5.2 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES ................................................................................ 34

5.2.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 34

5.2.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 36

5.3 AIR QUALITY................................................................................................................................ 38

5.3.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 38

5.3.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 43

5.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES............................................................................................................. 46

5.4.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 47

5.4.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 52

5.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................... 58

5.5.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 58

5.5.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 60

5.6 ENERGY ....................................................................................................................................... 63

5.6.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 63

5.6.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 64

5.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS .................................................................................................................. 66

5.7.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 67

5.7.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 70

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5.8 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ................................................................................................... 74

5.8.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 74

5.8.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 76

5.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ...................................................................................... 81

5.9.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 81

5.9.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 84

5.10 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ............................................................................................ 88

5.10.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 89

5.10.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 91

5.11 LAND USE PLANNING.................................................................................................................. 98

5.11.1 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 98

5.11.2 Impact Assessment............................................................................................................. 98

5.12 MINERAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................... 100

5.12.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 100

5.12.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 101

5.13 NOISE ........................................................................................................................................ 102

5.13.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 102

5.13.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 106

5.14 POPULATION AND HOUSING .................................................................................................... 109

5.14.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 109

5.14.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 109

5.15 PUBLIC SERVICES....................................................................................................................... 111

5.15.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 111

5.15.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 113

5.16 RECREATION ............................................................................................................................. 116

5.16.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 116

5.16.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 116

5.17 TRANSPORTATION .................................................................................................................... 117

5.17.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 117

5.17.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 120

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5.18 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................. 123

5.18.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 123

5.18.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 123

5.19 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS.............................................................................................. 126

5.19.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 126

5.19.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 127

5.20 WILDFIRE................................................................................................................................... 133

5.20.1 Environmental Setting ...................................................................................................... 133

5.20.2 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 133

5.21 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE ............................................................................... 136

5.21.1 Impact Assessment........................................................................................................... 136 6 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM................................................................. 138 7 REPORT PREPARATION..................................................................................................................... 142 8 APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................................... 143

8.1 Appendix A: CalEEMod Output Files......................................................................................... 143

8.2 Appendix B: Biological Resources Database Results ................................................................. 144

8.3 Appendix C: CHRIS Search Results ............................................................................................ 145

8.4 Appendix D: NAHC Correspondence......................................................................................... 146 Figures
Figure 3-1 Project Location...................................................................................................................................... 13 Figure 3-2 Project Site Aerial.................................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 3-3 General Plan Land Use Designation Map (Existing) ................................................................................ 16 Figure 3-4 Zoning District Map (Existing) ................................................................................................................. 17 Figure 3-5 Project Site Plan...................................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 3-6 3D Elevation Renderings......................................................................................................................... 23 Figure 5-1 CNDDB Occurrences within 5-miles of the Project Site .......................................................................... 49 Figure 5-2 Soils Map ................................................................................................................................................ 69 Figure 5-3 Flood Zone Map...................................................................................................................................... 97 Figure 5-4 Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Development ........................................................................... 103

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Tables
Table 1-1 Existing Fixed Facility and New Clinic Expansion Buildout...........................................................................8 Table 3-1 Existing Fixed Facility and New Clinic Expansion Buildout........................................................................ 18 Table 3-2 Existing Uses, General Plan Designations, and Zoning districts of Surrounding Properties ..................... 19 Table 5-1 SJVAPCD Recommended Air Quality Thresholds of Significance2F.......................................................... 41 Table 5-2 Small Project Analysis Level (SPAL) Assessment — Medical Office Building ............................................ 43 Table 5-3 Essential Habitats and Potential Existence of Special-Status Species on Site........................................... 50 Table 5-4 Scoping Plan Priority GHG Reduction Strategies Consistency Analysis .................................................... 77 Table 5-5 Projected Potable Water Demand by Sector, 2025 – 2040...................................................................... 92 Table 5-6 Assessment of Dam Failure Inundation Risk ............................................................................................ 95 Table 5-7 Discussion on Land Use Policies in the General Plan for Institutional Development ............................... 99 Table 5-8 Guideline Vibration Annoyance Potential Criteria (Acoustical Analysis Table III)................................... 106 Table 5-9 Guideline Vibration Damage Potential Threshold Criteria (Acoustical Analysis Table IV) ...................... 106 Table 5-10 Typical Vibration Levels During Construction....................................................................................... 108 Table 5-11 City of Atwater Water Supply and Demand Comparison, Hydrologic Conditions, 2025 - 2040........... 128

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1 MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
As Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Atwater reviewed the Project described below to determine whether it could have a significant effect on the environment because of its development. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15382, “[s]ignificant effect on the environment” means a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project, including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance.

1.1 Project Name
Castle Family Health Center (“Atwater Clinic”) (RSO 0277-25, SP 25-21-0100, REZ 25-21-0200, GPA 25-21-0300, LM 25-21-0400, and AR 25-21-0500)

1.2 Project Location
The Project site is in the jurisdiction of the City of Atwater, County of Merced, California. The site is located on the southwest corner of Ivy Avenue and Third Street at 1775 Third Street, Atwater, CA 95301 (Figure 3-1), consisting of four (4) parcels that totals approximately 1.63 acres. The site is identified by the Merced County Assessor as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 002-132-021, 002-132-022, 002-132-024, and 002-132-025. Figure 3-2 shows the aerial image of the Project site. The Project site is a portion of Section 1, Township 7 South, Range 12 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian.

1.3 Project Description
Neenan Company, LLP. (Applicant) requests RSO 277-25, SP 25-21-0100, REZ 25-21-0200, GPA 25-21-0300, LM 25- 21-0400, and AR 25-21-0500 (Project) to facilitate the Castle Family Health Centers “Atwater Clinic” Project pertaining to four (4) parcels that total approximately 1.63 acres located at 1775 Third Street, Atwater, CA 95301 (APNs 002-132-021, 002-132-022, 002-132-024, and 002-132-025).

General Plan Amendment and Zone Change
The General Plan Amendment and Zone Change would change the land use and zoning designation of two (2) parcels, APNs 002-132-024 and 002-132-025, from Low Density Residential/R-1 to Institutional/C-O. The rest of the site would remain as currently planned and zoned.

Lot Merger
The Lot Merger would merge the four (4) parcels (APNs 002-132-021, 002-132-022, 002-132-024, and 002-132- 025) into one parcel, totaling approximately 1.63 acres.

Site Plan Review and Architectural Review
The Site Plan Review and Architectural Review would facilitate the development of the proposed Project. The Project would modify an existing medical facility site, resulting in approximately 14,800 square feet of building area (approximately 21% lot coverage), 83 parking spaces, 56,300 square feet of impervious surface area (parking lot, walkways, buildings), 27 exam rooms, and other site modifications including pedestrian pathways, bike parking, landscaping, trash enclosure, and a secure outdoor staff area (Table 3-1). The building area will include a reception and waiting area, exam rooms, a laboratory and testing area, administrative offices, break room and support areas,

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reception and intake area, point-of-care testing station, telehealth capabilities, and x-ray imaging area, providing primary care, specialty care, and other support services to serve approximately 6,000 to 8,000 patients per year.

Table 1-1 Existing Fixed Facility and New Clinic Expansion Buildout Existing Addition Project Total
Building Area (sf.) 6,400 square feet 8,400 square feet 14,800 square feet Parking Spaces (#) 77 (1 to be removed) 7 83
Impervious Surface Area (sf.) 45,000 square feet 56,300 square feet 56,300 square feet Exam Rooms 12 15 27

1.4 Mailing Address and Phone Number of Contact Person
Lead Agency
City of Atwater
Community Development Department
Jonnie J. Hanson Lan, Community Development Director
(209) 357-6342
[email protected]
Applicant
Neenan Company, LLLP
3325 S. Timberline Road, S. 100
Fort Collins, CO 80537
(415) 670-0236
[email protected]

1.5 Findings
As Lead Agency, the City of Atwater finds that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment. The Environmental Checklist (CEQA Guidelines Appendix G) or Initial Study (IS) (see Section 3 - Environmental Checklist Form) identified one or more potentially significant effects on the environment, but revisions to the Project have been made before the release of this Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), or mitigation measures would be implemented that reduce all potentially significant impacts to less than significant levels. The Lead Agency further finds that there is no substantial evidence that this Project would have a significant effect on the environment.

1.6 Mitigation Measures included in the Project to Avoid Potentially Significant Effects Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Burrowing Owl Preconstruction Survey. Prior to any ground-disturbing activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct protocol-level burrowing owl surveys in accordance with CDFG's 2012 Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation no more than 14 days prior to commencement of ground-disturbing activities. If burrowing owls are detected, the applicant shall immediately notify CDFW and prepare and implement a Burrowing Owl Mitigation Plan, which may include avoidance buffers, passive relocation, and compensatory mitigation for permanent habitat loss, consistent with CESA requirements Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Nesting Bird Surveys. If vegetation removal, tree trimming, demolition, or other grounddisturbing activities are proposed during the nesting bird season (February 1 through August 31), a qualified biologist shall conduct a preconstruction nesting bird survey within 14 days prior to the commencement of such activities. If an active nest is identified, a no-disturbance buffer shall be established around the nest by the qualified biologist, and all construction activities within the buffer shall be suspended until the nest is confirmed inactive by the biologist.

Buffer distances shall be determined in coordination with CDFW, consistent with standard protocols.

Mitigation Measure CUL-1: In order to avoid the potential for impacts to historic and prehistoric archaeological resources, the following measures shall be implemented in conjunction with the construction of each phase of the Project:

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If previously unknown historical, archeological, cultural, or paleontological resources are encountered before or during grading activities, construction shall stop in the immediate vicinity of the find and a qualified archeologist, historical resources specialist, or paleontologist, shall be consulted to determine whether the resource requires further study. Notification of discovery shall be provided to the City Community Development Department.

The qualified archeologist, historical resources specialist, or paleontologist shall make recommendations to the project proponent on the measures that shall be implemented to protect the discovered resources, including but not limited to excavation of the finds and evaluation of the finds in accordance with Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines and City’s policies and procedures related to historical, cultural, and paleontological resources.

Notification of the measures shall be provided to the City Community Development Department.

Mitigation Measure CUL-2: If the resources are determined to be unique historical resources as defined under Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines, measures shall be identified by the monitor and recommended to the project proponent, who shall notify the City Community Development Department. Appropriate measures for significant resources could include avoidance or capping, preservation in-place, recordation, additional archeological resting, incorporation of the site in green space, parks, or open space, or data recovery excavations of the finds.

Mitigation Measure CUL-3: If human remains are discovered during construction or operational activities, further excavation or disturbance shall be prohibited pursuant to Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.

The specific protocol, guidelines, and channels of communication outlined by the Native American Heritage Commission, in accordance with Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code (Chapter 1492, Statutes of 1982, Senate Bill 297), and Senate Bill 447 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 1987), shall be followed. Section 7050.5(c) shall guide the potential Native American involvement in the event of discovery of human remains at the direction of the county coroner.

Mitigation Measure GEO-1: The Applicant will incorporate into the construction contract(s) a provision that in the event a fossil or fossil formations are discovered during any subsurface construction activities for the proposed Project (i.e., trenching, grading), all excavations within 50 feet of the find shall be temporarily halted until the find is examined by a qualified paleontologist, in accordance with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards. The paleontologist shall notify the Applicant, who shall coordinate with the paleontologist as to any necessary investigation of the find. If the find is determined to be significant under CEQA, the Applicant shall implement those measures, which may include avoidance, preservation in place, or other appropriate measures, as outlined in Public Resources Code Section 21083.2.

All mitigation measures identified herein shall be implemented as conditions of project approval and are subject to the City’s Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

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2 INTRODUCTION
Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. (PCE) has prepared this Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) on behalf of the City of Atwater(City) to address the environmental effects of the proposed Castle Family Health Center Project (Resolution (RSO) 0277-25, Site Plan Review (SP) 25-21-0100, Zone Change (REZ) 25-21-0200, General Plan Amendment (GPA) 25-21-0300, Lot Merger (LM) 25-21-0400, and Architectural Review (AR) 25-21-0500(“Project” or “proposed Project”). This document has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq. The City of Atwater is the Lead Agency for this proposed Project. The site and the proposed Project are described in detail in SECTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM.

2.1 Regulatory Information
An Initial Study (IS) is a document prepared by a lead agency to determine whether a Project may have a significant effect on the environment. In accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 14 (Chapter 3, Section 15000, et seq.), also known as the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15064 (a)(1) states that an environmental impact report (EIR) must be prepared if there is substantial evidence in light of the whole record that the proposed Project under review may have a significant effect on the environment and should be further analyzed to determine mitigation measures or Project alternatives that might avoid or reduce Project impacts to less than significant levels.

A mitigated negative declaration (MND) may be prepared instead if the lead agency finds that there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record that the Project may have a significant effect on the environment. A Negative Declaration (ND) is a written statement describing the reasons why a proposed project, not otherwise exempt from CEQA, would not have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, why it would not require the preparation of an EIR (CEQA Guidelines Section 15371). According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15070, a ND or MND shall be prepared for a Project subject to CEQA when either:
a. The IS shows there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the agency, that the proposed Project may have a significant effect on the environment, or b. The IS identified potentially significant effects, but:

1. Revisions in the Project plans or proposals made by or agreed to by the applicant before the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study is released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effects would occur is prepared, and

2. There is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the agency, that the proposed Project as revised may have a significant effect on the environment.

2.2 Document Format
This IS/MND contains five (5) chapters plus appendices. SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION provides bases of the IS/MND’s regulatory information and an overview of the Project. SECTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM provides a detailed description of Project components. SECTION 4 DETERMINATION concludes that the Initial Study is a mitigated negative declaration, identifies the environmental factors potentially affected based on the analyses contained in this IS, and includes with the Lead Agency’s determination based upon those analyses. SECTION 5 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS presents the CEQA checklist and environmental analyses for all impact areas and the mandatory findings of significance. A brief discussion of the reasons why the Project impact is anticipated to be potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation incorporated, less than significant, or

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why no impacts are expected is included. SECTION 6 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM presents the mitigation measures recommended in the IS/MND for the Project.

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3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM
This section describes the components of the proposed Project in more detail, including Project location, Project objectives, and required Project approvals.

3.1 Project Title
Castle Family Health Center (“Atwater Clinic”) (RSO 0277-25, SP 25-21-0100, REZ 25-21-0200, GPA 25-21-0300, LM 25-21-0400, and AR 25-21-0500)

3.2 Lead Agency Name and Address
City of Atwater
Community Development Department
1350 Broadway Avenue
Atwater, CA 95301

3.3 Contact Person and Phone Number
Lead Agency
City of Atwater
Community Development Department
Jonnie J. Hanson Lan, Community Development Director
(209) 357-6342
[email protected]
Applicant
Neenan Company, LLP
3325 S. Timberline Road, S. 100
Fort Collins, CO 80537
(415) 670-0236
[email protected]

3.4 Study Prepared By
Precision Civil Engineering
1234 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 449-4500

3.5 Project Location
The Project site is in the jurisdiction of the City of Atwater, County of Merced, California. The site is located on the southwest corner of Ivy Avenue and Third Street at 1775 Third Street, Atwater, CA 95301 (Figure 3-1), consisting of four (4) parcels that totals approximately 1.63 acres. The site is identified by the Merced County Assessor as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 002-132-021, 002-132-022, 002-132-024, and 002-132-025. Figure 3-2 shows the aerial image of the Project site. The Project site is a portion of Section 1, Township 7 South, Range 12 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian.

3.6 Latitude and Longitude
The centroid of the Project site is 37°21'07.2"N 120°36'23.5"W.

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Figure 3-1 Project Location

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Figure 3-2 Project Site Aerial

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3.7 General Plan Designation
The Projectsite has a City of Atwater General Plan land use designation of Low Density Residential and Institutional (Figure 3-3). According to the General Plan, the Low Density Residential land use designation is to “provide for residential development at densities that are typical for existing single family residential subdivisions within the city.

The permitted density range is 3.1 to 7.0 units per acre.” The Low Density Residential land use designation is compatible with the Low Density Residential zoning districts. Typical uses of this land use designation include single family residences, residential accessory uses, churches, schools, parks, community care facilities, and necessary public utility and safety facilities.

The Institutional land use designation is “intended for public and quasi-public facilities, including, but not limited to, government services and facilities, fire/police stations, wastewater treatment facilities, electrical substations, domestic water treatment, and storage, and other similar uses.” The maximum floor area ratio permitted is 0.40.

New facilities may be appropriate in any land use category based on need and environmental review.

3.8 Zoning
The Project site is within the Commercial Office (C-O) and Low Density Residential (R-1) zoning district (Figure 3-4).

The zoning districts are consistent with the General Plan land use designations.

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Figure 3-3 General Plan Land Use Designation Map (Existing)

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Figure 3-4 Zoning District Map (Existing)

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3.9 Description of Project
Neenan Company, LLP. (Applicant) requests RSO 277-25, SP 25-21-0100, REZ 25-21-0200, GPA 25-21-0300, LM 25- 21-0400, and AR 25-21-0500 (Project) to facilitate the Castle Family Health Centers “Atwater Clinic” Project pertaining to four (4) parcels that total approximately 1.63 acres located at 1775 Third Street, Atwater, CA 95301 (APNs 002-132-021, 002-132-022, 002-132-024, and 002-132-025).

General Plan Amendment and Zone Change
The General Plan Amendment and Zone Change would change the land use and zoning designation of two (2) parcels, APNs 002-132-024 and 002-132-025, from Low Density Residential/R-1 to Institutional/C-O. The rest of the site would remain as currently planned and zoned.

Lot Merger
The Lot Merger would merge the four (4) parcels (APNs 002-132-021, 002-132-022, 002-132-024, and 002-132- 025) into one parcel, totaling approximately 1.63 acres.

Site Plan Review and Architectural Review
The Site Plan Review and Architectural Review would facilitate the development of the proposed Project. The Project would modify an existing medical facility site, resulting in approximately 14,800 square feet of building area (approximately 21% lot coverage), 83 parking spaces, 56,300 square feet of impervious surface area (parking lot, walkways, buildings), 27 exam rooms, and other site modifications including pedestrian pathways, bike parking, landscaping, trash enclosure, and a secure outdoor staff area (Table 3-1). The building area will include a reception and waiting area, exam rooms, a laboratory and testing area, administrative offices, break room and support areas, reception and intake area, point-of-care testing station, telehealth capabilities, and x-ray imaging area, providing primary care, specialty care, and other support services to serve approximately 6,000 to 8,000 patients per year.

Table 3-1 Existing Fixed Facility and New Clinic Expansion Buildout Existing Addition Project Total
Building Area (sf.) 6,400 square feet 8,400 square feet 14,800 square feet Parking Spaces (#) 77 (1 to be removed) 7 83
Impervious Surface Area (sf.) 45,000 square feet 56,300 square feet 56,300 square feet Exam Rooms 12 15 27

3.10 Project Setting and Surrounding Land Uses

3.10.1 Existing Site Conditions
The Project site has historically been used for intermittent clinic purposes for a private medical group. The Project site is currently developed with an existing 6,400 square-foot building, 77 parking spaces and landscaping along Third Street and the south side of the property line. The existing biotic conditions and resources of the site can be defined primarily as ruderal and herbaceous vegetation with heavy alteration due to the development and ongoing intermittent clinic operations. There are existing trees and shrubs on the boundary of the site and surrounding the existing building and parking lot. No water features are present on the site.

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3.10.2 Existing Roadways and Access
The Project site is located on the southwest corner of Ivy Avenue and Third Street. Ivy Avenue along the northern boundary of the site is a west-east roadway. Third Street is a north-south roadway that connects to the Project site.

3.10.3 Surrounding Land Uses
As referenced in Table 3-2, to the north of the Project site, the existing land use is single-family residences. The planned land use and zoning district in this area is designated as Low Density Residential. To the south, the existing land use includes a health care center, single-family residences and a park. The planned land use for this area is designated as Institutional, Park, and High Density Residential and the current zoning is Low Density Residential and High Density Residential. To the east, the existing land use includes single-family residences, a park, and a library.

The planned land use for this area is designated as Institutional, Park, and Low Density Residential and the current zoning is Low Density Residential. To the west, the existing land use includes a school, church, and single-family residences. The planned land use for this area is designated as Low Density Residential, Institutional, and School and the current zoning is Low Density Residential.

Table 3-2 Existing Uses, General Plan Designations, and Zoning districts of Surrounding Properties Direction from
the Project site
Existing Land Use Planned Land Use Zoning district
North Single-Family Residences Low Density Residential Low Density Residential South
Health Care Center,
Single-Family Residences,
Park
Institutional, Park, High
Density Residential
Low Density Residential, High
Density Residential
East
Single-Family Residences,
Park, Library
Institutional, Park, Low
Density Residential Low Density Residential
West
School, Church, SingleFamily ResidencesLow Density Residential, Institutional, School Low Density Residential

3.11 Site Preparation
Site preparation would include removal of select landscaping and gravel, as well as typical grading activities and minor excavation for installation of utility infrastructure for conveyance of water, sewer, stormwater, and irrigation.

Site preparation, building, grading, encroachment, and site utilities permits would be subject to review and approval by the appropriate agency and/or department to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

Compliance would be verified through the building permit and inspection process.

3.12 Project Construction and Phasing
Construction would be limited to the portion of the site designated for the new building, parking, and landscaping.

The proposed Project will be completed in a single phase, including construction of the new medical office clinic, sidewalks, seven additional parking stalls, fencing for staff areas, and bicycle parking racks.

3.13 Project Components
This section describes the overall components of the Project, such as the proposed buildings, landscaping, vehicle and pedestrian circulation, and utilities.

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3.13.1 Site Layout and Elevations
As shown in Figure 3-5, the Project proposes a new single-story, 8,400 square-foot building, and on-site improvements, such as modifications to landscaped areas for staff use, installation of fencing and gates to secure staff areas, development of a trash enclosure, construction of pedestrian pathways, bike parking rack, and automobile parking.

Building and Site Design Features
Figure 3-6 shows the building elevations for the proposed Castle Family Health Center Project. The Project would construct a new 8,400 square-foot building to accommodate a new medical office clinic. The building would feature brick wainscots, flat rooflines, and floor-to-ceiling windows at the entrance. The site’s frontage would be landscaped in a similar manner to the existing landscape.

The Project would be built in accordance with all mandatory indoor water use requirements as outlined in the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11, Section 5.303 – Indoor Water Use and verified through the building permit process. As a nonresidential development that contains plumbing fixtures and fittings, the Project shall comply with water-conserving measures for water closets, urinals, showerheads, faucets, and fountains. The Project would be required to install low flow plumbing fixtures with flow rates that comply with requirements. In addition, as a nonresidential development, the Project would be required to install submeters (separate submeters are required for buildings in excess of 50,000 sf.) to measure water usage of individual tenants in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

The Project would also be built in accordance with all mandatory outdoor water use requirements as outlined in the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11, Section 5.304 – Outdoor Water Use and verified through the building permit process. As a nonresidential development that contains landscaping including trees, shrubs, ground cover/annual plants, and/or lawn, the Project shall comply with the updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) (California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 2.7, Division 2), as implemented and enforced through the building permit process.

3.13.2 Site Circulation and Parking
The Project site would be accessible via existing driveways along Third Street, providing ingress/egress to the medical facility and associated parking areas. Internal would be maintained through internal drive aisles connecting the parking lot and pedestrian walkways to the buildings. The Project would provide a total of 83 vehicle parking stalls and bicycle parking racks for seven bicycles to serve both visitors and staff.

3.13.3 Open Space and Landscaping
Proposed landscaping is depicted in Figure 3-5. The existing landscaping and trees within the exterior of the site, adjacent to proposed buildings, and surrounding the parking lot would remain.

3.13.4 Public Services and Utilities
The Projectsite was previously developed and is within City limits and thus, is connected to water, wastewater, and stormwater services. Natural gas and electricity are provided by Merced Irrigation District. Telecommunications and solid waste services are provided by private companies. In addition, the Project would be subject to fees for

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the construction, acquisition, and improvements for public services including but not limited to: Fire Protection Services, Police Protection Services, and Schools. Water, wastewater, and stormwater services are described below.

Domestic water service would be provided to the site through connections to existing City of Atwater water infrastructure located along Third Street. New water lines would be extended internally throughout the site to service the proposed building.

Sanitary sewer service would be provided to the site through connections to the existing City of Atwater sewer infrastructure located along Third Street and the existing building. New sewer lines would be extended internally through the site to service the proposed building.

Stormwater drainage would be managed through storm drain infrastructure. The infrastructure would be designed to comply with City of Atwater stormwater management standards and would ensure no increase in off-site runoff.

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Figure 3-5 Project Site Plan

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Figure 3-6 3D Elevation Renderings

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Figure 3-6 3D Elevation Renderings

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3.14 Required Project Approvals
The City of Atwater requires the following review, permits, and/or approvals, for the proposed Project. Other approvals not listed below may be required as identified through the entitlement process. • General Plan Amendment
• Zone Change
• Lot Merger
• Site Plan Review
• Architectural Review
• Building Permit
• Grading Permit
• Encroachment Permit
• Site Utilities Permit
In addition, other agencies may have the authority to issue permits prior to implementation of the Project including but not limited to: Atwater Fire Department, Merced County Department of Public Health, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, Pacific Gas & Electric, Merced Irrigation District, Caltrans, and California Regional Water Quality Control Board.

3.15 Technical Studies
The analysis of the Project relied in part on the technical studies listed below prepared for the Project. • CalEEMod Output Files (Appendix A)
• Biological Resources Database Results (Appendix B)
• CHRIS Search Results (Appendix C)
• NAHC Correspondence (Appendix D)

3.16 Consultation with California Native American Tribes The State requires lead agencies to consider the potential effects of proposed projects and consult with California Native American tribes during the local planning process for the purpose of protecting Traditional Tribal Cultural Resources through the CEQA Guidelines. Pursuant to PRC Section 21080.3.1(b): Prior to the release of a mitigated negative declaration, the lead agency shall begin consultation with a California Native American tribe that is traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the proposed project if: (1) the California Native American tribe requested to the lead agency, in writing, to be informed by the lead agency through formal notification of proposed projects in the geographic area that is traditionally and culturally affiliated with the tribe, and (2) the California Native American tribe responds, in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the formal notification, and requests the consultation.

Per AB 52 and SB 18, the City of Atwater compiled a list of tribes that have requested, in writing, to be informed by the City through formal notification of proposed projects in the geographic area that is traditionally and culturally affiliated with the tribe. The City also requested a list of tribes with traditional lands or cultural places located within Merced County from the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). This list was received on April 9, 2026. The compiled lists of tribes to be informed by the City include Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Northern Valley Yokut / Ohlone Tribe, Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, Tule River Indian Tribe, and Wuksachi Indian Tribe/Eshom

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Valley Band. The NAHC also conducted a Sacred Lands File (SFL) search which was negative. On March 20, 2026, the City submitted written notices to each of the aforementioned tribes inviting them to engage in tribal consultation pursuant to AB 52 and SB 18. No responses were received within the 30-day and 90-day consultation period.

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4 DETERMINATION

4.1 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this Project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.

Aesthetics
Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Energy
Geology and Soils
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Hydrology and Water Quality
Land Use Planning
Mineral Resources
Noise
Population and Housing
Public Services
Recreation
Transportation
Tribal and Cultural Resources
Utilities and Service Systems
Wildfire

For purposes of this Initial Study, the following answers have the corresponding meanings:
“No Impact” means the specific impact category does not apply to the Project, or that the record sufficiently demonstrates that Project specific factors or general standards applicable to the Project will result in no impact for the threshold under consideration.
“Less Than Significant Impact” means there is an impact related to the threshold under consideration, but that impact is less than significant.
“Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation” means there is a potentially significant impact related to the threshold under consideration, however, with the mitigation incorporated into the Project, the impact is less than significant. For purposes of this Initial Study “mitigation incorporated into the Project” means mitigation originally described in the GP PEIR and applied to an individual Project, as well as mitigation developed specifically for an individual Project.
“Potentially Significant Impact” means there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant related to the threshold under consideration.

4.2 Determination
On the basis of this initial evaluation (to be completed by the Lead Agency):

I find that the proposed Project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that although the proposed Project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the Project have been made by or agreed to by the Project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

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0 I find that the proposed Pro1ect MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) is required.
0 I find that the proposed Project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An EIR is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

D I find that although the proposed Project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed Project, nothing further is required.

Approved By:

Jonnie J. ans ICP, Community Development Director
City of Atwat r, Community Development Department
CITYOF ATW ATER- Caste Family Health Center I 28

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5 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

5.1 AESTHETICS
Except as provided in Public Resources
Code Section 21099, would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on
a scenic vista? X
b) Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not limited
to, trees, rock out-croppings, and
historic buildings within a state
scenic highway?
X
c) In non-urbanized areas,
substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality public
views of the site and its
surroundings? (Public views are
those that are experienced from
publicly accessible vantage point).

If the Project is in an urbanized area,
would the Project conflict with
applicable zoning and other
regulations governing scenic
quality?
X
d) Create a new source of substantial
light or glare which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
X

5.1.1 Environmental Setting
Generally, aesthetics may include scenic vistas and scenic resources (e.g. trees, rock outcroppings, historic buildings, and highways). The City of Atwater’s visual features predominately include urbanized and agricultural land uses. The Project site has historically been used for clinical purposes by a private medical group. It is currently developed with an approximately 6,400-square-foot building, associated parking areas, and landscaping along Third Street and the southern property line.

The site is generally flat and does not contain any notable geologic formations or distinctive scenic features.

Surrounding land uses consist primarily of single-family residential development to the north, west, and east, a day health care center to the south, and a library to the southeast.

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Atwater General Plan
According to the Atwater General Plan, the City recognizes scenic resources to be “open space areas” (i.e., agricultural lands) in addition to several transportation routes or “scenic corridors”. The General Plan does not identify or designate “scenic vistas.” The identified scenic corridors include Atwater Boulevard, First Street, Bellevue Road, Shaffer Road, Winton Way, Broadway from Winton Way to First Street, Buhach Road, Third Street, Part of Grove Avenue, and all entrances to the city. The project site is accessed from Third Street. A scenic corridor is the view from the road that may include a distant panorama and/or the immediate roadside area. A scenic corridor encompasses the outstanding natural features and landscapes that are considered scenic, including man-made or natural environments.

Although there are two (2) state-designated scenic highways in the County of Merced (SR 152, approximately 23 miles south, and Interstate 5, approximately 36 miles west), these highways are not within city limits and thus, the City does not designate them as scenic resources. Lastly, the General Plan identifies places of contemporary historical significance in the city including the Bloss Manson, Bloss Library, and Castle Air Museum. Applicable goals and policies within the Open Space and Conservation Element are as follows.

GOAL CO-9 Protect and enhance historical and culturally significant resources within the Planning Area.

Policy CO-9.1 Ensure consideration and proper handling of prehistoric, cultural, and archaeological resources during the development process.

Policy CO-9.2 Preserve and maintain structures and features identified as historically significant by the City, including but not limited to, the Bloss Mansion and Bloss Library.

Policy CO-0.3 Encourage public and private efforts to identify, preserve, protect, and/or restore historic buildings, structures, landmarks, and important cultural resources. Implementation Program CO-9.a Attach the following standard condition to all discretionary development projects: “If a previously unknown archaeological site is uncovered during in the course of development, all development activity in the vicinity of the site shall cease until a qualified archaeologist completes an investigation. The archaeologist shall submit a report to the City that includes a determination of the significance of the site and recommendations on its disposition. “
GOAL CO-10. Enhance and protect the scenic resources within the City.

Policy CO-10.1. Utilize landscaping and other features to enhance and beautify major streets and gateways into and through the City.

Policy CO-10.2. Avoid excessive signage and other features which could detract from the scenic quality of prominent circulation routes.

Implementation Program CO-10.a. Explore the use of redevelopment financing to beautify streets and gateways within the Redevelopment Project Area.

Implementation Program CO-10.b. Identify and pursue other funding sources which could be used to beautify streets and gateways outside of the Redevelopment Project Area

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The City Code of Atwater, California
The City Code of Atwater, California, also known as the Atwater Municipal Code (AMC), outlines enforceable requirements for all new developments to prevent lighting and glare impacts, as listed below:

Section17.44.150 – Site Design
L. Lighting.

1. Lighting should be used to provide illumination for the security and safety of onsite areas such as parking, loading, pathways, and work areas.

2. The design of light fixtures and their structural supports shall be architecturally compatible with the main structures in the development and shall not impact adjacent properties.

California Scenic Highway Program
The California Scenic Highway Program was established in 1963 with the purpose of protecting and enhancing the natural scenic beauty of California highways and adjacent corridors, through special conservation treatment. A highway may be designated scenic depending upon how much of the natural landscape can be seen by travelers, the scenic quality of the landscape, and the extent to which development intrudes upon the traveler's enjoyment of the view. There are no officially designated State Scenic Highways in the City of Atwater, inclusive of the Project site.
1 5.1.2 Impact Assessment
Except as provided in PRC Section 21099, would the Project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Less than Significant Impact. The Project site has historically been used for intermittent clinic purposes for a private medical group and is currently developed with an existing 6,400-square-foot building, approximately 77 parking spaces, and landscaping along Third Street and the southern property boundary. As discussed in the Environmental Setting, the Project site is not near state-designated scenic highways; the nearest scenic highways are SR 152, located approximately 23 miles south and Interstate 5, located approximately 36 miles west.2 The proposed Project includes the addition of a new single-story, 8,400 square-foot building, and on-site improvements, such as modifications to landscaped areas for staff use, installation of fencing and gates to secure staff areas, development of a trash enclosure, construction of pedestrian pathways, bike parking rack, and automobile parking.

Although Third Street is designated as a local scenic corridor in the City of Atwater General Plan, views from Third Street will continue to include landscaped areas along the frontage, and the Project is designed to maintain visual compatibility with the surrounding urban context. In addition, the Project is consistent with applicable City policies 1 Caltrans. California State Scenic Highway System Map. Accessed on April 7, 2026 https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f1aacaa 2 Caltrans. California State Scenic Highway System Map. Accessed on April 7, 2026 https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f1aacaa

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CO-10.1 and CO-10.2, which promote the use of landscaping and discourage excessive signage to preserve the character of scenic corridors. Given the existing developed condition of the site, the absence of nearby designated scenic vistas or scenic highways, and the incorporation of landscaping and design standards, the Project would not substantially degrade scenic resources or adversely affect a scenic vista. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
No Impact. The Project site is not located within or adjacent to a state-designated scenic highway. The nearest state scenic highways, SR-152 and Interstate 5, are located approximately 23 miles south and 36 miles west of the site, respectively. As such, the Project would not affect any scenic resources within a state scenic highway corridor.

The Project site and surrounding area are fully urbanized and do not contain state-recognized scenic resources such as significant trees, rock outcroppings, or historic buildings within a designated scenic highway. While Third Street is identified as a local scenic corridor in the City of Atwater General Plan, it is not a state-designated scenic highway and is therefore not subject to this threshold of analysis. Accordingly, no impacts would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the Project is in an urbanized area, would the Project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project site is located in an urbanized area and has historically been developed with institutional and commercial-type uses. The proposed Project includes a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to reclassify portions of APNs 002-132-024 and 002-132-025 from Low Density Residential/R-1 to Institutional/C-O, while the remainder of the site retains its existing designation. The new single-story building and associated site improvements, including parking modifications, landscaping, pedestrian pathways, lighting, bicycle facilities, and a trash enclosure, are consistent with an institutional/C-O land use character.

Through the entitlement process, the Project will be required to comply with applicable City policies and regulations governing scenic quality, including but not limited to the General Plan, City of Atwater Municipal Code, and the California Building Code. These standards regulate site design, landscaping, lighting, and overall visual compatibility.

Compliance with these applicable regulations ensures that development of the site would not conflict with zoning or other regulations governing scenic quality. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
None required.

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d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Less than Significant Impact. Generally, lighting impacts are associated with artificial lighting in evening hours either through interior lighting from windows or exterior lighting (e.g., street lighting, parking lot lighting, landscape lighting, cars, and trucks). The proposed Project would introduce new sources of light associated with the new single-story building and on-site improvements could create adverse effects on day or nighttime views in the area.

The Project site is located within an urbanized area where existing lighting sources are already present from surrounding residential, institutional, and roadway uses. Although construction activities are anticipated to occur primarily during daylight hours, it is possible that some activities could occur during dusk or early evening hours (pursuant to Atwater Municipal Code Section 8.44.050, construction activities are allowed between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM). Construction during these time periods could result in light and glare from construction vehicles or equipment. However, construction would occur primarily during daylight hours, within the project footprint, and would be temporary in nature. Once construction is completed, any light and glare from these activities would cease to occur.

Regarding operations, the Project includes lighting to provide interior lighting, lamps, outdoor lighting, etc. Lighting design would be required to comply with the Atwater Municipal Code, which contains specific, enforceable requirements and/or restrictions intended to prevent light and glare impacts (pursuant to Atwater Municipal Code Section 8.32.030, the City does not allow lights, lighted signs, or other devices that direct or reflect glare onto public right-of-way or neighboring properties). The lighting design guide covers outdoor spaces including regulations for mounted luminaires (i.e., high efficacy, motion sensor controlled, time clocks, energy management control systems, etc.). As such, conditions imposed on the Project by the City of Atwater under their Municipal Code, in addition to Title 24 requirements, would reduce light and glare impacts to a less than significant impact.

Mitigation Measures
None required.

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5.2 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
Would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
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 nonagricultural 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 nonforest use? X
e) Involve other changes in the
existing environment which, due to
their location or nature, could result
in conversion of Farmland, to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
X

5.2.1 Environmental Setting
The Project site is located within the City of Atwater in a fully urbanized area and is designated for urban development under the City’s General Plan. The site has historically been developed with institutional uses and is currently developed with an existing building, parking areas, and landscaped improvements along Third Street and internal portions of the site.

The surrounding area consists of a mix of residential, institutional, and public facility uses in an urban setting.

Existing onsite conditions are fully disturbed and consist of developed surfaces, ornamental landscaping, and maintained landscaped areas associated with prior and existing site use. No agricultural activities are present onsite or in the immediate vicinity. The Project site also does not contain forestry resources, including forest land or

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timberland, and is not located within or adjacent to any forested areas. Vegetation onsite is limited to ornamental and landscaped plantings associated with prior development and site maintenance.

Farmland Monitoring and Mapping Program
The California Department of Conservation manages the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) that provides maps and data for analyzing land use impacts on farmland. The FMMP produces the Important Farmland Finder as a resource map that shows quality (soils) and land use information. Agricultural land is rated according to soil quality and irrigation status, in addition to many other physical and chemical characteristics. The highest quality land is called “Prime Farmland” which is defined by the FMMP as “farmland with the best combination of physical and chemical features able to sustain long term agricultural production. This land has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields. Land must have been used for irrigated agricultural production at some time during the four years prior to the mapping date. 3 Maps are updated every two years. According to the FMMP, California Important Farmland Finder, the Project site is classified as “Urban and Built-Up Land as defined below.
4 Urban and Built-Up Land (D): Land occupied by structures with a building density of at least 1 unit to 1.5 acres, or approximately 6 structures to a 10-acre parcel. This land is used for residential, industrial, construction, institutional, public administration, railroad and other transportation yards, cemeteries, airports, golf courses, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment, water control structures, and other developed purposes.

California Land Conservation Act
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (i.e., the Williamson Act) allows local governments to enter contracts with private landowners to restrict parcels of land agricultural or open space uses. In return, property tax assessments of the restricted parcels are lower than full market value. The minimum length of a Williamson Act contract is 10 years and automatically renews upon its anniversary date; as such, the contract length is essentially indefinite. The Project site is not subject to the Williamson Act. 3 California Department of Conservation. Important Farmland Categories. Accessed on April 7, 2026, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp/Pages/Important-Farmland-Categories.aspx 4 California Department of Conservation. (2018). California Important Farmland Finder. Accessed on April 7, 2026, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/

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5.2.2 Impact Assessment
Would the Project:
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?
No Impact. The Project is not located on any lands designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. According to the California Department of Conservation’s Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP), California Important Farmland Finder, the Project site is classified as “Urban and BuiltUp Land.” The site is located within a fully urbanized area of the City of Atwater and is currently developed with existing structures, parking areas, and landscaped improvements. No agricultural uses or farmland designations are present onsite or in the surrounding vicinity. Therefore, the Project would not result in the conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural uses, and no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? No Impact. The Project site is not zoned for agricultural use and is currently developed as part of the Castle Family Health Centers. The Project site is not subject to a Williamson Act contract. The surrounding area consists of urban residential, institutional, and public facility uses and is not actively used for agricultural production under Williamson Act contracts. The proposed Project, including the General Plan Amendment and Zone Change from Low Density Residential/R-1 to Institutional/C-O, would not introduce or conflict with any agricultural zoning or Williamson Act–protected lands. Therefore, no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
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))? No Impact. The Project site is not located on land zoned for forest land, timberland, or Timberland Production, as defined by the relevant sections of the Public Resources Code and Government Code. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with existing zoning for these land uses or require any rezoning, and no impacts would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? No Impact. The Project site does not contain forest land, nor is it designated or zoned for forest uses. Therefore, the Project would not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land into non-forest use, and no impacts would occur.

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Mitigation Measures
None required.
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? No Impact. The Project site is not located on lands designated as Farmland or forest land, and it is situated within a fully urbanized area of the City of Atwater. The site is currently developed with existing structures, parking areas, and landscaped improvements. The Project does not include the extension of infrastructure, such as roads or utilities, into areas that contain Farmland or forest land, nor would it facilitate development that would indirectly result in the conversion of such lands. The proposed General Plan Amendment and Zone Change would remain consistent with the surrounding urban development pattern and would not affect the continued use of nearby agricultural or forestry lands. Therefore, no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.

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5.3 AIR QUALITY
Would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the applicable air
quality plan?
X
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable
net increase of any criteria pollutant
for which the Project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard?
X
c) Expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant concentrations? X
d) Result in other emissions (such as
those leading to odors) adversely
affecting a substantial number of
people?
X

5.3.1 Environmental Setting
Atwater lies within the central portion of the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAPCD) that is bounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountain range to the east, Coastal Ranges to the west, and Tehachapi mountains to the south. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) regulates air quality in eight (8) counties including: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare. The SJVAPCD oversees the SJVAB.

Impacts on air quality result from emissions generated during short-term activities (construction) and long-term activities (operations). Construction-related emissions consist mainly of exhaust emissions (NOx and PM) from construction equipment and other mobile sources, and fugitive dust (PM) emissions from earth moving activities.

Operational emissions are source specific and consist of permitted equipment and activities and non-permitted equipment and activities.

Air pollution in the SJVAB can be attributed to both human-related (anthropogenic) and natural (nonanthropogenic) activities that produce emissions. Air pollution from significant anthropogenic activities in the SJVAB includes a variety of industrial-based sources as well as on- and off-road mobile sources. Four main sources of air pollutant emissions in the SJVAB are motor vehicles, industrial plants, agricultural activities, and construction activities. All four (4) of the major pollutant sources affect ambient air quality throughout the SJVAB. These sources, coupled with geographical and meteorological conditions unique to the area, stimulate the formation of unhealthy air. Air pollutants can remain in the atmosphere for long periods and can build to unhealthful levels when stagnant conditions that are common in the San Joaquin Valley occur. Pollutants are transported downwind from urban areas with many emission sources which are also recirculated back to the urban areas.

Further, the SJVAB is in non-attainment for ozone, PM10, and PM2.5, which means that certain pollutants' exposure levels are often higher than the normal air quality requirements. Air quality standards have been set to protect

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public health, particularly the health of vulnerable people. Therefore, if the concentration of those contaminants exceeds the norm, some susceptible individuals in the population are likely to experience health effects.

Concentration of the pollutant in the air, the length of time exposed and the individual's reaction are factors that affect the extent and nature of the health effects.

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
The SJVAPCD is the agency primarily responsible for ensuring that National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) are not exceeded and that air quality conditions are maintained in the SJVAB, within which the Project is located. Responsibilities of the SJVAPCD include, but are not limited to, preparing plans for the attainment of ambient air quality standards, adopting and enforcing rules and regulations concerning sources of air pollution, issuing permits for stationary sources of air pollution, inspecting stationary sources of air pollution and responding to citizen complaints, monitoring ambient air quality and meteorological conditions, and implementing programs and regulations required by the Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) and the California Clean Air Act (CCAA).

The SJVAPCD rules and regulations that may apply to projects that will occur during buildout of the project include but are not limited to the following:

Rule 2010 – Permits Required. The purpose of this rule is to require any person constructing, altering, replacing or operating any source operation which emits, may emit, or may reduce emissions to obtain an Authority to Construct or a Permit to Operate. This rule also explains the posting requirements for a Permit to Operate and the illegality of a person willfully altering, defacing, forging, counterfeiting or falsifying any Permit to Operate.

Rule 2201 – New and Modified Stationary Source Review Rule. The purpose of this rule is to provide for the following:

The review of new and modified Stationary Sources of air pollution and to provide mechanisms including emission trade-offs by which Authorities to Construct such sources may be granted, without interfering with the attainment or maintenance of Ambient Air Quality Standards; and No net increase in emissions above specified thresholds from new and modified Stationary Sources of all nonattainment pollutants and their precursors.

Rule 4001 – New Source Performance Standards. This rule incorporates the New Source Performance Standards from Part 60, Chapter 1, Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Rule 4002 – National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. This rule incorporates the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from Part 61, Chapter I, Subchapter C, Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories from Part 63, Chapter I, Subchapter C, Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Rule 4102 – Nuisance. The purpose of this rule is to protect the health and safety of the public and applies to any source operation that emits or may emit air contaminants or other materials.

Rule 4601 – Architectural Coatings. The purpose of this rule is to limit VOC emissions from architectural coatings. This rule specifies architectural coatings storage, cleanup, and labeling requirements.

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Rule 4641 – Cutback, Slow Cure, and Emulsified Asphalt, Paving and Maintenance Operations. The purpose of this rule is to limit VOC emissions from asphalt paving and maintenance operations. This rule applies to the manufacture and use of cutback asphalt, slow cure asphalt and emulsified asphalt for paving and maintenance operations.

Regulation VIII – Fugitive PM10 Prohibitions. The purpose of Regulation VIII (Fugitive PM10 Prohibitions) is to reduce ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM10) by requiring actions to prevent, reduce or mitigate anthropogenic fugitive dust emissions.

Rule 9510 – Indirect Source Review. The purposes of this rule are to:

1. Fulfill the District’s emission reduction commitments in the PM10 and Ozone Attainment Plans.

2. Achieve emission reductions from the construction and use of development projects through design features and on-site measures.

3. Provide a mechanism for reducing emissions from the construction of and use of development projects through off-site measures.

Thresholds of Significance
To assist local jurisdictions in the evaluation of air quality impacts, the SJVAPCD has published the Guide for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts (GAMAQI). SJVAPCD recommends a three (3)-tiered approach to air quality analysis based on project size to allow quick screening for CEQA impacts:
a) Small Project Analysis Level (SPAL): based on the District’s New Source Review, the District pre-quantified emissions and determined values as thresholds of significance for criteria pollutants. Residential, commercial, retail, industrial, educational, and recreational land uses are eligible to use this for screening. The SPAL was published on November 13, 2020, by the SJVAPCD to determine potential impacts in GAMAQI.5SPAL is based on a CalEEMod version 2016.3.2.

1. Cursory Analysis Level (CAL): CAL is used to determine significance on projects that exceed the SPAL criteria.

Analysis includes using CalEEMod to estimate emissions and air pollutants.

2. Full Analysis Level (FAL): this level of analysis is usually required for an EIR. It requires a full air quality report that describes impacts on the public.

GAMAQI also includes recommended thresholds of significance to be used for the evaluation of short-term construction, long-term operational, odor, toxic air contaminant, and cumulative air quality impacts. Accordingly, the SJVAPCD-recommended thresholds of significance are used to determine whether implementation of the proposed Project would result in a significant air quality impact. Projects that exceed these recommended thresholds would be considered to have a potentially significant impact on human health and welfare. The thresholds of significance are summarized, as follows:
5 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. (2020). “Small Project Analysis Levels (SPAL)”. Accessed on April 4, 2026, https://www.valleyair.org/media/5jppiwed/cms-format-spal.pdf

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Criteria Air Pollutants
SJVAPCD adopted thresholds of significance for criteria air pollutants, as shown in Table 5-1. 6 The thresholds of
significance are based on a calendar year basis. For construction emissions, the annual emissions are evaluated on a rolling 12-month period. The following summarizes these thresholds:

Short-Term Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM10): Construction impacts associated with the proposed Project would be considered significant if the feasible control measures for construction in compliance with Regulation VIII as listed in the SJVAPCD guidelines are not incorporated or implemented, or if project-generated emissions would exceed 15 tons per year (TPY).

Short-Term Emissions of Ozone Precursors (ROG and NOX): Construction impacts associated with the proposed Project would be considered significant if the project generates emissions of Reactive Organic Gases (ROG) or NOX that exceeds 10 TPY.

Long-Term Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM10): Operational impacts associated with the proposed Project would be considered significant if the project generates emissions of PM10 that exceed 15 TPY.

Long-Term Emissions of Ozone Precursors (ROG and NOX): Operational impacts associated with the proposed Project would be considered significant if the project generates emissions of ROG or NOX that exceeds 10 TPY.

Table 5-1 SJVAPCD Recommended Air Quality Thresholds of Significance2F Pollutant
Significance Threshold
Construction Emissions (tons/year) Operational Emission (tons/year) CO 100 100
NOX 10 10
ROG 10 10
SOX 27 27
PM10 15 15
PM2.5 15 15
Conflict with or Obstruct Implementation of Applicable Air Quality Plan Air Quality Plans (AQPs) are plans for reaching the attainment of air quality standards. The applicable AQP for the SJVAB is the GAMAQI. Due to the region’s nonattainment status for ozone, PM2.5, and PM10, if the Project-generated emissions of either of the ozone precursor pollutants (i.e., ROG and NOx) or PM10 would exceed the SJVAPCD’s significance thresholds, then the Project would be considered to be conflicting with the AQP. In addition, if the Project would result in a change in land use and corresponding increases in vehicle miles traveled, the Project may result in an increase in vehicle miles traveled that is unaccounted for in regional emissions inventories contained in regional air quality control plans. Vehicle Miles Traveled are analyzed in Section 4.17.

6 SJVAPCD. (2015). Guidance for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts. Accessed on April 9, 2026 https://ww2.valleyair.org/media/g4nl3p0g/gamaqi.pdf

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Local Mobile-Source CO Concentrations
Local mobile source impacts associated with the proposed Project would be considered significant if the project contributes to CO concentrations at receptor locations in excess of the CAAQS (i.e., 9.0 ppm for 8 hours or 20 ppm for 1 hour).

Toxic Air Contaminants
Exposure to toxic air contaminants (TAC) would be considered significant if the probability of contracting cancer for the Maximally Exposed Individual (i.e., maximum individual risk) would exceed 10 in 1 million or would result in a Hazard Index greater than one (1).

As recommended by the SJVAPCD, the latest approved California Air Pollution Control Officer’s Association (CAPCOA) methodology was utilized as the TAC screening methodology. According to the CAPCOA Guidance Document titled “Health Risk Assessments for Proposed Land Use Projects,” there are two types of land use project that have the potential to cause long-term public health risk impacts. These project types are as follows:
• Type A: Land use projects with toxic emissions that impact receptors, and • Type B: Land use project that will place receptors in the vicinity of existing toxics sources.

In this Guidance document, Type A projects examples are (project impacts receptors):
• combustion related power plants,
• gasoline dispensing facilities,
• asphalt batch plants,
• warehouse distribution centers,
• quarry operations, and
• other stationary sources that emit toxic substances.

Odor
The intensity of an odor source’s operations and its proximity to sensitive receptors influences the potential significance of odor emissions. Specific land uses that are considered sources of undesirable odors include landfills, transfer stations, composting facilities, sewage treatment plants, wastewater pump stations, asphalt batch plants and rendering plants. The SJVAPCD has identified these common types of facilities that have been known to produce odors in the SJVAB and has prepared screening levels for potential odor sources ranging from one to two miles of distance from the odor-producing facility to sensitive receptors. Odor impacts would be considered significant if the project has the potential to frequently expose members of the public to objectionable odors.

Ambient Air Quality
The SJVAPCD applies the following guidance in determining whether an ambient air quality analysis should be performed: when assessing the significance of project-related impacts on air quality, it should be noted that the impacts may be significant when on-site emission increases from construction activities or operational activities exceed the 100 pounds per day screening level of any criteria pollutant after implementation of all enforceable mitigation measures. Under such circumstances, the SJVAPCD recommends that an ambient air quality analysis be performed.

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5.3.2 Impact Assessment
Would the Project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Less than Significant Impact. The Project site is located within the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAB), which is under the jurisdiction of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD or District). The SJVAB is currently designated as nonattainment for federal and state ozone (O₃) and particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) standards. The District has adopted the 2016 Ozone Plan, the 2018 PM₂.₅ Plan, and related Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) as the applicable air quality plans for the region. These plans establish control measures and emission reduction strategies necessary to achieve attainment of applicable ambient air quality standards.

To assist lead agencies in evaluating potential conflicts with the applicable air quality plan under CEQA, the District published the Guidance for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts (GAMAQI). Per the GAMAQI, projects with emissions below the District's established thresholds of significance for criteria pollutants are determined to not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the District's air quality plan, because such projects are consistent with the emission assumptions and growth projections incorporated into the applicable AQMPs.

The District has established a Small Project Analysis Level (SPAL) methodology, which allows qualifying projects to screen out of detailed air quality modeling by demonstrating that the project size and associated vehicle trip generation do not exceed pre-established thresholds. The SPAL thresholds for the Medical Office Building land use are: 68,000 square feet of building area, 1,000 average daily one-way trips (excluding heavy heavy-duty trucks [HHDT]), and 15 average daily one-way HHDT trips.

The proposed Project would result in a total building area of approximately 14,800 square feet, well below the 68,000 square-foot SPAL threshold. Project vehicle trips were estimated using the trip generation rate of 36 trips per 1,000 square feet (ksf) for Medical-Dental Office Building (ITE Land Use Code 720), as published in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition. Applying this rate to 14,800 square feet yields an estimated 533 average daily one-way trips, which is substantially below the SPAL threshold of 1,000 trips.

The Project would generate no HHDT trips, consistent with the medical office land use type. As summarized in Table 5-2, the Project does not exceed any applicable SPAL threshold.

Table 5-2 Small Project Analysis Level (SPAL) Assessment — Medical Office Building Size
Average Daily one-way
trips (except HHDT)
Average Daily oneway trips (HHDT only)
Medical Office Building Thresholds 68,000 square feet 1,000 15 Proposed Project 14,800 square feet 533 7 0
Exceed thresholds? No No No
Because the Project falls below all applicable SPAL thresholds, it is reasonable to conclude that Project-related emissions of criteria pollutants would not exceed the District's thresholds of significance. Accordingly, the Project's operational emissions would be consistent with the growth assumptions embedded in the applicable air quality 7 Estimated using the trip generation rate (36 per ksq) of Medical-Dental Office Building (Land Use 720) from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Trip Generation Manual 11th Edition.

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plans and would not conflict with or obstruct the implementation of those plans. This impact is therefore determined to be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Less than Significant Impact. The Project site is located within the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAB), which is currently designated as non-attainment for federal and state standards for ozone (O₃), fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), and coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀) under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS).

Construction Emissions
Short-term construction activities associated with the Project would generate criteria pollutant emissions primarily from off-road diesel construction equipment, worker vehicle trips, and fugitive dust. Pursuant to the GAMAQI, construction-related criteria pollutant emissions are evaluated against the SJVAPCD's quantitative thresholds of significance: 100 tons per year (tpy) for CO, NO_x, SO₂, PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, and ROG. The Project proposes construction of a single-story, 8,400-square-foot building addition, which is a relatively modest construction scope expected to be completed in a single phase with a limited equipment fleet and a short construction duration. Constructionrelated emissions from a project of this scale would be substantially below SJVAPCD's adopted thresholds of significance. Furthermore, the Project would be subject to SJVAPCD Rule 8021 (Paved and Unpaved Roads) and Rule 8031 (Fugitive Dust) for dust control, as well as the statewide In-Use Off-Road Diesel Regulation enforced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which requires use of cleaner off-road construction equipment.

Compliance with these mandatory regulatory requirements would further reduce construction-related emissions.

Operational Emissions
As demonstrated under criteria (a) above, the Project's operations (i.e., 14,800 square feet of medical office use generating approximately 533 average daily one-way trips) falls well below all applicable SPAL thresholds for a Medical Office Building land use. Per the GAMAQI, projects below the SPAL thresholds are presumed to not generate sufficient emissions to result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to non-attainment of any criteria pollutant standard. The Project does not include any permitted stationary sources of criteria pollutant emissions (e.g., industrial boilers, generators), and no permitted equipment subject to District Rule 2201 (New Source Review) is proposed. Accordingly, cumulative operational emissions would not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase in any criteria pollutant for which the SJVAB is designated non-attainment. This impact is therefore determined to be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Less than Significant Impact. Sensitive receptors are defined as land uses where occupants are particularly susceptible to air pollution impacts, including residences, schools, daycare facilities, elder care facilities, medical

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facilities, and parks. The Project site is surrounded by single-family residences, health care center, church, and park.

These adjacent residential uses constitute sensitive receptors in close proximity to the Project site and must be evaluated accordingly.

Construction-Phase Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)
The primary construction-related air quality concern relative to sensitive receptors is exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) from off-road construction equipment. DPM is classified as a toxic air contaminant (TAC) by CARB and SJVAPCD. However, given the limited scale of construction activities, the short construction duration associated with a single-phase project, and the absence of large-scale grading or earthmoving, construction-period DPM emissions would be temporary, localized, and substantially reduced through mandatory compliance with CARB's In-Use Off-Road Diesel Regulation and SJVAPCD Rule 4102 (Nuisance). Consistent with SJVAPCD guidance, a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is not required for construction activities at this project scale, as construction duration and equipment fleet size are insufficient to generate TAC emissions that would pose a significant cancer risk or noncancer hazard index to nearby sensitive receptors.

Operational-Phase Receptor Exposure
The Project proposes a medical office/clinic use, which is not a land use type associated with substantial operational emissions of TACs or criteria pollutants. There are no proposed stationary combustion sources, industrial processes, or toxic-emitting equipment that would generate localized concentrations of pollutants near sensitive receptors.

The Project would not introduce new sensitive receptors into proximity to any existing substantial point source emitter, nor would it introduce a new emission source that could substantially affect existing sensitive receptors.

The Project is consistent with the existing character of the area and would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations above applicable standards or SJVAPCD significance thresholds. This impact is therefore determined to be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? Less than Significant Impact. Specific uses and operations that are considered sources of undesirable odors include landfills, transfer stations, composting facilities, sewage treatment plants, wastewater pump stations, asphalt batch plants and rendering plants. The SJVAPCD GAMAQI has identified these common types of facilities that have been known to produce odors in the SJVAB and has prepared screening levels for potential odor sources ranging from one to two miles of distance from the odor-producing facility to sensitive receptors. The Project would not consist of such land uses; rather, implementation of the proposed Project would facilitate the development of medical office/clinic use and thus is unlikely to produce odors that would be considered to adversely affect a substantial number of people. Therefore, a less than significant impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.

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5.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
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 US Fish and Wildlife
Service?
X
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on
state or federally protected wetlands
(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 or 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 or ordinance?
X
f) Conflict with provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or
other approved local, regional, or
state habitat conservation plan.

X

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5.4.1 Environmental Setting
The Project site has historically been used for intermittent clinic purposes for a private medical group. The Project site is currently developed with an existing 6,400 square-foot building, 77 parking spaces and landscaping along Third Street and the south side of the property line. The existing biotic conditions and resources of the site can be defined primarily as ruderal and herbaceous vegetation with heavy alteration due to the development and ongoing intermittent clinic operations. There are existing trees and shrubs on the boundary of the site and surrounding the existing building and parking lot. No water features are present on the site.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife – Special-Status Species Database The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) operates an “Information for Planning and Consultation” (IPaC) database, which is a project planning tool for the environmental review process that provides general information on the location of special-status species that are “known” or “expected” to occur (note: the database does not provide occurrences; refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Natural Diversity Database below). 8 Specifically, the database identifies 10 endangered species and 8 migratory birds that are potentially affected by activities on the Project site. The list of species is provided in Appendix B.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife – Critical Habitat Report
Once a species is listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, NOAA Fisheries is required to determine whether there are areas that meet the definition of Critical Habitat. Per NOAA Fisheries, Critical Habitat is defined as:
• Specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing that contain physical or biological features essential to conservation of the species and that may require special management considerations or protection; and
• Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species if the agency determines that the area itself is essential for conservation. 9
The process of Critical Habitat designation is complex and involves the consideration of scientific data, public and peer review, economic, national security, and other relevant impacts. According to the Critical Habitat for Threatened & Endangered Species Report updated August 7, 2025, the City of Atwater, inclusive of the Project site and its immediate vicinity (0.5-mile radius from the site) are not located within a federally designated Critical Habitat. 10 No critical habitats are identified within the city limits. The closest federally designated Critical Habitat is located approximately 3.9 miles northeast of the Project site designated for the fleshy owl’s-clover (Castilleja campestris ssp. Succulenta), conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio), Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), Greene's tuctoria (Tuctoria greenei), San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass (Orcuttia inaequalis), and Colusa grass (Neostapfia colusana).
8 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Information and Planning Consultation Online System. Accessed on April 2, 2026, https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/
9 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Critical Habitat. Accessed on April 2, 2026, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangered-species-conservation/critical-habitat#definition-of-critical-habitat 10 U.S. Fish & Wildlife. (2025). ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System - USFWS Threatened & Endangered Species Active Critical Habitat Report (updated August 7, 2025). Accessed April 2, 2026, https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical-habitat.html

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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – National Wetlands Inventory The USFWS provides a National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) with detailed information on the abundance, characteristics, and distribution of U.S. wetlands. A search of the NWI shows no federally protected wetlands (including but not limited to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) on the Project site. 11 The NWI does not identify any water features within or adjacent to the Project site. Additionally, the Project site is not within or adjacent to a riparian area nor does the site contain water features.

Environmental Protection Agency – WATERS Geoviewer
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WATERS GeoViewer provides a GeoPlatform based web mapping application of water features by location. According to the WATERS GeoViewer, there are no surface water features (i.e., streams, canals, pipelines, waterbodies, catchments, hydrologic units) within or adjacent to the Project site. 12 California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Natural Diversity Database The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) operates the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), which is an inventory of the status and locations of rare plants and animals in California in addition to the reported occurrences of such species. 13 The Project is located within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Atwater

7.5-minute quadrangle map (Quad). According to the CNDBB, there are 11 special-status species with a total of 24 occurrences that have been observed and reported in the Atwater Quad. A list of occurrences within these Quads is provided in Appendix B.

The CNDBB identifies no special status species located within the Project site. Figure 5-1 shows the CNDDBidentified occurrences of animal and plant species within the five (5)-mile radius of the Project site, which are typically historic occurrences based on submitted accounts. Federally or state-listed special-status species CNDDBknown occurrences within the five (5)-mile radius of the Project site includes the San Joaquin kit fox, Northwestern pond turtle, Swainson’s hawk, burrowing owl, tricolored blackbird, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and California tiger salamander. As shown, the nearest occurrence is the San Joaquin kit fox occurrence that is in a non-specific area along the irrigation canal, dated 1999. Other species that are not federally or state-listed that are near the Project site include ferruginous hawk, California linderiella, and Northern Hardpan Vernal Pool. Table 5-3 provides an analysis of essential habitats and the potential for the existence of the special-status species to exist on the Project site. 11 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. National Wetlands Inventory. Accessed April 3, 2026, https://fwsprimary.wim.usgs.gov/wetlands/apps/wetlands-mapper/ 12 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. WATERS GeoViewer. Accessed April 3, 2026, https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=074cfede236341b6a1e03779c2bd0692 13 California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California Natural Diversity Database. Accessed April 3, 2026, https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB

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Figure 5-1 CNDDB Occurrences within 5-miles of the Project Site

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Table 5-3 Essential Habitats and Potential Existence of Special-Status Species on Site Common Name/Type Habitat Potential Occurrence in the Project Site San Joaquin kit fox
Annual grasslands or grassy open
stages with scattered shrubby
vegetation.

No Potential. The Project site is a developed urban
parcel with an existing medical building, paved
parking, and ruderal landscaping. No suitable open
grassland or grassland-associated habitat is
present. The site does not provide denning or
foraging conditions suitable for this species.

California tiger salamander
Lives in vacant or mammal-occupied
burrows throughout most of the
year; in grassland, savanna, or open
woodland habitats.

No Potential. Based on the absence of aquatic
breeding habitat, vernal pools, or seasonal ponding
on the Project site, the California tiger salamander
is unlikely to occur. The site does not provide
suitable upland refugia or breeding habitat.

Vernal pool fairy shrimp
Endemic to the grasslands of the
Central Valley, Central Coast
mountains, and South Coast
mountains, in astatic rain-filled pools.

No Potential. The Project site does not contain
vernal pools, seasonal ponding, or unplowed
grassland with alluvial soils. No suitable astatic pool habitat is present on the site.

Swainson’s hawk
Breeds in grasslands with scattered
trees, juniper-sage flats, riparian
areas, savannahs, and agricultural or
ranch lands with groves or lines of
trees.

No Potential. The Project site is a developed urban
parcel and does not contain suitable grassland,
agricultural, or riparian breeding habitat. Foraging
use of the site by Swainson's hawk cannot be
entirely ruled out given the species' broad Central
Valley range; however, the surrounding urban
context significantly reduces this likelihood.

Northwestern pond turtle
Aquatic environments, including
ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and
marshes.

No Potential. The Project site does not contain any
water features, including ponds, streams, or
wetlands. The site does not provide suitable aquatic
or riparian habitat for this species.

Ferruginous hawk
Open grasslands, sagebrush flats,
desert scrub, low foothills and fringes
of pinyon and juniper habitats.

No Potential. The Project site is a developed urban
parcel that does not provide open grassland or
suitable foraging or roosting habitat. The
surrounding urban land uses further preclude
meaningful use of the site by this species.

Burrowing owl
Open, dry annual or perennial
grasslands, deserts, and scrublands
characterized by low-growing
vegetation.

Low Potential. The Project site is a previously
developed urban parcel with no open grassland,
ruderal fields, or confirmed ground squirrel burrow
systems that would support burrowing owl
occupation. While the species is documented in the
greater Merced County region and is a CESA
Candidate species as of 2024, the highly disturbed
and developed character of the site substantially
reduces habitat suitability.

California linderiella
Seasonal pools in unplowed
grasslands with old alluvial soils
underlain by hardpan or in sandstone
depressions.

No Potential. The Project site does not contain
unplowed grassland, seasonal pools, alluvial
hardpan soils, or sandstone depressions. The site
does not provide suitable habitat for this species.

Tricolored blackbird
Highly colonial species, most
numerous in central valley and
vicinity. Largely endemic to
California.

No Potential. The Project site does not contain any
open water, marsh, or emergent wetland
vegetation suitable for colonial nesting. The site
does not provide suitable nesting or foraging
habitat for this species.

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California Fish and Game Code
Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code specifically protect native birds and raptors.

Mitigation for avoidance of impacts to nesting birds is typically necessary to comply with these Sections of the Fish and Game Code in CEQA. 14
Section 3503: It is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation made pursuant thereto.

Section 3503.5: It is unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the orders Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birdsof-prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.

Section 3513: It is unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird as designated in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or any part of such migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the Migratory Treaty Act.

Atwater General Plan
According to the Atwater General Plan, the City identified 21 special-status species that have the potential to occur and five (5) species that have been observed in or near the Atwater Planning Area. The General Plan established goals and policies related to biological resources in the Open Space and Conservation Element, as listed below.15 GOAL CO-6. Minimize impacts of development on wildlife and wildlife habitat, particularly special status species.

Policy CO-6.1. Consider opportunities for habitat preservation and enhancement in conjunction with public facility projects, particularly parks and storm drainage facilities.

Policy CO-6.2. Encourage the preservation of corridors between natural habitat areas to allow for the movement of wildlife and to prevent the creation of "biological islands." Implementation Program CO-6.a. When new development or redevelopment activities are proposed in locations with the potential for special status species to occur, require the project applicant to submit a report by a qualified biologist addressing the presence or absence of any special status species on the development site. The report shall include recommendations for avoiding or minimizing impacts on any special status species or habitat found to be present.

The City Code of Atwater, California
The Atwater Municipal Code (AMC) establishes regulations for the removal of trees, plants, and shrubs, as described below.
14 The California Biologist's Handbook. California Fish and Game Code. Accessed on April 3, 2026, https://biologistshandbook.com/regulations/state-regulations/state-fish-and-gamecode/#:~:text=Section%203503,any%20regulation%20made%20pursuant%20thereto.%E2%80%9D 15 City of Atwater, California. (2000). City of Atwater 2000 General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element. Accessed on April 3, 2026, https://www.atwater.org/docs/generalplan/CHAPTER_4__OPEN_SPACE_AND_C.PDF

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12.32.110 – Street tree protection.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to break, injure, deface, mutilate, kill, or destroy any tree in any public place in the City; to knowingly cause or permit any wire charged with electricity to come into contact with any tree in any public place, and to place, apply, attach, or keep attached to any such tree or to any guard or stake in a manner that will be injurious to the tree, or install any wire, rope, sign, paint, or other substance, structure, or device of any kind or nature whatsoever; and to place or maintain any stone, cement, or other substance so that it shall substantially impede the free access of water or air to the roots of any street tree. Temporary exceptions can be made between Thanksgiving and January 15th for the mounting of seasonal holiday lights. These lights must be mounted so that the bark and cambium layer of the tree is not breached (no nails, lights must be mounted with adequate slack).

Owners of property are hereby granted the right to place and maintain plants in the planting area of streets adjacent to their property unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter.

B. During the erection, repair, alteration, removal or moving of any building, house, or structure, sufficient tree protection measures shall be placed to prevent injury, damage, or defacement to any park or street tree in the vicinity of such operation.

12.32.120 – Tree removals and abatement.

No City-owned tree or street tree shall be trimmed or removed, except in conformance with the terms of this chapter.

A. The director shall be responsible for inspection, maintenance, removal, and replacement of those specific street trees planted within rights-of-way or easements which are maintained by the City as stated in the master plan, Section IV and as follows. The property owner will be given five working days to appeal the designated action.

The appeal will be considered at the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission's decision may be appealed to the City Council.

B. If a homeowner would like to expedite the removal of the City-owned tree in front of their house that meets the removal criteria, they may notify the City. When the owner receives the City's approval, the tree may be removed at the owner's expense. No reimbursement will be provided by the City.

C. The stump for any removed tree will be ground within one month of removal in order to allow for future tree planting.

5.4.2 Impact Assessment
Would the Project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15380, a species shall be considered rare, threatened, or endangered for purposes of CEQA if it meets the criteria established thereunder, including species listed or proposed for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), or designated as a California Species of Special Concern (SSC) by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Additionally, plant species included on the California Native Plant Society

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(CNPS) California Rare Plant Ranks (CRPR) 1 and 2, and potentially some Rank 3 species, are considered specialstatus species under CEQA and must be evaluated for potential project impacts. Lead agencies are required to consider potential impacts to all such species as part of the environmental review process pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15063 and 15065.

Existing Site Conditions and Habitat Assessment
The Project site is a previously developed, fully urbanized parcel located within the incorporated limits of the City of Atwater, Merced County. The site is currently developed with a 6,400-square-foot medical building, 77 paved parking stalls, and ornamental landscaping. Existing biotic conditions on the site are characterized primarily as ruderal and herbaceous vegetation with heavy alteration due to ongoing development and clinic operations. The site does not contain native grassland, riparian corridors, wetlands, vernal pools, or other sensitive natural communities. There are no water features on the site. The highly disturbed and developed nature of the site substantially limits its capacity to support special-status plant or wildlife species.

Special-Status Wildlife Species
A review of CDFW's California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and USFWS records was conducted to identify special-status species with documented occurrences in the Project vicinity. As analyzed in Table 5-3, most specialstatus species that have occurred within a 5-mile radius of the site are unlikely to occur within the site due to lack of suitable habitat. Detailed analysis for the burrowing owl and nesting birds is discussed here.

Burrowing Owl. The western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is a California SSC and, as of October 2024, a Candidate species for listing under CESA. As a CESA Candidate species, the burrowing owl receives the full procedural protection afforded to listed species under Fish and Game Code section 2085, and any incidental take requires authorization from CDFW. While the Project site does not contain open grassland, active ground squirrel colonies, or extensive burrow systems typically associated with burrowing owl occupancy, ruderal areas and landscaped margins on and adjacent to the site cannot be entirely excluded as occasional habitat. The highly urbanized context of the Project site substantially reduces the likelihood of occurrence; however, given the species' documented presence in Merced County and its elevated regulatory status, protocol-level surveys, as described in Mitigation Measure BIO-1, are required prior to ground disturbance to ensure a less than significant impact.

Nesting Birds. The existing building, ornamental trees, and shrubs on the Project site may provide suitable nesting substrate for a variety of native migratory bird species. Removal or disturbance of vegetation, structures, or trees during the nesting season (generally February 1 through August 31) could result in the incidental take of active nests, eggs, or nestlings protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code. Such take would constitute a potentially significant impact under CEQA. As such, Mitigation Measure BIO-2 shall be incorporated as part of the Project to ensure that impacts on nesting birds are less than significant.

Special-Status Plant Species
The Project site is a developed urban parcel with no native plant communities, grasslands, wetlands, or other habitats with potential to support CNPS Rank 1, 2, or 3 special-status plant species. The heavily disturbed and impervious nature of the site substantially precludes the presence of special-status plants. No special-status plant species are expected to occur on the site.

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Conclusion
With implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and Mitigation Measure BIO-2, potential impacts to candidate, sensitive, or special-status species would be reduced to a less-than-significant level. All other special-status species evaluated in this analysis are determined to have no potential to occur on the Project site based on the absence of suitable habitat, and no additional mitigation is required for those species.

Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Burrowing Owl Preconstruction Survey. Prior to any ground-disturbing activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct protocol-level burrowing owl surveys in accordance with CDFG's 2012 Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation no more than 14 days prior to commencement of ground-disturbing activities. If burrowing owls are detected, the applicant shall immediately notify CDFW and prepare and implement a Burrowing Owl Mitigation Plan, which may include avoidance buffers, passive relocation, and compensatory mitigation for permanent habitat loss, consistent with CESA requirements Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Nesting Bird Surveys. If vegetation removal, tree trimming, demolition, or other grounddisturbing activities are proposed during the nesting bird season (February 1 through August 31), a qualified biologist shall conduct a preconstruction nesting bird survey within 14 days prior to the commencement of such activities. If an active nest is identified, a no-disturbance buffer shall be established around the nest by the qualified biologist, and all construction activities within the buffer shall be suspended until the nest is confirmed inactive by the biologist.

Buffer distances shall be determined in coordination with CDFW, consistent with standard protocols. b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service?
No Impact. According to the General Plan, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are no known riparian habitats or other sensitive natural communities formally identified on the Project site or within the immediate vicinity (i.e., within a 0.5-mile radius) of the Project. In addition, the site does not contain any water features that would provide habitat for riparian species. For these reasons, it can be determined that the Project site does not provide any riparian or sensitive natural community habitat and thus, no impact would occur because of the Project.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? No Impact. A search of the NWI indicates no wetland features on or adjacent to the Project site. As a result, it can be determined that the Project site would not result in any impact on state or federally protected wetlands and no impact would occur because of the Project.

Mitigation Measures
None required.

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d) Would the Project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Wildlife movement corridors are linear habitats that function to connect two or more areas of significant wildlife habitat, facilitating the movement of native resident and migratory wildlife species between suitable habitat patches to fulfill foraging, breeding, and territorial needs. Such corridors typically consist of riparian zones, stream channels, contiguous native vegetation, and topographic features that provide cover and connectivity between regionally or locally significant habitats. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the California Department of Fish and Game Code (CDFG) provide regulatory protections for stream and riparian habitats that commonly function as wildlife corridors. At the federal level, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may assert jurisdiction over anadromous fish movement corridors under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Existing Conditions — Corridors and Connectivity
The Project site is located within the fully urbanized core of the City of Atwater, surrounded by residential, institutional, and commercial land uses. The site is a developed parcel consisting of an existing medical building, paved parking lot, maintained lawn, and ornamental landscaping. The site does not contain riparian vegetation, stream channels, water features, native plant communities, or any linear expanse of contiguous natural habitat that would function as a local or regional wildlife movement corridor. No blue-line streams, CDFW-jurisdictional waterways, or USACE-jurisdictional waters of the United States are present on or adjacent to the Project site.

Regional Corridor Context
The broader City of Atwater and surrounding Merced County landscape is predominantly characterized by agricultural lands, urban development, and valley floor habitats. While the Merced River and associated riparian corridor functions as a regional wildlife movement corridor in the Central Valley, the Project site has no physical or biological connection to this or any other regional corridor feature. The intervening urban development between the Project site and any regional corridor would preclude any functional linkage. The Project site does not lie within any mapped wildlife corridor identified in regional habitat connectivity plans or CDFW's Essential Habitat Connectivity Map.
16 Fish Movement
The Project site does not contain, and is not adjacent to, any surface water feature, stream, or water body that supports native resident or migratory fish species. No impact on fish movement corridors would occur. 16 California Open Data Portal. (2023). Essential Connectivity Areas - California Essential Habitat Connectivity (CEHC) [ds620].

Accessed April 3, 2026, https://data.ca.gov/dataset/essential-connectivity-areas-california-essential-habitat-connectivitycehc-ds620

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Native Wildlife Nursery Sites
Native wildlife nursery sites include locations used by wildlife for breeding, nesting, or rearing of young, such as rookeries, colonial nesting areas, hibernacula, and maternity roosts. The Project site, as a developed urban parcel with maintained ornamental landscaping, does not contain features associated with native wildlife nursery sites.

The ornamental trees and shrubs on the Project site may support individual nesting migratory birds during the breeding season (February 1 through August 31). Removal or disturbance of trees, shrubs, or structures during the active nesting season could result in the incidental destruction of active nests, eggs, or nestlings protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code §§ 3503, 3503.5, and 3513. This constitutes a potentially significant impact, which is addressed through Mitigation Measure BIO-2.

Conclusion
The Project site does not contain, and is not functionally connected to, any local or regional wildlife movement corridor, fish movement corridor, or native wildlife nursery site. With implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO2, potential impacts to individual nesting migratory birds would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.

Mitigation Measures
Implementation of MM BIO-2.
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The City of Atwater has adopted tree protection regulations within the Atwater Municipal Code (AMC) and biological resources goals and policies within the City of Atwater 2000 General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element that collectively constitute the applicable local policy framework to be discussed under this criteria.

Atwater Municipal Code — Tree Protection
The AMC's tree protection provisions apply specifically to City-owned trees, street trees, and trees located within public rights-of-way or City-maintained easements. The ordinance does not establish a citywide heritage tree program, private property tree removal permit requirement, or broader native tree preservation policy applicable to trees located on private developed parcels.

The Project does not propose the removal of any City-owned street trees or trees within the public right-of-way, and existing on-site landscaping and trees are proposed to remain. Mandatory compliance with AMC sections

12.32.110 and 12.32.120 during the construction phase, including implementation of sufficient tree protection measures for any street trees in the vicinity of construction operations, would ensure the Project does not conflict with the City's tree protection ordinance. Should any street tree removal be required as a result of utility connections or encroachment permit conditions, the applicant shall obtain prior authorization from the City's Director consistent with AMC section 12.32.120 before any such removal occurs.

Atwater General Plan — Open Space and Conservation Element The Project is a redevelopment of a previously developed, fully urbanized parcel within the City of Atwater. The Project site does not contain native plant communities, sensitive natural communities, wildlife movement corridors,

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or water features. The site is characterized by maintained lawn, ornamental landscaping, an existing medical building, and paved parking.

The Project is generally consistent with the goals, policies, and implementation programs of the Atwater General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element. This IS/MND evaluates the potential for special-status species to occur on the Project site and concludes that the site does not support suitable habitat for most species evaluated, consistent with the intent of Implementation Program CO-6.a and Goal CO-6. Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and Mitigation Measure BIO-2 have been incorporated to address residual low-potential concerns regarding burrowing owl and nesting migratory birds, respectively. The Project does not remove or fragment any native habitat or wildlife corridor, consistent with Policy CO-6.2.

Conclusion
With implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and Mitigation Measure BIO-2, the Project would not conflict with any local policy or ordinance protecting biological resources. This impact is therefore determined to be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Mitigation Measures
Implementation of MM BIO-1 and MM BIO-2.
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? Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The City of Atwater is located within the geographic scope of certain habitat conservation plans and recovery efforts, including the Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin Valley and the PG&E San Joaquin Valley Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conversation Plan (HCP).

While the Project site is not identified within a specific conservation area or preserve designated for the long-term conservation of habitats or special-status species under these plans, or the previous analysis above identified the potential for special-status species and their habitats to occur on or near the Project site, including species covered by these plans (e.g., Burrowing Owls).

To ensure the Project's consistency with the provisions and conservation goals of these adopted plans and recovery efforts, the Project shall incorporate Mitigation Measures BIO-1 (Burrowing Owls). By incorporation this mitigation measure, the Project would avoid substantial adverse effects on species and habitats that are the focus of these conservation plans. Therefore, the Project would not conflict or interfere with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Mitigation Measures
Implementation of MM BIO-1.

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5.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a historical
resource as defined in Section
15064.5?

X

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to Section
15064.5?

X

c) Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries?

X

5.5.1 Environmental Setting
Generally, the term ‘cultural resources’ describes property types such as prehistoric and historical archaeological sites, buildings, bridges, roadways, and tribal cultural resources. As defined by CEQA, cultural resources are considered “historical resources” that meet criteria in Section 15064.5(a) of the CEQA Guidelines. If a Lead Agency determines that a Project may have a significant effect on a historical resource, then the Project is determined to have a significant impact on the environment. No further environmental review is required if a cultural resource is not found to be a historical resource.

Atwater General Plan
The General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element identifies places of contemporary historical significance in the city including the Bloss Manson, Bloss Library, and Castle Air Museum. Applicable goals and policies within the Open Space and Conservation Element are as follows.

GOAL CO-9 Protect and enhance historical and culturally significant resources within the Planning Area.

Policy CO-9.1 Ensure consideration and proper handling of prehistoric, cultural, and archaeological resources during the development process.

Policy CO-9.2 Preserve and maintain structures and features identified as historically significant by the City, including but not limited to, the Bloss Mansion and Bloss Library.

Policy CO-0.3 Encourage public and private efforts to identify, preserve, protect, and/or restore historic buildings, structures, landmarks, and important cultural resources. Implementation Program CO-9.a Attach the following standard condition to all discretionary development projects: “If a previously unknown archaeological site is uncovered during in the course of development, all development activity in the vicinity of the site shall cease until a qualified archaeologist completes an investigation. The archaeologist shall submit a report to the City that includes a determination of the significance of the site and recommendations on its disposition.“

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California Historical Resource Information System Record Search The Central California Information Center (CCIC) was requested to conduct a California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) Record Search for the Project site and surrounding “Project Area” (0.5-mile radius from perimeter of Project site). Results of the CHRIS Record Search were provided on April 7, 2026 (Record Search File Number 13711I). Full results are provided in Appendix C.

The CHRIS Record Searches generally review file information based on results of Class III pedestrian reconnaissance surveys of project sites conducted by qualified individuals or consultant firms which are required to be submitted, along with official state forms properly completed for each identified resource, to the Regional Archaeological Information Center. Guidelines for the format and content of all types of archaeological reports have been developed by the California Office of Historic Preservation, and reports will be reviewed by the regional information centers to determine whether they meet those requirements.

The results of the CCIC CHRIS Record Search indicate:
(1) There are no formally recorded prehistoric or historic archaeological resources or historic buildings or structures within the project area.
(2) The project area is within the proposed overall boundary of the “Merced Irrigation District” (P-24-001909), listed in the Office of Historic Preservation Built Environment Resource Directory (BERD) with an evaluation rating of 6Y, determined ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places by consensus through the Section 106 process, not evaluated for the California Register of Historical Resources or for Local Listing.

No contributing element water features for this proposed district appear to fall within the project area. (3) Historical mapping, including the 1855 General Land Office survey plat, shows the Project site located within subdivided parcels in Section 1, Township 7 South, Range 12 East. Subsequent U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle maps (1918, 1948, and 1960) illustrate the gradual urban development of the City of Atwater in and around the Project area.
(4) No cultural resources within the immediate vicinity of the Project area have been formally reported to the Information Center.
(5) No resources known to have value to local cultural groups have been formally reported within the Project area.
(6) No previous project-specific cultural resource investigations have been conducted within the Project area; however, the site falls within the boundary of a broader archival study prepared for the City of Atwater General Plan (Holman and Hellmann 2008: An Archival Study to Identify Potential Cultural Resources Located in the City of Atwater General Plan and Program EIR Project Area, Merced County, California).

Further, the CCIC provided the following comments and recommendations:
(1) Since the project area has not been subject to previous investigations, there may be unidentified features involved in your project that are 45 years or older and considered as historical resources requiring further study and evaluation by a qualified professional of the appropriate discipline. (2) If ground disturbance is considered a part of the current project, we recommend further review for the possibility of identifying prehistoric or historic-era archaeological resources. (3) Mitigate archaeological resources that could potentially be encountered during construction. (4)

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California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC)
A consultation list of tribes with traditional lands or cultural places located within Merced County was requested and received from the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) on April 9, 2026. The listed tribes include Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Northern Valley Yokut/ Ohlone Tribe, Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, Tule River Indian Tribe, and Wuksachi Indian Tribe/ Eshom Valley Band. The NAHC also conducted a Sacred Lands File (SFL) check which received negative results. Correspondence is provided in Appendix D.

AB 52 and SB 12 Tribal Consultation
The City of Atwater sent formal tribal consultation notices pursuant to AB 52 and SB 18 on March 20, 2026, to the aforementioned tribes. No responses were received within the 30-day comment (for AB 52) and 90-day comment (for SB 18) period.

5.5.2 Impact Assessment
Would the Project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to Section 15064.5? Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, a historical resource is any building, structure, object, prehistoric or historic archaeological site, or district that is listed in, or eligible for listing in, the California Register of Historical Resources or listed in a local historical resources inventory. It can also be any other resource that the lead agency determines to be historically significant.

A review of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records was conducted by the CCIC for the Project site and its immediate vicinity. The search, which included a review of Class III pedestrian reconnaissance surveys, archival data, and other records, did not identify formally recorded prehistoric or historic archaeological resources or historic buildings or structures within the Project area. Additionally, the search did not identify any recorded cultural resources within the Project site or radius that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, the California Points of Historical Interest, California Inventory of Historic Resources, or the California State Historic Landmarks.

Tribal consultation notices pursuant to AB 52 and SB 18 were mailed to tribes identified by the City and by NAHC as having traditional lands or cultural places within Merced County, including Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Northern Valley Yokut/ Ohlone Tribe, Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, Tule River Indian Tribe, and Wuksachi Indian Tribe/ Eshom Valley Band. Notices to the listed tribes were sent on March 20, 2026. No responses were received in the 30-day and 90-day comment period. In addition, the NAHC Sacred Lands File check was negative. A negative SLF check means that the NAHC did not find any records of Native American cultural resources, such as sacred sites, traditional cultural properties, or burial grounds, within the area requested for the search. While there are no records of Native American cultural resources on the Project site, it is possible that sites exist that have not been formally documented or reported to the NAHC.

As a development involving ground-disturbing activities, there is potential for encountering unanticipated cultural resources, which may cause an adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines. Therefore, the Project shall incorporate Mitigation Measure CUL-1 and Mitigation Measure CUL-2. These measures, which are designed to protect potential, unanticipated cultural resources, directly address the concerns raised in Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines regarding impacts to archaeological

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resources, including tribal cultural resources and human remains. Thus, if such resources were discovered, implementation of the required mitigation measures would reduce the impact to less than significant. As a result, the Project would have a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated.

Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure CUL-1: In order to avoid the potential for impacts to historic and prehistoric archaeological resources, the following measures shall be implemented in conjunction with the construction of each phase of the Project:

If previously unknown historical, archeological, cultural, or paleontological resources are encountered before or during grading activities, construction shall stop in the immediate vicinity of the find and a qualified archeologist, historical resources specialist, or paleontologist, shall be consulted to determine whether the resource requires further study. Notification of discovery shall be provided to the City Community Development Department.

The qualified archeologist, historical resources specialist, or paleontologist shall make recommendations to the project proponent on the measures that shall be implemented to protect the discovered resources, including but not limited to excavation of the finds and evaluation of the finds in accordance with Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines and City’s policies and procedures related to historical, cultural, and paleontological resources.

Notification of the measures shall be provided to the City Community Development Department.

Mitigation Measure CUL-2: If the resources are determined to be unique historical resources as defined under Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines, measures shall be identified by the monitor and recommended to the project proponent, who shall notify the City Community Development Department. Appropriate measures for significant resources could include avoidance or capping, preservation in-place, recordation, additional archeological resting, incorporation of the site in green space, parks, or open space, or data recovery excavations of the finds.

No further grading shall occur in the area of the discovery until the City Community Development Department approves the measures to protect these resources. Any historical, archeological, cultural, or paleontological artifacts recovered as a result of mitigation shall be provided to a City‐approved institution or person who is capable of providing long‐term preservation to allow future scientific study. b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. Under the CEQA Guidelines, specifically Section 15064.5, an archaeological resource is defined as any material evidence of past human life or activities. This encompasses a broad range of physical remains including prehistoric archeological sites, historic archeological sites, and traditional cultural properties. A "substantial adverse change" generally means that the project would destroy, damage, or alter the resource in a way that diminishes its historical, cultural, or scientific value.

As discussed under criterion a), a CHRIS record search, tribal consultation, and a Sacred Lands File check were conducted for the Project site and surrounding area. The possibility of encountering previously unknown archaeological resources, as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, during ground-disturbing activities cannot be entirely discounted.

To address this possibility, the Project shall incorporate Mitigation Measure CUL-1. This measure, which is designed to protect potential, unanticipated cultural resources, directly addresses the concerns raised in Section 15064.5 of

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the CEQA Guidelines regarding impacts to archaeological resources, including tribal cultural resources and human remains. Thus, if such resources were discovered, implementation of the required mitigation measures would reduce the impact to less than significant. As a result, the Project would have a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated.

Mitigation Measures
Implementation of CUL-1.
c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Less than Significant Impact. While no evidence suggests the presence of human remains on the Project site, the possibility of encountering previously unknown burials during ground-disturbing activities cannot be entirely discounted. Should human remains be discovered during construction, all work in the immediate vicinity would be required to cease, and the County Coroner would be notified immediately, as required by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5. If the Coroner determines the remains are of Native American origin, the NAHC would be contacted pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. In accordance with CCR Section 15064.5(e), consultation with the NAHC and any Most Likely Descendant (MLD) would be conducted to determine the appropriate treatment and disposition of the remains. Adherence to these regulations and Mitigation Measure CUL-3, which are designed to protect human remains, including those interred outside formal cemeteries, would ensure that any potential impacts are less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure CUL-3: If human remains are discovered during construction or operational activities, further excavation or disturbance shall be prohibited pursuant to Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.

The specific protocol, guidelines, and channels of communication outlined by the Native American Heritage Commission, in accordance with Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code (Chapter 1492, Statutes of 1982, Senate Bill 297), and Senate Bill 447 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 1987), shall be followed. Section 7050.5(c) shall guide the potential Native American involvement in the event of discovery of human remains at the direction of the county coroner.

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5.6 ENERGY
Would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Result in potentially significant
environmental impact due to
wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources,
during Project construction or
operation?
X
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or
local plan for renewable energy or
energy efficiency?
X

5.6.1 Environmental Setting
Building Energy Efficiency Standards – Title 24
The California Energy Commission updates the Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Parts 6 and 11) every three years as part of the California Code of Regulations. The standards were established in 1978 in an effort to reduce the state’s energy consumption. They apply for new construction of, and additions and alterations to, residential and nonresidential buildings and relate to various energy efficiencies including but not limited to ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting. The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Part 11, Title 24, California Code of Regulations, was developed in 2007 to meet the state goals for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions pursuant to AB 32. CALGreen covers five (5) categories: planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material and resource efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. 17 The 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards went into effect on January 1, 2026. Additionally, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) oversees air pollution control efforts, regulations, and programs that contribute to reduction of energy consumption. Compliance with these energy efficiency regulations and programs ensures that development will not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy sources.

California Energy Action Plan
The Energy Action Plan (EAP) for California was approved in 2003 and updated in 2008. The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the Energy Action Plan (EAP) for California in 2003, with an update in 2008. The 2008 EAP established goals and next steps to integrate and coordinate energy efficiency demand and response programs and actions. 18
17 California Department of General Services. (2025). 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11 (CALGreen). Accessed on April 9, 2026, https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CAGBC2025P1 18 State of California. (2008). Energy Action Plan 2008 Update. Accessed on April 3, 2026, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/word_pdf/REPORT/28715.pdf

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5.6.2 Impact Assessment
Would the Project:
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during Project construction or operation? Less than Significant Impact. The purpose of this analysis is to determine whether the Project would consume energy in a manner that is avoidable or unnecessary given the nature, scale, and purpose of the proposed development. Applicable state energy efficiency standards include Title 24, Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which establishes mandatory energy efficiency requirements.

Construction
Project construction would consume energy primarily through the operation of off-road diesel construction equipment, worker vehicle trips, and materials transport. Construction-related energy consumption would be temporary and limited to the single-phase construction period associated with an 8,400-square-foot building addition. There are no unusual project characteristics or construction processes that would require the use of equipment that would be more energy intensive than is used for comparable activities. Construction vehicles and equipment would be used during construction activities including typical site preparation, grading, paving, architectural coating, and trenching. Fuel energy consumed during construction would be temporary and would not represent a significant demand for energy resources. Energy conservation would occur through compliance with current emissions standards and fuel efficiencies including CARB regulations (Airborne Toxic Control Measure) and CCR Title 13, Motor Vehicles. Regulations limit idling and require efficient combustion systems that reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. Compliance with existing regulations would ensure that the short-term, temporary construction activities would not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources.

Operations
Operations would involve heating, cooling, equipment, and vehicle trips. Energy consumption related to operations would be associated with natural gas, electricity, and fuel. As for new construction, the Project would also be required to meet all mandatory requirements for nonresidential buildings as outlined in the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). Mandatory requirements apply to building envelopes, ventilation and indoor air quality, space conditioning systems, water heating systems, outdoor and indoor lighting systems, electric power distribution, and HVAC efficiency.

Additionally, the Project would be required to comply with CALGreen (Title 24, Part 11), which establishes mandatory measures for energy efficiency, water conservation, and material use in nonresidential developments.

Compliance with both Title 24, Part 6 and Part 11 would be verified through the building permit and inspection process administered by the City of Atwater Building Division. Compliance with Title 24, Part 6 and Part 11 ensures that the Project's operational energy consumption would meet or exceed current state standards for energy efficiency, thereby avoiding wasteful or unnecessary energy use.

The Project would serve approximately 6,000 to 8,000 patients per year in an existing underserved medical service area. The incremental operational energy demand associated with the proposed 8,400-square-foot addition is commensurate with the scale and function of the facility and would not constitute a wasteful or disproportionate

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consumption of energy resources relative to the public health benefit provided. This impact is therefore determined to be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? Less than Significant Impact. As discussed under criterion a), the construction and operations of the Project would be subject to compliance with applicable energy efficiency regulations including CALGreen, Title 24, and CARB.

Additionally, the General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element established policies to reduce and conserve energy use in existing and new development, including adopting incentives for green building standards and ensuring City code allow for green building techniques. Since the General Plan energy conservation policies are implemented at the city level, the Project would not conflict with said policies. In addition, state law ensures construction vehicle idling will be limited. Therefore, through compliance, the Project would not conflict with or obstruct any state or local plan for energy efficiency and a less than significant impact would occur as a result of the Project.

Mitigation Measures
None required.

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5.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Directly or Indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including
the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving:

i. Rupture of a known
earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Map issued by
the State Geologist for the
area or based on other
substantial evidence of a
known fault? Refer to Division
of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.

X
ii. Strong seismic ground
shaking? X
iii. Seismic-related ground
failure, including liquefaction? X
iv. Landslides? 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
e) Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal
systems where sewers are not
available for the disposal of waste
water?
X
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or
unique geologic feature?
X

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5.7.1 Environmental Setting
The City of Atwater is located within the San Joaquin Valley which is part of the Great Valley Geomorphic Providence that is bounded to the east by the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, to the west by the Coastal Range, and to the south by the Tehachapi mountains. Geographically, the city, inclusive of the Project site, has stable geological formation and is in a seismically inactive region. A brief discussion of the likelihood of seismic activities occurring in the City’s Planning Area, inclusive of the Project site, is provided below. The discussion is based on the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).19 Faulting
There are no known active faults in the City’s Planning Area. The City is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, and no faults with evidence of Holocene activity (i.e., movement within the past 11,000 years) have been identified within City’s Planning Area. 20 21 The nearest mapped fault is the Bear Mountain Fault, located approximately 22 miles to the northeast in the Sierra Nevada Range. Additional regional faults, including the San Joaquin, O’Neill, and Ortigalita Faults, are located approximately 30 miles to the southwest in the Diablo/Coastal Range. Of these, the Ortigalita Fault is the closest Alquist-Priolo earthquake fault zone; however, it has not been historically active.

Ground Shaking
The City of Atwater is located within Seismic Risk Zone III, an area expected to experience moderate effects from regional earthquakes. Major historical earthquakes that affected Merced County occurred in 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989; however, the City of Atwater did not sustain significant damage during these events. While Merced County is situated within a broader seismically active region, nearby faults have no recorded history of producing significant damaging earthquakes within the Planning Area. According to the HMP’s hazards ranking, ground shaking is of medium significance in the City.

Liquefaction
Liquefaction primarily occurs in areas of recently deposited sands and silts and in areas of high groundwater levels (where the water table is 30 feet below the surface). Susceptible areas include sloughs and marshes that have been filled in and developed over. In addition to necessary soil conditions, liquefaction is induced by intense and prolonged ground shaking, usually above a ground acceleration of 0.3g before liquefaction occurs within sandy soil with relative densities typical of the San Joaquin alluvial deposits. Based on historic aerial imagery and search of the National Wetlands Inventory (Section 4.4), the Project site does not include former or current waters (streams, drainages, wetlands) that have been drained, filled, and developed. Additionally, the City is far from faults and consists of stable geologic formation. As such, the City is in an area with low susceptibility to liquefaction. 19 Merced County Office of Emergency Services. (2021). Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Accessed April 7, 2026, https://web2.co.merced.ca.us/pdfs/oes/Merced_MJHMP_2021_Draft.pdf 20 According to the California Department of Conservation, “An active fault, for the purposes of the Alquist-Priolo Act, is one that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years.”
21 California Department of Conservation. “CGS Seismic Hazard Program: Alquist-Priolo Fault Hazard Zones.” Accessed on April 7, 2026, Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation

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Erosion
Wind and flowing water are the primary agents of erosion in the San Joaquin Valley. According to the HMP, the main type of erosion concern in Merced County is internal erosion, which can occur when embankments or foundations of dams experience leakage, piping, or rodent activity. Dams in the County that could be susceptible to these conditions include the following (distance to Project site): Lake Yosemite (9.4 miles east), Castle (4.8 miles northeast), Merced Falls (19 miles northeast), Burns (18.5 miles east), Los Banos Creek Detention (30 miles southwest), O’Neill Forebay (29 miles southwest), B.F. Sisk Dike (31 miles southwest), B.F. Sisk (31 miles southwest), Mustang Creek (10 miles northwest), and Kelsey (17 miles northeast).

Ground Subsidence
Ground subsidence is the settling or sinking of surface soil deposits with little or no horizontal motion. Soils with high silt or clay content are subject to subsidence. According to the Atwater General Plan, the City is located above a groundwater basin and could be subject to subsidence if groundwater withdrawals exceed natural recharge and replacement rates.

Subsurface Soils
A search of the Web Soil Survey by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service indicates that the Project Site comprises of the two (2) following soil types. Figure 5-2 shows the location of these soils. 22 AnA: Atwater sand, 0-3 percent slopes. The depth to water table is more than 80 inches, with no flooding or ponding. The AnA soils account for 100% of the Project site.

California Building Code
The California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24 is assigned to the California Building Standards Commission, which, by law, is responsible for coordinating all building standards. The California Building Code incorporates by reference the International Building Code with necessary California amendments. About one-third of the text within the California Building Standards Code has been tailored for California earthquake conditions. These standards are applicable to all new buildings and are required to provide the necessary safety from earthquake related effects emanating from fault activity.

Atwater General Plan
The Atwater General Plan includes policies relevant to natural hazards in the Seismic and Public Safety Element minimizing risks from geologic and seismic hazards, as listed below.

GOAL SF-1 Minimize the threat of personal injury and property damage due to seismic activity.

Policy SF-1.1 Require all new development and rehabilitation of existing development to be in compliance with all Seismic Zone 3 requirements of the uniform building code.

GOAL SF-2 Reduce the potential for property damage and injury resulting from liquefaction. 22 United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Web Soil Survey.” Accessed on April 7, 2026, https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

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Figure 5-2 Soils Map

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5.7.2 Impact Assessment
Would the Project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.

No Impact. The Project site is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, nor is there any other evidence of a known fault on or adjacent to the site. Therefore, the risk of fault rupture is considered negligible, and no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project Site within Seismic Risk Zone III, which is a zone expected to experience moderate effects from earthquakes. The Project would be required to comply with the current seismic design and construction standards of the California Building Code (CBC). These standards incorporate numerous provisions specifically designed to mitigate the effects of strong ground shaking, including requirements for reinforced foundations, shear walls, and ductile connections, for example. In addition, according to the General Plan Policy SF1.1, the Project would be reviewed to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Uniform Building Code to avoid and/or reduce risks associated with geologic constraints and to ensure that all new construction is designed to meet current safety regulations. Compliance with the CBC and General Plan would significantly reduce the potential for structural damage and collapse, thereby minimizing the risk of loss, injury, or death associated with ground shaking. Therefore, while the potential for strong ground shaking exists in the region, adherence to the CBC's stringent seismic standards and General Plan policies would reduce the risk of substantial adverse effects, including loss, injury, or death, to a less than significant level. Impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? Less than Significant Impact. The City of Atwater is characterized by low potential for seismic-related ground failure.

There are no known active earthquake faults within the city, and no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones have been established for the area. The nearest mapped fault is the Bear Mountain Fault, approximately 22 miles northeast of the Project site. Regional faults, including the Ortigalita Fault, are located approximately 30 miles to the southwest. As a result, the potential for fault rupture at the Project site is considered low. Further, the city is in Seismic Risk Zone III which anticipates moderate seismic effects, historical seismic events have not caused significant damage in the City, and the overall hazard ranking for ground shaking is considered low.

Regarding liquefaction, liquefaction primarily occurs in loose, saturated granular soils like sands and silty sands with a high groundwater table and sufficient seismic shaking. While the Project site contains Atwater sand (100%), the

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soil have a deep water table, extending more than 80 inches below the surface.23 This deep water table significantly reduces their susceptibility to liquefaction. Furthermore, the Project site is not located in areas of former or current wetlands that have been drained, filled, and developed, which are typically more prone to liquefaction.

All future development on the Project site would be required to comply with provisions of the CBC which incorporate specific amendments for California's earthquake conditions. Additionally, the Project would adhere to the City's grading and drainage standards, and any specific requirements addressing liquefaction or other seismic hazards as determined during the design and permitting phases. Therefore, compliance with the CBC’s seismic design standards and adherence to the City’s grading and drainage requirements would reduce the risk of seismicrelated ground failure, including liquefaction, to a less than significant level. For these reasons, a less than significant impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
iv. Landslides?
Less than Significant Impact. Landslides, encompassing rockfalls, slope failures, and mud/debris flows, are primarily triggered by a combination of factors, including steep slopes, unstable geological formations, inadequate drainage, and sometimes vegetation removal. The Project site's flat topography eliminates the most significant of these risk factors. In addition, the site consists of stable, native soils and is not located near any rivers, creeks, or other features that would increase the risk of landslides. Therefore, the potential for landslides at the Project site is considered negligible. For these reasons, a less than significant impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Less than Significant Impact. Soil erosion and topsoil loss could occur due to both natural processes (wind, water) and human activities, such as construction. The Project site is a previously developed property that is largely covered with impervious surfaces. The proposed improvements would involve limited ground disturbance associated with minor grading and construction activities. As such, the Project would not substantially increase the potential for soil erosion or result in the loss of topsoil.

The Project would be required to comply with applicable City conditions of approval related to grading and drainage. Specifically, the development must accommodate on-site and off-site surface drainage to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and, if applicable, the Merced Irrigation District (MID). The Project may also be required to prepare drainage studies and implement on-site drainage improvements to ensure adequate stormwater management.
23 United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Web Soil Survey.” Accessed on April 8, 2026, https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

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Compliance with these requirements would ensure that drainage is properly designed and that runoff is adequately controlled during and after construction, thereby minimizing the potential for erosion. Therefore, the Project would not result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil, and impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
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? Less than Significant Impact. Due to the site’s flat topography, stable, native soils and distance to rivers, creeks, or other features that would increase the risk of landslide, the potential for landslides is considered negligible.

Lateral spreading is typically associated with liquefaction in loose, saturated sands. While the site contains sandy soils, the soil is well-drained, which minimizes the potential for prolonged saturation, a key factor in liquefaction.

Additionally, coarse sands generally have a low fines content (silt and clay), which further reduces susceptibility.

The depth to the water table is also relatively deep (more than 80 inches), which lessens the likelihood of saturation necessary for liquefaction. Historical aerial imagery and the National Wetlands Inventory also indicate no evidence of filled former or current water bodies (streams, drainages, wetlands) on the Project site, which are often associated with increased liquefaction risk. Therefore, the potential for lateral spreading is considered low.

Subsidence is often associated with areas of groundwater withdrawal or oil/gas extraction. The City of Atwater has potential concerns due to its location atop a groundwater basin and could be subject to subsidence if groundwater withdrawals exceed natural recharge and replacement rates. However, the Project is an infill development on previously disturbed land and would not involve significant groundwater withdrawal. The soil types lacks the high silt or clay content that makes soils susceptible to significant subsidence. The risk of subsidence is therefore considered low.

As discussed previously, the potential for liquefaction is considered low due to the well-drained soils, relatively deep (more than 80 inches) depth to water table, and lack of evidence of filled former or current water bodies (streams, drainage, wetlands) which are often associated with increased liquefaction risk. In addition, the Project would be required to comply with the CBC, which includes stringent seismic design and construction standards to mitigate the effects of ground shaking and potential liquefaction, such as requirements for foundation design in liquefiable soils and soil stabilization techniques. Further, the Project would be required to adhere to the City of Atwater’s grading and drainage standards, which would further minimize the risk of saturation and instability.

Therefore, compliance with the CBC’s seismic design standards and adherence to the City’s grading and drainage requirements would reduce the risk of seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction, to a less than significant level.

Soil collapse can occur in areas with expansive clays or highly compressible. The soils on the Project site are not expansive clays and have been shown to have adequate bearing capacity. The risk of collapse is therefore considered low.

Therefore, considering the site’s soil characteristics, flat topography, and compliance with the CBC and grading and drainage requirements, the potential for unstable soil conditions or geologic hazards is less than significant. For these reasons, a less than significant impact would occur.

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Mitigation Measures
None required.
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994, as updated), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? Less than Significant Impact. Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (UBC) classifies soils based on their expansion potential, typically using parameters such as the plasticity index or expansion index. Soils with a high clay content and a high plasticity index are classified as expansive, as they exhibit significant shrink-swell behavior. The Project site is primarily comprised of Atwater sand soil. This soil type is well-drained, with a low potential for water retention that would lead to significant swelling. Therefore, based on its general characteristics, these soils are not expected to be expansive. Impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? No Impact. The Project is already connected to the municipal sewer system for wastewater disposal due to existing uses. Therefore, no new permanent septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems would be installed, and no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. There are no known paleontological resources or unique geological features known to the City on the Project site or in the Project Area. Nevertheless, there is some possibility that a non-visible, buried site may exist and may be uncovered during ground disturbing construction activities which would constitute a significant impact. However, Mitigation Measure GEO-1 requires the applicant to incorporate a provision related to paleontological resources into the construction contract(s). With implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1, the Project would have a less-than-significant impact.

Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: The Applicant will incorporate into the construction contract(s) a provision that in the event a fossil or fossil formations are discovered during any subsurface construction activities for the proposed Project (i.e., trenching, grading), all excavations within 50 feet of the find shall be temporarily halted until the find is examined by a qualified paleontologist, in accordance with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards. The paleontologist shall notify the Applicant, who shall coordinate with the paleontologist as to any necessary investigation of the find. If the find is determined to be significant under CEQA, the Applicant shall implement those measures, which may include avoidance, preservation in place, or other appropriate measures, as outlined in Public Resources Code Section 21083.2.

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5.8 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
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

5.8.1 Environmental Setting
In assessing the significance of impacts from GHG emissions, Section 15064.4(b) of the CEQA Guidelines states that a lead agency may consider the following:
• The extent to which the project may increase or reduce GHG emissions as compared to the environmental setting;
• Whether the project emissions exceed a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines applies to the project;
• The extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan, guidance from the SJVAPCD, and City of Atwater General Plan are discussed below and are utilized as thresholds of significance. 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan
The CARB 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan is the adopted statewide plan for reduction and mitigation of GHGs to implement Assembly Bill (AB) 1279. AB 1279 was issued on August 12, 2022 to require California to achieve “net zero greenhouse gas emissions” as soon as possible and to further reduce anthropogenic GHG emissions thereafter.

It sets a statewide goal to reduce emissions 85% below 1990 levels no later than 2045.

Consequently, the Scoping Plan involves several measures for cost-effective reduction of GHG emissions, including continuing existing programs such as Renewable Portfolio Standard, Advanced Clean Cars, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, etc., and achieving new mandates to decarbonize several sectors. Along with reducing emissions, environmental justice policies are included to address the ongoing air quality disparities.

Appendix D of the 2022 Scoping Plan include recommendations to build momentum for local government actions to align with State goals, including through CEQA review. The Appendix outlines the priority GHG reduction

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strategies for local governments, including transportation electrification, VMT reduction, and building decarbonization. 24
SJVAPCD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines
The SJVAPCD’s Guidance for Valley Land Use Agencies in Addressing GHG Impacts for New Projects Under CEQA (2009) provides screening criteria for climate change analyses, as well as draft guidance for the determination of significance. 25,26 These criteria are used to evaluate whether a project would result in a significant climate change impact (see below). Projects that meet one of these criteria would have less than significant impact on the global climate.
• Does the project comply with an adopted statewide, regional, or local plan for reduction or mitigation of GHG emissions? If no, then:
• Does the project achieve 29% GHG reductions by using approved Best Performance Standards (BPS)? If no, then
• Does the project achieve AB 32 targeted 29% GHG emission reductions compared with Business As Usual (BAU)?
Assembly Bill (AB) 32 was enacted by the California State legislature in 2006 with the aim to reduce GHG emissions to levels of 1990 by 2020. Recommended actions to achieve these aims were adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2008 (i.e., the Climate Change Scoping Plan). However, the 29% GHG emission reductions compared to BAU threshold are outdated since it is aimed to meet AB 32’s 2020 goals, thus this threshold would not be used for analysis.

The City of Atwater does not have an adopted Climate Action Plan or GHG Reduction Plan. Because BPS have not yet been adopted and identified for specific development projects, and because the City of Atwater has not yet adopted a plan for reduction of GHG with which the Project can demonstrate compliance, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan and guidance from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) will be used as the threshold of significance.

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
SJVAPCD adopted Guidance for Valley Land‐use Agencies in Addressing GHG Emission Impacts for New Projects under CEQA and the policy District Policy—Addressing GHG Emission Impacts for Stationary Source Projects Under CEQA When Serving as the Lead Agency in 2009. It recognized that project-specific emissions are cumulative and could be considered cumulatively considerable without mitigation. SJVAPCD suggested that the requirement to reduce GHG emissions for all projects is the best method to address this cumulative impact. 24 California Air Resources Board. (2022). 2022 Scoping Plan Appendix D. Accessed on April 3, 2026, https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/2022-sp-appendix-d-local-actions.pdf 25 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. (2009). Guidance for Valley Land-use Agencies in Addressing GHG Emission Impacts for New Projects under CEQA. Accessed April 3, 2026, https://www.valleyair.org/media/dnsnicdv/3-ccap-final-luguidance-dec-17-2009.pdf 26 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. (2000). Environmental Review Guidelines: Procedures for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. Accessed April 3, 2026, https://ww2.valleyair.org/media/k2yhjmuk/erg-adopted- _august-2000_.pdf

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The SJVAPCD requires quantification of GHG emissions for all projects which the lead agency has determined that an EIR is required. Although an EIR is not required for the Project, the GHG emissions are quantified below. Shortterm construction and long-term operational GHG emissions for project buildout were estimated using CalEEModTM (version 2022.1.1). CalEEMod is a statewide model designed to provide a uniform platform for government agencies, land use planners, and environmental professionals to quantify GHG emissions from land use projects.

The model quantifies direct GHG emissions from construction and operation (including vehicle use), as well as indirect GHG emissions, such as GHG emissions from energy use, solid waste disposal, vegetation planting and/or removal, and water use. Emissions are expressed in annual metric tons of CO2 equivalent units of measure (i.e., MTCO2e), based on the global warming potential of the individual pollutants.

City of Atwater General Plan
GOAL CO-3. Strive to reduce air emissions and obtain goals set in local and regional air quality attainment plans.

Policy CO-3.1. Cooperate with the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (APCD) in implementing air quality improvement plans prepared by the District.

Policy CO-3.2. Encourage land use development projects that would result in fewer adverse air quality impacts, such as mixed use and pedestrian-oriented projects.

Policy CO-3.3. Encourage the use of modes of transportation other than automobiles.

5.8.2 Impact Assessment
Would the Project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
Less than Significant Impact. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15064.4, lead agencies are required to make a good-faith effort to describe, calculate, or estimate the GHG emissions associated with a proposed project and to evaluate whether those emissions may have a significant impact on the environment. Neither the CEQA Guidelines nor the SJVAPCD have adopted a quantitative threshold of significance for GHG emissions applicable to land use projects of this type and scale. The City of Atwater has not adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that establishes project-level GHG thresholds. In the absence of an adopted quantitative threshold, this analysis evaluates the Project's consistency with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan and the applicable Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) prepared by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) pursuant to SB 375 (2008) as the basis for determining significance.

The 2022 CARB Scoping Plan is consistent with the GHG reduction targets established under AB 1279, which requires California to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045 and to reduce anthropogenic GHG emissions to 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045. Accordingly, a finding of consistency with the 2022 Scoping Plan also demonstrates consistency with the carbon neutrality requirements of AB 1279. This analysis provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the Project's compliance with applicable plans, policies, and regulations for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions.

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Quantitative Assessment – Informational Disclosure Only Short-term construction and long-term operational GHG emissions for project buildout were estimated using CalEEModTM (version 2022.1.1). See Appendix A for output files. The Project’s estimated construction and operation-related GHG emissions are provided for the purposes of disclosure.

Construction Emissions. Construction-related GHG emissions are a one-time, short-term release associated with off-road diesel equipment operation, worker vehicle trips, and materials transport. The SJVAPCD does not recommend assessing construction-period criteria pollutant or GHG emissions against significance thresholds, as such emissions are temporary in nature. The estimated total unmitigated construction GHG emissions associated with Project buildout are approximately 127 MT CO₂e, based on the CalEEMod run. Given the temporary and finite nature of these emissions, they are not anticipated to generate a significant or lasting contribution to global climate change over the lifetime of the Project.

Operational Emissions. Long-term operational GHG emissions were estimated to account for area source emissions, mobile source emissions from vehicle trips, and emissions associated with energy consumption, water use, wastewater generation, and solid waste disposal. The estimated annual unmitigated operational GHG emissions associated with Project buildout are approximately 516 MT CO₂e per year, based on the CalEEMod run.

Qualitative Assessment
As discussed in Section 4.3, the Project does not exceed the SJVAPCD SPAL thresholds for criteria pollutant emissions. The Project would be generally consistent with the applicable goals and policies of CARB's 2022 Scoping Plan, SJVAPCD guidelines, and the Atwater General Plan, as evaluated in detail under criteria b) below. The Project's operational GHG emissions reflect a modest infill medical office expansion serving an existing underserved patient population of approximately 6,000 to 8,000 patients annually on a previously developed urban parcel. The Project would not occur at a scale or scope with the potential to contribute substantially or cumulatively to the generation of GHG emissions. This impact is therefore determined to be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
None required.
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
Less than Significant Impact. The following provides a project consistency analysis for applicable state and local plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions.

Consistency with the 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan
The 2022 CARB Climate Change Scoping Plan identifies Priority GHG Reduction Strategies across three (3) priority areas, Transportation Electrification, VMT Reduction, and Building Decarbonization, and provides guidance to assist jurisdictions with developing local climate action plans. Based on the evaluation shown in Table 5-4, the Project is consistent with the reduction measures identified in the 2022 Scoping Plan.

Table 5-4 Scoping Plan Priority GHG Reduction Strategies Consistency Analysis Priority Areas Priority GHG Reduction Strategies Consistency/Applicability Determination

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Transportation
Electrification
Convert local government fleets to ZEVs and provide EV
charging at public sites.

Consistent. The Project does not include
usage of local government fleets. Pursuant
to CALGreen (Title 24, Part 11), the Project is
required to provide EV-capable charging
infrastructure for a minimum of 10 percent
of total parking spaces.

Create a jurisdiction-specific ZEV ecosystem to support deployment of ZEVs statewide (such as building
standards that exceed state building codes, permit
streamlining, infrastructure siting, consumer education, preferential parking policies, and ZEV readiness plans).

Not Applicable. This is a citywide strategy
thus is not applicable to the Project.

VMT Reduction

Reduce or eliminate minimum parking standards. Not Applicable. This is a citywide strategy thus is not applicable to the Project.

Implement Complete Streets policies and investments,
consistent with General Glan Circulation Element
requirements.

Consistent. The Project proposes pedestrian
pathway improvements within the site
connecting to adjacent public sidewalks,
supporting non-vehicular access consistent
with Complete Streets principles.

Increase access to public transit by increasing density of development near transit, improving transit service by
increasing service frequency, creating bus priority lanes, reducing or eliminating fares, microtransit, etc.

Not Applicable. This is a regional and
citywide transit investment strategy that is
not applicable to an individual development
project.

Increase public access to clean mobility options by
planning for and investing in electric shuttles, bike share, car share, and walking.

Consistent. The Project proposes pedestrian
facilities (i.e., sidewalks) and bicycle parking
racks, supporting clean mobility access to
the facility for patients and staff.

Implement parking pricing or transportation demand
management pricing strategies.

Not Applicable. The Project provides on-site
parking at no additional cost to employees
and visitors, consistent with the medical
office land use type. This is a citywide pricing
strategy not applicable to the Project.

Amend zoning or development codes to enable mixeduse, walkable, transit-oriented, and compact infill development (such as increasing the allowable density
of a neighborhood)
Not Applicable. This is a citywide strategy
thus is not applicable to the Project.

Preserve natural and working lands by implementing
land use policies that guide development toward infill
areas and do not convert “greenfield” land to urban uses (e.g., green belts, strategic conservation easements)
Consistent. The Project site is an existing
developed facility surrounded by urban and
built-up land. The Project would not convert
“greenfield” land to urban uses; the site is an
infill site.

Building
Decarbonization
Adopt all-electric new construction reach codes for
residential and commercial uses.

Not Applicable. This is a citywide strategy
thus is not applicable to the Project.

Adopt policies and incentive programs to implement
energy efficiency retrofits for existing buildings, such as weatherization, lighting upgrades, and replacing energyNot Applicable. This is a citywide strategy thus is not applicable to the Project. In

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intensive appliances and equipment with more efficient
systems (such as Energy Star-rated equipment and
equipment controllers).
addition, the Project does not include
retrofits for existing buildings.

Adopt policies and incentive programs to electrify all
appliances and equipment in existing buildings such as
appliance rebates, existing building reach codes, or time of sale electrification ordinances
Not Applicable. This is a citywide strategy
thus is not applicable to the Project. In
addition, the Project does not include
retrofits for existing buildings.

Facilitate deployment of renewable energy production
and distribution and energy storage on privately owned
land uses (e.g., permit streamlining, information
sharing)
Not Applicable. This is a citywide strategy
thus is not applicable to the Project.

Deploy renewable energy production and energy
storage directly in new public projects and on existing public facilities (e.g., solar photovoltaic systems on
rooftops of municipal buildings and on canopies in public parking lots, battery storage systems in municipal
buildings)
Consistent. The Project is not a public
project.

Consistency with the Atwater General Plan
The Atwater General Plan establishes goals and policies to reduce air emissions and improve air quality, which in turn support GHG reduction. As these policies are primarily implemented at the citywide level, the Project would be subject to applicable state and local energy efficiency regulations, including CALGreen (Title 24, Part 11), the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6), and CARB regulations, as discussed in Section 4.6. The Project is therefore generally consistent with the following applicable General Plan goals and policies:
• Goal CO-3 / Policy CO-3.1: The Project is subject to SJVAPCD rules and regulations, and Project-related air quality and GHG emissions have been evaluated in coordination with applicable District guidelines, consistent with the City's obligation to cooperate with the SJVAPCD in implementing air quality improvement plans.
• Policy CO-3.2: The Project is an infill medical office development on a previously developed parcel, proximate to existing residential neighborhoods, consistent with the General Plan's encouragement of land use development that reduces adverse air quality impacts. • Policy CO-3.3: The Project provides pedestrian pathway improvements and bicycle parking racks for seven bicycles, supporting non-automobile access to the facility consistent with this policy's intent.

Conclusion
The Project incorporates features that support GHG emissions reduction, including mandatory compliance with Title 24, Parts 6 and 11, provision of EV-capable parking infrastructure, bicycle parking, and pedestrian pathway connectivity, and its character as an infill redevelopment project. The Project is consistent with the applicable priority strategies of the 2022 CARB Climate Change Scoping Plan and the relevant goals and policies of the Atwater General Plan. The Project would not conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. This impact is therefore determined to be less than significant.

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Mitigation Measures
None required.

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5.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
Would the Project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment 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 school?
X
d) Be located on a site which is included
on a list of hazardous materials sites
compiled 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) Impair implementation of or
physically interfere with an adopted
emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
X
g) Expose people or structures, either
directly or indirectly, to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving
wildland fires?
X

5.9.1 Environmental Setting
For the purposes of this section, the term “hazardous materials” refers to "injurious substances," which include flammable liquids and gases, poisons, corrosives, explosives, oxidizers, radioactive materials, and medical supplies and waste. These materials are either generated or used in various commercial and industrial activities. Hazardous

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wastes are injurious substances that have been or will be disposed of. Potential hazards arise from the transport of hazardous materials, including leakage and accidents involving transporting vehicles. There also are hazards associated with the use and storage of these materials and waste. Hazardous materials are grouped into the following four categories based on their properties:
• Toxic: causes human health effect
• Ignitable: has the ability to burn
• Corrosive: causes severe burns or damage to materials • Reactive: causes explosions or generates toxic gases
“Hazardous wastes” are defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 25141(b) as wastes that: “…because of their quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, [may either] cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious illness or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.” Hazardous waste is any hazardous material that is discarded, abandoned, or slated to be recycled. If improperly handled, hazardous materials and hazardous waste can result in public health hazards if released into the soil or groundwater or through airborne releases in vapors, fumes, or dust. Soil and groundwater having concentrations of hazardous constituents higher than specific regulatory levels must be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste when excavated or pumped from an aquifer. The California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Sections 66261.20‐24 contains technical descriptions of toxic characteristics that could cause soil or groundwater to be classified as hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste generators may include industries, businesses, public and private institutions, and households.

Federal, state, and local agencies maintain comprehensive databases that identify the location of facilities using large quantities of hazardous materials, as well as facilities generating hazardous waste. Some of these facilities use certain classes of hazardous materials that require risk management plans to protect surrounding land uses. The release of hazardous materials would be subject to existing federal, state, and local regulations and is similar to the transport, use, and disposal of hazard materials.

Regulatory Setting
The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) was established in 1991 to protect the environment.

CalEPA oversees the Unified Program through Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs), which consolidates six (6) environmental programs to ensure the handling of hazardous waste and materials in California. The local CUPA in Merced County, Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health (MCDEH), is responsible for administering the following six (6) CUPA programs: 27
• Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)
• California Accidental Release Program (CalARP)
• Underground Storage Tank Program (UST)
• Aboveground Storage Tank Program (APSA)
27 San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department. Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). Accessed on April 2, 2026, https://www.sjgov.org/department/envhealth/programs/certified-unified-program-agency-(cupa)